Judah's Call International: Helping People to Know and Grow in Truth and in the Reality of Christ.

In the last edition of Biblelink, I asked you a question - Why did men scatter so quickly across the earth after the flood? Genesis 11:7-9 explains that this occurred because God purposely confused their language. This act was a judgment on their building a large tower in arrogant display of their continued independence and pride.

The title of today’s Biblelink, “Where Is Our Focus?,” is about our response to Adam and Eve’s decision to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. For those readers who have read most or all the first four issues of Biblelink, I would expect to hear a groan because we are still talking about the Fall of Man – Genesis chapter 3. The reason we’re not yet finished with that chapter is because of its importance! The remaining 1,186 chapters of the Bible are all about God’s plan to allow man to recover from his fall in the 3rd chapter (Genesis 3). From Noah to Malachi, all of the people in the Old Testament are playing out their role in God’s plan. They each have a part in God’s preparation for sending His Son Jesus to earth – the primary event and story of the New Testament. Therefore, the foundational importance of Genesis chapter 3 cannot be over emphasized!

See what you think of this “position” statement: In studying the “Fall of Man,” our tendency is to focus on obedience rather than dependence. I am suggesting that “obedience vs. disobedience” is an important but secondary issue in understanding the devastating effects of man’s fall. I believe the primary issue is “dependence vs. independence!” If you remember, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was all about self-rule or independence. Satan loves it when our focus is on obedience vs. disobedience rather than dependence vs. independence. It’s known as “legalism” and is very damaging to our walk with God! It keeps us focusing in the wrong direction. If my main concern is on understanding just how much I really need to depend on God in all things, obedience becomes a much less threatening issue.

Listed on our "Resources" page at the Judah’s Call website is a book entitled, Breaking the Bondage of Legalism, by Neil Anderson, Rich Miller and Paul Travis. If you grew up in a legalistic church environment, you will really benefit from this book’s message!

Proverbs 1:7 says The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge… In this case “fear” does not mean being afraid – rather standing in awe and respect of who God really is! If I have a clear understanding (limited by human capacity) of God’s omnipotence, the concept of “self reliance” or “independence” apart from Him becomes a “sad joke” – the ultimate lie! The more I learn to know the LORD, the easier it will be for me to move away from independence!

The Bible has many exciting and inspiring stories where “dependence on God” was the absolute key to victory! To name some famous ones, how about Gideon vs. the Midianites or David vs. Goliath? A less well known one is found in the book of Joshua. After the Children of Israel crossed the Jordan river they stopped to prepare for their first battle at Jericho. During this time God appeared to Joshua as the “Commander of the army of the LORD” – Joshua 5:14. This encounter made it clear to Joshua that the LORD was the real leader of the battle. His task was to depend on and follow the LORD! Joshua needed to understand that he was on God’s side, not the other way around! The bumper sticker that reads: “God is my Co-Pilot” is probably well intentioned. However, that is not the relationship that we need with God in order to conquer.

Parents might want to consider the following as a good way to apply this truth today. The best way to avoid rebellion in your teenage children is to help them make a smooth transition from dependence on you to dependence on God!

Here’s today's question for you: It is true that the same man is the father of both modern-day Arabs and Jews. What is his name? You can find the answer in Genesis or in Part II of the Bible Overview Mini-Course (www.bibleoverview.net). Praying that you will allow the transforming power of His Word into your heart!!!!!

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