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Hosea 1: 10-11(ESV)  Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered. And in the place where it was said to them, “You are not my people,” it shall be said to them, “Children of the living God.” 11 And the children of Judah and the children of Israel shall be gathered together, and they shall appoint for themselves one head. And they shall go up from the land, for great shall be the day of Jezreel.

Ok, I think I’ve got it. I don’t believe I have thought about this before… in this way. So, if I understand the issue: 1) God told Adam not to eat of the tree of good and evil, FOR WHEN YOU DO, YOU WILL SURELY DIE.    a) Does this mean the act of eating the fruit ITSELF is a sin because it is a “disobedience of God’s command”?       b) Or, does this mean that if Adam CHOOSES to eat of the tree it will bring in the knowledge of good and evil? Meaning, IF THIS, THEN THAT? Is the CHOICE an act of direct disobedience or is it simply an act to choose to bring in the knowledge of good and evil? 2) If the eating of the apple IS a ‘SIN,’ then Adam was the first sinner and he would bring the sin into the world (outside of the Garden). 3) If it is the latter - it was a CHOICE where he would have to suffer the consequences, then it may not be a “sin” but he would still be responsible for bringing the ability for sin to enter into the world.    4) So, the tree of good and evil is not of itself “sin”, but by choosing to access this knowledge (bringing the ability to have both good and evil into existence) Adam brought the possibility of sin into the world.    5) If God only told Adam that there WAS A TREE OF GOOD AND EVIL IN THE MIDST IF THE GARDEN, and he decided to eat the apple, was that sin? God did not tell Adam it was a sin to eat of it, but that he would die. I hope I am at least presenting this issue appropriately.    I look forward to hearing all the thoughts from everyone.     

Another thing I will point out;-- although it is really rather kindergarten. Around the time of Isaiah, circa the 8th century BC, 10 of the 12 tribes of Israel who had sinned were expelled from the land of Israel. What do you think happened to these individuals? Answer: They were assimilated into the nations. With the exception of some indigenous peoples of the world; everyone today has some of these 10 tribes in them. But this is beyond the point, and is the kindergarten part, that everyone here should already be aware of. I would rather be an Eskimo, or any other indigenous person, who hasn't one drop of any of the 12 tribes of Israel blood; but am in my heart circumcised with Christs Way, than being a 100% full blood Jew, who is not circumcised in heart with Christs Way, whom when the Lord returns, He will slay; while His servant indigenous peoples without one drop of Jewish blood, will be rewarded (Isaiah 65:15; Revelation 11:18). Isaish 65:15 And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord God shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name: Revelation 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

An original definition for a Jew was for an individual who resided in Judea, and thus were known as Judeans. Likewise, Gentiles, does not mean anyone who is not a Jew, but instead is in regards to unbelievers. True believers are not Gentiles. You are nevertheless partially correct;-- believers when gathered from the four winds will be called by another name, other than Jew (Isaiah 65:15). Isaish 65:15 And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord God shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:

Most believers are familiar with Romans 8:28, which is the most encouraging passage: “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”  It’s my suspicion that many Christians do not have sufficient understanding concerning this passage (maybe thinking not being perfect is the hindrance); and there is no greater passage of encouragement, it always being the answer to all problems! The full implication of this Scripture passage means that regardless of what occurs in the life of a saint, it is already planned to result in benefit (esp. to our faith). Even if it is something you unwillingly did wrong, God already knows not only what occurred, but also knows that the goal of believers is always to “please” Him, because He always “works” this in the Christian (Phl 2:13). He knows nobody can please Him always, but knows also that pleasing Him is the 24/7/365 intention!  God doesn’t use anything to test us to see what we will do, He already knows all of this. He tests us to teach and instruct us to learn to “trust” Him through it all, and causes us to trust Him, that it is all for our “good.” During the death of a loved one is a great test (lesson) for us to exercise love to Him in the greatest capacity, thereby eventually not allowing anything to “trouble” us (Jn 14:1, 27). He gives us the time to regain our emotions in our love to Him, as the discouragement passes, while He is supporting us in His arms. You soon learn that regardless the difficulty, you are not supposed to allow it to escalade to the point of allowing it to trouble you! This is done by remembering that it’s all good, everything small or great is used by God for your benefit. If we cannot learn to know these truths, there will not be much spiritual growth within the soul! Spiritual growth is the result of knowing, understanding and applying these truths. What could truly keep us from regaining encouragement from God if we are certain that, even until we learn these things, He still eventually brings us back to knowing all is good and right again, until we learn!