The Divine Creator of heaven and earth wished not to leave the ones sent out of the Garden of Eden on their own. Though Adam and Eve rebelled against God, Him having expelled them, the Elohim was willing to stay close to them and to help there where He could or where it was appropriate to help them. Like any wise parent God did not want to spoil man and wanted them to learn the matters of life. To help them going through the strugglesof life after a while God gave mankind His Words or Sayings, beginning with the 10 Sayings, or ten commandments, so they could follow them.
Last weekend (6 and 7 Adar) we celebrated ‘Matan Torah‘, that giving of Torah and Moses having written down God’s Words for us, making it possible up to today to read what had happened in the past, and see how the relation between God and man became defiled but also how it can be restored again.
Moses was the first who got the honour to write down the Words of God and recalling the history of God His People. After him God asked also other men to write down His Will and His advice. After some centuries the world got 17 history books where we may find how God made his ways to Moses and His acts unto the children of Israel (Psalm 103:7). After 5 books of poetry, God revealed His Will and what He was planning to do with man. Ten books concentrate on the prophecies and the promises God made recognisable for mankind.
The twin themes of both Old and New Testaments are:
the Kingdom of God
the solution against the curse of death, the Messiah, Christ Jesus
In the next series of this site we shall show that there is a good reason to call this site “Messiah for all” and how this Messiah was already announced from the beginning of times. I shall try to show you that in the ancient writings enough indication was given to come to know who that Messiah might be and what his role would be for mankind.
***
Everett Fox
For the series showing the prophesies around the Messiah I shall use the bible translation of the American scholar and translator of the Hebrew BibleEverett Fox, who holds the Allen M. Glick Chair in Judaic and Biblical Studies at Clark University in Worcester Massachusetts. His Schocken bible is heavily influenced by the principles of the German religious philosophersMartin Buber and Franz Rosenzweig. They started their translation of the Hebrew Bible into German in the mid-twenties and Buber finished it in to 1961 to have it published in 1962. Fox found that translation an unique translation, which tries to hew close to the rhythm and forms of the Hebrew text. He attempted an English translation of Genesis in a similar vein. Over the years, it grew — from a text-only publication in Response magazine to a volume of introduction, text, notes, and commentary, and finally, in 1995, to the publication of The Five Books of Moses by the publishing company of Salman Schocken in New York City, Schocken Verlag (Schocken Books).
The Five Books of Moses, translated by Everett Fox, based on the Buber-Rosenzweig translation of the Hebrew Bible.
Fox co-translated Martin Buber and Franz Rosenzweig their Scripture and Translation into English with Lawrence Rosenwald of Wellesley College (Weissbort and Eysteinsson 562), and presented a new rendering of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, demonstrating the living character of scripture in the modern world.
The guiding principle behind Fox’s translation is that the Hebrew Bible, like much of ancient literature, was meant to be read aloud. Many passages and sections are understandable in depth only when they are analyzed as they are heard. Thus, by preserving such devices as repetition, allusion, alliteration and wordplay, by mimicking the rhythm and the sound structure of the original text, Fox’s translation echoes the Hebrew, conveying ideas and meanings in a manner that vocabulary alone cannot do. His translation is accompanied by extensive commentary and illuminating notes.
Being created in the image of God each human being has certain elements or qualities of God in him or her. Every created human being has something in him or her which has the quality or feeling of the Divine Maker. As such every human should be able to feel that there is a Divine Creator. He is the Father of universe Who let His Voice hear and let His products of His Hands show the wonders and glory of His Majesty.
Wherever people dwell they can look around them and see the wonders of nature. Nature can speak for itself. In the magnificent glory of the universe every human being should be able to recognise the Hand of God.
Those who are willing to seek the Lord God shall be able to find Him whenever they shall seek Him with all their heart, and with all their soul in their affliction.
Deu 4:29 NHEBJE But from there you shall seek Jehovah your God, and you shall find him, when you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Deu 30:1-3 NHEBJE It shall happen, when all these things have come on you, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before you, and you shall call them to mind among all the nations, where Jehovah your God has driven you, (2) and shall return to Jehovah your God, and shall obey his voice according to all that I command you this day, you and your children, with all your heart, and with all your soul; (3) that then Jehovah your God will turn your captivity, and have compassion on you, and will return and gather you from all the peoples, where Jehovah your God has scattered you.
2Ch 31:21 NHEBJE In every work that he began in the service of God’s house, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.
Psa 119:2 NHEBJE Blessed are those who keep his statutes, who seek him with their whole heart.
Jer 29:13 NHEBJE You shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart.
Page of Polish “Biblia Nieświeska” (Nesvizh Bible) translated by Szymon Budny (1572). Including God’s Name “Jehovah” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
In the beginning of times nor in the old times there where people who called themselves theologians or had the idea that they alone could truly understand the Words of God and give people insight. Those who claim to be the only ones who can fully understand the Bible and give the only right explanation are passing God’s Words and forgetting that it is God Himself Who calls and gives insight.
To come to know God we can look around us and see what nature has to offer us. We should open our eyes and see the micro-cosmos with its many wonders. Becoming aware of the nissim or miracles in nature we shall be able to recognise the invisible Hand of God.
Jehovah also has raised up for us prophets, men of God, His servants who wrote down God’s Words and tried to help people find the Most High Lord of the universe. Jehovah of Hosts, the Elohim of Israel, wants us to find Him and has taken care that His words were correctly written down and delivered from one generation unto the next.
The Elohim has gone forth to take to Himself a nation from the midst of a nation, by trials, by signs, and by wonders, and by battle, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that He, the Most High of all beings, shall be known as the One Who Is The Being Itself, the I Am Who Is’ or “I am that which I am” [ayah ashar ayah. This is not His Name, but it is an explanation that leads up to the revelation of His Name in v. 15, namely: יהוה {Jehovah}] Who did so many things for those who lived on the earth, so that they could come to see Who is behind it all.
Elohim His a strong hand and outstretched arm we should allow to come over us. We should allow it that by great fearsome deeds, according to all that יהוה {Jehovah} our Elohim has done in the past we shall get to know Him better by having our eyes and ears open for Him more than for human words and tricks. When opening ourselves for Him He shall let Him be known and shall recall to our heart that יהוה {Jehovah} Himself is Elohim in the heavens above and on the earth beneath; there is none else beside Him.
God has at all times given His Words and has provided means so that people could findHim and could come close to Him. The only thing what He requires is that people listen to Him and guard His laws and His commands which He has given to man and which are recorded in the Book of books.
Deu 4:34-40 NHEBJE Or has God tried to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation, by trials, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by an outstretched arm, and by great terrors, according to all that Jehovah your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes? (35) It was shown to you so that you might know that Jehovah is God. There is no one else besides him. (36) Out of heaven he made you to hear his voice, that he might instruct you: and on earth he made you to see his great fire; and you heard his words out of the midst of the fire. (37) Because he loved your fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought you out with his presence, with his great power, out of Egypt; (38) to drive out nations from before you greater and mightier than you, to bring you in, to give you their land for an inheritance, as at this day. (39) Know therefore this day, and lay it to your heart, that Jehovah he is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is none else. (40) You shall keep his statutes, and his commandments, which I command you this day, that it may go well with you, and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land, which Jehovah your God gives you, forever.
Exo 3:14 NHEBJE God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM,” and he said, “You shall tell the children of Israel this: ‘I AM has sent me to you.'”
Jehovah gave His remembrance to all generations and His Word’s notated in the Holy Scriptures should be sufficient for us to come to knowledge. when we are willing to hear God speaking to us in His infallible Word, the Bible, we should not worry about learned scholars, theologians or not being sufficient educated to find and understand God. God does not hold back necessary information for any body. He wants to give everybody, learned or not educated the chance to find Him and to worship Him.
God stretches out His Hand and, like all that Jehovah our God did for His people in Egypt before the eyes of the world, He is still present to bring trials and signs and wonders and even war, with an outstretched arm and with great and awesome deeds. Many may find it strange God allows fighting and wars going on, but may not forget that man himself wanted to be master of the world and arrange everything themselves. It is up to man to take care of their own life and their own environment, though those who want God near them, God shall not leave them abandoned but shall come to their guidance and help.
With the Holy Scriptures we have been given a very handy tool and a manual for life. We all are shown the wonders of God in order for us to acknowledge that Jehovah is the God; there is no other God besides him.
Exo 15:11 NHEBJE Who is like you, Jehovah, among the gods? Who is like you, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
We should trust God and follow His words. No other man or god besides Jehovah shall be able to give all explanation and would be mightier or better than the Word of God itself.
It is by reading the many books of those prophets that we can come to know God, His Works and His son, who also used those books to explain what he came to do and to show who the Messiah was.
Luk 24:26-27 NHEBJE Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?” (27) Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
Luk 24:31-32 NHEBJE Their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished out of their sight. (32) They said one to another, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us, while he spoke to us along the way, and while he opened the Scriptures to us?”
Luk 24:44-45 NHEBJE He said to them, “This is what I told you, while I was still with you, that all things which are written in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms, concerning me must be fulfilled.” (45) Then he opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures.
Like in the old times many persons their eyes may still be closed. Many people their minds are also still closed. Our minds may like the apostles their mind still being covered with the same veil as they read the books of the old covenant. We should know that it are not the theologians who are going to remove that veil because it is removed only when a person is joined to Christ. Even today, whenever they read the Law of Moses, the veil still covers many so called ‘Christians‘ their minds. But it can be removed, as the Scripture talks about Moses his veil being removed when he turned to the Lord Most High. Also at the time that Christ Jesus was afraid for what was going to come he wondered why God had abandoned him and cried unto God. We too like Christ can call unto his heavenly Father and in the same way as Christ found guidance from God in the Holy Scriptures, we too can find guidance in it. God’s Spirit accompanied Christ Jesus who was keeping to the Word of his heavenly Father, the Only One God. Like him we, when letting the Spirit come into our heart can find liberation of human doctrines and find freedom.
Those who call themselves followers of Christ Jesus should listen to his words and to the words of the heavenly Father Who sent Jesus to this world. Those willing to become a Christian should get to know the Holy Scriptures like Jesus knew the Scriptures very well. With uncovered faces, not afraid to take the words of the Bible like they are written down, we should reflect the glory of God יהוה the Spirit, and where the Spirit of יהוה {Jehovah} is, there is freedom, finding transformation into His likeness in an ever greater degree of glory.
2Co 3:14-18 NHEBJE But their minds were hardened, for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains, because in Christ it passes away. (15) But to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. (16) But whenever one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. (17) Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (18) But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord, the Spirit.
Isa 29:18-19 NHEBJE In that day, the deaf will hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind will see out of obscurity and out of darkness. (19) The humble also will increase their joy in Jehovah, and the poor among men will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
Some two thousand years ago there was a man called Jeshua, today better known as Jesus, who claimed to be the sent one from God and to be bringing God’s Word. He used many old writings in his sermons which were considered writings from the ‘men of God‘ and part of the Holy Scriptures. Though several theologians consider those Holy Scriptures as the (absolute) Truth in every part and whole, because they are breathed out by God Himself. (John 17:17; Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Peter 1:21) often they bring teaching contradicting what is said in those holy books.
Robert Kilwardby (c. 1215 – 11 September 1279) first member of a mendicant order to attain a high ecclesisatical office in the English Church [1352 fresco by Tommaso da Modena (1326–1379)- church of San Nicolò, Treviso]Those theologians want us to believe they are the only ones who can understand the Scriptures because they have learned to do that. They also want us to believe that we should listen to their words otherwise we shall not be able to find God. Giving us that impression they forget that Jesus claims to be the one who shows clearly Who his Father, the Only OneTrue God is and shows us the Only Way, Truth and Life by which one can come to be reconciled to God the Father, and that, the invitation to be reconciled comes from the Holy Spirit and not by human beings their ideas. (John 6:44, 14:6)
Joh 6:44-51 NHEBJE No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up in the last day. (45) It is written in the Prophets, ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who hears from the Father, and has learned, comes to me. (46) Not that anyone has seen the Father, except he who is from God. He has seen the Father. (47) Truly, truly, I tell you, he who believes has eternal life. (48) I am the bread of life. (49) Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. (50) This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, that anyone may eat of it and not die. (51) I am the living bread which came down out of heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread which I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
Joh 14:6 NHEBJE Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.
It is by Christ Jesus that God is revealed to us when God is willing to let His Power come over us and guide us. though we may live in a world where it looks like God is absent, He is not . Throughout the ages Jehovah, the Only OneTrue God has always being very involved.
Humankind should know that it is part of god’s attributes to Be, carrying the essence “I AM” in Him. Having Him always everywhere as an eternal Spirit, who cannot be seen by man or thy would die, God keeps revealing Himself constantly to mankind. Mankind has a hard time hearing, though. Even precious men of God sometimes lost track. Also for them at certain moments contact seemed to be broken.
Man should know that it is not always his ways which come true. Not always does God reveal Himself when and how we want. It might be annoying for us He does not follow always our timing, but God has His own timing for everything. We are just one tiny element in His creation. When we do not see, hear or do not feel any contact with Him it does not mean that God is absent and silent. It might mean that you’re missing his communication to you.
According to biblical and historical accounts, God has revealed Himself in the past by many means (including physically and bodily). Though often man does not hear the Voice of God or does not see His guidance.
Job 33:13-14 NHEBJE Why do you strive against him, because he doesn’t give account of any of his matters? (14) For God speaks once, yes twice, though man pays no attention.
We do not need the theologians to get to know God and to see what He has done. Jesus asks us to believe simply because of the things he has done and promises the Spirit. Like it was the Comforter of Holy Spirit Who came to teach the apostles everything, and reminded them of everything Jeshua had said to them, the Power of God shall also come unto us if we are willing to open our mind.
Joh 14:12-17 NHEBJE Truly, truly, I tell you, he who believes in me, the works that I do, he will do also; and he will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. (13) Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (14) If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it. (15) If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (16) I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, that he may be with you forever, (17) the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive; for it does not see him, neither knows him. You know him, for he lives with you, and will be in you.
Illustration of each of the 28 articles of the Augsburg Confession by Wenceslas Hollar.
Denominations, clergy, & seminaries are using systems of thought that drive their ideals. The many churches you can find in this world often put their aims and goals in the front-line and do place the words of Scripture in the way it suits them. Many may want you to believe those theological theories and many philosophies (even ones that attempt to be biblically based) must be very important and may not be put aside because they drive everything that anyone ever does, writes, thinks or says. But in Christianity you should be driven by the teachings of Jesus Christ and not by human traditions nor by teachings of clergy, which most often or dogmatic teachings from their own denomination. They, who have taken time enough to study religions and to study the Word of God may guide you and help you to find ways to interpret the Bible, but the best guide is the Bible itself, and that you never should forget.
If the Scriptures themselves are unchanging, then why is it that different teachers seem to fall into different “camps” of interpretation?
you may ask.
Dr. Tony Garland writes:
There are numerous factors which contribute to these differences of opinion about what the Scriptures teach on secondary issues, but perhaps the largest influence has to do with how one reads the Scriptures. In particular, are the passages taken plainly at face value like normative communication? Or is some other interpretive lens imposed upon the text. Also: are distinctions which are found within the text accounted for or are they glossed over or worse, “spiritualized” in an attempt to find a deeper meaning or application which differs from that which the original author intended. Another influential factor concerns predispositions and biases which interpreters bring to the text. These predispositions and biases work to prevent the interpreter from accepting the plain meaning of the text – especially where it may differ from already-held ideas or beliefs.
The combination of these factors helps explain why the different theological systems came to be. Moreover, once certain aspects of one’s interpretive view have been established, other aspects of Scriptural teaching tend to follow. Thus, although there are many variations in theological positions, most tend to fall into one of several major categories such as Covenant, Reformed, or Dispensational. {Covenant, Reformed, and Dispensational Theology – What Do They Mean?}
What we can see is that several people had difficulties with previous teachings or interpretations of the Bible. Often they were confronted with powerful institutions against they wanted to react.
About the Reformed teachings it is said that they wanted to emphasize more strongly the belief that all Christian teaching and practice must find its origin directly in the Scriptures and should not be based upon tradition, though soon their teachings also embroidered on their own teachings and traditions.
Another aspect of Reformed Theology is a strong emphasis on what it sees as a cultural mandate for Christians to live actively in society and work for the transformation of the world and its cultures. Although sound in concept (believers are to be salt and light and oppose and expose works of darkness – Pr. 28:4; Mat. 5:13-16; Eph. 5:11), where this cultural mandate is taken to an extreme it can lead to an over-emphasis on social work and even the denial of Scriptural truth concerning the predicted apostasy of this age and the reality of the coming tribulation (Mat. 24:10-12; 2Th. 2:3; 1Ti. 4:1-3; 2Ti. 3:1) – in effect concluding that Christianity will reform the world rather than the Scriptural truth that the world will ultimately reject Christ ushering in a time of fearful judgment (Isa. 13:12; Jer. 30:7; Dan. 12:1; Mat. 24:21; Mark 13:19; Rev. 6; 7:14; 9:15; etc.). Influenced by this cultural mandate, the outlook of Reformed Theology is generally amillennial (there is no literal 1,000 year kingdom of Christ on earth: Rev. 20:4-7) or postmillennial (Christ returns after an indeterminate golden age where society yields to the reforming influence of Christianity). {Covenant, Reformed, and Dispensational Theology – What Do They Mean?}
By time also different theologies came into existence:
Generally speaking, one can divide theological reference tools into three broad categories.
Systematic Theologies – Seek to present theological material systematically according to specific categories that frame the discussion, e.g., the nature of God, the work of the Spirit, the essence of sin, etc.
Biblical Theologies – Seek to present theological material according to categories more directly related to those of the Biblical authors, books, and corpuses; seek to give special attention to the progressive unfolding of this theological material across Biblical history and the Biblical canon.
Historical Theologies – Seek to present developmnent of Christian theology throughout church history and spanning various theological traditions. Some are organized according to historical period while others are organized topically. {Key Bible and Theological Reference Tools: Theologies}
Understanding the Biblical use of the different terms was the debate point and the continued starting point of thinking by the Trinitarian Constantine doctrine which prevented a clear view and understanding for many clergy and theologians and their followers.
When people come to know Christendom better they over time shall become aware of differing interpretations, sometimes get to know these differing views their names (e.g., Covenant Theology, Reformed Theology, Preterism) and shall come to decide which opinion they would like to follow. Most important for their and your decision is to come to a choice about how to read and understand the Scriptures without doing violence to all that they teach.
Making a choice you also should consider if you want to be a disciple of Christ or a disciple of one or other theologian.
When you come to understand that humankind originally fitted within the universe as a divine agency, initially being designed by the Divine Creator to be a regent race on earth, but having drifted away from the Sovereign Maker, you have to wonder which way you want to go. With the knowledge that mankind’s current nature and ways are not now as the Creator originally intended we do have to take on our own responsibility and have to find out for ourselves what God’s intentions were and are and how we want to fit in in that Plan of God.
The Roman Catholic Church works diligently to acquire all sects, including Evangelicals, in the name of unity. Perhaps that comes as no surprise to those who are aware of 1994’s Evangelicals and Catholics Together. Yet, the more recent agenda of the Vatican comes as a result of Benedict’s declaration in 2010 that it is “time to revive the ecumenical spirit.” That statement was made on the 100th anniversary of the 1910 World Missionary Conference, which marked the beginnings of the modern ecumenical movement. More precisely, Benedict’s allusion finds its source in Vatican II, 1964 when Catholics began praying for “the soul of the ecumenical movement” (Christian Today). Thus, Pope Francis continues the rallying cry of unity; and, because of ECT, those who ascribe to the National Council of Churches and World Council of Churches lend their aid.
What you will NOT notice in this ecumenical “revival” movement is repentance from false teachings common to the Catholic Church and liberal Christian theology. {Time to Revive… The Ecumenical Spirit}
It is up to each individual to make the right choice, either to follow human beings who say of themselves they have the exquisite ‘knowledge of the theos’ because they have followed a university course in theology, or to follow the man who was sent by God and showed mankind the way to God, Jesus Christ.
The God of order and clarity let His son speak and do wonders in His name, so that we could see the works of God and could come to know God and could come at peace with Him. By keen powers of self-observation, we can tell if we are letting the flesh win or the Spirit win and can come to see if we are preferring to follow human tradition or are willing to give ourselves to the Words of the Bible, letting them to come unto us giving us biblical insight instead of human doctrines.
How far does one want to go about that ‘unity’ or an ecumenical church? What would be such ‘universal Church’ and how much would be allowed in the differences of believes? Would those people grouping together consider the different smaller groups still like sects?
Pope John Paul II
At first the Vatican did not give formal recognition to the existence of the ecumenical movement, which began with the Edinburgh Missionary Conference of 1910, and led to the foundation of the World Council of Churches in 1948. In 1960 the Roman Catholic Church established the Secretariat for Promoting Christian Unity and tried to jump on the boat, though it took until 1995 when Pope John Paul II in his encyclical Ut Unum Sint reaffirmed the Roman Catholic commitment to Christian ecumenism. Protestant and Orthodox Eastern observers were invited to the Second Vatican Council (1962–65), and the Decree on Ecumenism (1964) promulgated by that council encouraged new dialogues with Protestant and Orthodox churches. In 1999 Pope John Paul II also visited Orthodox nations and signed a joint declaration with the Lutherans on the doctrine of justification that resolved some of the issues that led to the Reformation in 1517. We have seen already several mergers between individual churches and can see that such churches in several instances also put aside some of their original teachings or rules. Though we also have seen that some proposed mergers, like the one between the English Methodists and the Church of England, were rejected by their church-members. On the other hand we can find groups which under the terms of the full communion, can hold joint worship services, exchange clergy members, and collaborate on social service projects.
Moses commanded that the books of the law be placed in the ark. This — with the addition of the book of Joshua — was done, and the sacred books were kept there during the wilderness journey, and also were in the ark during its permanent residence in Jerusalem. (Deuteronomy 31:9,26, cf. 2 Kings 22:8; Joshua 24:26; 1 Samuel 10:25.)
Later on the prophets who flourished before the destruction of the temple, Jonah, Amos, Isaiah, Hosea, Joel, Micah, Nahum, Zephaniah, Jeremiah, Obadiah, and Habakkuk their were to follow. The canon of the Old Testament in the form we now have it, was the work of Ezra and the Great Synagogue. This fact is borne witness to in the most ancient Jewish writings. The Great Synagogue was composed of Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.
The translators of the King James Version of the Holy Bible intentionally preserved, in Early Modern English, archaic pronouns and verb endings that had already begun to fall out of spoken use. This enabled the English translators to convey the distinction between the 1st, 2nd and 3rd person singular and plural verb forms of the original Hebrew and Greek sources. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The oral tradition was continued after the death of Jesus, but when his disciples died it became important to have their writings going to the different ecclesiae or groups of followers of Christ. Founders of ecclesiae or churches, often unable to visit them personally, desired to communicate with their converts for purposes of counsel, reproof, and instruction. Thus arose the Epistles, or letters, which were put forth from time to time to meet special needs and emergencies.
At the time of the formation of the New Testament canon twenty out of the twenty-seven books were readily and universally accepted as genuine, and therefore called “Homologoumena” (i.e. acknowledged). These twenty books were the four Gospels, the Acts, the epistles of Paul (except that to the Hebrews), and the first epistles of John and Peter. The other seven books — Hebrews, 2 and 3 John, 2 Peter, Jude, James, Revelation — were disputed for a time by particular churches, and were therefore styled “Antilegomena” (or disputed).
The chosen men of God wrote down His words and gave God’s instructions to the people. All people were free to listen to it, take it for what it is or forget about it all, but they should know it would be taken in account later.
All had and have to know that those given scriptures are able to make us wise, which the traditions of the so called “divines” are not. Though it is very well known that most people do prefer to hold on to those human teachings and human traditions.
When we look at those old writings we can see why it is important better to listen to God His Words, instead of holding on the words of human beings. The Voice of the High Omnipotent Who cannot be seen by man or they would die, is the Voice we should listen to. Being such an invisible Spirit makes it so much more difficult for people to believe in Him as their God. For that reason many Christians also took themselves an other person as their god, and made Jesus into god, though they cannot see him any more but present him in many pictures. They also made pictures from the Nazarene man in front they could bow down. Though the God of gods demanded not to make any graven image of any god to bow down for or to pray in front.
In case people would take the Book of books to read and listen to those words, written in those scriptures, they would come to see much more clear and would get more insight, for we have the assurance that he who seeks shall find. But we must seek by the fight of scripture, and not permit that fight to be obscured by high thoughts and vain imaginations which exalt themselves against the knowledge of God.
Great is the consolation that
“the wise shall understand”,
and
“shall shine as the brightness of the firmament”.
When opening our minds to the words from the Holy Scriptures, we can be liberated from human (unwise words) and get the words from God come over us, giving the right guidance and offering us a better insight. God wants us to comprehend and apply His Word to our lives. He gave us His words not to bring us in confusion or to make life more difficult. But so that we could easier understand how everything went wrong and how we can avoid badness in our life. For He wants us to grow in our relationship with Him.
In this world many may have learned something about God and His Words, but not many take to those words. Many seem to learn the Christian message from some other source than the Bible. We are then told to read the Bible or go to church where the Bible is or should be read to us.
Many ask why we should believe the message. Many grow into one or the other religion because their parents told them to believe. Some may have found a church, where a priest got them to accept their church is the only right church and accepted it without doubting it.
Best would be when the bible itself would give you faith and belief.
It is the Bible that gives us the Good News and the salvation for our souls. It is the Bible that gives us the guidelines for the way to conduct our lives here on earth in preparation for our day of judgement.
Like God had given His manna to His people in the desert, He still continues to give spiritual manna to the people in the world. Throughout history several people came to understand that God was guiding them and giving them spiritual nourishment. King David was not so pride to hide that he received knowledge from God and wrote down many psalms for his Sovereign Master. Like any other man David also made faults. After he repented (doing a work of faith) he was pardoned by God Who exalted him.
Words associated with Fear (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
God had told the world He would make His words known to the people because He has called, though many did not want to or refused to listen. God even has stretched out His Hand and no one has heeded, because man has ignored all God’s counsel and would have none of His reproof, and therefore Jehovah God also will laugh at our calamity and will mock when terror strikes the world.
Pro 1:20-33 NSB Wisdom calls you! She raises her voice in the streets and marketplaces. (21) She calls in the streets, in the opening of the gates: in the city she utters her words. She says: (22) »How long, you simple (stupid) (foolish) ones, will you love simplicity (foolishness) (stupidity)? The scoffers delight in scoffing. Fools hate knowledge! (23) »Listen when I reprove you. I will pour out my spirit on you. I will make my words known to you. (24) »I called you! I stretched out my hand to you. You paid no attention to me. (25) »You have ignored all my counsel. You accept no correction. (26) »I also will laugh at your trouble. I will mock when your fear comes. (27) »Trouble and distress will surround you like a whirlwind, like a great storm. (28) »You will ask for my help, but I will not listen. You will search, but you will not find me. (29) »You have no use for knowledge and you refuse to respect Jehovah. (30) »You rejected my advice and paid no attention when I warned you. (31) »Now you will get what you deserve for what you have done. Your own advice will make you sick. (32) »Sin and self-satisfaction bring destruction and death to stupid fools. (33) »Whoever listens to me will be secure and will be free from the fear of evil.«
Solomon’s Wealth and Wisdom, as in 1 Kings 3:12-13, illustration from a Bible card published 1896 by the Providence Lithograph Company (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
For ages, centuries, many people would not want to see that it is not good or not right to reject the counsels of wisdom. God gave council to the world but His given wisdom was not liked by man, though it is quite clear and evident in Solomon’s teaching that true wisdom is from God and that the understanding of His words is something that is given and not innate to human nature.
Job 21:14-15 NSB »They say to God: ‘Leave us alone! We do not desire to know your ways.’ (15) »Who is the Almighty that we should serve him? And what do we gain if we pray to him?
Job 22:17 NSB »They said to God: ‘Leave us alone.’ They asked: ‘What can the Almighty do to us?’
Isa 30:11-14 NSB »‘Get out of our way! Stop blocking our path! Get the Holy One of Israel out of our sight.’« (12) This is what the Holy One of Israel says: »You have rejected this warning, trusted oppression and deceit, and you leaned upon them for support. (13) »For that reason your sin will be like a high wall with a bulging crack, ready to fall. All of a sudden it will fall. (14) »It will break like pottery. It will be smashed. Nothing will be left of it. No piece will be big enough to carry live coals from a fireplace or to dip water from a reservoir.«
They hated knowledge coming from a place unknown to them and did not choose the fear of the Maker of everything, despising all His reproof. Therefore those people shall have to abide in the consequences. Even though the words are so strident and even harsh, it is actually a kindness for wisdom to rebuke so sharply in accord with justice — it is life itself which is at stake. The chiefest of our duties as creatures of God Most High is to fear him; thus, it is the height of rebellion to despise the reproofs of wisdom that comes from him.
Rom 1:28 NSB They did not like to retain God in their knowledge, so God gave them over to a reprobate (depraved) mind, to do things that are not fitting.
Pro 6:23 NSB For the commandment is a lamp. The law is light. Reproofs for instruction are the way of life.
Psa 19:7-11 NSB The law of Jehovah is perfect. It gives new life. The testimony of Jehovah is dependable. It makes the simple wise. (8) The statutes of Jehovah are correct. They make the heart rejoice. The commandments of Jehovah are radiant. They make the eyes shine. (9) The reverence of Jehovah is pure. It endures forever. The decisions of Jehovah are true. They are completely fair. (10) They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even the drippings from a honeycomb. (11) They warn your servant. There is a great reward in following them.
Psa 119:151-152 NSB You are near, O Jehovah. All your commandments are truth! (152) Of old I have known from your laws that you have founded them forever.
God had set out rules for a certain reason. It is also to protect ourselves. Following those rules we shall be able to have lesser problems in life than those who do not want to know about God’s commandments. As time went by God had to add certain laws, but His Word did not change like He did not change at all. He is, was and always shall be the same eternal God Who made heaven and earth and Who has a Plan with creation.
Some may find God’s Words and His commandments not so clear, but often it is because they have not yet opened their ears for that Word of God fully. The understanding of His words shall also come in the time of God. As God likes it He will see what is in the heart of a person and shall provide accordingly.
Deu 8:1-2 NSB »Be careful to do all the commandments I commanded you today! You will then live and multiply and go in and possess the land Jehovah promised to give to your forefathers. (2) »Remember the forty years Jehovah your God led you in the wilderness. He did this in order to humble you and test you. He wanted to know what was in your heart. Whether you would obey his commandments.
Jer 17:9-13 NSB »The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately corrupt. Who can understand it? (10) »I, Jehovah, search the heart and examine the mind (inner man). I give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds. (11) »A person who gets rich dishonestly is like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay. During his lifetime, he will lose his wealth. In the end, he will be a wicked fool.« (12) From the very beginning our sanctuary was a glorious throne on high. (13) You will put to shame all that forsake you, O Jehovah, the hope of Israel. Those who turn away on earth will be written down, for they have forsaken Jehovah, the fountain of living water.
Jer 11:20 NSB O Jehovah of Hosts, you are a fair judge. You test motives and thoughts. I want to see you take revenge on them. For that reason I presented my case to you.
Jer 20:12 NSB Yet, O Jehovah of Hosts you test the righteous. You see the mind and the heart. Let me see your vengeance on them for to you I have revealed my cause.
Lots of people thought to have wisdom in them, but it was more their pride that let them think they had wisdom. they also forgot that everything a man has he receives from God. When a person can do something it is because God allows it to happen. It is not said that it would be good or would be bad. Some things may look bad at one moment but turn out for the better at a later stage. Those getting pride in what they know or in what they can do should remember that wisdom is not innate to human nature. It is also not said we are all born stupid or without any wisdom. But by birth we lack a lot of things, because we have been formed by imperfect beings, our parents also being the result of a copulation of two not so perfect beings. By time the faults in the human genes got multiplied. Man lost also the feeling with creation, becoming less connected with fauna and flora.God wants His creation to be in unity with each other. Man has drifted away from that good relationship which was there in the Garden of Eden. That good relationship is also what God wants to be restored and has provided for His theocratic reign, the future Kingdom, where there will be no death, because that is something He hates. Jehovah views death as an enemy.
1Co 15:26 NSB The last enemy to be destroyed will be death. (Revelation 20:14)
God brought it over Adam and eve and their offspring. Straight ahead in the Garden of Eden He promised for a solution and throughout He let His people know He did not like this situation with suffering and death. He has a longing to conquer that enemy, to undo death by means of the resurrection. He yearns to bring back those who are in his memory and to see them live on earth again.
Job 14:14-15 NSB »If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait for my change (release) to come. (15) »You will call and I will answer you! You will long for the creature your hands have made.
God feels for us when we suffer, wants others to know how He is with His people and shall protect them and provide hope that all suffering will end.
Zec 2:8-11 NSB »Jehovah of Hosts proclaims: ‘He sent me after glory! He sent me to the nations that plundered you. For he that touches you touches the pupil of his eye.’ (9) »Behold! I will shake my hand (power) over them, and they will be a spoil to those who served them.« Then you will know that Jehovah of Hosts has sent me. (10) »Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For I am coming, and I will dwell in the midst of you,« said Jehovah. (11) »Many nations will join themselves to Jehovah in that day, and will be my people! I will dwell in the your midst, and you will know that Jehovah of Hosts has sent me to you.«
Psa 37:9-13 NSB For evildoers will be destroyed, but those who wait for Jehovah will inherit the land. (10) A short time from now the wicked man will be no more. You will look carefully for his place and he will not be there. (11) The meek (gentle) (mild) (humble) will inherit the earth and will delight in the abundance 0f peace. (12) The wicked plots against the righteous and grinds at him with his teeth. (13) Jehovah laughs at him, for he sees that his day will come.
But man shall have to be patient until the Day of God shall come. even Jesus did not know when that day would come. In the meantime man should consider how Jehovah God feels when His people are cruelly mistreated. (About the past times the Bible says that Jehovah was distressed because of “those who were treating them abusively.”)
Jdg 2:18 NSB When Jehovah established judges he supported each judge. He delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days the judge lived. He had compassion for them as they groaned under those who oppressed and afflicted them.
God provided man to lead, judges, priests and kings, but most of all His Word, written down by men could trust and was willing to provide with His wisdom.It was at God’s time that things were written down and so not directly whilst he events took place. After the events took place but the prophesies where written down years and years long before those events took place. About certain elements it was not yet necessary to have them written down at the time because the people who hear about it had also been witnesses of the events. Before the Gospels were written, the gospel message was still known because people preached it (e.g., Matthew 28:19-20). The eyewitnesses who were alive at the time could verify and vouch for the validity of the message that was being preached (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; 1 John 1:1-4). When the original eyewitnesses (especially the inspired ones [John 14:26]) of the events the Gospels describe were reaching the end of their lives and would soon no longer be able to orally verify that accounts of Jesus’ life given in teaching and preaching were true (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Luke 1:1-4). The writers of the Holy Scriptures have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among them. They felt the Hand of God and were seriously aware of the necessity to report everything truthfully, without hiding their own deficiencies. In Scriptures you may find the writers their own imperfections or flaws. They show us how they were guided and got wisdom from God’s Word and how necessary it is for us to take heed. With what they wrote down we should be able to come to more wisdom. Many do not know the scriptures or the power of God, but those who are opening their mind to read it and learn from it can find answers in their head. The sent one from God, Jeshua, Jesus Christ, tried to get the people to understand easier the Word of his heavenly Father. He too had to open the eyes of his pupils, like other prophets before him.
Luk 24:45 NSB He opened their minds that they might understand the scriptures.
It are also those Scriptures which tell us what happened and what still shall come. They show us how God provided a solution against death and who that solution is. But to see what the solution is people have to come to hear the testimony which that Nazarene man gave. as soon as the time was indicated by God that son of man testified of his heavenly Father; for the works which the Father had given him to finish, bear witness of him, that the Father has sent him and that it was not like some think God Himself coming down to earth. Scripture tells us that people shall have to hear that it was the Heavenly Father Who sent Jesus and testified of this man telling no lies to the world and saying to all those around Jesus that he is His son.
Mat 3:17 NSB Then a voice from heaven said: »This is my Son whom I love and whom I have approved.«
Joh 12:28-30 NSB »Father, glorify your name.« A voice came from heaven: »I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.« (29) The crowd near him only heard thunder. Some said an angel spoke to him. (30) Jesus said: »This voice came for your sake and not for mine.
Today also for us it is impossible to see Jesus or to see God. We also cannot say with certitude we heard God His Voice as such or seen His form. Though we can hear God’s Voice by what Jesus has brought over the world and by the Comforter Jesus asked God to sent to this world. The ones who refuse to read the Bible or to listen to words of it shall not find God’s Word abiding in them, for they do not believe Jesus whom the Most HighElohim has sent. They may search the Scriptures, because in them they think that they have eternal life or they may dream of a separate element being taken out of their body, which they call their soul going up to heaven. What we see in this world that many of those still prefer like in the old times to keep to traditions, to keep having part in the pagan celebrations. Some of them may even say they love Jesus, but they do not want to see and take Jesus for what he really is and for what he really has done. In a certain way they refuse to come to Jesus so that they may have life, becoming children of God in a restored New World. We should not be like those who do not believe that Jesus is the sent one from God. We should believe the words like they are given in Scriptures and have to come to believe that Jesus receives glory from Jehovah God, from Whom he comes. We should accept and put our hope in the fact that Jesus has come in his Father’s name. We do have the Old and the New Testament to teach us and to guide us and to make it clear how everything happened and who is who. From Scriptures we shall come to see on whom we have to set our hope. We should believe Moses, Isaiah and other prophets and have to believe in Jesus’ words.
Joh 5:36-47 NSB »The testimony I have is greater than that of John. The works I do are the works the Father gave me to accomplish. They testify that the Father has sent me. (37) »The Father who sent me testifies about me. You have not heard his voice nor seen him at any time. (38) »You do not have his word dwelling in you. This is because you do not believe in the person he has sent. (39) »You search (investigate) (study) the Scriptures because you think that in them you have everlasting life. These Scriptures testify about me. (40) »And yet you will not come to me that you may have life. (41) »I do not accept glory from men. (42) »I know that the love of God is not in you. (43) »I came in my Father’s name and you did not receive me. If another came in his own name you would receive him. (44) »How can you believe? You seek praise and glory from one another? Why do you not seek the glory that comes from the only God? (45) »Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father. Moses on whom you have set your hope is a plaintiff against you. (46) »It is a fact! If you believed Moses you would believe me. He wrote about me! (47) »If you do not believe his writings how will you believe my words?«
The historic/Jewish people’s emergence/radically different from/story told. (eagleman6788.wordpress.com)
Following 70 years of intensive excavations in the Land of Israel, archaeologists have found out: The patriarchs’ acts are legendary, the Israelites did not sojourn in Egypt or make an exodus, they did not conquer the land. Neither is there any mention of the empire of David and Solomon, nor of the source of belief in the God of Israel. These facts have been known for years, but Israel is a stubborn people and nobody wants to hear about it.
Those Other Christians and Their Weird Beliefs (danspulpit.wordpress.com)
The Lord regularly promised spiritual and other kinds of prosperity to the leaders of Israel and Israel themselves if they walked in His ways. His blessings then and now are conditional. Many today in our self-centered, greasy grace time in history have the idea that they somehow should receive the blessings of God just because of His love for them. But if you read from Genesis to Revelation you find that God’s blessings are indeed conditional, whether we like it or not.
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We are told there are 38,000 Christian denominations on the earth today that differ in theology, how they do worship and church stuff. Some of these denominations t really believe some pretty off the wall stuff and some of them do some pretty crazy stuff. But there are God lovers in all of them. I am weary of believers throwing the baby out with the bath water. Your don’t have to spend much time on line to find believers condemning pastor so and so’s entire ministry because of a doctrine or practice they don’t agree with. How arrogant it is to believe you or I are completely correct on every doctrine and every practice. We all have a few things wrong, but just haven’t realized it yet. Preachers and believers with good fruit should be respected even if we don’t completely buy everything they believe or practice. We are exhorted repeatedly to keep the unity of the Spirit in the church and love one another and to be one just as Jesus and the Father are one. This includes crossing denominational and theological lines. In 1 Corinthians Paul condemns the divisions that so easily quench what God intends in the church. From God’s perspective, there is one church and no denominations. Believers are believers. God lovers are God lovers. Good fruit is good fruit.
When That Which Is Hidden… (michaelgurley.wordpress.com)
It’s a fearful thought that who we “were” and what we hope to never be “revealed” will somehow come to the light of day. However, there is a way to assuage the guilt, to erase our sin. A single scriptural principle.The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever! (Psalms 111:10 ESV)
This word “fear” should be better interpreted as “moral reverence” – it is not the fear that leaves us quaking from the boogey man. Rather, it’s the reverence we have for the moral superior. It’s respect. Almost like the feelings we get when we are around somebody we want to rub shoulders with, but are perhaps afraid of getting too close to them.
Revere. Respect. Even worshipful. It’s almost as if we expect this special one to see right through our thin veneer.
Imagine God said that to you. What would you ask for? Solomon asked for wisdom. He recognized his desperation for wisdom.
We would be wise for us to recognize the same. It will do us no good to read through the rest of the book of Proverbs unless we first recognize our need for wisdom.
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Wisdom does not come with age. There are plenty of old people living like fools. Neither does wisdom come with experience. It’s possible for us to have experiences and rather than learning from them we just continue making the same mistakes. Wisdom comes from God. And since it comes from God alone, there is only one place to turn when we need it.
Open Heavens Sunday, 29 March 2015 : Emmanuel (emmanuelayeni.com)
One reason why the Holy Spirit caused the Gospel of Matthew to be written is to show that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophesies concerning the Messiah. One of such prophesies is found in Isaiah 7:14 which says,
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
This prophecy was shown to be fulfilled by Jesus in our Bible
Today, when people express the opinion that eclipses do have meaning, they are generally interpreted as a sign or omen of bad news rather than good. It has always been this way throughout history. In fact, this view may have saved Chrisopher Columbus’ life back in February 1504 when on his fourth and final voyage, he used his knowledge of a coming total lunar eclipse to scare the local natives into providing his men with much needed supplies and protection. The account says that Columbus met with the island chief that day, proclaimed that God was angry with him and his people for treating his men poorly and pronounced that a sign wouldbe coming to prove it. (Eclipse tables had been invented recently, so he knew one was coming that very night). Then, as the lunar eclipse went all the way to the blood-red stage, Columbus entered into prayer, coming out of his cabin just as the phase was ending and pronouncing loudly, “God has forgiven you.” Needless to say, relations with the island natives immediately improved!
![Robert Kilwardby (c. 1215 – 11 September 1279) first member of a mendicant order to attain a high ecclesisatical office in the English Church [1352 fresco by Tommaso da Modena (1326–1379)- church of San Nicolò, Treviso]](https://messiahforall.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/robert_kilwardby.jpg)
Messiah For All 