THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
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One pastor told the truth to his congregation.
It seems he was leaving for a mision trip to a foreign country and had not had the time to prepare his Sunday sermon as he normally did. So he prayed, and asked God's Holy Spirit to tell him what to say Sunday morning.
When he went into the pulpit, he silently prayed and asked God to tell him what to say.
Just then, an audible voice said, "Tell the people you are UNPREPARED!"
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Gen 49:1-2
1 And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.
2 Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father.
KJV
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For further information about what Jacob told his family, one should read the whole chapter.
Genesis, the "book of beginnings," (only 50 chapters) ends with the death of Jacob.
In the short book:
*God has established the universe.
*God has established the human race.
*Due to their wickedness, God destroyed them and started over with Noah's family.
*And now God has established a "chosen" group of people in the human race, through whom He would deliver a Saviour for sinful man.
Jacob has already passed on his "first-born" blessing to Joseph, and now he calls for the other sons to come with their families.
Though Jacob is weak in body and frail, he is still strong of mind, and spirit. And his thought at this most important time is to share with his sons what he knows spiritually.
Parents, it is important (above all things) to pass on to our children the spiritual truths of God revealed in Jesus Christ and the Bible.
One thing Jacob passed on about ALL his children: they were weak sinners. He pointed out to each of them their weaknesses. But Jacob also pointed out that God had blessed them and He had more blessings in store for them.
Aren't we all weak sinners? Let us confess our sins before God, and trust in Him for grace (unmerited favor). We don't deserve it, but God loves us and has "exceeding abuntantly more than we ever ask or think" in store for us.
Love ya,
Bruce