THE K I N G ’ S BUS I NE S S
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of man; the grace of God toward sinful man; the coldness of heart of forgiven man. (3) GOD’S REMOVAL OF ISRAEL FROM THE LAND, v. 18. God’s anger was kindled, (v. 8). No pleading could now save them (Jer. 15: 1) «Then said the Lord unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind could not be toward this people; cast them out of my sight and let them go forth.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Heb. 10:31) for He is a consuming fire (Heb. 12: 29). God cast them out. He will be faith ful to His Word. Where are the ten tribes? A remnant was gathered in the return, but where are they? Every Jew everywhere should be a standing, living testimony to the truth of God’s Word and a warning to the professing church (Rom. 11:20, 22). Men must either abide in Christ or abide under the wrath of God (Jno. 3: 36). The most solemn words in the Bible are those from the lips of our Lord (Matt. 25:41), “ Depart from me, ye cursed!” Look for a moment at the steps of Israel’s downfall: Luxury. Under God’s blessing they were rich and prosperous. Oppression. The iron heel upon the neck of the poor. Lewdness. A low standard of moral ity. Giving up to the passions of the heart. Drunkenness. Intoxication — strong drink— infidelity— rebellion of heart. Idolatry. This is the root sin—-the worship of other gods. With this picture as a background, we can see the matchless love of God in Christ. To save such sinners, such rebels, Christ died. It is written, “Who soever will, may come.” But it is also written, “Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
ed themselves upon the words of Hejee- kiah, king of Judah.” The fruit of sin is sinning. Sin has a climax. Christians are commanded to keep themselves from idols (1 Jno. 5:21) “Little children keep yourselves from idols.” To be His witnesses (Acts 1:8) «But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost Is come upon you; and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jeru salem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.” _ To live a separate life, (Titus 2:12, 13) «Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly, in this present WLooking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” To walk in love (Epb. 5:2) «And walk in love; as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.” (2) I S R A E L ’ S REJECTION OF GOD’S CALL TO REPENTANCE, vs. 13, 17. God sought to stop Israel in her mad career. He sent prophets and seers with the message, “ Turn ye! Keep my commandments.” And the voice of God meant as little to them as it does to us. Hear His Word to Israel (Psa. 81:8, 9) «Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee; O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me; There shall be no strange god in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god.” Yet Israel hearkened not (2 Chron. 36:16) “But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy.” Just as Herod received John’s testi mony (Matt. 14:10, 11). Just as Saul of Tarsus received the testimony of the Christian Jews (Acts 26:11). Just as the Jews received the testimony of Stephen (Acts 7:54-59). Paul gave a good testimony concerning the heart of the Jews (Acts 28:27). Three things are hard to understand; The depth of wickedness of the heart
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