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Part 3.
COMPARING PREMILLENNIAL AND AMILLENNIAL VIEW POINTS.
picking up from Psalms 89:27-37.
According to this psalm the covenant concerns David, his physical seed, and the relationship of his rule to the children of Israel. There is no indication that this kingdom extended to a spiritual entity such as the church nor that the throne in view is the throne of God in heaven rather than the throne of David on earth.
As mentioned previously; in Isaiah 9:6-7 it is stated again that the throne of David is in view:
Yhe throne of David is mentioned specifically and the promise indicates that the fulfillment will go on forever.
In Jeremiah 23:5-6 the reign of the king who is the son of David is described as coming to pass in a day when Judah and Israel shall be saved and dwell safely.
In the verses immediately following, this reign is linked with the regathering of the children of Israel and their occupation of their ancient lands. Jeremiah 23:7-8.
It is certainly extreme spiritualization to take the regathering of Israel as an equivalent of the outcalling of the church and the execution of "justice and righteousness in the land" as being a reference to the rule of Christ in heaven, as amillenarians would need to interpret the passage. This is another strong confirmation that the literal interpretation of the Davidic covenant was intended.
In Jeremiah 30:7-9 another reference is found to the reign of the seed of David and again it is in a context of Israel's future regathering which will be consummated following the great tribulation.
As in other passages, the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant is linked with the return of Israel to the land following their time of Jacob's trouble, as indicated in the preceding verses Jeremiah 30:10-12
Here it is stated that they will serve God and David their king.
See Part 4.
Adam is proclaimed by a certain race as their founding father, which brings me to a question of what is a gentile to God?
Everything God created stands for a meaning and has a purpose, like Adam take care of the garden, name all thing's and the story goes on, but I feel that as a gentile I lack a meaning and purpose because of the foundation of my creation which remains a mystery that hides my purpose and my meaning.
In God we are all made and given a purpose a name and way of life, and all thing's have a meaning because we know how it was created.
Moses said who shall I say you are to Pharoah?
Who shall I say I am before God as a gentile?.
What purpose shall I bring forth to my God?.
In what meaning way shall I worship and praise him?.
I need to know how so that we can find the Why?
Part 2.
In part 1 I briefly gave a premillennialism view point and way of interpreting the Covenant promises.
Here's the amillennial point of view is that the Davidic kingdom promised to David's posterity is not a rule over the house of Israel, but a spiritual rule over the saints fulfilled in Christ's present session at the right hand of God. Such an idea of course is not contained in the Davidic covenant as it is recorded in II Samuel 7, but it is asserted that later Scriptures give this interpretation. For this reason the implications of the provisions of the Davidic covenant can be determined only after ascertaining the interpretation placed upon this covenant by other Old Testament Scriptures. Then a further step must be taken of examining the New Testament treatment of the same subject. Though this can be done only briefly within the limits of our present discussion, some important facts can be cited which decisively determine the ultimate interpretation of the Davidic covenant.
The covenant with David is not only given twice in its major content in
2 Samuel 7 and I Chronicles 17 but it is also confirmed in Psalm 89.
In this and other Old Testament references there is no allusion anywhere to the idea that these promises are to be understood in a spiritualized sense as referring to the church or to a reign of God in heaven.
Rather, it is linked to the earth and to the seed of Israel, and to the land. According to Psalm 89:3-4. It is declared again in Psalms 89:28-34.
It is promised that the seed will endure forever in spite of the specific problem of Israel's sins and departure from God. It is affirmed unalterably that God is going to fulfill His Word to David regardless of what his seed does.
Sew Part 3.
Part 1.
Abraham in Genesis 17:6 where it is recorded: "And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee."
This is restated in verse 16 of the same chapter in relation to the promise of the son of Sarah: "And I will bless her, and moreover I will give thee a son of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be of her."
It is probable that there would be little question about the meaning of this covenant, if it did not involve eschatology as a whole. It would seem that the promises are simple and direct that David's posterity should continue forever and that his political kingdom would not end. However, even such a simple interpretation presents some immediate problems, as David himself seems to anticipate when he notes that the prophecy concerns a long time to come.
The principal difficulty, however, seems to be that the connotation of the Davidic covenant supports the premillennial interpretation of the Bible involving a future reign of Christ on earth as David's greater Son. This point of view is quite unacceptable to the amillenarian and therefore for them some interpretation of the Davidic covenant must be found other than that of a literal fulfillment. Generally speaking, amillenarians deny that this covenant has any decisive force on the millennial question and find its terms fulfilled in the present day with God's dealings with the church. Quite often the attempt is made to deny that anything in the Old Testament construes a premillennial eschatology and statements are made such as that of Louis Berkhof: "The only Scriptural basis for this theory [i.e., premillennialism] is Revelation 20:1-6, after an Old Testament content has been poured into it" (Systematic Theology,)
See part 2.
In brief the Amillennial view.
I don't think that verse is talking about giving up (flesh) bodies that may have been in the sea for 100's or possibly even 1000's of years, that has to be meaning the soul because the spirit goes to be with God at death. And it surely cannot be speaking of flesh. In ( 1 Thess. 5:23) It speaks of a spirit, a soul, and a body. (that would be 3 that this verse shows us as being separate) I would hope that seeing the Truth from Scripture about the soul going to the grave would be very helpful and make it easier for someone to make a well informed decision. But you are right each person will do as their conscience allows them to do. I will also say this, If anyone sees where I have taken any verses out of context or misinterpreted the Scriptures in any way in this post, then Please show where it's not meaning what I have said it to mean or show where it is wrong. The Truth really does matter! Again thank you GiGi, your replies are always welcomed it is good to hear from you.
God Bless you.
There are millions of strong Christians in the U.S. and ,any millions more across the world today. We should not be so discouraged when we feel alone in our walk with God. Like Elijah when he was at His lowest point, God reminded him that he was not alone in his walk with God, but there were 7,000 in Israel who had not worshipped Baal. ( 1 Kings 19)
John, not only are there many Christians serving God sincerely, but there are many more who will come to Jesus by the testimony of these believers and us. I trust that God will continue to bring people to salvation every day. Look what He did with just 12 apostles and 500 disciples or so.
At times it does get to us when we see so much wickedness wherever we are and whatever we see. But God is always leaving His witness in the world (the Holy Spirit) to regenerate people by bringing the gospel to those without Christ, through people like us everywhere!
There is much to be hopeful about. To God be the glory, the honor, the praise, and the thanksgiving forever.
Moses was also bringing his complaint to God, but God was not angry with Moses as He was with the complaining multitude. God was merciful to Moses and explained that the Holy Spirit would be placed upon 70 elders along with Moses. These elders spoke by the Holy Spirit to the people throughout the camp. I imagine that what they said did not conflict with each other because the Holy Spirit would not do that.
Here Moses learned that he did not have to carry the burden of being the spokesman for the LORD by Himself-God was bigger than that! he also learned that the Holy Spirit was so great that He could be placed upon many people and not just one-himself. Then Moses in verse 29 states to Joshua that he desired for all of God's people to have the Holy Spirit upon them and would prophesy for the LORD.
After the seventy were endowed with the Holy Spirit, Moses and these men went into the camp. God brought in an enormous amount of quail on a strong wind. The quail was stacked waist high or more in the area. The people went out and collected the quail and distributed it evenly throughout the camp. The people gorged themselves on the quail and God sent a plague upon the people. Those who lusted for the meat died and they were buried at this place Moses named Kibroth-hattaavah.
Then the nation travelled from this place to Hazeroth, where they abode.
What lessons Moses and the people were learning from their disobedience and distrust of God. They had not learned yet that God is what they truly need above all else. Perhaps this is why He gave them a daily diet of Manna, so that they would realize that food is not what sustains them but YHWH. A varied diet that they had to cultivate and work for would get their eyes off of YHWH and trust in themselves and their own skill at producing food. They even could not eat of the flocks since these were for the sacrifices and for them to bring into the promised land. They were to resist temptation, but had difficulty with that
The complaining of the people always cause God to be angry with them. He was their portion and was able to fill them with what He knew they needed. The people complained to God and His holy fire went and burned those in the outskirts of the camp. They cried out to Moses to get YHWH to stop the fire. Moses interceded and God stopped the burning fire.
Among the Israelites were people who were mixed-some were of Israeli/Gentile parentage; others were gentiles. These mixed peoples began to lust for meat and for the type of diet they enjoyed in Egypt. The Israelites joined them in this lusting. They complained in their tents where only God would know. They complained with weeping about the manna being the only food before their eyes. Moses went about the tents and heard them weeping and complaining.
Moses was fed up. He was overwhelmed. He was discouraged. He was so low that he asked God to kill him so he would be free of the burdens of his life. Is there a hint of Moses believing in an afterlife free of wretchedness in vs. 15? The verse says that Moses considered it to be favored of God to be killed to be freed.
Regardless, Moses was unable to bear the burdens of the needs of the people any longer. He was at the breaking point, equating the burden of the welfare of the multitude to that of mother of multiples whom she was trying to nurse each and everyone to satisfaction. Nursing and infant is not very much of a burden. It is necessary for the child to consume what the mother alone could supply by God's design, but when a pregnancy results in triplets, quads, quints and more, one mother just cannot successfully meet the nourishment needs of all of them. .. cont. to pt. 2
It's good to be with this forum and to know that there are a lot of good Christian people still in the naltion. God Bless.
Please allow me to speak to the subject of burial method.
I am not aware of any Scripture that refers to cremation other than where the bodies of King Saul and those killed with him that were hung on a wall of the enemy were taken down and burned.
But then again, the Scriptures do not say anything to prohibit cremation either, anymore than people being buried at sea.
In such matters, I think that each person is to do what their conscience allows them
John can you point to anything, anywhere in the Word of God that is in any way in approval of, or anything that leads you to believe that being cremated is Biblical? Anywhere in the Word of God?
I'm only trying to be helpful here John. I am sorry for offending you, though I'm truly not sure how I did that!
I do not expect a response! Blessings to you and your wife John.
May God bless you today in your everyday living and also on this forum as you participate. It is good to have you here.
Col. 1:12 speaks of being partakers of inheritance of the saints,
Psalm 2:8 and 33:12 speak of those people who are the inheritance of God( in Christ).
So, it is good to know that the inheritance is a "two way street"; Christ being our inheritance and us being His inheritance.
I am happy to pray for you in the ways you've requested. I ask that you also go straight to God yourself and speak these requests to Him because He loves you and is waiting for you to so pray all of what you've listed. Jesus is our High Priest, interceding for you and me. when we pray, we can know that the Father hears us and will answer what you have requested because it is God's will for you and the Holy Spirit prays with you as you make your petitions known to God. He already knows all about them, but part of returning to God from backsliding is confessing to God how you have backslidden in all the ways you can recall to Him.
Dear Bible 1611, you will be blessed with a renewed and closer relationship with our Heavenly Father, through Jesus, by the working of the Holy Spirit. I am glad you are repenting and returning even now.
this is the last time I will answer anything on this subject. i do not change anything that 'My God' says. I will never take the word of man until after i have checked him out in God word. i do not know what you are saying when you say 'we listen or we were taught by the same paster or man or whatever. My teacher is E. W. Ballinger's KJV Companion Bible. anyway my wife and i will be cremated. my body will not be put in a hole in the ground.
(God will bring ((every work)) into judgment))
( 2 Cor. 5:10) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
(The judgment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. The JUDGMENT seat of Christ)
( Mt. 16:27) For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
(When does the Son of man come in the glory of his Father (with his angels) and reward all according to their (works)?
( Rev. 11:15-18) v15 Tells us "And the seventh angel sounded" (The 7th trumpet, or the (last trump)
v18 Tells us "And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, THAT THEY SHOULD BE JUDGED, and that thou shouldest GIVE REWARD UNTO THY SERVANTS THE PROPHETS, AND TO THE SAINTS, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
(The 7th trumpet, or the last trump sounds like a time of judgment, does it not?)
( 1 Cor. 15:50-54) The (last trump) we are all changed!
( 1 Thess. 4:14-17) v16 The dead in Christ rise first. (rewards) v17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be (caught up) together with them in the clouds, to MEET THE LORD IN THE AIR. (judgment and rewards)
( Mt. 24:29-31) v29 Tells us "Immediately after the tribulation" v30 Tells us "and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great (glory)" v31 Tells us "And he shall send (his angels) with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect" ( Mt. 16:27)
I would ask that you forgive me when I make mistakes. Our Father is still calling on me. Thank you.
Revelation 19 makes it clear that we shall follow Christ in heavenly armies upon His return in verse 14. All of our garments will be white suggesting purity; finally praise God our sins that often beset us will be removed; as well as our vile bodies transformed to ones befitting eternity in a glorified state ( 1 Cor. 15:40-50).
It appears that David Himself will rule with Christ in the Millennial period as a king ( Hosea 3:5). We also are "kings and priests" as seen in Revelation 1:6; 5:10 as well as 1 Peter 2:9 and likely elsewhere. Those who are faithful in few things will rule over many ( Luke 16:10); and that is in term of actual cities (See Matthew 25:21 and surrounding verses). Exactly how this will happen may not be fully known until that time; and being that some are diehard Postmillenials I certainly don't want to split hairs and be removed from posting here over this issue. How this affects the eternal reign after the 1000 years with God Himself coming to earth with the heavenly Jerusalem remains to be seen as well.
In the more immediate future; if we take Revelation in what appears to be chronological with the things "immediately after" ( Rev. 4:1) it would appear that we are represented before the 1st Seal as the "kings and priests" along with the 24 elders representing what most believe are the 12 Patriarchs and 12 Apostles. Physically present we would likely take an active part in the incense of the prayers of the saints as we see in 5:8 and 8:4 with the seal and trumpet judgments. We shall only behold the destruction of the wicked from afar ( Psalm 91:8 loosely translated).
Since we are already seated in heavenly places ( Eph. 2:6) we have much more going on than what we see now with our eyes.
May our conversation concerning all the evils of the world and our loathing of it be focused on the solution rather than the problem; namely prayer in the Spirit not that of Eccles. 7:10
All what you need to do is repent for the sins you have done in your life and ask God to forgive you and start a new clean life. But because we are humans and we have a nature vulnerable to sin we will eventually sin. That is why we are given the Blood of Jesus to cleanse us from our sins so we then move forward. The gospels describe what God expects from us to do in this life and finish our course victoriously. God will always stand next to you to give you His hand to raise you up when you fall. His is a good God who will do everything possible from His side to get you to heaven.
If you have already repented and asked for forgiveness then there is nothing else you must do to be saved. This is enough. So stop feeling guilty for things you shouldn't.
About trusting God you must know that this is a struggle for all christians. The apostles often doubted although they had seen unimaginable things, John the Baptist in prison also doubted if Jesus was the coming Saviour, although he was born for that reason, so who are we that we expect ourselves to be something more than them? All people we are the same. Join a Christian congregation, have fellowship with other christians, read, pray and by doing all that you will eventually realize that your faith increases, you will be moving from faith to faith. God often uses events in our lives to teach us to have faith in Him. So stop placing a load in your arms that you can't and shouldn't carry.
About demons. Demons believe in Jesus but that knowledge doesn't bring any repentance to them, they don't want to change. This is the difference between us and them.
So keep walking with Jesus with His grace and stop worrying about you being saved. From what you have written I realize that you are saved. A non saved person never worries if they are saved or not and never feel any guilt for things they do. But obviously this is not you.
So be encouraged. God bless you.
Revelation 2:27 has a cross reference somewhere but it is hard to find...in Psalms regarding the inheritance of the saints and ruling with an iron rod. Of course Christ Himself will do this as shown in Psalm 2:7-9 and elsewhere.
There are numerous other verses such as in Ephesians on inheritance and what as sons of light we will have someday ( Eph. 5:8; 1 Thess. 5:5). There is also the reference in the Book of Hebrews to the "cloud of witnesses" ( Heb. 12:1) with specific references in the previous chapter to those who lived lives of faith and are in God's "hall of fame" so to speak. Psalm 8:2 even talks of God's strength in the praise of infants; which was quoted in Matthew 11:25 (also see Matthew 21:15-16 for fulfillment).
Ephesians 6 gives us instructions to be victors on the battlefield with only one offensive weapon; the sword of the Spirit ( Eph. 6:17). This is something only effective when we have the entire defensive mechanism set up to stop the fiery darts of the evil one in the previous verse.
We often are quick to point out the persecution; wars; famines and other trials that believers go through which is no doubt an essential concern in prayer. The fact is that there is a battle raging all the time for the souls of men; Christ has won the war and ultimately all He has called and chosen will be saved. This doesn't by any means lessen the conflict but gives us assurance that the Lord will direct those who He wills in our paths to minister to; and pray for. 1 Peter 4:19 discusses prosperity and trials as they come and go in our lives; and Ecclesiastes 7:14 shows God's Providence. I would state that it appears when things are going well it is a more accurate test to determine faithfullness as that is when sin in most likely to take root. In adversity many will fear the Lord; but the faithful will not forget His benefits ( Deuteronomy 8:10-18). Also read Eph. 2:10
From henceforth?
This has to be from the time the kingdom starts. by the description given of the kingdom we must admit it hasn't happened yet.
This places it future.
The kingdom consists of the Nation of Israel repenting and acknowledging Christ "who they rejected"
He will sit on David's throne IN JERUSALEM according to the promises and Covenants.
IN THE MEANTIME WHAT HAS BECOME OF THE NATION ISRAEL?
I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. Romans 11:1
(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. Romans 11:8
I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. Romans11:11.
For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. Romans11:25.
How do we consider these verses CONCERNING NATION ISRAEL in Romans 11 and consider the promises and Covenants and the view into the future that Daniel gives us in Daniel 9:24-27?
More to come.
God bless.
In the case of my counselor; he had me memorize a verse in Psalms very similar to Proverbs 15:1. The Word should be our instruction manual; sadly many are starved for rhe Word of God today ( Amos 8:11). In my own situation I still have scars from the divorce and I certainly can relate to the stages of grief someone goes through in that situation. Compassion is something the Lord has given me and a more tender heart; since it is not a spiritual gift that I tend to excel in.
(Don't forge I mentioned encouragement also). Those who are in need for encouragement aren't going to be those in the limelight the vast majority of the time.
Thanks for your encouragement and responses...
Rich P
But in reference to this one I agree with you about useless chatter. I think we need to be watchful about our conversations and try to avoid meaningless talk and especially gossip when in fellowship situations. It is better to speak a few words that have spiritual meaning or helpful info than many words about things that have little to do about the needs of others. I am learning to be better about that.
We all need close relationships with other believers that last through thick and thin, whether or not one stays in the church where they met or not. We need people who can truly know us and us them. We need friends who will lovingly rebuke us and pray for us.
Sadly, it could often be said for some that they could find more people who cared about their welfare if they sat every Sunday ina local bar than in church. That is a very sad reality for some who find themselves in a fellowship where people are happy and friendly with you as long as things are going well, but are no where to be found when one enters troubled times.
So, let us examine ourselves and ask God to remove from us any superficial, insincere, Good Time Charlie, Fair Weather Friend type of approach to relationships with other believers. These are sinful relational approaches and we should all want to be much better than that. It can be challenging to change these attitudes out of us, but having the Holy Spirit shed light on them and then viewing them in oneself is the first step.
Richard, I don't think the church needs people who go around rebuking people constantly as if it is their "ministry". But we do need to pray to be able to receive rebuke with integrity from other believers. I always ask God, is this true of me, Lord? Help me to change this if it is true? If the rebuke is misplaced, then I can just refuse to accept it and forgive the person who tried to help me. I can thank the person who brought something to my attention and the Holy Spirit affirms what they say is true to me.
When we exercise this responsibility to rebuke someone, we will probably make mistakes at times as we grow in wisdom to know how and when to speak to someone about something. We need to be willing to apologize to the person we misspoke to in an attempt to rebuke and admit that we are just learning more about this responsibility and that we did not intend to hurt anyone by it.
I have been reading through Jeremiah this week and he was asked to point out the sins of Judah over and over again along with repeatedly telling them of the coming captivity and destruction of the city and temple. I noticed how Jeremiah pleaded with God for his people and Jeremiah calling his people to repentance. The Jews thought themselves "clean" and privileged because they had the temple and its services to take care of their offenses. Many didn't think they were wicked, but God did and said so.
God had given Jeremiah a difficult assignment to prophesy to Judah with unwelcome prophesies from God. The Judaeans despised Jeremiah with all of his "negativity" and preferred the false prophets who claim to speak for God saying, Peace, Peace, nothing evil will befall you. Continue on with what your heart imagines is best. These false prophets did not address sin nor how God was offended by it, nor did they tell the people to repent and turn back to God and do rightly before Him.
The Judeans did not want anyone to judge them. That sounds so familiar to what people think today. The mantra "Stop judging me" is so prevalant that people are afraid to bring up anything "negative" even to a dear believer. This is where we come to when everyone lives :according to the imaginations of their hearts." ( Jer. 23:17)
Many believers prefer to hear a positive message from the pulpit, never a sermon that brings conviction of sin. Niceness is valued more than truthfulness, and flattery to honest talk. People are seeking to have their ego stroked and avoid hearing about bearing one another's burdens and interacting with one another with sincerity. Superficiality in relationships are the norm in many congregations with very few people open to add more friends to their tight circles within the church fellowship. And we wonder why church members wonder about the revolving door activity of people coming and going within a few years.
Oops need a part 2
God bless you.
Today in Sunday school; the discussion came up about finishing the race well and the verse 1 Corinthians 11:1 or another to that affect was pondered. One participant stated that she would like that to be true for her and her children and grandchildren on imitating the example set forth. Further delving into the matter of those with integrity in scripture (there are many) brought up the examples of Isaiah and Jeremiah the "weeping" prophet. I thought of Jeremiah in Lamentations and the parallel to Christ in the New Testament weeping over Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37. We need to balance the hard truths such as the excoriation of the Pharisees and the prophets warnings to Israel and the collateral damage inevitably to result with the fact that when calamity did strike the Prophets would mourn and suffer; understanding God's own sentiments toward such things. That is brought out quite effectively with Hosea and the judgments to come on Ephriam such as in chapter 11 verse 8. In fact; in the prophet's personal life with his unfaithful wife he had to purchase again as well as with eventual reconciliation with Israel mentioned in earlier chapters we see past what many consider an unloving Old Testament God with one who doesn't have any joy in the destruction of the wicked ( Ezekiel 18:23).
In this discussion of the "goodness and severity of God" ( Romans 11:22) we can apply these principles to the discipling efforts that elders are commissioned to be part of along with the rest of the congregation. Open rebuke is better than hidden love ( Proverbs 27:5). There is too much laxity in such matters today from my vantage point. Let's be honest; we are more likely to take a rebuke to heart than some meaningless compliment and retain such in our memory. That can be true for something said in an insensitive manner; but most times we can at least apply some truth from the Word in our lives and respect the messenger.
From my experience; it seems in the Reformed circles the family unit is held in high esteem and in the denomination I was last in before I had to move there basically was a network of extended families that pretty much arranged for favorable meetings for young people to fellowship and often marry those who were at these events; thus pretty much continuing the expansion of the church. Other denominations tend to be more or less dominated by those in their own nuclear families and tend somewhat less to invite strangers into conversations or to their homes.
Whatever the accuracy of my own assessment; we are adopted sons and daughters according to Romans in many passages; Ephesians 1 and Galatians 4:6-7. It is commonplace; nonetheless whether with our blood relatives or church family to default to hanging out with those we find interesting in one form or another and often neglecting the ministry such as rebuke; exhortation and encouragement when necessary. We see passages such as "He rebukes all those He loves" ( Rev. 3:19; Hebrews 12:6 and others) and tend to only think of God Himself doing that work. However; we are to exercise such behaviors as 2 Timothy 4:2 instructs us to. Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep likewise ( Romans 12:15). To behave this way first we need to have a listening mindset; rather than spend much time with needless chatter when we fellowship. Again; the reformers seem to have a better handle on that with some not allowing any discussion apart from the Lord on Sundays. I'm not setting a legalistic mandate here; but suggesting that such boundaries eliminate useless banter; and worse a sin of omission not ministering to those in need who are too polite to interrupt discussion about sports teams; work exploits or just general complaining of the state of affairs in the world today.
God has said somewhere in his word. 'I will bless those who bless Israel, and I will cruse those who cruse Israel. Take heed my Brothern. May God continue to bless the offspring of the ten northern tribes that came to this country (USA) and settled it and made it such a power nation. May God bless us all. That's, That.