Reassuring the Faithful

How are you assured that God is ultimately in control?

Thus says the Lord - God’s Authority

In what authorities do you trust?

The inhabitants have strength through the Lord of hosts, their God.

Image of Strength: Feeblest like David, house of David like God, like the angel of the Lord at their head

And the Lord shall give victory …, The Lord shall shield …

I will pour out a spirit of compassion and supplication and they will look to the one whom they have pierced

(Who?) (John 19:37) (Rev. 1-7)

Concept: Prophecy, Immediate/Future Fulfillment. Is this then a prophecy for us? For our time?

Divisions among God’s people (the Clans of Judah/ the inhabitants of Jerusalem, City/Country)

How does God feel about them?

Proverbs 6:16-19 Six things God hates - anyone sending forth contentions among brothers

Why? Commentator: As long as 2 sides are in dispute God’s will will be neglected

What causes disputes among God’s people?

Proverbs 13:10 - Pride causes disputes, Mark 9:33-35 - Dispute over who is greatest
Proverbs 18:6 - Ignorance leads to disputes
Proverbs 22:10 - Ridicule causes disputes

Have you personally experienced disputes/divisions among people of God?

Salem State Christian Fellowship

Arabic Baptist Church in Charlotte

How are we to handle disputes? Love, forgiveness, healing.

Philippians: 2:14 - Keep free from murmurings and arguments

Proverbs 17:14 - Leave before blow up

Acts 15 - Dispute whether converted Gentiles must be circumcised and follow the law of Moses.
Key verses 7-11.

Romans 14 - Disputes over what is proper to eat and what observances to observe