Following The Correct Doctrine 08.21.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is August 21, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Jeremiah. Please read Chapters 23-25 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%2023-25&version=9

Today we will read and learn about Judah's future restoration; the promises of Christ; lying prophets; good and bad figs; and the judgement upon Babylon foretold. Today's message focuses on the importance of following the correct doctrine and teachers of God. If we do not know the truth we will face many consequences.

Only a few months remained before the judgement upon Babylon took place and the destruction of the kingdom of Judah began. It was now too late to pray for Jerusalem or for the Temple to be saved from this destruction and through Jeremiah God warned the lying prophets, "For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the LORD. Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the LORD. And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err. I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness; they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah. Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land." (Jeremiah 23:11-15).

Today, there are even more false prophets, pastors, and teachers proclaiming God's Word yet constantly live in sin. A true servant of God will let the Holy Spirit work in him/her and serve Him whole heartedly and turning away from the lusts of the world. Did you know that Satan knows the Bible? He will use anyone to give bits and pieces of the Bible in order to steer them into sin and destruction. That is why it is so important to study God's Word for yourself, to get around others who do the same, and to teach those who err due to false prophets.

Judah's last king, Zedekiah who was one of the most wicked kings, would soon suffer horribly and he watched his children die and later himself be captured, (See Kings 25). God compared Judah and Zedekiah to good and bad figs, "Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel; Like these good figs, so will I acknowledge them that are carried away captive of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for their good. For I will set mine eyes upon them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up. And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart. And as the evil figs, which cannot be eaten, they are so evil; surely thus saith the LORD, So will I give Zedekiah the king of Judah, and his princes, and the residue of Jerusalem, that remain in this land, and them that dwell in the land of Egypt: And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for their hurt, to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them." (24:5-9). The good figs represented God's people who just needed help getting back on track, they were sent to be captives in Babylon in order to teach and correct them. The bad figs represent those who refuse to acknowldege God even that He exsists and continue to live in sin no matter what consequences they face.

These prophecies are grave reminders that sin and suffering go hand in hand. Most people on this earth feel shame and guilt when they know they have done something wrong and continue to do so. The further they get into their sin the more they suffer as they face more and more consequences.

Even while Babylon was conquering Judah Jeremiah assured them that they would be safe, "In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." (23:6). When we receive Christ as our Savior He becomes for us THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed as THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. (Jeremiah 23:6).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the countless people who have followed Your calling in their lives and spoke the truth about You. They chose to do Your will and because of their obedience our lives have been spiritually enriched. Above all, we thank You for Jesus who chose to do Your will; who left the sinless portals of heaven to make His home among us so that we might see You clothed in flesh. Help us to be obedient to Your will for our lives. We want to hold loosely to this temporal passing world and direct our affections toward the eternal dwelling place where we will live forever with You. In Jesus' name....Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!
God bless,
Christina

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