First and Second Peter are grouped in what are called the General Epistles, written to the Church at large. The theme of First Peter is the refining and growth potential in our sufferings, 1Pe 1:3, 1Pe 1:6; 1Pe 2:2. This epistle was written to believers scattered by persecution throughout Asia Minor (1 Pe 1:1). The date was circa 64-65 A.D.—the beginning of Nero’s persecutions. First Peter is the best known and loved of these epistles, called by E.J. Goodspeed, “One of the most moving pieces of persecution literature.” This epistle is written to suffering believers, and is styled by Isaac Walton as, “affectionate, loving, lowly, and humble.” This epistle conveys an intense expectation of the Lord’s return as seen in 1Pe 1:5, 1Pe 1:7, 1Pe 1:13, 1Pe 2:12, 1Pe 4:13, 1Pe 4:17, 1Pe 5:1, 1Pe 5:4.
Gene Cunningham - September 25, 2003
Ezekiel #7
Ezekiel Chapter 6 gives us an explanation of his actions. The Jews thought they understood God and did not. Jerusalem is called by many names: "The throne of God" (Jer 3:17); "The city of the great king" (Psa 48:2, Mat 5:35); The perfection of His beauty" (Lam 2:15, Psa 50:2); "The holy city" (Neh 11:1); "City of truth" (Zec 8:3); City of God" (Psa 46:4, Psa 87:3); "Sodom and Egypt" (Rev 11:8). God's terrible arrows refer to: lightning (Psa 18:14); "instruments of death" (Psa 7:13); "famine, plague, and sword" (Eze 5); discipline (Psa 38:2); believers and their children (Isa 49:2, Psa 127:4-5). Ezekiel has a proclamation against the prophet of the mountains (Eze 6:1-3; Preaching to inanimate objects is often done because people are not listen (Isa 1:2, Mat 3:9). On the mountains ancient Canaanites practiced religion - sex cult, where children were burned alive (Jer 17:2). "Idol" use for the first time; God gets rid of them (Eze 6:4-6). Dead bodies would defile travelers (Num 9:6-10). Whatever you turn from God to will become the instrument of your judgment. Ezekiel is shone in a vision of the sex goddess Ishtar, animals, and sun worshipping (Eze 8:5-16). God's purpose in judgment is to bring people back around to Him (Eze 6:7, Eze 6:10, Eze 6:14). God's judgments reveal Him as much as His gifts (Rom 2:4, Rom 11:22). God's name was proclaimed throughout the earth when he judged Egypt (Rom 9:17-18). God's purpose is to have a people that calls on Him (Zec 13:8-9). The remnant is first mentioned as is the broken heart of God (Eze 6:8-9). God is serious about judging idolatry (Eze 6:10-14)
Scripture References: Psalms 46:4, Romans 11:22, Isaiah 49:2, Jeremiah 3:17, Ezekiel 6:4-6, Zechariah 8:3, Romans 2:4, Psalms 38:2, Jeremiah 17:2, Nehemiah 11:1, Ezekiel 6:14, Psalms 7:13, Ezekiel 6:10-14, Matthew 3:9, Psalms 50:2, Ezekiel 6:10, Psalms 18:14, Ezekiel 6:8-9, Isaiah 1:2, Lamentations 2:15, Ezekiel 6:7, Revelation 11:8, Zechariah 13:8-9, Ezekiel 6:1-3, Matthew 5:35, Ezekiel 8:5-16, Psalms 87:3, Romans 9:17-18, Psalms 127:4-5, Psalms 48:2, Numbers 9:6-10
From Series: "Ezekiel - 2002"
Ezekiel's vision of God's glory effected his life.