James
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"For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish."
Job was a righteous man. " But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold."( Job 23:10) His patience was a virtue, which was not his patrimony but taught of God in the midst of the fire that tried him daily. 'Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful."( James 5:11-ESV) Do we not see faith in the manner he received it each day? He did not change his stance while to his friends it smacked of mulishness to hold on still to righteousness. It was obvious to the whole world 'here is a wreck, in body and worldly goods! Instead of speaking what was right they did injury to holiness of God to which we shall come anon.
Was Job guilty of pride, to hold onto his righteousness? He knew faith in God's mercy that made him weather the storm about his hearth,- for daily it came in waves. His unfortunate wife was lost in the domestic tragedies she could not understand. St James speaks of mercy which has the righteousness of the Son and also a form,- this was the fourth presence in the story of the Three Hebrew Children Thrown Into The Furnace. Only with experience or growing in grace we begin to appreciate the verses in the Book of Lamentations. "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;/ they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."(Lam.3:22-23). In a nutshell the grace of Jesus Christ works from within, and 'Christ in me' is not making a show for fools. Consider Jesus who refused the Jews who would want a sign from him. We are living in the same similar wicked and adulterous generation. Till he comes to gather his saints we shall see fools of the same stripe, only that they call it 'prosperity.' They are the chaff.
Let me give you an example. If you have a car that goes top speed 100 miles per hour and you put your foot on the pedal expecting to go 150 and you keep pressing your foot on the pedal, the only thing you will get at the end is to burn the engine, it will never go 150. We have limits all of us. Yes we must lengthen our limits/broaden our hearts but they will always exist.
Yes God has made us partakers of His Spirit. Which means that He gave us a means to grow spiritually and produce a fruit in our lives. But that Spirit has not transformed our nature. We are still human. Have you ever thought why we will be sinless in Heaven? We don't know really, do we?. Some say because of the new body we will be given. But satan has got no flesh but he still sinned and is still sinning although his is a spirit. So the sin does not only originate from the flesh, but it originates from our spirit as well.
My assumption is that we will be sinless because we will have God's Spirit with no measure, like Jesus had it. The presence of God inside us will be infinite and will not allow any sin coming inside us. But in this life we have the Spirit partially. (Well this is just thoughts, we don't really know). If God wanted to make us perfect in this life, He would had done it in a split second, But He didn't and He will not. We have to wait untill we enter our heavenly country.
Well some thoughts of mine. Blessings.
James 5:16, "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
1 Timothy 6:12, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses."
The line of demarcation exists when we consider 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7. For now; the gates of hell do not prevail against the church ( Matt. 16:18); but in the Tribulation or time of Jacob's trouble they will be overcome ( Rev. 13:7; Daniel 7:25). While we remain as salt and light the putrification is held back along with the final fulfillments of prophecies.
Ezekiel 38 is something geopolitically that seems to have aligned uniquely with Iran; Turkey and Russian agreements. As with anything else; those who look to the current war in Ukraine or any other conflicts basically are repeating centuries old patterns.
The downfall of currencies also seems to have been thwarted temporarily as of the last few days; apparently some small countries are utilizing the dollar more; and there seems to be both a new gold standard backed currency with the BRICS nations; and the concept of electronic currency concurrently happening; for now. Certainly there are harbingers of things to come. The recent lowering in prices of gold and silver (See Zephaniah 1:18; Ezekiel 7:19; and James 5:3) could indicate a collapse either just before the Tribulation and or during it (perhaps further enforced by Antichrist). To have the Mark of the Beast all other trade methodologies must be cancelled; I don't believe that can happen prior to the Rapture of the church in entirety.
Isaiah 8:12 reminds us not to call everything "conspiracy" that everyone else says is. The two dangers we have are thinking everything is an indication that the end has come; OR belittling the literal final fulfillment after all the predictions of the past proved false. Such could of course be argued with verses such as 1 Cor. 15:52 on the Rapture (Rapturo in Latin). Full Preterists think everything happened by 70 AD. Most think it was partially fulfilled; which again makes the most sense with a literal interpretation of the texts.
More to come...
"Brethren (i.e. those in the faith from the Jewish diaspora), if any of you err from the truth ('planethe', to go astray or wander), and one convert him ('epistrepse', to turn him back); Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way (returns or guides him onto the path of holiness of life) shall save a soul from death (from God's Judgement by virtue of physical death, cf 1 Corinthians 11:27-32, noting that God's Judgement is done in Love, to the end "that we (the Christian in sin) should not be condemned with the world, as those who are consigned to Hell)...and shall hide ('kalypsei', to hide/conceal) a multitude of sins (by restoring a wayward believer by his repentance & restoration, that his sins repented of, will no more be judged by God).
Indeed, "a Christ follower can fall away, stray, wander, err from the truth" as you wrote, but if he is "in Christ" as "Christ in him", he will always, repeat always, be gently ministered to by the Holy Spirit & led back to the path of true & abundant living. Not one of Christ's sheep will ever be lost, even though they stray afar. But if they remain obstinate & continue to dabble in sin, as in the case of incest at Corinth, the apostle using his authority, delivered that soul to Satan's domain "for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus".
I hope that brings out my understanding clearly, though I could not understand your last question, re: Billy Graham gaining more forgiveness/more grace.
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
So, yes I believe one can lose their salvation. On the verse James 5:20 "Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." this is speaking of hiding a multitude of the "sinners" sins, not the person who helped him out of it. It's assumed that the person who helped him out of it is saved and hasn't fallen away, he is already covered by the blood of Jesus.
Hope that helps, God bless
19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
NASB on verse 19 instead of "err", it says "strays" from the truth.
NIV says "wander" from the truth.
James is written to Christ followers- the twelve tribes and calls them brothers and sisters and the writing seems to suggest they have faith, like 1:3. And suggests they have assemblies (church) like 2:1.
First thing I notice is it acknowledges that a Christ follower can fall away, stray, wander, err from the truth. This might mean the Christian temporarily is not following Christ, maybe takes a detour, gets a flat tire, gets confused and goes the wrong way for a short time like I do when driving. Some Christians believe it is impossible to stay or fall away, so this verse might be a surprise to them.
Next, it suggests that the one who stayed is endanger of hell (save a soul from death), so this err from the truth is quite serious.
But it suggests that someone who helps correct the person shall hide/cover a multitude of sins. This is the part I find most interesting. What do you think it means? Could those like Billy Graham who spent their lifetime preaching and trying to convert the lost have more forgiveness or more 'more' grace?
If you don't have elders or a Church, pray over them in faith, anointing them with oil in the name of Jesus.
You sound like a very good child to your parents, I pray you are blessed as well.
Do not worry! The Lord never gives us more than we can handle. You will overcome. God has chosen us before the foundation of the world. He does NOT make mistake in choosing us. He does NOT fail. Continue to pray. If possible find someone who loves you to keep you in his/her prayer. I am praying too. Courage and rely solely on HIS grace. Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: an it rained not on the earth by the space of three yeas and six months. ( James 5:17). This Gospel works and God always delivers for His children.
When we look at passages such as Luke 19:8 with Zaccheus; certainly someone who was a corrupt tax collector or just happened to have a job that was despised could reform their ways; such as a teacher who is caught up in error and corrected by His brother ( James 5:19). This speaks of individuals who are granted repentance and come to realize Christ as Lord and Savior. This differentiates Christ's preaching of a general call nature and the parables hiding truth from the "wise" and revealing it to "babes" (see Matt. 11:25 as an example). In the general call we see a railing accusation against Pharisees and the lawyers of the time as we see in Matthew 23. We must remember that God can "choose their delusions" ( Isaiah 66:4) so that at some point men's hearts can be hardened beyond hope. Only the Lord knows what point that is; as well as those who are His children.
As to "shepherds" or leaders of any sort; of course there is harsher judgment for them than others. We see this with the denouncement of those who are "sons of hell" themselves and the resulting disciples who are twice as bad ( Matthew 23:15).
Teachers of Gospel truth also have this principle ( James 3:1). The case of a believer vs a non believer separates the results; of course from that of hellfire and suffering loss of reward. Nonetheless; the principle stands.
James 5:14-15
14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.
Hope this helps Marc. Have you gotten some oil (?) and put a little dab on your moms forehead ( virgin olive oil) and prayed a prayer of faith over her for healing? If not please do so. Gods word does not lie.
If you are a born again believer you have power to cast out demons AND heal the sick. These gifts are for today! Please use them. It's obvious that you care deeply for your momma. She needs you to do this and to lead her to Christ if she's not already born again of the spirit.
I write this to you in much love. I'm saying a prayer for you both right now.
IT seems that with the downplay (if even being a factor at all) of coming to saving faith of repentance for individuals another issue is being unwilling to confront national evils which we are called to sound out against as per Ezekiel 33. There are several reasons for this; one being fear of societal disapproval or persecution; going against the grain of many who are rather lukewarm about the subject and the most insidious perhaps being our own tendancy to be overcomfortable as the pot approaches boiling as we see in the case of Lot. James 5:3 should be carefully read; as many think that through their own efforts they can make it through the Tribulation; or even be able to endure things before that should there be a crash in the metals market; or perhaps something else such as nuclear fallout that could render such wealth useless. There needs to be a healthy balance between wise prudence in resources and hoarding; the former being ideally used for other saints in a time of crisis as was in the book of Acts; and the latter being a tendency to fall into based on political persuasion being set above spiritual wisdom.
As with my first part in this series; it should be obvious that the crap will hit the fan; so to speak. Or; as I put it God is much more longsuffering than I am; considering the long list of abominations our own nation has committed; although hardly alone in such actions we have been the catalyst for expanding these horrors worldwide (abortion; pornography; illicit drug trade).
Whether we are Babylon or not; or a part of the final world system it is evident that destruction when it comes will be so speedy that there is no remedy to avoid the famine; plagues; war and demonic infestation of the earth at that time short of Divine Intervention and protection.
Satan will have his day in the spotlight; so let us work while it still is day. ( John 9:4).
in any case know that the Lord has put you here on the web and writing here is useful to all who read it. Remember where two and three are gathered, there is the Lord Jesus Christ in the midst of us. Which task is the biggest?
Prayer is the greatest of all gifts. Without prayer we get nothing, without someone who prays all is lost. Without the prayer of a righteous man, there will be complete/total spiritual darkness on Earth. James 5:16
It is so great to join and pray for all people, it gives life and vitality in a dark time where we see that our loved ones feel so good about themselves that they do not see/that they need God in their lives. But there will be days when they too will fall to their knees. The day when God calls them for that He has promised. Acts 16:31
Imagine there, the whole family was saved at once, received the baptism in the Holy Spirit too! God is good to the faithful who believe. Never lose heart and stand against such thought. Every man has received a gift. Love u in Christ. Thank, Hallelujah for the Lord knows and take his people home.
I'm praying for you this morning. Heaven knows YOUR name!
Romans 3:23
Romans 10:9
Repentance is so important. Lay down everything you can think of that you know is sin. Ask God ( in Jesus mighty and powerful name ) to help you repent and forgive you. He will help you with all of these needs. And make up your mind that you're gonna live for Him no matter what comes your way. If you fall get back up again, this is a battle and you will get knocked down sometimes but don't stay down. His mercy is brand new every single morning so hit your Heavenly Father up first thing in the morning as soon as you open your eyes.Go and find a Bible teaching preaching church. James 5:16. Call on God,call on Jesus!
Much love to you sister. Jesus loves you.
We face temptations on a daily basis, it becomes like something you know you shouldn't do, then you do it anyway. Then the question is what is it dear to you. One can well imagine that this is not a good thing. It is important to distinguish between Spirit, Soul and body. Run to Jesus an pray for help.
The body has its everyday routine. Then we can expand this into many illegal things. If it is the meat that tempts us, we only have one choice. Run to Jesus, pray for it to go away. Then it also means that you have to capture every thought that comes up, after this pray of help. So that you don't think about it ever again
There is a difference here. The one who is a child, the one who is young, and the one who is old. Think about it. The Lord does not expect a child to drive a car. If there is anyone who cares for us all, it is the Lord. Think about the smallest little thing He is with. He is also involved in the big things. As Gods word said, the kingdom of God is within us who believe.
We learn as we go. We separate things from good and bad as we have been taught to do so. People are so different. Some hear well and others don't. This is completely individual. Thank God the Father for it is He who has made us this way.
And if our conscience says that what we are doing is wrong. May we sincerely ask for forgiveness and learn from it as best we can. Good luck on your journey towards Sanctification. Love u in Christ.
Hint: Try 1 day that suits and keep the thought of the Lord Jesus. Only on Him, see what's coming. He tells you good things. It will help you a lot and not think on other.
Even the Revelation 14:14-16 passage you quoted, referring to the harvest being the Church; if this is the Rapture, why then did the Church have to experience the previous judgements of God (in Revelation 6:1-17: Seal Judgements; Revelation 8:1-9:21: Trumpet Judgements). These can't be the ordinary, everyday turmoils that Earth's inhabitants face, but specific Judgements from God and then the sickle is struck for the harvesting (& of course, some are cast into the winepress of God's Wrath).
So brother, I don't want to continually rehash the earlier passages we've written about, as clearly we read these prophetical messages differently. My understanding is that the Great Tribulation of seven years (the last week seen in Daniel's prophecy), which includes God's Wrath in its various phases & intensities, will come after the Church is removed; even as promised to the Philadelphian Church in Revelation 3:10.
The anti-Christ (at least at the beginning of his reign of terror to his opponents), & the beginning of God's Judgements ( Revelation 6,8,9), assure our hearts that the Rapture of the Church can happen suddenly, without any signs to prepare for that day. The call is for our expectant joyous living & readiness now, as even the early Church was to urged to expect ( Philippians 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; Titus 2:13; James 5:8; Revelation 1:3) - not for our awakening when things begin to get very difficult in the course of the final seven years. The call was always for believers' readiness - we couldn't be in such a state if we know that much more needs to happen before the Lord's Coming/Rapture of the Church - death might overtake most of us before then.
d. the revelation of the anti-Christ is restrained ( 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12). Paul's reason for writing this was because the Church was greatly troubled that the Day of the Lord (Christ) had begun. Paul said that that day wouldn't commence until Jesus came for them & raptured them ("our gathering together unto him": v1). The 'restrainer' is the Holy Spirit in God's people, then when He is removed, God's people are removed, for the Holy Spirit was sent to indwell us & work in & through us & for the Gospel's propagation ( John 16:7,8,13).
e. a comparison between an imminent Rapture & Rapture at the Second Coming:
1. Translation of all believers ( 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18) --- No translation at all ( Revelation 19:6-21).
2. Raptured saints return to Heaven ( 1 Thessalonians 4:17; John 14:1-3) --- Raptured saints return to Earth ( 1 Thessalonians 3:13; Revelation 19:14).
3. Any moment, in readiness, without signs ( 1 Corinthians 1:7; Philippians 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:6; Titus 2:13; James 5:7-9; Revelation 3:11, 22:7,12,20) --- many signs given of the Great Tribulation which leads into Jesus' coming (so a readiness cannot be expected, as the seven year's count down begins with the anti-Christ).
A Pre-Tribulation Rapture position keeps the Church ready & watching for her Lord's Coming. Any other position can give her the tendency to apathy & carelessness. The Church is told to be watchful, in spite of ridicule, "where is the promise of his coming" ( 2 Peter 3:4). But Christ's coming is held back until the full number are saved (v9) - and then Jesus will come to take His Church Home.
Please pray the Lord move me in the Spirit and my being to acquire a stronger prayer to avail much.
May God bless you all.
I'm hoping GOD pulled through for you with shelter over your head. I had a dream last night that I was asking a US retired Marine, to show me how to survive outside, without freezing. I was weeping, (because our situation is dire in real life & in the dream) he started to show me & started to set things up, upon a sheltered rock. I declared urgently "Wait! I have 3 children, this needs to protect them too!" Then he picked the materials up & the situation changed. Later in the dream, I was holding that retired Marine in my arms weightlessly up in water & helping baptize him. Leading him in the walk of a believer in the LORD & Word of GOD. The leader that was supposed to be doing the baptism seemed to be saying things & doing things wrongly. I quickly submerged the Marine under water declaring scripture. He stayed very close to me until a woman needed my help. Then I went with her, helping her fight the evil attacks against her. I'm not sure what the dreams I've been having mean fully, but I came across your prayer request again & I'm going out on a limb thinking it may be connected. I believe many of us that help here on this site, will pray about dire situations but don't have a response we feel is good enough encouragement to post. I have pondered scripture & prayer for you a couple of times. I've even tried to reach out to Samaritan's Purse Ministry on your behalf but my message failed to send in their platform.
We're in a difficult season to say the least. We will make it through these times! I believe it! We need each other in these times & in the days & years ahead. This is a place like: Philippians 2, Philippians 3:10-21, Romans 12:1-13, Ephesians 3:16-21, 2Timothy 2:1-3, James 5:10-11, 2Corinthians 11:25-27, Matthew 8:19-20,
I was reassured in my spirit, these difficult oppressive moments I'm facing are for others. It's a bigger better plan. 2Corinthians 4, Psalms 139, Psalms 37,
Hopefully these are all helpful
"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
Sometimes Hebrews 12:7
Matthew 24:13, Mark 13:13, James 5:11,
Hopefully these are encouraging to you, as your words & scriptures were to me, thank you
Hopefully these encourage you
James 5:9, "brethren" "lest you be condemned" James 5, in context
Points out, these for-sure think they are 'saved' entitled" to enter they even boast of the Religiousness, Matthew 7:21-24, "Many will say in that day Lord, Lord, have we not ._._." & those who actually feel unworthy, were/are welcomed. Matthew 25:37-40. When anyone starts thinking they're all deserving we need beware by being aware! Because pride comes before a fall'' Proverbs 16:18,
Matthew 7:21 "._._. but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" Micah 6:8, James 1:27,
2Timothy 2:15,
With much study there indicates the treatment of "the least of these" is a major weight to GOD ALMIGHTY throughout the scriptures, Old & New Testament. Luke 12:45-47, note (abusive treatment towards people having less authority,) "._._ will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers" context Luke 12, indicating these are "believers"
Please notice
James 2:13-19, "For he shall have judgement without mercy, that hath showed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgement. What doth it profit my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say thou hast faith, and I have works: Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; Thou doest well: The devils also believe and tremble." James 2 in context
Hopefully these are helpful
Hopefully these are encouraging & helpful
Hopefully these are helpful & encouraging & healing to you, that you likewise will help others Matthew 10:8,
Get her to the church where she can be prayed over. As instructed in James 5:14-15. I'm believing that God will do a mighty work in her life and ask you to encourage her to stand upon His word.
Isaiah 4:10
Luke 8:50
Heavenly Father, please heal Charles's pancreas from this cancer. God you're able and i ask You to heal him, please. In Jesus name. Please comfort him and help him to put all of his trust in You. Help him to draw near to You. As close as he can get by reading the Bible daily and standing on Your promises. Repenting of all known and unknown sin. Help him to forgive anyone he has been holding a grudge against , if there be any such person. Help him to eat whole healthy food give him wisdom in that department Lord . Cancer cannot stand in Your presence Lord. Help him not to stress. Let the Holt Spirit comfort him. Give his medical team wisdom and compassion. Bless them and send Angels to work among them. Work it out for his good and let it be his testimony! I ask this in Jesus name. And I thank You Jehovah Rapha, ( The Lord who heals)
Jeremiah 17:14
1 Peter 2:24
Psalm 41:3
Proverbs 17:22
James 5:15
Okay this is my THIRD attempt to do this without it getting wiped out. For those trusting God we still only see through a glass darkly. ( 1 Cor. 13:12). Nonetheless in our own lives and especially others we can see patterns of how trusting God brings us benefits in the Lord. The effectual prayers of a righteous man availeth much ( James 5:16).
It is good to follow someone who has a proven track record long term in trusting and fearing the Lord. Obviously we need to be cautious in case they slip into sin; but as "iron sharpens iron" ( Prov. 27:17) it is good to exhort; admonish and of course encourage one another as brothers in Christ ( 2 Tim. 4:2). A TRUE man of God will be open about the fact that he is indeed a flawed vessel; and will ask for prayer.
This; of course is NOT the same as following anyone who has an auspicious name in the ministry. There are those; of course that have that name who are doctrinally sound; others who are clearly not. It is unlikely that these individuals have the time to effectively look at an individual at least long term unless you happen to be close friends to them or a family member. The scriptures; however have the answers in them; and ultimately they should be used by the skilled practitioner to reveal the Lord's will in our lives.
I would like to share my understanding using James 5:7. For me to properly explain myself, I will take the entire verse.
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Obviously using the word brethren, used 21 times in this letter, is indication for us that he's talking to believers.
Now the word patience:
There are two words for patience in scripture. One is literally longsuffering, and that's the word used most of the time. That's also the word used here, but it's used patience instead of longsuffering.
This is Makrothumia, which means slow in human reaction. Slow in human reaction is called longsuffering, and it's usually used in application to our response to people.
Patience, Hupomeno, means to remain under. And that word is used for circumstances. So literally, patience is to remain under, and longsuffering is to be slow in human reaction.
But it's interesting that James in a command form says be patient, or literally longsuffering therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord.
Be slow in your human reaction to the world, opposite of being impulsive, opposite of the things in the world, the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life that the world beckons to. Be slow in your human reaction towards the world until the coming of the Lord. Be patient.
And he gives an example here:
Behold, the husbandman, (the farmer), he waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience, (Makrothumia) for it, until he receives the early and latter rain.
Now God promised the Jews, His people, in Deuteronomy 11:14, He says I will give you the rain of your land in its due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in thy corn, and your wine and your oil.
The early rain is October/November, planting season, so that after they plant, the rains come and push the seed into the ground, and waters the ground.
Out of space so I need to send a part 2.
At three different places in the Bible, a former/early and a latter rain are mentioned:
1. Joel 2:23, 'Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month."
2. Hosea 6:23, "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth."
3. James 5:7, "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain."
What is this former/latter rain? Is it just a figure of speech or it may imply something? Do you think that it may imply something for us now in the last(of the last) days?
1 John 2:17 makes it clear that the world is fading away and the lusts thereof. Zephaniah 1:18 also makes obvious that all attempts to save us in the day of wrath; i.e. Tribulation will not save a person; whether spiritually or physically. James 5:3 warns about hoarding such things in the last days.
In all of today's answers; Satan is more than content to distract us from the fact that our greatest enemy is ourselves. As a society there is always an accelerated need for a new "fix" whether it be the latest catchy tune; the next financial gain; the next big social gig; the next high or buzz etc. We have all sold out to the lowest common denominator to accomplish our goals. There are plenty of characteristics in 2 Timothy of the times we are living in; and other Bible verses on the bad fruit we see today.
Imagine how much worse things would be without modern medical breakthroughs for life expectancy today in this self destructive society. We seem to have numbed ourselves to the hopeless state of the unregenerate souls today and are caught up in endless ways to make this life more comfortable. As believers discernment is sorely deficient to the messages either conscious or unconscious that are being pushed into our brains each day. Somehow we feel that everyone just needs to hear how much God loves them and that God is not "angry" with us or going to judge us when scriptures tell the opposite. He is angry with the wicked every day. Psalm 7:11 makes it clear that God judges the righteous; and is angry with the wicked EVERY DAY. God may chastise the believer and judge at the Bema seat rather than the Great White Throne Judgment but there are rewards to lose as Christians if we are not careful ( Rev. 3:11). This inoffensive Gospel of cheap grace rather than a pearl of great cost ( Matt. 13:45-46) is in reality more dangerous than no Gospel at all if we try to dumb down His righteousness and Word to create a more "acceptable" view.