The Spirtual Forge

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 12 Aug 2016 13:21:00 +0000

How to Survive a Shipwreck

by: Jonathan Martin

I must say, that this has been a delightful book to review. The title conveys accurately what the book is about - and I was pleasantly surprised to find out the perspective from which it is written. Most books of this type, I have seen written from the perspective of people that have already crashed in their lives as they were, to find God and then come out of the situation. This man writes this from the perspective of a person who was an active person of faith, only to come very close to losing that faith but then come back stronger and in different ways that he imagined. I'm not saying that I necessarily agree with everything that he states, but, if you are feeling that your life is shipwrecked, or is about to be - then you may wish to consider reading this book.

I gained the following perspectives from this book that you may find encouraging as well:

I gained the aspect that life and faith are something you should take a view daily. We get into ruts where we assume things are going to be or come out certain ways and when they don't - we're disappointed. The writer spends a lot of time talking about focusing on our "daily bread" and how if you are shipwrecked it gives you that perspective - that life is best handled one day at a time.
I gained a unique view of the observance of what we call Communion (the Lord's Supper) what the writer calls the Eucharist. I have been on the side of not doing it - and I have been on the side of observing it now for 40 years. I agree with the writer, when you CAN'T eat, or eat well, the times when you can become precious. Just because it has become ritualized, don't lose the perspective that you are sitting at God's Table, at God's invitation, to eat a meal with His Son.
I gained the perspective that while the gifts of God (even those as simple as living, seeing, hearing, etc) are a blessing, they also come with awesome responsibility and at times even a curse. We all "see" but when you gain a perception that you have never had before, and you see in new ways - that sight comes with a responsibility and often brings with it pain. I gained a new perspective on why the prophets wrote that they "ate" the word of the Lord and it was a delight to them, but when it hit their stomachs, it became sour and tumultuous. You can't NOT understand something, when you have gained that understanding and KNOW its consequences - and at times are powerless to stop it.

I give this book thumbs up and encourage you to read it. Even if you have not had a shipwreck, it will help you. If you are headed for or are in a shipwrecked life - this book may help you to see that you are not alone and that there is hope!

Jim

Misconceptions by Steven Reider

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 23:20:00 +0000

Misconceptions by Steven Reider

When I received this book, I guess I had misconceptions. I thought this was going to be a quick read and I'd be off to the next one. The first chapters were nice, though I found some differences in thought with the author. But this didn't discourage me. I continued reading and pleasantly so. The middle chapters I found slightly confusing and again with some differences in thought from the author. However, the latter chapters I found intriguing and enlightening. The thoughts well formed and documented stimulated my own study, and I came away delightfully surprised.
Will I recommend this book? Yes. But, I recommend reading it openly, with a degree of reservation. The book has good points, is worth study and note. However some of the logic in the chapters eludes me. Perhaps my own misconceptions? It's still a good book.

Jim

BOOK REVIEW: Answering Jihad:A Better Way Forward by Nabeel Qureshi

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 May 2016 19:46:00 +0000

With all of the things going on in the world today, this book seemed to be a timely one to review. Though I fancy myself an amateur historian, I have not investigated Islam, or the Muslim community outside of a vague knowledge of its beginnings and the Crusades. I had seen other books on this subject before, but always from a semi-dogmatic Christian view and was turned off by them because of it. This book I am delighted to say, does not do that. It presents the reader with a very honest - inside look at Islam, the teaching of Islam, what Jihad is and Radical Jihad and then understanding this in light of Judeo-Christian concepts. I found the author trying to explain this simply, yet, at the same time trying to do justice to the subject. With the twists and turns within it, it would be about like trying to explain Christianity (and all of its modern diverse iterations) to someone who is not a Christian. There are some serious questions considered in this book - mainly, did Mohammed the "Prophet" advocate the violence that we see in Islam today? He also makes a good point, that Christians in their history, are not without their violent tendencies as seen in the Crusade, and even espoused by modern hate groups under the banner of the Bible. And then the question that ultimately is a crux for both sides - do Muslims and Christians worship the same God? How do we reconcile this, with our idea of who and what God is taught to be and supposed to be?

I came away from this book enlightened, as the author has given me information that I did not previously have, and in a way that is worthy of reading, study, and consideration. It is not a condemning book, it is very straight forward, factual, well noted and written. This said, while not the author's fault, or the book's fault, I found myself still bewildered by the movement itself. But that is for me to sort out.

I recommend this book highly, if you are going to be encountering people of Islamic belief. It will help you to understand not only them, but to a great extent why some of them are even bewildered as a lot of people I know about the Bible. It also will help you to understand to some extent why things are happening like they are. It does not excuse it, but it will give you information that will help you put it into perspective. If you are a Preacher, or a Bible teacher or instructor, you need this book in your library.

~ Jim

BOOK REVIEW: Man, Myth, Messiah by Rice Broocks 5 STARS!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 14:53:00 +0000

BOOK REVIEW

Man, Myth, Messiah

Answering History's Greatest Question

By Rice Broocks

This is my first foray for a while, into what I consider to be Evidences books. I found it to be a good read - and a delightful thing that I found throughout most of the book is that the author doesn't assume that you are already a believer. I found the book practical in its approach, and although the slant of the book takes you to the conclusion that Jesus is the Messiah, I found the approach stimulating. While I would like to have seen more comparison by Mr.Broocks with other beliefs and concepts, this book offers enough to give an honest comparison. It is a modern book, referencing modern materials, references and thoughts. I think I would have appreciated this book more, had I read his previous book, "God's Not Dead." His approach is scholarly as well as scriptural and he makes a good point that there are more people who believe in Elvis sightings and UFO's to be real, than there are people who will give credit to even the concept that there was a man from Nazareth who rose from the dead. Yet, there is more evidence for the fact that Jesus is real and that what happened to Him is real.

If you are not a believer, this book is NOT going to try to convert you. It will ask you to face facts to what is true.

If you are a believer - hang on - because the book will take you beyond "the Bible said" into a challenging aspect of whether you believe just because, or whether you believe because there is no other reasonable alternative.

I give the book 5 stars. That's a high rating from me personally. But I rate it this because it took me to a realm that I had not considered, and for me reaffirmed a conclusion I came to sometime ago. I hope that it will for you too.

The VEXED Soul

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 16:12:00 +0000

And when she came to the mountain to the man of God, she caught hold of his feet. And Gehazi came to push her away. But the man of God said, "Leave her alone, for she is in bitter distress, and the LORD has hidden it from me and has not told me."

2 Kings 4:27

Take some time to read this story, it is a telling one. It may seem a little confusing, and it involves Elisha, Gehazi, and a Shunammite woman. I don't know all the ins and outs of the customs of the day, but there are some practical things that are stated in this chapter that we can all learn from

Vs.27 (quoted above) Elisha tells Gehazi to leave the woman alone because as the KJV puts it, she is "vexed" in her soul. The ESV quoted above, defines this as in "bitter distress." We could focus on Elisha's statement, that God had hidden this from him, but if we do, we will miss the point. Whatever is happening to the woman, it is upsetting to her to the point that she is "stressing out" about it.
What we might miss, is that in vs.26 when she is directly asked about her state, she maintains “all is well.” Now, how do we reconcile this with what Vs.27 reveals? Is she adapting the typical human response when asked how we are and we dont' want people to know - we tell them, "I'm ok?" Is she lying? or, has she adapted a frame of mind that even though there are things in life that are stressful and cause us to be troubled, we are "alive and well, therefore it is a good day?"

I will leave it to you to read the chapter and come to your own conclusions. Here is what I do know. Regardless of how bad things are for you, they could be far worse! In our plights of life, we often lose perspective because we get caught up in the stress of the moment and do not take the time to realize that things could be even worse. We don't take the time to realize that even though things are bad, I may be suffering, hurting crying - I have life and I have God - ALL IS WELL.

On Nov.2, 1873, a ship called Villa de Havre (1) collided with another ship and sank within

Ville de Havre

twelve minutes. Three hundred and thirteen passengers were on board, among which were Rufus Wheeler Peckham a congressman and judge from New York. Hamilton Murray and his sister, for whom the Hamilton Murray Theater at Princeton is named. Lesser known, was the wife of a man, Horatio Spafford, Anna and their four daughters. Anna survived the wreck, but the four daughters did not. Anna was found unconscious, floating on a plank. Picked up by the crew of the Loch Earn, she was carried to Cardiff, Wales in the UK where she then sent telegram to her husband who could not join them on the trip, "Saved alone....what shall I do..." Horatio Spafford who was in Chicago, left immediately to join to his wife in Cardiff. On the Atlantic, the Captain of the ship called Spafford to the bridge, where he told him that they were passing over the place where his daughters had drowned. He wrote to Anna's half-sister, "On Thursday we passed over the spot where she went down, in mid-ocean, three miles deep. But, I do not think of our dear ones there. They are safe, folded, the dear lambs." It would be later, that Spafford would write what would become a well known hymn, "It Is Well With My Soul." Phillip Bliss originally composed the music to the song, that was originally called, "Ville de Havre." But the cry of the song was so great, that it became known by the title which it now bears.

"Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul!"

So, no matter what they cry, what the sorrow, plague, hurt, torment, stress of life, know this. It could be worse. If nothing else today, know that God has looked upon your helpless estate and given you a pearl of great price. You can languish in your circumstance, or you can understand, that even if you die today, if you are in Christ you have everything. What is worse? Not the circumstance you find yourself in, but to for you to allow that circumstance to keep you from seeing the one most valuable thing in front of you. The estate of your soul now and in eternity.

Jim

__________________________________

FOOTNOTES

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Ville_du_Havre

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 13 Mar 2016 22:40:00 +0000

https://ferrelljenkins.wordpress.com/2016/03/12/roman-road-from-elah-valley-to-bethlehem/

Roman road from Elah valley to Bethlehem

Posted on March 12, 2016 | Leave a comment

Portions of roads from the Roman period are found throughout Israel, and we have posted about several of them.

One interesting Roman road is the stepped road leading from the Valley of Elah up to Bethlehem. This photo was made 4.2 km west of Mata on Highway 375. I am not sure of the date of this unusual stretch of Roman Road, but I think most of the Roman roads date to the late first century or the second century A.D.

These steps would have made the trip up into, and down from, the mountains of Judea easier for both man and beast. This is likely the same route, centuries before the Romans controlled the area, taken by David as he went from Bethlehem to take some special provisions to his brothers on the firing line in the Valley of Elah (1 Samuel 17:15-22). Note especially verse 15:

… but David went back and forth from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem. (1 Samuel 17:15 ESV)

Roman Road 4.2 km W of Mata on Hwy 375. S of Hwy. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

When David was in the cave at Adullam he wished for a drink of water from “the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate.” The Biblical text records that three of his mighty men, without the knowledge of David, made their way to Bethlehem to bring him some of that water (2 Samuel 23:15-17). David refused to drink the water and poured it out to the LORD. I think the three mighty men would have used this same route.

BOOK REVIEW: From The Cross To The Church by: A.C.Graziano

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 00:04:00 +0000

From The Cross To The Church by: A.C.Graziano

As an amatuer historian and archaeological enthusist, especially of biblical things I was drawn to this book by its title and subject matter. The author tries to present what many have written volumes on in a concise volume. A daunting task to say the least. I am writing this review being now only part way through the book because I wanted to capture thoughts while they were fresh on my mind.

I have found the book interesting and frustrating at the same time. Even at this point in the book I would not recommend it to a novice. What I am sure was meant to be presented as factual..matter of fact, I found to be chaotic and having to go back and reread to make sure of things. There are assertions made with no footnote or reference to back it up, only to have it explained a little better later on and then more doubt cast after that. The book is good if you are delving into the origins of suspicions and thoughts surrounding them. It is good if you are researching some of the background of the development of trends that lead to reactions, that lead to development of human doctrine. But as a critical reference, it takes too much for granted to be a single volume and leaves little critical evidence or citation to substantiate it. It is footnoted in places and that I appreciated. But there are not near enough.

If you are versed in history and the facts surrounding biblical events, then you could find the book engaging. If you are not or are thinking about recommending it to someone who is not - don't.

DO-RE-MI - A Brief History of Shape Note Singing

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 20:56:00 +0000

If you mention music to most people, the most common thought is High School Band or a music class you had in school at some point. Many of us do not know how to read music, much less, read shape note (1) music. We have all grown up listening to music that is based on the Major Diatonic Scale (2). If you can sing at all, you can sing this scale. The tones of this scale and the syllables we use for the names of those tones are most commonly heard in "DO-RE-MI" by Rogers and Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music.” In the movie, this song was used to teach the children to sing. These same syllables are still used today to teach people to sight read music.

Guido of Arezzo

The practice of singing music to syllables designating pitch goes back to about AD 1000 with the work of Guido of Arezzo (3) ; other early work in this area includes the cipher notation of Jean-Jacques Rousseau (18th century), and the tonic sol-fa of John Curwen (19th century).

Shape notes (4) proved popular in America, and quickly a wide variety of hymnbooks were prepared making use of them. The shapes were eventually extirpated in the northeastern U.S. by a so-called "better music" movement, headed by Lowell Mason. But in the South, the shapes became well entrenched, and multiplied into a variety of traditions. Ananias Davisson's (5) Kentucky Harmony is generally considered the first Southern shape-note tune book. Singing schools became a popular thing in pre-Revolutionary days, with many English colonists bringing their knowledge to America and incorporating it in America's earliest churches, without the accompaniment of musical instruments.

All "church music" was originally sung “a capella” or without instrumental musical

Vitalian of Capua

accompaniment. For the first 1000 years in the history of Christianity, this was so. While it varies upon locality, generally in the 6th Century the first instrumental accompaniments began to appear in churches. Pope Vitalian (6) is regarded to have first introduced organs into some of the churches of Western Europe around 670 A.D.; but the earliest trustworthy account is that of one sent as a present by the Greek emperor Constantine Copronymus to Pepin, King of Franks in 755 A.D (7).

There were instruments of music of many and various kinds that were in use during the age of Jesus as well as the apostles. Their never being introduced into the worship service by Jesus, the apostles or the early Christians, either by commandment or example, is evidence that they were were not seen as a means of expressing praise, nor did they seem to be required. Whether we wish to debate the scriptural use is another discussion. This is to simply look at the history surrounding the development of singing and "music" in the "Christian" setting. It should be noted though, that Paul states in Eph.4 and 5 the intent is to edify, teach and build the assembly. It is not to entertain, nor is it to show off. The rules of 1 Corinthians seems to apply in this instance, even if it is viewed as exercising a gift, that if it doesn't edify, teach and encourage the fellowship of the group, then it is perhaps best not done.

Shape Notes, with the advent of standardized written music composition, was adapted as a means to educate people. The idea behind shape notes was and is that the parts of a vocal work can be learned more quickly and easily if the music is printed in shapes that match up with the syllables with which the notes of the musical scale are sung. It would enable harmony and melody. When a song is first sung this method normally employs singing the syllables (reading them from the shapes) to solidify their command over the notes. Next, they sing the same notes to the words of the music.

Some think it archaic, others think it is enlightening. Either way, we cannot deny that God wishes us to raise our voice in song unto the heavens and declare His praise. We cannot deny, the joyous song that leaps into our hearts when we come to know the true freedom that God has given us in His Son. We cannot deny, that even in pain, the heart can express itself in song to God. Some of the greatest songs we sing are not the compositions of masters, but the mere tunes of everyday ordinary people, trying to express what is on their hearts to God. Because the first place that music had, was between man and God!

Jim

________________________________________________________

Footnotes

(1) The shape-note method of singing from written music first appeared in a book called "The Easy Instructor, printed in 1801, although the teaching of it started much earlier in the United States as a means of helping the common person to read music.

(2) MAJOR DIATONIC SCALE - In music theory, a diatonic scale (from the Greek διατονικός, meaning "[progressing] through tones", also known as the heptatonia prima and set form 7-35) is a seven note musical scale comprising five whole steps and two half steps, in which the half steps are maximally separated. Thus between each of the two half steps lie either two or three whole steps, with the pattern repeating at the octave. The term diatonic originally referred to the diatonic genus, one of the three genera of the ancient Greeks.

(3) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guido_of_Arezzo

(4) There is a distinction between this and another common version of shape note singing called “Sacred Harp.” Sacred Harp style of singing stems from singing schools that were conducted in the colonial period of the US, and preserved in the rural South.

(5) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ananias_Davisson

(6) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Vitalian

(7 ) The American Encyclopedia, Vol. 7, page 688

BOOK REVIEW: Beyond The Shades of Gray by Dean Bailey

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 15:54:00 +0000

I rarely give glowing reviews to books, but this is one that I am going to start out by saying OH WOW!

Mr.Bailey has done one of the most magnificent jobs on this subject that I have seen. Let me caution you, that if you are squeamish about books dealing with sexuality, heterosexual or otherwise then you probably won't like it because it will make you uncomfortable. You will take a good long look at what God actually says about sexuality, bias pro and con on the subject and will make you take an honest look at yourself! It will show you how that stereotypes are a dangerous thing on both sides, how prejudice runs on both sides. We all get comfortable in our skins of various sorts, without taking a look beyond them. We adapt mindsets and behaviors often pressed upon us by society and people that we know, without honestly considering whether they are biblical or not. Sometimes, we don't even care if they are biblical, and blame God for "the way that we are." In this book, if you are a believer, you are going to find the very practical facing of the issues that Jesus presents in the Sermon on the Mount in Matt.5 and 6, that all sin runs deeper than what is on the surface. Sexual orientation doesn't matter where this is concerned and you will wind up asking yourself, "why am I doing - saying - acting like this?"

This book does not just deal with biblical aspects. This is a very factual book, dealing with everything from politics to beliefs, to science, biology and more. If you are a spiritual leader - you NEED this book! If you are a counselor, you NEED this book! If you are a Christian struggling with the issue of sexual orientation on any front, personal or otherwise - you NEED this book!

My rating -- twenty stars! I have ready many books on this subject, and this is the first that I have seen that has dealt with it as openly, honestly and spiritually as it should. GET IT! But, be prepared when you do - to confront parts of yourself that you may not wish to see. I hope that it is as helpful to you as I have found it to be for me.

Jim

BOOK REVIEW: The James Code

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 15:54:00 +0000

The James Code by O.J.Hawkins, came to me as a hardback book. I must say that this was good to see, in today's digital age. It was nice to have something to hold in my hand, and read at my leisure. I must admit that I didn't know what to expect in receiving the book. I have studied the book of James many times. I appreciate the content of the book, written as a devotional style book to be read weekly. While I am not afforded that luxury in being given a book to review within a certain framework of time. The book is full of good and sound advice, and has things written in a practical way for application. Yet, I guess I was disappointed in a couple of things. It is the typical "gift style" book meant to be presented to a graduate or to someone as a gift. There's nothing wrong with that, but the title "The James Code" belies the revealing of a mystery. Perhaps it is my own downfall in having studied James and looking for its mysteries, but I do not see how the book reveals anything of a "code." Practical insights - yes. Practical Wisdom - Yes. Practical thought - yes. Is this a code? I guess so, in a way - but the title left me expecting something that I didn't see personally.

Please don't take my criticism here wrong. I am not saying that the book is a bad book. I found the material very good and one that I will keep in my library and likely refer to upon occasion. The subtitle is "52 Scripture Principles for Putting Your Faith Into Action." I think this is more of what the book is about. While I may have my issues with the Title, the book is good and I think would make an excellent devotion book for anyone.

PaleoJudaica.com: Byron, Herodotus, and Sennacherib

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 20:31:00 +0000

PaleoJudaica.com: Byron, Herodotus, and Sennacherib: HISTORY: Of mice and men: How archaeology confirms a Bible story (Mark Woods, Christian Today ). The headline exaggerates a little, since t...

BOOK REVIEW: Curio by Evangeline Denmark

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 18:32:00 +0000

When perusing the books to review popped up, I chose this one, Curio by Evangeline Denmark. I chose it for several reasons. I wanted something fanciful, as I have been doing too much serious reading lately. The title caught me, as it brought back memories of something that my wife and I once thought of doing. Finally, the description of this book as "steam-punk" was curious to me.

My first impression of the book after reading its entirety, is intriguing. Even with the things stated above, I wasn't quite prepared for this type of novel. I was not used to things described in early 1900's industry terms, mixed with Chemists and a bizarre heroine theme to boot. This was a good read for someone looking for fanciful and outside the norms. I got involved in the book, and found myself wanting to go back to it to read and finish it. This is unusual, as with most I'm ready to put it down after the first several chapters. Ms.Denmark has a unique imagination and a talent for getting her thoughts down on paper. I hope that she writes more.

I admit that the "steam-punk" was a little different, and there were places that I found things choppy and hard to piece together. But, that may be because I am not used to reading this style of book. This should not detract you (the reader) from getting the book and reading it yourself. It is an excellent themed book for younger audiences (and some of us older ones too), it has a good flow, a good plot and is able to engage the reader without all of the extraneous "stuff" that many of its counter-parts in the world have. As regards personal tastes, for my part I would have wished a little bit more background as to why the characters are in the positions that they are in, and why the worlds mentioned exist. I believe Ms.Denmark will only get better with time.

My overall rating of the book is good and I recommend that you get it if you are looking for a fanciful read, or if you are into "steam-punkish" style reading. Even if you aren't, read it anyway, it will help get your mind off of daily stuff. Ms.Denmark - write more...I would be interested to see what else is out there.

BOOK REVIEW: H3 Leadership: Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Always Hustle by Brad Lomenick

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 13:40:00 +0000

H3 Leadership: Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Always Hustle by Brad Lomenick

I have been a motivational follower for some time, and have had the opportunity to sit and hear some of the top speakers of this industry. While there has always been a slightly spiritual element to the speakers, and some have cited Bible references, I have found only two books in my 30+ years that have dealt with the subject using the scripture as the base of the discussion. This is the second. I'm not saying that there aren't more out there, but this is only the second in my encounters that I felt worthy even to pick up and read.

At first, the book has the typical motivational book read about knowing who you are and where you are going in life and I wondered, "Where are the scriptures?" Then, I went back and re-read the preface and understood that we already know the scripture (or should) - so what we need to do is implement the principles. So, I began reading the book in a new light. I saw the habits that he refers to about developing, the goals seeking were already things Jesus taught in the sermon on the Mount and throughout the gospels. It intrigued me that the author brought these principles to play in the ever changing world of today's workforce. Where jobs aren't certain and life is ahead, these principles are good on any resume'. I also found it enlightening that the author also appeals to other authors and sources to refer the reader to to further equip themselves in the endeavors that he promotes. I also liked the tips that he gives you in each chapter, that act as a personal application of the principles taught in the chapter. He also includes tips from other authors and those considered experts in the field which I thought was a unique twist.

This book gets a high mark from me. I found myself getting involved in the book and wanting to apply what it taught. However, it is not for everyone. If you are wanting to learn how to improve yourself motivationally, and wanting to be a better leader - then this book is a good one to have in your library. It will be one that you go back and re-read and refer to often. In some circles, it could even be used if accompanied by a workbook as a Bible Class on Leadership. Even if you are not "Biblical" inclined, don't shy away from this book just because it is. There are good principles taught here that you will find useful and that will make you a better person.

SOUL and SPIRIT - Huh???

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 18:24:00 +0000

In recent discussion in class regarding the keeping of the SOUL, we have gone in depth to discuss WHAT the soul is. In general and brief description, it is the eternal part of us that God put into us at the point of creation. Yet, in the process of this discussion, arose the question - Is there a difference between the soul and the spirit?

Essentially, there are three terms in the scripture that are used when referring to what God has placed into man.

Hebrew - Nephesh (SOUL) means a breathing creature, that is, animal or (abstractly) vitality;
Greek Pneuma (SPIRIT) a current of air, that is, breath (as a blast) or a breeze; by analogy andfiguratively a spirit, that is the rational soul,or vital principle, mental disposition, etc.,
Greek Pseuche (SOUL) breath, that is, (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely - the sentient principle of vitality; thus distinguished from Pneuma which is the rational and immortal. This word is more akin to the original Hebrew word used in Genesis, where man became a living animated being.

This can be confusing, especially when you have three words that are used for what is to us the same thing. What is best to understand at this point, is that we are trying to put into words and define something that is what Job describes, "Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. (Job 42:3)." It is like John in writing the Revelation, trying to put into words scenes that were beyond human description. These same words are used of the creative power of God in Genesis when the

world was made. When God "breathes" into man, it is the variation of the same word used for what he breathes into man and makes man a soul. When the essence of God creates in Genesis 1 and the "Spirit" of God moves, it is the word RUACH which is literally translated breath or wind, but in this instance this word is used because of the force of the wind. Yet, it is described as the creative essence of God. How do we describe something too wonderful, too powerful for us to even imagine? How do we describe in words the force that it would take to make a sun, a universe, life? Therein, is the difficulty and the fault of human language.

But, what about the human soul?

Are the soul and spirit different?

How do you describe that integral part of us that God put in us, yet, has no substance and we cannot see? This is not to say that man has not been inventive. In 1907, Duncan McDougall undertook experiments of dying people to determine if the soul had weight or mass. His findings were published in the New York Times, March 11, 1907. Even then, the "soul" defied description. When appearing to Thomas after the resurrection, Jesus tells us that, "a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.(Lk.24:39)" This is why the term "breath" is used. It is not a tangible thing, but to describe it, we can only describe it as wind, breath, air. We know it exists, but we cannot define it. There are other variations and adjectives that can be used to "type" it. The scriptures use the term "evil" spirit, a "new" spirit., etc. But, it all boils down to two particular things regarding the human "soul." One seems more descriptive of what is inside of us, the other used to manifest what comes forth from us. Soul, seems to be used to describe what God breathed into us and what we became. The word Spirit seems to be used more indicatively of describing what is being projected out of us from that source. This seems implied of Lk.9:55 when Jesus rebukes James and John for their demeanor in wanting to call fire down from heaven upon people.

Soul and spirit are not different parts of what God breathed into us, they are simply two

words trying to describe the same thing in a different way. Is it hard to understand? Yes. Can you touch it? No Is it flesh and blood? No. But - it is who we are. It is our strength, might, heart existence all rolled up into one thing, that when this body dies, it will live on.

Now the question is...what will live on. What is there in me, living in my heart? If we accept the Bible's terms for godliness, then is what is within us clean or unclean as the Bible would describe?

From this, there are three things that are apparent from the scripture:

God sent his Son to die, so that what God has given me, I might give back to God clean, pure, and whole (Jn.3:16; 2 Pet.3:14)
The Soul of man has a destiny, and how I use the Spirit God breathed into me, is my choice. We just have to understand that choices have consequences (Mt..25:31-46; Heb.6:1-8; 10:26-30). Sin fragments the soul. When God created us, he states, "It is good." When sin is in and is left in the soul, the soul is no longer "Good." That is why the soul needs a redeemer (1 Cor.6:20) and while living life, it needs a Shepherd (Psa.23).
Don't misunderstand. God's word can cut through hypocrisy (Heb.4:12). It is able to pierce and cleave between the soul and the spirit. In Mt.23:7 Jesus criticized the Scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy - appearing on the outside to be one thing, yet inside another. God's word can do that with us too! Don't think you can change your destiny by pretending. Even our innermost thoughts can be discerned by God.

So, what does your SOUL - your SPIRIT say about you?

Jim

Why were the Wise Men Wise?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 17:48:00 +0000

Where Is He?

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him."

Mt.2:1,2

Always intriguing, is the account of the men referred to as Wise Men or Magi in the passage cited above. We do not know much about these men (IT DOES NOT SAY THERE WERE THREE OF THEM)but being listed as Magi (Magus), these were philosophers, priests, or astronomers of the day. They lived chiefly in Persia and Arabia and were the learned men of the Eastern nations devoted to astronomy, religion, and to medicine. They were held in high esteem by the Persian court, were admitted as counselors, and followed the camps in war to give advice. Daniel the prophet was such a person in both the Babylonian and Persian Courts some 167 years before Jesus. If indeed they came from this region, then they traveled many miles from the Far East to the Middle East and at great expense to find Jesus.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, which is just six miles from Jerusalem. At the time of Jesus’ birth, all kinds of spiritual activity was taking place in Jerusalem. All of the major religious leaders of the world were in Jerusalem, but none of them were seeking Jesus. Herod, self and Roman proclaimed "King of the Jews," wasn't even aware of Jesus until the Magi came. Many others of noted prominence were there at the time Jesus was born, many traveling to their homelands for the taxation, yet none were aware of Jesus. No one even noticed "His star" except the Magi. Why? Because the Wise Men were looking for Jesus. They were willing to make a four to five-month trip across a hot desert to find Jesus. So noted was the event to them and the occurrence of the celestial dance, that they were willing to do whatever it took to find him and as the text states "worship Him."

Jesus said that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a pearl that is so valuable we will sell everything we have to get it (Mt.13:46). It seems the Wise Men from the East understood this long before Jesus ever spoke the parable. They were willing to give up everything they had to come and worship Jesus, who at the time of their arrival was only a toddler. They were willing to give up the comforts of their homes for a long, tough journey because they WANTED to worship him.

If these men thought it worthy of note, that even the heavens pointed to Jesus to come and find Him, then shouldn't we take note of this too? I find it interesting at how virtual strangers would give up so much to go find someone they didn't even know, because they knew He was "born King of the Jews."

What would you give up in order to come worship Jesus? What holds you back from seeking a relationship with Jesus so valuable that it’s worth giving up everything for? Maybe it is time for you to start your journey.

Jim

"I just assumed you would like it"

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 15:07:00 +0000

Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, which he had not commanded them. And fire came out from before the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD

Lev 10:1,2

This is one of the most impacting statements in the Old Testament, where you have evidently people whom God chose working in the Tabernacle that He commanded them to build, then striking them dead in the midst of it. Kind of reminds you of that same feeling you got when you sassed your parents and you knew what was coming next. So let's dig a little deeper into this story to see more of the details behind it, and to see if we can see why God reacted so strongly to what they had done.

Nadab and Abihu, were the two eldest sons of Aaron the High Priest (Ex.24:9-11), and the nephews of Moses himself. In Ex.28-29 we see where Aaron and his sons were chosen to be the "priestly" tribe, meaning that their job was the are of the Tabernacle and implementation what God had specified should go on within its structure. Exodus and Leviticus as books are devoted to describing all of the articles (down to the underwear) that the priests were to wear, all of the implements to be built and used, and all of the acts to go on within it. Leviticus 6:12 tells us that the fire on the altar of burnt offering was not allowed to go out, because the first fire that would come upon the altar and its sacrifice would come from God Himself (9:24). As a result, with the fire kept burning thereafter, all of the offerings made thereon, would be "hallowed" with fire that came from God. And, God was VERY specific, to the point that there were things they were told to do and if they did not do it the way it was prescribed by God - they would die! This then brings us to our story in Leviticus 9 and 10, where we see Nadab and Abihu going about their duties, but in 10:1-3 we have the incident of what is called "strange fire." Let's take a closer look:

Strange Fire - this term is translated differently in various versions. The older versions use the word strange, the newer versions use the term unauthorized. What this tells us is that the word's definition is somewhat dependent on the context in which it is used.

Fire to be used within the Tabernacle structure for the purposes of either sacrifice or upon the Altar of Incense, was to come from the altar of Burnt Offering.
The fact that the fire of the first offering upon the altar would come from God Himself (see above) and was to be kept continually maintained and now allowed to go out from that fire, sanctified and made holy the fire and its contents.

Fire taken from another source, not obtained from the fire from God as described above, would have been considered profane, unholy, or as the versions put it, "unauthorized."
To put anything on the fire (i.e. add to it) other than what God said should be done with that fire, would make it profane, unholy, or "unauthorized."

The use of such "unauthorized" fire by Nadab and Abihu were punished with death by fire from God.(Lev.10:1-2; Num.3:4; 26:61) because what God had prescribed they did not heed or do. There is a comment in the passage that is overlooked - "and laid incense upon it." Where did they get that instruction? God had given them clear instructions on what and how to do on every facet of worship and work within the Tabernacle, yet, there is no instruction for what they do here. And what they did made what was holy - unholy. Is what God said that important?

Why then is this such a big deal? Why doesn't God just reprimand them instead of striking them dead? Isn't God being harsh and domineering here? These are all of the questions that go through our minds, because frankly we all find ourselves in this situation and would hope that God wouldn't do this to us. Yet, compare this story with Romans 1 where we are told that people do this sort of thing all the time. We want to do it our way instead of God's way. We presume that God wouldn't mind. The very end of the Bible in the Revelation, we are told not to add to or take away from what God has said. Why? This story tells us why.

Let's put this another way. If your car had been in an accident and you took it to be repaired - you tell the people doing the work to paint it back like it was. To match the colors to the original blue and restore the car to its original condition. But when you come to get the car back...all of the car except the damaged part is the original color. That part was painted blue with rainbow stripes. You're appalled and ask why. The painter says, "Well, I just thought it would look better." You ask, "Who told you to do that?" The painter says, "No one, I just assumed you would like it." Now, what do you think is the rest of that story?

The next question is obvious. What will we tell God, when He comes back?

Jim

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 22:52:00 +0000

Impressive new mosaic uncovered in Lod
16 Nov 2015
While building the visitor center for the Lod Mosaic, which was discovered previously and is considered one of the most spectacular in the country, another impressive mosaic was discovered at the site.
Uncovering the mosaic

Uncovering the mosaic
Copyright: Assaf Peretz, courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority.
(Communicated by the Israel Antiquities Authority spokesperson)

An impressive mosaic revealed in archaeological excavations by the Israel Antiquities Authority in Lod will be open for the first time this week, specifically for visits by the public, in cooperation with the Lod municipality.

In June–November 2014 a team of archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority directed a large excavation in the Neve Yerek neighborhood of Lod, in an area where a breathtaking mosaic that served as the living room floor in a villa some 1,700 years ago was previously exposed. The aim of the excavation was to prepare the ground for construction of a visitor center, to which the beautiful mosaic will be returned when it completes a series of exhibitions in museums around the world. Important artifacts were discovered in the new excavation, the most notable of which is another colorful mosaic (11 × 13 m) that was the courtyard pavement of the magnificent villa that had the famous mosaic in its living room.

According to Dr. Amir Gorzalczany, excavation director on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, "The villa we found was part of a neighborhood of affluent houses that stood here during the Roman and Byzantine periods. At that time Lod was called Diospolis and was the district capital, until it was replaced by Ramla after the Muslim conquest. The building was used for a very long time”.

Detail of the mosaic. Photo: Assaf Peretz, courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority
The northern part of the complex, where the “Shelby White and Leon Levy Lod Mosaic Center" will be constructed, was exposed when the Israel Antiquities Authority was inspecting development work being carried out in the early 1990s prior to the construction of Highway 90. The mosaic, which was discovered and excavated at that time by the late Miriam Avissar, is among the most beautiful in the country, and has been exhibited in recent years in some of the world’s leading museums, including the Metropolitan, the Louvre and the State Hermitage etc. It is currently on display at the Cini Gallery in Venice, Italy, and in the future it will be housed in the main building to be erected in Lod.
The southern part of the complex was exposed in the current excavations. Among other things, it includes a large magnificent courtyard that is paved with a mosaic and surrounded by porticos (stoas-covered galleries open to the courtyard) whose ceiling was supported by columns. According to Dr. Gorzalczany, “The eastern part of the complex could not be completely exposed because it extends beneath modern buildings in the neighborhood”.
The scenes in this mosaic depict hunting and hunted animals, fish, flowers in baskets, vases and birds.
Dr. Gorzalczany added, “The quality of the images portrayed in the mosaic indicates a highly developed artistic ability”.
Numerous fragments of frescoes (wall paintings prepared on wet plaster) reflect the decoration and the meticulous and luxurious design, which are in the best tradition of the well-born of the period. In light of the new discoveries, this part of the villa will also be incorporated in the visitor center.
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noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 15:37:00 +0000

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Modi’in: Where the Maccabees Lived

Have excavations uncovered the hometown of the Maccabees, heroes of Hanukkah’s Maccabean revolt?

Robin Ngo • 12/01/2015

This Bible History Daily feature was originally published in March 2014. It has been updated.—Ed.

Where is Modi’in, hometown of the Maccabees? Excavations conducted at Umm el-‘Umdan within the modern Israeli city of Modi’in have uncovered evidence of an ancient Jewish village. Pictured is a Herodian-period synagogue, beneath which lies a structure dated to the time of the Maccabean revolt—when the Maccabees led a rebellion against the Seleucid king. Photo: Skyview.

Modi’in was the hometown of the Maccabees, theheroes of the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid king who ruled over Judea. Have excavations conducted within the modern Israeli city of Modi’in—20 miles northwest of Jerusalem—finally exposed the Jewish village that the Maccabees called home? The finds discovered at the site of Umm el-‘Umdan in modern Modi’in are described in “Modi’in: Hometown of the Maccabees” by Shlomit Weksler-Bdolah and Alexander Onn in the March/April 2014 issue ofBiblical Archaeology Review.

When King Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Temple and forbade circumcision and Sabbath observance, the Maccabees led a successful rebellion in the 160s B.C.E.—the Maccabean revolt—that is still celebrated in the festival of Hanukkah. In the November/December 2008 issue of BAR, Andrea M. Berlin and Geoffrey B. Waywell describe the Maccabean revolt:

The [Maccabean revolt was] led by Mattathias’s eldest son, Judas, known as the Hammer because of his military prowess. When he was killed, he was succeeded by his brother Jonathan, who assumed the office of high priest as well as the political leadership, but he was soon captured and murdered. Jonathan was succeeded by his brother Simon, who likewise assumed the office of high priest, although the Maccabees were not of a high priestly family.

Read Shlomit Weksler-Bdolah and Alexander Onn’s coauthored article on excavations near the Western Wall in Jerusalem and explore the latest finds in the Biblical world’s most vibrant city in the free eBook Jerusalem Archaeology: Exposing the Biblical City.

Excavations conducted in the past decade at Umm el-‘Umdan (Arabic for “Mother of Columns”) by authors Shlomit Weksler-Bdolah and Alexander Onn (recently deceased) revealed a previously unknown synagogue—featuring eight imposing columns—likely built during the reign of King Herod. But what about earlier? What was at Umm el-‘Umdan during the time of the Maccabees and the Maccabean revolt?

Directly beneath the Herodian synagogue lies a smaller synagogue constructed during the Hasmonean period, and beneath this was a structure securely dated to the end of the third or beginning of the second century B.C.E. According to the excavators, this structure must have been contemporaneous to the time of the Maccabees and the Maccabean revolt. While this Early Hellenistic building influenced the location and shape of the two synagogues built atop it in subsequent centuries, the excavators believe that there is not enough information at the time to conclude that the Early Hellenistic building was also a synagogue.

For more evidence confirming Umm el-‘Umdan’s Jewish identity in antiquity as well as a discussion of the linguistic relationship between the Hebrew name Modi’in and the Arabic name Umm el-‘Umdan, see “Modi’in: Hometown of the Maccabees” by Shlomit Weksler-Bdolah and Alexander Onn in the March/April 2014 issue of Biblical Archaeology Review.

——————

BAS Library Members: Read the full article “Modi’in: Hometown of the Maccabees” by Shlomit Weksler-Bdolah and Alexander Onn as it appeared in the March/April 2014 issue of Biblical Archaeology Review.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 13:06:00 +0000

Ferrell's Travel Blog
Commenting on biblical studies, archaeology, travel and photography

Seal impression of King Hezekiah discovered in Jerusalem
Posted on December 2, 2015 | 6 Comments
First seal impression of an Israelite or Judean king ever exposed in situ in a scientific archaeological excavation

Bulla (seal impression) of King Hezekiah, king of Judah, discovered at the foot of the southern wall of the Temple Mount. (Courtesy of Dr. Eilat Mazar; Photo by Ouria Tadmor)
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem released this highly significant information today.

“
Discovery brings to life the Biblical narratives about King Hezekiah and the activity conducted during his lifetime in Jerusalem’s 1st Temple Period Royal Quarter

Jerusalem, December 2, 2015 — The Ophel excavations at the foot of the southern wall of the Temple Mount, conducted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Institute of Archaeology under the direction of Dr. Eilat Mazar, have unearthed an impression of the royal seal of King Hezekiah (727–698 BCE).

Measuring 9.7 X 8.6 mm, the oval impression was imprinted on a 3 mm thick soft bulla (piece of inscribed clay) measuring 13 X 12 mm. Around the impression is the depression left by the frame of the ring in which the seal was set.

The impression bears an inscription in ancient Hebrew script:

“לחזקיהו [בן] אחז מלך יהדה”

“Belonging to Hezekiah [son of] Ahaz king of Judah”

and a two-winged sun, with wings turned downward,
flanked by two ankh symbols symbolizing life.

The bulla originally sealed a document written on a papyrus rolled and tied with thin cords, which left their mark on the reverse of the bulla. This bulla came to light, together with many pottery sherds and other finds such as figurines and seals, in Area A of the excavations (2009 season), supervised by Hagai Cohen-Klonymus.

The bulla was discovered in a refuse dump dated to the time of King Hezekiah or shortly after, and originated in the Royal Building that stood next to it and appears to have been used to store foodstuffs. This building, one of a series of structures that also included a gatehouse and towers, was constructed in the second half of the 10th century BCE (the time of King Solomon) as part of the fortifications of the Ophel — the new governmental quarter that was built in the area that connects the City of David with the Temple Mount.

The bulla was found together with 33 additional bullae imprinted from other seals, some bearing Hebrew names, their reverse showing marks of coarse fabric and thick cords that probably sealed sacks containing foodstuffs.

Dr. Eilat Mazar said: “Although seal impressions bearing King Hezekiah’s name have already been known from the antiquities market since the middle of the 1990s, some with a winged scarab (dung beetle) symbol and others with a winged sun, this is the first time that a seal impression of an Israelite or Judean king has ever come to light in a scientific archaeological excavation.”

A third-generation archaeologist working at the Hebrew University’s Institute of Archaeology, Dr. Mazar directs excavations on the City of David’s summit and in the Ophel to the south of the Temple Mount’s southern wall. Among her many archaeological finds over the years, in 2013 she revealed to the world an ancient golden treasure discovered at the Ophel (see http://new.huji.ac.il/en/article/18251).

A video about this discovery is available online at http://www.keytodavidscity.com.

The renewed Ophel excavations (2009-2013), and the processing of the finds as well as the preservation and preparation of the excavated area for tourists by the Israel Antiquities Authority were made possible through funding provided by Daniel Mintz and Meredith Berkman (New York).The excavation site is situated within the Ophel Archaeological Park, which is part of the National Park Around the Walls of Jerusalem under the auspices of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.

The seal impression was found during the wet-sifting of earth layers from the excavation in the Emek-Zurim wet-sifting facility, directed by Dr. Gabriel Barkai and Zachi Dvira, under the auspices of the Nature and Parks Authority and the Ir David Foundation. The bulla was discovered by Efrat Greenwald, a member of the Ophel expedition, who supervised the wet-sifting of the excavation material. Reut Ben-Aryeh, who prepared the Hebrew bullae from the Ophel excavations for publication, was the first to identify it as a seal impression of King Hezekiah. Students and alumni of Herbert W. Armstrong College from Edmond, Oklahoma participated in the excavation.

King Hezekiah is described favorably in the Bible (2 Kings, Isaiah, 2 Chronicles) as well as in the chronicles of the Assyrian kings— Sargon II and his son Sennacherib—who ruled during his time. Hezekiah is depicted as both a resourceful and daring king, who centralized power in his hands. Although he was an Assyrian vassal, he successfully maintained the independent standing of the Judean Kingdom and its capital Jerusalem, which he enhanced economically, religiously, and diplomatically.

The Bible relates of Hezekiah that “there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those before him” (2 Kings 18:5).

The symbols on the seal impression from the Ophel suggest that they were made late in his life, when both the Royal administrative authority and the King’s personal symbols changed from the winged scarab (dung beetle)—the symbol of power and rule that had been familiar throughout the Ancient Near East, to that of the winged sun—a motif that proclaimed God’s protection, which gave the regime its legitimacy and power, also widespread throughout the Ancient Near East and used by the Assyrian Kings.

This change most likely reflected both the Assyrian influence and Hezekiah’s desire to emphasize his political sovereignty, and Hezekiah’s own profound awareness of the powerful patronage given his reign by the God of Israel. While the changed Royal administrative symbol imprinted on the King’s jars used the motif of a sun with wings extended to the sides, Hezekiah’s personal changed symbol had a sun with sheltering wings turned down and a life-symbol at the end of each wing. This special addition of the symbol of life may support the assumption that the change on the King’s personal seal was made after Hezekiah had recovered from the life-threatening illness of shehin (II Kings 20:1-8), when the life-symbol became especially significant for him (ca. 704 BCE).

The discovery of King Hezekiah’s Royal Seal impression in the Ophel excavations vividly brings to life the Biblical narratives about King Hezekiah and the activity conducted during his lifetime in Jerusalem’s Royal Quarter.

The full research about King Hezekiah’s bulla is included in the first volume of the Ophel Excavations 2009–2013 Final Reports, published today with the support of the David Berg Foundation.

The Ophel excavations at the foot of the southern wall of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, conducted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Institute of Archaeology under the direction of Dr. Eilat Mazar. (Photo courtesy of Andrew Shiva)
The Institute of Archaeology, the birthplace of Israeli archaeology, is an independent research and teaching unit within the Hebrew University’s Faculty of Humanities. Academic programs include studies for B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in prehistoric, biblical, and classical archaeology, Civilizations of the Ancient Near East and Computerized Archaeology. In addition to its role as a teaching and training institution, the Institute is involved in major archaeological endeavors and interdisciplinary research programs. Its excavations at major prehistoric and historic sites have shaped many of the current paradigms in Israeli archaeology and contributed to a better understanding of past human behavior. For more information, visit http://archaeology.huji.ac.il.

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel’s leading academic and research institution, producing one-third of all civilian research in Israel. For more information, visit http://new.huji.ac.il/en.

”
Thanks to Dov Smith, Assistant Spokesman–International, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

The Real Opposition!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 18:35:00 +0000

And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

2 Tm.2:24-26

This is an enduring scripture, full of wisdom and practicality. It is sound advice for those trying to teach, stand up for, be examples of and proclaim truth in a world that is surrounded by those who would have nothing better than to stamp it out. Indeed, it is hard to sway the opinion of those who have either chosen to abandon God or refuse to accept that God is something that they should even acknowledge. This passage strives to teach both believers as well as non-believers.

1.) If you are a believer, expect opposition! In that event, you as a believer should not be

quarrelsome or combative in your approach. In that, there is some practical advice for you in this passage:

Be kind. Don't stoop to name calling, slurs, innuendos, or acting like people in the world you are trying to teach.
KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TEACHING! This is part of being able to teach. If you are going to take it upon yourself to teach someone, at least know what you are talking about and preferably be living what you are talking about. No one wants to listen or will listen to a hypocrite.
Expect insults and hurt. The world isn't going to be nice - so don't expect it.
Be Gentle. This goes back to being kind, it is a further modifier of that term, giving you the HOW.
Remember who's doing the changing of the hearts here. All God expects you to do is present and live the truth. He's the one who changes hearts, not you!

2.) KNOW THE REAL SOURCE OF THE OPPOSITION!

People of the world and its thinking are ensnared by the Devil, with his lies and deceptions. In fact the world has swallowed them hook, line, and sinker!
It is no coincidence, that in Rev.12:10, that Satan is called the "Accuser of our brethren." All of the opposition against good, radical or not, has one purpose and one purpose alone -- to do anything he can to be able to accuse godly people of wrong so as to smear and/or draw people away from God.
All of the unseen battles being waged around us every day, is pressure to keep you from doing what is right and acknowledging God. Ephesians 6:12 says, “We are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world”

Satan cannot attack God directly, so he attacks those who follow Him. The advice Paul gave to Timothy in the 1st Century, is good for us to remember today. Stay away from senseless arguments, don't be like the world you are trying to teach, be humble.

How did Jesus treat those who opposed him? “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they’re doing.” The same is true with those who would oppose those who claim to follow God. They don’t know what they’re doing. So, don't be like them! Learn to let God live in you, and be His example. Let Him deal with the world, you live to let His glory be seen in everything you do!

Jim

Laodecia - What Can A Walk Through History Teach Us?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 14:27:00 +0000

So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."

Rev.3:16

Laodecia. A name today that with many acquainted with the Bible conjures feelings of nausea and displeasure. This is largely in part due to the statement in Revelation, that God was threatening to "spew them out of His mouth.," had they not heeded what He was saying. Yet, as we were playing a "Bible" game the other night, Laodecia was one of the cities on the game board and it invoked me to write about this city in today's blog.

Laodecia was a common name back in the days following the Persian Empire. There were

several daughters named this, and with that several cities that had the distinction of having this name - all in different areas. We have the privilege of knowing which city is being referred to in our instance in Revelation, because it states that it was in what was then called Asia (properly Asia Minor). It was located in the Lycos valley of what is now modern day Turkey, in the province of Phrygia (Rev.1:11). In the days following Persia, it was distinguished from the other cities by the designation "Ad Lycum." Prior to this the city was known as Diospoilis, or "city of Zeus." It also bore the name Rhodas at one point and finally named Laodecia. It did not gain any prominence until the early 200's BC, when Achaeus was its king. Until then, it was a city that just passed from one kingdom and ruler to another in very insignificant ways. Antiochus II (261-246 BC) of Syria came to power during this time, and in the process married a woman bearing the name Laodice, whom he then name this city after. They had two sons: Seleucus II Callinicus, Antiochus Hierax and three daughters: Apama, Stratonice of Cappadocia and Laodice. He inherited a state of war with Ptolemaic Egypt, the "Second Syrian War", which was fought along the coasts of Asia Minor. During the war he was given the title Theos (Greek: "God"), being such to the Milesians in slaying Timarchus. The tragedy of the war reads like a soap opera, where to bring truce and end to the war, he signs a pact with Ptolemy II Philadelphius. Part of this pact was that he had to take Ptolemy's daughter Bernice as wife and to do so he had to depose and exile Laodice to Ephesus. Around 246 BC Antiochus left Berenice and their infant son Antiochus in Antioch to live again with Laodice I in Asia Minor. However, Laodice I took the occasion to poison Antiochus while her partisans at Antioch murdered Berenice and their infant son. Antiochus. She then proclaims Seleucus II as King.

Amidst all of the human intrigue, the city grew. It became populated with Syrian and Jewish people who were transplanted from Babylonia to the cities of Phrygia and Lydia. In 190 BC.it became center of industry, famous specially for the black wool of its sheep and for the Phrygian cosmetic powder for the eyes manufactured there ( Rev.3:18). In 60 AD, the city was almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake, but the citizens were so wealthy that they quickly rebuilt it at their own expense (Rev.3:17). Little is known of the early history of Christianity there; Timothy, Mark and Epaphras (Col.1:7) seem to have been the first to introduce it and the only other reference to it is in the Revelation. After the first century in 1071 the city was taken by the Seljuks; in 1119 it was recovered by John Comnenus, and in the 13th century it falls into the hands of the Turks. Wars between the Turks and Mongols have left little archaeologically. Nothing from before the Roman period has appeared. One of the two Roman theaters is remarkably well preserved, and there may still be seen the stadium, a colonnade, the aqueduct which brought the water across the valley to the city by an inverted siphon of stone pipes, a large necropolis, and the ruins of three early Christian churches.

So, how does all of this play out for what the Revelation says? It is obvious what happens to the city as it like Sodom and Gomorrah are virtually disappeared from existence. I believe it has a great deal to teach us about the vaunting of human pride and dangers of thinking of yourself above others. It definitely teaches us of the dangers of seeking any of these above the mercy and ways of God. Perhaps along with the warning of the Revelation, the words of Proverbs 3 applies here. "The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace."

Jim

Whining In The Modern World - Christian or NOT!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 16:52:00 +0000

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And "If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

1 Pt. 4:12-19

Suffering is a word with different connotations to different people. To many, it is the ache and pain that comes with death. For the party on the receiving end as well as for those who care for them, death is a painful thing. Those going through it suffer its pains, those who care the pain of seeing the one they love hurt and ultimately die. Disease can cause suffering and pain as well. Cancer, arthritis, skin disease, all have their hurts. No one disputes this. Suffering can also be caused by economic status, race, in instances whether one is make or female and the age long debate over those in poverty.

What I find interesting in Peter's statement above, is that it shows us that suffering existed in his day too. What is interesting in Peter's statement is that it is Christians who were suffering. He does not dismiss the fact that they were suffering. What he does tell us is the following:

To share (i.e. suffer in the same way) in suffering in the way that Jesus did, a Christian should consider themselves blessed because one cannot do so unless the Spirit of God rests upon and in them. To die for your faith and because Christ is seen in you is a glory to God and God in turn will bring glory to us in turn - and heaven is our reward.
To have oppression, slander, shame, to receive degraded status because we are Christians should not be a shameful thing to us. There is nothing wrong with it. We are not greater than Jesus who taught us that the world hates us. We are not greater than the apostles who died at the hands of others, simply because they preached the glory of God in Christ. They did not rise up in arms, lead riots, cause insurrections or stir up mobs. They simply lived as they should in Christ. The lesson for us is that we should do the same!
Peter does tell us that to call yourself a Christian, or even in imitation of being a

Christian and yet suffer because you commit murder, or steal then you are not suffering because or for righteousness but for the evil done. The next two words are also genuinely unique in where they are placed. Evildoer is the next word and is used a myriad of ways in scriptural context. Predominately from two words combined to describe a single thing. Kakos - is something worthless, depraved or injurious whether by itself or done to someone. Poieo - means to make, do, or to raise up. So put together in this text it is referring to someone suffering because they have done or made something evil or injurious. If this is the cause of the suffering, it is not for righteousness but because of the evil done. The next word here is curious, it is that of a meddler in others affairs. If you suffer because of what you say about others, or involve yourself in that you should not, you are not suffering because of righteousness no matter how much you try to excuse it. You are suffering for getting caught doing something that you should not be involved in or contributing to.

So what's the point to Peter's descriptions here? That judgment starts in the house of God! We speak of judgement of the world, but let us not forget, that it starts with us! Peter's moral echoes Paul's quote from the Psalms (14 & 53) that there are NONE righteous. If we are saved, it shall only be by the grace of God that it is so. And if this the case and you are "suffering," make sure that you are suffering for what is right, because everything else is just whining!

“Sister, there are people who went to sleep all over the world last night, poor and rich and white and black, but they will never wake again. Sister, those who expected to rise did not, their beds became their cooling boards, and their blankets became their winding sheets. And those dead folks would give anything, anything at all for just five minutes of this weather or ten minutes of that plowing that person was grumbling about. So you watch yourself about complaining, Sister. What you're supposed to do when you don't like a thing is change it. If you can't change it, change the way you think about it. Don't complain.”

Maya Angelou

Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now

Why the Book of Jonah Is Read on Yom Kippur by Nahum Sarna

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 13:31:00 +0000

Jonah and the Whale

Why the Book of Jonah Is Read on Yom Kippur

Nahum Sarna • 09/20/2015

Stichting Fonds Goudse Glazen, Gouda

Jonah strides forth from the gaping mouth of a huge fish in this stained-glass window in St. John’s Church, Gouda, the Netherlands.

The Book of Jonah is read in the synagogue on the afternoon of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, the sacred Day of Atonement. Why, of all books in the Bible, this book this most holy day?

The answer is clear. The major themes of the book are singularly appropriate to the occasion—sin and divine judgment, repentance and divine forgiveness.

What is remarkable is that the work is not at all about Israel. The sinners and penitents and the sympathetic characters are all pagans, while the anti-hero, the one who misunderstands the true nature of the one God, is none other than the Hebrew prophet. He is the one whom God must teach a lesson in compassion.

It is precisely these aspects of this sublime prophetic allegory, and in particular the subthemes of the book, that inform Yom Kippur. These motifs attracted the ancient Jewish sages and led them to select Jonah as one of the day’s two prophetic lectionaries.1 Its universalistic outlook; its definition of sin as predominantly moral sin;2 its teaching of human responsibility and accountability; its apprehension that true repentance is determined by deeds and established by transformation of character (Jonah 3:10), not by the recitation of formulas, however fervent; its emphasis on the infinite preciousness of all living things in the sight of God (Jonah 4:10–11); and, finally, its understanding of God as “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving-kindness” (Jonah 4:2)—all these noble ideas of the Book of Jonah constitute the fundamentals of Judaism and the quintessence of Yom Kippur.

The religion section of most bookstores includes an amazing array of Bibles. In our free eBook The Holy Bible: A Buyer’s Guide, prominent Biblical scholars Leonard Greenspoon and Harvey Minkoff expertly guide you through 21 different Bible translations (or versions) and address their content, text, style and religious orientation.

That a selection from the prophets is read at all in the afternoon of Yom Kippur raises more technical issues. The Sabbath morning services include a reading from the Torah (the Pentateuch), followed by a selection from the prophets. In the service on Sabbath afternoon, only a selection from the Torah is read. According to rabbinic sources, however, a reading from the prophets once followed the Torah reading each Sabbath afternoon, just as it still does each Sabbath morning.3 No trace of this practice of reading from the prophets at the afternoon service has remained, however, except perhaps on the two great Jewish fast days: Tisha b’Av, commemorating the destruction of the first and Second Temples and a host of national Jewish tragedies since, and Yom Kippur. On Yom Kippur it has been the universal Jewish custom, ever since the days of the Mishnah (about 200 C.E.), to read the Book of Jonah after the Torah lectionary, as part of the afternoon service.4

“Jonah and the Whale: Why the Book of Jonah Is Read on Yom Kippur” by Nahum Sarna originally appeared in the August 1990 issue of Bible Review.

http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/hebrew-bible/jonah-and-the-whale/

The late Nahum Sarna was professor emeritus of biblical studies at Brandeis University. He was also general editor of the Jewish Publication Society’s Torah Commentary and author of its volumes on Genesis and Exodus.

More on Jonah and the whale in the BAS Library:

James Limburg, “Jonah and the Whale: Through the Eyes of Artists,” Bible Review, August 1990.

David Noel Freedman, “Jonah and the Whale: Did God Play a Dirty Trick on Jonah at the End?” Bible Review, August 1990.

Not a BAS Library member yet? Join the BAS Library today.

Notes:

1. The other is Isaiah 57:14–58:4.

2. The “evil” of Jonah 1:2 is defined as injustice in Jonah 3:8.

3. Babylonian Talmud. Shabbbat 24a, 116a.

4. Babylonian Talmud, Megillah 31a.

http://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/hebrew-bible/jonah-and-the-whale/

Sandstory: by Joe Castillo (A Book Review)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 16:53:00 +0000

SandStory by Joe Castillo Up until I selected this book for review, I did not know who he was, or what he did. I began to read the story of this man and his talent and am amazed. I had never seen a "Sandstory" though I will encourage you to on YouTube. As an artist of Metal as well as Watercolor, I could identify with the creativity. I did not get into the book, until well through it, honestly a little envious of his related success. What amazed me was that he related that his intent in these was to tell the story and relate how God had moved with him in doing so. This may be a turn off to some, but his honesty to me is compelling. The saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words" is very true here. You can read a lot of things, but when you see a picture, the story changes. What he has done with the Sandstory has lead him to stand before countries and kings. I found myself inspired by his story and more profoundly by his talent. It was like reading about a modern day Paul and his travels. No miracles, but people moved by what they see. I recommend this book to be put in the inspirational section of your personal libraries as a picker upper when you find yourself in pits of despair. It will lift your heart to see how someone with sand and light, can move audiences. It will encourage the heart of a believer in God and Christ to keep on telling your story. And, if you haven't taken the time or have not seen a Sandstory, just go to your search engine and type in Sandstory. You too will be amazed by what you see. Then, read his book. You will come away moved.

Jim

UNITY - Get It Done!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 18:13:00 +0000

There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. Prov.6:16-19

Few people read this verse and most when they do do not pick up on the last statement made. The Lord HATES someone who sows discord! Discord means just that, whatever causes people to be at odds with one another. And I know how we tend to apply this - we tend to apply this to religious division. We blame others that they do not agree with the Bible, therefore they are causing division. I agree, that truth is truth and that if you are not going to abide by that, then you are fighting against God not for Him. However, the emphasis in proverbs is God HATES anyone (those who call themselves Christians or not), that is the cause of sowing, instigating, breeding, festering, fostering, agitating discord. PERIOD!

We see so much of this today. Turn on the news and there is always someone sowing discord. Rom.3:10-18 is a good synopsis of our world and even our nation today. "... as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one. Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive." "The venom of asps is under their lips." Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness." Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known is no fear of God before their eyes."

Before we get self righteous, let's keep in mind that we are included in this description. Now, this doesn't mean we have to get all warm and fuzzy with every false doctrine that comes along, or teaching that doesn't agree with the scripture. We ARE going to disagree. But, there is no room for labeling, judging, name calling, slander bashing, whispering, backbiting, gossiping or anything else associated with any of those. If we do that, cause that, participate in that, then know you are doing what the Lord HATES! Think you'll get into heaven?

Jesus showed us that no matter how oppressing, no matter how ugly the situation, we can overcome and we can act as God wants! Remember Gethsemane? Did Jesus curse? Did he accuse, blame, call people names? Did He tell the Guard they had no right? Did He insight a riot?

Jesus said, "For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." Jn.13:15-17

Get it done!

Jim