Allow me to delve into this sacred realm where prophets and people intertwine. It is important to note that my understanding of this matter stems from personal encounters in my own existence, which is one of the reasons why I presently seek solace within a PCA church. Primarily, it is vital to grasp the weight of the circumstances in which this message is conveyed. The intended audience consists of individuals who, despite being marked by circumcision, lack comprehension of God's divine path. The prophets, as integral components of the monarch order, served as vessels for God's divine words to reach the nation. However, in our present society, where church and state are distinct entities, our messages are accordingly separated. Yet, under a monarch governance, the monarch assumes the role of a spiritual father or a despot, enforcing the divine laws. The prophets, acting as messengers of God, not only spoke on behalf of the entire nation in a political sense, but also offered guidance to the rulers. For instance, Samuel the priest, along with prophets during specific periods, confronted David with words of discipline. It is crucial to acknowledge that the Old Testament church comprised the nation of Israel, as circumcision was a prerequisite to uphold the covenant established with Abraham. However, akin to our own selves, the nation of Israel persistently rebelled and deviated from the righteous path. Similarly, within our own society, there are individuals who faithfully attend a traditional church every Sunday, showcasing their dedication to God's divine calling, while others do not align themselves with this belief system. It is noteworthy that there exist religious individuals who attend church without possessing true faith. Nevertheless, in a monarch society, religion is obligatory. Thus, we witness an ongoing dialogue throughout the Old Testament between the prophets and the nation of Israel. The prophets preached a message of redemption, addressing a defiant people who strayed from God's divine path. Conversely, the New Testament church differs somewhat, due to the separation of church and state. We no longer witness prophets standing on street corners, proclaiming the need for repentance. However, the tales within the Old Testament serve to illustrate that it is not solely the nation of Israel that harbors sin, but also the true church. Nonetheless, the true church does not require a salvation sermon every Sunday. Instead, they require a gospel call to trust in Christ in their daily lives. I hope you can perceive the distinction.
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