There are Christian churches where a female has the title of “elder” in the sense of an official officeholder in the local congregation/assembly as opposed to someone who is an old woman. And while some modern worshippers may find the Apostle Paul a little out-of-step when he wrote in 1 Timothy 2: 12, “And I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise [usurp] authority over a man, but to be in silence,” so how is that a female believer can be ordained an ‘elder’ in the church? What does the Bible reveal about how an elder is chosen to pastor or shepherd the flock of God’s people?
NOTE: ‘Usurp’ means to seize control of that for which one is not lawfully entitled.
Titus 1: 5-6
For this reason I left you in Crete that you should set according to acceptable order what remains and appoint/ordain them elders [Heb. Zekenim] from city to city [in every city]. If anyone is without reproach, a one woman man [husband of one wife], his children [Heb. banim] being believers in the LORD [faithful children] and not under accusation of debauchery [extreme indulgence in sensuality], stubbornness or rebellion. OJB
NOTE: The word for children is in the plural and not the singular as in a child/son or daughter.
1Timothy 3: 1-2
Trustworthy is the word of truth [faithful saying] if anyone aspires to the congregational office of Spiritual Overseer/Bishop [Heb. Mashgiach Ruchani] over the congregation/assembly [Church] of God [Heb. Adat HaShem], it is necessary for the Spiritual Overseer/Bishop [Heb. Mashgiach Ruchani] to be without reproach (blameless) and a one woman man [husband of one wife] . . . OJB
NOTE: Some churches use the office of Elder and Bishop/Overseer interchangeably but in the Orthodox Jewish Bible Hebrew-English translation, two separate words are used in Titus and Timothy by the apostle Paul but the apostle Peter uses both words in 1 Peter 5: 1-2a. The idea in the latter is the exercise of authority when it pertains to matters involving the worship service ministry [Heb. avodas hakodesh] or the holy service/ministry. Interestingly, in Acts 20: 17, 28 the apostle Paul employs both terms for elders when he uses the term “elders of the congregation” [Heb. Ziknei HaKehillah] and not elders of the “congregations” [Heb. HaKehillot]. Then he uses the term ‘spiritual overseers’ [Heb. mashgichim ruachaniyim] over the congregation/assembly [Heb. HaKehillah not HaKehillot] of God . . . OJB
So, based on the apostle Paul summoning the Elders or Bishops from Ephesus and with the lack of any plural form of the word congregation (flock) [Acts 20: 28-Heb. “adat” for flock instead of “adarim” for flocks], it could either mean that these church officials were from one local assembly/congregation or the gathering consisted of an Elder or Elders representing their own particular congregation and would thus be consistent with the narrative. Without more specifics it is difficult to be absolutely certain and in most cases people just accept what is prudent or reasonable and the traditional practice. The one thing, though, is what I alluded to in my earlier email, that in reading Titus 1: 5, it does “NOT” say, appoint Elders in every congregation but every “city/town.” Now, additionally, there really is not a lot to go on in pinpointing say, in what aspect “children” are under consideration.
Since the Christian Church came out of a Jewish cultural and religious worldview and social experience, it might be helpful to determine at what point is someone no longer a child. Accordingly, a Jewish parent is accountable to God for the behavior of a child until age thirteen, and then they are accountable to God for their own sins. Also, there are the Bar mitzvah and the Bat mitzvah celebrations for Jewish boys and girls when they reach sixteen years old as they are now considered no longer a child but not an adult [as of yet], either. And a point I forgot to include earlier as well, is, what if a prospective candidate for Eldership met all the criteria and then at some point before ordination all his children died, or let’s say having only two and one died or was killed; or what about his wife dying a week before he is approved or what if these deaths occur afterwards, shall he resign because he no longer qualifies? I have even heard that a man could not be an Elder [especially if he had remarried] as long as he still had another “living” wife [former wife] so I guess if one wanted to serve in that capacity you had to pray or hope that God would take her away so you could fulfill that position [yuck or yikes!!].
And if you qualify initially can you still remain that way because you certainly cannot control all the circumstances in your life: such as if your wife files for a divorce or dies, or if your adult children engage in behavior that is not a good reflection on their earlier life in the “Faith” or if another elder or yourself relocate to another congregation or dies when there were only two of you, etc. I think that when it comes to such matters, sometimes one has to measure “the spirit of the law” versus “the letter of the law” wherein a couple who has only one child should be no less qualified than a couple who have six children because being a parent is equal in responsibility and honor, and how can God be seen as just if the Holy Spirit places it in the heart of a person and his wife to serve as Overseer/Bishop/Elder and yet at the same time disqualify them solely on the basis of their having a single child?
I have this question about what it means regarding having “believing” children and raising them up in the nurture and admonition of the LORD? Does this mean that the child/children must be “saved” or that they just have knowledge or have been instructed in the things of God by attending church services and Bible class, but have not committed themselves to the gospel call for salvation, although they are living a life that positively reflects their religious upbringing? As I perused the qualifications for a Deacon, it seems to me that he could also be an Elder/Overseer if he chose to take on that added responsibility.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
November 22, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Jesus in bad company
This is not an original title and the last person that I heard use it was a Seventh day Adventist preacher by the name of Carlos Blake, from Chicago, IL. The reason that I find the context of the social interplay with the LORD and His disciples among the ‘sinners’ so intriguing is that it is the opposite of what the “faith” experience and standards of Christian Living as taught in the churches today. The behavior of Jesus [Yeshua] certainly did upset the religious leaders of His day because He did not conform to their views of tradition, orthodoxy and false piety [hypocrisy].
Proverbs 23: 20
Do not mix [socialize] with winebibbers, or with gluttonous eaters of meat.
Matthew 9: 10
Now it happened, as Jesus [Yeshua] sat at the table in the house that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples.
Matthew 11: 19a
“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.”
Luke 15: 1-2
Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.”
Luke 7: 36-39
Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went into the Pharisees house, and sat down to eat. And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew [heard] that Jesus [Yeshua] was at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to [within] himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.
Luke 5: 27, 29-32
After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others [sinners??] who sat down with them. And their scribes and the Pharisees complained [grumbled] against His disciples, saying, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus [Yeshua] answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
CONCLUSION: Interestingly, the complaint was against the “disciples” this time and not against Jesus [Yeshua], so His followers must have really been getting their ‘party’ on. So, how is it that a believer can witness about the grace of God and gift of salvation if not in the company of sinners? The message from many of the pulpits in Christendom is to bring the unbelievers to the local congregation or assembly to hear the Word as opposed to taking it to where they are. The Christian is warned about not going to places where alcohol is being served and drunkenness abounds, as well as possibly being exposed to some form of erotic and seductive adult entertainment, because one just might get tempted and be overcome by the allurement and enticement of the flesh in this environment.
Yes, we are instructed to flee evil in all the forms that it may appear in (Cp. 1 Thessalonians 5: 22) but we are also commanded to take the “Good News” to everyone (Cp. Matthew 28: 19-20) and that just might mean for the sake of sharing the ‘gospel’ and not indulging in some of these things, we might suffer feeling out-of-place and uncomfortable for the moment. Of course, one has to use common sense, which means that one does not enter into situations where there is illegal activity or immoral practices going on for conscience sake and to avoid criminal prosecution.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
November 21, 2011
Robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Proverbs 23: 20
Do not mix [socialize] with winebibbers, or with gluttonous eaters of meat.
Matthew 9: 10
Now it happened, as Jesus [Yeshua] sat at the table in the house that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples.
Matthew 11: 19a
“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.”
Luke 15: 1-2
Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.”
Luke 7: 36-39
Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went into the Pharisees house, and sat down to eat. And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew [heard] that Jesus [Yeshua] was at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to [within] himself, saying, “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.
Luke 5: 27, 29-32
After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others [sinners??] who sat down with them. And their scribes and the Pharisees complained [grumbled] against His disciples, saying, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus [Yeshua] answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
CONCLUSION: Interestingly, the complaint was against the “disciples” this time and not against Jesus [Yeshua], so His followers must have really been getting their ‘party’ on. So, how is it that a believer can witness about the grace of God and gift of salvation if not in the company of sinners? The message from many of the pulpits in Christendom is to bring the unbelievers to the local congregation or assembly to hear the Word as opposed to taking it to where they are. The Christian is warned about not going to places where alcohol is being served and drunkenness abounds, as well as possibly being exposed to some form of erotic and seductive adult entertainment, because one just might get tempted and be overcome by the allurement and enticement of the flesh in this environment.
Yes, we are instructed to flee evil in all the forms that it may appear in (Cp. 1 Thessalonians 5: 22) but we are also commanded to take the “Good News” to everyone (Cp. Matthew 28: 19-20) and that just might mean for the sake of sharing the ‘gospel’ and not indulging in some of these things, we might suffer feeling out-of-place and uncomfortable for the moment. Of course, one has to use common sense, which means that one does not enter into situations where there is illegal activity or immoral practices going on for conscience sake and to avoid criminal prosecution.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
November 21, 2011
Robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Saturday, November 19, 2011
A perspective on bowing before the Presence of God
It is customary protocol to greet a dignitary from another country with a gracious and respectful bow, as a sign of honor and respect, and if it is royalty, extend even greater courtesy. This is most certainly true when it pertains to receiving the Ecclesiastical ruler of a Church, like an Archbishop or Pope; which can even consist of kneeling and kissing his ring. But when it comes to showing reverence to the King of Kings and LORD of Lords, do we fail to show the utmost piety in our worship on Earth as opposed to what those angelic and other supernatural beings perform majestically before the very throne of our God and Creator in Heaven?
Psalms 95: 6
Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
1 Kings 8: 54
And so it was, when Solomon had finished praying all this prayer and supplication to the LORD that he arose from before the altar of the LORD; from kneeling on his knees with his hands and with his hands spread to heaven.
1 Chronicles 29: 20
Now David said to all the assembly, “Now bless the LORD your God.” So all the assembly blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed their heads and prostrated themselves before the LORD and the king.
Ezra 9: 5
At the evening sacrifice [worship] I arose from my fasting; and having torn my garment and my robe, I fell on my knees and spread out my hands to the LORD my God.
Ephesians 3: 14
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our LORD Jesus Christ [Yeshua Moshiach].
Revelation 4: 9-10a
Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down [on their knees and prostrate themselves] before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever.
Revelation 7: 11
All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell down on their faces [prostrated themselves] before the throne and worshipped God (Cp. Revelation 11: 16; 19: 4).
COMMENTARY: In many churches, blessing the LORD consists of clapping your hands and testifying or speaking in tongues about the goodness of God, or some ‘other’ faith expression; generally speaking. Say what you will about Muslims, but the one thing that they have right is kneeling and prostrating before God [Allah]. Of course, in the Christian Church there is the ‘altar call’ where several believers will come forward and with a contrite spirit, kneel in the presence of the assembly [congregation] and make a confession before God whereas the elders, deacons or pastor will pray for them and lay hands on them. There are many Biblical references which mention about “bowing” but it would seem unlikely that it would not be from on our knees as opposed to just standing and bowing your head. Of course, this study is not a treatise to mandate this practice because that would be ‘legalism’ but rather it is intended to cause one to reflect on the holiness and goodness of God and what should be our response in gratitude to His glory and grace as demonstrated in our public devotions [worship services].
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
November 19, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Psalms 95: 6
Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
1 Kings 8: 54
And so it was, when Solomon had finished praying all this prayer and supplication to the LORD that he arose from before the altar of the LORD; from kneeling on his knees with his hands and with his hands spread to heaven.
1 Chronicles 29: 20
Now David said to all the assembly, “Now bless the LORD your God.” So all the assembly blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed their heads and prostrated themselves before the LORD and the king.
Ezra 9: 5
At the evening sacrifice [worship] I arose from my fasting; and having torn my garment and my robe, I fell on my knees and spread out my hands to the LORD my God.
Ephesians 3: 14
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our LORD Jesus Christ [Yeshua Moshiach].
Revelation 4: 9-10a
Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down [on their knees and prostrate themselves] before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever.
Revelation 7: 11
All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell down on their faces [prostrated themselves] before the throne and worshipped God (Cp. Revelation 11: 16; 19: 4).
COMMENTARY: In many churches, blessing the LORD consists of clapping your hands and testifying or speaking in tongues about the goodness of God, or some ‘other’ faith expression; generally speaking. Say what you will about Muslims, but the one thing that they have right is kneeling and prostrating before God [Allah]. Of course, in the Christian Church there is the ‘altar call’ where several believers will come forward and with a contrite spirit, kneel in the presence of the assembly [congregation] and make a confession before God whereas the elders, deacons or pastor will pray for them and lay hands on them. There are many Biblical references which mention about “bowing” but it would seem unlikely that it would not be from on our knees as opposed to just standing and bowing your head. Of course, this study is not a treatise to mandate this practice because that would be ‘legalism’ but rather it is intended to cause one to reflect on the holiness and goodness of God and what should be our response in gratitude to His glory and grace as demonstrated in our public devotions [worship services].
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
November 19, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Explaining that Baptism is more than the act of immersion in water
In perhaps the theological equivalent of ‘Less Filling’ vs.‘Tastes Great,’ which leaves a bitter taste in the religious palate of those believers who embrace a Fundamental or Evangelical perspective, when it comes to understanding the doctrine of salvation. This is important because a sinner who asks, “What must I do to be saved,” needs a clear and consistent message from the community of ‘Faith’ because the eternal destiny of all of us just might be hanging in the balance; so what does the Bible have to say bout this?
Ephesians 2: 8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God [Cp. Hebrews 6: 4], not of works, lest anyone should boast.
NOTE: What does it mean, or rather, how are we saved through ‘faith;’ is it merely our faith that saves us or is there more to it than that? It must be remembered that the Church of the Ephesians grew out of the synagogue [Cp. Acts 18: 24-26; 19: 17-18 Revelation 2: 1-6] and the recipients of this letter to them were most probably the majority Jewish believers and doubtless some God-fearing Gentiles, and the part about “works” had to do offerings and sacrifices, which they would have understood. In fact, the writer of Hebrews calls such things “dead works” [Cp. Hebrews 9: 11-14; 10: 4, 8-10].
*Philippians 3: 9-11*
And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the Law [Torah], but that which is through the faith of [not just in] Christ [Moshiach], the righteousness which is of God by faith. That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His suffering, being made conformable unto His death. If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. KJV
NOTE: The KJV translation hit the nail right on the head because we are saved by the faith “of” Jesus [Yeshua] when He submitted to the Father’s will in paying the ransom price for our sins on Calvary’s cross [Cp. Luke 22: 41-44 {Hebrews 5: 7-8}; Hebrews 2: 9-10; 10: 5-7]. This passage in Philippians is critical because it mentions having fellowship [joined, tied or united together] in the sufferings and death of Jesus [Yeshua], but just how is that accomplished; through believing, only? Those terms are mentioned almost verbatim by the Apostle Paul in Romans 6: 3-5, 17-18, pertaining to baptism; the bane of the “FAITH-ONLY” body of believers, but is this fair? For those who see baptism as just someone going down into water and coming up out of the same substance are really missing the point because all you observe is the ‘verb’ [the action] and miss the “noun” [what it really is and accomplishes]; so let’s go to the book of Hebrews.
Hebrews 9: 8-9, 14
The Holy Spirit indicating this: that the way into the Holy of Holiest [All] was not yet made manifest [revealed] while the first tabernacle was still standing. It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him [High Priest in this case] who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience. How much more shall the blood of Christ [Moshiach], who through the Eternal Spirit, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the Living God?
Hebrews 10: 1, 2b, 22
For the Law [Torah], having a shadow of the good things to come, can never with these same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For the worshippers, once purified [cleansed], would not have had any more consciousness of sins. Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
*Romans 6: 17-18*
But God be thanked that though you were the slaves of sin, yet you have obeyed from the heart that form [like figure??] of doctrine to which you were delivered . And having been set free from sin you became the servants [slaves] of righteousness.
Peter 3: 20-21
Who formerly were disobedient, when one the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls were saved through water. “The like figure [form??] which now saves us-baptism” (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but “the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” [Yeshua Moshiach].
Galatians 3: 26-27
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus [Moshiach Yeshua]. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ [Moshiach] have put on Christ.
CONCLUSION: This is really what the response of our mind or heart is during “baptism” our conscience [will] is purified when we identify and are united spiritually with the actual body of Jesus [Yeshua] and His suffering, and that we profess our faith [belief] in the presence of witnesses, the acceptance of His substitutionary and atoning work on the Cross of Calvary through His blood [for our transgressions and rebellion against God], where He suffered in cruel agony and died, was buried, and rose again on the third day whereby our sins are washed away [forgiven], and by our repentance and confession of the same, we acknowledge that He is the LORD of our life. It is through “baptism” that we are united together [symbolically] with the body of Christ [Moshiach], and as a result come in contact with the ‘blood’ of Jesus [Yeshua] through the operation of the Holy Spirit which imputes [accounts or reckons] us as justified and righteous and cleanses us from sin, spiritually.
James 2: 21-22
Was not Abraham our father ‘justified’ by works [“obedience”] when he offered Isaac his son on the altar (Cp. Genesis 22: 1-2, 9-13)? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?
Finally, If we are saved solely by grace through faith only, in the absence of "any" works at all, then the mere act of praying to God and asking Him to come into our heart, or to confess Him with our mouth as LORD and Savior constitutes 'works,' and is no less so than the very act of “baptism” itself.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
November 14, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Ephesians 2: 8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God [Cp. Hebrews 6: 4], not of works, lest anyone should boast.
NOTE: What does it mean, or rather, how are we saved through ‘faith;’ is it merely our faith that saves us or is there more to it than that? It must be remembered that the Church of the Ephesians grew out of the synagogue [Cp. Acts 18: 24-26; 19: 17-18 Revelation 2: 1-6] and the recipients of this letter to them were most probably the majority Jewish believers and doubtless some God-fearing Gentiles, and the part about “works” had to do offerings and sacrifices, which they would have understood. In fact, the writer of Hebrews calls such things “dead works” [Cp. Hebrews 9: 11-14; 10: 4, 8-10].
*Philippians 3: 9-11*
And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the Law [Torah], but that which is through the faith of [not just in] Christ [Moshiach], the righteousness which is of God by faith. That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His suffering, being made conformable unto His death. If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. KJV
NOTE: The KJV translation hit the nail right on the head because we are saved by the faith “of” Jesus [Yeshua] when He submitted to the Father’s will in paying the ransom price for our sins on Calvary’s cross [Cp. Luke 22: 41-44 {Hebrews 5: 7-8}; Hebrews 2: 9-10; 10: 5-7]. This passage in Philippians is critical because it mentions having fellowship [joined, tied or united together] in the sufferings and death of Jesus [Yeshua], but just how is that accomplished; through believing, only? Those terms are mentioned almost verbatim by the Apostle Paul in Romans 6: 3-5, 17-18, pertaining to baptism; the bane of the “FAITH-ONLY” body of believers, but is this fair? For those who see baptism as just someone going down into water and coming up out of the same substance are really missing the point because all you observe is the ‘verb’ [the action] and miss the “noun” [what it really is and accomplishes]; so let’s go to the book of Hebrews.
Hebrews 9: 8-9, 14
The Holy Spirit indicating this: that the way into the Holy of Holiest [All] was not yet made manifest [revealed] while the first tabernacle was still standing. It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him [High Priest in this case] who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience. How much more shall the blood of Christ [Moshiach], who through the Eternal Spirit, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the Living God?
Hebrews 10: 1, 2b, 22
For the Law [Torah], having a shadow of the good things to come, can never with these same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For the worshippers, once purified [cleansed], would not have had any more consciousness of sins. Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
*Romans 6: 17-18*
But God be thanked that though you were the slaves of sin, yet you have obeyed from the heart that form [like figure??] of doctrine to which you were delivered . And having been set free from sin you became the servants [slaves] of righteousness.
Peter 3: 20-21
Who formerly were disobedient, when one the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls were saved through water. “The like figure [form??] which now saves us-baptism” (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but “the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” [Yeshua Moshiach].
Galatians 3: 26-27
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus [Moshiach Yeshua]. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ [Moshiach] have put on Christ.
CONCLUSION: This is really what the response of our mind or heart is during “baptism” our conscience [will] is purified when we identify and are united spiritually with the actual body of Jesus [Yeshua] and His suffering, and that we profess our faith [belief] in the presence of witnesses, the acceptance of His substitutionary and atoning work on the Cross of Calvary through His blood [for our transgressions and rebellion against God], where He suffered in cruel agony and died, was buried, and rose again on the third day whereby our sins are washed away [forgiven], and by our repentance and confession of the same, we acknowledge that He is the LORD of our life. It is through “baptism” that we are united together [symbolically] with the body of Christ [Moshiach], and as a result come in contact with the ‘blood’ of Jesus [Yeshua] through the operation of the Holy Spirit which imputes [accounts or reckons] us as justified and righteous and cleanses us from sin, spiritually.
James 2: 21-22
Was not Abraham our father ‘justified’ by works [“obedience”] when he offered Isaac his son on the altar (Cp. Genesis 22: 1-2, 9-13)? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?
Finally, If we are saved solely by grace through faith only, in the absence of "any" works at all, then the mere act of praying to God and asking Him to come into our heart, or to confess Him with our mouth as LORD and Savior constitutes 'works,' and is no less so than the very act of “baptism” itself.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
November 14, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Clarifying some misconceptions about Satan
The devil is a fallen angel or evil demi-god who is represented in the imaginations of nearly every cultural group on planet Earth. It seems universally consistent that he is a being represented with a misshapen human-like shape, pointy ears [like a Vulcan in the “Star Trek” series Sci-Fi genre], and possessing a long tail (in some cases); which is the image depicted mostly in the art of Renaissance Europe and in Dante’s portrait “Inferno” as well as in Milton’s book, “Paradise Lost.” The thing is, though, Satan may not look that way at all. One of the greatest misconceptions about the devil is that he is in Hell, so let’s see what the Bible has to say about Satan or the Devil.
Job 1: 6; 2: 1
Now there was a day when the sons of God [Heb. bnei HaElohim] came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan [Heb. HaSatan] came also among them.
NOTE: Why was ‘Satan’ among the “sons of God [Cp. Genesis 6: 2a]”? These supernatural beings are differentiated from ‘angels’ [Heb. malachim].
There are people who think that Satan is the ruler of fiery, sulphur and brimstone subterranean netherworld, seated upon a massive throne of rock where he or some demon torment the souls of the damned in a lake of fire, but is that true?
Job 1: 7
And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.
Luke 4: 5-6
Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and there glory, for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.
1 Peter 5: 8
Be sober; be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about [on the earth] like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Revelation 2: 1, 13a
And to the angel of the Church in Pergamos write, “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. . .”
Revelations 12: 12
Therefore rejoice. O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you [vs. 7-9], having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.
What about the appearance of Satan as a hideous, ugly and grotesque-looking being that would be repulsive to any who would look upon him; but is this also true?
2 Corinthians 11: 14
And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
Genesis 3: 1a
Now the serpent [Heb. nachash] was more cunning than any beast of the earth that the LORD God had made.
Isaiah 14: 12a
How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer (“Day Star”), son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground.
Luke 10: 18
And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”
Ezekiel 28: 13a, 14-15
You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering. The sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. You were the anointed cherub who covers. I established you. You were on the holy mountain of God. You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones [Cp. Job 1: 7b]. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you.
NOTE: This Satan was one of the most beautiful of created beings and even the word for ‘serpent’ in the Hebrew (“nachash”) has a metaphysical meaning, namely, “shining one.” It is doubtful that mother Eve would have been drawn to, enticed and deceived by a creature of darkness but rather a being glowing in brilliant celestial light speaking with silver tongued eloquence.
Revelation 20: 1-3a
Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having a key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old [Cp. Genesis 1: 3a], who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him [down] into the bottomless pit and shut him up, and set a seal [mark] on him. . .
Revelation 9: 1-2a, 3a 11
Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And they [the locusts] had a king [ruler] over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon (“Destruction”), but in Greek he has the name Apollyon (“Destroyer’).
NOTE: Satan is not the all-powerful enemy of God but rather is himself subject to the divine decrees of the LORD. There is an angelic and heavenly jailer who will find Satan, wherever he is on the earth and imprison him in the pit [abyss] for a certain period of time. Also, it doesn’t appear that Satan is sovereign down there but that some other supernatural entity is, and who also has authority over locust-like demonic creatures.
Revelation 20: 7, 10, 14-15
Now when the thousand years have expired, Stan will be released from his prison [the bottomless pit]. The devil who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are [will be]. And they [Satan, the beast and the false prophet] will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Then Death and Hades [Hell] were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone [whose name was] not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
COMENTARY: So there you have it, a completely different picture of Satan than most of us have been taught; even so far as the notion that he is tormenting wicked souls consigned to perdition in some fiery liquid substance perhaps burning hotter than naphtha or white phosphorus in a place called ‘Hell,’ but in point-of-fact, Hell itself along with Death will be cast into the Lake of Fire. As a side note, there are those who cannot conceive of such a fate for sinners, not only because of the infinite mercy of God by quoting Hebrews 2: 9, which says: “But we see Jesus [Yeshua], who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death [Cp. Romans 6: 23a], crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.
They rationalize that since Jesus [Yeshua] paid the penalty for our sins then He must have experienced three days of “torment” in Hell, since this is the fate of the wicked. Their reasoning might have some merit, except for the fact, namely, that this ultimate and final punishment is called “The Second Death.” Jesus paid the penalty for our rebellions and transgressions against God to redeem us from the bondage of the death, again described in Hebrews 2: 14-15: Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself shared in the same, that through ‘death’ He might destroy [render powerless] him who had the power [authority] of death, that is, the devil [Satan], and release those [of us] who through fear of death, were all their [our] lifetime subject to bondage [imprisonment]. Lastly, “death” is not just a physical one [Genesis 2: 17; 5: 5; 1 Corinthians 15: 21-22].
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
November 11, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Job 1: 6; 2: 1
Now there was a day when the sons of God [Heb. bnei HaElohim] came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan [Heb. HaSatan] came also among them.
NOTE: Why was ‘Satan’ among the “sons of God [Cp. Genesis 6: 2a]”? These supernatural beings are differentiated from ‘angels’ [Heb. malachim].
There are people who think that Satan is the ruler of fiery, sulphur and brimstone subterranean netherworld, seated upon a massive throne of rock where he or some demon torment the souls of the damned in a lake of fire, but is that true?
Job 1: 7
And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.
Luke 4: 5-6
Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and there glory, for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.
1 Peter 5: 8
Be sober; be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about [on the earth] like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Revelation 2: 1, 13a
And to the angel of the Church in Pergamos write, “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. . .”
Revelations 12: 12
Therefore rejoice. O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you [vs. 7-9], having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.
What about the appearance of Satan as a hideous, ugly and grotesque-looking being that would be repulsive to any who would look upon him; but is this also true?
2 Corinthians 11: 14
And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
Genesis 3: 1a
Now the serpent [Heb. nachash] was more cunning than any beast of the earth that the LORD God had made.
Isaiah 14: 12a
How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer (“Day Star”), son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground.
Luke 10: 18
And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”
Ezekiel 28: 13a, 14-15
You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering. The sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold. You were the anointed cherub who covers. I established you. You were on the holy mountain of God. You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones [Cp. Job 1: 7b]. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you.
NOTE: This Satan was one of the most beautiful of created beings and even the word for ‘serpent’ in the Hebrew (“nachash”) has a metaphysical meaning, namely, “shining one.” It is doubtful that mother Eve would have been drawn to, enticed and deceived by a creature of darkness but rather a being glowing in brilliant celestial light speaking with silver tongued eloquence.
Revelation 20: 1-3a
Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having a key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old [Cp. Genesis 1: 3a], who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him [down] into the bottomless pit and shut him up, and set a seal [mark] on him. . .
Revelation 9: 1-2a, 3a 11
Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And they [the locusts] had a king [ruler] over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon (“Destruction”), but in Greek he has the name Apollyon (“Destroyer’).
NOTE: Satan is not the all-powerful enemy of God but rather is himself subject to the divine decrees of the LORD. There is an angelic and heavenly jailer who will find Satan, wherever he is on the earth and imprison him in the pit [abyss] for a certain period of time. Also, it doesn’t appear that Satan is sovereign down there but that some other supernatural entity is, and who also has authority over locust-like demonic creatures.
Revelation 20: 7, 10, 14-15
Now when the thousand years have expired, Stan will be released from his prison [the bottomless pit]. The devil who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are [will be]. And they [Satan, the beast and the false prophet] will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Then Death and Hades [Hell] were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone [whose name was] not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
COMENTARY: So there you have it, a completely different picture of Satan than most of us have been taught; even so far as the notion that he is tormenting wicked souls consigned to perdition in some fiery liquid substance perhaps burning hotter than naphtha or white phosphorus in a place called ‘Hell,’ but in point-of-fact, Hell itself along with Death will be cast into the Lake of Fire. As a side note, there are those who cannot conceive of such a fate for sinners, not only because of the infinite mercy of God by quoting Hebrews 2: 9, which says: “But we see Jesus [Yeshua], who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death [Cp. Romans 6: 23a], crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.
They rationalize that since Jesus [Yeshua] paid the penalty for our sins then He must have experienced three days of “torment” in Hell, since this is the fate of the wicked. Their reasoning might have some merit, except for the fact, namely, that this ultimate and final punishment is called “The Second Death.” Jesus paid the penalty for our rebellions and transgressions against God to redeem us from the bondage of the death, again described in Hebrews 2: 14-15: Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself shared in the same, that through ‘death’ He might destroy [render powerless] him who had the power [authority] of death, that is, the devil [Satan], and release those [of us] who through fear of death, were all their [our] lifetime subject to bondage [imprisonment]. Lastly, “death” is not just a physical one [Genesis 2: 17; 5: 5; 1 Corinthians 15: 21-22].
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
November 11, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Just really what was the sin of Adam and Eve?
The primordial recollections of the most ancient primitive tribes preserve in their folk stories and artwork, the ‘original’ Man and Woman as the progenitor of the “human race.” Among this created “pair” was a mysterious snake or serpent who enticed the female of the pair or the couple themselves. And thus, Pandora’s Box was opened and all sort of plagues were unleashed upon an innocent world, but what does the Bible have to say about all of this?
Genesis 2: 4, 7a, 8-9
This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day [undefined interval] that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens. And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground. The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow, that is (1) pleasant to the sight and (2) good for food. The “tree of life” was also in the midst of the garden, and the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil [Heb. “rah”-trouble, wickedness, wrong, bad, evil, misfortune, disaster].”
Genesis 2: 16-17
And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “Out of every tree of the garden you may freely eat, “but of the tree of ‘the knowledge of good and evil [Heb. “rah”-trouble, wickedness, wrong, bad, evil, misfortune, disaster] you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
Genesis 2: 18, 21-22
And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man [Adam] should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam [man] and He took from one of his sides/ribs [Heb. tzalelot] and closed up the flesh [Heb. basar] in its place. Then the rib [Heb. tzela-side, chamber or cell] He made into a woman [Heb. isha] and brought her to the man.
Genesis 2: 25
And they were naked [Heb. arummim-“naked ones”], the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
Genesis 3: 1-5
Now the serpent was more cunning [“wise”] than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman. Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden; “but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die,’ ” Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. “For God knows that in the ‘day’ you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil [Heb. “rah”-trouble, wickedness, wrong, bad, evil, misfortune, disaster].”
Genesis 3: 6-8
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was a pleasure to the eyes, and a tree desirable (“coveted”) to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew they were naked [Heb. eirummim-“naked ones”]; and they sewed “fig leaves” together and made themselves coverings. And they heard the voice [Heb. kol] of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid from the “Presence” of the LORD GOD [Cp. Exodus 16: 10; 33: 9, 14-15; 34: 5] among the trees of the garden.
NOTE: Why was it the narrative doesn’t state Eve’s eyes were opened at the very instant she ate of the fruit but it is only when her husband Adam ate that “both” of their eyes were opened? Afterward, instead of them gaining the “knowledge” of good and evil, they ‘knew’ they were naked/uncovered in some way; and interestingly, a different word is used for their nakedness here (“eirummim”) as opposed to the earlier (“arummim”).
Genesis 3: 9, 11, 21
Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” And He said, “Who told you that you were naked [Heb. “eirom”]? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?” Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics [Heb. kesones] of skin [Heb. ‘ohr’-light, lightning or skin] and clothed them.
COMMENTARY: There is quite a lot to cover, so, starting with the fact that all the trees in the garden were pleasant to look at and the fruit was suitable for food and nourishment but two trees were located in the midst of the garden, namely the tree of life and the tree of the “knowledge” of good and evil. It is interesting to consider how the trees appeared and what they provided, as far as sustenance was concerned, considering all the trees were able to give the same; so what made these “other’ trees centrally placed in the garden so appealing that they drew such interest? Why wasn’t there a tree of good [leading to “Life”] and a tree of evil [leading to “Death”] as opposed to the singular one of “life” and another, the “knowledge of good and evil?” It seems that the one thing which lured Eve to sample the fruit of the tree of the ‘knowledge’ of good and evil was that of acquiring “wisdom.” Coincidentally, the ancient symbol of the snake has always represented ‘wisdom’ and even the Greek word is ‘Sophia’ as portrayed in the feminine gender as well as in Proverbs 1: 21-22. Even Jesus [Yeshua] said in Matthew 10: 16b, “Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless [gentle] as doves.”
So, the ‘sin’ of Adam and Eve was not really about rebellion against God’s commandment as it was choosing “Life” which proceeds from God, as opposed to obtain ‘earthly’ or Satanic [worldly] wisdom imbued [symbolically??] in the tree of the ‘knowledge’ of good and evil. This is the main reason why mankind is destroying this planet because of this very thing. You notice that “sin” is not mentioned in the book of Genesis regarding this act but what their choice did was doom the rest of humanity to death [spiritual and physical], which is nothing more than separation from the ‘Presence’ [“Shekhinah” cloud] of the LORD God. Sin is the flower that springs from the seed of Satan [earthly wisdom as opposed to the wisdom from above] as stated in James 1: 5; 3: 15-16.
Man thinks that he can control nature, solve all of the world’s problems, explain the origin of the universe, reality and the concept of time, and believes that one day he will be able to understand the nature of God; but as it says in 1 Corinthians 3: 19a-For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. As a final thought, Eve is usually depicted as handing Adam an apple, from which both of them ate and/or engaged is some sexual act. It seems more likely than not the ‘fruit’ they partook of was figs, as they used the leaves to cover their nakedness [Cp. Genesis 3: 7b]. Also, in the Middle Eastern culture, especially Egypt, figs are one of the fruits considered as an aphrodisiac. Of course, the most famous mention of fruit in the Bible [Old Testament] specifically used as an aphrodisiac or fertility drug was a ‘mandrake’ [Cp. Genesis 30: 14-16]; which is called by some in the ancient Near East as, ‘Devil’s apple’ or love apple.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
November 11, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Genesis 2: 4, 7a, 8-9
This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day [undefined interval] that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens. And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground. The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow, that is (1) pleasant to the sight and (2) good for food. The “tree of life” was also in the midst of the garden, and the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil [Heb. “rah”-trouble, wickedness, wrong, bad, evil, misfortune, disaster].”
Genesis 2: 16-17
And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “Out of every tree of the garden you may freely eat, “but of the tree of ‘the knowledge of good and evil [Heb. “rah”-trouble, wickedness, wrong, bad, evil, misfortune, disaster] you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
Genesis 2: 18, 21-22
And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man [Adam] should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam [man] and He took from one of his sides/ribs [Heb. tzalelot] and closed up the flesh [Heb. basar] in its place. Then the rib [Heb. tzela-side, chamber or cell] He made into a woman [Heb. isha] and brought her to the man.
Genesis 2: 25
And they were naked [Heb. arummim-“naked ones”], the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
Genesis 3: 1-5
Now the serpent was more cunning [“wise”] than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman. Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden; “but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die,’ ” Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. “For God knows that in the ‘day’ you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil [Heb. “rah”-trouble, wickedness, wrong, bad, evil, misfortune, disaster].”
Genesis 3: 6-8
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was a pleasure to the eyes, and a tree desirable (“coveted”) to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew they were naked [Heb. eirummim-“naked ones”]; and they sewed “fig leaves” together and made themselves coverings. And they heard the voice [Heb. kol] of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid from the “Presence” of the LORD GOD [Cp. Exodus 16: 10; 33: 9, 14-15; 34: 5] among the trees of the garden.
NOTE: Why was it the narrative doesn’t state Eve’s eyes were opened at the very instant she ate of the fruit but it is only when her husband Adam ate that “both” of their eyes were opened? Afterward, instead of them gaining the “knowledge” of good and evil, they ‘knew’ they were naked/uncovered in some way; and interestingly, a different word is used for their nakedness here (“eirummim”) as opposed to the earlier (“arummim”).
Genesis 3: 9, 11, 21
Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” And He said, “Who told you that you were naked [Heb. “eirom”]? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?” Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics [Heb. kesones] of skin [Heb. ‘ohr’-light, lightning or skin] and clothed them.
COMMENTARY: There is quite a lot to cover, so, starting with the fact that all the trees in the garden were pleasant to look at and the fruit was suitable for food and nourishment but two trees were located in the midst of the garden, namely the tree of life and the tree of the “knowledge” of good and evil. It is interesting to consider how the trees appeared and what they provided, as far as sustenance was concerned, considering all the trees were able to give the same; so what made these “other’ trees centrally placed in the garden so appealing that they drew such interest? Why wasn’t there a tree of good [leading to “Life”] and a tree of evil [leading to “Death”] as opposed to the singular one of “life” and another, the “knowledge of good and evil?” It seems that the one thing which lured Eve to sample the fruit of the tree of the ‘knowledge’ of good and evil was that of acquiring “wisdom.” Coincidentally, the ancient symbol of the snake has always represented ‘wisdom’ and even the Greek word is ‘Sophia’ as portrayed in the feminine gender as well as in Proverbs 1: 21-22. Even Jesus [Yeshua] said in Matthew 10: 16b, “Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless [gentle] as doves.”
So, the ‘sin’ of Adam and Eve was not really about rebellion against God’s commandment as it was choosing “Life” which proceeds from God, as opposed to obtain ‘earthly’ or Satanic [worldly] wisdom imbued [symbolically??] in the tree of the ‘knowledge’ of good and evil. This is the main reason why mankind is destroying this planet because of this very thing. You notice that “sin” is not mentioned in the book of Genesis regarding this act but what their choice did was doom the rest of humanity to death [spiritual and physical], which is nothing more than separation from the ‘Presence’ [“Shekhinah” cloud] of the LORD God. Sin is the flower that springs from the seed of Satan [earthly wisdom as opposed to the wisdom from above] as stated in James 1: 5; 3: 15-16.
Man thinks that he can control nature, solve all of the world’s problems, explain the origin of the universe, reality and the concept of time, and believes that one day he will be able to understand the nature of God; but as it says in 1 Corinthians 3: 19a-For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. As a final thought, Eve is usually depicted as handing Adam an apple, from which both of them ate and/or engaged is some sexual act. It seems more likely than not the ‘fruit’ they partook of was figs, as they used the leaves to cover their nakedness [Cp. Genesis 3: 7b]. Also, in the Middle Eastern culture, especially Egypt, figs are one of the fruits considered as an aphrodisiac. Of course, the most famous mention of fruit in the Bible [Old Testament] specifically used as an aphrodisiac or fertility drug was a ‘mandrake’ [Cp. Genesis 30: 14-16]; which is called by some in the ancient Near East as, ‘Devil’s apple’ or love apple.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
November 11, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Should the military ordain non-Christain Chaplains?
In the Tacoma News Tribune, Friday November 11, 2011 edition, Section A9, under the section, FAITH: About a dozen apply for status was an article by Matthew Hay Brown on the Baltimore Sun in which soldiers in the United States Army want to become post chaplains, although they don’t believe in God. The main person of interest was Capt. Ryan Jean, who is an Intelligence Officer at Fort Meade, CA. Jean, who is an atheist, wants recognition as a lay humanist, on par with those religions who believe in a theistic God, such as Christians, Muslims and Jews. The reaction to such a request has been met with mere curiosity to outrage, and the military policy does not recognize atheism or humanism as a religion. If this form of discrimination occurred in the civilian institutions it would be challenged in the courts and found to be in violation of the U.S. Constitution, but the military is another matter.
It would seem prudent that since America is becoming increasing ethnically and religiously diverse, military chaplains should receive training to minister and counsel to the spiritual needs of all soldiers. Spirituality covers a broad spectrum of meanings and practices ranging from Native American, Buddhism, Zoroastrian, Confucius, Daoism, Wicca, Gnosticism, Free Thinkers, and New Age as well as the traditional theistic and Abrahamic faiths [Judaism, Christianity and Islam]. When someone is laying in a foxhole or in a hospital bed mortally wounded and requesting you to administer their last rites, it shouldn’t matter what religion or non-religion they are affiliated with or if you even agree with their belief, but that you are available to comfort them in their final hour by showing compassion, sympathy and that you assist them to die with a sense of dignity and honor. The Bahai are a religious group that have a religious motto and display symbols of various faiths where they believe “Truth can be found in all religions” and would that such a profound and simple approach to the “Divine” can be practiced by everyone.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
November 11, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
It would seem prudent that since America is becoming increasing ethnically and religiously diverse, military chaplains should receive training to minister and counsel to the spiritual needs of all soldiers. Spirituality covers a broad spectrum of meanings and practices ranging from Native American, Buddhism, Zoroastrian, Confucius, Daoism, Wicca, Gnosticism, Free Thinkers, and New Age as well as the traditional theistic and Abrahamic faiths [Judaism, Christianity and Islam]. When someone is laying in a foxhole or in a hospital bed mortally wounded and requesting you to administer their last rites, it shouldn’t matter what religion or non-religion they are affiliated with or if you even agree with their belief, but that you are available to comfort them in their final hour by showing compassion, sympathy and that you assist them to die with a sense of dignity and honor. The Bahai are a religious group that have a religious motto and display symbols of various faiths where they believe “Truth can be found in all religions” and would that such a profound and simple approach to the “Divine” can be practiced by everyone.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
November 11, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Explaining the meaning of Hebrews 10: 25-26
There have been preachers who used to teach that if believers no longer attend Christian worship services that they are committing ‘willful’ sin because of this ominous and dreadful-looking verse in the book of Hebrews. Since there is such a sense of perplexity and anxiety regarding the meaning of the anonymous author, once again it is prudent and necessary to first look at the context or try to determine who the recipients of this letter might be. One of the first things that come to mind is that this is perhaps one of the most Jewish writings in the entire Bible, and it places quite an emphasis on the priesthood and temple services, sacrificial system and the role of Jesus [Yeshua] in the purpose of God. It might be a good idea to look at a few passages which serve as an introduction and contextual backdrop to this intriguing study as in the following below.
Hebrews 2: 1
Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.
*Hebrews 6: 4-8*
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have been partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come, if they [these ones] fall away, to renew them [“dead works”-Cp. Hebrews 6: 1b; 9: 14b] ‘again’ to repentance, since they crucify ‘again’ for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessings from God; but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end it is to be burned.
Hebrews 7: 11-12, 14-16, 18-19, 22
Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it people received the Law [Torah]), what further need was there for another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the Law [Torah]. For it is evident that our LORD arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses said nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest, who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness. For the Law [Torah] made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God; by so much more Jesus [Yeshua] has become a guarantee of a better covenant [Cp. Hebrews 8: 7-11].
Hebrews 9: 8-9, 11-14, 22-24, 26b
The Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All (Holies) was not yet made manifest (revealed or known) while the first tabernacle was still standing. It was symbolic for the [this] present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him [High Priest] who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience. But Christ [Moshiach] came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place [Holy of Holiest] once and for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying (cleansing) of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ [Moshiach], who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot or blemish cleanse your conscience from dead works. And according to the Law [Torah] almost all things are purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no remission (forgiveness) of sins. Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these [vs. 10, 12-13], but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ [Moshiach] has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; but now at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
Hebrews 10: 1, 4, 11-12, 14, 18
For the Law [Torah], having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer year after year, make those who approach perfect. For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats [Cp. Hebrews 9: 12-13] could take away sins. And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. Now where there is remission of sins, there is no longer an offering for sin [“Sin Offering”].
Hebrews 10: 25a, 26
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. . . For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a [any other] sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries [Cp. Hebrews 6: 8].
COMMENTARY: It would seem from reading all the verses in this study that the target audience is Messianic Jews [Jews who accept Jesus as the Messiah], Jewish priests and possibly some Gentiles who worship the God of Israel. The heading addresses it to HEBREWS and the writer goes to great lengths to prove convincingly that Jesus [Yeshua] is greater than any angel and is the sin sacrifice that was symbolically portrayed in the animal sacrifices under the Law of Moses. The blood of animals could not purify our souls, cleanse our conscience from dead works [of the flesh], and remit our sins, but it is only by the sacrifice of Jesus [Yeshua] in shedding of His blood, only once, that redemption is available to anyone who lives by faith. These individuals, after receiving the benefits of those spiritual things mentioned in Hebrews 6: 4-8 rejected the truth that they had once believed and received but could not or did not have the perseverance to continue until the end, probably due to all the persecutions, struggles and suffering that they experienced (Cp. Hebrews 10: 23, 32-33, 35-39). The “forsaking the assembling” part, as I seem to think, has to do with people returning back into Judaism and offering up to God the blood sacrifices and burnt offerings again, thinking that He will accept their religious votives when they know better.
This is why it says, again, in Hebrews 6: 6, “If they fall away, to renew [do over again] them [sacrifices and offerings] again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.” The dead works are the works of the Law [Torah] because it is powerless to justify or make us perfect in the sight of God [Cp. Galatians 2: 16-17; Hebrews 10: 1-2]. Every time they go to the Temple to offer God a sacrifice, especially the “Sin Offering” there was no forgiveness [in the technical sense], only an outward repentance and their sins were rolled back for yet another year [Cp. Hebrews 10: 3]. When they do this they reject the “true” sacrifice for the remission of sins in His blood and as a result, recrucify Jesus [Yeshua] every time and in the sight of God it is something that brings about His wrath [Cp. Hebrews 10: 26-31]. There is no longer a [any/another] sacrifice for sins “because the price has already been paid” [Cp. Hebrews 10: 18].
To put a final stamp on this troublesome ‘forsaking’ part because it isn’t so much about being absent from the worship services and fellowship of the saints as it is turning your back on “grace” and seeking to be rejustified by performing the works of the Law. This is reminiscent of some Messianic Jewish rabbis who have taught Hebrew roots for years and then decide to go back [turn back], forsaking the assembly and congregation where they once taught from the Tanakh and Brit Chadasha [New Testament], proving to their fellow Jews that Jesus [Yeshua] is the Messiah [Moshiach] and Savior; just to later repudiate the doctrine and live under the Law [Torah] of Moses, which they previously rejected, in order to be pleasing to God once again; at least so they think.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
November 9, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Hebrews 2: 1
Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.
*Hebrews 6: 4-8*
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have been partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come, if they [these ones] fall away, to renew them [“dead works”-Cp. Hebrews 6: 1b; 9: 14b] ‘again’ to repentance, since they crucify ‘again’ for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessings from God; but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end it is to be burned.
Hebrews 7: 11-12, 14-16, 18-19, 22
Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it people received the Law [Torah]), what further need was there for another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the Law [Torah]. For it is evident that our LORD arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses said nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest, who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness. For the Law [Torah] made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God; by so much more Jesus [Yeshua] has become a guarantee of a better covenant [Cp. Hebrews 8: 7-11].
Hebrews 9: 8-9, 11-14, 22-24, 26b
The Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All (Holies) was not yet made manifest (revealed or known) while the first tabernacle was still standing. It was symbolic for the [this] present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him [High Priest] who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience. But Christ [Moshiach] came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place [Holy of Holiest] once and for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying (cleansing) of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ [Moshiach], who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot or blemish cleanse your conscience from dead works. And according to the Law [Torah] almost all things are purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no remission (forgiveness) of sins. Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these [vs. 10, 12-13], but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ [Moshiach] has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; but now at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
Hebrews 10: 1, 4, 11-12, 14, 18
For the Law [Torah], having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer year after year, make those who approach perfect. For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats [Cp. Hebrews 9: 12-13] could take away sins. And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. Now where there is remission of sins, there is no longer an offering for sin [“Sin Offering”].
Hebrews 10: 25a, 26
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. . . For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a [any other] sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries [Cp. Hebrews 6: 8].
COMMENTARY: It would seem from reading all the verses in this study that the target audience is Messianic Jews [Jews who accept Jesus as the Messiah], Jewish priests and possibly some Gentiles who worship the God of Israel. The heading addresses it to HEBREWS and the writer goes to great lengths to prove convincingly that Jesus [Yeshua] is greater than any angel and is the sin sacrifice that was symbolically portrayed in the animal sacrifices under the Law of Moses. The blood of animals could not purify our souls, cleanse our conscience from dead works [of the flesh], and remit our sins, but it is only by the sacrifice of Jesus [Yeshua] in shedding of His blood, only once, that redemption is available to anyone who lives by faith. These individuals, after receiving the benefits of those spiritual things mentioned in Hebrews 6: 4-8 rejected the truth that they had once believed and received but could not or did not have the perseverance to continue until the end, probably due to all the persecutions, struggles and suffering that they experienced (Cp. Hebrews 10: 23, 32-33, 35-39). The “forsaking the assembling” part, as I seem to think, has to do with people returning back into Judaism and offering up to God the blood sacrifices and burnt offerings again, thinking that He will accept their religious votives when they know better.
This is why it says, again, in Hebrews 6: 6, “If they fall away, to renew [do over again] them [sacrifices and offerings] again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.” The dead works are the works of the Law [Torah] because it is powerless to justify or make us perfect in the sight of God [Cp. Galatians 2: 16-17; Hebrews 10: 1-2]. Every time they go to the Temple to offer God a sacrifice, especially the “Sin Offering” there was no forgiveness [in the technical sense], only an outward repentance and their sins were rolled back for yet another year [Cp. Hebrews 10: 3]. When they do this they reject the “true” sacrifice for the remission of sins in His blood and as a result, recrucify Jesus [Yeshua] every time and in the sight of God it is something that brings about His wrath [Cp. Hebrews 10: 26-31]. There is no longer a [any/another] sacrifice for sins “because the price has already been paid” [Cp. Hebrews 10: 18].
To put a final stamp on this troublesome ‘forsaking’ part because it isn’t so much about being absent from the worship services and fellowship of the saints as it is turning your back on “grace” and seeking to be rejustified by performing the works of the Law. This is reminiscent of some Messianic Jewish rabbis who have taught Hebrew roots for years and then decide to go back [turn back], forsaking the assembly and congregation where they once taught from the Tanakh and Brit Chadasha [New Testament], proving to their fellow Jews that Jesus [Yeshua] is the Messiah [Moshiach] and Savior; just to later repudiate the doctrine and live under the Law [Torah] of Moses, which they previously rejected, in order to be pleasing to God once again; at least so they think.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
November 9, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Monday, November 7, 2011
Why Is God jealous?
There was an interesting question taken from The Kansas City Star by Columnist Helen Gray and printed in the Tacoma News Tribune, RELIGION section [p. A9], Saturday, November 5, 2011, FAITH Q&A, which asks, “Why is God a jealous God?” The two responses were from a Christian minister and a Jewish rabbi who gave interesting answers to this rather intriguing and thought-provoking question and it prompted me to conduct my own personal study on the matter. The explanation by the rabbi gave the most convincing beginning approach to solve this mystery but seemed to not fully develop or clarify and expand upon the earlier introduction to this Biblical enigma. And while it is true that God is beyond all human comprehension as well as definition or explanation as He is ineffable [unknowable] in His divine essence or ways, but yet reveals to us that He is a “jealous” God. It is an interesting choice of words because in the usual connotation and definition of the word it is depicted as an unfavorable characteristic. Webster’s describes “jealous” in this manner- 1 a; intolerant of rivalry or unfaithfulness; b: disposed to suspect rivalry or unfaithfulness; 2: hostile toward a rival or [against] one believed to enjoy an advantage.
Exodus 20: 3, 5a
“You shall not have any other gods besides [along with or in competition with] Me”. . . “For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God. . .”
Exodus 34: 14
“For you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”
Proverbs 27: 4
Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, but who is able to stand before jealousy?
Isaiah 44: 9a, 14a, 17
Those who make an image, all of them are useless and their precious things shall not profit. “Who would form a god or make an image that profits him nothing?” He falls down before it and worships it and prays to it and says, “Deliver me, for you are my god!”
Isaiah 46: 5-7
“To whom will you liken Me, and make Me equal and compare Me, that we should be alike? “They lavish gold out of the bag and weigh silver on the scales; they hire a goldsmith and he makes it a god; they prostrate themselves [bow], yes, they worship. They bear it [their idol god] on the shoulder and they carry it and set it in its place, and it stands [sets]. From its place it shall not [cannot] move. Though one cries out to it, yet it cannot answer nor save him out of his trouble.”
Isaiah 42: 8
I am the LORD, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to [or share with] another, nor My praise to carved images.
Deuteronomy 10: 20a, 21a
You shall fear [worship/reverence] the LORD your God, you shall serve Him . . . He is your praise and He is your God.
Jeremiah 3: 14a
“Return, O backsliding [unfaithful] children.” says the LORD, “for I am married to you.”
Hosea 2: 19
I will betroth you to Me forever; yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice, in loving-kindness and mercy.
Matthew 4: 8-10
Again the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give to you if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus [Yeshua] said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”
1 Corinthians 8: 5-6
For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one LORD Jesus Christ [Adoneinu Yeshua Moshiach], through whom are all things, and through whom we live.
Colossians 2: 18
Let no man cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those [supernatural] things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.
1 Corinthians 6: 20
For you were bought with a price (Cp. 1 Peter 1: 18a, 19); therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Corinthians 7: 23a
You were bought with a price (Cp. 1 Peter 1: 18a, 19). . .
2 Corinthians 11: 2
For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy; for I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ [Moshiach].
Ephesians 5: 25-27
Husbands love your wives, just as Christ [Moshiach] also loves the church and gave Himself for her [us], that He might sanctify and cleanse her [us] with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her [us] to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she [we] should be holy and without blemish.
Revelation 22: 8-9
Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”
Revelation 19: 7-8
“Let us rejoice and give Him glory; for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
COMMENTARY: God did not explain the reason for His jealousy at the first but just says that He is. The warnings about serving or worshipping idols continue throughout the Old Testament, beginning in the book of Exodus all the way through up until the prophet Zechariah [1440 BC– 520 BC??]; a period of 920 years, more or less. During this time period God systematically and gradually reveals the love relationship between Himself and the nation of Israel as that between a husband and wife. It says in Psalms 135: 4: The LORD has chosen Jacob for Himself [like a groom], Israel for His precious possession [like a bride]. Marriage is the most binding, sacred and intimate of social relationships, as it is in the spiritual; so much so that it can be thought of as a covenant. Also, Zechariah 13: 2a: “It shall be in that day,” says the LORD of Hosts, “that I will cut off the names of the idols [idol gods] from the land and they will be remembered no more.” God had proven time and time again to the Israelites the futility in worshipping idol gods who can do nothing for them but fail and they were and are in any sense of the word a rival to the True and Living God. Nevertheless, almost throughout their entire history along with the performance of miracles which are unique among the Jews as a “special” people and holy nation to the LORD God, they still drifted away to serve other gods [gods of their own imaginations] to become like the other nations around them.
Although it would indeed be a little unsettling to think of the very Creator of the Universe as expressing and identifying with a similar anthropomorphic [human characteristic or personality] tendency of “jealousy” which humans manifest in the physiology of our bodies of flesh and blood. Nevertheless, how God conveys the depth of His love toward us in human language is important because He wants us to know through our experiences, no matter how flawed, broken and imperfect we are that He is still faithful and merciful and patient; even when we deserve His wrath. As Israel was and is betrothed to God, even so we too through our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ [Yeshua Moshiach] are being prepared and adorned for that great marriage supper where we become the Lamb’s bride. The Church is the betrothed of Christ of whom He loves and is sanctifying and purifying her [us] by purchasing her with the greatest gift He could possibly give; His own precious blood because He loves us just that much. And as it is with any husband who has a wife or a man engaged to be married to the woman of his dreams, you don’t want another man to defile the chastity and purity of your virginal flower; so it is with the LORD and His jealousy is right and justifiable and should cause all of us to love and be devoted to Him more and more. It isn’t for God’s sake that He reveals Himself to be this passionate toward us but rather, it is for our sakes because He wants the very best for us, and whether we know it or will admit it, we really need Him; He certainly doesn’t need us.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
November 5, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Exodus 20: 3, 5a
“You shall not have any other gods besides [along with or in competition with] Me”. . . “For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God. . .”
Exodus 34: 14
“For you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”
Proverbs 27: 4
Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, but who is able to stand before jealousy?
Isaiah 44: 9a, 14a, 17
Those who make an image, all of them are useless and their precious things shall not profit. “Who would form a god or make an image that profits him nothing?” He falls down before it and worships it and prays to it and says, “Deliver me, for you are my god!”
Isaiah 46: 5-7
“To whom will you liken Me, and make Me equal and compare Me, that we should be alike? “They lavish gold out of the bag and weigh silver on the scales; they hire a goldsmith and he makes it a god; they prostrate themselves [bow], yes, they worship. They bear it [their idol god] on the shoulder and they carry it and set it in its place, and it stands [sets]. From its place it shall not [cannot] move. Though one cries out to it, yet it cannot answer nor save him out of his trouble.”
Isaiah 42: 8
I am the LORD, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to [or share with] another, nor My praise to carved images.
Deuteronomy 10: 20a, 21a
You shall fear [worship/reverence] the LORD your God, you shall serve Him . . . He is your praise and He is your God.
Jeremiah 3: 14a
“Return, O backsliding [unfaithful] children.” says the LORD, “for I am married to you.”
Hosea 2: 19
I will betroth you to Me forever; yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice, in loving-kindness and mercy.
Matthew 4: 8-10
Again the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give to you if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus [Yeshua] said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”
1 Corinthians 8: 5-6
For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is one God, the Father of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one LORD Jesus Christ [Adoneinu Yeshua Moshiach], through whom are all things, and through whom we live.
Colossians 2: 18
Let no man cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those [supernatural] things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.
1 Corinthians 6: 20
For you were bought with a price (Cp. 1 Peter 1: 18a, 19); therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Corinthians 7: 23a
You were bought with a price (Cp. 1 Peter 1: 18a, 19). . .
2 Corinthians 11: 2
For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy; for I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ [Moshiach].
Ephesians 5: 25-27
Husbands love your wives, just as Christ [Moshiach] also loves the church and gave Himself for her [us], that He might sanctify and cleanse her [us] with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her [us] to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she [we] should be holy and without blemish.
Revelation 22: 8-9
Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”
Revelation 19: 7-8
“Let us rejoice and give Him glory; for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.
COMMENTARY: God did not explain the reason for His jealousy at the first but just says that He is. The warnings about serving or worshipping idols continue throughout the Old Testament, beginning in the book of Exodus all the way through up until the prophet Zechariah [1440 BC– 520 BC??]; a period of 920 years, more or less. During this time period God systematically and gradually reveals the love relationship between Himself and the nation of Israel as that between a husband and wife. It says in Psalms 135: 4: The LORD has chosen Jacob for Himself [like a groom], Israel for His precious possession [like a bride]. Marriage is the most binding, sacred and intimate of social relationships, as it is in the spiritual; so much so that it can be thought of as a covenant. Also, Zechariah 13: 2a: “It shall be in that day,” says the LORD of Hosts, “that I will cut off the names of the idols [idol gods] from the land and they will be remembered no more.” God had proven time and time again to the Israelites the futility in worshipping idol gods who can do nothing for them but fail and they were and are in any sense of the word a rival to the True and Living God. Nevertheless, almost throughout their entire history along with the performance of miracles which are unique among the Jews as a “special” people and holy nation to the LORD God, they still drifted away to serve other gods [gods of their own imaginations] to become like the other nations around them.
Although it would indeed be a little unsettling to think of the very Creator of the Universe as expressing and identifying with a similar anthropomorphic [human characteristic or personality] tendency of “jealousy” which humans manifest in the physiology of our bodies of flesh and blood. Nevertheless, how God conveys the depth of His love toward us in human language is important because He wants us to know through our experiences, no matter how flawed, broken and imperfect we are that He is still faithful and merciful and patient; even when we deserve His wrath. As Israel was and is betrothed to God, even so we too through our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ [Yeshua Moshiach] are being prepared and adorned for that great marriage supper where we become the Lamb’s bride. The Church is the betrothed of Christ of whom He loves and is sanctifying and purifying her [us] by purchasing her with the greatest gift He could possibly give; His own precious blood because He loves us just that much. And as it is with any husband who has a wife or a man engaged to be married to the woman of his dreams, you don’t want another man to defile the chastity and purity of your virginal flower; so it is with the LORD and His jealousy is right and justifiable and should cause all of us to love and be devoted to Him more and more. It isn’t for God’s sake that He reveals Himself to be this passionate toward us but rather, it is for our sakes because He wants the very best for us, and whether we know it or will admit it, we really need Him; He certainly doesn’t need us.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
November 5, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Crystal Cathedral Church files for bankruptcy
With all the Church scandals that have shaken the faithful over the past few years, perhaps saying, “I told you so” is being too petty, critical and insensitive. Whether it is pedophile priests in the Catholic Church or ordained ministers who are openly gay, the image of the Christian Church as representing God’s kingdom on earth certainly has a significant public relations [PR] problem. The latest scandal, at least for the moment, has to do with The Crystal Cathedral Church in Orange County, CA. It seems that its founding pastor, Rev. Robert Schuller, had misappropriated church funds or used his influence to benefit his family while leaving the church with debt payments that could not satisfy fiduciary obligations to its creditors. As if that weren’t enough and adding insult to injury, emails were sent out among church members to send food items for Mrs. Arvella Schuller, who is suffering from pneumonia; as these donated goods will graciously be picked up by awaiting limousines and chauffeurs.
It is certainly nothing wrong with wanting and in many instances needing a new sanctuary or edifice to worship God in, but it is not for His benefit, rather our own. God does not dwell in structures or buildings made with men’s hands as though He needs anything [Acts 17: 24b], and this episode might be more than just egregious financial mismanagement but rather as it says in 1 Timothy 6: 9-10: “But those who desire to be rich [and attain it] fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the ‘faith’ in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” Also, Matthew 13: 22 says: “Now he who received the seed among thorns is he who hears [or teaches??] the word, and the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke out the word, and he becomes unfruitful [from that point onward].”
Although there are doubtless quite a few disenchanted and despondent members who lament this embarrassing and spiritually demoralizing situation, yet what is their level of culpability in the final matter? Were these same parishioners totally blind as to what was going on and left totally in the dark, or as in the case with many of us, chose to look the other way, even when you knew intuitively that ‘something’ questionable was happening? How many of us ‘go along to get along’ and don’t want to be perceived and labeled as a troublemaker who wants to cause division, when we know or suspect that something is wrong and refuse to ask, discuss, challenge or confront the church leaders about our heartfelt suspicions? When the cat is finally out of the bag then there is all this outrage and righteous indignation, but truth be known, can you say that you are really all that innocent or naïve and there isn’t just a little tint of that “stain’ of sin on your hands, also? Could it be that the beautiful and elegant Crystal Cathedral was something which should be in a place like Las Vegas or Reno, Nevada and is it possibly reminiscent of a monument to pride like the Tower of Babel or even King Nebuchadnezzar’s Golden-headed statue? Lastly, 1 John 3: 21 says: “Beloved, if our conscience [heart] does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.”
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
November 5, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
It is certainly nothing wrong with wanting and in many instances needing a new sanctuary or edifice to worship God in, but it is not for His benefit, rather our own. God does not dwell in structures or buildings made with men’s hands as though He needs anything [Acts 17: 24b], and this episode might be more than just egregious financial mismanagement but rather as it says in 1 Timothy 6: 9-10: “But those who desire to be rich [and attain it] fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the ‘faith’ in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” Also, Matthew 13: 22 says: “Now he who received the seed among thorns is he who hears [or teaches??] the word, and the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke out the word, and he becomes unfruitful [from that point onward].”
Although there are doubtless quite a few disenchanted and despondent members who lament this embarrassing and spiritually demoralizing situation, yet what is their level of culpability in the final matter? Were these same parishioners totally blind as to what was going on and left totally in the dark, or as in the case with many of us, chose to look the other way, even when you knew intuitively that ‘something’ questionable was happening? How many of us ‘go along to get along’ and don’t want to be perceived and labeled as a troublemaker who wants to cause division, when we know or suspect that something is wrong and refuse to ask, discuss, challenge or confront the church leaders about our heartfelt suspicions? When the cat is finally out of the bag then there is all this outrage and righteous indignation, but truth be known, can you say that you are really all that innocent or naïve and there isn’t just a little tint of that “stain’ of sin on your hands, also? Could it be that the beautiful and elegant Crystal Cathedral was something which should be in a place like Las Vegas or Reno, Nevada and is it possibly reminiscent of a monument to pride like the Tower of Babel or even King Nebuchadnezzar’s Golden-headed statue? Lastly, 1 John 3: 21 says: “Beloved, if our conscience [heart] does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.”
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
November 5, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Why did Jesus go about healing people?
It is the lot of being a human being that accompanies frailty, sickness, infirmity, disease and finally, death; so why is it that our LORD and Savior Jesus [Yeshua] cured people of the very ailments and conditions which represents the allotment and inheritance of mortal existence within a weak and corrupt body of flesh? To wit, were His actions merely a temporary reversal of the scourge and curse of man’s inherited fallen nature, just to ultimately succumb to the inevitable victory of death and the grave who hasten our eventual fall into their dark embrace? The reason that Jesus healed those who were afflicted with divers health issues was more than just a demonstration of divine power or compassion, which is certainly true in itself, but there is another reason as well.
Matthew 4: 23, 24b
And Jesus [Yeshua] went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and disease among the people. And they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and [as well as] those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.
Matthew 8: 16
And when evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and He healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, “He Himself took our infirmities [pains] and bore [in His body] our sicknesses (Cp. Isaiah 53: 4).
NOTE: The aforementioned passage only gives partial sketch and should be read along with the following selected verses from Isaiah, as in below.
Isaiah 53: 2b-3a
There was nothing beautiful or majestic about His appearance, nothing to attract us to Him. He was despised and rejected-a man of sorrows acquainted with the deepest grief. NLT
Acts 10: 38
Now God anointed Jesus [Yeshua] of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with [in] Him.
Luke 13: 11-14a, 15-16a
And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus [Yeshua] saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” And He laid hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus [Yeshua] had healed on the Sabbath. The LORD answered him and said, “Hypocrite! Does not each of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? “So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bondage on the Sabbath?”
1 John 3: 8b
For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
NOTE: The context of the passage was specifically dealing with “sin” but it would also seem applicable to any of Satan’s works, including ‘death’ (Cp. Hebrews 2: 14).
John 10: 10b
I have come that they [you] might have life, and that they [you] might have it more abundantly.
COMMENTARY: This last Biblical reference sums it up well and encapsulates what the mission of our LORD was all about. Jesus [Yeshua] became one of us [humanity] and bore in His body all of the things that we endure in the flesh and so when He beholds someone suffering He sees a mirror image of Himself in the person (Cp. Matthew 25: 35-36, 42-45). As the Son of God He bore the image of the Eternal Father, and as the Son of Man, He bore the image of Humanity in a life filled with limitation, deprivation, sorrow, sickness, hunger, cold, pain, and ultimately, even experiencing death. The LORD offers a life rich in meaning and value in the here-and-now and not just reserved for the one to come. We are not slaves and powerless to the whims of our fleshly human nature when it pertains to sickness and suffering, because it is through His power to heal us we can enjoy a life that doesn’t condemn us to always experience the pangs of disease and infirmity which Satan afflicts us with.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
November 2, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Matthew 4: 23, 24b
And Jesus [Yeshua] went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and disease among the people. And they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and [as well as] those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.
Matthew 8: 16
And when evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and He healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, “He Himself took our infirmities [pains] and bore [in His body] our sicknesses (Cp. Isaiah 53: 4).
NOTE: The aforementioned passage only gives partial sketch and should be read along with the following selected verses from Isaiah, as in below.
Isaiah 53: 2b-3a
There was nothing beautiful or majestic about His appearance, nothing to attract us to Him. He was despised and rejected-a man of sorrows acquainted with the deepest grief. NLT
Acts 10: 38
Now God anointed Jesus [Yeshua] of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with [in] Him.
Luke 13: 11-14a, 15-16a
And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus [Yeshua] saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” And He laid hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus [Yeshua] had healed on the Sabbath. The LORD answered him and said, “Hypocrite! Does not each of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? “So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bondage on the Sabbath?”
1 John 3: 8b
For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
NOTE: The context of the passage was specifically dealing with “sin” but it would also seem applicable to any of Satan’s works, including ‘death’ (Cp. Hebrews 2: 14).
John 10: 10b
I have come that they [you] might have life, and that they [you] might have it more abundantly.
COMMENTARY: This last Biblical reference sums it up well and encapsulates what the mission of our LORD was all about. Jesus [Yeshua] became one of us [humanity] and bore in His body all of the things that we endure in the flesh and so when He beholds someone suffering He sees a mirror image of Himself in the person (Cp. Matthew 25: 35-36, 42-45). As the Son of God He bore the image of the Eternal Father, and as the Son of Man, He bore the image of Humanity in a life filled with limitation, deprivation, sorrow, sickness, hunger, cold, pain, and ultimately, even experiencing death. The LORD offers a life rich in meaning and value in the here-and-now and not just reserved for the one to come. We are not slaves and powerless to the whims of our fleshly human nature when it pertains to sickness and suffering, because it is through His power to heal us we can enjoy a life that doesn’t condemn us to always experience the pangs of disease and infirmity which Satan afflicts us with.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
November 2, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
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