You mentioned Bible Dictionary. Can you give more details as to the publisher and whether from any specific denomination or sects? Your Jewish calendar, and I quote "Through Jewish calendar the Jewish people use it for counting time and commemorating birthdays, festivities, weddings, deaths, religious celebrations and other solemnities. According to the Hebrews, the years are counted from what they believe to be the creation of Adam" is not how the Spirit uses the genealogies in OT and Nt. " Jesus said "Before Abraham was, I am". St Paul inspired by the same Holy Spirit gives Jesus Christ as the benchmark. By him all things consist and it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell. (Col1:15-19). Being a Jew does not make his calendar correct.
I love the story of Job, very inspiring ever since I lost my grandpa. I always try to remember that God had a plan for my life and that plan is perfect no matter how hard or easy it may get I will always have the lord in my heart. In Philippians chapter 4 verse 13 it states " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" I think about this verse in every aspect of what I do, even though I struggle to believe it at times, I always know that the lord knows the problems I'm going through and what I need help with when I don't mention it during prayer. I'm so grateful for the life that the lord has given me even though I go through many hardships.
Matthew also gives us this colloquy where he dilates upon their controversy with parables. At the end he says,"And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them./But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.(Matt.21:28-46). There was the fear of men that governed the chief priests and Pharisees while Jesus as the Word become flesh would only serve what he represented in his humanity. "Thy word is truth." Unless he had let the word sanctify him how could he sanctify any man?"For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one. "I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee," was a Messianic prophecy which fulfilled in him.(Ps.22:22)
On the other hand the chief priests scribes and Pharisees made doctrine of God to none effect. "Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye."(7:13) .
St Paul explains it thus, "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." Jesus came from God while his detractors angled for the praise of men.
Mark gives us several instances of the word of God being fulfilled in Jesus so it was not past or future of now that weighed uppermost but the eternal word. In cursing the fig tree he did not have to prove his claim that he was the rightful heir but his faith established the truth. Both power and glory operating in heaven and earth is encapsulated in faith.(vv.23-24). "And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and castitinto the sea"(Re.18:21) is a fulfillment of the word: of the rock cut out without hands"(Dan.2:34-35)
"And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots." Jesus explained simply, "Have faith in God."
Thank you, I made chronological charts years back and I know how hard it is and how much time it takes, considering the different texts like the Hebrew Masoretic, Greek Septuagint, and others.
And other things like the age of Terah when Abram/Abraham was born in Genesis 11:26 he is 70 years old, in Genesis 11:32 Terah was 205 years old when he died. In Genesis 12:1-4 it sounds like Abram/Abraham left Haran after his father died when he was 75 years old. We have to consider did he leave before or after Terah died that would make a 60-year difference. Thanks again.
In vv.13-14 we have Jesus cursing the fig tree. Only Mark gives this piece of information,"and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet." Cf. Matt.21:19. This has raised many eyebrows from the believers for the simple reason that there is an everlasting covenant which has nothing to do with natural laws; neither has it any relevance to the fall of man and the consequential fall out. When God commanded "And every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat," (Ge.1:29) was vis-a vis his Son. The blessing would have passed on to Adam if he had continued obeying his Will. The fig tree failed to know that the rightful heir. Secondly God gave each man and tree a body so the glory of both are answerable to Him. Here also the fig tree failed.
The Gospel of St Mark is especial for the reason that the life of Jesus is set as the validation of the Messianic prophecies, for instance the divine Will,"Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies,"(Ps.110:1-3). Accordingly God has prepared everything to augur success in his ministry which is to be accomplished both in his humanity but also in heaven. Consequently his entry into Jerusalem is designated as a triumphal entry. At the heart of his ministry is the eternal word. So the evangelist piles up several instances underpinning the assertion of Jesus," Before Abraham was, I am." . We shall study this chapter from this angle.
"And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him." Jesus sent two disciples to Bethphage and the colt was to be found 'in a place where two ways met,' This resonates in his affirmation "I am the way". The colt has never been tried on and it has been reserved for the master's service. The mention of the door evokes the saying of the Good Shepherd. "I am the door."( John 10:7,9)
St Mark informs us in.v.11 that he went to the temple first time and saw for himself and second visit was to cleanse the temple itself. (vv.15-17) This runs parallel with his own advent and he shall slay the wicked when he appears second time. ("and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked."-Is.11:3-4;Re.19:15) Only Mark gives two visits to the temple foreshadowing two Advents where the second is as the King of kings and Lord of lords.
In vv.13-14 we have Jesus cursing the fig tree. Only Mark gives this,"and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet." Is it out of sync with rest of the narrative?
God made his Son in charge "And every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat." (Ge.1:28)
Scripture Interpretation: Part 2 on introduction to the law and differences in Old and New Testaments
A general concept as pointed out in my last post is that the Old Testament law and sacrifices had temporal methods and sufficiency and were based on behaviors of Israel as to whether blessings or cursings resulted. The Spirit of God was more transient and was no guarantee of salvation such as seen in the example of Saul's prophesying as well as Baalam's repeated attempts to curse Israel and being overtaken to make proclamations under the influence of the Holy Spirit. David even asked God not to remove His Holy Spirit as apparently happened with Saul who needed David to play music for a temporary "fix" to his bizarre disorders.
John 16:8 essentially gives indication of permanent residence of the Father and Son in a believer and thus sealing them until the Day of Redemption. What we cannot do is glibly assume we are saved without testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith; and certain behaviors especially illustrated in Corinthians show the result of sickness and death with communion taken unworthily and the case of the man sleeping with his father's wife. There is always hope of repentance if someone is alive; but we cannot continue a LIFESTYLE of sin and be presumptuous thinking God will overlook our sin as an exception to His rule for the rest of mankind.
Matthew 5:17 states that Christ came not to abolish but fulfill the law and the prophets. This is a segway into the second theme in this introduction: Prophecy...
INTRO.
Prophecy begins with Genesis 3:15 in the garden with the serpent being told that he would receive a deadly wound and that Christ would recieve a wound on the heel (the seed of the woman representing the virgin Birth and the wound that of His piercing on the cross). Jesus was the end of Prophecy as THE Prophet; but in real time we still see Him as the Alpha and Omega in Revelation 1; and we still see 2 Prophets in Rev. 11.
The Bible as a whole gives a systematic and cohesive narrative clearly describing certain truths; at least all necessary for instruction and teaching in righteousness ( 2 Tim. 3:16). The idea of the law of God is intermingled in the Genesis story; with the first covenant of God being established with the marriage of Adam and Eve which was instituted by God Himself. There was apparently the concept of a sacrifice long before the laws that were in Exodus; Leviticus and Deuteronomy as indicated by the offerings brought forth by Abel and Cain. And we also have the mysterious Melchizedek who was a true priest of God but not under known lineage in the line of the Jews.
The law; of course comes in Exodus and Deuteronomy with the basic 10 Commandments; as well as the 600 odd other laws releting to various national laws; moral laws and ceremonial laws specific to Israel as well as to mankind in whole. Those who would question that need to carefully read the Old Testament where we see passages such as God describing the Amorites ( Gen. 15:16); as well as the destruction of other nations; even Nineveh after God spared it due to repentance for a time in the time of Jonah. Verses about marriage in regard to Abraham and Isaac as well as John the Baptist clearly indicate the law was recognized by the Egyptians as well as with Herod having his brother's wife ( Mark 6:18) which led to his beheading indirectly after imprisonment. We see in Amos 1:13-14 scripture where Ammon was to be destroyed for what is described as mutilating pregnant women (a nice way to say it). There are other verses as well where people are given back punishment based on what they've done similar to this; it fits in basically to an "eye for an eye". We even see special healing given to a Gentile (Naaman the Syrian) in the Old Testament.
This concept of the law shows exceptions to basic principles of God's actions in the O.T and N.T.
v.1 "And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives"
The three place names associated with the mount signifies the Son. The command number Three refer the Son. Mount Olivet "which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey" has also spiritual significance.(Ac.1:12)
Bethphage is where the disciples would find the colt as was written of the Son of man in the book of life. Jerusalem is where 'things concerning me have an end' must occur. and Bethany is associated with Jesus, "I am the resurrection and life."
Similar to the finding a colt tied where two ways meet , which we already discussed in the earlier post, we have a passage which is omitted by Mark but St Matthew has included in his gospel. . It is while in Capernaum Jesus was approached concerning paying temple tax. "Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee."(Matt.17:24-27). Compare the quote from the preacher, Ec.11:1-2.
The Spirit consistently gives the synoptic gospels as the samples above demonstrate, these are to be gone over as a student is taught to parse passage in order to give him a thorough grounding in the language.
St Mark sets the Healing of Bartimaeus with him joining Jesus with this line,"and followed Jesus in the way." In this chapter we see the eternal word forever settled in heaven meeting the way he took 'in the way." So the now meeting the eternal aspects of the word is stated in rather obvious manner, so how we approach the triumphal entry of Jesus cannot go wrong. Jesus sends two of his disciples to fetch the colt already provided for. "And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met." Where the two ways meet is a direct way of the scripture, of what is written of me' being fulfilled. We need not ask how the colt shall be provided for the Son as he passed through Jerusalem and as Isaiah says, "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."(Is.55:11)
Here below are the citations from the prophets of old which also ought to convince us that there was nothing in Jerusalem that kept him there. He was among his own as the word become flesh but the nation of Israel showed themsselves unworthy for the grace and truth which made Jesus of Nazareth as the only begotten Son.
vv.1-11
Here we have the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy in the Book of Psalms. "Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord: we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord."(Ps.118:26)
vv.12-17
"Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people."(Is.56:7)
" Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the Lord."(Je.7:11)
While Lazarus figures in a Parable we have the healing of a blind beggar and he is named. As his name Bartimeaus implies he is the son of Timaeus. He is addressing "Thou son of David, have mercy on me." The son of David informs it is a request from a man in need of the Son of man.. Matthew 1:1 gives us the generation of Jesus Christ in which he is the son of Abraham and the son of David. Two names representing his Alpha Omega aspect.
Jesus first would want Bartimeaus speak out what specifically he needed."(Jesus)said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight./And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight." The Spirit here gives the fulfilment of the word of God, "He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."(Ps.107:20) Compare this with his healing of the man with palsy by the pool of Bethesda. "And immediately the man was made whole."( John 5;9) There also the Spirit mentions 'immediately' referring to the ministry of Jesus, theword become flesh. In this context what shall we make of the Psalm quote? It is the word of God of which the Holy Spirit instructs us, "For ever, OLord, thy word is settled in heaven."(Ps.119:89)
"Immediately' as used profusely in the Gospel is as loaded as the term "now" referring to Jesus as the word become flesh.
The gospel thus reached Bartemaeus. So the Spirit adds,"and followed Jesus in the way."
The twelve apostles were far from perfection and they had forsaken all was not enough. Significant is that the answer Jesus gave Peter was for all, so we need take it as applied to the discipleship. It is 'for my sake and the gospel's',"But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life." (vv.28-29). Jesus promised them,"Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."(Matt.18:.18) Notice that it is addressed to the twelve,"whatsoever ye shall bind on earth." Judas shortchanged his share 'now in this time' and in the world to come for 30 pieces of silver. It is for this reason the caveat given in v.31. " But many that are first shall be last; and the last first." St Matthew also gives it but judging the twelve tribes of Israel is given to the twelve. "And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."(Mattt.19:28) So the element of 'Now' is by the Law of Gradation is the authority of Jesus Christ and he foretells the guilt of the nation.
"Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?/ Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:/That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar./Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation." (Matt.23:33-36)
Through Jewish calendar the Jewish people use it for counting time and commemorating birthdays, festivities, weddings, deaths, religious celebrations and other solemnities. According to the Hebrews,the years are counted from what they believe to be the creation of Adam.
Created over 3000 years ago,the Jewish calendar is based on the movements of the Moon and the Sun,and is therefore a lunisolar calendar.In this way,months are counted from the lunar cycles,and years from the solar cycles.Therefore,years can range from 12 to 13 months,with 29 or 30 days.
In September 2023 of the Gregorian calendar, the year 5784 of the Jewish calendar began, exactly on September 15th, and end will occur on October 2th, 2024 .
How to explain the difference of exactly 240 years in the Jewish calendar?
Trying to answer the question by/through/according to biblical events, I found three interesting and suggestive happenings of Jewish History within the Bible, which certainly Jews dismiss without an explanation, perhaps because of shame at facts that are a stain on the nation's history of Israel.
According to biblical events, I found three interesting and suggestive happenings of Israel's chatisements in Jewish History and within the Bible, as described below ,each one with its long period of time that certainly Jews discard without an explanation, perhaps because of shame of facts which are a stain on the history of the nation of Israel.(like their original fall; captivity; golden calf/idolatry/ rebellion against GOD)
1-The Jewish Calendar begins in Seth,not in Adam,so we have less 130 years here;
2-Jews do not consider their 40 years of wandering in the desert, from Egypt to the promised land;
3-They do not consider also their shameful 70 years of captivity in Babylon.
This explanation shows why the Jews calendar has a difference of 240 years as was above exposed.What other explanation could there be that would justify this difference of exactly 240 years?
"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." Here the man in question is Adam. By making him a living soul he is set down in the Lucan genealogy as the son of God. On day six he was blessed and placed all his creation under his hands (Ge.1:28-29). 'Male and female created him sets him in terms of his will stated as a forerunner of Christ and his bride. Only after He sanctified the day seven Eve, was taken out of his ribs. Later He brought all his creation for his review and no helpmeet was found from them. Only then God set about creating flesh of his flesh and bone of his bones. The everlasting covenant between God and Man gives us a final separation, as with Day and Night and waters above and below the firmament and it is a precursor for the ministry of reconciliation for the Word become flesh. It is to this St Paul refers, "For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church." (Ep.5:29. )Christ and his body is therefore implied in day Six. Creation of Eve in the following chapter thus creates a family tree connecting Jesus Christ to Adam in Luke Ch.3.
The breath of God made all the difference to Adam who was formed of the ground. He correctly guessed his calling and did not find anyone worthy from without. He was created in 'his likeness' which is the head. For this reason Jesus referred the deep sleep of Adam was precursor to his own death. He as the word become flesh made himself chaste. Compare his saying, "and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it."(Matt.19:12) With Jesus Christ came grace and truth. What God has joined together referred to his own case. In human likeness he nourished and cherished what God had entrusted him with. His prayer makes it clear. ( John 17:11-12)
"But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female." (v.6) God is love is a facet of holiness of God. When God breathed into the nostrils of man there was no need for spelling out holiness as such. In his breath all that were needful for his life and godliness was impressed as a candle is lit by another. Quality of light sets both giver and the given on the same stand,- Holiness made it so natural so love of man so learned did not carry any other feeling than was impressed. By the same token in loving the world God made love Person specific. ( John 3:16)
Male and female he created them is with reference to the holiness so love has a body as a candle has and it is quality also speaks about love of two bodies maintain a common purpose. The Spirit presents the House with seven pillars as a body built by Wisdom, which is a feminine principle.(Pr.9:1)God a Spirit is Power dovetailing into Wisdom is how the Spirit presents the divine Holiness. By the same token his Son has a body which is the Word become God loved the world therefore it must be seen and the heat thereof must be felt throughout. In due time God sent Jesus Christ as the true light. While he presented the doctrine of his Father it had to be out in the open fulfilling the saying, "Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?"(4:21).
"Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away./And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept."(vv.4-5) Compare with what John says," In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."( John 1:1) Because of the hardness of heart Moses allowed man put away, which is like the candle put under the bed. Jesus refers to it as adultery of one against the other.
"And in the house" Jesus explained it in terms of the Law of the Spirit. (Matt.19:9-11)
Here we have two aspects of life where sin controls circumstances of man's world. We shall come to the other man's riches reigning uppermost whereas God covered him with glory and honor in the beginning; so much so Adam and Eve were naked and yet they felt no shame at all. Wealth of a sinful man's inventive mind, in terms of a sentient life did not exist at all.
The man who came running to Jesus must not have come on the spur of the moment. A good life for a fine mind can hold a deadening effect when one sees at every turn the squalor and misery of lives floating about. It is like a healthy man chained to a almost a decaying corpse. Does it not spoil his sleep though he has a comfortable bed to sleep on? He may have kept a good table with rich viands and possessed thoroughbreds in his stables and lived in the midst of objet d'art, and he may have even tried not to succumb to its lure. He would only know how his soul has been left bound so he hastened to Jesus in a moral dilemma. Only when the moment of truth demanded him to declare where he stood in terms of eternal life, "And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions".(v.22)
The Spirit repeats thrice in vv.23-25 Jesus makes a general observation; secondly with regards to those who would want an abiding life as branches to the true Vine. " Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!"(v.24)
"Who then can be saved?/And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible."(vv.26-27) Grace is required to negotiate between true riches and other man's riches.
On the other hand true riches of man has been established between God and Man and the blessings are allowed to whosoever trusted the Son unreservedly. Besides God sanctified the day Seven and would send him to the world in fullness of time.
John 5:17 - My JESUS said: My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
GOD sent JESUS in the turn from the fourth Day to the fifth Day, i.e. around 4000 years after Adam, and around 1500 years after Moses. As JESUS said, GOD the Father still was working, in fact until the end of the recent last millennium, the sixth millennium.
Based in the Word of God,on GOD's six Days of creation and one Day of rest(a total of seven days)plus the Scriptures that teach that one Day is with the Lord as a thousand years,so MANKIND would go through six GOD Days of 1,000 years each(a total of 6000 years)plus a Millennium of 1000 years rest(now a total of 7,000 years)
Biblical Chronology - Genesis 5:
Adam lived ..........................130 yrs-begat Seth
Israel, as 'Dry Bones'- Ezekiel 37-Now,Dry land, but before was the clay( Isaiah 64:8), exactly when the Most High make a separation between water and water- Genesis 1:9-, that is, when the Most High separated the Hebrews from the Egypcians through Moses, and He created a celestial environment and called it of expanse, called heaven (that is the Dispensation of the Old Testament used in the Promised Land), then the Most High, the Lord, the I AM, separated the water (the Egypcians) that was BELOW of the expanse He created(an heavenly environment), and the water that that was ABOVE the expanse (the people of Israel- GOD's people), and it was evening, and it was morning, the second GOD's Day.
Genesis 1:10-19
10And God called the dry land Earth(israel);and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas(Gentile peoples/nations): and God saw that it was good.
11And God said,Let the earth(Israel)bring forth grass,the herb yielding seed,and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind,whose seed is in itself,upon the earth:and it was so.
12And the earth brought forth grass,and herb yielding seed after his kind,and the tree yielding fruit,whose seed was in itself, after his kind:and God saw that it was good.
13And the evening and the morning were the third day.
14And God said,Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day(light)from the night(darkness);and let them be for signs,and for seasons,and for days,and years:
15And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven(expanse)to give light upon the earth:and it was so.
16And God MADE two great lights;the Greater Light-JESUS-to rule the day,and the Lesser light to rule the night:he made the stars also.
17And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,
18And to rule over the day and over the night,and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
19And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
Matthew gives the passage in a slight altered form. It is the Mother of the sons of Zebedee approaches Jesus for a special favor."Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshippinghim, and desiring a certain thing of him."(Matt.20:20). The Word or the Law is interpreted differently according to the world of the Spirit and by the flesh and spirit respectively. In one the glory of God is the foremost so Elias or Moses serve as a double for the Son. In the case of the Mother of Zebedee's sons, her desire was the glory of her sons. She serves as a stand in for her Son. Of this St Paul gives us two contrary laws. "So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."(Ro.7:25)
Law of the Spirit presupposes a Lawgiver is it not. It is thus God has left all judgment to his Son who also is the Word become flesh. On the other hand Satan the Lawless one has become by default of Adam a law given so the law of sin characterizes works of flesh and blood. Whosoever rejects the commandment as King Saul did is subject to an unclean spirits. "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."( 1 John 3:8)
vv.38-39 "And with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized." Jesus refers to the anointing he received (Ps.45:5-6) and in their case of the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, and adds,"But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared." Jesus scrupulous chose to obey the word and as was reminded by Moses at the mount. of his death and glory would fulfill what was written of him in the scripture. the same choice was left to the sons of Zebedee and it was their free will.
The other ten disciples were naturally upset over their behind the back maneuvering for power.
Transfiguration of Jesus at the mount throws up light beyond the glorious body, a building of God eternal in heavens. The disciples going to Emmaus would not have recognized the risen Jesus but they did and it had to do with the word. " Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?"( Luke 24:31-32). When Jesus opened their eyes they did know it was he indeed.
Then we have the mount itself to consider. "And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them."(v.2). As with the Sermon on the mount we have the high mountain which is the testimony of God and Jesus as the rock cut not with hands, signifying we are looking at the Word become flesh.
Mark mentions Moses and Elias " and they were talking with Jesus."(v.24). When Jesus explained the word of God to Cleopas and his companion, "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." ( Luke 24:27) Luke elsewhere gives an additional insight to the transfiguration."And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:/Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem." Moses and Elias and Jesus are the three in glory in that specific moment of transfiguration while the three disciples, Peter James and John were in their physical bodies. In short, the Transfiguration is clear illustration of two worlds of the Spirit and of the flesh and blood operating simultaneously. The word concerning him sets prophets serving outside the timescale as we know the term. For this reason Jesus speaks of Elias,"But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him." (v.13) The ministry of Elias and Moses were as a double Jesus Christ
God's uniqueness is related to His being Creator; with the original creation of man and the new creation resulting in a glorified body after sanctification. His characteristics no doubt prove man's uniqueness in creation as well. Only man can act as an architect; craftsman and have a mindset for the future as compared with the animal kingdom.
It seems as though evidences of God in every physical entity from the atom to the entire universe is great enough that no further study is needed. If this is a subject of interest perhaps someone can leave a comment and I will look into the most recent scientific data from a Creationist's perspective.
My post yesterday discussed Christ as firstfruits; specifically that raised from the dead. HIs uniqueness includes the following:
Being God in the flesh. This makes Him superior to all of His creation whether man or angels. Yet He had to be made a little lower than the angels to live vicariously that is in our place yet suffer all things as we do without sin. Hebrews enlightens us on this subject in many places and I would suggest studying the entire book as I did a few years back with a small group.
Besides His sinless life; we have His death and resurrection; which demonstrated His victory over the grave and sin and His atonement for God's chosen sons and daughters.
He has a name only He knows .( Revelation 19:12)
He has been given all authority over heaven and earth ( Matthew 28:18)
He has the keys to the gates of hell ( Revelation 1:18)
He will rule forever ( Isaiah 9:7; Luke 1:33)
One aspect that is sometimes glossed over is that God can be jealous; and for HIs own Name's sake and also desire worship and be sinless. This is something that for any created being; man or angel that leads to destruction. This is why any image man creates of his conception of God is so dangerous and warned against in verses such as Exodus 20:4. That verse doesn't specifically mention God but it states anything in heaven above or earth below thus the Godhead would also be included. God can't be seen by human eyes ( John 1:18). Christ is by far the most represented in paintings and sculpture of the members of the Godhead; but with man's idolatrous heart he is led to worship these images much as he does with Mary and the "saints" whether real or imaginary ones in terms of their earthly ministry. The image of the cross is only beneficial as an offense and a curse; and is only beneficial to remind us of Christ's sufferings but also we need to look beyond that to His Resurrection and current ministry ( Heb. 7:25).
The consistency of the Bible and uniqueness of Christ
In my last post I describe how the incident in John 9 set apart Christ as doing something new; that only God could perform.
This wasn't something the religious Pharisees could deal with; as the lengthy account of this incident makes painfully clear.
We also see Jesus' claims to be able to forgive sins as something unique; yet the many prophecies in Isaiah should have been enough to convince the Jews that this indeed was the true Messiah. There were references there to healing the blind; ministry reaching out to the Gentiles; as well as things such as Isaiah 61 that Jesus quoted and then cut off before the next verse got into the Second Coming and establishing His Kingdom on the earth at that time.
In the analysis of the "Old" and "New" covenants it is better to say that the New one developed the full meaning of the Old.
It certainly doesn't eliminate moral expectations in regard to murder; adultery and covetousness in the original 10 Commandments; we can look to Colossians 2:16 as to the exception of a mandate for "Holy days" as to not enforcing Saturday as the day of rest. This is a hotbed of controversy for some so I won't elaborate further. It is clear ceremonial laws changed; in regard to foods eaten the Cornelious episode makes that abundantly clear. ( Acts 10).
Christ became the sacrifice for our sins so no further sacrifice is needed. ( Psalm 40:6-8). Clearly the grace of the N.T. is seen in the Old Testament; particularly in regard to the sacrifice of a contrite and broken heart as seen in Psalm 51 and many other places. God Himself at some point abhorred the sacrifices due to the hypocrisy ( Isaiah 1:14). Many call Isaiah the Gospel of the O.T. and it is needed reading to understand prophetic things to come regarding Christ and God's call to the Gentiles.
Many places appear to show Christ before He came on earth physically; it is an interesting study in itself. So is the Godhead.
You mentioned Bible Dictionary. Can you give more details as to the publisher and whether from any specific denomination or sects? Your Jewish calendar, and I quote "Through Jewish calendar the Jewish people use it for counting time and commemorating birthdays, festivities, weddings, deaths, religious celebrations and other solemnities. According to the Hebrews, the years are counted from what they believe to be the creation of Adam" is not how the Spirit uses the genealogies in OT and Nt. " Jesus said "Before Abraham was, I am". St Paul inspired by the same Holy Spirit gives Jesus Christ as the benchmark. By him all things consist and it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell. (Col1:15-19). Being a Jew does not make his calendar correct.
Matthew also gives us this colloquy where he dilates upon their controversy with parables. At the end he says,"And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them./But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.(Matt.21:28-46). There was the fear of men that governed the chief priests and Pharisees while Jesus as the Word become flesh would only serve what he represented in his humanity. "Thy word is truth." Unless he had let the word sanctify him how could he sanctify any man?"For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one. "I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee," was a Messianic prophecy which fulfilled in him.(Ps.22:22)
On the other hand the chief priests scribes and Pharisees made doctrine of God to none effect. "Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye."(7:13) .
St Paul explains it thus, "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." Jesus came from God while his detractors angled for the praise of men.
Mark gives us several instances of the word of God being fulfilled in Jesus so it was not past or future of now that weighed uppermost but the eternal word. In cursing the fig tree he did not have to prove his claim that he was the rightful heir but his faith established the truth. Both power and glory operating in heaven and earth is encapsulated in faith.(vv.23-24). "And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and castitinto the sea"(Re.18:21) is a fulfillment of the word: of the rock cut out without hands"(Dan.2:34-35)
"And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots." Jesus explained simply, "Have faith in God."
Thank you, I made chronological charts years back and I know how hard it is and how much time it takes, considering the different texts like the Hebrew Masoretic, Greek Septuagint, and others.
And other things like the age of Terah when Abram/Abraham was born in Genesis 11:26 he is 70 years old, in Genesis 11:32 Terah was 205 years old when he died. In Genesis 12:1-4 it sounds like Abram/Abraham left Haran after his father died when he was 75 years old. We have to consider did he leave before or after Terah died that would make a 60-year difference. Thanks again.
God bless,
RLW
In vv.13-14 we have Jesus cursing the fig tree. Only Mark gives this piece of information,"and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet." Cf. Matt.21:19. This has raised many eyebrows from the believers for the simple reason that there is an everlasting covenant which has nothing to do with natural laws; neither has it any relevance to the fall of man and the consequential fall out. When God commanded "And every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat," (Ge.1:29) was vis-a vis his Son. The blessing would have passed on to Adam if he had continued obeying his Will. The fig tree failed to know that the rightful heir. Secondly God gave each man and tree a body so the glory of both are answerable to Him. Here also the fig tree failed.
The Gospel of St Mark is especial for the reason that the life of Jesus is set as the validation of the Messianic prophecies, for instance the divine Will,"Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies,"(Ps.110:1-3). Accordingly God has prepared everything to augur success in his ministry which is to be accomplished both in his humanity but also in heaven. Consequently his entry into Jerusalem is designated as a triumphal entry. At the heart of his ministry is the eternal word. So the evangelist piles up several instances underpinning the assertion of Jesus," Before Abraham was, I am." . We shall study this chapter from this angle.
"And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him." Jesus sent two disciples to Bethphage and the colt was to be found 'in a place where two ways met,' This resonates in his affirmation "I am the way". The colt has never been tried on and it has been reserved for the master's service. The mention of the door evokes the saying of the Good Shepherd. "I am the door."( John 10:7,9)
St Mark informs us in.v.11 that he went to the temple first time and saw for himself and second visit was to cleanse the temple itself. (vv.15-17) This runs parallel with his own advent and he shall slay the wicked when he appears second time. ("and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked."-Is.11:3-4;Re.19:15) Only Mark gives two visits to the temple foreshadowing two Advents where the second is as the King of kings and Lord of lords.
In vv.13-14 we have Jesus cursing the fig tree. Only Mark gives this,"and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet." Is it out of sync with rest of the narrative?
God made his Son in charge "And every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat." (Ge.1:28)
In consideration of your request and for your verification, I am sending what I was able to conclude in my private Bible study, as follows:
The Bible I use is King James Version -> Biblegateway
SIX PERIODS OF BIBLICAL TIMES --------------------------- DURATION
I- From Adam to the Flood-( Genesis 5:1-32 plus 7:11)-----1656 years
II- From the Flood to Abraham-( Genesis 11:10-32 & 12:4---427 years
III- From Abraham to Exodus-( Galatians 3:17)---------------430 years
IV-From Exodus to king Saul-(1Reis6:1(480 minus 84 yrs)--396 years
V-From Saul to Jerusalem's fall(1095-587BC)----------------508 years
(my source: Biblical Dictionary)
VI-From the fall of Jerusalem (587BC) to Jesus --------------587 years --> Total = 4004 years
(source: Biblical Dictionary)
That's what I have to report. I hope it helps,
GOD bless
You are welcome.
Thank you for your reply
A general concept as pointed out in my last post is that the Old Testament law and sacrifices had temporal methods and sufficiency and were based on behaviors of Israel as to whether blessings or cursings resulted. The Spirit of God was more transient and was no guarantee of salvation such as seen in the example of Saul's prophesying as well as Baalam's repeated attempts to curse Israel and being overtaken to make proclamations under the influence of the Holy Spirit. David even asked God not to remove His Holy Spirit as apparently happened with Saul who needed David to play music for a temporary "fix" to his bizarre disorders.
John 16:8 essentially gives indication of permanent residence of the Father and Son in a believer and thus sealing them until the Day of Redemption. What we cannot do is glibly assume we are saved without testing ourselves to see if we are in the faith; and certain behaviors especially illustrated in Corinthians show the result of sickness and death with communion taken unworthily and the case of the man sleeping with his father's wife. There is always hope of repentance if someone is alive; but we cannot continue a LIFESTYLE of sin and be presumptuous thinking God will overlook our sin as an exception to His rule for the rest of mankind.
Matthew 5:17 states that Christ came not to abolish but fulfill the law and the prophets. This is a segway into the second theme in this introduction: Prophecy...
INTRO.
Prophecy begins with Genesis 3:15 in the garden with the serpent being told that he would receive a deadly wound and that Christ would recieve a wound on the heel (the seed of the woman representing the virgin Birth and the wound that of His piercing on the cross). Jesus was the end of Prophecy as THE Prophet; but in real time we still see Him as the Alpha and Omega in Revelation 1; and we still see 2 Prophets in Rev. 11.
The Bible as a whole gives a systematic and cohesive narrative clearly describing certain truths; at least all necessary for instruction and teaching in righteousness ( 2 Tim. 3:16). The idea of the law of God is intermingled in the Genesis story; with the first covenant of God being established with the marriage of Adam and Eve which was instituted by God Himself. There was apparently the concept of a sacrifice long before the laws that were in Exodus; Leviticus and Deuteronomy as indicated by the offerings brought forth by Abel and Cain. And we also have the mysterious Melchizedek who was a true priest of God but not under known lineage in the line of the Jews.
The law; of course comes in Exodus and Deuteronomy with the basic 10 Commandments; as well as the 600 odd other laws releting to various national laws; moral laws and ceremonial laws specific to Israel as well as to mankind in whole. Those who would question that need to carefully read the Old Testament where we see passages such as God describing the Amorites ( Gen. 15:16); as well as the destruction of other nations; even Nineveh after God spared it due to repentance for a time in the time of Jonah. Verses about marriage in regard to Abraham and Isaac as well as John the Baptist clearly indicate the law was recognized by the Egyptians as well as with Herod having his brother's wife ( Mark 6:18) which led to his beheading indirectly after imprisonment. We see in Amos 1:13-14 scripture where Ammon was to be destroyed for what is described as mutilating pregnant women (a nice way to say it). There are other verses as well where people are given back punishment based on what they've done similar to this; it fits in basically to an "eye for an eye". We even see special healing given to a Gentile (Naaman the Syrian) in the Old Testament.
This concept of the law shows exceptions to basic principles of God's actions in the O.T and N.T.
v.1 "And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives"
The three place names associated with the mount signifies the Son. The command number Three refer the Son. Mount Olivet "which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey" has also spiritual significance.(Ac.1:12)
Bethphage is where the disciples would find the colt as was written of the Son of man in the book of life. Jerusalem is where 'things concerning me have an end' must occur. and Bethany is associated with Jesus, "I am the resurrection and life."
Similar to the finding a colt tied where two ways meet , which we already discussed in the earlier post, we have a passage which is omitted by Mark but St Matthew has included in his gospel. . It is while in Capernaum Jesus was approached concerning paying temple tax. "Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee."(Matt.17:24-27). Compare the quote from the preacher, Ec.11:1-2.
The Spirit consistently gives the synoptic gospels as the samples above demonstrate, these are to be gone over as a student is taught to parse passage in order to give him a thorough grounding in the language.
St Mark sets the Healing of Bartimaeus with him joining Jesus with this line,"and followed Jesus in the way." In this chapter we see the eternal word forever settled in heaven meeting the way he took 'in the way." So the now meeting the eternal aspects of the word is stated in rather obvious manner, so how we approach the triumphal entry of Jesus cannot go wrong. Jesus sends two of his disciples to fetch the colt already provided for. "And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met." Where the two ways meet is a direct way of the scripture, of what is written of me' being fulfilled. We need not ask how the colt shall be provided for the Son as he passed through Jerusalem and as Isaiah says, "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."(Is.55:11)
Here below are the citations from the prophets of old which also ought to convince us that there was nothing in Jerusalem that kept him there. He was among his own as the word become flesh but the nation of Israel showed themsselves unworthy for the grace and truth which made Jesus of Nazareth as the only begotten Son.
vv.1-11
Here we have the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy in the Book of Psalms. "Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord: we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord."(Ps.118:26)
vv.12-17
"Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people."(Is.56:7)
" Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the Lord."(Je.7:11)
If you do not mind me asking, what text or Bible did you use to do your calculation? Just curious about where you got the information.
God bless,
RLW
While Lazarus figures in a Parable we have the healing of a blind beggar and he is named. As his name Bartimeaus implies he is the son of Timaeus. He is addressing "Thou son of David, have mercy on me." The son of David informs it is a request from a man in need of the Son of man.. Matthew 1:1 gives us the generation of Jesus Christ in which he is the son of Abraham and the son of David. Two names representing his Alpha Omega aspect.
Jesus first would want Bartimeaus speak out what specifically he needed."(Jesus)said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight./And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight." The Spirit here gives the fulfilment of the word of God, "He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions."(Ps.107:20) Compare this with his healing of the man with palsy by the pool of Bethesda. "And immediately the man was made whole."( John 5;9) There also the Spirit mentions 'immediately' referring to the ministry of Jesus, theword become flesh. In this context what shall we make of the Psalm quote? It is the word of God of which the Holy Spirit instructs us, "For ever, OLord, thy word is settled in heaven."(Ps.119:89)
"Immediately' as used profusely in the Gospel is as loaded as the term "now" referring to Jesus as the word become flesh.
The gospel thus reached Bartemaeus. So the Spirit adds,"and followed Jesus in the way."
The twelve apostles were far from perfection and they had forsaken all was not enough. Significant is that the answer Jesus gave Peter was for all, so we need take it as applied to the discipleship. It is 'for my sake and the gospel's',"But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life." (vv.28-29). Jesus promised them,"Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."(Matt.18:.18) Notice that it is addressed to the twelve,"whatsoever ye shall bind on earth." Judas shortchanged his share 'now in this time' and in the world to come for 30 pieces of silver. It is for this reason the caveat given in v.31. " But many that are first shall be last; and the last first." St Matthew also gives it but judging the twelve tribes of Israel is given to the twelve. "And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."(Mattt.19:28) So the element of 'Now' is by the Law of Gradation is the authority of Jesus Christ and he foretells the guilt of the nation.
"Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?/ Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:/That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar./Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation." (Matt.23:33-36)
Created over 3000 years ago,the Jewish calendar is based on the movements of the Moon and the Sun,and is therefore a lunisolar calendar.In this way,months are counted from the lunar cycles,and years from the solar cycles.Therefore,years can range from 12 to 13 months,with 29 or 30 days.
In September 2023 of the Gregorian calendar, the year 5784 of the Jewish calendar began, exactly on September 15th, and end will occur on October 2th, 2024 .
How to explain the difference of exactly 240 years in the Jewish calendar?
Trying to answer the question by/through/according to biblical events, I found three interesting and suggestive happenings of Jewish History within the Bible, which certainly Jews dismiss without an explanation, perhaps because of shame at facts that are a stain on the nation's history of Israel.
According to biblical events, I found three interesting and suggestive happenings of Israel's chatisements in Jewish History and within the Bible, as described below ,each one with its long period of time that certainly Jews discard without an explanation, perhaps because of shame of facts which are a stain on the history of the nation of Israel.(like their original fall; captivity; golden calf/idolatry/ rebellion against GOD)
1-The Jewish Calendar begins in Seth,not in Adam,so we have less 130 years here;
2-Jews do not consider their 40 years of wandering in the desert, from Egypt to the promised land;
3-They do not consider also their shameful 70 years of captivity in Babylon.
This explanation shows why the Jews calendar has a difference of 240 years as was above exposed.What other explanation could there be that would justify this difference of exactly 240 years?
I would like to know
"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." Here the man in question is Adam. By making him a living soul he is set down in the Lucan genealogy as the son of God. On day six he was blessed and placed all his creation under his hands (Ge.1:28-29). 'Male and female created him sets him in terms of his will stated as a forerunner of Christ and his bride. Only after He sanctified the day seven Eve, was taken out of his ribs. Later He brought all his creation for his review and no helpmeet was found from them. Only then God set about creating flesh of his flesh and bone of his bones. The everlasting covenant between God and Man gives us a final separation, as with Day and Night and waters above and below the firmament and it is a precursor for the ministry of reconciliation for the Word become flesh. It is to this St Paul refers, "For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church." (Ep.5:29. )Christ and his body is therefore implied in day Six. Creation of Eve in the following chapter thus creates a family tree connecting Jesus Christ to Adam in Luke Ch.3.
The breath of God made all the difference to Adam who was formed of the ground. He correctly guessed his calling and did not find anyone worthy from without. He was created in 'his likeness' which is the head. For this reason Jesus referred the deep sleep of Adam was precursor to his own death. He as the word become flesh made himself chaste. Compare his saying, "and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it."(Matt.19:12) With Jesus Christ came grace and truth. What God has joined together referred to his own case. In human likeness he nourished and cherished what God had entrusted him with. His prayer makes it clear. ( John 17:11-12)
"But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female." (v.6) God is love is a facet of holiness of God. When God breathed into the nostrils of man there was no need for spelling out holiness as such. In his breath all that were needful for his life and godliness was impressed as a candle is lit by another. Quality of light sets both giver and the given on the same stand,- Holiness made it so natural so love of man so learned did not carry any other feeling than was impressed. By the same token in loving the world God made love Person specific. ( John 3:16)
Male and female he created them is with reference to the holiness so love has a body as a candle has and it is quality also speaks about love of two bodies maintain a common purpose. The Spirit presents the House with seven pillars as a body built by Wisdom, which is a feminine principle.(Pr.9:1)God a Spirit is Power dovetailing into Wisdom is how the Spirit presents the divine Holiness. By the same token his Son has a body which is the Word become God loved the world therefore it must be seen and the heat thereof must be felt throughout. In due time God sent Jesus Christ as the true light. While he presented the doctrine of his Father it had to be out in the open fulfilling the saying, "Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?"(4:21).
"Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away./And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept."(vv.4-5) Compare with what John says," In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."( John 1:1) Because of the hardness of heart Moses allowed man put away, which is like the candle put under the bed. Jesus refers to it as adultery of one against the other.
"And in the house" Jesus explained it in terms of the Law of the Spirit. (Matt.19:9-11)
Here we have two aspects of life where sin controls circumstances of man's world. We shall come to the other man's riches reigning uppermost whereas God covered him with glory and honor in the beginning; so much so Adam and Eve were naked and yet they felt no shame at all. Wealth of a sinful man's inventive mind, in terms of a sentient life did not exist at all.
The man who came running to Jesus must not have come on the spur of the moment. A good life for a fine mind can hold a deadening effect when one sees at every turn the squalor and misery of lives floating about. It is like a healthy man chained to a almost a decaying corpse. Does it not spoil his sleep though he has a comfortable bed to sleep on? He may have kept a good table with rich viands and possessed thoroughbreds in his stables and lived in the midst of objet d'art, and he may have even tried not to succumb to its lure. He would only know how his soul has been left bound so he hastened to Jesus in a moral dilemma. Only when the moment of truth demanded him to declare where he stood in terms of eternal life, "And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions".(v.22)
The Spirit repeats thrice in vv.23-25 Jesus makes a general observation; secondly with regards to those who would want an abiding life as branches to the true Vine. " Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!"(v.24)
"Who then can be saved?/And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible."(vv.26-27) Grace is required to negotiate between true riches and other man's riches.
On the other hand true riches of man has been established between God and Man and the blessings are allowed to whosoever trusted the Son unreservedly. Besides God sanctified the day Seven and would send him to the world in fullness of time.
GOD sent JESUS in the turn from the fourth Day to the fifth Day, i.e. around 4000 years after Adam, and around 1500 years after Moses. As JESUS said, GOD the Father still was working, in fact until the end of the recent last millennium, the sixth millennium.
Based in the Word of God,on GOD's six Days of creation and one Day of rest(a total of seven days)plus the Scriptures that teach that one Day is with the Lord as a thousand years,so MANKIND would go through six GOD Days of 1,000 years each(a total of 6000 years)plus a Millennium of 1000 years rest(now a total of 7,000 years)
Biblical Chronology - Genesis 5:
Adam lived ..........................130 yrs-begat Seth
Seth lived ............................105 yrs-begat Enosh;
Enosh lived ............................90 yrs-begat Kenan;
Kenan lived.............................70 yrs-begat Mahalalel;
Mahalalel lived ........................65 yrs-begat Jared;
Jared lived ............................162 yrs-begat Enoch;
Enoch lived .............................65 yrs-begat Methuselah;
Methuselah lived......................187 yrs-begat Lamech;
Lamech lived...........................182 yrs-begat Noah;
From Noahs birth until the Flood.......600 yrs.
Total years from Adam to the Flood=1656 years
SIX PERIODS OF BIBLICAL TIMES ---------------------- DURATION
I- From Adam to the Flood-(Gen.5)----------------------1656 years
II- From the Flood to Abraham-( Gen. 11&12)-------------427 years
III- From Abraham to Exodus-(Gal.3:17)------------------430 years
IV-From Exodus to king Saul-(1Reis6:1(480-84)----------396 years
V-From Saul to the fall of Jerusalem -----------------------508 years
VI-From the fall of Jerusalem to Jesus ---------------------587 years
Thus,from Adam to the 1st coming of Jesus -------------4004 years
From Jesus to our days(Christian Calendar)---------------2023 years
Total from Adam to our days ------------------------- ---6027 years
Israel, as 'Dry Bones'- Ezekiel 37-Now,Dry land, but before was the clay( Isaiah 64:8), exactly when the Most High make a separation between water and water- Genesis 1:9-, that is, when the Most High separated the Hebrews from the Egypcians through Moses, and He created a celestial environment and called it of expanse, called heaven (that is the Dispensation of the Old Testament used in the Promised Land), then the Most High, the Lord, the I AM, separated the water (the Egypcians) that was BELOW of the expanse He created(an heavenly environment), and the water that that was ABOVE the expanse (the people of Israel- GOD's people), and it was evening, and it was morning, the second GOD's Day.
Genesis 1:10-19
10And God called the dry land Earth(israel);and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas(Gentile peoples/nations): and God saw that it was good.
11And God said,Let the earth(Israel)bring forth grass,the herb yielding seed,and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind,whose seed is in itself,upon the earth:and it was so.
12And the earth brought forth grass,and herb yielding seed after his kind,and the tree yielding fruit,whose seed was in itself, after his kind:and God saw that it was good.
13And the evening and the morning were the third day.
14And God said,Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day(light)from the night(darkness);and let them be for signs,and for seasons,and for days,and years:
15And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven(expanse)to give light upon the earth:and it was so.
16And God MADE two great lights;the Greater Light-JESUS-to rule the day,and the Lesser light to rule the night:he made the stars also.
17And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,
18And to rule over the day and over the night,and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
19And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, even so "IN CHRIST" shall all be made alive.
But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming"
What an marvelous saying!!
The key is being "in Christ"
This is the baptism he came to perform on all those who accepts him as savior! ( Jews and Gentiles alike)
This is what Paul is saying in 1 Corinthians 12:13. "unto the Jews first and then to the Gentiles"
This is what John the Baptist is saying to the Jews when preparing the way for their Messiah.
THE RESURRECTION.
The belief in the resurrection of the body is an vital aspect of our faith as we see in 1 Corinthians 15:17-20
Also the resurrection promotes a "New birth" taken place!
This is where the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead quickens our mortal bodies as mentioned in Romans 8:11-14.
So, we are baptized into Jesus death as mentioned in Romans 6:3.
Romans 6:4-11 gives us our present state by the power of the Holyspirit.
Verse 11 says we are to reckon "or to recognize" ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We have been given an earnest of the Holyspirit to will and perform inside us!
So, We have been given the earnest of the Spirit,
Sealed and predestinated, with a promise of redemption for the purchased possession. "by the blood of Christ."
This is what the resurrection means to us.
God bless.
Matthew gives the passage in a slight altered form. It is the Mother of the sons of Zebedee approaches Jesus for a special favor."Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshippinghim, and desiring a certain thing of him."(Matt.20:20). The Word or the Law is interpreted differently according to the world of the Spirit and by the flesh and spirit respectively. In one the glory of God is the foremost so Elias or Moses serve as a double for the Son. In the case of the Mother of Zebedee's sons, her desire was the glory of her sons. She serves as a stand in for her Son. Of this St Paul gives us two contrary laws. "So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."(Ro.7:25)
Law of the Spirit presupposes a Lawgiver is it not. It is thus God has left all judgment to his Son who also is the Word become flesh. On the other hand Satan the Lawless one has become by default of Adam a law given so the law of sin characterizes works of flesh and blood. Whosoever rejects the commandment as King Saul did is subject to an unclean spirits. "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."( 1 John 3:8)
vv.38-39 "And with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized." Jesus refers to the anointing he received (Ps.45:5-6) and in their case of the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, and adds,"But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared." Jesus scrupulous chose to obey the word and as was reminded by Moses at the mount. of his death and glory would fulfill what was written of him in the scripture. the same choice was left to the sons of Zebedee and it was their free will.
The other ten disciples were naturally upset over their behind the back maneuvering for power.
Transfiguration of Jesus at the mount throws up light beyond the glorious body, a building of God eternal in heavens. The disciples going to Emmaus would not have recognized the risen Jesus but they did and it had to do with the word. " Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?"( Luke 24:31-32). When Jesus opened their eyes they did know it was he indeed.
Then we have the mount itself to consider. "And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them."(v.2). As with the Sermon on the mount we have the high mountain which is the testimony of God and Jesus as the rock cut not with hands, signifying we are looking at the Word become flesh.
Mark mentions Moses and Elias " and they were talking with Jesus."(v.24). When Jesus explained the word of God to Cleopas and his companion, "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." ( Luke 24:27) Luke elsewhere gives an additional insight to the transfiguration."And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:/Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem." Moses and Elias and Jesus are the three in glory in that specific moment of transfiguration while the three disciples, Peter James and John were in their physical bodies. In short, the Transfiguration is clear illustration of two worlds of the Spirit and of the flesh and blood operating simultaneously. The word concerning him sets prophets serving outside the timescale as we know the term. For this reason Jesus speaks of Elias,"But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him." (v.13) The ministry of Elias and Moses were as a double Jesus Christ
God's uniqueness is related to His being Creator; with the original creation of man and the new creation resulting in a glorified body after sanctification. His characteristics no doubt prove man's uniqueness in creation as well. Only man can act as an architect; craftsman and have a mindset for the future as compared with the animal kingdom.
It seems as though evidences of God in every physical entity from the atom to the entire universe is great enough that no further study is needed. If this is a subject of interest perhaps someone can leave a comment and I will look into the most recent scientific data from a Creationist's perspective.
Agape.
My post yesterday discussed Christ as firstfruits; specifically that raised from the dead. HIs uniqueness includes the following:
Being God in the flesh. This makes Him superior to all of His creation whether man or angels. Yet He had to be made a little lower than the angels to live vicariously that is in our place yet suffer all things as we do without sin. Hebrews enlightens us on this subject in many places and I would suggest studying the entire book as I did a few years back with a small group.
Besides His sinless life; we have His death and resurrection; which demonstrated His victory over the grave and sin and His atonement for God's chosen sons and daughters.
He has a name only He knows .( Revelation 19:12)
He has been given all authority over heaven and earth ( Matthew 28:18)
He has the keys to the gates of hell ( Revelation 1:18)
He will rule forever ( Isaiah 9:7; Luke 1:33)
One aspect that is sometimes glossed over is that God can be jealous; and for HIs own Name's sake and also desire worship and be sinless. This is something that for any created being; man or angel that leads to destruction. This is why any image man creates of his conception of God is so dangerous and warned against in verses such as Exodus 20:4. That verse doesn't specifically mention God but it states anything in heaven above or earth below thus the Godhead would also be included. God can't be seen by human eyes ( John 1:18). Christ is by far the most represented in paintings and sculpture of the members of the Godhead; but with man's idolatrous heart he is led to worship these images much as he does with Mary and the "saints" whether real or imaginary ones in terms of their earthly ministry. The image of the cross is only beneficial as an offense and a curse; and is only beneficial to remind us of Christ's sufferings but also we need to look beyond that to His Resurrection and current ministry ( Heb. 7:25).
In my last post I describe how the incident in John 9 set apart Christ as doing something new; that only God could perform.
This wasn't something the religious Pharisees could deal with; as the lengthy account of this incident makes painfully clear.
We also see Jesus' claims to be able to forgive sins as something unique; yet the many prophecies in Isaiah should have been enough to convince the Jews that this indeed was the true Messiah. There were references there to healing the blind; ministry reaching out to the Gentiles; as well as things such as Isaiah 61 that Jesus quoted and then cut off before the next verse got into the Second Coming and establishing His Kingdom on the earth at that time.
In the analysis of the "Old" and "New" covenants it is better to say that the New one developed the full meaning of the Old.
It certainly doesn't eliminate moral expectations in regard to murder; adultery and covetousness in the original 10 Commandments; we can look to Colossians 2:16 as to the exception of a mandate for "Holy days" as to not enforcing Saturday as the day of rest. This is a hotbed of controversy for some so I won't elaborate further. It is clear ceremonial laws changed; in regard to foods eaten the Cornelious episode makes that abundantly clear. ( Acts 10).
Christ became the sacrifice for our sins so no further sacrifice is needed. ( Psalm 40:6-8). Clearly the grace of the N.T. is seen in the Old Testament; particularly in regard to the sacrifice of a contrite and broken heart as seen in Psalm 51 and many other places. God Himself at some point abhorred the sacrifices due to the hypocrisy ( Isaiah 1:14). Many call Isaiah the Gospel of the O.T. and it is needed reading to understand prophetic things to come regarding Christ and God's call to the Gentiles.
Many places appear to show Christ before He came on earth physically; it is an interesting study in itself. So is the Godhead.