DrD

UNder the Old Covenant, the children of Israel broke the covenant and brought upon themselves the curse or consequences for their violation. But because of God's love He sent Jesus as the Mediator of a New Covenant to restore a peaceful relationship between God and humanity. . . Sin's penalty was death - Jesus paid that debt and satisfied this penalty by dying in our place. The penalty being paid restored the relationship of God and humanity - this sacrificial act removed the disagreement and restored a peaceful relationship. . . Romans 6:23 (NLT) For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. John 3:16-19 (NLT) 16

Bringing the blood-stained robe to Jacob was an indication that his sons failed to consider his feelings - either they didn't realize the affect this would have upon him - or they didn't care - either way, they were extremely insensitive to thier father... Jacob became grief stricken and somewhat depressed which prevented him from functioning rationally for many yeras. . .

Reuben's sin eleminated him as the eventual leader of the clan both on the natural side and the spiritual side as well - as the leaser of this clan would have to have and maintain a relationship with God. . . Reuben's act is without a doubt sin - but beyond this it also shows that he lacked respect for his father and for God also. . . In a sense Reuben acted honorable when he stood up against his brothers preventing the from taking the life of Joseph. . .

It is impossible to know Christ without faith or without having a personal relationship with Him. . . Knowing Christ involves both faith and a personal and intimate relationship with Him. . . Knowing Christ involves coming into agreement with Him - Amos 3:3 (KJV) 3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed? - Walking /living in concert with His Word. . . It involves obedient service in accordance with His will, purpose and plan He has for our lives. . . Knowing Christs results in us developing active prayer lives - a comprehensive study of the Word of God and walking in agreement with His Word. . .

God fellowships with those that are faithful to Him - in addition to fellowshipGod encouraged Jacob by reminding him of the promises He made to him and reassuring him that He is the Almighty God. . . The primary promises God renews to Jacob is that kingdoms and nations will descend from him - that the land he is presently in is his inheritance and the inheritance of all his descendents - and that He is the Almighty God and every promise He has made He will bring to pass. . . Numbers 23:19 (NLT) 19 God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?

Righteousness obtained through the observance of the Law requires one to keep or be obedient to the Law at all times - the whole Law, for when any part of the Law is broken th whole Law is broken - "personal" obedience is necessary. . . Righteousness through faith is knowing that Jesus has fulfilled the Law and by trusting Him, we "through Him" are declared righteous and have right standing in the presence of God. . . Righteousness through observance of the Law requires that "YOU" (peraonally) comply with the Law. . . Righteousness obtained through faith requires that we believe the Jesus has fulfilled the Law and as a result of our confidence in Him we are able to walk upright before God. . It is not possible for me to say that "righteousness by the Law" has not in any way infested those I worship with - but I can truthfully say that such. (that righteousness can be obtained by keeping the Law) IS NOT WHAT IS BEING TAUGHT. . Society expects, or better demands that Christian keep the Law (or what they suspect to be the Law - the Ten Commandments) - however, Christians know that we have not the where-withall to keep the Law and that there is no need for us to attempt to do so since Jesus has already fulfilled the Law and we by faith have already done so in Him. . . The concept of "righteousness by faith" or "justification" is difficult to grasp because we know that there is a consequence to sin (all sin) and are somehow under the impression that we must suffer that consequence personally - failing to realize or accept the fact that Jesus has paid the penalty for our sins - past, present, and future - through His death, burial, and rsurrection. . . What is required of us when we sin is that we repent and turn from such actions or activities. . .Proverbs 28:13 (NLT) 13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. 1 John 1:5-10 (NLT) 5 This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. 6 So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. 7 But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. 9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts. 1 John 2:1-3 (NLT) 1 My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. 2 He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. 3 And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments.

Jacob's household needs spiritual renewal because there were some that worshipped idol gods - there were some that worshipped idol gods and at the same time attempted to worship the true God - there were other who were worshippers of the True and Living God that needed to become more committed in their worship. . . It was necessary to get rid of the idol or foreign gods because God is a jealous God who will not share His glory or His possessions with another. . . Idol gods are of the devil and it is not possible to worship the True and Living God and some other entity at the same time and in that process please the True and Living God. . . Washing and putting on clean clothes represent spiritual cleansing. . . I feel that I have gotten rid of any and all "foreign gods" including that one called "SELF" - the challenge for me is keeping them from returning and having any influence in my life. . . Luke 14:26-35 (NLT) 26

No matter what we may accumulate or acquire in this lifee some things have greater value over other things - for Paul his relationship with Christ was of the greatest value - and the more intimate he became in that relationship the more valuable it was - for this reason he willingly gave up everything else. . . Matthew 13:44-46 (NLT) 44 The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field. 45 Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. 46 When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it! In some instances backgounds of religion can be an impediment to one's faith when the doctrinal teachings of that religion places a greater emphasis on works than on the love that God has fro us and the grace He extends to us - or in works alone or faith that is not accompanied with works. . . Ephesians 2:8-10 (KJV) 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. James 2:19-26 (KJV) 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

The consequence of the Israelites marrying the Canaanites was that they (the Israelites) would become involved in the worship of idol gods as opposed to worshipping the one True and Living God. . . This was the reason God forbade them marrying people whose culture was to worship idol gods. . .2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (KJV) 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 "]And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God[/color]; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. As far as God was concerned this was a spiritual concern and had nothing to do with races of people. . . No one can be effective in serving two masters - one he will love and the other he will hate - one will be held tightly to and the other will be pushed away (one will always get more attention than the other). . . Christians should "marry in the Lord" (1) so that there is no disfunction within the family unit between two differing religious entities that are served - (2) so that all succeeding generation will know and serve the True God. . . God will not share His glory with anyone else or anything else. . . Exodus 20:3-6 (KJV) 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

"Confidence in the flesh" shows up in may areas among those I worship with - education (the type of degrees they possess) - kinship (relationship to specific people) - the office or position that is held - financial status - just to name a few. . . Yes, I have - and I am confident that I will have plenty more opportunities to struggle with it as long as the world exist or as long as I live in it. . . As I said, the struggle or temptation will always be there but I feel that my success in overcoming the temptation and being victorious in the struggle is in my determination to remain humbly submissive to God and walk in agreement with His Word. . . 1 Peter 5:6 (KJV) 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Philippians 2:1-5 (KJV) 1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

I don't know but in the past he was prone to make decisions without consulting God - decisions that had dire consequences. . . Recognizing that decisions without God's input could have dire consequences - and having experienced a change at Peniel - it is possible that he is waitig on God to intervene in this situation - however, it isn't possible to get any involvement from God without prayer. . . Instead of remaing silent in this situation he should have confonted the leaders of the community informing them of this violation putting them into a possition, as leader, to do something to punish the one that did thios act - and as a discouragement to anyone else participating in such an act. . . Again, had he prayed and consulted with God I am sure that based on God's promise to be with him and protect him and his family He (God) would have given him direction as to what should have been done. . .Proverbs 3:5-8 (NLT) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. 7 Dont be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 8 Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. I don't believe the act the sons of Jacob took to punish an offender was the right thing to do - but I do believe that they were right to do something because had they not did anything there would be an opening that would allow the Shechemites to do whatever they desires without any repercussions. . . When lawless deeds are performed somethinghas o be done to prevent others from becoming involved in like actions. . . Of course this is prior to the Law of Moses but even so man, who is created in the likeness of God has a sense of what is wrong and what is right built into his character - otherwise we would be no different for any other species in the animal kingdom. . . The action taken by the sons of Jacob were wrong because deception was involved in this act. . . When Hamor was in the presence of Jacob and his sons and asked what they desired for the favor of his son being able to marry Dinah that was the ime to address this matter with the appropriate demand for making this deed as right as it was possible to make such an ugly act. . . The reactions of Jacob's sons could have resulted in all of the families if that community joining forces to exact judgment on them. . . Too often this is how things get all out of sorts when nobody takes the responsibility of going to God for resolution. . . Deuteronomy 32:35-36 (NLT) 35 I will take revenge; I will pay them back. In due time their feet will slip. Their day of disaster will arrive, and their destiny will overtake them. 36 Indeed, the Lord will give justice to his people, and he will change his mind about his servants, when he sees their strength is gone and no one is left, slave or free.

HOLY, without sin or fault - BLAMELESS, innocent, free from malice an craftiness - PURE, undefiled - SET APART, free from personal sin - and, EXALTED, raised to heaven. . . Being free from personal sin Jesus had no need to make a sacrifice for Himself - being the sacrifice for all of humanity's sins He only need to make that sacrifice ONCE. . . Not only was He the sacrifice for our sins - He lives forever and is forever in the presence of the Father as a reminder that my sins, past, presence, and future are atoned for me. . .

Before Jacob departed for Haran Esau was angry and vengeful and had vowed to take the life of Jacob after being cheated out of his birthright. . . At this point it appears that Esau has forgiven Jacob, is pleased to see him, and welcomes him back into the land of their father. . . Jacob, on the other hand, before going to Haran was proud and self-serving - he was the type of person who sought to do things his own way - however upon his return he was humble and willing to trust God to bring His plan about in his life - after finally realizing that his plans would no longer work. . . Jacob now not only has faith in God - but exercises that faith in God allowing God to do as He has promised. . . Hebrews 11:1-2 (NASB) 1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the men of old gained approval. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. NO, it is not possible to be both crafty and humble at the same time - crafitiness results in one depending on his/her own intellect, stregth or resources. . . An humble person will realize he/she is not able to work it out on their own but needs and seeks for help from another (if they are a Christian it will result in them looking to and trusting in God for such). . .

Jesus has a permanent and unchanging Priesthood of which He is interceding for us continually / forever. . . The priest as the representative of humanity is the mediator between humanity and God whose function is to reconcile man back into a peaceful relationship with God. . .

I believe that this man that Jacob struggled with was an angel, a messenger from God sent to strengthen the faith of Jacob and to encourage him to continue in his journey physically to the land of his father - and spiritually in the will, purpose and plan of God. . . I believe this struggle was a reminder to both Jacob and us that there are struggles we will encounter as we strive to progress in our walk with God - but they are not so great we cannot overcome them and continue in our walk with God. . . The limb that Jacob has after this struggle is an encouragement to me - it tells me that in spite of the struggles or negative things we encounter in life - we can and should continue to trust God - that we can and will triumph over every obstacle and be victorious in the end. . . 2 Corinthians 2:14 (NRSV) 14 But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him. 2 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV) 14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

That which is responsible and has the authority to fulfill the obligations of whatever is promised. . . Having already redeemed humanity through His death, burial, and resurrection _ he wil also usher in the Kingdom in all of its glory upon His return. . .

This prayer came as a result of Jacob's fear. It appears that Jacob was doing what "HE COULD" - what he thought would appease his brother Esau - an attempt to fix things between himself and his brother Esau "ON HIS OWN". . . Jacob finally realizes that there is nothing he can do on his own so he turns to God admitting his fear and placing trust in God to do for him what he is not able to do for himself. . . Jacob has heard the promises of God and believes that He will do everything He has promised. . . God has allowed Jacob to suffer many things based on his (Jacob's) attempt to bring about God's plan on his own. As a result of things happening the way they did I feel that Jacob came into a greater awareness of who God is and as a result of such developed a relationship with God wherein he could and did trust God. . .

By leaving the world and coming to Jesus - whose Word / promises we can rely upon. . . God has given us His Word and has sworn to bring them to pass in our lives. . . By actively taking hold of this hope we are able to receive what God has promised us - God promises are firm and secure. . . Christian hope is being sure of what God has promised coming to pass. Hoping in something that is true doesn't change affect the truth of that statement - nor does it guarantee what has been said coming to pass in our lives. . . The illustration is that which God has promised is steadfast and sure. . .

God reveals the angelic army to Jacob so that he would know that God is fulfilling His promise to protect him - to provide Jacob and his family safe passage back to the land He had promised him - and to aide and support Jacob in his act of obedieence to God. . . Jacob named the place Mahanaim because of the presence of the two encampments there - Jacob and his household and the angelic army of God. . .

Conflict seems to draw our attention away from the blessings of God and the move of God in our lives. . . My parents often told me that the squeaky will get the oil. . . It seems that as the blessings of God began to manifest in our lives - the devil increases his antagonism in an attempt to distract us - but in spite of that God's desire is to bless us, and His promises to prosper us always come to pass. . .

Remain focus and retain the courage necessary to stay the course. . . Paul described Timothy as one who has remained focused - has been diligent in his service to the Lord - and as a result of this (operating in these charater traits) has progressed and matured in the Lord. . .So Paul is saying to the Philippian saints, it you would do likewise (remian focused in your walk with the Lord and diligent in your service to Him) you will get the same results. . . Galatians 6:9 (NRSV) 9 So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. I think that Paul is saying pretty much the same thing when he speaks about Epaphroditus. . . He is also saying that in spite of the outside circumstances and temptations we should strive to be everything God has called us to be - equipped, qualified, and commissioned us to perform - that we must remain focused and diligent in the discharge of our spiritual duties. . . Should we do this - things will always work out. . .

If we were to seriously exercise faith and patience in our Christian experience the result would be victory over all the temptation that are present or evident in this world - and in the end eternity in the presence of God. . . Salvation is a gift from God - not the achievement of a goal - not a reward for doing good or right living - not something that can be purchased. . . We do not work to get saved - we cannot do enough work to be saved by the work we do - so the ability to endure has nothing to do with us being saved. . . As I said, we don't work to get saved - we work because we are saved. . . John 3:16 (NLT) 16 For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. Ephesians 2:8-10 (NLT) 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you cant take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are Gods masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. 2 Timothy 1:9 (NASB) 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,

That Jacob would keep the terms of his marriage covenant with his wives - that neither Laban nor Jacob would do anything to harm the other and that God would be the One who would gurantee that this covenant was kept. . . That God is watching which should cause both Jacob and Laban to keep the terms of this agreement. . .

As a slave we understand, or better we should understand that we belong to Him, that He is sovereign and our service to Him is without question and without end. . . Service out of preference affords us the opportunity to cease or end our service. . .

APOSTASY - to renounce (forsake or abandon) one's faith in God and refuse to continue in fellowship with Him. . . It is impossible to restore an apostate to Christain faith and practice from a practical standpoint because they are in a state or condition of rejecting God and as long as they are rejecting Him it is impossible forthem to repent. . . Repentance is a change of direction - a change of heart and mind - as long as they are in the process of rejecting God - renouncing their trust or confidence in God and His Word - refusing to fellowship with Him - there is no possible way of returning to Him. . . If one has resolved to go in a southward direction, and to continue in that direction - anything and everything north of him / her is out of reach and besically abandoned - the same is applicable to anyone in an apostate condition - anything and everything that relates to God has been and continues to be abandoned / forsaken - making it impossible to experienece. . . However, as with the prodigal son I am convinced that Jesus has a way of permitin certain things or happening in the life of the apostate that will eventually cause them to come to the realization that there is yet hope in Christ Jesus - and whenever, or if ever, they allow these conditions to bring them back into the right mind - they can and will repent and return to God. . . The Word of God speaks of a sin wherein there is no pardon - my understanding is that "SIN" is the rejection of Jesus as Lord and Savior - however, we all rejected Him until we came into a relationship with Him through God's plan of salvation. . . Through this plan - Romans 10:9-13 (NLT) [b]9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. 11 As the Sciptures tell us,