Joel 3: Yom Kippur: Valley of Decision

Sermon by Messianic Rabbi Jeff Zaremsky

Joel 1: Ten Days of Awe

Sermon by Messianic Rabbi Jeff Zaremsky

Joel 2: Blow the Trumpet in Zion

Sermon by Messianic Rabbi Jeff Zaremsky

Many people are familiar with God’s judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah – fire, brimstone, etc. But have we ever paused to consider all the ways God was merciful to Sodom and Gomorrah? Merciful? Fire and brimstone merciful? Well there is more to the historical account than just that.

God was actually very, very good to Sodom. There are several instances specifically mentioned in the Bible of God’s mercy and His love demonstrated to the people of Sodom giving them several opportunities to know Him. More than one of the ways God showed mercy towards the people of Sodom had to do with Abraham.

The End

The end result that came upon Sodom could have been averted. But this is the path they choose. And even with that, the end result is not the final end yet. Even now God is working in behalf of the people of Sodom to extend his mercy so that if possible there could be some that would be saved. There is a prophetic statement that Yeshua mentions about them that is very interesting, and it is also helpful to us to better understand God’s judgments and His dealings with mankind.

Even with all the mercy God showed, there was an eventual time when it is time for the “final grade” to be determined and enacted.

God’s mercy towards us

God has been very merciful to each one of us, treating us better than we deserved, and first loving us. We should take heed not to ignore or reject His call.

In this week’s sermon Rabbi Jeff Zaremsky covers some of the ways God showed mercy towards the people of Sodom, as well as the prophetic statement about them.

Abraham Prayed To the Lord

In chapter 18 of Genesis Abraham very humbly, yet with persistency, talks God down to sparing Sodom if there are at least ten righteous people in it. Why did Abraham stop at ten? What was God’s original number that He would have spared the city for if Abraham had not interceded?

While Abraham was very humble in his attitude in speaking with God, yet his requests are very bold. What type of picture of God could cause someone to be totally humble before God as Abraham was, yet at the same time be bold enough to ask God the things that Abraham did? On the one had it takes knowing how pure God is, and on the other knowing how helpless and wicked we are without Him. Secondly, it takes knowing that the true God, the God who created the heavens and the earth, the Lord God, the ultimate Judge, is also very approachable. One that loves to speak with and hear from His children. One who is not offended by our requests. One who longs to give us what is good for us. And One who is loving and does not wish that any should perish.

Sins of Sodom

The Bible says that the sins of Sodom where great and very grave (or serious). The only sin that is specifically mentioned is the sin of Sodomy. Sodomy, also knowns as homosexually, gets its name from this city and from this Biblical account.

Praying for Sodom

What should be our attitude towards those who participate in sexual actions or desires that the Bible clearly warns us against? The example of Abraham are a great demonstration for us, giving us the answer to that question.

Taboo

Rabbi Jeff Zaremsky shares what the Bible says regarding this subject and uses the example of Abraham to give us an idea of how we should face this issue in society today.

Join as he opens the Bible to see what God things of this subject.

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Three Men

In Genesis 18 Abraham had a very interesting encounter with three very interesting men. Who were these “men?” Before we even contemplate that question we should look at why they came to Abraham and what they did.

Abraham’s Hospitality

As soon as Abraham noticed these three men he ran over to them, bowed himself, and invited them to stop and rest themselves, and to allow him to prepare a meal for them. They agreed and Abraham ran again to prepare them a meal. (I am not sure what the rush was. They weren’t doing anything but sitting around in the wilderness).

Milk and Meat – Kosher?

Abraham and Sarah prepared these three “men” an interesting meal of milk, butter, and meat from a calf. While they were eating this meal, which according to modern kashrut laws would be un-kosher, Abraham stood by them.

Sarah Will Have a Child

After they ate this meal one of them told Abraham that he would have a son through Sarah, who was beyond child bearing age. He also said he would revisit them the next year and Sarah would have her child by then. When Sarah heard this the Bible says: “she laughed within herself.” Even though she laughed within herself this “visitor” knew it and called her out regarding it. Obviously this “person” speaking was unique.

Down to Sodom

From Abraham’s tent the three men and Abraham walked to a view of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Bible then clearly identifies who those three “men” were. Two of them were identified one way, as they went on to their destination, and the third one was clearly identified as “he” stayed and continued to speak with Abraham.

Who Were They?

To find out who those three “men” were we encourage you to read Genesis 18 and 19, as well as watch the sermon by Rabbi Jeff Zaremsky.

Picture from Bible Graphic Studios used with permission.