Abraham was called by God to move from "Chaldea" from a city called Ur in southern Mesopotamia. Abraham and Sarah were kinsmen, related through their father but different mothers. They both lived in Ur and then followed God's lead up the Euphrates valley to Haran, (in modern Iraq/Syria).Their relatives lived in Haran. From Haran, they traveled westward along the road that connected Haran with Damascus and then south into Canaan modern Israel.
Congratulations are in order! Amen Eldon and welcome to the church. Your message brought joy to me today and I want to first leave you with these verses of encouragement:
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Starting with verse 9 in Genesis 17 we see God establishes the Abrahamic covenant and with physical circumcision. This covenant was of blood from the male and established at that time (during the days of Abraham there was no law yet, no commandments) this being an early way of raising blood up. Now, thank goodness Christ Jesus was that Blood for us (especially for us men) as His Blood that he shed for us once we accept His Grace by Faith; this then circumcision is by the heart. The Apostle Paul explained it like this:
Romans 2:25
For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
Romans 2:26
Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
Romans 2:27
And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
Romans 2:28
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Romans 2:29
But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.
I hope this helps and now that you're saved. Please find a community of fellow believers to share the good news with and stay close to your KJV Bible. It's living Word which will guide you every step of the way.
Blessings to all through our lord and savior Jesus Christ.
I have accepted our divine lord as my father of all my existence. I am studying the Bible and getting to be closer to my Father Abba through his teaching.
I have read this chapter and would like to know what it is meant by circumcising? What motions or act is done when a person is being circumcised spiritually?
Dgjot, Paul spoke about this extensively in Galatians and elsewhere. At the council of Jerusalem that Paul attended with James, John, and Peter, the decision was made tat Gentiles do not need to be circumcised to be saved. Paul said that it does not matter if one is or not. With that said, I don't really think that it was customary in the early centuries for gentile males to be circumcised. Whenever it came into practice in the Gentile world it had become custom. It has no spiritual significance. But it seemed to be recommended for sanitary purposes in less sanitary times than today. It would be easy for a male to get infections between the foreskin and shaft without good hygiene. In more modern times, I think most people had their male infants circumcised so they would resemble their fathers and other males they may view. That was our reason for circumcising our three sons. I know of people who didn't without any problems and some who did have problems with infection. It is a personal choice parents can make for their infant, but it may not be covered by insurance.
I suppose you could google the history of it and find out more. I just haven't felt a reason to do so, but you may find information that answers your question.
In regards to Ishmael, he shouldn't have been. Sarah was faithless. Instead of waiting on God's promise that she would bear a child, she coerced Abraham into lying with Hagar the Egyptian. For the last 1400+ years, we have witnessed the long term effects of Sarah's faithlessness. Ishmael is the father of the idolatrous Islamic hordes.
If circumcision is an agreement between God and Abraham, why have all male babies (Jewish or Gentile) since Jesus died and God raised Him from the dead and he ascended into heaven, also been required to be circumcised?? Since Jesus was born into a Jewish family, I'm sure he too was circumcised. But I don't remember reading anywhere, where he required it for His followers.
In other words, here in 2021 why are male babies (regardless of religious affiliation) still being circumcised? That's a Jewish ritual, not a Christian one.
thank you for your reply, especially the additional information about Muhammed. I need to learn more about this since my oldest son just married a Muslim woman from Asia. She is kind-hearted and I am praying for her ehart to be softened to hear the truth of the gospel and believe.
Well written, GiGi & I fully concur. Indeed, Muhammed did learn & absorb some things from Judaism, but he also had a 'Christian' wife (one of several other wives of varying persuasions), & it's our understanding that this 'Christian' woman wasn't a true believer & had her beliefs rooted in Roman Catholicsm or some off-shoot of it. So there was that influence that he also had. As well, with the plethora of apocryphal writings around, Muhammed appeared to glean much from the 'Gospel of Barnabas'. He rejected the four Gospels that we have (even as the Jews also reject), as certainly that would create problems for him. We see this in his beliefs, the rejecting of the crucifixion of Jesus (claiming rather, that God had placed a substitute on the Cross: Judas Iscariot?), yet believing that Jesus was one of the most holiest of prophets, Whom God had raised up to Heaven miraculously. And of course, there were many factual errors & absurdities in that spurious gospel that helped formulate his own writings, which he claimed came from Heaven.
With the misunderstanding, hence denial of the Triune God, his belief that he was prophesied to come as the next prophet, the rejection of the New Testament & apostolic writings, & obedience to the Laws of God, especially as those revealed in the Quran & the Hadith, ensured that Muhammed remained disconnected from the Truth & to be the leader of others believing this deception & going into a Christless eternity. So when we (in Pakistan) gave out books containing the Gospels we know & love, or of the lives of Abraham, his sons, David & the prophets (all whom Muslims consider as prophets), many eyes were opened for the first time as they read narratives that were not found in the Quran. And when those readers enquired before the Muslim clerics, one can only imagine the anger & furore that resulted. But the Word of God cannot be bound & will always bring liberty, joy & peace to all who call upon the Name of the LORD through His Son.
I would like to add that circumcision was a command for all of Israel, not only Jews. But by the time of Jesus, Israel had been scattered across the world along with many Jews, but in the holy land, mostly Jews lived there. The Israelites were people of the Law and circumcision before Christ. But they did not have to be bound by these through faith in Jesus. the law of grace set them free from the covenant of Law and circumcision Muhammed copied much from the Jewish faith and put himself and his followers under bondage to the Law when he could have lived free from this bondage if he had believed in Jesus, since salvation had already come into the world when Muhammed lived. Sad that he was deceived and led many down the wrong path. Part of the bondage of the Law makes one a slave to sin. The constant conflict, hatred, and killing that goes on between Jews and Muslims is a result of this bondage.
It seems that God worked differently in the Old Testament in setting a people apart for Himself than in the New Testament.
However, I believe that true faith in God as He revealed Himself in both Testaments is equivalent. When God appeared to Noah, Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Ezekiel Jeremiah, etc. and spoke with with them, they believed the True God they saw and spoke with, even ate with (as Abraham did). God decides who's faith is "saving faith" regardless of the time frame one lives in. This is not to diminish the knowledge of Jesus and the gospel message. Those who hear the gospel and believe it have "saving faith". Those who haven't heard the gospel due to living prior to Jesus' advent will be judged on belief in the True God as He revealed Himself to them in that time. The sacrifice of Jesus reaches back in time to the beginning, just as it is effective now and into the future.it is for all time.
Believing and Faith It is interesting how many times it is said that there was spiritual faith in the gospels and old testament when in galatians 3:23+24 before faith came kept under the law spiritual faith came with what was accomplished by Jesus Christ and given the birthday of the church on Pentecost. Before pentecost a person could believe God and it was counted unto them for righteousness Abraham but that is different from spiritual faith of Jesus Christ. This is a case where the translators took the liberty to use the word pistis for either believing or spiritual faith at there liberty or according to there theology. Also Jesus Christ fulfilled and ended the law which ushered in the age of Grace which we live in and are able to walk in the spiritual law of love agape by our daily believing walk in the faith of Jesus Christ.
The two marks defining the people of God (Israel) were Circumcision & giving of the Law. No other people or nation received those directives from God ( Genesis 17:10,11; Leviticus 26:46). In regards to the Law, they were to learn God's requirements for a familial relationship to Him, to their society, & in their personal lives. For circumcision, they were to be marked out in a way distinct from any other (different from any body markings, cuttings or disfigurement of the heathen, even if there was an accidental loss of an organ or an appendage). And of course, the Apostle Paul spoke of this in Romans 2:25-29, connecting the two directives together - that one couldn't be without the other to the Jew - and since the Law couldn't be kept perfectly, true circumcision then must be of the heart & not of the flesh to count before God. I wonder whether what was given as a Mark of distinction & also for hygiene purposes, was also to alert the Jew that this seemingly unnatural act (of circumcision) was to point him to what the apostle now learned as a believer.
And this practise of circumcision continued, not only within Judaism, but also Islam. Yet as much as Islamists (Arabs) might have their heritage back to Seth, yet "in Isaac shall thy seed be called" ( Genesis 21:12 & Romans 9:6-8). And this rejection of Ishmael by God will always keep those adherents at odds with the "seed of Isaac", & will most likely figure in those awful days of devastation that lie ahead.
Abraham was given amazing prophecies and promises concerning his son, Isaac, and Isaac had not been conceived yet!
But God already knew Isaac from eternity's viewpoint.
Interesting that God called Abraham to walk with God and be perfect. But we all know that Abraham was a sinner like every person is. I get from this verse that as we walk with God, His righteousness covers us while His Spirit is sanctifying us (Making us holy) as He is changing us into Christ's image from glory to glory (bit by bit or moment by moment?).
Since Abraham knew he could father a child (Ishmael) he may have taken this promise into the marriage bed, anticipating conception more than before! And in 3 months Sarah did conceive just as God had said would happen. I'm sure that strengthened Abraham and Sarah's faith even more. Just like experience answers to our prayers strengthen our faith and trust in God.
The first covenant God made was with Himself for Abraham. The second covenant was between God and Abraham, that all males would be circumcised. God knew best to have babies circumcised. My dad was circumcised as an adult. My mom said he was very uncomfortable after it until he healed. She also said that he said that sex was more pleasurable uncircumcised. Maybe God commanded circumcism in order to help men be faithful or considerate of their wives by reducing the pleasure after circumcism. Don't know if this is the case for most men who are circumcised as adults after they have already sexually active. Interesting that other cultures with a low view of women circumcise girls in order that they do not feel much pleasure in intercourse. God's way is always better.
I can tell from this verse that Abraham loved Ishmael and wanted him to be included in the covenant, too. I think he laughed because he realized his and Sarah's age and knew that it would take a miracle for them to have a child. I don't think that he didn't believe God's promise. He just found it humorous. God did not punish him for laughing. He knew Abrahams heart. Ishmael's 12 princes are said to have seeded the Arab nations. Interesting, because that makes the Arab people Semitic if they trace their line to Ishmael or any of the 6 children Abraham fathered with Keturah after Sarah died. It seems that Jews want to own the sole right to be considered Semitic. Truth is, any person descended from Shem is Semitic and anyone descended from Eber is Hebrew, not just the Israelites. Something to think about. maybe broadening our ideas about the people that sprang from that area.
Interesting that He was making the covenant with Abraham, not with Abraham and Sarah. Does this mean that God saw Abraham and Sarah as one inn Abraham, harkening back to Adam and Eve in Genesis?
"And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect."
King James Version (KJV)
Genesis 17:1 Context
1And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. 2And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. 3And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, 4As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
Hi Chris , i have only ever read the 1611 A.V. and the R.V. the R.V. is pretty good ,it does things like clarify that one of the geneologies is actually Mary's and helps with a few other minor discrepancies ,its always olde english for me ,its very easy to get used to . Broadman and Holman of Nashville Tenesee do a lovely King James R.V.
Hello Daniel. I think you might be referring to the type of language used in the KJV as opposed to the NKJV. The content is essentially the same - it's just that some changes have been made by using more modern words that are more familiar for today's readers.
Even we today who read from the KJV are not reading from the original 1611 version as instituted by King James, as if you read from that one, you will see some major differences in the area of spelling as written in those days. This Site gives you that 1611 version (under the Tab "More") if you wish to try & read in that 'olde English'.
Revelation 3:2-6 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
( 1 John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
( 1 John 3:1-10 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him.
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in Him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
Steve, May the Spirit grace you with HIS wisdom and His understanding.
John 9 1-3 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
(vs 2) And his disciples ask him, saying, Master, WHO DID SIN, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
(vs 3) Jesus answered, Neither has this man sinned, or his parents: but that THE WORKS OF GOD should be manifest in him.
None of us can completely understand why God does certain thing, but we can believe through the working of the Holy Spirit and stand on his word that the outcome will both bring us into the light and glorify God in the process.
2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto you do well that you take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day (of the Lord)(CHRIST IN YOU) dawn, and the day star arise in you hearts.
Revelation 2:28 And I will give him the morning star.
Revelation 22:16 ...... I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
Job 38:7 When the morning stars sang together; and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice (the holy Spirit) saying in heaven (you, where Christ
dwells), Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of God (Christ in you), and the power of his Christ: for the ACCUSER of our brethern is cast down, which ACCUSED them (you) before our God day and night (they have no rest).
COME INTO MY REST AND CEASE FROM YOUR WORKS (your way of thinking)
May the SPIRIT grace you with ears to hear and eyes to see.
Thank you so much for your reply and your opinion that I asked for.
I do suffer greatly for I blame myself for my wife's illness...tempting God and Satan to do their worst to me.
however, I always think that there is always someone else in this world that is worse off than I.
And Jesus suffer the greatest...I still find it difficult to read the wicked things that were done to Jesus.
You are right...I have been blessed and I feel that I have been saved and it is my time to suffer ...I am trying to love God with all my body, mind and soul; and love thy neighbor.
My prayers for my wife may never come to fruition...I know...only God knows what the plan is.
After reading your post I am moved to send you a reply. To me it shows your true love to your wife. That you could not bear to leave her & also not wanting her to feel the rejection of you leaving her. As you thought maybe the best thing would be for you to die and give her peace. Jesus Christ states that there is no greater love than to give your life for your friend. John 15:13.
Now after your own sickness or "infection" it has moved over to your wife and now she is in "assisted living". The most important thing is the Lord came and spake to you in your dream stating "This is your cross to bear". This is a blessing and not everyone receives these things. In the most simple sens from what I feel is that this is your time to suffer. Jesus Christ suffered for us, gave His life for us, and now as "this is your cross" this is your time to suffer. Please my brother, stay strong in your faith to the Lord and do not even let death separate you from Jesus Christ. Trust in Him. The devil is not in control and even if this is the evil one's doing.. God knows everything and there is a reason for it. It may be to bring you closer to Him.
Read the book of (1 Peter as it goes over suffering well. 2 Thessalonians 1:5 is a good verse. As a teaching of Jesus Christ in the book of John is that no servant is greater than his Master. If the world hates you or persecutes you remember it did it to me first(paraphrasing) John 15:18-20. In faith I also believe the Lord would mean this to be for suffering. In that if we suffer remember He suffered for us first.
I hope my reply helps you and renews your hope in the Lord. Focus on Him. Keep praying from the heart in humbleness. Do not fear the devil.
The answers that I seek are either by prayer, or from Scripture...
However, I write to you for your opinion; so please read the following:
My wife and I found real love after finally finding each other through the fate of God. We have been married for 27 years.
In recent years; our relationship had suffered for many reasons, no blame to either but to both of us.
I could not suffer my wife to leave her nor bear her to suffer the rejection.
So, in my mind; I thought that it would be easier for both if she lost me by death rather than by rejection. So I tempted God and Satan to do their worst.
Then it came to pass that I got an infection in my brain and tried to ride it out to death, but reasoning with myself that this may not bring death but rather a lifelong affliction, I finally went to the hospital and a surgeon performed a cranial and then three months of intravenous antibiotics.
I did not fulfill the curse that I wished for.
Shortly thereafter, my wife was stricken with Alzheimers Dementia. She is 55 years of age and now resides in a Personal Care Home.
I believe this disease was manifested through my sins and tempting God and Satan to do their worst, to me.
Now the ambiguous loss and the guilt that I feel is unbearable. My continued tempting of God and Satan to do their worst to me has come to pass.
My wife has become the victim of my sins and tempting the Powers.
This is truly the worst.
I became born again to pray for my wife and ask God to perform a miracle. Remove the demons from my wife and make her whole again, and forsake me instead.
In conclusion;
I had a dream and a clear voice said to me "This is your cross to bear"
When I looked to the internet to find a meaning for this phrase, the first example displayed was;
"when a family member is diagnosed with Alzheimers, this is your cross to bear."
Nehemiah 9:7, Acts 7:2,
Hopefully helpful
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Starting with verse 9 in Genesis 17 we see God establishes the Abrahamic covenant and with physical circumcision. This covenant was of blood from the male and established at that time (during the days of Abraham there was no law yet, no commandments) this being an early way of raising blood up. Now, thank goodness Christ Jesus was that Blood for us (especially for us men) as His Blood that he shed for us once we accept His Grace by Faith; this then circumcision is by the heart. The Apostle Paul explained it like this:
Romans 2:25
For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
Romans 2:26
Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
Romans 2:27
And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
Romans 2:28
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Romans 2:29
But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.
I hope this helps and now that you're saved. Please find a community of fellow believers to share the good news with and stay close to your KJV Bible. It's living Word which will guide you every step of the way.
I have accepted our divine lord as my father of all my existence. I am studying the Bible and getting to be closer to my Father Abba through his teaching.
I have read this chapter and would like to know what it is meant by circumcising? What motions or act is done when a person is being circumcised spiritually?
I suppose you could google the history of it and find out more. I just haven't felt a reason to do so, but you may find information that answers your question.
In other words, here in 2021 why are male babies (regardless of religious affiliation) still being circumcised? That's a Jewish ritual, not a Christian one.
thank you for your reply, especially the additional information about Muhammed. I need to learn more about this since my oldest son just married a Muslim woman from Asia. She is kind-hearted and I am praying for her ehart to be softened to hear the truth of the gospel and believe.
With the misunderstanding, hence denial of the Triune God, his belief that he was prophesied to come as the next prophet, the rejection of the New Testament & apostolic writings, & obedience to the Laws of God, especially as those revealed in the Quran & the Hadith, ensured that Muhammed remained disconnected from the Truth & to be the leader of others believing this deception & going into a Christless eternity. So when we (in Pakistan) gave out books containing the Gospels we know & love, or of the lives of Abraham, his sons, David & the prophets (all whom Muslims consider as prophets), many eyes were opened for the first time as they read narratives that were not found in the Quran. And when those readers enquired before the Muslim clerics, one can only imagine the anger & furore that resulted. But the Word of God cannot be bound & will always bring liberty, joy & peace to all who call upon the Name of the LORD through His Son.
I would like to add that circumcision was a command for all of Israel, not only Jews. But by the time of Jesus, Israel had been scattered across the world along with many Jews, but in the holy land, mostly Jews lived there. The Israelites were people of the Law and circumcision before Christ. But they did not have to be bound by these through faith in Jesus. the law of grace set them free from the covenant of Law and circumcision Muhammed copied much from the Jewish faith and put himself and his followers under bondage to the Law when he could have lived free from this bondage if he had believed in Jesus, since salvation had already come into the world when Muhammed lived. Sad that he was deceived and led many down the wrong path. Part of the bondage of the Law makes one a slave to sin. The constant conflict, hatred, and killing that goes on between Jews and Muslims is a result of this bondage.
However, I believe that true faith in God as He revealed Himself in both Testaments is equivalent. When God appeared to Noah, Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Ezekiel Jeremiah, etc. and spoke with with them, they believed the True God they saw and spoke with, even ate with (as Abraham did). God decides who's faith is "saving faith" regardless of the time frame one lives in. This is not to diminish the knowledge of Jesus and the gospel message. Those who hear the gospel and believe it have "saving faith". Those who haven't heard the gospel due to living prior to Jesus' advent will be judged on belief in the True God as He revealed Himself to them in that time. The sacrifice of Jesus reaches back in time to the beginning, just as it is effective now and into the future.it is for all time.
And this practise of circumcision continued, not only within Judaism, but also Islam. Yet as much as Islamists (Arabs) might have their heritage back to Seth, yet "in Isaac shall thy seed be called" ( Genesis 21:12 & Romans 9:6-8). And this rejection of Ishmael by God will always keep those adherents at odds with the "seed of Isaac", & will most likely figure in those awful days of devastation that lie ahead.
But God already knew Isaac from eternity's viewpoint.
Interesting that God called Abraham to walk with God and be perfect. But we all know that Abraham was a sinner like every person is. I get from this verse that as we walk with God, His righteousness covers us while His Spirit is sanctifying us (Making us holy) as He is changing us into Christ's image from glory to glory (bit by bit or moment by moment?).
Since Abraham knew he could father a child (Ishmael) he may have taken this promise into the marriage bed, anticipating conception more than before! And in 3 months Sarah did conceive just as God had said would happen. I'm sure that strengthened Abraham and Sarah's faith even more. Just like experience answers to our prayers strengthen our faith and trust in God.
The first covenant God made was with Himself for Abraham. The second covenant was between God and Abraham, that all males would be circumcised. God knew best to have babies circumcised. My dad was circumcised as an adult. My mom said he was very uncomfortable after it until he healed. She also said that he said that sex was more pleasurable uncircumcised. Maybe God commanded circumcism in order to help men be faithful or considerate of their wives by reducing the pleasure after circumcism. Don't know if this is the case for most men who are circumcised as adults after they have already sexually active. Interesting that other cultures with a low view of women circumcise girls in order that they do not feel much pleasure in intercourse. God's way is always better.
I can tell from this verse that Abraham loved Ishmael and wanted him to be included in the covenant, too. I think he laughed because he realized his and Sarah's age and knew that it would take a miracle for them to have a child. I don't think that he didn't believe God's promise. He just found it humorous. God did not punish him for laughing. He knew Abrahams heart. Ishmael's 12 princes are said to have seeded the Arab nations. Interesting, because that makes the Arab people Semitic if they trace their line to Ishmael or any of the 6 children Abraham fathered with Keturah after Sarah died. It seems that Jews want to own the sole right to be considered Semitic. Truth is, any person descended from Shem is Semitic and anyone descended from Eber is Hebrew, not just the Israelites. Something to think about. maybe broadening our ideas about the people that sprang from that area.
Interesting that He was making the covenant with Abraham, not with Abraham and Sarah. Does this mean that God saw Abraham and Sarah as one inn Abraham, harkening back to Adam and Eve in Genesis?
King James Version (KJV)
Genesis 17:1 Context
1And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. 2And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. 3And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, 4As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
Even we today who read from the KJV are not reading from the original 1611 version as instituted by King James, as if you read from that one, you will see some major differences in the area of spelling as written in those days. This Site gives you that 1611 version (under the Tab "More") if you wish to try & read in that 'olde English'.
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
You have posted truth. All glory to our Father in Heaven and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Peace and Blessings be with you brother.
( 1 John 2:5-6 But whoso keepeth his Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him.
He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.
When we continually call out God's words they become our LIFE. May the FULLNESS OF THE SPIRIT REST ON YOU.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
( 1 John 3:1-10 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him.
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in Him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
John 9 1-3 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
(vs 2) And his disciples ask him, saying, Master, WHO DID SIN, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
(vs 3) Jesus answered, Neither has this man sinned, or his parents: but that THE WORKS OF GOD should be manifest in him.
None of us can completely understand why God does certain thing, but we can believe through the working of the Holy Spirit and stand on his word that the outcome will both bring us into the light and glorify God in the process.
2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto you do well that you take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day (of the Lord)(CHRIST IN YOU) dawn, and the day star arise in you hearts.
Revelation 2:28 And I will give him the morning star.
Revelation 22:16 ...... I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
Job 38:7 When the morning stars sang together; and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice (the holy Spirit) saying in heaven (you, where Christ
dwells), Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of God (Christ in you), and the power of his Christ: for the ACCUSER of our brethern is cast down, which ACCUSED them (you) before our God day and night (they have no rest).
COME INTO MY REST AND CEASE FROM YOUR WORKS (your way of thinking)
May the SPIRIT grace you with ears to hear and eyes to see.
Thank you so much for your reply and your opinion that I asked for.
I do suffer greatly for I blame myself for my wife's illness...tempting God and Satan to do their worst to me.
however, I always think that there is always someone else in this world that is worse off than I.
And Jesus suffer the greatest...I still find it difficult to read the wicked things that were done to Jesus.
You are right...I have been blessed and I feel that I have been saved and it is my time to suffer ...I am trying to love God with all my body, mind and soul; and love thy neighbor.
My prayers for my wife may never come to fruition...I know...only God knows what the plan is.
God bless you.
After reading your post I am moved to send you a reply. To me it shows your true love to your wife. That you could not bear to leave her & also not wanting her to feel the rejection of you leaving her. As you thought maybe the best thing would be for you to die and give her peace. Jesus Christ states that there is no greater love than to give your life for your friend. John 15:13.
Now after your own sickness or "infection" it has moved over to your wife and now she is in "assisted living". The most important thing is the Lord came and spake to you in your dream stating "This is your cross to bear". This is a blessing and not everyone receives these things. In the most simple sens from what I feel is that this is your time to suffer. Jesus Christ suffered for us, gave His life for us, and now as "this is your cross" this is your time to suffer. Please my brother, stay strong in your faith to the Lord and do not even let death separate you from Jesus Christ. Trust in Him. The devil is not in control and even if this is the evil one's doing.. God knows everything and there is a reason for it. It may be to bring you closer to Him.
Read the book of (1 Peter as it goes over suffering well. 2 Thessalonians 1:5 is a good verse. As a teaching of Jesus Christ in the book of John is that no servant is greater than his Master. If the world hates you or persecutes you remember it did it to me first(paraphrasing) John 15:18-20. In faith I also believe the Lord would mean this to be for suffering. In that if we suffer remember He suffered for us first.
I hope my reply helps you and renews your hope in the Lord. Focus on Him. Keep praying from the heart in humbleness. Do not fear the devil.
God Bless you.
Hello everyone,
The answers that I seek are either by prayer, or from Scripture...
However, I write to you for your opinion; so please read the following:
My wife and I found real love after finally finding each other through the fate of God. We have been married for 27 years.
In recent years; our relationship had suffered for many reasons, no blame to either but to both of us.
I could not suffer my wife to leave her nor bear her to suffer the rejection.
So, in my mind; I thought that it would be easier for both if she lost me by death rather than by rejection. So I tempted God and Satan to do their worst.
Then it came to pass that I got an infection in my brain and tried to ride it out to death, but reasoning with myself that this may not bring death but rather a lifelong affliction, I finally went to the hospital and a surgeon performed a cranial and then three months of intravenous antibiotics.
I did not fulfill the curse that I wished for.
Shortly thereafter, my wife was stricken with Alzheimers Dementia. She is 55 years of age and now resides in a Personal Care Home.
I believe this disease was manifested through my sins and tempting God and Satan to do their worst, to me.
Now the ambiguous loss and the guilt that I feel is unbearable. My continued tempting of God and Satan to do their worst to me has come to pass.
My wife has become the victim of my sins and tempting the Powers.
This is truly the worst.
I became born again to pray for my wife and ask God to perform a miracle. Remove the demons from my wife and make her whole again, and forsake me instead.
In conclusion;
I had a dream and a clear voice said to me "This is your cross to bear"
When I looked to the internet to find a meaning for this phrase, the first example displayed was;
"when a family member is diagnosed with Alzheimers, this is your cross to bear."
I truly believe this is the devils work.
Are my prayers lost?