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Elder Bryce Lowrance

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Daily Devotional 11/15/16 - The Burden of Egypt (Isaiah 19)

16 November 2016

The Burden of Egypt (Isaiah 19)

In the times of the Prophet Isaiah, the Jews had become too comfortable with their alliance with Egypt as well as other surrounding nations. God sent this message through the Jews to Egypt so the Egyptians would be warned of their imminent destruction and Israel would see that they were going against God in their worldly alliances.

Any nation that sets itself against the will of God has doomed itself to certain destruction. A nation acting in righteousness does not need to seek partnership with nations not following God. There are very clear principles taught here regarding the actions of nation-state, but this also has spiritual application to the churches of God and to His people.

The church has no business making alliances with the organizations of this world nor should they adopt their practices or teachings. If we use the techniques of the world to draw in people, we should not be surprised if we draw in many who are only interested in things of this world rather than the things of God.

Clearly, the university system is failing in our country. It continually graduates students who are unable to support themselves or be productive members of society. While, I believe every person should seek the best education possible, such education should not tempt us to leave the word of God which is the ultimate truth.

More and more, businesses are turning to mentoring programs to train their future employees. Rather than looking to universities whose credibility is questionable, they educate from within using the wisdom of seasoned employees. The Bible clearly shows this is the best pattern for the gospel ministry as well. From the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament preachers, men were taught in one on one mentorships. Elisha had a “father” in Elijah, and Paul was “father in the ministry” to at least two men - Timothy and Titus. This is the best way to preserve the teaching of truth from generation to generation in the church which is the pillar and ground of the truth.

As you read through this prophecy concerning Egypt, consider not only the national principles involved but also how they apply to the church and the disciples of Jesus. The Bible teaches both in principle and example the way men, governments, nations, and churches should act. Chapter 19 shows clearly how vain it is to go against God and trust the ways and people of the world rather than follow Him. The close of the chapter shows how God can, in contrast, form lasting, godly alliances that seek righteousness and are blessed by God.

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Welcome

Brentwood Hills Primitive Baptist Church is a community of believers working together to transform our lives to the image of Jesus Christ. We believe it is our duty and privilege to live the gospel of the doctrines of grace in such a way as to edify the families within our church and other children of God in our community. Through regular worship based on strong Biblical principles, fellowship, admonishment, and outreach, we glory in the grace of the sovereign God working in our lives thereby showing the Spirit of God in the world.

Brentwood Hills was organized in 1906 in Fort Worth, Texas as Laodicea Primitive Baptist Church. You can find much of the history of the church, as well as other churches here: Primitive Baptist History Database

We identify ourselves as an old-line Primitive Baptist church. If you read our Articles of Faith, you’ll see that we hold to such doctrines as the inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. We recognize the King James Version (KJV) as the only English translation worthy of being called the Bible. We believe in salvation solely by the grace of a sovereign God. We believe that Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, came to the earth to do the will of His Father, which was to deliver from the sentence of death all those the Father gave Him before the world began. We believe that Jesus fully satisfied the Father by atoning for all the sins of all His people. In time, we believe the Holy Spirit comes to each person that belongs to Jesus and regenerates them. Then (and only then) can anyone have faith, which is a fruit of the Spirit, by which you are able to believe the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether or not you ever hear the gospel, or believe it if you did hear it, or obey it if you did believe it, rest assured that Jesus will remain forever faithful to you because, if He died for you, He will never deny that you belong to Him.

We believe that everyone for whom Christ died will without fail be raised again from the dead to a glorified life. Even if we are alive when He returns to raise the dead, we shall be changed to a glorified life. All the Redeemed will meet the Lord in the air. Then He will take us to Heaven and there we shall forever be with the Lord. The wicked will be raised at the same time as the righteous, but the wicked shall go away into everlasting punishment along with Satan and his angels. Until that glorious day when Christ returns to raise the dead, He has provided a place for His people to find rest for their souls. This place is the Church. Jesus Christ set-up His church on this earth before His death on the Cross. The church is there for those of His people who have come to believe that God saved them by His Son, Jesus Christ. To believe that Christ “paid it all” gives believers the strongest motivation to serve Him. Once enlightened to this glorious truth, then the child of God should feel an obligation to become and remain an active member of the His church. To serve the Lord in His church makes for one of the great blessings to experience this side of Heaven. It fulfills you to serve in His church and it gives your life purpose and meaning.