A Study of the Scriptures: All the Stories in the Bible.

[Jason0047]

Also, Warren W. Wiersbe has an amazing commentary on this point, too.

Warren essentially says that Stephen's speech opens with the glory of God and closes with the glory of God (Acts 7:55). He adds that that the entire time when Stephen had spoken, his face radiated the glory of God? Why? Because Israel was the only nation priviledged to have the glory of God as a part of it's inheritance (Romans 9:4). Therefore, the glory of God departed, first from the tabernacle (1 Samuel 4:19-22) and then from the temple (Ezekiel 10:4, 18). For God's glory was manifested when the Word was made flesh (John 1:14), but the nation of Israel had rejected Him, though.


Source:
http://www.amazon.com/Wiersbe-Bible-Commentary-Vol-Commentaries/dp/0781445418/

Now, don't misunderstand me; I believe Israel (as a nation) will one day repent and accept Jesus as their Messiah shortly before He returns; However, during the time of Jesus and now, Israel (as a nation) still needs to come to accept or recognize Him as the Savior, though.

 

[Jason0047]

The God of glory appeared unto ... Abraham, (Acts 7:2b) when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, (Acts 7:2d)

and they came unto Haran [Charran], and dwelt there. (Genesis 11:31).

And so Abraham (Acts 7:8) then came ... out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran [Haran]: (Acts 7:4b).

And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran [Charran]. (Genesis 11:32).

Abraham first dwelt in Mesopotamia (Which was his native homeland) before he moved and dwelled in Charran. "Charren" is the New Testament rendering of the OT city named "Haran." This city called "Harren" in the Old Testament should not be confused with Lot's father named: "Haran." (See -
Genesis 11:31).

 

[Jason0047]

Story #8 - Abraham and Sarah's Story

Chapter 1 - The Blessing of the Promised Seed.

Act 1 - (The Call)

The God of glory appeared unto ... Abraham, (Acts 7:2b) when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, (Acts 7:2d)

And said unto him,
"Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee."

(Acts 7:3-4a).

And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran [Charran], and dwelt there. (Genesis 11:31).

And so Abraham (Acts 7:8) then came ... out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran [Haran]: (Acts 7:4b).

And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years: and Terah died in Haran [Charran]. (Genesis 11:32).

Now the LORD had said unto Abram,
"Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."

(Genesis 12:1-3).

God calls Abraham to leave the comfort of his native land in Mesoptamia and to leave the comfort of his father's house in Charran (i.e. Haran). This is a parallel of how God's people (Both the Jew and the Greek) are to leave the comfort of their own surroundings (or home) so as to preach the gospel unto all nations. God calls us to go out into the world and preach the gospel and make disciples of all nations. This is the Great Commission. Our mission. Our Command given to us by our Lord. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us (Who are saved) it is the power of God. However, is the "Great Commission" an instant command once a person is first saved? Perhaps for some; But I believe God calls most of us to first be prepared before we go out into battle, though.

1. God first calls all men everywhere to repent (and believe on His Son, Jesus Christ for salvation).
2. God calls His people to love: To love God and to love and forgive all people (Including one's enemeis).
3. God calls His people to study His Word (To show ourselves approved unto God.
4. God calls His people to pray to Him.
5. God calls His people to worship and praise Him.
6. God calls His people to live a Holy and righteous life.
7. God calls His people to tell others about Jesus Christ.
8. God calls His people to help those who are less fortunate.
9. God calls His people to do things in secret for God and not so as to be seen or praised by men.
10. God calls His people to realize they are not always perfect and they need God's grace, too.
11. God calls His people to dedicate their lives to Jesus Christ (Offering their bodies as a willing sacrifice unto God).

I believe this leads to the ultimate call God has for His people; Which is:

12. God calls His people to go out into the world and preach the gospel to every creature and make disciples of all nations.

 

[Jason0047]

God calls Abraham to leave the comfort of his native land in Mesoptamia and to leave the comfort of his father's house in Charran (i.e. Haran).

This is not the first time Abraham (Abram) had to hear God's command again until he got it right. Abraham (Abram) also had to not only be told twice to leave his home and family, but he was also told twice that he would have a son, too; For this was no ordinary every day child but this was a promised son (a miracle child) that would take place with the conception of his wife Sarah.

10. God calls His people to realize they are not always perfect and they need God's grace, too.

How does a believer keep their heart right with God and stay in His good graces? Well, a believer will naturally be convicted by the Spirit of their sin, and go to their advocate Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1), whereby they will confess their sin so as to be cleansed of all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). For who was more justified in the parable of the Tax Collector and the Pharisee? (Luke 18:9-14). For we are saved by His mercy and we are washed by the renewing (i.e. the regeneration) of the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:5).

11. God calls His people to dedicate their lives to Jesus Christ (Offering their bodies as a willing sacrifice unto God).

God does not call us to live our best life now and serve ourselves along with God, too. Our lives have been transformed and we are new creatures in Christ. We live not unto ourselves but we live unto God (In service to Him). For we are nothing and Christ is our everything. He is the Master; We are just the servants.

 

[Jason0047]

Now the LORD had said unto Abram,
"Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee:

"and I will bless thee,"

God WILL bless Abraham. In other words, this blessing is still yet future (at this point of the story); In fact, I have seen some commentators who make a note that God blesses Abraham (Abram) multiple times and or God confirms the blessing to Abraham thru out Genesis. However, this is not correct, though. Abraham receives the "blessing of the Promised seed" when he passes God's ultimate test with the sacrifice of his promised son, Isaac. Along the way, Abraham (Abram) is give other tests like:

1. Leaving his home and family (and):
2. Believing God will send him a promised son thru Sarah.

and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed."

(Genesis 12:1-3).

"and in thee shall all familes of the earth be blessed."

There is nothing that can tranform or changes lives more than Jesus Christ; That is why God's people preach the good news of Jesus Christ so as to be saved by Him. For Jesus has fixed up broken homes (or familes). Jesus has drawn the alcoholic away from the bottle. Jesus has helped the gambler to put down his cards and walk away from the game. Jesus has helped the drug addict from the power of the needle. Jesus has helped the harlot from being a slave to sexual sin and money. For Jesus Christ changes lives. Jesus changed my life and He continues to change lives today (Making them new creations in His image).

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

(2 Corinthians 5:17)

This is how all the familes of the earth are blessed today. They are blessed by the Promised seed (Jesus Christ). For God sent Abram (Abraham) to hear the calls or tests he had for him so that God could bless Abraham with the "Blessing of the Promised Seed." (Whereby that thru Christ, his descendants would be as innumerable as the stars; That thru Christ, Abram would inherit the Promised Land in the bodily resurrection (Which is made possible by Christ's resurrection)).

 

[Jason0047]

"and I will bless thee,"

God WILL bless Abraham. In other words, this blessing is still yet future (at this point of the story); In fact, I have seen some commentators who make a note that God blesses Abraham (Abram) multiple times and or God confirms the blessing to Abraham thru out Genesis. However, this is not correct, though. Abraham receives the "blessing of the Promised seed" when he passes God's ultimate test with the sacrifice of his promised son, Isaac. Along the way, Abraham (Abram) is give other tests like:

1. Leaving his home and family (and):
2. Believing God will send him a promised son thru Sarah.

Now, that being said, while there is one "Blessing for the Promised Seed" (In Genesis 22), in Genesis 15, after Abraham believed God (With it having been accounted to him as righteousness), God sends Abram into a deep sleep and makes a covenant with him so that Abram's seed will inherit the Promised Land. This is a "Land Promise" whereas the "Blessing of the Promise Seed" is a blessing whereby God will bless Abraham every time he blesses the next son, which is then passed down to the next son. That in Abraham multiplying, he would bring forth what God calls: "Thy seed" (Genesis 22:17, 18), i.e. the "Promised Seed" (Jesus) multiply many who will be as innumerable as the stars.

As for circumcision in Genesis 17: That was an outward token (i.e. sign or symbol) that they were circumcised in heart spiritually by God. Just as baptism is a symbol or sign letting people know that we are are already spiritually buried and risen with Jesus Christ.

 

[Jason0047]

God calls: "Thy seed" (Genesis 22:17, 18), i.e. the "Promised Seed" (Jesus) multiply many who will be as innumerable as the stars.

Edit Correction:

The "Promised Seed" (Jesus) will multiply many who will be as innumerable as the stars.

 

[Jason0047]

Chapter 1 - The Blessing of the Promised Seed (Continued).

Act 2 - (The Journey)

Story Line A:
(A Walk By Faith With God):

~ Part 1: ~
- (The Promise of a Future Land of Inheritance):

Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; (Genesis 12:4b) So (Genesis 12:4a) by faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. (Hebrews 11:8).

And Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. (Genesis 12:4c). And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came. And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.

And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said,
"Unto thy seed will I give this land":

And there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him. And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD. And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south. (Genesis 12:5-9).

 

[Jason0047]

Now, that being said, while there is one "Blessing for the Promised Seed" (In Genesis 22), in Genesis 15, after Abraham believed God (With it having been accounted to him as righteousness), God sends Abram into a deep sleep and makes a covenant with him so that Abram's seed will inherit the Promised Land. This is a "Land Promise" whereas the "Blessing of the Promise Seed" is a blessing whereby God will bless Abraham every time he blesses the next son, which is then passed down to the next son. That in Abraham multiplying, he would bring forth what God calls: "Thy seed" (Genesis 22:17, 18), i.e. the "Promised Seed" (Jesus) multiply many who will be as innumerable as the stars.

However, not to confuse anyone here, while the "Blessing of the Promised Seed" has a different function than the "Covenant of a Future Inheritance of the Promised Land", only those who have the "Blessing of the Promised Seed" have the "Covenant of a Future Inheritance of the Promised Land."

 

[Jason0047]

Chapter 1 - The Blessing of the Promised Seed (Continued).

Act 2 - (The Journey)

Story Line A:
(A Walk By Faith With God):

~ Part 1: ~
- (The Promise of a Future Land of Inheritance):

Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; (Genesis 12:4b) So (Genesis 12:4a) by faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. (Hebrews 11:8).

"Abraham, when he was called to go out, ... obeyed and ... went out, not know wheither he went."

While another person here had brought this passage up (just recently), I had already integrated this passage in my chronology already beforehand (So as to talk about it). I integrated it into the chronology of our reading because I believe this New Testament passage is important point to our story. For it is saying that Abraham was fulfilling the definition of faith as described to us in Hebrews. For faith is the substance of things hoped for, it is the evidence of things not seen. See, Abraham just heard God's Word from the Lord (directly) and He just believed God (without any physical proof). Too many times today I see Christians walking by sight and not by faith. They trust in a gun to protect them. They trust in chasing after riches to provide for their family. They trust in marrying the first girl they see, rather than waiting upon the Lord to bring that right person into their life. They think the "Great Commission" is an impossible task for the likes of them. However, with God, all things are possible. For God calls us to go out into a strange land just like Abraham.

And Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. (Genesis 12:4c). And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran;

"Abram took ... the souls that they had gotten in Haran"

This suggests one of the purposes why Abram and his family came to Charran (Haran) from Mesopotamia. Abram had more than likely preached and evangelized certain souls in Haran. Thus, Abram took these souls with him to Canaan he had gotten (i.e. evangelized) in Haran. So here we see Abram is being sent out as a missionary along in his journey just like we are to be set out as missionaries as a part of the "Great Commission."

 

[Jason0047]

and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came. And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.

"And the Canaanite was then in the land."

When Moses sent spies into Canaan, they were like grasshoppers by way of comparison. They were giants. The phrase, "the Canaanite was then in the land" suggests that this land was already filled with giants just as it was during Moses time (See Numbers 13). For Canaan was the offspring of mother and son, just as it is reported in history that Nimrod had a child ("Duzu" or "Tammuz") with his mother Semiramis (Note: On Canaan being the offspring of his mother, please see my past commentary on Noah's drunkenness). Anyways, this line of sexual immorality no doubt opened the doors for demons to corrupt the line of Canaan (Which was cursed by Noah).

 

[Jason0047]

And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said,
"Unto thy seed will I give this land":

The Lord says to Abram,

"Unto thy seed will I give this land."

Again, "thy seed" is in reference to the "Promised Seed" (i.e. Jesus Christ). In other words, the Promised Land will be given to the Messiah and thru Him will Abraham and certain others will inherit the "Promised Land." How so?

Galatians 3:16 NIV says,
"The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed," meaning one person, who is Christ"

 

[Bride]

Just a note, if we don't understand the "land" promised is our body soul and spirit, we'll miss the entire point of what the "Heavenly Country" now is, and the Temple and mountain and city and everything else of this New Creation we are now come to in Christ:'

(Heb 11:15)
And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
(Heb 11:16)
But now they desire a better country,
that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.





(Heb 12:22)

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem...




(Psa 74:2)
Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.



What I always rememberto do to have perfect understanding in such things is to always proof check "meaning" against this first principal;





(1Co 15:46)
Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

 

[Jason0047]

Just a note, if we don't understand the "land" promised is our body soul and spirit, we'll miss the entire point of what the "Heavenly Country" now is, and the Temple and mountain and city and everything else of this New Creation we are now come to in Christ:

While God does use metaphorical language or Metonomy in the Bible (i.e. Mountains can sometimes be in reference to kingdoms, and temples can sometimes be in reference to the physical body), I believe the "Land Promise" refers to actual real physical land promised to Abram. For in Genesis, God shows the land that he will inherit far into the future one day. I also believe a "country" is a place, too; And a "mansion" is a "mansion" because I believe Christ is a rewarder to those that seek Him.

ECT Is Christ a Rewarder to Those That Seek Him? (Mansions Real or Metaphorical?) - Theology Online | Christian Forums & More

Anyways, if you disagree; Please state 1 or 2 sentences why you disagree and a link to a thread so as to debate it (As per the OP (i.e. the original post) Rules). I am striving to keep this as a Study Thread and not a Debate Thread.

Thank you for reading, my friend.
And may God bless you greatly this fine day.

 

[Jason0047]

And there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him. And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD. And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south. (Genesis 12:5-9).

Abraham builded an altar unto the Lord and called upon His name near Bethel.

Altars were used to sacrifice animals so as to atone for sin. Jesus is laid on the altar of the cross and He had become our ultimate sacrifice so as to take away our past sins for good. For the animal sacrifices never took away sin but were only a temporary covering for sin. Men would call upon the Lord and seek God's forgiveness during these times. Abram was doing that here (Before the priesthood came into being with the Law of Moses); All of which pointed to Jesus Christ and the loving sacrifice He would make for us.

"Bethel" in this passage means "House of God." One day, God will be our Temple or House in the New Jerusalem. God Himself will be our place of worship. We will live with God forever and ever in the Light of His salvation and love. What a blessed thing indeed.

 

[Jason0047]

"Bethel" in this passage means "House of God." One day, God will be our Temple or House in the New Jerusalem. God Himself will be our place of worship. We will live with God forever and ever in the Light of His salvation and love. What a blessed thing indeed.

Here in following short list (below) the place of "Bethel" (i.e. Which means the House of God) can be seen as a place of holiness, comfort, atonement, and a place by which one would call upon the name of the Lord.

• Jacob, while fleeing from Beersheba to Haran, had his Stairway To Heaven dream near Bethel.
• Years later, upon his return there, Jacob built an altar and renamed the place El-Bethel (Genesis 35:6-7), and then Bethel (Genesis 35:15). It was in that time period that God gave Jacob a new name - Israel. (Genesis 35:9-10).
• In times of trouble the people went to Bethel to ask counsel of God (Judges 20:18, 21:2).
• The Ark Of The Covenant was kept at Bethel for a long time under the care of Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron (Judges 20:26-28)

Source:
Daily Bible Study - Bethel
(Note: While I may agree with the short list above; That does not mean I agree with all views or beliefs expressed by the author of this website).

 

[Jason0047]

Chapter 1 - The Blessing of the Promised Seed (Continued).

Act 2 - (The Journey)

Story Line A: (Continued):
(A Walk By Faith With God)

Story Line B:
(The Wisdom of Serpents & The Bride) (Part I.):

And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.

And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife,
"Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon: Therefore` it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive. Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee."

And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair. The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house. And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.

And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram's wife.

And Pharaoh called Abram, and said,
"What is this that thou hast done unto me? why didst thou not tell me that she was thy wife? Why saidst thou, She is my sister? so I might have taken her to me to wife: now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way."

And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had. (Genesis 12:10-17).

And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. (Genesis 13:1).

 

[Jason0047]

Chapter 1 - The Blessing of the Promised Seed (Continued).

Act 2 - (The Journey)

Story Line A: (Continued):
(A Walk By Faith With God)

Story Line B:
(The Wisdom of Serpents & The Bride) (Part I.):

And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.

And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife,
"Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon: Therefore` it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive. Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee."

And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair. The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house. And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.

And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram's wife.

And Pharaoh called Abram, and said,
"What is this that thou hast done unto me? why didst thou not tell me that she was thy wife? Why saidst thou, She is my sister? so I might have taken her to me to wife: now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way."

And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had. (Genesis 12:10-17).

And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. (Genesis 13:1).

First, I want to point out that there is a loose parallel here within this story of what is to come.

1. Famine in the Land drove Abram to Egypt:
(Is like the Famine that drove Jacob and his brothers to Egypt).

2. Sarai's full identity is not revealed to the Pharaoh:
(Is like Joseph not revealing his full idenity to his brothers).

3. Plagues befall the Pharaoh that Abram and Sarai visit:
(Is a like comparison (or loose parallel) of the plagues that befall the Pharoah who enslaved future Israel).

4. Pharaoh commanded Abram and Sarai and their people to leave:
(Is like the Pharaoh who commanded Moses and his people to leave).

 

[Jason0047]

Chapter 1 - The Blessing of the Promised Seed (Continued).

Act 2 - (The Journey)

Story Line A: (Continued):
(A Walk By Faith With God)

Story Line B:
(The Wisdom of Serpents & The Bride) (Part I.):

And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land.

And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife,
"Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon: Therefore` it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive. Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee."

And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair. The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house. And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.

And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram's wife.

And Pharaoh called Abram, and said,
"What is this that thou hast done unto me? why didst thou not tell me that she was thy wife? Why saidst thou, She is my sister? so I might have taken her to me to wife: now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way."

And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had. (Genesis 12:10-17).

And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. (Genesis 13:1).

Second, most Christians misunderstand this story. They think it is about Abram lying or sinning. However, nothing could be further from the truth, though. For Sarai was indeed Abram's sister (i.e. half sister). For in a similar repeat occurence of this event with Abimelech (at another time later), we see Abram explaining to Abimelech that Sarai is his father's daughter but not his mother's daughter (Genesis 20:12). In other words, Abram was not lying; Abram was revealing only what truth he felt was necessary to protect his interests for the good of his family. In fact, this is what Jesus does with the Parables. They reveal only a certain level of truth to an unbeliever's eyes or ears. For the mysteries of the Kingdom are not for unbelievers but for believers. That is why we are not to cast our pearls before swine. For God and or his people hiding truth from others is not lying or bearing false witness. In fact, the Pharaoh did not ask Abram if Sarai was his wife. If Abram was asked this and Abram said, "No, she is not my wife", then that would be a different story.

See, Abram was being as wise as a serpent so as to protect his bride (Sarai) in not revealing any unecessary truth that the Pharaoh didn't need to know. In fact, why didn't Jesus just reveal He was the Son of God to everyone showing that He had the full power as the Son of God? Well, because Jesus was in humble obedience to the Father and needed to fulfill things in the right timing so as to die for our sins (And rise three days later). For God used evil men to crucifiy him so as to pay for our sins. If these evil men actually were convinced that Jesus was the actual "Son of God", they would have never crucified Him and it would have destroyed the vehicle of faith (That God desires from them). For Jesus was humble and obedient to the cross because He loves the Bride (i.e. the Church). For Jesus was seeking those who would love Him with a pure heart and not because Jesus has the power. Jesus wants men who would follow Him by faith in love (In Spirit and in truth). Christ doesn't want a bunch of fake brown nosers who only pretend to suck up to the boss (When He is around). Christ wants real and genuine followers who worship Him in secret behind close doors.

 

[Jason0047]

Christ wants real and genuine followers who worship Him in secret behind close doors.

Edit Correction:

Behind closed doors.