“He ruleth by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.”
King James Version (KJV)
Chris's comment on 2020-12-21 16:25:12:
Preachers who forbid inter-racial marriages would usually have to quote the Old Testament, where God forbad Israel from doing so (e.g. Deuteronomy 7:3, Joshua 23:12, & many others). This was given expressly to prevent the 'purity' of God's people from becoming tainted with the spiritual harlotry of the heathen around them. Conversely, the prophet Hosea was instructed to marry a promiscuous woman, Gomer, we understand from another nation, for the purposes of giving Israel a vivid example to the extent of their unfaithfulness & debauchery. So, it was never seen that Israel was to have anything to do with the heathen around them, whether in business or marriage.
Then comes Jesus & His Cross. The Cross not only became God's implement to provide a sinner destined for eternal punishment, a way out & into the Arms of a Merciful God, but also brought together all peoples, of every nation, tribe & tongue, into that one Body, which is Christ. The Apostle Paul says it well here: "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus...There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."(Galatians 3:26-28). That is, those who have come through Jesus' Cross & have been born again of His Spirit, are now one family, regardless of nationality, gender or anything else. I understand that we have God's permission to marry whomever we wish, but only those "in the Lord".
The care however that a believer should take in this regard, is for finding the partner in life who has similar goals & direction in life & who truly keeps the Lord as the preeminent One in their lives, in their thoughts & decisions. Disunity here can lead to unnecessary turmoils further down the road. Our common love for our intended spouse & for the Lord Who saved us, ought to be the criterion for our decision to marry someone, rather than using their skin colour, appearance or background as the criteria.
Lori's comment on 2020-12-21 08:05:34:
I need it very well explained to me about what the Bible says about interracial marriages. Some preachers say it is wrong some say it is not. But from what I read, in the King James Version, it is wrong to mix. Please help to understand this.
Thank you!!
Chris's comment on 2020-12-20 21:20:18:
The two Scriptures that were impressed upon my heart today for you:
Matthew 5:14: "Ye ARE the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."
Isaiah 30:15 (part): "in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength." Your power & resilience lies in your faith & waiting upon the Lord.
May the Lord bless you richly Mishael & minister to your deepest need as you meditate on the Lord Who came just for YOU & will in like manner do so again.
Mishael's comment on 2020-12-20 14:54:10:
I appreciate your prayers more than you know.
There are times when when the enemy comes rushing in like a flood; in the form of family. Having done all, to stand is what I must do.
I still celebrate our Lords birth into this world. He gives us hope and a firm foundation to stand upon. May Jesus bless you and your family with gifts of love.
Chris's comment on 2020-12-19 23:14:41:
Mishael, yesterday I sensed that you may have needed an extra measure of the Lord's special Touch. I hoped it may have been just busy-ness at this time of the year, but felt a special bearing up was needed before the Throne of Grace. I know you spend many quiet moments at the Saviour's side & was confident that you were not withheld from His Touch upon your life. Blessings & strength upon you as you feed on that Living Bread.
Mishael's comment on 2020-12-19 21:30:25:
Thanks Chris. I needed to hear that today.
Chris's comment on 2020-12-19 19:47:11:
In 1 Kings 19:12, we read: "And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice." "Still small voice" = a sound of gentle, soft stillness.
We see Elijah in great conflict of soul: he was on fire over the horrible spiritual condition of Israel as well as for his own life being cut short, as Jezebel sought to kill him (v 10). Elijah was in mental & emotional turmoil & was running away in fear, considering his own desperate situation in self-pity, rather than seeking the Lord Who was able to deliver him. And often we find ourselves in the same predicament, when we wallow in self-pity & not immediately call upon the Lord for strength & wisdom.
So, the Lord demonstrated to Elijah how insignificant he was & his problems were, when compared to the power of the Almighty. The mighty wind & earthquake should have jolted Elijah to Whom he was really dealing with. And after all that noise & destruction, came a 'sound of gentle stillness'. It was in that sound, that the Lord chose to speak with Elijah, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" I think that it was a much more subdued Elijah who spoke (in v 14), when the Lord, in quietness, told him what he needed to do (v 15 onwards).
As Christians, even in the midst of inner turmoil that might overtake us, if we take the time to listen out for God's quiet voice (by His Spirit), it will certainly come to us direct to our spirit, teaching us & comforting us concerning the matters we face. When we grow & mature in Christ, then whenever we get into conflict, we've learnt to run into the comfort & help from the Lord. The Psalmist learned this (Psalm 121), that help, any help in conflict, can only come from the Creator of the World & us.
Terfa's comment on 2020-12-19 13:17:45:
What do understand by the word still small voice