BARTERING WITH GOD

BY STEVE NIEMEIER

Genesis 18:16-33 relates an eye opening event.  Abraham is trying to negotiate, barter, make a deal (whichever term one might choose to use) with God.  Abraham is trying to barter a few righteous souls in exchange for a whole city.

In this exchange between Abraham and God we see God willing to save a whole city for a maximum of 50 righteous people and for as few as 10.  We know that 10 righteous could not be found.  Sodom and Gomorrah were very wicked cities and Lot, his wife, and two daughters were led to safety.  Unfortunately, his wife did not heed the warning to not look back and because of her disobedience she turned into a pillar of salt.  Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed with fire and brimstone from heaven.

God sent His Son to die on the cross for all men.  Those that are righteous will be saved and those that are not will be condemned to hell!  There will be no negotiating, bartering or deal making with God.

Let us all be ready for that great day in which Christ will return!

GEMS OF WISDOM

THE PROVERBS OF A WISE MAN

TAKEN FROM THE SOUTH GREEN STREET NEWSLETTER

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)

“Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.” (Proverbs 3:3-4)

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so.” (Proverbs 3:27)

“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 16:25)

“A friend loves at all times, a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)

“These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him:  A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:16-19)

“Wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink arouses brawling, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” (Proverbs 21:1)

“Buy the truth and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding.” (Proverbs 23:23)

“Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles.” (Proverbs 24:17)

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold and pictures of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)

“Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him, do not add to His words, lest He reproves you, and you are found a liar.” (Proverbs 30:5-6)

“Do not withhold correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.  You shall beat him with a rod and deliver His soul form Hell.” (Proverbs 23:13-14)