How are we to discern truth from error? How can we tell what is of the Holy Spirit, and what is not? Thankfully, the Bible tells us exactly how we can know what is of God and what is not. Let us be discerning, and by the grace of God, let us test the spirits according to the word of God!

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God did not wait until Jesus’ earthly ministry to use parables. In Ezekiel 4-5, we see two visual parables commanded by God to be enacted by the prophet. What were they? Parables of judgment, for God never ignores sin…not even the sin of His own people.

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In the remainder of Chapter 3, John looks at love as family trait of Christian believers. For us, love is not just something expected of us; it is commanded of us. May Christ empower us to love as He loves, that all the world might know we are His disciples!

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Although Chapter 1 left off telling us only with the things Ezekiel saw, in Chapter 2, we are told what he heard. What he experienced was a commissioning. God gave Ezekiel two main roles: to be a prophet, and a watchman. He was given something to say, and he had the responsibility to ensure he said it.

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How we should long to be our Father’s sons and daughters! We want the family resemblances of God to be evident in our lives. How good it would be, if when people look at us, they see our Father and our Lord Jesus in us!

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Chapter 1 begins with Ezekiel’s first prophetic vision. He was shown something good – something really good – something so good that would be overwhelming. In this first vision, Ezekiel had the curtain pulled back on God’s glory, and it was almost more than Ezekiel could stand.

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Do you struggle with questions of eternal security, though you believe the gospel? Listen to the testimony of the Holy Spirit who teaches us of the sure work of Jesus. Believe His word as you abide in Christ!

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Is this world opposed to Jesus? Yes it is. What do we do? The same thing the Bible always calls Christians to do: look to Christ! We will face opposition, but we need not be deceived by it…not when we abide in God’s truth.

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When Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem after spending some time away, he discovered that the priests and people were violating nearly every covenant commitment they had made. They were going right back to their sins from the past. Among other things, it demonstrates our ongoing need for Jesus’ grace. Unless Jesus gives us the grace and power we require to live for Him, we won’t do it.

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Were John’s original readers perfect? No…they were in various states of Christian maturity (just like all of us). But they knew and believed in Jesus. And as long as they had Jesus, they had all they needed. The benefits Christians have from knowing Jesus are amazing!

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