Christians have a decision to make: whether to trust and follow God's morals or the world's morals? Christianity (folllowing Jesus) isn't a one time event, but a lifelong pursuit. 1 Corinthians 9:24. It says to run the race (effort); it doesn't say the race is already finished. Some get off course and don't care.
Some Christians follow God's morals only to the point where it conflicts with the world's morals, then proceed with the world's morals instead. The result is following the world ( 1 John 2:15).
Despite Acts 2:38 saying to be baptized, some say "don't" be baptized.
Despite John 14:6 saying to go to Jesus, some say to go through a 'prophet' or pope.
Despite James 4:17 saying to avoid sin, some claim it's bad and 'legalism' to avoid sin.
Despite Psalm 139:13 saying unborn babies are special, some claim killing them is ok.
Despite Ezra 7:13 saying people have freewill, some claim they "don't" have freewill.
Despite Matthew 7:13 saying most people will go to hell, some say most will "not" go to hell.
Despite Matthew 10:28 warning us about hell, some say "there is no hell."
Despite 1 Timothy 2:12 saying women shouldn't teach, some say they "should."
Despite Leviticus 20:13 saying homosexuality is a sin, some say it's "not" a sin.
Despite John 15:10 saying to obey, some say it's ok to "not" obey.
Despite John 1:1 saying Jesus (the Word) is God, some say Jesus is "not" God.
Despite 1 John 5:7 saying 3 are one, some say the 3 are "not" one.
The rationalizing pattern seems to be: "No, the Bible doesn't say [what it actually says], but says [something I'm more comfortable with]". This format seems awfully similar to Genesis 3:4 where satan says "Ye shall NOT surely die." Satan is called the father of lies for a reason and some Christians assume they are immune to it.
Rationalizing the world's morals over God's morals seems to require ignoring scripture. Does anyone agree?
So, should we follow God's Word or man's word (which might be satan's word)?
Eric, it was generally accepted that Ezra arrived at Jerusalem before Nehemiah, though in the late 19th Century AD, there was a proposal that it was Nehemiah who came first, then Ezra. This was based on the fact that it was King Artaxerxes II ruling & not Artaxerxes I ( Ezra 7:7,8).
However, I understand that Jews don't accept that & it was Ezra who came first under Artaxerxes I. As you probably know, both the Books of Ezra & Nehemiah were originally read as one book in Hebrew; after Zerubbabel came first (under Cyrus), the Temple building had stopped because of opposition. Then under Darius, the temple work restarted ( Ezra 5:2) & finally completed ( Ezra 6:15). Then Ezra came with the next migration of the exiles & after him, Nehemiah came (for the building of the wall) with the third return of the exiles. So this timeline seems to fit well as Ezra, as priest, would have continued to serve with the other priests & Levites at the temple while Nehemiah attended to rebuilding the wall surrounding the city.
The bible mentions weddings, but does not give scripture on the way they are to be performed. If it were mentioned then the world would be bound to that method. God establishes governments for his purpose; Ezra 7:25, Titus 3:1. Each government has determined what a marriage ceremony consists of, dealing with each locations laws and customs. As far as I know marriages in one country is recognized by all countries (someone with more knowledge than I might be able to comment on that in depth). The parable of the rich ruler who gave a wedding for his son, mentions a proper wedding garment but does not identify what it is. This parable is more concerned with Christ than earthly weddings but could be applicable. Your question, indicates to me, that you are concerned about a previous marriage and your purity because of it. If your previous husband has died then you are able to remarry Rom 7:2, 1 Cor 7:2-3. If the husband is still living I do not believe that the scripture allows remarriage 1 Cor 7:11.
I've done a thorough search for what you seek & have come up empty-handed. However, the closest verses that subscribe to your request, may be found in Ezra 7:25,26. You can read it, but for more clarity I would paraphrase it thus: "Ezra, using your God-given wisdom, set magistrates & judges who know the laws of thy God, to judge all people beyond the river & teach them that don't know the laws. And whoever does not obey the laws of God & the king, let judgement be executed speedily.....". So the implication is that both the laws of God & the laws of the land are to be obeyed. I hope this helps.
Ezra was an obedient servant of God, with the others who went along. It is amazing how God will any use who is willing. No matter how simple or great a task. Jesus use me, and oh Lord,don’t refuse me, surely there’s a work that I can do, and even though it’s humble, Lord help my will to crumble, though the task be great, I’ll work for you. We have to be willing, and waiting for God to use us.
suprisingly how coukd the king write a letter unto Ezra when he wass standing right in front of him, how could it be a letter of authority when it says those who will to go with him may go to Jerusalem...hw beit that he commands Ezra to be given a hundred talents of silver, wheat and wine yet salt without prescribing how much...howbeit that those who went with him were to be exempted from the tolls, e customs and tribute...in this case Ezra plays the Christ role...he 's been describe as the perfect peace whereas hebrews 7 and isiah 9 v 6 says Christ is the prince of peace , King of kings a title of God the father which Artexerxes in this story line therefore its God authorising Christ to go with his people those who will into the new Jerusalem meaning its ot by force but by choice to go with Christ the salt means the word of God mark 9 v 49-50...which was given in abundance to the new testament church...limitations and barriers of this world shall not affect those who go with Christ into the new Jerusalem because all things are theirs thats 1 cor 3 so there shal be no limitation as long as you are going with Christ as long as u minister in his house regardless how you do it whether sing, clean, partner with the gospel you shall be exempted on cindition that yopu have the salt...be blessed
Ezra was obedient to GOD's commission, because of his obedience GOD blessed him with courage and encouragement to move move forward. GOD also blessed him with the King's providence,provision. GOD has promised to be with us and protect us always, in HIS own way< according to HIS divine will and purpose. Amen!!!
Some Christians follow God's morals only to the point where it conflicts with the world's morals, then proceed with the world's morals instead. The result is following the world ( 1 John 2:15).
Despite Acts 2:38 saying to be baptized, some say "don't" be baptized.
Despite John 14:6 saying to go to Jesus, some say to go through a 'prophet' or pope.
Despite James 4:17 saying to avoid sin, some claim it's bad and 'legalism' to avoid sin.
Despite Psalm 139:13 saying unborn babies are special, some claim killing them is ok.
Despite Ezra 7:13 saying people have freewill, some claim they "don't" have freewill.
Despite Matthew 7:13 saying most people will go to hell, some say most will "not" go to hell.
Despite Matthew 10:28 warning us about hell, some say "there is no hell."
Despite 1 Timothy 2:12 saying women shouldn't teach, some say they "should."
Despite Leviticus 20:13 saying homosexuality is a sin, some say it's "not" a sin.
Despite John 15:10 saying to obey, some say it's ok to "not" obey.
Despite John 1:1 saying Jesus (the Word) is God, some say Jesus is "not" God.
Despite 1 John 5:7 saying 3 are one, some say the 3 are "not" one.
The rationalizing pattern seems to be: "No, the Bible doesn't say [what it actually says], but says [something I'm more comfortable with]". This format seems awfully similar to Genesis 3:4 where satan says "Ye shall NOT surely die." Satan is called the father of lies for a reason and some Christians assume they are immune to it.
Rationalizing the world's morals over God's morals seems to require ignoring scripture. Does anyone agree?
So, should we follow God's Word or man's word (which might be satan's word)?
God bless...
However, I understand that Jews don't accept that & it was Ezra who came first under Artaxerxes I. As you probably know, both the Books of Ezra & Nehemiah were originally read as one book in Hebrew; after Zerubbabel came first (under Cyrus), the Temple building had stopped because of opposition. Then under Darius, the temple work restarted ( Ezra 5:2) & finally completed ( Ezra 6:15). Then Ezra came with the next migration of the exiles & after him, Nehemiah came (for the building of the wall) with the third return of the exiles. So this timeline seems to fit well as Ezra, as priest, would have continued to serve with the other priests & Levites at the temple while Nehemiah attended to rebuilding the wall surrounding the city.
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