I agree (on the hardening of Pharaoh's heart). Interestingly there are two Hebrew words translated as "hard" or "harden." The one used when Pharaoh and his officials "harden" their hearts is literally "made heavy," a figure of speech meaning to being set firmly in place, difficult to move (like when we say "He won't move on his position"). When God "hardens" Pharaoh's heart a different word is used that literally means "strengthened." That is, God made stronger what was already there: Pharoah's resolve to keep the Israelites as slaves. So, what Bill is saying here is exactly right: God helped Pharaoh be the person he chose to be in relation to God and His people over and over again. The nuances of the Hebrew words here proves it (IMHO).
Really glad you made this point! Very important to understand in the narrative, that God was strengthening Pharaoh to do what was already in his heart. Anything else at all would be usurping to Pharaoh's choice and a violation of God's law. So important to return to the Hebrew!
I've been to three different Bible schools, I have my Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Studies, which I earned with Magna Cum Laude and this is the first time I actually understand this clearly and it is so simple and profound!!!
Here’s my personal take on Ananias and Sapphira: 1. They were not believers. Every time Luke referred to a Christian in Acts, he used “believer” or “disciple”. When referring to non/pre-believers, he said “man” eg “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment,” Acts 10:1 NKJV So for Ananias, he wrote: “But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.” Acts 5:1 NKJV 2. This couple saw that the Church had such a good thing going - no one in lack, like a great pension plan, and plotted to scam the Church, appearing to have given all, but actually did not, in the hope of partaking of this “pension”. 3. As we know, the judgment of God came down on the couple and they died. This was to protect the Church from such scammers. 4. As a result, no more scammers dared to try the same trick: “Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.” Acts 5:13 NKJV 5. And you know this was referring to those attempting to scam the Church because the next verse tells us about real believers joining: “And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,” Acts 5:14 NKJV Pray this reading of mine blesses you and puts some fears to rest. Jesus protects His Bride from scammers.
Yeah they were not believers. Everyone God killed after the cross of Jesus were not believers. He also struck and killed herod. Ananias and sapphire were fake Christians who weren't born again
Thank you for this conversation! May we as stewards of the mysteries of God be skillful surgeons and be able to operate on ourselves and others without damaging but cleansing and healing!!!
If God would've just killed Pharaoh after the FIRST (of many) rebellious act, would people be criticising God more in this case over God simply hardening his heart after the MANY rebellious acts? My guess would be no lol.
I'm confused. Pharaoh hardened his heart first, but then he reached a point where God started hardening his heart for him. Doesn't this imply that, had God not "frozen Pharaoh's heart in place," he would have changed his mind? Otherwise, God would not have needed to harden it. Therefore you can logically conclude that without Gods direct and intentional intervention Pharaoh would have been lenient before thousands of children were killed.
poor logic. He tolerates rebellion only so long. When we refuse to repent, He chooses to use our rebellion for His glory. He is God, and always does what is best.
@@BillJohnsonMinistries Thanks for reaching out pastor. I hope we can continue this discussion. :) One, here you have unfortunately not helped my confusion, because you brought nothing new to the table. Two, it seems like you've accused me of both rebellion and rejecting God's sovereignty right off the gate. And three, to me, it seems undeniable that God causes rebellion, as this is seen throughout scriptures entirety. *Edit: disregard this. I read your message as "poor logic, he tolerates rebellion only so long" as if to say "my logic is making me rebellious" I misread your period for a comma. The difference between causing rebellion and forcing would be repentant souls to remain in rebellion is negligible. They achieve God's goal through unnatural means out of human control, but somehow remains the humans responsibility. Please address this. Its killing me. What I've had to ask myself is "am I going to deny such an obvious truth about God's character and convince myself that Gods benevolence reflects my own definition of morality?" Personally, I'm finding it difficult to be content with that idea. If God's goal is to be glorified by those who choose him, then I'm going to have to choose Him even if He felt it justifiable to spur on countless atrocities beyond human comprehension. But hey, that's only my own definition of atrocity, which j cannot trust, despite being filled with the Holy Spirit. I've been told that when my conscience screams at me to reject a pastoral teaching, I'm quickly reminded that those kinds of thoughts are not of the Holy Spirit, but of my own rebellion against God. Its fair to say I have an open mind, feel free to educate me on the contrary. I'm all ears brother. Thanks for reading -E
I also noticed that. But just the same, God has every right since Pharaoh had already done it to himself. God did it more to show His glory through the plagues.
The Anointing, rather the Holy Spirit within you will intensify whatever spiritual influence you are under. Also those in near proximity to you. Something I have noticed in times of ministry whilst praying for people. And sometimes totally unaware of his presence it can happen anytime, anywhere, God shows up when he wants. Repentance is not automatic, ever, if it was there would be no need for Sanctification.
Bill what would you recommend I do to gain more awareness of God Love, understanding ,zeal ,fear exc. Or if I am dry how to get back into His presence and fire? Thanks and hope to hear more.
sacrificial thanksgiving and praise - read and declare His word. Don't measure your success by what you feel. Measure by obedience. The emotional side will often get restarted through obedience that is not self conscious
How does the story of God hardening the heart of Pharaoh coincide with the concept that as individuals we have free will and the ability to choose salvation?
did you listen to bills explanation. God allowed Pharaoh to continue down the path he refused to get off. pharaoh used his free will the point of refusing Gods grace.
@@enhancedcareers7661 the scripture says that God hardened the heart of Pharaoh. How can Pharaoh be said to have chosen the route of refusing God's grace if God was the one who kept him there?
@@jaylaveillon9399 so I am guessing from your response that you either did not listen to Bills answer or you do not understand the answer. You are implying that God first hardened Pharaoh’s heart before Pharaoh was given the opportunity to choose his path. That is incorrect. God gave him multiple chances to change his direction, to choose to follow Gods direction. But Pharaoh chose to ignore Gods word and messenger. It was at that point God said "ok" go your own way. read Richard DeRuiters explanation which is directly below our comments. He explains the Hebrew words used in the text. if you are truly looking for an answer to better understand Gods way you will understand, but if you accuse God of being unjust, well I wish you all the best.
@@enhancedcareers7661 I am not accusing God of being unjust. I am a Christian and an apologetics student. I am asking the question from a desire to find a more satisfactory answer for the purpose of defending the Bible. Justice depends on the underlying principle that those who stand accused have the ability to choose their own path. Whether Pharaoh's heart was to some degree hardened before or after God interfered with his state of being (by "strengthening," as the Hebrew apparently states or otherwise) does not erase the question of whether a person can truly have the ability to choose to accept God's grace if it is also possible that God would act in favor of the opposite.
@@jaylaveillon9399 I am glad you are a Christian. If you understand the text and Hebrew language regarding this passage, your question is irrelevant because Pharaohs will is the main subject of the passage. He choose to disobey God, he choose to continue to rebel in the face of Moses telling him to change his mind (which included miraculous plagues to convince him). God supported his will all the way up to the end, so much so that he declared he (God) would abide by and strengthened Pharaoh’s decision. It really is that simple. We try to complicate the issue. Pharaoh stayed on an evil path and reaped the reward. We want to somehow “implicate” God in the decision process. Nothing can be further from the truth. This whole history and interaction between God and Pharaoh are a microcosm of Gods interaction with Mankind. We have an opportunity for his Grace, but if we continue to rebel, we run the risk of our hearts hardening against God and his word, which will also reap the horrible rewards God does not want us to experience.
Why wouldn't God just soften pharaoh's heart? Why did he have to use pharaoh's hardened heart to show off his glory? I'm sorry, what kind of maniac are you worshiping?
It's quite entertaining to hear the clay criticize the potter. He's the kind that would suffer in our place, and become our savior. That's the kind of God we worship.
I agree (on the hardening of Pharaoh's heart).
Interestingly there are two Hebrew words translated as "hard" or "harden." The one used when Pharaoh and his officials "harden" their hearts is literally "made heavy," a figure of speech meaning to being set firmly in place, difficult to move (like when we say "He won't move on his position"). When God "hardens" Pharaoh's heart a different word is used that literally means "strengthened." That is, God made stronger what was already there: Pharoah's resolve to keep the Israelites as slaves. So, what Bill is saying here is exactly right: God helped Pharaoh be the person he chose to be in relation to God and His people over and over again. The nuances of the Hebrew words here proves it (IMHO).
Wow Richard I didn’t know that. That is VERY intriguing thank you for sharing!
Really glad you made this point! Very important to understand in the narrative, that God was strengthening Pharaoh to do what was already in his heart. Anything else at all would be usurping to Pharaoh's choice and a violation of God's law. So important to return to the Hebrew!
ohhhhhhhhhhhh. I see it now. I had this question for 20 years. Thanks!
I've been to three different Bible schools, I have my Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Studies, which I earned with Magna Cum Laude and this is the first time I actually understand this clearly and it is so simple and profound!!!
Here’s my personal take on Ananias and Sapphira:
1. They were not believers. Every time Luke referred to a Christian in Acts, he used “believer” or “disciple”. When referring to non/pre-believers, he said “man” eg
“There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment,”
Acts 10:1 NKJV
So for Ananias, he wrote:
“But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.”
Acts 5:1 NKJV
2. This couple saw that the Church had such a good thing going - no one in lack, like a great pension plan, and plotted to scam the Church, appearing to have given all, but actually did not, in the hope of partaking of this “pension”.
3. As we know, the judgment of God came down on the couple and they died. This was to protect the Church from such scammers.
4. As a result, no more scammers dared to try the same trick:
“Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly.”
Acts 5:13 NKJV
5. And you know this was referring to those attempting to scam the Church because the next verse tells us about real believers joining:
“And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,”
Acts 5:14 NKJV
Pray this reading of mine blesses you and puts some fears to rest. Jesus protects His Bride from scammers.
Yeah they were not believers. Everyone God killed after the cross of Jesus were not believers. He also struck and killed herod. Ananias and sapphire were fake Christians who weren't born again
Thank you
Oh my God! That was so powerful
Pastor Bill. Thank you so much for your insights. Much appreciated.
That is awesome can't wait to see it. To God be the glory!!
Thank you for this conversation! May we as stewards of the mysteries of God be skillful surgeons and be able to operate on ourselves and others without damaging but cleansing and healing!!!
I'm PRAYING for them
So blessed by you both!
Thank you! That was good!
Excellent!! More of this!
really good.deep.
Thank you 🙏🙏🙏
Wow. So convicting.
Very good word
Love this!! 🔥❤️😇
Amen
Everyone close to me had the same thing done to them that Pharaoh had done harden heart
Can the Lord harden the heart of someone who is born again and new creation in Him?;
If God would've just killed Pharaoh after the FIRST (of many) rebellious act, would people be criticising God more in this case over God simply hardening his heart after the MANY rebellious acts? My guess would be no lol.
I'm confused. Pharaoh hardened his heart first, but then he reached a point where God started hardening his heart for him. Doesn't this imply that, had God not "frozen Pharaoh's heart in place," he would have changed his mind? Otherwise, God would not have needed to harden it.
Therefore you can logically conclude that without Gods direct and intentional intervention Pharaoh would have been lenient before thousands of children were killed.
poor logic. He tolerates rebellion only so long. When we refuse to repent, He chooses to use our rebellion for His glory. He is God, and always does what is best.
@@BillJohnsonMinistries Thanks for reaching out pastor. I hope we can continue this discussion. :)
One, here you have unfortunately not helped my confusion, because you brought nothing new to the table. Two, it seems like you've accused me of both rebellion and rejecting God's sovereignty right off the gate. And three, to me, it seems undeniable that God causes rebellion, as this is seen throughout scriptures entirety. *Edit: disregard this. I read your message as "poor logic, he tolerates rebellion only so long" as if to say "my logic is making me rebellious" I misread your period for a comma.
The difference between causing rebellion and forcing would be repentant souls to remain in rebellion is negligible. They achieve God's goal through unnatural means out of human control, but somehow remains the humans responsibility. Please address this. Its killing me.
What I've had to ask myself is "am I going to deny such an obvious truth about God's character and convince myself that Gods benevolence reflects my own definition of morality?"
Personally, I'm finding it difficult to be content with that idea. If God's goal is to be glorified by those who choose him, then I'm going to have to choose Him even if He felt it justifiable to spur on countless atrocities beyond human comprehension. But hey, that's only my own definition of atrocity, which j cannot trust, despite being filled with the Holy Spirit. I've been told that when my conscience screams at me to reject a pastoral teaching, I'm quickly reminded that those kinds of thoughts are not of the Holy Spirit, but of my own rebellion against God.
Its fair to say I have an open mind, feel free to educate me on the contrary. I'm all ears brother. Thanks for reading
-E
But it doesn’t say that God froze him in his hardened state. It says God hardened his heart. It says God did the hardening.
I also noticed that. But just the same, God has every right since Pharaoh had already done it to himself. God did it more to show His glory through the plagues.
The Anointing, rather the Holy Spirit within you will intensify whatever spiritual influence you are under. Also those in near proximity to you. Something I have noticed in times of ministry whilst praying for people. And sometimes totally unaware of his presence it can happen anytime, anywhere, God shows up when he wants. Repentance is not automatic, ever, if it was there would be no need for Sanctification.
Bill what would you recommend I do to gain more awareness of God Love, understanding ,zeal ,fear exc.
Or if I am dry how to get back into His presence and fire? Thanks and hope to hear more.
sacrificial thanksgiving and praise - read and declare His word. Don't measure your success by what you feel. Measure by obedience. The emotional side will often get restarted through obedience that is not self conscious
@@BillJohnsonMinistries 100 percent agree!
@@BillJohnsonMinistries Thank you for this ! I so needed to hear this today. The Lord knew this, He is so faithful . Hallelujah!!!
@@BillJohnsonMinistries Thanks
I always like to get a deep understanding of things.
Bill are you looking for a protege ?
Levels? Someone please splain “levels” in the Spirit with supporting scripture of course.
But gid hardend his hary in the first place
About Acts, they blasphemed the Holy Spirit...
How does the story of God hardening the heart of Pharaoh coincide with the concept that as individuals we have free will and the ability to choose salvation?
did you listen to bills explanation. God allowed Pharaoh to continue down the path he refused to get off. pharaoh used his free will the point of refusing Gods grace.
@@enhancedcareers7661 the scripture says that God hardened the heart of Pharaoh. How can Pharaoh be said to have chosen the route of refusing God's grace if God was the one who kept him there?
@@jaylaveillon9399 so I am guessing from your response that you either did not listen to Bills answer or you do not understand the answer. You are implying that God first hardened Pharaoh’s heart before Pharaoh was given the opportunity to choose his path. That is incorrect. God gave him multiple chances to change his direction, to choose to follow Gods direction. But Pharaoh chose to ignore Gods word and messenger. It was at that point God said "ok" go your own way. read Richard DeRuiters explanation which is directly below our comments. He explains the Hebrew words used in the text. if you are truly looking for an answer to better understand Gods way you will understand, but if you accuse God of being unjust, well I wish you all the best.
@@enhancedcareers7661 I am not accusing God of being unjust. I am a Christian and an apologetics student. I am asking the question from a desire to find a more satisfactory answer for the purpose of defending the Bible. Justice depends on the underlying principle that those who stand accused have the ability to choose their own path. Whether Pharaoh's heart was to some degree hardened before or after God interfered with his state of being (by "strengthening," as the Hebrew apparently states or otherwise) does not erase the question of whether a person can truly have the ability to choose to accept God's grace if it is also possible that God would act in favor of the opposite.
@@jaylaveillon9399 I am glad you are a Christian. If you understand the text and Hebrew language regarding this passage, your question is irrelevant because Pharaohs will is the main subject of the passage. He choose to disobey God, he choose to continue to rebel in the face of Moses telling him to change his mind (which included miraculous plagues to convince him). God supported his will all the way up to the end, so much so that he declared he (God) would abide by and strengthened Pharaoh’s decision. It really is that simple. We try to complicate the issue. Pharaoh stayed on an evil path and reaped the reward. We want to somehow “implicate” God in the decision process. Nothing can be further from the truth. This whole history and interaction between God and Pharaoh are a microcosm of Gods interaction with Mankind. We have an opportunity for his Grace, but if we continue to rebel, we run the risk of our hearts hardening against God and his word, which will also reap the horrible rewards God does not want us to experience.
Why wouldn't God just soften pharaoh's heart? Why did he have to use pharaoh's hardened heart to show off his glory? I'm sorry, what kind of maniac are you worshiping?
It's quite entertaining to hear the clay criticize the potter. He's the kind that would suffer in our place, and become our savior. That's the kind of God we worship.
@@BillJohnsonMinistries I'm not sure I understand.
Jews were never In bondage in Egypt. Sorry.... A Moses just had to follow the coastline in reach Israel.
They were slaves according to scripture. Sorry?
But not according to Egyptian records. No record except one book that has many provable falsehoods in it when all it takes is one to