One of the most widely used and popular terms among fundamental or Evangelical Christians is that they have been ‘born again.’ This religious mantra is taken from John 3: 3, where a ruler of the Jews and teacher came to see Jesus at night while He was in Jerusalem and He told him rather emphatically that “Unless you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God.” This is very unusual because there doesn’t seem to be an intervening event to this unexpected meeting. Even more curious is the rather abrupt, dramatic, and enigmatic statement by Jesus to Nicodemus. There is no parable or explanation that would help anyone to understand His meaning. The importance is underscored by Jesus’ repetition of the phrase and use of the word “must,” which occurs here and again only [??] in Hebrews 11: 6.
In order to help look for clues to solve this puzzle, one must go back again to John 3: 3-7(esp. verse 8), where Jesus mentioned that a person born of the Spirit can disappear and reappear like the wind and is intangible; possibly even passing through solid objects [like Jesus did after His resurrection]. Of course, Jesus may have had a symbolic or spiritual meaning in mind because certainly none of the Apostles and disciples demonstrated this unique ability. Interestingly, only John’s writings contain such deep spiritual principles like describing the scene of the crucifixion where Jesus’ side was pierced and from it came “blood and water”
(19: 34; 7: 37-39; Isaiah 44: 3). Not surprisingly, this same theme (‘water and blood”) is taken up again in I John 5; 6-8.
There are however, a few citations about this phenomenon that should further help our understanding, with the first found in I Peter 1: 22-23: ‘Since you have purified your souls in 1) obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love for the brethren, love one another with a pure heart fervently, 2) having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, 2a) through the word of God, which lives and abides forever. A couple of things have received the notations of 1, 2, and 2a, which are indispensible and need to be kept in mind in conjunction with other following passages in this study.
NOTE: This is the ONLY other place in the Scriptures where the exact words, “born again,” like in John 3: 3-7, are used in this context.
Romans 6: 17
But God be thanked that you were the slaves of sin, yet you 1) obeyed from the heart
2a) that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.
Putting it all together so far leaves the complex question: How does one ‘obey the truth through the Spirit’, and is one ‘born again through the word of God’ by ‘obeying from the heart that form of doctrine’? In Romans 10: 8-10, it says, “But what does it say? The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart
{that is, 2a)} the word of faith which we preach): that 1a) if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For 1) with the heart one believes unto righteousness and
1a) with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
I Corinthians 10: 1-2, 4
Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all of our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, and were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them and that Rock was Christ.
I Corinthians 12: 13
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body; whether Jews or Greeks, whether slave or free; all have been made to drink into one Spirit (Cp. 10: 4;
I Peter 1: 22).
So, the most reasonable evidence and necessary inference declare that to be “born again” has to do with obeying the Spirit as a result of believing in the word of God, whereby one believes in their heart that God raised Jesus from the dead. As a result of this, one confesses with their mouth what their heart believes. This is not the final piece of the puzzle because baptism is the last requirement as evidenced in Acts 8: 32-37; I Corinthians 12: 13 and I Peter 3: 20-21.
There are some Christian denominations who teach that a person must pray “The Sinner’s Prayer,” but no example of this practice is found in the Scriptures. It does mention in John 9: 31, “Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshipper of God and does His will, He will hear him.” The prerequisite, then, is ‘obedience’ not ‘prayer;’ as King Saul found out in I Samuel 15: 22-23a.
As in all things it is prudent to sincerely and carefully reflect upon God’s word. The Apostle Paul writes in II Timothy 2: 15, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
October 27, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
"Now is the Time"
The stunning news since September 2008 has shaken peoples’ confidence in the financial markets and in the belief that the government has any solution to an economy that is in a “Recession.” This unprecedented business cycle hasn’t been seen since around 1974 and it appears that the continuing circumstances may turn out to be as dire as the “Great Depression” of 1929. In fact, some prominent economists are predicting a protracted and lengthy recovery period which may well last for three years; with the earliest sign of a bottoming out to occur around the third quarter in 2009. The unemployment rate is at the highest rate it has been in years and with businesses continually laying off workers, people are frustrated, angry, uncertain, and desperate for answers because everything seems so bleak; This is where the Church must come in.
The problem facing America isn’t strictly financial mismanagement, corporate greed, or political incompetence, but rather a ‘spiritual malaise’ brought about by an erosion of spiritual, ethical and moral values. What has replaced this vacuum is a focus on materialism, hedonism, narcissism, and all the distractions of entertainment brought about by the “toys of technology.” This pronouncement is not against those of the ‘world’ but rather, against those of us who are ‘believers.’ Instead of converting the world, it seems that the world has converted us. Not only that, but the Church is involved in endorsing political parties and candidates even though we espouse allegiance to the kingdom [government] of God; as if the answer to our dilemma comes from a human source.
The reason that America is hurting so much right now is due to the unfaithfulness of the Children of God in her midst, thereby His wrath and judgment is being poured out on the nation. It is indeed surprising that the Christian Church is not addressing this serious issue more forcefully and shouting it from the rooftops. By the mere fact that believers hope for a political solution is even more incriminating evidence of our spiritual blindness and sin before the Great Judge of the earth (Psalms 94: 2). Remember in Genesis 18: 32 that God would have spared Sodom and Gomorrah if He could have found just "ten" righteous people. What needs to be done is for all the Churches and believers in the One God and Creator of the universe is to convene a moratorium, laying aside petty doctrinal disagreements, traditions, and faith practices to enjoin all of us to ask of our God and Father to forgive us and heal our souls and the nation.
It is now time for believers of all ‘faiths’ or a common faith [in the One God] to lead this country back to its founding principles. The book of II Chronicles 7: 14, states: “If My people who are called by My Name [Israel, in this case], will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” In Jonah 3: 1-10; 4: 11, the prophet was sent to utter a dire warning of impending doom to the 120, 000 people of the wicked city of Nineveh. The people, from the smallest to the greatest, including the king himself, took this unwelcome news so seriously that they repented, and fasted in sackcloth and ashes. Not only that, but the king decreed that each individual should make supplication to God separately to atone for the sin that each one has committed; besides those of the entire nation.
We should commit ourselves to a period of repentance, fasting, and prayer; seeking God’s face and forgiveness, denying ourselves for a time the pleasures and indulgences that distract us from hearing that “still small voice” like that which came to the prophet Samuel. (I Samuel 3: 1-10). And just like in the days of the patriarch Noah and his family, the whole world is in trouble and we are all in the same boat; more or less. All of us will either drown together or all of us will be saved; the choice is left up to each individual.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
October 25, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
The problem facing America isn’t strictly financial mismanagement, corporate greed, or political incompetence, but rather a ‘spiritual malaise’ brought about by an erosion of spiritual, ethical and moral values. What has replaced this vacuum is a focus on materialism, hedonism, narcissism, and all the distractions of entertainment brought about by the “toys of technology.” This pronouncement is not against those of the ‘world’ but rather, against those of us who are ‘believers.’ Instead of converting the world, it seems that the world has converted us. Not only that, but the Church is involved in endorsing political parties and candidates even though we espouse allegiance to the kingdom [government] of God; as if the answer to our dilemma comes from a human source.
The reason that America is hurting so much right now is due to the unfaithfulness of the Children of God in her midst, thereby His wrath and judgment is being poured out on the nation. It is indeed surprising that the Christian Church is not addressing this serious issue more forcefully and shouting it from the rooftops. By the mere fact that believers hope for a political solution is even more incriminating evidence of our spiritual blindness and sin before the Great Judge of the earth (Psalms 94: 2). Remember in Genesis 18: 32 that God would have spared Sodom and Gomorrah if He could have found just "ten" righteous people. What needs to be done is for all the Churches and believers in the One God and Creator of the universe is to convene a moratorium, laying aside petty doctrinal disagreements, traditions, and faith practices to enjoin all of us to ask of our God and Father to forgive us and heal our souls and the nation.
It is now time for believers of all ‘faiths’ or a common faith [in the One God] to lead this country back to its founding principles. The book of II Chronicles 7: 14, states: “If My people who are called by My Name [Israel, in this case], will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” In Jonah 3: 1-10; 4: 11, the prophet was sent to utter a dire warning of impending doom to the 120, 000 people of the wicked city of Nineveh. The people, from the smallest to the greatest, including the king himself, took this unwelcome news so seriously that they repented, and fasted in sackcloth and ashes. Not only that, but the king decreed that each individual should make supplication to God separately to atone for the sin that each one has committed; besides those of the entire nation.
We should commit ourselves to a period of repentance, fasting, and prayer; seeking God’s face and forgiveness, denying ourselves for a time the pleasures and indulgences that distract us from hearing that “still small voice” like that which came to the prophet Samuel. (I Samuel 3: 1-10). And just like in the days of the patriarch Noah and his family, the whole world is in trouble and we are all in the same boat; more or less. All of us will either drown together or all of us will be saved; the choice is left up to each individual.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
October 25, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The Early Followers of Jesus: Radical Zealots or Religiously Pacifist Missionaries??
The first image which usually comes to mind of the early believers of Jesus are those of an ascetic order, rejecting material things, committed to a simple life dressed in beggars clothes and living a life of self-denial or poverty; much like that of Siddhartha Buddha or St. Francis of Assisi. It would seem that a disciple who listened to the teachings of Jesus Christ the Nazarene would be the epitome of ‘Passive Resistance,’ especially while hearing, “If someone strikes you on the cheek, turn to him the other one also.”
These first converts were identified as “Galileans” (Acts 2: 7), no doubt due to the region where they came from; along with their master and teacher. Next, they are recorded as belonging to “The Way” (‘ha Derekh’), as mentioned in Acts 9: 1-2;
19: 9, 23; 24: 14. The name “Nazarenes” is mentioned in Acts 24: 5. All of the aforementioned names are associated with the Jewish followers that believed in Jesus as the promised ‘Messiah’ that was foretold in their sacred Scriptures. The name that is commonly attached to the Christian Movement was given to the Gentile converts in the city of Antioch, in Syria (Acts 11: 9b, 20-23, 25-26). The name “Christian” was also used by King Agrippa, perhaps derisively, in Acts 26: 28.
The Apostles were thought to be part of a subversive religious/political organization because they disobeyed the edicts of the Jewish religious authorities, and their teaching and miracles might have a profound impact on the psyche of the common people, possibly leading to more civil unrest, rebellion, and rioting among those who were no doubt fed up with the Roman occupation of their homeland. A well respected Jewish Doctor of Laws and teacher named Gamaliel addressed the Jewish Supreme Court (“Sanhedrin”) regarding the proper course of action to take against these men who defied their orders. He reiterated to the Council of the fate which befell earlier ‘Messianic Movements’(??) or uprisings, such as with Theudas and Judas of Galilee; whose followers were defeated or killed, the leaders were also either killed or escaped and their rebellion was crushed (Acts. 5: 34-39).
The Apostle Paul, who later became associated with this same Movement since his conversion to the ‘Faith’ after persecuting these same believers as Saul, was being held in protective custody after an uproar, or more specifically, after accusations of causing a riot in Jerusalem, the commander of the Roman garrison [Ft. Anatolia??] named Lysias Claudius (Acts 23: 26), mistook Paul as the Egyptian leader of the “Assassins” (Acts 21: 38). This idea of a sort of radical, ‘jihadist’ or separatist group was argued by Tertullus, an orator who represented the high priest and elders in their legal complaint and petition against the Apostle Paul before the Roman Governor Felix at Caesarea. Tertullus, with the eloquence of a skillful lawyer tries to make the case against Paul that he is the ringleader of a [religious] ‘sect’ which causes dissent [“sedition”] among the Jews around the world (Acts 24: 5).
Again, this same concern [as far as the new Movement being an unlawful ‘sect’] was expressed by the Jewish leaders in faraway Rome when Paul met with them while under house arrest (Acts 28: 17-22). WEBSTERS defines “sect’ as 1 a: a dissenting or schismatic religious body; esp. one regarded as extreme or heretical. This new religion was not traditional or ancient, with no past historical record or its own sacred text, and it used the Jewish sacred Scriptures but interpreted it in a radically different way that not only bypassed the Jewish Laws and traditions, but became superior to it and equated the later writings (“epistles/letters”) of the Apostles and other followers as inspired; on equal footing with the law of Moses, the Prophets, and other Jewish sacred text.
Interestingly, while Jesus was on trial before Pontius Pilate, He said, “My kingdom is not of this world (John 18: 36), but He also said, “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” (Matthew 11: 12; Luke 16: 16), and “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword” (Matthew 10: 34, 35-39). Indeed, it seems that some of the first disciples of the Lord may not have been ‘peaceniks’ after all, especially when you consider the likes of Simon the Zealot (Luke 6: 15); James, the brother of John, both of whom Jesus referred to as “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3: 17); which seems appropriate considering the event in Luke 9: 51-56, where they wanted to call down fire from heaven on a Samaritan village.
Later, in the book of Acts, it seems that James might not have met his end peaceably as he was killed with the sword of King Herod (Acts 21: 1-2). According to John's Gospel, the Apostle Peter wielded a sword and cut off the right ear of Malchus, servant of the high priest in the garden of Gethsemane (Cp. 18: 1-10). Even the Apostle Paul wrote, “If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12: 18). Sometimes it is a fine line we walk between being like the Dalai Lama, Mahatma Gandhi, MLK, or instead as a fighting Shaolin monk or one of the royal order of the Knights of Templar.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
October 21, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
These first converts were identified as “Galileans” (Acts 2: 7), no doubt due to the region where they came from; along with their master and teacher. Next, they are recorded as belonging to “The Way” (‘ha Derekh’), as mentioned in Acts 9: 1-2;
19: 9, 23; 24: 14. The name “Nazarenes” is mentioned in Acts 24: 5. All of the aforementioned names are associated with the Jewish followers that believed in Jesus as the promised ‘Messiah’ that was foretold in their sacred Scriptures. The name that is commonly attached to the Christian Movement was given to the Gentile converts in the city of Antioch, in Syria (Acts 11: 9b, 20-23, 25-26). The name “Christian” was also used by King Agrippa, perhaps derisively, in Acts 26: 28.
The Apostles were thought to be part of a subversive religious/political organization because they disobeyed the edicts of the Jewish religious authorities, and their teaching and miracles might have a profound impact on the psyche of the common people, possibly leading to more civil unrest, rebellion, and rioting among those who were no doubt fed up with the Roman occupation of their homeland. A well respected Jewish Doctor of Laws and teacher named Gamaliel addressed the Jewish Supreme Court (“Sanhedrin”) regarding the proper course of action to take against these men who defied their orders. He reiterated to the Council of the fate which befell earlier ‘Messianic Movements’(??) or uprisings, such as with Theudas and Judas of Galilee; whose followers were defeated or killed, the leaders were also either killed or escaped and their rebellion was crushed (Acts. 5: 34-39).
The Apostle Paul, who later became associated with this same Movement since his conversion to the ‘Faith’ after persecuting these same believers as Saul, was being held in protective custody after an uproar, or more specifically, after accusations of causing a riot in Jerusalem, the commander of the Roman garrison [Ft. Anatolia??] named Lysias Claudius (Acts 23: 26), mistook Paul as the Egyptian leader of the “Assassins” (Acts 21: 38). This idea of a sort of radical, ‘jihadist’ or separatist group was argued by Tertullus, an orator who represented the high priest and elders in their legal complaint and petition against the Apostle Paul before the Roman Governor Felix at Caesarea. Tertullus, with the eloquence of a skillful lawyer tries to make the case against Paul that he is the ringleader of a [religious] ‘sect’ which causes dissent [“sedition”] among the Jews around the world (Acts 24: 5).
Again, this same concern [as far as the new Movement being an unlawful ‘sect’] was expressed by the Jewish leaders in faraway Rome when Paul met with them while under house arrest (Acts 28: 17-22). WEBSTERS defines “sect’ as 1 a: a dissenting or schismatic religious body; esp. one regarded as extreme or heretical. This new religion was not traditional or ancient, with no past historical record or its own sacred text, and it used the Jewish sacred Scriptures but interpreted it in a radically different way that not only bypassed the Jewish Laws and traditions, but became superior to it and equated the later writings (“epistles/letters”) of the Apostles and other followers as inspired; on equal footing with the law of Moses, the Prophets, and other Jewish sacred text.
Interestingly, while Jesus was on trial before Pontius Pilate, He said, “My kingdom is not of this world (John 18: 36), but He also said, “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” (Matthew 11: 12; Luke 16: 16), and “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword” (Matthew 10: 34, 35-39). Indeed, it seems that some of the first disciples of the Lord may not have been ‘peaceniks’ after all, especially when you consider the likes of Simon the Zealot (Luke 6: 15); James, the brother of John, both of whom Jesus referred to as “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3: 17); which seems appropriate considering the event in Luke 9: 51-56, where they wanted to call down fire from heaven on a Samaritan village.
Later, in the book of Acts, it seems that James might not have met his end peaceably as he was killed with the sword of King Herod (Acts 21: 1-2). According to John's Gospel, the Apostle Peter wielded a sword and cut off the right ear of Malchus, servant of the high priest in the garden of Gethsemane (Cp. 18: 1-10). Even the Apostle Paul wrote, “If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12: 18). Sometimes it is a fine line we walk between being like the Dalai Lama, Mahatma Gandhi, MLK, or instead as a fighting Shaolin monk or one of the royal order of the Knights of Templar.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
October 21, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
Monday, October 20, 2008
Christian Preachers Out of Touch with True Stewardship
The Apostle wrote in I Corinthians 2: 2, “For I determined to know anything but Jesus Christ and Him crucified. In Mark 16: 15-16, Jesus said, “Go into the entire world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not will be condemned.” Also, in Luke 24: 46-48, “And He [Jesus] said to them, ‘Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and that repentance and remission from sins should be proclaimed to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things.
In these aforementioned Biblical citations is the cornerstone of the Christian message with the imperative to go out and proclaim this ‘fact’ personally to those that need to hear it. The book of Acts contains abundant narratives to the commitment of the saints who first planted the spiritual seed which has germinated into one of the modern world’s major religions. The following is a list of passages which highlight how the early Church began and which still should be seen done today in the same way.
2: 23-24, 32 (esp. 38)
3: 15, 18-19
4: 10b, (esp. 12)
5: 3-32, (esp. 40)
8: 5, 12, 27-28, (esp. 32-38)
9: 20, 22, 27b
10: 37-38a, 30-41, 43, 47
13: 22b-24, 26-28, 30-33, 37, (esp. 38)
NOTE: verse 32 uses glad tidings, which is what the word “Gospel” means.
16: 31-33
17: 2-3, 17, 18b, 19b-20, 22-26, 29, (esp. 30), 31
18: 1, 28
19: 1-5
24: 14b, 15, 21
26: 6-8, 16-18, (esp. 20 [“Gospel”], 22-23
28: 23b??
Several things are evident at this point, namely, the gospel (“Good News”) reveal Jesus as the promised Messiah in fulfillment of Jewish sacred writings (Old Testament). Additionally, it appears that the rite of baptism is necessary to be administered for the remission of sins.
Galatians 3: 26-28
For you are all the sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 1: 24-25
I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God.
Ephesians 1: 22-23
And He [God the Father] put all things under His [Jesus’] feet and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Colossians 3: 15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called into one body; and be thankful.
Romans 12: 4-5
For as we have many members in one body, but not all members have the same function [physically speaking], so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individual members of one another.
What has been learned up to this point is that baptism unites a person with Christ’s body, Christ’s body is the Church, and that the many individual members belong to Christ’s “one” body. To be sure, there are hundreds of Christian Churches with differing faith practices, and a few of them have experienced phenomenal growth under the teachings of a very dynamic, inspirational, eloquent, knowledgeable, and charismatic speaker who has taken the body of believers to new spiritual heights.
Sometimes it is almost indistinguishable that indeed, if the parishioners are drawn strictly to the gospel message or the messenger. Personal attachments to a particular religious leader is nothing new because the Apostle Paul wrote in I Corinthians 1: 11-13, For it has been declared to me concerning you my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are divisions among you. Now this I say, that each of you says, “I am of Paul, or I am of Apollos, or I am of Cephas, or I am of Christ.” “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you?”
II Corinthians 3: 5
Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave [a certain gift or ability] to each one.
I Corinthians 3: 21a, 22: 4; 6
Therefore let no one boast in men. Whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours. Now these things, brethren, have I figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.
Obviously, to hold one brother or sister in the fold in greater esteem above the other isn’t necessarily such a bad thing on the surface but it can lead to partisan and divisive policies that are at the root cause of a sectarian spirit which results in the many denominations of today. There doesn’t seem to be an effort to reconcile doctrinal differences since the start of the Reformation Movement in Europe up until the Restoration Movement in America.
With the populism and growth of Liberation Theology, praying the Sinners Prayer, the Prosperity Gospel, or the Social Gospel (Tyler Perry at the pulpit), the traditional evangelizing amid sermons of “hell-fire and brimstone” have been replaced with the delicacy of political correctness as to not offend the sensibilities of the hearers and it seems, at the expense of getting back to the biblical basics; and some may question whether it is even possible. However, the Apostle Paul wrote in I Corinthians 1: 10, Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you speak the same things, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and the same judgment.
Not only must the teaching be brought back into line with the Biblical standard but the character and behavior that the Preacher, Minister, Bishop, Prophet, Evangelist, Teacher, or Elder displays before the Church must be scrutinized as well as the responsibility and integrity of each member needs closer examination. For the Church official, can such a person really say that he or she follows the example of the Apostle Paul in Acts 20: 33-35: I have coveted no one’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided fro my necessities, and for those with me. I have shown you in every way that by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than receive.”
I Corinthians 4: 11-13
To the present hour we both hunger and thirst and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless, being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the off-scouring of all things until now.
I Corinthians 2: 4a
And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom. . .
II Corinthians 4: 1-2a, 5
Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy we faint not. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus sake.
Also, let it not be said about the clergy as in Micah 3: 11a
Her priests teach for pay, and her prophets divine for money.
And the Apostle Paul sarcastically addresses the average Church members in II Corinthians 11: 1, 3-4, which he writes, “Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly; and indeed you do bear with me. But I fear lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if someone comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted [been taught] you may well put up with it.
It is a sobering admonition to be on guard against errors creeping in among the body of believers that can appear so innocuous at first and for those whose charge it is to proclaim the Gospel of the Son of God, it is not for sunshine soldiers. Jesus gave the “Great Commission” in Matthew 28: 19, He did not say go ‘On the Radio,’ On Television,’ ‘On the Internet,’ or ‘On the New York Times Bestseller List.’ Jesus said one time when teaching about the sacrifice of discipleship that if anyone putting his hand to the plow then looks back, is not worthy for the kingdom of God. Lastly, it states in I Corinthians 4: 1-2, “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
October 21, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
In these aforementioned Biblical citations is the cornerstone of the Christian message with the imperative to go out and proclaim this ‘fact’ personally to those that need to hear it. The book of Acts contains abundant narratives to the commitment of the saints who first planted the spiritual seed which has germinated into one of the modern world’s major religions. The following is a list of passages which highlight how the early Church began and which still should be seen done today in the same way.
2: 23-24, 32 (esp. 38)
3: 15, 18-19
4: 10b, (esp. 12)
5: 3-32, (esp. 40)
8: 5, 12, 27-28, (esp. 32-38)
9: 20, 22, 27b
10: 37-38a, 30-41, 43, 47
13: 22b-24, 26-28, 30-33, 37, (esp. 38)
NOTE: verse 32 uses glad tidings, which is what the word “Gospel” means.
16: 31-33
17: 2-3, 17, 18b, 19b-20, 22-26, 29, (esp. 30), 31
18: 1, 28
19: 1-5
24: 14b, 15, 21
26: 6-8, 16-18, (esp. 20 [“Gospel”], 22-23
28: 23b??
Several things are evident at this point, namely, the gospel (“Good News”) reveal Jesus as the promised Messiah in fulfillment of Jewish sacred writings (Old Testament). Additionally, it appears that the rite of baptism is necessary to be administered for the remission of sins.
Galatians 3: 26-28
For you are all the sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 1: 24-25
I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God.
Ephesians 1: 22-23
And He [God the Father] put all things under His [Jesus’] feet and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Colossians 3: 15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called into one body; and be thankful.
Romans 12: 4-5
For as we have many members in one body, but not all members have the same function [physically speaking], so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individual members of one another.
What has been learned up to this point is that baptism unites a person with Christ’s body, Christ’s body is the Church, and that the many individual members belong to Christ’s “one” body. To be sure, there are hundreds of Christian Churches with differing faith practices, and a few of them have experienced phenomenal growth under the teachings of a very dynamic, inspirational, eloquent, knowledgeable, and charismatic speaker who has taken the body of believers to new spiritual heights.
Sometimes it is almost indistinguishable that indeed, if the parishioners are drawn strictly to the gospel message or the messenger. Personal attachments to a particular religious leader is nothing new because the Apostle Paul wrote in I Corinthians 1: 11-13, For it has been declared to me concerning you my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are divisions among you. Now this I say, that each of you says, “I am of Paul, or I am of Apollos, or I am of Cephas, or I am of Christ.” “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you?”
II Corinthians 3: 5
Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave [a certain gift or ability] to each one.
I Corinthians 3: 21a, 22: 4; 6
Therefore let no one boast in men. Whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours. Now these things, brethren, have I figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.
Obviously, to hold one brother or sister in the fold in greater esteem above the other isn’t necessarily such a bad thing on the surface but it can lead to partisan and divisive policies that are at the root cause of a sectarian spirit which results in the many denominations of today. There doesn’t seem to be an effort to reconcile doctrinal differences since the start of the Reformation Movement in Europe up until the Restoration Movement in America.
With the populism and growth of Liberation Theology, praying the Sinners Prayer, the Prosperity Gospel, or the Social Gospel (Tyler Perry at the pulpit), the traditional evangelizing amid sermons of “hell-fire and brimstone” have been replaced with the delicacy of political correctness as to not offend the sensibilities of the hearers and it seems, at the expense of getting back to the biblical basics; and some may question whether it is even possible. However, the Apostle Paul wrote in I Corinthians 1: 10, Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you speak the same things, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and the same judgment.
Not only must the teaching be brought back into line with the Biblical standard but the character and behavior that the Preacher, Minister, Bishop, Prophet, Evangelist, Teacher, or Elder displays before the Church must be scrutinized as well as the responsibility and integrity of each member needs closer examination. For the Church official, can such a person really say that he or she follows the example of the Apostle Paul in Acts 20: 33-35: I have coveted no one’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided fro my necessities, and for those with me. I have shown you in every way that by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, “It is more blessed to give than receive.”
I Corinthians 4: 11-13
To the present hour we both hunger and thirst and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless, being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the off-scouring of all things until now.
I Corinthians 2: 4a
And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom. . .
II Corinthians 4: 1-2a, 5
Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy we faint not. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus sake.
Also, let it not be said about the clergy as in Micah 3: 11a
Her priests teach for pay, and her prophets divine for money.
And the Apostle Paul sarcastically addresses the average Church members in II Corinthians 11: 1, 3-4, which he writes, “Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly; and indeed you do bear with me. But I fear lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if someone comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted [been taught] you may well put up with it.
It is a sobering admonition to be on guard against errors creeping in among the body of believers that can appear so innocuous at first and for those whose charge it is to proclaim the Gospel of the Son of God, it is not for sunshine soldiers. Jesus gave the “Great Commission” in Matthew 28: 19, He did not say go ‘On the Radio,’ On Television,’ ‘On the Internet,’ or ‘On the New York Times Bestseller List.’ Jesus said one time when teaching about the sacrifice of discipleship that if anyone putting his hand to the plow then looks back, is not worthy for the kingdom of God. Lastly, it states in I Corinthians 4: 1-2, “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
October 21, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
Friday, September 19, 2008
Examining the Scriptures
There is a traditional teaching among some, if not many Christian scholars that the New Testament Gospels MATTHEW and MARK are more closely related to each other than LUKE or JOHN. In fact, it is believed that MARK is the earliest written, and is the source material found in MATTHEW. It is therefore prudent as well as necessary to make a side by side comparison using biblical references to ascertain the facts as the internal evidence brings to light. A compilation of the significant events during the earthly ministry and life of Jesus Christ the Nazarene are utilized as a challenge to or confirmation of the accepted viewpoint.
After a rather exhaustive examination of the Christian Bible, some surprising new findings are postulated. The first thing which comes to mind is the Old Testament Messianic prophecies which find their fulfillment in the New Testament Gospels. NOTE: Only the ‘Synoptic Gospels’ (MATTHEW, MARK, and LUKE are included in this study. Also, the parables are excluded as it was deemed unnecessary.
In the book of MATTHEW there are 31 Messianic references; MARK has 8 references; and LUKE has 12 references. Next, the significant events in the life and earthly ministry of Jesus Christ from His Nativity to the Resurrection are catalogued. MATTHEW cites 63 references; MARK cites 54 references; and LUKE cites 69 references.
ADDITIONALLY:
a) Scriptural references found in MATTHEW but omitted in MARK=13
b) Scriptural references found in MARK but omitted in MATTHEW=7
c) Scriptural references found in MATTHEW but omitted in LUKE=3
d) Scriptural references found in MARK but omitted in LUKE=3
e) Scriptural references found in LUKE but omitted in MATTHEW=9
f) Scriptural references found in LUKE but omitted in MARK=16
g) Scriptural references included in both MATTHEW and MARK=47
h) Scriptural references included in both MATTHEW and LUKE=58
i) Scriptural references included in both MARK and LUKE=50
j) Scriptural references included in MATTHEW, MARK, and LUKE=43
This study is very interesting and clearly shows that there are certain discrepancies and possibly the gospel of LUKE is the source material for MATTHEW and/or MARK. LUKE has more information than any of the gospel authors and if MARK was the source, then why does the book contain fewer references that are contained in the others (MATTHEW, LUKE)? Not only that, but as item i) indicates, 50 references of the total number of 54 listed in MARK are found in LUKE. In fact, as item h) shows, 58 significant events of the total 63 in MATTHEW are found in LUKE also; this coincides quite nicely with items c) and d).
As far as MARK being the source for MATTHEW, items a) and b) would seem to refute that because nearly twice as many citations found in MATTHEW are absent in MARK, which if MARK were the source, it should be the opposite. How relevant or significant all this information is, remains undecided at this point, but as the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (Cp. II Timothy 2: 15)
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
September 19 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
After a rather exhaustive examination of the Christian Bible, some surprising new findings are postulated. The first thing which comes to mind is the Old Testament Messianic prophecies which find their fulfillment in the New Testament Gospels. NOTE: Only the ‘Synoptic Gospels’ (MATTHEW, MARK, and LUKE are included in this study. Also, the parables are excluded as it was deemed unnecessary.
In the book of MATTHEW there are 31 Messianic references; MARK has 8 references; and LUKE has 12 references. Next, the significant events in the life and earthly ministry of Jesus Christ from His Nativity to the Resurrection are catalogued. MATTHEW cites 63 references; MARK cites 54 references; and LUKE cites 69 references.
ADDITIONALLY:
a) Scriptural references found in MATTHEW but omitted in MARK=13
b) Scriptural references found in MARK but omitted in MATTHEW=7
c) Scriptural references found in MATTHEW but omitted in LUKE=3
d) Scriptural references found in MARK but omitted in LUKE=3
e) Scriptural references found in LUKE but omitted in MATTHEW=9
f) Scriptural references found in LUKE but omitted in MARK=16
g) Scriptural references included in both MATTHEW and MARK=47
h) Scriptural references included in both MATTHEW and LUKE=58
i) Scriptural references included in both MARK and LUKE=50
j) Scriptural references included in MATTHEW, MARK, and LUKE=43
This study is very interesting and clearly shows that there are certain discrepancies and possibly the gospel of LUKE is the source material for MATTHEW and/or MARK. LUKE has more information than any of the gospel authors and if MARK was the source, then why does the book contain fewer references that are contained in the others (MATTHEW, LUKE)? Not only that, but as item i) indicates, 50 references of the total number of 54 listed in MARK are found in LUKE. In fact, as item h) shows, 58 significant events of the total 63 in MATTHEW are found in LUKE also; this coincides quite nicely with items c) and d).
As far as MARK being the source for MATTHEW, items a) and b) would seem to refute that because nearly twice as many citations found in MATTHEW are absent in MARK, which if MARK were the source, it should be the opposite. How relevant or significant all this information is, remains undecided at this point, but as the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (Cp. II Timothy 2: 15)
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
September 19 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Taking another Look at the Genealogy of Jesus Christ: Part I
It is generally accepted by tradition that the Biblical account of events are factually correct, even when the information is either not available or in some cases contradictory. One of the more noticeable cases, and often overlooked is regarding Matthew’s account of Jesus’ lineage; which serves as a continuing challenge for this ongoing study.
Matthew 1: 12-16
And after the deportation to Babylon, to Jeconiah was born Shealtiel; and to Shealtiel, Zerubbabel; and to Zerubbabel was born Abiud; and to Abiud, Eliakim; and to Eliakim, Azor; and to Azor was born Zadok; and to Zadok, Achim; and to Achim, Eliud; and to Eliud was born Eleazar; and to Eleazar, Matthan; and to Matthan, Jacob; and to Jacob was born Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom was born Jesus, who is called the “Christ.”
"JECONIAH"
I Chronicles 3: 16-20
And the sons of Jehoiakim [“Eliakim”] were Jeconiah his son, and the sons of Jeconiah, the prisoner [during the “Babylonian captivity”], were Shealtiel his son, and Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah. And the sons of Pedadiah [“Shealtiel”; Matthew 1: 12??] were Zerubbabel and Shimei. And the sons of Zerubbabel were Meshullam, and Hananiah, and Shemolith was their sister; and Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushabhesed, five (??)[by “Shimei”, verse 19??].
Matthew’s account has some significant inconsistencies which have been previously noted, but in addition to those listed above, there are others. Abiud, Azor, Achim, Matthan, Jacob son of Mattan, and Joseph son of Jacob are not mentioned in any genealogical record or Scriptural reference; except here in this account.
"ELIAKIM"
There are 2 Eliakim’s; one is a son of Hilkiah (Cp. II Kings 18: 18) and the other Eliakim is the king of Judah, whose name was changed to “Jehoiakim” by Necho king of Egypt (Cp. II Chronicles 36: 4).
"ZADOK"
As for Zadok, it is a little difficult to pinpoint his ancestry because it is so varied. He is the son of Ahitub (Cp. I Chronicles 6: 6-9, 11-15; Ezra 7: 1-5), the son of Meraioth (Cp. Ezra 9: 11), the son of Baana (Cp. Nehemiah 3: 4, 6), and the son of Immer (Cp. Nehemiah 3: 29)
"ELEAZAR"
Eleazar is interesting because according to I Chronicles 6: 4, he begat Phinehas, but I Chronicles 23: 22a; 24: 28 states that he died having no sons but only daughters. Ezra 7: 5 and I Chronicles 9: 20 mentions that Phinehas is the son of Eleazar. He is also mentioned as the son of Dodo the Ahohite in I Chronicles 11: 12, and as the son of Mahli(Cp. I Chronicles 23: 21; 24: 28).
"MATTAN"
Mattan is mentioned as a priest of Baal who was killed during the purge of Jehoiada(Cp. II Chronicles 23: 17; II Kings 11: 18) or the father of Shepthatiah
(Cp. Jeremiah 38: 1).
NOTE: Presumably this Mattan is Matthan?
"JOSEPH"
Joseph is the son of Bani(I Chronicles 25: 2; Ezra 10: 42)or the son of Shebaniah
(Cp. Nehemiah 12: 14).
To sum it all up, the difficulty in getting an accurate genealogical record is the fact that ancestors are sometimes referred to as sons or children and not necessarily be an immediate family member or biological kin. Also there is the Jewish custom of ‘Levirate’ marriage where the nearest male relative [a brother, uncle, etc.] will continue to carry on the family name if a married man dies before having a son. In this way the deceased man’s name continues on throughout subsequent generations. Names are given to children in some cases because they are popular or because they have political or religious significance. The author of Matthew may have had access to sources or documents that have since been long lost in time and the association of these names with the Lord Jesus Christ may have more to do with certain ‘Messianic’ expectations than to a natural bloodline.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
August 20, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
Matthew 1: 12-16
And after the deportation to Babylon, to Jeconiah was born Shealtiel; and to Shealtiel, Zerubbabel; and to Zerubbabel was born Abiud; and to Abiud, Eliakim; and to Eliakim, Azor; and to Azor was born Zadok; and to Zadok, Achim; and to Achim, Eliud; and to Eliud was born Eleazar; and to Eleazar, Matthan; and to Matthan, Jacob; and to Jacob was born Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom was born Jesus, who is called the “Christ.”
"JECONIAH"
I Chronicles 3: 16-20
And the sons of Jehoiakim [“Eliakim”] were Jeconiah his son, and the sons of Jeconiah, the prisoner [during the “Babylonian captivity”], were Shealtiel his son, and Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah. And the sons of Pedadiah [“Shealtiel”; Matthew 1: 12??] were Zerubbabel and Shimei. And the sons of Zerubbabel were Meshullam, and Hananiah, and Shemolith was their sister; and Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushabhesed, five (??)[by “Shimei”, verse 19??].
Matthew’s account has some significant inconsistencies which have been previously noted, but in addition to those listed above, there are others. Abiud, Azor, Achim, Matthan, Jacob son of Mattan, and Joseph son of Jacob are not mentioned in any genealogical record or Scriptural reference; except here in this account.
"ELIAKIM"
There are 2 Eliakim’s; one is a son of Hilkiah (Cp. II Kings 18: 18) and the other Eliakim is the king of Judah, whose name was changed to “Jehoiakim” by Necho king of Egypt (Cp. II Chronicles 36: 4).
"ZADOK"
As for Zadok, it is a little difficult to pinpoint his ancestry because it is so varied. He is the son of Ahitub (Cp. I Chronicles 6: 6-9, 11-15; Ezra 7: 1-5), the son of Meraioth (Cp. Ezra 9: 11), the son of Baana (Cp. Nehemiah 3: 4, 6), and the son of Immer (Cp. Nehemiah 3: 29)
"ELEAZAR"
Eleazar is interesting because according to I Chronicles 6: 4, he begat Phinehas, but I Chronicles 23: 22a; 24: 28 states that he died having no sons but only daughters. Ezra 7: 5 and I Chronicles 9: 20 mentions that Phinehas is the son of Eleazar. He is also mentioned as the son of Dodo the Ahohite in I Chronicles 11: 12, and as the son of Mahli(Cp. I Chronicles 23: 21; 24: 28).
"MATTAN"
Mattan is mentioned as a priest of Baal who was killed during the purge of Jehoiada(Cp. II Chronicles 23: 17; II Kings 11: 18) or the father of Shepthatiah
(Cp. Jeremiah 38: 1).
NOTE: Presumably this Mattan is Matthan?
"JOSEPH"
Joseph is the son of Bani(I Chronicles 25: 2; Ezra 10: 42)or the son of Shebaniah
(Cp. Nehemiah 12: 14).
To sum it all up, the difficulty in getting an accurate genealogical record is the fact that ancestors are sometimes referred to as sons or children and not necessarily be an immediate family member or biological kin. Also there is the Jewish custom of ‘Levirate’ marriage where the nearest male relative [a brother, uncle, etc.] will continue to carry on the family name if a married man dies before having a son. In this way the deceased man’s name continues on throughout subsequent generations. Names are given to children in some cases because they are popular or because they have political or religious significance. The author of Matthew may have had access to sources or documents that have since been long lost in time and the association of these names with the Lord Jesus Christ may have more to do with certain ‘Messianic’ expectations than to a natural bloodline.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
August 20, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
Some Interesting and Puzzling O.T. Biblical Passages
Genesis 2: 8
And the Lord planted a garden eastward in Eden. . .
NOTE: Scholars have been trying for millennia to discover the location of mythical ‘Eden’ and perhaps a passage in the Old Testament holds a clue.
II Kings 19: 12b refers to the people of Eden who were in Telassar.
3: 23-24
The Lord God drove the man (‘Adam’) out of the Garden of Eden. . .
NOTE: The text doesn’t mention about ‘Eve’ being driven out of the Garden
5: 2
He created them male and female, and He blessed them and named them ‘Man’ (“ADAM”) in the day when they were created
9: 24-25
Noah knew what his youngest son (??) did to him and cursed his descendant (Canaan) with servitude to his brothers. . .
NOTE: Ham was not the ‘youngest’ son (Cp. 5: 32; 6: 10; 7: 13; 9: 18)
11: 2
And it came about as they journeyed east; they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. NOTE: Who are they??
15: 18
On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt [“Nile”] as far as the great river, the river Euphrates: NOTE: No explanation as to why at this time
17: 17
Abraham laughed in his heart when God told him about bearing a son in his old age.
18: 11
Sarah laughed in her heart when she overheard the Lord tell Abraham about having a son in an old advanced age, at which time she had to give an account for her inner thoughts, but Abraham didn’t (Cp. 18: 12-15??)
NOTE: It’s almost like 2 different versions of the same event woven together.
20: 2-3
Abimelech king of Gerar (land of Judah) took Sarah and God appeared to him in a dream and told him that he was a dead man for taking her because she was married.
NOTE: How feasible is it that a king would be attracted to a woman ninety years old (Cp. 17: 17); unless she really, really didn’t look her age?
20: 12
Sarah is Abraham’s sister; the daughter of his father but not from his birth mother, which would make Sarah his half-sister. NOTE: Why is this not mentioned before? (Cp. 11: 26-29)
22: 2, 19-20, 23
And He [God] said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah; and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.” So Abraham returned to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham lived at Beersheba. NOTE: Guess who was living in the wilderness of Beersheba or is it Paran (Hagar; Cp. 21: 14-21??)
23: 2
And Sarah died in Kiriath-arba (that is Hebron) in the land of Canaan.
NOTE: Why did Abraham live in Beersheba and Sarah in Hebron; was it over Abraham taking Isaac to offer him as a burnt sacrifice on one of the mountains of Moriah??
24: 4, 10
Abraham’s country, and his relatives lived in Mesopotamia (‘Ur of the Chaldeans;’ Cp. 11: 28; 12: 1) NOTE: Interesting that the ancestor of the Jewish people is an Iraqi??
26: 7-33
NOTE: Isaac’s encounter with Abimelech almost identical to that of his father Abraham, and not only that, but it is forty years later at least (Cp. 20: 1-18??)
Exodus 4: 20, 24-26
Now it came about at the lodging place on the way that the Lord met him and sought to put him to death.Then Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son's foreskin (which one; Cp. 18: 3??) and threw it a Moses' feet, and she said, "You are indeed a bridegroom of blood to me". So He let him alone (??). At that time she said, “You are a bridegroom of blood” because of the circumcision. NOTE: This is a most unusual and difficult passage to understand why the Lord tried to kill Moses. Also, his wife knew about the rite of circumcision and he didn’t at this time? Lastly, they had two sons but only one was mentioned as circumcised.
14: 21-22
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land, so that the waters were divided. And the sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
NOTE: This is quite a different version from Cecile B. DeMille’s movie “The Ten Commandments.”
19: 20-21, 24; 24: 9-11
Then the Lord came down on Mount Sinai, on top of the mountain, and the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up. And the Lord said to Moses, “Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to gaze at the Lord, and many of them perish. Then the Lord said to him, “Away! Get down and then come up, you and Aaron with you. But do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to the Lord, lest He break out against them.” Then Moses went up, also Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel. And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heaven in its clarity. But on the nobles of the children of Israel He did not lay His hand. So they saw God, and they ate and drank.
22: 16-17
“If a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged, and lies with her, he must pay a dowry for her to be his wife. “If her father absolutely refuses to give her [in marriage] to him, he shall pay money equal to the dowry for virgins.”
NOTE: This is probably the nearest equivalent to modern-day ‘dating’ or pre-marital sex
Numbers 12: 1-3
Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married (for he had married a Cushite woman); and they said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us as well?” And the Lord heard it. (Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth). NOTE: What was the real issue regarding Moses marrying a Cushite woman and where is Zipporah, his Midianite wife? Also, Moses is the unlikely author of this particular statement, let alone the rest of the book.
22: 9-10, 12
Then God came to Balaam and said, “Who are these men with you?” And Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Nippor, king of Moab, has sent word to me. . . And God said to Balaam, “Do not go up with them; you shall not curse the people; for they are blessed.”
22: 20-22, 34-35
And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise up and go with them; but only the word which I speak to you shall you do. So Balaam arose in the morning, and saddled his donkey; and went with the leaders of Moab. But God was angry he was going (??), and the angel of the Lord took his stand in the way as an adversary against him. Now he was riding on his donkey and his two servants were with him. And Balaam said to the angel of the Lord, “I have sinned for I did not know that you were standing in the way against me. Now then, if it is displeasing to you, I will turn back.” But the angel of the Lord said to him, “Go with the men, but you speak the word which I shall tell you (??).” So Balaam went along with the leaders of Balak.
26: 11
The sons of Korah, however, did not die (Numbers 16: 24, 32-33??).
31:14-18
And Moses was angry with the officers of the army, the captains of thousands, and the captains of hundreds, who had come from service in the war. And Moses said to them, "Have you let all the women live?" “Behold, these caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam to trespass against the Lord in the matter of Peor, so the plague was among the congregation of the Lord. “Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has known man intimately".
NOTE: Kill every woman who is not a virgin?? Moses commanded, "But all the girls who have not known man intimately, keep alive for yourselves". (interesting??)
Deuteronomy
10: 1-5
“At that time the Lord said to me, ‘Cut out for yourself two tablets of stone like the former ones, and come up to Me on the mountain, and make an ark of wood for yourself. ‘And I will write on the tablets the words that were on the former tablets which you shattered, and you shall put them in the ark.’ “So I made an ark of acacia wood (‘Bezalel’ made it; Cp. Exodus 35: 30, 31, 37: 1??) and cut out two tablets of stone like the former ones, and went up the mountain with the two tablets in my hand. “And he wrote on the tablets, like the former writing, the Ten Commandments which the Lord had spoken to you on the mountain from the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly; and the Lord gave them to me. “Then I turned and came down from the mountain, and put the tablets in the ark which I had made; and there they are, as the Lord had commanded me.”
10: 6-9
(Now the sons of Israel set out from Beeroth Bene-jaakan to Moserah. There Aaron died and there he was buried and Eleazar his son ministered as priest in his place. From there they set out to Gudgodah; and from Gudgodah to Jotbathah, a land of brooks of water. [NOTE: This account is a slightly abbreviated version and not entirely consistent with the passages in [Numbers 20: 20-28; 33: 30-39??] At that time the Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the Lord, to stand before the Lord to serve Him and to bless in His name until this day. Therefore, Levi does not have a portion or inheritance with his brothers; the Lord is his inheritance, just as the Lord your God spoke to him.)
29: 27
‘Therefore, the anger of the Lord burned against that land, to bring upon it every curse which is written in this book; and the Lord uprooted them from their land in anger and in fury and in great wrath, and cast them into another land, as it is this day.’ NOTE: Very significant because it seems to suggest a later period for the writing during either the Babylonian or Assyrian captivity.
Joshua 5: 13-15
Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing opposite him with a sword drawn in his hand, and Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No, rather I indeed come now as captain of the host of the Lord.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and bowed down, and said to him, “What has my lord to say to his servant?” And the captain of the Lord’s host said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy (Cp. Genesis 3: 2-5).” And Joshua did so.
10:11-12
And it came about as they fled from before Israel, while they were at the descent of Beth-horon, that the Lord threw large stones from heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they died; there were more who died from the hailstones than those whom the sons of Israel killed with the sword. Then Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, "O sun, stand still at Gibeon, And O moon in the valley of Aijalon".
10.13-14
So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation avenged themselves of their enemies. "Is it not written in the book of Jashar?" And the sun
stopped in the middle of the sky, and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day. "And there was no day like that before it or after it, when the Lord listened to the voice of a man; for the Lord fought for Israel".
Judges 1: 16
The descendants of the Kenite, Moses’ father [‘brother’]-in-law (??).
NOTE: Moses’ father-in-law was Midianite (Cp. Exodus 2: 16, 18; 3: 1; Numbers 10: 29); the descendants of Hobab, Moses’ brother-in-law (Cp. Numbers 10: 29??) were undoubtedly Kenites (Cp. Judges 4: 11) NOTE: Reuel or Jethro was not previously mentioned as having a son, only 7 daughters (Cp. Exodus 2: 16, 20??)
13.17-18
Then Minoah said to the angel of the Lord, “what is your NAME, so that when your words come to pass, we may honor you?" But the angel of the Lord said to him, "Why do you ask my NAME, seeing it is incomprehensible". (very interesting??)
18: 1
In those days there was no king in Israel. And in those days the tribe of the Danites were seeking an inheritance for itself to dwell in; for until that day their inheritance among the tribes of Israel had not fallen to them. NOTE: This contradicts the account in Joshua 19: 40-48
I Samuel 3: 1
Word from the Lord was rare in those days and visions were infrequent.
NOTE: This is an interesting statement.
6: 18
Even as far as the large stone of Abel on which they sat the ark of the Lord, which stone remains to this day in the field of Joshua of Beth Shemesh.
NOTE: Another statement in which the event seems as contemporary. Also, is the large “stone of Abel” part of the famous ‘Kaaba’ stone revered by Muslims the world over and around which is built Islam’s holiest shrine?
6: 15, 19
The Levites took down the ark of the Lord. Some of the men of Beth-Shemesh (territory and tribe of Judah) looked into the ark of the Lord and He struck down
50, 070 men of the people. NOTE: This is like what happened to those Nazi soldiers and Professor of Antiquities from Germany in the “Indiana Jones” movie.
15: 35b
And the Lord repented creating man and that He had made Saul king over Israel Cp. Genesis 6: 6; I Samuel 15: 11).
NOTE: One of the few instances in all sacred Scripture where God regrets something.
Jeremiah 43.12
"He will shatter the obelisks of Heliopolis (Heb. Beth-shemesh, the house of the Sun-god), which is in the land of Egypt; and the temples of the gods of Egypt he will burn with fire". NOTE: Shemesh must have been a minor god because the Great Sun god of the Egyptians is RA; not to mention other gods and goddesses.
44.15-18
Then all the men who were aware that their wives were burning sacrifices to other gods, along with all the women who were standing by, as a large assembly, including all the people who were living in Pathros in the land of Egypt, responded to Jeremiah, saying, "As for the message that you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord, we are not going to listen to you". "We will certainly carry out every word that has proceeded from our mouths, by burning sacrifices to the queen of heaven and pouring libations to her, just as we ourselves, our forefathers, our princes and our kings did in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; for then we had plenty of food, and we were well off, and saw no misfortune". "But since we stopped burning sacrifices to the queen of heaven and pouring libations to her, we have lacked everything and have met our end by the sword and by famine". NOTE: This is quite surprising as this seems to be a more powerful deity than the usual Ashtoreth or Asherim because neither is referred to in such a reverential manner.
Isaiah 20: 18-25
In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear by the Lord of Hosts (YHVH Sabaoth); one will be called the city of Destruction (Arab). In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the middle of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the Lord at its border. And it will be for a sign and a witness to the Lord of Hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the Lord because of the oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Mighty One, and He will deliver them. Then the Lord will be known to Egypt in that day, and will make sacrifice and offering; yes, they will make a vow to the Lord and perform it. And the Lord will strike Egypt, He will strike and heal it; they will return to the Lord, and He will be entreated by them and heal them. In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will serve with the Assyrians. In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria-A blessing in the middle of the land, whom the Lord shall bless, saying, "Blessed is Egypt My People, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance."
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
April 19, 2008
And the Lord planted a garden eastward in Eden. . .
NOTE: Scholars have been trying for millennia to discover the location of mythical ‘Eden’ and perhaps a passage in the Old Testament holds a clue.
II Kings 19: 12b refers to the people of Eden who were in Telassar.
3: 23-24
The Lord God drove the man (‘Adam’) out of the Garden of Eden. . .
NOTE: The text doesn’t mention about ‘Eve’ being driven out of the Garden
5: 2
He created them male and female, and He blessed them and named them ‘Man’ (“ADAM”) in the day when they were created
9: 24-25
Noah knew what his youngest son (??) did to him and cursed his descendant (Canaan) with servitude to his brothers. . .
NOTE: Ham was not the ‘youngest’ son (Cp. 5: 32; 6: 10; 7: 13; 9: 18)
11: 2
And it came about as they journeyed east; they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. NOTE: Who are they??
15: 18
On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt [“Nile”] as far as the great river, the river Euphrates: NOTE: No explanation as to why at this time
17: 17
Abraham laughed in his heart when God told him about bearing a son in his old age.
18: 11
Sarah laughed in her heart when she overheard the Lord tell Abraham about having a son in an old advanced age, at which time she had to give an account for her inner thoughts, but Abraham didn’t (Cp. 18: 12-15??)
NOTE: It’s almost like 2 different versions of the same event woven together.
20: 2-3
Abimelech king of Gerar (land of Judah) took Sarah and God appeared to him in a dream and told him that he was a dead man for taking her because she was married.
NOTE: How feasible is it that a king would be attracted to a woman ninety years old (Cp. 17: 17); unless she really, really didn’t look her age?
20: 12
Sarah is Abraham’s sister; the daughter of his father but not from his birth mother, which would make Sarah his half-sister. NOTE: Why is this not mentioned before? (Cp. 11: 26-29)
22: 2, 19-20, 23
And He [God] said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah; and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.” So Abraham returned to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham lived at Beersheba. NOTE: Guess who was living in the wilderness of Beersheba or is it Paran (Hagar; Cp. 21: 14-21??)
23: 2
And Sarah died in Kiriath-arba (that is Hebron) in the land of Canaan.
NOTE: Why did Abraham live in Beersheba and Sarah in Hebron; was it over Abraham taking Isaac to offer him as a burnt sacrifice on one of the mountains of Moriah??
24: 4, 10
Abraham’s country, and his relatives lived in Mesopotamia (‘Ur of the Chaldeans;’ Cp. 11: 28; 12: 1) NOTE: Interesting that the ancestor of the Jewish people is an Iraqi??
26: 7-33
NOTE: Isaac’s encounter with Abimelech almost identical to that of his father Abraham, and not only that, but it is forty years later at least (Cp. 20: 1-18??)
Exodus 4: 20, 24-26
Now it came about at the lodging place on the way that the Lord met him and sought to put him to death.Then Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son's foreskin (which one; Cp. 18: 3??) and threw it a Moses' feet, and she said, "You are indeed a bridegroom of blood to me". So He let him alone (??). At that time she said, “You are a bridegroom of blood” because of the circumcision. NOTE: This is a most unusual and difficult passage to understand why the Lord tried to kill Moses. Also, his wife knew about the rite of circumcision and he didn’t at this time? Lastly, they had two sons but only one was mentioned as circumcised.
14: 21-22
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land, so that the waters were divided. And the sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
NOTE: This is quite a different version from Cecile B. DeMille’s movie “The Ten Commandments.”
19: 20-21, 24; 24: 9-11
Then the Lord came down on Mount Sinai, on top of the mountain, and the Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up. And the Lord said to Moses, “Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to gaze at the Lord, and many of them perish. Then the Lord said to him, “Away! Get down and then come up, you and Aaron with you. But do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to the Lord, lest He break out against them.” Then Moses went up, also Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel. And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heaven in its clarity. But on the nobles of the children of Israel He did not lay His hand. So they saw God, and they ate and drank.
22: 16-17
“If a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged, and lies with her, he must pay a dowry for her to be his wife. “If her father absolutely refuses to give her [in marriage] to him, he shall pay money equal to the dowry for virgins.”
NOTE: This is probably the nearest equivalent to modern-day ‘dating’ or pre-marital sex
Numbers 12: 1-3
Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married (for he had married a Cushite woman); and they said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us as well?” And the Lord heard it. (Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth). NOTE: What was the real issue regarding Moses marrying a Cushite woman and where is Zipporah, his Midianite wife? Also, Moses is the unlikely author of this particular statement, let alone the rest of the book.
22: 9-10, 12
Then God came to Balaam and said, “Who are these men with you?” And Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Nippor, king of Moab, has sent word to me. . . And God said to Balaam, “Do not go up with them; you shall not curse the people; for they are blessed.”
22: 20-22, 34-35
And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise up and go with them; but only the word which I speak to you shall you do. So Balaam arose in the morning, and saddled his donkey; and went with the leaders of Moab. But God was angry he was going (??), and the angel of the Lord took his stand in the way as an adversary against him. Now he was riding on his donkey and his two servants were with him. And Balaam said to the angel of the Lord, “I have sinned for I did not know that you were standing in the way against me. Now then, if it is displeasing to you, I will turn back.” But the angel of the Lord said to him, “Go with the men, but you speak the word which I shall tell you (??).” So Balaam went along with the leaders of Balak.
26: 11
The sons of Korah, however, did not die (Numbers 16: 24, 32-33??).
31:14-18
And Moses was angry with the officers of the army, the captains of thousands, and the captains of hundreds, who had come from service in the war. And Moses said to them, "Have you let all the women live?" “Behold, these caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam to trespass against the Lord in the matter of Peor, so the plague was among the congregation of the Lord. “Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has known man intimately".
NOTE: Kill every woman who is not a virgin?? Moses commanded, "But all the girls who have not known man intimately, keep alive for yourselves". (interesting??)
Deuteronomy
10: 1-5
“At that time the Lord said to me, ‘Cut out for yourself two tablets of stone like the former ones, and come up to Me on the mountain, and make an ark of wood for yourself. ‘And I will write on the tablets the words that were on the former tablets which you shattered, and you shall put them in the ark.’ “So I made an ark of acacia wood (‘Bezalel’ made it; Cp. Exodus 35: 30, 31, 37: 1??) and cut out two tablets of stone like the former ones, and went up the mountain with the two tablets in my hand. “And he wrote on the tablets, like the former writing, the Ten Commandments which the Lord had spoken to you on the mountain from the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly; and the Lord gave them to me. “Then I turned and came down from the mountain, and put the tablets in the ark which I had made; and there they are, as the Lord had commanded me.”
10: 6-9
(Now the sons of Israel set out from Beeroth Bene-jaakan to Moserah. There Aaron died and there he was buried and Eleazar his son ministered as priest in his place. From there they set out to Gudgodah; and from Gudgodah to Jotbathah, a land of brooks of water. [NOTE: This account is a slightly abbreviated version and not entirely consistent with the passages in [Numbers 20: 20-28; 33: 30-39??] At that time the Lord set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the Lord, to stand before the Lord to serve Him and to bless in His name until this day. Therefore, Levi does not have a portion or inheritance with his brothers; the Lord is his inheritance, just as the Lord your God spoke to him.)
29: 27
‘Therefore, the anger of the Lord burned against that land, to bring upon it every curse which is written in this book; and the Lord uprooted them from their land in anger and in fury and in great wrath, and cast them into another land, as it is this day.’ NOTE: Very significant because it seems to suggest a later period for the writing during either the Babylonian or Assyrian captivity.
Joshua 5: 13-15
Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing opposite him with a sword drawn in his hand, and Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No, rather I indeed come now as captain of the host of the Lord.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and bowed down, and said to him, “What has my lord to say to his servant?” And the captain of the Lord’s host said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy (Cp. Genesis 3: 2-5).” And Joshua did so.
10:11-12
And it came about as they fled from before Israel, while they were at the descent of Beth-horon, that the Lord threw large stones from heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they died; there were more who died from the hailstones than those whom the sons of Israel killed with the sword. Then Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, "O sun, stand still at Gibeon, And O moon in the valley of Aijalon".
10.13-14
So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation avenged themselves of their enemies. "Is it not written in the book of Jashar?" And the sun
stopped in the middle of the sky, and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day. "And there was no day like that before it or after it, when the Lord listened to the voice of a man; for the Lord fought for Israel".
Judges 1: 16
The descendants of the Kenite, Moses’ father [‘brother’]-in-law (??).
NOTE: Moses’ father-in-law was Midianite (Cp. Exodus 2: 16, 18; 3: 1; Numbers 10: 29); the descendants of Hobab, Moses’ brother-in-law (Cp. Numbers 10: 29??) were undoubtedly Kenites (Cp. Judges 4: 11) NOTE: Reuel or Jethro was not previously mentioned as having a son, only 7 daughters (Cp. Exodus 2: 16, 20??)
13.17-18
Then Minoah said to the angel of the Lord, “what is your NAME, so that when your words come to pass, we may honor you?" But the angel of the Lord said to him, "Why do you ask my NAME, seeing it is incomprehensible". (very interesting??)
18: 1
In those days there was no king in Israel. And in those days the tribe of the Danites were seeking an inheritance for itself to dwell in; for until that day their inheritance among the tribes of Israel had not fallen to them. NOTE: This contradicts the account in Joshua 19: 40-48
I Samuel 3: 1
Word from the Lord was rare in those days and visions were infrequent.
NOTE: This is an interesting statement.
6: 18
Even as far as the large stone of Abel on which they sat the ark of the Lord, which stone remains to this day in the field of Joshua of Beth Shemesh.
NOTE: Another statement in which the event seems as contemporary. Also, is the large “stone of Abel” part of the famous ‘Kaaba’ stone revered by Muslims the world over and around which is built Islam’s holiest shrine?
6: 15, 19
The Levites took down the ark of the Lord. Some of the men of Beth-Shemesh (territory and tribe of Judah) looked into the ark of the Lord and He struck down
50, 070 men of the people. NOTE: This is like what happened to those Nazi soldiers and Professor of Antiquities from Germany in the “Indiana Jones” movie.
15: 35b
And the Lord repented creating man and that He had made Saul king over Israel Cp. Genesis 6: 6; I Samuel 15: 11).
NOTE: One of the few instances in all sacred Scripture where God regrets something.
Jeremiah 43.12
"He will shatter the obelisks of Heliopolis (Heb. Beth-shemesh, the house of the Sun-god), which is in the land of Egypt; and the temples of the gods of Egypt he will burn with fire". NOTE: Shemesh must have been a minor god because the Great Sun god of the Egyptians is RA; not to mention other gods and goddesses.
44.15-18
Then all the men who were aware that their wives were burning sacrifices to other gods, along with all the women who were standing by, as a large assembly, including all the people who were living in Pathros in the land of Egypt, responded to Jeremiah, saying, "As for the message that you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord, we are not going to listen to you". "We will certainly carry out every word that has proceeded from our mouths, by burning sacrifices to the queen of heaven and pouring libations to her, just as we ourselves, our forefathers, our princes and our kings did in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; for then we had plenty of food, and we were well off, and saw no misfortune". "But since we stopped burning sacrifices to the queen of heaven and pouring libations to her, we have lacked everything and have met our end by the sword and by famine". NOTE: This is quite surprising as this seems to be a more powerful deity than the usual Ashtoreth or Asherim because neither is referred to in such a reverential manner.
Isaiah 20: 18-25
In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear by the Lord of Hosts (YHVH Sabaoth); one will be called the city of Destruction (Arab). In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the middle of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the Lord at its border. And it will be for a sign and a witness to the Lord of Hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the Lord because of the oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Mighty One, and He will deliver them. Then the Lord will be known to Egypt in that day, and will make sacrifice and offering; yes, they will make a vow to the Lord and perform it. And the Lord will strike Egypt, He will strike and heal it; they will return to the Lord, and He will be entreated by them and heal them. In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will serve with the Assyrians. In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria-A blessing in the middle of the land, whom the Lord shall bless, saying, "Blessed is Egypt My People, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance."
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
April 19, 2008
Sources and Authors of the Old Testament??
It is commonly accepted that Moses wrote the first five books called the ‘Torah,’ which means Law, but it is highly improbable that he wrote all of them; especially in the end of Numbers where it mentions how humble Moses was and in Deuteronomy, which mentions Moses' death. It is difficult to know who the author is in many cases because it is unknown and the title of a given book only refers to the individual as the main subject; in many cases. In Psalms 68: 11 it reads, “The Lord gave the word and great is the company of them that published it,” and so with this in mind an attempt will be made to search for the internal evidence of who the biographer is or what source(s) supply the material for much of the Old Testament Canon.
One name which stands out quite prominently is Zadok the priest, who first appears in I kings 1: 8, 39 and all the way to Ezra 7: 1-5. There is a Zadok mentioned in Nehemiah 3: 6 (“Zadok son of Baana”) and Nehemiah 3: 29 (“Zadok son of Immer).
I Chronicles 29: 29
The acts of David are written in the book of Samuel the seer, the book of Gad the seer, and in the book of Nathan the seer.
NOTE: The prophet Samuel anointed David King, replacing Saul and Nathan and Gad were seers of King David at one time or another.
II Chronicles 9: 29
The acts of Solomon are written in the book of Nathan the prophet, the prophesy of Ahijah the Shilohnite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer.
12: 15
The acts of Rehoboam are written in the book of Shemaiah the prophet and Iddo the seer concerning genealogies.
13: 22
The acts of Abijah and his sayings are written in the annals of Iddo the prophet.
20: 34
The acts of Jehoshaphat are written in the book of Jehu, the son of Hanani the seer (Cp. 19: 2).
26: 32
The acts of Uzziah, the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz wrote (Cp. Isaiah 1: 1).
32: 30
The acts of Hezekiah are written in the visions of Isaiah the prophet, son of Amoz (Cp. Isaiah 1: 1)
33: 1a, 19b
The rest of the acts of Manasseh before he was humbled, indeed are they not written in the acts of the Hozai (“seers”).
36: 12-23
The prophet Jeremiah is the source for much regarding Zedekiah and the Babylonian captivity under King Nebuchadnezzar.
The seer Iddo is just as prominent a figure and perhaps more important than Zadok the priest; and he is mentioned in II Chronicles 13: 22b; Ezra 5: 1; 6: 14; 8: 17; Nehemiah 12: 14, 16. Iddo is one of the returning exiles (Cp. Nehemiah 12: 14) and the individual who keeps track of genealogies (Cp. II Chronicles 12: 15), which is crucial in maintaining the ritual purity of the Levites and priests, especially. Even some of the writings of Jeremiah the prophet were performed by Baruch the scribe (Cp. Jeremiah 36: 4, 17-18, 32: 45: 1). And lastly, Ezra was a scribe as well as a priest and wielded quite a lot of power among the people by the authority of Xerxes king of Persia (Cp. Ezra 7: 11-26) and doubtless influenced the religion of the returning captives, the native Jewish remnants, as well as the foreign immigrants in the cities throughout Judea.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
August 20, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
One name which stands out quite prominently is Zadok the priest, who first appears in I kings 1: 8, 39 and all the way to Ezra 7: 1-5. There is a Zadok mentioned in Nehemiah 3: 6 (“Zadok son of Baana”) and Nehemiah 3: 29 (“Zadok son of Immer).
I Chronicles 29: 29
The acts of David are written in the book of Samuel the seer, the book of Gad the seer, and in the book of Nathan the seer.
NOTE: The prophet Samuel anointed David King, replacing Saul and Nathan and Gad were seers of King David at one time or another.
II Chronicles 9: 29
The acts of Solomon are written in the book of Nathan the prophet, the prophesy of Ahijah the Shilohnite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer.
12: 15
The acts of Rehoboam are written in the book of Shemaiah the prophet and Iddo the seer concerning genealogies.
13: 22
The acts of Abijah and his sayings are written in the annals of Iddo the prophet.
20: 34
The acts of Jehoshaphat are written in the book of Jehu, the son of Hanani the seer (Cp. 19: 2).
26: 32
The acts of Uzziah, the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz wrote (Cp. Isaiah 1: 1).
32: 30
The acts of Hezekiah are written in the visions of Isaiah the prophet, son of Amoz (Cp. Isaiah 1: 1)
33: 1a, 19b
The rest of the acts of Manasseh before he was humbled, indeed are they not written in the acts of the Hozai (“seers”).
36: 12-23
The prophet Jeremiah is the source for much regarding Zedekiah and the Babylonian captivity under King Nebuchadnezzar.
The seer Iddo is just as prominent a figure and perhaps more important than Zadok the priest; and he is mentioned in II Chronicles 13: 22b; Ezra 5: 1; 6: 14; 8: 17; Nehemiah 12: 14, 16. Iddo is one of the returning exiles (Cp. Nehemiah 12: 14) and the individual who keeps track of genealogies (Cp. II Chronicles 12: 15), which is crucial in maintaining the ritual purity of the Levites and priests, especially. Even some of the writings of Jeremiah the prophet were performed by Baruch the scribe (Cp. Jeremiah 36: 4, 17-18, 32: 45: 1). And lastly, Ezra was a scribe as well as a priest and wielded quite a lot of power among the people by the authority of Xerxes king of Persia (Cp. Ezra 7: 11-26) and doubtless influenced the religion of the returning captives, the native Jewish remnants, as well as the foreign immigrants in the cities throughout Judea.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
August 20, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
Monday, August 11, 2008
What the Bible Teaches on Marriage and Divorce
One of the more interesting controversial issues facing the Christian is that of divorce and remarriage, and surprisingly, the Bible doesn’t offer a lot of specific guidelines to this complex and often contentious social experience. What needs to be kept in mind is that Christianity inherited a Jewish cultural as well as theological perspective imprinted upon a non-Jewish world. In a patriarchal society where the ‘man’ was more valued because he controlled the factors of production, religious and social laws, and inheritance of property was through the lineage of the male, it is not surprising that a woman would not have the same rights and be esteemed as much. Even when it comes to the order of ‘creation,’ the “Woman” was created from the “Man (Cp. Genesis 2: 7, 18, 21-23),” but since that one unique and special act, the woman is the one from whom all subsequent human life springs from. Throughout the entire history of the Jewish people, and even before they were a nation as such, a woman’s body and reproductive rights were controlled by a male-dominated society; and strict requirements pertaining to a woman’s virginity, chastity, and purity was strictly enforced. There were harsh penalties for a woman [punishment, usually ‘death’ by stoning], and possible social stigma or isolation for violating this taboo. It doesn’t seem that the man’s behavior in this matter was quite as demanding, closely watched or regulated, or even as much of a concern.
Exodus 22: 16-17
And if a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged, and lies with her, he must pay a dowry for her to be his wife. If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he shall pay the money equal to the dowry of virgins.
Leviticus 21: 1a, 7, 13-15
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them. . . They shall not take a woman who is profaned by harlotry, nor shall they take a woman divorced from her husband; for he [the priest] is holy to his God. ‘And he shall take a wife in her virginity. “A widow or a divorced woman, or one who is profaned by harlotry, these he may not take; but rather, he is to marry a virgin of his own people; that he may not profane his offspring among his people; for I am the Lord who sanctifies him.”
Deuteronomy 22: 28-29
If a man finds a girl who is a virgin, who is not engaged, and seizes her and lies with her [“rapes her”] and they are discovered, then the man who lay with her shall give to the girl’s father fifty shekels of silver, and she shall become his wife because he has violated her; he cannot divorce her all his days.
NOTE: Can the woman divorce her husband??
Deuteronomy 22: 13-19
If a man takes a wife and goes in to her and then turns against her and charges her with shameful deeds (“harlotry;” Cp. 22: 20-21), and publicly defames her, and says, “I took this woman, but when I came near her, I did not find her a virgin,” then the girl’s father and her mother shall take and bring the evidence of the girl’s virginity to the elders of the city at the gate. And the girl’s father shall say to the elders, “I gave my daughter to this man for a wife, but he turned against her; and behold, he has charged her with shameful deeds, saying, “I did not find your daughter a virgin.” But this is the evidence of my daughter’s virginity.” And they shall spread the garment before the elders of the city. So the elders of that city shall take the man and chastise him, and they shall fine him a hundred shekels of silver and give it to the girl’s father, because he publicly defamed a virgin of Israel. And she shall remain his wife; he cannot divorce her all his days.
NOTE: The issue of blood resulting from penetrating the ‘hymen’ of the female is collected and brought to the elders (“men”) for examination; talk about humiliation, outrage, embarrassment, and a few other thoughts on the matter.
Deuteronomy 22: 20-21
But if the charge is true, that the girl was not found a virgin, then they shall bring out the girl to the doorway of her father’s house, and the men of her city shall stone her to death because she has committed an act of folly in Israel, by playing the harlot in her father’s house; thus you shall purge the evil from among you.
NOTE: What if the circumstances were like in Exodus 22: 16-17??
Deuteronomy 24: 1-2
When a man takes a wife and marries her, and it happens that she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her from his house, and she leaves his house and goes and becomes another man’s wife.
Matthew 19: 3-11
And some Pharisees came to Him, testing Him, and saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause at all?” And He answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE, and said, ‘FOR THIS CAUSE SHALL A MAN LEAVE THE FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL CLEAVE TO HIS WIFE; AND THE TWO SHALL BE ONE FLESH’? “Consequently they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together let no man separate.” They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE AND DIVORCE HER?” He said to them, Because of your hardness of heart, Moses permitted you to divorce your wives [for any reason]; but from the beginning it had not been this way. “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality [adultery], and marries another woman commits adultery. The disciples said to Him, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.” But He said to them, “Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom it has been given.”
Mark 10: 10-12
And in the house the disciples began questioning Him about this again. And He said to them, “”Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her [his wife]; and if she herself [a wife] divorces her husband and marries another man, she is committing adultery [against him].
The aforementioned passages in Matthew and repeated in Mark has been used by the Christian Church to condemn divorce and remarriage of a formerly married spouse, but the circumstances, tradition, history, and context must be carefully read before fully understanding the meaning of a Biblical text. The background of this event is that the Pharisees weren’t interested in spiritual enlightenment or guidance but rather were seeking an opportunity to ‘trap’ Jesus, and they cleverly and rightly asked about divorcing the woman “for any reason;” since this is essentially what the Jewish men had been doing to their wives by their harsh treatment for centuries, no doubt. And even Jesus’ statement cannot be fully appreciated without reading Deuteronomy 24: 1-2 for some perspective. Jesus answered more than what the Pharisees really wanted to know and by His edict, helped the woman gain a little bit more dignity and protection as well as challenge this nonsense where men were almost getting away with murder when it came to the shameful treatment of a woman.
The part that many people don’t realize is that Jesus is saying that in the way divorce was practiced [“for any reason”] isn’t justified and if someone else marries anyone who leaves a marriage under such circumstances when that person is still ‘bound’ [married]; and therefore, if the individual remarries, this is tantamount to committing adultery, and it is in point-of-fact. However, this may be not the definitive and only answer to the marriage/divorce question, but rather a direct answer to a specific trick question from a sect of Jewish leaders who did not even exist in the times of Moses and the giving of the Law. The following passages by the apostle Paul expands more on this question, is more widely applicable, invaluable, as well as relevant to the circumstances in which other guidelines on this subject are desperately needed and appreciated.
I Corinthians 7: 10-11
But to the married I give instructions, not I, but the Lord, that the wife should not leave her husband (but if she does leave, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband should not send his wife away.
NOTE: the verse in parenthesis is an editor’s comment and should be taken as that.
25, 27-28a
Now concerning virgins, I have no command of the Lord, but I give an opinion as one by the mercy of the Lord is trustworthy. Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be released. Are you released from a wife? Do not seek to be bound. But if you should marry, you have not sinned (after being released??); and if a virgin should marry, she has not sinned.
39-40
A wife is bound as long as her husband lives but if her husband is dead, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. But in my opinion she is happier if she remains as she is; and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.
Romans 7: 1-3
Or do you not know, brethren (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives? For the married woman is bound by the law to her husband while he is living; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress, though she be joined to another man
(Cp. Matthew 19: 5-6).
Even the apostle Paul, whose writings compromise most of the New Testament Church’s teachings, was in his own words, brought up in the strictest sect of Judaism, a “Pharisee of Pharisees” (Cp. Acts 26: 4-5; Philippians 3: 5), was not without some bias when it came to his attitude about the rights of men and women. If in this study with the myriads of complex social, psychological, and financial problems among other considerations that married couples face is such that infidelity is the ‘only’ legitimate reason for a man or woman to legally or obtain a spiritually sanctioned divorce [outside of secretly praying that the other spouse ‘drop dead’], is quite disheartening; and perhaps the disciples were quite astute when they said, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.” In certain instances, a growing number of the leadership in Protestant Churches are reluctantly acquiescing to allow and Biblically authorize ‘divorce’ (similar to the Catholic Church’s rite of ‘annulment’), but usually with some counseling and admonition against remarriage. This may have the impact of seeming to condemn ‘remarriage’ and thereby subject one to a life of loneliness, bitterness, solitude, indolence, and may make the person socially inhibited, withdrawn, and suspicious; at least on the negative side. However, there are those rare individuals endowed with the special gift of God who can live a life of ‘celibacy,’ devoting themselves to the things of God while enjoying a full, healthy, vibrant, and purposeful life filled with fun, social philanthropy and activism.
The one thing to keep in mind is the principle found in Genesis 2: 18, which applies to most of us, and that is, The Lord said, “It is not good that the man should be alone. . .” To reinforce that point, the lyrics of a popular ‘Rock and Roll’ song from the 1970’s included the lyrics which go something like this, “One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever use. . .” and it is inconceivable that ‘the God Who is Love’ would deny to anyone the right to find and experience the most beautiful and cherished of human expressions in a lifelong ‘covenant’ relationship with another person. It doesn’t seem consistent with God’s nature and the fulfillment of human happiness and a stable society that just because of our imperfections and the limitation of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual being-ness, and in some cases due to circumstances beyond our control or influence, that anyone should be prohibited from finding that one ‘special’ person of our heart’s desire who can truly make us very, very, happy.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
August 9, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Exodus 22: 16-17
And if a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged, and lies with her, he must pay a dowry for her to be his wife. If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he shall pay the money equal to the dowry of virgins.
Leviticus 21: 1a, 7, 13-15
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them. . . They shall not take a woman who is profaned by harlotry, nor shall they take a woman divorced from her husband; for he [the priest] is holy to his God. ‘And he shall take a wife in her virginity. “A widow or a divorced woman, or one who is profaned by harlotry, these he may not take; but rather, he is to marry a virgin of his own people; that he may not profane his offspring among his people; for I am the Lord who sanctifies him.”
Deuteronomy 22: 28-29
If a man finds a girl who is a virgin, who is not engaged, and seizes her and lies with her [“rapes her”] and they are discovered, then the man who lay with her shall give to the girl’s father fifty shekels of silver, and she shall become his wife because he has violated her; he cannot divorce her all his days.
NOTE: Can the woman divorce her husband??
Deuteronomy 22: 13-19
If a man takes a wife and goes in to her and then turns against her and charges her with shameful deeds (“harlotry;” Cp. 22: 20-21), and publicly defames her, and says, “I took this woman, but when I came near her, I did not find her a virgin,” then the girl’s father and her mother shall take and bring the evidence of the girl’s virginity to the elders of the city at the gate. And the girl’s father shall say to the elders, “I gave my daughter to this man for a wife, but he turned against her; and behold, he has charged her with shameful deeds, saying, “I did not find your daughter a virgin.” But this is the evidence of my daughter’s virginity.” And they shall spread the garment before the elders of the city. So the elders of that city shall take the man and chastise him, and they shall fine him a hundred shekels of silver and give it to the girl’s father, because he publicly defamed a virgin of Israel. And she shall remain his wife; he cannot divorce her all his days.
NOTE: The issue of blood resulting from penetrating the ‘hymen’ of the female is collected and brought to the elders (“men”) for examination; talk about humiliation, outrage, embarrassment, and a few other thoughts on the matter.
Deuteronomy 22: 20-21
But if the charge is true, that the girl was not found a virgin, then they shall bring out the girl to the doorway of her father’s house, and the men of her city shall stone her to death because she has committed an act of folly in Israel, by playing the harlot in her father’s house; thus you shall purge the evil from among you.
NOTE: What if the circumstances were like in Exodus 22: 16-17??
Deuteronomy 24: 1-2
When a man takes a wife and marries her, and it happens that she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her from his house, and she leaves his house and goes and becomes another man’s wife.
Matthew 19: 3-11
And some Pharisees came to Him, testing Him, and saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause at all?” And He answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE, and said, ‘FOR THIS CAUSE SHALL A MAN LEAVE THE FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL CLEAVE TO HIS WIFE; AND THE TWO SHALL BE ONE FLESH’? “Consequently they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together let no man separate.” They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE AND DIVORCE HER?” He said to them, Because of your hardness of heart, Moses permitted you to divorce your wives [for any reason]; but from the beginning it had not been this way. “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality [adultery], and marries another woman commits adultery. The disciples said to Him, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.” But He said to them, “Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom it has been given.”
Mark 10: 10-12
And in the house the disciples began questioning Him about this again. And He said to them, “”Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her [his wife]; and if she herself [a wife] divorces her husband and marries another man, she is committing adultery [against him].
The aforementioned passages in Matthew and repeated in Mark has been used by the Christian Church to condemn divorce and remarriage of a formerly married spouse, but the circumstances, tradition, history, and context must be carefully read before fully understanding the meaning of a Biblical text. The background of this event is that the Pharisees weren’t interested in spiritual enlightenment or guidance but rather were seeking an opportunity to ‘trap’ Jesus, and they cleverly and rightly asked about divorcing the woman “for any reason;” since this is essentially what the Jewish men had been doing to their wives by their harsh treatment for centuries, no doubt. And even Jesus’ statement cannot be fully appreciated without reading Deuteronomy 24: 1-2 for some perspective. Jesus answered more than what the Pharisees really wanted to know and by His edict, helped the woman gain a little bit more dignity and protection as well as challenge this nonsense where men were almost getting away with murder when it came to the shameful treatment of a woman.
The part that many people don’t realize is that Jesus is saying that in the way divorce was practiced [“for any reason”] isn’t justified and if someone else marries anyone who leaves a marriage under such circumstances when that person is still ‘bound’ [married]; and therefore, if the individual remarries, this is tantamount to committing adultery, and it is in point-of-fact. However, this may be not the definitive and only answer to the marriage/divorce question, but rather a direct answer to a specific trick question from a sect of Jewish leaders who did not even exist in the times of Moses and the giving of the Law. The following passages by the apostle Paul expands more on this question, is more widely applicable, invaluable, as well as relevant to the circumstances in which other guidelines on this subject are desperately needed and appreciated.
I Corinthians 7: 10-11
But to the married I give instructions, not I, but the Lord, that the wife should not leave her husband (but if she does leave, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband should not send his wife away.
NOTE: the verse in parenthesis is an editor’s comment and should be taken as that.
25, 27-28a
Now concerning virgins, I have no command of the Lord, but I give an opinion as one by the mercy of the Lord is trustworthy. Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be released. Are you released from a wife? Do not seek to be bound. But if you should marry, you have not sinned (after being released??); and if a virgin should marry, she has not sinned.
39-40
A wife is bound as long as her husband lives but if her husband is dead, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. But in my opinion she is happier if she remains as she is; and I think that I also have the Spirit of God.
Romans 7: 1-3
Or do you not know, brethren (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives? For the married woman is bound by the law to her husband while he is living; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress, though she be joined to another man
(Cp. Matthew 19: 5-6).
Even the apostle Paul, whose writings compromise most of the New Testament Church’s teachings, was in his own words, brought up in the strictest sect of Judaism, a “Pharisee of Pharisees” (Cp. Acts 26: 4-5; Philippians 3: 5), was not without some bias when it came to his attitude about the rights of men and women. If in this study with the myriads of complex social, psychological, and financial problems among other considerations that married couples face is such that infidelity is the ‘only’ legitimate reason for a man or woman to legally or obtain a spiritually sanctioned divorce [outside of secretly praying that the other spouse ‘drop dead’], is quite disheartening; and perhaps the disciples were quite astute when they said, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.” In certain instances, a growing number of the leadership in Protestant Churches are reluctantly acquiescing to allow and Biblically authorize ‘divorce’ (similar to the Catholic Church’s rite of ‘annulment’), but usually with some counseling and admonition against remarriage. This may have the impact of seeming to condemn ‘remarriage’ and thereby subject one to a life of loneliness, bitterness, solitude, indolence, and may make the person socially inhibited, withdrawn, and suspicious; at least on the negative side. However, there are those rare individuals endowed with the special gift of God who can live a life of ‘celibacy,’ devoting themselves to the things of God while enjoying a full, healthy, vibrant, and purposeful life filled with fun, social philanthropy and activism.
The one thing to keep in mind is the principle found in Genesis 2: 18, which applies to most of us, and that is, The Lord said, “It is not good that the man should be alone. . .” To reinforce that point, the lyrics of a popular ‘Rock and Roll’ song from the 1970’s included the lyrics which go something like this, “One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever use. . .” and it is inconceivable that ‘the God Who is Love’ would deny to anyone the right to find and experience the most beautiful and cherished of human expressions in a lifelong ‘covenant’ relationship with another person. It doesn’t seem consistent with God’s nature and the fulfillment of human happiness and a stable society that just because of our imperfections and the limitation of our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual being-ness, and in some cases due to circumstances beyond our control or influence, that anyone should be prohibited from finding that one ‘special’ person of our heart’s desire who can truly make us very, very, happy.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
August 9, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Friday, August 8, 2008
“WHAT IF” Jesus Christ Applied for American Citizenship?
If the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ of Nazareth were to have lived in modern times, it would have been quite interesting to see Him fill out documentation and be interviewed by the INS officials to become an American citizen. There would certainly have to be a few questions which need clarification, for starters, namely, where He is from. He was born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth, had a home in Capernaum, and to top it off, He existed in ‘heaven’ before He was born. It gets even more interesting because Jesus says God is His Father, and in fact nowhere in the entire New Testament does Jesus even mention Joseph. Jesus talks with His mother and brothers but not Joseph. Jesus is mentioned to have sisters and even Joseph is included by those with whom He grew up, but there is no personal conversation involving them and Him.
Mary, His mother became pregnant but it wasn’t by Joseph but by the Holy Spirit of God, Who overshadowed Mary and Jesus was formed inside her womb. And when it was almost time for Mary to give birth to Jesus, she and Joseph make this arduous and dangerous trip, at least for Mary, from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register for a census. Mary gives birth to Jesus in a cave or in the section of a house where animals are kept and after He is born, wraps Him in some swaddling cloths and places Him in a feeding trough which is used by animals. This act would certainly have alarmed DSHS as well as the medical community because this would have placed the infant Jesus in jeopardy for exposure to animal diseases and as a newborn with a weakened immune system He would have been susceptible to infections, viruses, germs, parasites, etc. Besides, who would have administered the PKT test and innoculated Jesus from all the childhood diseases, and did Joseph circumcised Jesus? Not only would Jesus have been susceptible to infection but certainly mother Mary for sure. There were no pre-natal visits and screening for STD’s or birth defects for Mary as well as check her blood pressure, or dilation of her uterus, and no fetal sonogram or check of her amniotic fluid.
Another incident in Jesus life at around the age of twelve when He and the family were traveling to Jerusalem for a feast and on the way back Mary and Joseph thought Jesus was in the company of their relatives and it wasn’t until three days later that they discovered He wasn’t with them and they became worried because they lost track of Him and backtracked to Jerusalem where they found Him in the temple having a discussion with the teachers of the Law. Their seemingly irresponsible act or neglect would have prompted a visit from DSHS and possibly the police in this country. The Gospels do not mention Jesus going to school but rather that He never had an education, which means that Mary and Joseph would have violated ‘truancy laws’ by not admitting Him in public school; unless He was home-schooled.
Jesus practiced medicine and cured people using some rather unorthodox methods, such as using saliva and clay [dirt], all without a medical degree; taught religion with a theology degree, and Jesus didn’t work but rather was supported by some of His female followers or disciples out of their own private finances. Jesus usually referred to Himself by the enigmatic name, “Son of Man” and He was accused of having lost His mind and even His own people [relatives] wanted to come and take custody of Him. The relationship between Jesus and His mother and siblings may not have been nurturing and it would no doubt be considered ‘dysfunctional.’ Jesus told a crowd to eat His flesh and drink His blood and one could accuse Him of ‘cannibalism’ and Jesus made a chord and whipped some of the moneychangers in the temple and overturned their tables; thereby creating a civil disturbance as well as the criminal charge of assault and battery, but in His defense He said, “ZEAL FOR MY FATHER’S HOUSE CONSUMED ME.”
Jesus had a little brush with the Courts, both Jewish and Gentile, where in the latter He was unjustly condemned and sentenced to death by a weak and vacillating Roman Governor and brutalized by officers of the Jewish Supreme Court and soldiers of the Roman Praetorium. Jesus wasn’t ‘Mirandized’ and appeared before the bar of justice without legal counsel, which is a violation of Jewish Law. Lastly, Jesus was executed by Capital Punishment without the advocacy of social activists demonstrating this form of barbarism or ‘state-sponsored Murder’ but after He died, Jesus rose again from the dead three days later. There is no death certificate signed by the ‘Coroner’ or Medical Examiner (ME), nor is there any forensic evidence to support His fantastic claim. This is the written statement of Jesus Christ and a thorough background check including interviewing the residents of the places He lived, court records, oral and written histories are not able to verify with absolute certainty the truthfulness of these facts.
So here it is, an applicant with no birth record or genealogy or affidavit signed by witnesses, no formal education, no work history, uncertain paternity, questions of residency, dysfunctional family background, alleged psychological problems, anti-social tendencies, practicing medicine and curing people by some unseen power and teaching Theology without credentials, was found guilty and executed after a judicial hearing (both religious and secular), and He as well as His followere claim He had died and come back to life again; without providing verifiable scientific proof. Therefore, Jesus Christ, Savior of the world, Lord of lords and King of kings, the Alpha and Omega [Aleph and Tau], your request for citizenship is hereby denied forthwith; and Lord forgive us and have mercy on our souls.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
August 8, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
Mary, His mother became pregnant but it wasn’t by Joseph but by the Holy Spirit of God, Who overshadowed Mary and Jesus was formed inside her womb. And when it was almost time for Mary to give birth to Jesus, she and Joseph make this arduous and dangerous trip, at least for Mary, from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register for a census. Mary gives birth to Jesus in a cave or in the section of a house where animals are kept and after He is born, wraps Him in some swaddling cloths and places Him in a feeding trough which is used by animals. This act would certainly have alarmed DSHS as well as the medical community because this would have placed the infant Jesus in jeopardy for exposure to animal diseases and as a newborn with a weakened immune system He would have been susceptible to infections, viruses, germs, parasites, etc. Besides, who would have administered the PKT test and innoculated Jesus from all the childhood diseases, and did Joseph circumcised Jesus? Not only would Jesus have been susceptible to infection but certainly mother Mary for sure. There were no pre-natal visits and screening for STD’s or birth defects for Mary as well as check her blood pressure, or dilation of her uterus, and no fetal sonogram or check of her amniotic fluid.
Another incident in Jesus life at around the age of twelve when He and the family were traveling to Jerusalem for a feast and on the way back Mary and Joseph thought Jesus was in the company of their relatives and it wasn’t until three days later that they discovered He wasn’t with them and they became worried because they lost track of Him and backtracked to Jerusalem where they found Him in the temple having a discussion with the teachers of the Law. Their seemingly irresponsible act or neglect would have prompted a visit from DSHS and possibly the police in this country. The Gospels do not mention Jesus going to school but rather that He never had an education, which means that Mary and Joseph would have violated ‘truancy laws’ by not admitting Him in public school; unless He was home-schooled.
Jesus practiced medicine and cured people using some rather unorthodox methods, such as using saliva and clay [dirt], all without a medical degree; taught religion with a theology degree, and Jesus didn’t work but rather was supported by some of His female followers or disciples out of their own private finances. Jesus usually referred to Himself by the enigmatic name, “Son of Man” and He was accused of having lost His mind and even His own people [relatives] wanted to come and take custody of Him. The relationship between Jesus and His mother and siblings may not have been nurturing and it would no doubt be considered ‘dysfunctional.’ Jesus told a crowd to eat His flesh and drink His blood and one could accuse Him of ‘cannibalism’ and Jesus made a chord and whipped some of the moneychangers in the temple and overturned their tables; thereby creating a civil disturbance as well as the criminal charge of assault and battery, but in His defense He said, “ZEAL FOR MY FATHER’S HOUSE CONSUMED ME.”
Jesus had a little brush with the Courts, both Jewish and Gentile, where in the latter He was unjustly condemned and sentenced to death by a weak and vacillating Roman Governor and brutalized by officers of the Jewish Supreme Court and soldiers of the Roman Praetorium. Jesus wasn’t ‘Mirandized’ and appeared before the bar of justice without legal counsel, which is a violation of Jewish Law. Lastly, Jesus was executed by Capital Punishment without the advocacy of social activists demonstrating this form of barbarism or ‘state-sponsored Murder’ but after He died, Jesus rose again from the dead three days later. There is no death certificate signed by the ‘Coroner’ or Medical Examiner (ME), nor is there any forensic evidence to support His fantastic claim. This is the written statement of Jesus Christ and a thorough background check including interviewing the residents of the places He lived, court records, oral and written histories are not able to verify with absolute certainty the truthfulness of these facts.
So here it is, an applicant with no birth record or genealogy or affidavit signed by witnesses, no formal education, no work history, uncertain paternity, questions of residency, dysfunctional family background, alleged psychological problems, anti-social tendencies, practicing medicine and curing people by some unseen power and teaching Theology without credentials, was found guilty and executed after a judicial hearing (both religious and secular), and He as well as His followere claim He had died and come back to life again; without providing verifiable scientific proof. Therefore, Jesus Christ, Savior of the world, Lord of lords and King of kings, the Alpha and Omega [Aleph and Tau], your request for citizenship is hereby denied forthwith; and Lord forgive us and have mercy on our souls.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
August 8, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Is the Criticism Leveled Against the Christian Faith Justified?
One of the complaints most frequently heard against those who are ‘Christians’ or members of any theistic religion, is that there is no rational basis for belief in God or any Deity outside the act of creation as a whole entity in itself; and being as it were, just the most random and logical arrangement of violent, unseen cosmic forces (energy and dark matter) which shaped and gave birth to ‘Life’ in the Universe; without the intervention of some invisible, immortal, transcendent, purely Spiritual, Celestial Being called “God” or the Creator.
Perhaps the closest embrace of this concept of a Divine Intelligence is in Aristotle’s “The Unmovable Mover” where this Greek Philosopher postulates that since God is changeless, then some other Divine Being must have created [through change, movement] the Universe; namely, the one which he refers to as the “Demiurge.” The argument won’t be settled in this article but there are some interesting points that are worth considering, and that is, can the Gospel message be presented in a rational basis and secondly, is it anathema [a curse, essentially] to use your intelligence when the Word is taught?
The book entitled, “The Christians as the Romans Saw Them,” by Robert L. Wilken, offers valuable insight into how Christians were looked upon in contemporary Roman and Greek society from the first century onward.
16. Another Roman historian, friend and correspondent of Pliny, Suetonius mentions the Christians in passing in his book, Lives of the Caesars, where he wrote, “Punishment was inflicted on the Christians, a class of men given to a new and mischievous superstition’ (Nero 16). The term superstition referred to beliefs and practices that were foreign and strange to the Romans. This was a designation of the kinds of practices and beliefs associated with cults that had penetrated the Roman world from surrounding lands such as the Celtic religion from the British Isles, the practice of Germanic tribes in northern Europe, and the customs of the Egyptians.
17. Suetonius (Claudius 25) mentions a certain Chrestus and states, “Since the Jews constantly made disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus (impulsore Chrestus), he [Claudius] expelled them from Rome (Cp. Acts 18: 1-2). Suetonius may have been speaking of Christians in Rome who were followers of Christ and were not distinguished from Jews.
22. According to Plutarch (50-120 C.E.), “Superstition sets people apart from the rest of society because the superstitious person does not use his intelligence in thinking about the gods... The atheist thinks there are no gods but the superstitious person believes in them against his will, *for he is afraid not to believe.”* (p. 61)
24. The Christians were seen as religious fanatics, self-righteous outsiders, arrogant innovators, who thought that only their beliefs were true.
27. Galen, the famous physician and native of Pergamum in Asia Minor (born 130C.E.) mentioned the Christians in some of his writings on other matters. Galen, speaking about the opinions of certain physicians, says, “They compare those who practice medicine without scientific knowledge to Moses, who framed the laws for the tribe of Israel, since it is his method in his books to write without offering proofs, saying God commanded, God spoke.” (On Hippocrates Anatomy). Galen’s concern was that Christian and Jewish schools did not live up to the intellectual ideal appropriate to philosophers, and instead, appealing to “faith” and the authority of their teachers.
28. Marcus Aurelius (Meditations 11.3) seemed to think that the Christian attitude towards death, illustrated by the behavior of martyrs, was at odds with a genuinely philosophical life. To Marcus, the Christians appeared fanatical and foolish; one might even say ‘superstitious.' Their presumed lack of fear in the face of death did not [appear to] rise out of genuine self-control, or out of an understanding of the self, or out of free will, but from mere obstinacy based on irrational beliefs.
29. Galen found Christian and Jewish teaching objectionable, dogmatic, and uncritical. They were unwilling to submit their beliefs to philosophical examination. They asked people to accept their doctrines solely on ‘faith’.
30. Celsus, a Greek philosopher in the year 170 C.E wrote a major book devoted solely to Christians, called “True Doctrine.” In one passage he mentions that the Christian Scriptures provided justification for eschewing appeals to reason and argumentation. ‘Some [Christians],’ says Celsus, “do not even want to give or to receive reason for what they believe, and use such expressions as ‘Do not ask questions, just believe’ and ‘Your faith will save you.’ Others quote the apostle Paul, “The wisdom of the world is evil and foolishness a good thing” (I Corinthians 1:25-26; Celsus 1.9).
31. Celsus goes on to say that some Christians are arrogant and contemptuous of the opinion of others; they keep to themselves and appeal to people’s fears and ignorance.
32. Christians had the reputation of being gullible and credulous. “The poor wretches,” writes Lucian, “have convinced themselves . . . that they are going to be immortal and live for all time. . . They despise all things indiscriminately and consider them common property, receiving such doctrines traditionally without any definite evidence. (Peregrinus 1.3)
With this lengthy historical backdrop, it is prudent to introduce some Scriptural references to prove that conveying the Gospel message isn’t just about preaching and teaching by rote without using one's intelligence and oratory to persuade and convince; as evidenced by the Apostle Paul.
Acts 17: 1-3
And for three Sabbaths, Paul reasoned with them from the Scriptures in Thessalonica.
16-17
Paul was in Athens, reasoning in the synagogues with the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles.
Acts 18: 4
Paul was in Corinth, reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath, trying to convince [persuade] Jews and Greeks.
19
Paul entered the synagogue in Ephesus and reasoned with the Jews.
Acts 19: 8-10
Paul entered the synagogue [again] in Ephesus and for three months, reasoned about the kingdom of God. He later withdrew from the synagogue and was reasoning daily for 2 years in the school of Tyrannus.
NOTE: In all probability this was a school that taught [Greek] Philosophy, and the Apostle Paul spoke Greek (Cp. Acts 21: 37)
According to Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary:
1 reason: b; a rational ground or motive c: a sufficient ground of explanation or of logical defense. esp.; something (as a principle or law) that supports a conclusion or explains a fact.
2 a(1): the power of comprehending, inferring, or thinking esp. in orderly rational ways; INTELLIGENCE.
Also, as was presented in the previous History lesson, the Romans perceived the early Christians as ‘superstitious,’ and perhaps among quite a few, the judgment was true. I have another definition, which is, “faith in the absence of reason or intelligence becomes superstition,” and I totally agree with (excerpt 22).
In II Timothy it states: For God has not given us a spirit of fear [superstition??], but of power and of love, and of a sound mind. It is the responsibility of the believer to live in such a way that we are not perceived as neurotic, paranoid, irrational, vacillating, arrogant, isolationists, condemning so many things in life as sinful; but rather be more life-affirming and ready always to give an answer [logical/rational] to everyone of the hope that is within us (Cp. I Peter 3: 15).
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
July 31, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
Perhaps the closest embrace of this concept of a Divine Intelligence is in Aristotle’s “The Unmovable Mover” where this Greek Philosopher postulates that since God is changeless, then some other Divine Being must have created [through change, movement] the Universe; namely, the one which he refers to as the “Demiurge.” The argument won’t be settled in this article but there are some interesting points that are worth considering, and that is, can the Gospel message be presented in a rational basis and secondly, is it anathema [a curse, essentially] to use your intelligence when the Word is taught?
The book entitled, “The Christians as the Romans Saw Them,” by Robert L. Wilken, offers valuable insight into how Christians were looked upon in contemporary Roman and Greek society from the first century onward.
16. Another Roman historian, friend and correspondent of Pliny, Suetonius mentions the Christians in passing in his book, Lives of the Caesars, where he wrote, “Punishment was inflicted on the Christians, a class of men given to a new and mischievous superstition’ (Nero 16). The term superstition referred to beliefs and practices that were foreign and strange to the Romans. This was a designation of the kinds of practices and beliefs associated with cults that had penetrated the Roman world from surrounding lands such as the Celtic religion from the British Isles, the practice of Germanic tribes in northern Europe, and the customs of the Egyptians.
17. Suetonius (Claudius 25) mentions a certain Chrestus and states, “Since the Jews constantly made disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus (impulsore Chrestus), he [Claudius] expelled them from Rome (Cp. Acts 18: 1-2). Suetonius may have been speaking of Christians in Rome who were followers of Christ and were not distinguished from Jews.
22. According to Plutarch (50-120 C.E.), “Superstition sets people apart from the rest of society because the superstitious person does not use his intelligence in thinking about the gods... The atheist thinks there are no gods but the superstitious person believes in them against his will, *for he is afraid not to believe.”* (p. 61)
24. The Christians were seen as religious fanatics, self-righteous outsiders, arrogant innovators, who thought that only their beliefs were true.
27. Galen, the famous physician and native of Pergamum in Asia Minor (born 130C.E.) mentioned the Christians in some of his writings on other matters. Galen, speaking about the opinions of certain physicians, says, “They compare those who practice medicine without scientific knowledge to Moses, who framed the laws for the tribe of Israel, since it is his method in his books to write without offering proofs, saying God commanded, God spoke.” (On Hippocrates Anatomy). Galen’s concern was that Christian and Jewish schools did not live up to the intellectual ideal appropriate to philosophers, and instead, appealing to “faith” and the authority of their teachers.
28. Marcus Aurelius (Meditations 11.3) seemed to think that the Christian attitude towards death, illustrated by the behavior of martyrs, was at odds with a genuinely philosophical life. To Marcus, the Christians appeared fanatical and foolish; one might even say ‘superstitious.' Their presumed lack of fear in the face of death did not [appear to] rise out of genuine self-control, or out of an understanding of the self, or out of free will, but from mere obstinacy based on irrational beliefs.
29. Galen found Christian and Jewish teaching objectionable, dogmatic, and uncritical. They were unwilling to submit their beliefs to philosophical examination. They asked people to accept their doctrines solely on ‘faith’.
30. Celsus, a Greek philosopher in the year 170 C.E wrote a major book devoted solely to Christians, called “True Doctrine.” In one passage he mentions that the Christian Scriptures provided justification for eschewing appeals to reason and argumentation. ‘Some [Christians],’ says Celsus, “do not even want to give or to receive reason for what they believe, and use such expressions as ‘Do not ask questions, just believe’ and ‘Your faith will save you.’ Others quote the apostle Paul, “The wisdom of the world is evil and foolishness a good thing” (I Corinthians 1:25-26; Celsus 1.9).
31. Celsus goes on to say that some Christians are arrogant and contemptuous of the opinion of others; they keep to themselves and appeal to people’s fears and ignorance.
32. Christians had the reputation of being gullible and credulous. “The poor wretches,” writes Lucian, “have convinced themselves . . . that they are going to be immortal and live for all time. . . They despise all things indiscriminately and consider them common property, receiving such doctrines traditionally without any definite evidence. (Peregrinus 1.3)
With this lengthy historical backdrop, it is prudent to introduce some Scriptural references to prove that conveying the Gospel message isn’t just about preaching and teaching by rote without using one's intelligence and oratory to persuade and convince; as evidenced by the Apostle Paul.
Acts 17: 1-3
And for three Sabbaths, Paul reasoned with them from the Scriptures in Thessalonica.
16-17
Paul was in Athens, reasoning in the synagogues with the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles.
Acts 18: 4
Paul was in Corinth, reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath, trying to convince [persuade] Jews and Greeks.
19
Paul entered the synagogue in Ephesus and reasoned with the Jews.
Acts 19: 8-10
Paul entered the synagogue [again] in Ephesus and for three months, reasoned about the kingdom of God. He later withdrew from the synagogue and was reasoning daily for 2 years in the school of Tyrannus.
NOTE: In all probability this was a school that taught [Greek] Philosophy, and the Apostle Paul spoke Greek (Cp. Acts 21: 37)
According to Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary:
1 reason: b; a rational ground or motive c: a sufficient ground of explanation or of logical defense. esp.; something (as a principle or law) that supports a conclusion or explains a fact.
2 a(1): the power of comprehending, inferring, or thinking esp. in orderly rational ways; INTELLIGENCE.
Also, as was presented in the previous History lesson, the Romans perceived the early Christians as ‘superstitious,’ and perhaps among quite a few, the judgment was true. I have another definition, which is, “faith in the absence of reason or intelligence becomes superstition,” and I totally agree with (excerpt 22).
In II Timothy it states: For God has not given us a spirit of fear [superstition??], but of power and of love, and of a sound mind. It is the responsibility of the believer to live in such a way that we are not perceived as neurotic, paranoid, irrational, vacillating, arrogant, isolationists, condemning so many things in life as sinful; but rather be more life-affirming and ready always to give an answer [logical/rational] to everyone of the hope that is within us (Cp. I Peter 3: 15).
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
July 31, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
Just what is God’s Name?
From the earliest Biblical account, after the birth of Seth’s son Enosh, men began to call upon the name of the Lord (Cp. Genesis 4: 26). The Scriptures do not indicate what the Name of God was at this time. The next person to call upon the Name of God was Abram or Abraham (Cp. Genesis 13: 4) followed by his son Isaac (Cp. Genesis 26: 25). The story of Jacob is a curious one because there is no record of him calling upon the Name of the Lord but rather that he sets up a stone pillar or builds an altar as a memorial to God, and either pours a drink offering upon it or oil (Cp. Genesis 28: 18; 35: 1, 7, 14).
Now, when Moses asks God what to say to the children of Israel when they inquire as to the Name of the God who sent him to deliver them from Egyptian bondage, God says, “I AM WHO I AM;” and He said, “Thus shall you say to the sons of Israel,‘I AM has sent me to you.’ “(Cp. Exodus 3: 13-14). God further instructs Moses that the Lord God was the God of their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but that this Name [previously mentioned] is His memorial Name to all generations (Cp. Exodus 3: 15). God had appeared to the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as God Almighty (El-Shaddai), but was unknown by the “Name” which He revealed to Moses (Cp. Exodus 6: 3). This is interesting because “El-Shaddai” was mentioned in Isaac’s blessing of Jacob (Cp. Genesis 28: 3), and in His appearing to Abraham (Cp. Genesis 17: 1), Jacob (Cp. Genesis 35: 11), but there is no record of God appearing to Isaac as “El-Shaddai;” unless it is inferred to have happened, which is certainly plausible.
When God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, one of the prohibitions was in taking the Name of the Lord in vain (Cp. Exodus 20: 7). There is also the curious statement in Exodus 23: 20-23 where God tells Moses that He is going to send an Angel before them and drive out all the nations in Canaan but He also states that, “My name is in Him.” Is this Exalted and special One the same Angel who wrestled with Jacob
(Cp. Genesis 32: 24, 29) and the same one who visits Manoah (Judges 13: 16-18)?
When Jacob asks his nighttime Celestial visitor (Angel of the Lord??) and wrestling opponent His Name, he doesn’t get an answer; but when Manoah asks the same thing, the Angel of the Lord replies, “Why do you ask My Name, seeing that it is ‘Wonderful.’" This obscure statement doesn’t give the fullest impact of the Name but a more refined version seems to convey a better rendering, and that is; God’s Name is ineffable, unpronounceable, or better yet, “beyond comprehension."
At the Last Supper before Jesus and His disciples entered the Garden of Gethsemane, He said, “O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent me. “And I have declared to them Your Name, and will declare it. . . (Cp. John 17: 25-26a; also verse 6). In Matthew 6: 9b, it reads: “Hallowed be Thy Name;” but it does not reveal what that most sacred, cherished, revered, and Holiest of Name’s is. There are those who believe that the name of God is Jehovah, but studying the Transliteration of the Hebrew/English Alphabet, all the equivalent English consonantal sounds from Hebrew to English exclude C, J, W, and X; so not only is it unlikely that the Divine name is Jehovah, but neither would it be Jahveh. Of course the inclusion of vowels sounds added by Jewish scholars to the Old Testament Scriptures is helpful, and perhaps the closest approximation to the Name of God is again found in Exodus 3: 14, which uses the Hebrew verb ‘hayah’ (“to be”). This verb and its equivalent occur approximately 5,200times in the Jewish Old Testament Scriptures (SEE http://www.hebrew4christians.com). It is from this verb that the Tetragrammaton or 4 letters (YHVH) are used as symbols of the unpronounceable Divine Name. If vowel soundings are placed between the 4 consonants, then one could conceivably come up with the name “Yahveh”; which is close to what the Psalmist and the Prophet Isaiah wrote.
Psalms 8: 1
O Lord, our God, How excellent is Your Name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens.
68: 4
Sing to God, sing praises to His Name; Extol! Him who rides on the clouds; by His Name ‘Yah’, and rejoice before Him.
NOTE: In praising God the word (Allelujah), ‘Allelu-Yah’ forms a part, and not the traditional “Jah” like in ‘Hallelujah.’
Isaiah 12: 2
Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for ‘Yah,’ the Lord, is my strength and song.
26: 4
Trust in the Lord forever, for in ‘Yah,’ the Lord, is everlasting strength.
John 17: 6a, 26
I have manifested Your Name to the men You have given Me out of the world. And I have declared to them Your Name, and will declare it, that the love with which You have loved Me may be in them, and I in them.
This interestingly abbreviated study, though far from exhaustive, does reveal from the internal Biblical evidence as well as an external source what an approximate or derivative of the Divine Name of God might be like.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
July 31, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
Now, when Moses asks God what to say to the children of Israel when they inquire as to the Name of the God who sent him to deliver them from Egyptian bondage, God says, “I AM WHO I AM;” and He said, “Thus shall you say to the sons of Israel,‘I AM has sent me to you.’ “(Cp. Exodus 3: 13-14). God further instructs Moses that the Lord God was the God of their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but that this Name [previously mentioned] is His memorial Name to all generations (Cp. Exodus 3: 15). God had appeared to the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as God Almighty (El-Shaddai), but was unknown by the “Name” which He revealed to Moses (Cp. Exodus 6: 3). This is interesting because “El-Shaddai” was mentioned in Isaac’s blessing of Jacob (Cp. Genesis 28: 3), and in His appearing to Abraham (Cp. Genesis 17: 1), Jacob (Cp. Genesis 35: 11), but there is no record of God appearing to Isaac as “El-Shaddai;” unless it is inferred to have happened, which is certainly plausible.
When God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, one of the prohibitions was in taking the Name of the Lord in vain (Cp. Exodus 20: 7). There is also the curious statement in Exodus 23: 20-23 where God tells Moses that He is going to send an Angel before them and drive out all the nations in Canaan but He also states that, “My name is in Him.” Is this Exalted and special One the same Angel who wrestled with Jacob
(Cp. Genesis 32: 24, 29) and the same one who visits Manoah (Judges 13: 16-18)?
When Jacob asks his nighttime Celestial visitor (Angel of the Lord??) and wrestling opponent His Name, he doesn’t get an answer; but when Manoah asks the same thing, the Angel of the Lord replies, “Why do you ask My Name, seeing that it is ‘Wonderful.’" This obscure statement doesn’t give the fullest impact of the Name but a more refined version seems to convey a better rendering, and that is; God’s Name is ineffable, unpronounceable, or better yet, “beyond comprehension."
At the Last Supper before Jesus and His disciples entered the Garden of Gethsemane, He said, “O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent me. “And I have declared to them Your Name, and will declare it. . . (Cp. John 17: 25-26a; also verse 6). In Matthew 6: 9b, it reads: “Hallowed be Thy Name;” but it does not reveal what that most sacred, cherished, revered, and Holiest of Name’s is. There are those who believe that the name of God is Jehovah, but studying the Transliteration of the Hebrew/English Alphabet, all the equivalent English consonantal sounds from Hebrew to English exclude C, J, W, and X; so not only is it unlikely that the Divine name is Jehovah, but neither would it be Jahveh. Of course the inclusion of vowels sounds added by Jewish scholars to the Old Testament Scriptures is helpful, and perhaps the closest approximation to the Name of God is again found in Exodus 3: 14, which uses the Hebrew verb ‘hayah’ (“to be”). This verb and its equivalent occur approximately 5,200times in the Jewish Old Testament Scriptures (SEE http://www.hebrew4christians.com). It is from this verb that the Tetragrammaton or 4 letters (YHVH) are used as symbols of the unpronounceable Divine Name. If vowel soundings are placed between the 4 consonants, then one could conceivably come up with the name “Yahveh”; which is close to what the Psalmist and the Prophet Isaiah wrote.
Psalms 8: 1
O Lord, our God, How excellent is Your Name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens.
68: 4
Sing to God, sing praises to His Name; Extol! Him who rides on the clouds; by His Name ‘Yah’, and rejoice before Him.
NOTE: In praising God the word (Allelujah), ‘Allelu-Yah’ forms a part, and not the traditional “Jah” like in ‘Hallelujah.’
Isaiah 12: 2
Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for ‘Yah,’ the Lord, is my strength and song.
26: 4
Trust in the Lord forever, for in ‘Yah,’ the Lord, is everlasting strength.
John 17: 6a, 26
I have manifested Your Name to the men You have given Me out of the world. And I have declared to them Your Name, and will declare it, that the love with which You have loved Me may be in them, and I in them.
This interestingly abbreviated study, though far from exhaustive, does reveal from the internal Biblical evidence as well as an external source what an approximate or derivative of the Divine Name of God might be like.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
July 31, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Just What is the Woman’s Role in the Church?
There are an ever-growing number of women clergy in the Christian Church to include, Pastor, Reverend, Evangelist, Bishop, and Minister; among other official religious titles. Gone are the days when women merely taught children’s Sunday School, Vacation Bible School classes, assisted in the preparation of the Lord’s Supper, directed the Church Choir, worked in the Church Nursery, assisted with the baptismal garments [for the female converts] or were the white-glove wearing Church ushers.
Women have had a steady but gradual evolution from assisting at the Lord’s Table (“Holy Communion”) and collecting the Church Tithes to speaking in the Church body through reading Church announcements, leading Prayer and invocations at the altar, and finally, Preaching the word to the entire Congregation of believing men and women. It does seem to be such a waste of valuable spiritual resources if only the men were allowed to minister to the saints for edification as well as preaching the Gospel to those who have not accepted the Lordship of Jesus Christ. What are the instructions written for the Church in its infancy and are these practices binding for modern Christians today? The Apostle Paul writes:
Galatians 3: 26-27, For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
However, this same Paul writes in I Timothy 2: 11-12: Let a woman quietly receive instructions with entire submissiveness [to her husband??]. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over the man, but to remain quiet. He continues on with the next couple of verses, “For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being quite deceived, fell into transgression.
NOTE: The implication may be that if Eve hadn’t been busy running her mouth in a conversation with that crafty Serpent, and checked everything with Adam first before she ate of the fruit of the Garden, then “Pandora’s Box” would not have been opened and all these evils and sin would not have come into the world.
Again Paul says in I Corinthians 14: 34-35: Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law (where ??) also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.
NOTE: Perhaps the Christian Church in the beginning was modeled after rabbinical, orthodox Judaism or Islam, with a separate area for the women to worship God separate from the men. The women could offer prayers and sing songs of devotion to God in silence but not aloud, thereby disrupting the proceedings of the men.
Even the Apostle Peter takes a similar position in I Peter 3: 1-2, 4-6:
Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some don’t obey the word, they without a word [from you], may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear [reverence]. . .rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror [of your husbands or God??].
Peter also instructs the husbands, thus (verse 7), Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered.
Paul’s and Peters injunction to Love, Honor, and Obey would seem to go counter to the modern, politically-correct and believing women of the Western Hemisphere, especially in America. Either the new trend within the body of Christ is part of a greater understanding of equipping all the saints of God for the mission of the Church, or what these two Apostles wrote are so absurd as to be dismissed outright; because such nonsense belongs to another time and place where the cultural, social, and religious rules don’t apply; or the Church has some serious work to undue.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
July 27, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
Women have had a steady but gradual evolution from assisting at the Lord’s Table (“Holy Communion”) and collecting the Church Tithes to speaking in the Church body through reading Church announcements, leading Prayer and invocations at the altar, and finally, Preaching the word to the entire Congregation of believing men and women. It does seem to be such a waste of valuable spiritual resources if only the men were allowed to minister to the saints for edification as well as preaching the Gospel to those who have not accepted the Lordship of Jesus Christ. What are the instructions written for the Church in its infancy and are these practices binding for modern Christians today? The Apostle Paul writes:
Galatians 3: 26-27, For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
However, this same Paul writes in I Timothy 2: 11-12: Let a woman quietly receive instructions with entire submissiveness [to her husband??]. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over the man, but to remain quiet. He continues on with the next couple of verses, “For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being quite deceived, fell into transgression.
NOTE: The implication may be that if Eve hadn’t been busy running her mouth in a conversation with that crafty Serpent, and checked everything with Adam first before she ate of the fruit of the Garden, then “Pandora’s Box” would not have been opened and all these evils and sin would not have come into the world.
Again Paul says in I Corinthians 14: 34-35: Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law (where ??) also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.
NOTE: Perhaps the Christian Church in the beginning was modeled after rabbinical, orthodox Judaism or Islam, with a separate area for the women to worship God separate from the men. The women could offer prayers and sing songs of devotion to God in silence but not aloud, thereby disrupting the proceedings of the men.
Even the Apostle Peter takes a similar position in I Peter 3: 1-2, 4-6:
Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some don’t obey the word, they without a word [from you], may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear [reverence]. . .rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror [of your husbands or God??].
Peter also instructs the husbands, thus (verse 7), Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered.
Paul’s and Peters injunction to Love, Honor, and Obey would seem to go counter to the modern, politically-correct and believing women of the Western Hemisphere, especially in America. Either the new trend within the body of Christ is part of a greater understanding of equipping all the saints of God for the mission of the Church, or what these two Apostles wrote are so absurd as to be dismissed outright; because such nonsense belongs to another time and place where the cultural, social, and religious rules don’t apply; or the Church has some serious work to undue.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
July 27, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
Saturday, July 26, 2008
The Christian Church When Her Pillars Are No More
The Church must have had a glorious and exciting beginning with all the miraculous healings and the subsequent supernatural phenomenon which gave it the necessary confirmation and validation in the early beginning. There was an “Apocalyptic” fervor and expectation of a cataclysmic final battle between good and evil, culmination in the end of the world and a resurrection of those who died to stand before the great God and Judge of Heaven and Earth, to receive the reward of damnation or everlasting life. This belief was bolstered by persecutions and the martyrdom of many saints as well as those who were eyewitnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ and Savior when he walked and taught among those in the region of the Sea of Galilee. The preaching of the gospel and a resurrected Jewish rabbi put to death by Pontius Pilate but believed to be the Son of God spread not only throughout Judea, but as far as Turkey, Italy, the Balkans, Yugoslavia, Northern Africa, the Adriatic Seacoast and the Mediterranean.
Like any great religious or social movement, there has to be a continuity plan in place for such an event to continue its momentum and not run out of steam; becoming nothing more than a footnote in history and a momentary distraction from the real problems people might have been facing at that time. The Apostle Paul mentions James, Cephas, and John as ‘pillars’ of the Church (Galatians 1: 9), but his importance to what we know as Christianity cannot be overstated and is of enormous value because much of what is known and taught doctrinally is largely based upon his letters in the New Testament. Over the span of Paul’s [Saul of Tarsus] life, some interesting changes had taken place. At first, he had an almost irrational zeal bordering on insanity (Acts 26: 9-11; Galatians 1: 13) to destroy it but became instead one of its greatest defenders.
Paul becomes acquainted with Barnabas after arriving in Jerusalem from Damascus, after his conversion to the faith (Acts 9: 22-31). Paul and Barnabas work together until they have a serious blowup over taking John Mark with them on the “SECOND EUROPEAN MISSION”; who was coincidentally, Barnabas’ cousin (Cp. Colossians 4: 10). From this point the Biblical record does not mention anything more about Barnabas and Paul having any more contact with each other; nor is there anything more about Barnabas other than he parted from Paul and set sail to Cyprus with John Mark (Acts 15: 40).
Next, he teams up with Silas next (Acts 15: 40) and they work together for several years, and Silas and Timothy came down to Paul in Ephesus (“ASIA”) from MACEDONIA (“Thessalonica”) as recorded in Acts 18: 5-11. The last time any correspondence from Paul that mentions Silas is in II Corinthians 1: 19; which means, that Silas and Timothy must have joined Paul in Corinth after the work in Ephesus. Interestingly, Silas (“Silvanus”) shows up again, but this time he is associated with the Apostle Peter who assists in the writing of this letter (I Peter 5: 12). The dating between the Corinthian letter and the epistle of Peter is around ten years, so it is curious why Silas is spending time with the Apostle Peter instead of continuing to accompany Paul; although Paul it seems, didn’t suffer from a lack of having a supply of people to choose from to help him in the ministry.
As the years roll on, the mortality of its pillars become a reality, as with the Apostle Paul (II Timothy 4: 6; Philemon 9), and the Apostle Peter (II Peter 1: 14), and with some departing from the ‘faith,’ how would the Church be guided in the future, and by whom? There aren’t any Scriptural records of the activities of the Church in Judea, Galilee, Samaria, Syria beyond the little information presented in the book of ACTS in those early years, and with the death of the Apostles and prophets of that generation, the Church might have reverted wholly back to orthodox Judaism, rabbinic, Talmudic, Essenes or some other religion altogether. The same might be said about a few of the congregations started by the Apostle Paul, but there is some indication that a few individuals might have carried on the work; namely, Timothy, Aristarchus, Tychicus, and Titus. Timothy and Titus were addressed to in letters called ‘Pastoral Epistles,’ which seem to indicate that Paul expected them to exercise some kind of ecclesiastical authority among the believers as they went to correct false teaching or ordain church leaders. Tychicus must have been someone of importance because he was mentioned quite often as well as Aristarchus.
Perhaps what is not so readily apparent is that all of the aforementioned individuals are Greeks, and the unforeseen consequences is that a Greek conceptual framework will encompass Jewish theology that is most probably different from the original Aramaic or Hebrew thought. It is indeed ironic that someone who considered himself as in his own words, “A Hebrew of Hebrews” (Cp. Philippians 3: 5) and brought up in the strictest sect of the Pharisees (Cp. Acts 26: 5), would have entrusted the interpretation and teaching from the Jewish Sacred Scriptures to those who were not even proselytes or God-fearing Greeks, to be some of the ones responsible for the dissemination of this ‘TRUTH’ to future generations of believers; Jews and Gentiles alike.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
July 25, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
Like any great religious or social movement, there has to be a continuity plan in place for such an event to continue its momentum and not run out of steam; becoming nothing more than a footnote in history and a momentary distraction from the real problems people might have been facing at that time. The Apostle Paul mentions James, Cephas, and John as ‘pillars’ of the Church (Galatians 1: 9), but his importance to what we know as Christianity cannot be overstated and is of enormous value because much of what is known and taught doctrinally is largely based upon his letters in the New Testament. Over the span of Paul’s [Saul of Tarsus] life, some interesting changes had taken place. At first, he had an almost irrational zeal bordering on insanity (Acts 26: 9-11; Galatians 1: 13) to destroy it but became instead one of its greatest defenders.
Paul becomes acquainted with Barnabas after arriving in Jerusalem from Damascus, after his conversion to the faith (Acts 9: 22-31). Paul and Barnabas work together until they have a serious blowup over taking John Mark with them on the “SECOND EUROPEAN MISSION”; who was coincidentally, Barnabas’ cousin (Cp. Colossians 4: 10). From this point the Biblical record does not mention anything more about Barnabas and Paul having any more contact with each other; nor is there anything more about Barnabas other than he parted from Paul and set sail to Cyprus with John Mark (Acts 15: 40).
Next, he teams up with Silas next (Acts 15: 40) and they work together for several years, and Silas and Timothy came down to Paul in Ephesus (“ASIA”) from MACEDONIA (“Thessalonica”) as recorded in Acts 18: 5-11. The last time any correspondence from Paul that mentions Silas is in II Corinthians 1: 19; which means, that Silas and Timothy must have joined Paul in Corinth after the work in Ephesus. Interestingly, Silas (“Silvanus”) shows up again, but this time he is associated with the Apostle Peter who assists in the writing of this letter (I Peter 5: 12). The dating between the Corinthian letter and the epistle of Peter is around ten years, so it is curious why Silas is spending time with the Apostle Peter instead of continuing to accompany Paul; although Paul it seems, didn’t suffer from a lack of having a supply of people to choose from to help him in the ministry.
As the years roll on, the mortality of its pillars become a reality, as with the Apostle Paul (II Timothy 4: 6; Philemon 9), and the Apostle Peter (II Peter 1: 14), and with some departing from the ‘faith,’ how would the Church be guided in the future, and by whom? There aren’t any Scriptural records of the activities of the Church in Judea, Galilee, Samaria, Syria beyond the little information presented in the book of ACTS in those early years, and with the death of the Apostles and prophets of that generation, the Church might have reverted wholly back to orthodox Judaism, rabbinic, Talmudic, Essenes or some other religion altogether. The same might be said about a few of the congregations started by the Apostle Paul, but there is some indication that a few individuals might have carried on the work; namely, Timothy, Aristarchus, Tychicus, and Titus. Timothy and Titus were addressed to in letters called ‘Pastoral Epistles,’ which seem to indicate that Paul expected them to exercise some kind of ecclesiastical authority among the believers as they went to correct false teaching or ordain church leaders. Tychicus must have been someone of importance because he was mentioned quite often as well as Aristarchus.
Perhaps what is not so readily apparent is that all of the aforementioned individuals are Greeks, and the unforeseen consequences is that a Greek conceptual framework will encompass Jewish theology that is most probably different from the original Aramaic or Hebrew thought. It is indeed ironic that someone who considered himself as in his own words, “A Hebrew of Hebrews” (Cp. Philippians 3: 5) and brought up in the strictest sect of the Pharisees (Cp. Acts 26: 5), would have entrusted the interpretation and teaching from the Jewish Sacred Scriptures to those who were not even proselytes or God-fearing Greeks, to be some of the ones responsible for the dissemination of this ‘TRUTH’ to future generations of believers; Jews and Gentiles alike.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
July 25, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
Friday, July 25, 2008
Is it Wrong to Use Musical Instruments in Church Services?
The worship of God could not be experienced more profoundly without offering up to Him songs of praise, devotion, love, thankfulness, and reverence for all the many blessings which has been bestowed upon those who are His children. Many Christian Churches have choirs who edify the flock with special renditions of praise through songs they have rehearsed and dedicate to the glory of God, while a few others offer praises to God through songs sung by the entire congregation of worshippers. Yet within the body of Christ there are a small minority who take a theological position that it is “sinful” or without Biblical authority to use mechanical instruments of music in the worship of the Lord God. To these strict interpreters of the Bible, acappela singing is the only acceptable manner that is pleasing in the sight of God. It is prudent therefore to examine the Holy Scriptures to determine the proper guidance in this matter of faith practice.
I Chronicles 13: 8
Then David and all Israel played music before God with all their might, with singing, on harps, on stringed instruments, on tambourines, on cymbals, and on trumpets.
I Chronicles 15: 16
Then David spoke to the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers accompanied by instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, by raising the voice with resounding joy.
I Chronicles 16: 5b, 7
Jeiel with stringed instruments and harps, but Asaph made music with cymbals. On that day David first delivered this psalm into the hand of Asaph and his brethren to thank the Lord (Cp. verses 8-36).
Psalms 150: 1-6
Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with the stringed instruments and flute! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with the clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Ephesians 5: 19
Speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
This last reference is used to strengthen the position supporting the unauthorized use of musical instruments because these proponents say that the passage does not say, “Play and sing.” Keeping that point in mind, it is necessary to look at I Corinthians 13: 1, where the Apostle writes, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels, and have not love, I have become sounding brass [gong] or a clanging symbol. Additionally, I Corinthians 14: 26a mentions about those coming together in the Church and one has a psalm, teaching, revelation, etc.
NOTE: These Churches in Ephesus and Corinth were started from within Jewish synagogues (Cp. Acts 18: 8-11, 18; 19: 8-10).
In fact, Sosthenes the leader of the Jewish synagogue in Corinth was baptized and his entire household (Acts 18: 8a). Since it seems that the Christian community grew out from the synagogues, it stands to reason that the Church would have continued to use musical instruments in the worship of God just like it was practiced in the Old Testament. Certainly it cannot be argued against that ‘psalms’ were specifically composed to be accompanied with a musical backdrop.
Lastly, here’s the scare tactic that is used in the pronouncement of a “woe” to those who would use musical instruments in their worship services, as found in
Amos 6: 5, which says, “[Woe to them] Who improvise to the sound of the harp, and like David have composed songs for themselves.
NOTE: There are a couple of things to consider when reading this passage, and that is, the context; reading further in verses 7 and 14, Amos declares, “Therefore, they will now go into exile at the head of the exiles, and the sprawlers’ banqueting will pass away. “For behold, I am going to raise up a nation against you, O house of Israel,” declares the Lord of Hosts, and they will afflict you from the entrance of Hamath to the brook of the Arabah.”
The prophecy of Amos 6 is also mentioned in Jeremiah 52 and II Chronicles 24 and 25. Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon took Jehoiachin King of Judah into captivity and later laid siege against the city of Jerusalem, taking King Zedekiah bound into Babylon plus thousands of Jewish captives from the region. The people suffered this fate because like in times past, they had forgotten about the Lord God, worshipped idol gods and were comfortable with their lives for the moment; until disaster came upon them. The religious songs they composed would certainly not be acceptable under their false worship, no matter if accompanied by musical instruments or sung acappela style.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
July 25, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
I Chronicles 13: 8
Then David and all Israel played music before God with all their might, with singing, on harps, on stringed instruments, on tambourines, on cymbals, and on trumpets.
I Chronicles 15: 16
Then David spoke to the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brethren to be the singers accompanied by instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, by raising the voice with resounding joy.
I Chronicles 16: 5b, 7
Jeiel with stringed instruments and harps, but Asaph made music with cymbals. On that day David first delivered this psalm into the hand of Asaph and his brethren to thank the Lord (Cp. verses 8-36).
Psalms 150: 1-6
Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with the stringed instruments and flute! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with the clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Ephesians 5: 19
Speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
This last reference is used to strengthen the position supporting the unauthorized use of musical instruments because these proponents say that the passage does not say, “Play and sing.” Keeping that point in mind, it is necessary to look at I Corinthians 13: 1, where the Apostle writes, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels, and have not love, I have become sounding brass [gong] or a clanging symbol. Additionally, I Corinthians 14: 26a mentions about those coming together in the Church and one has a psalm, teaching, revelation, etc.
NOTE: These Churches in Ephesus and Corinth were started from within Jewish synagogues (Cp. Acts 18: 8-11, 18; 19: 8-10).
In fact, Sosthenes the leader of the Jewish synagogue in Corinth was baptized and his entire household (Acts 18: 8a). Since it seems that the Christian community grew out from the synagogues, it stands to reason that the Church would have continued to use musical instruments in the worship of God just like it was practiced in the Old Testament. Certainly it cannot be argued against that ‘psalms’ were specifically composed to be accompanied with a musical backdrop.
Lastly, here’s the scare tactic that is used in the pronouncement of a “woe” to those who would use musical instruments in their worship services, as found in
Amos 6: 5, which says, “[Woe to them] Who improvise to the sound of the harp, and like David have composed songs for themselves.
NOTE: There are a couple of things to consider when reading this passage, and that is, the context; reading further in verses 7 and 14, Amos declares, “Therefore, they will now go into exile at the head of the exiles, and the sprawlers’ banqueting will pass away. “For behold, I am going to raise up a nation against you, O house of Israel,” declares the Lord of Hosts, and they will afflict you from the entrance of Hamath to the brook of the Arabah.”
The prophecy of Amos 6 is also mentioned in Jeremiah 52 and II Chronicles 24 and 25. Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon took Jehoiachin King of Judah into captivity and later laid siege against the city of Jerusalem, taking King Zedekiah bound into Babylon plus thousands of Jewish captives from the region. The people suffered this fate because like in times past, they had forgotten about the Lord God, worshipped idol gods and were comfortable with their lives for the moment; until disaster came upon them. The religious songs they composed would certainly not be acceptable under their false worship, no matter if accompanied by musical instruments or sung acappela style.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
July 25, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
Thursday, July 24, 2008
The Jewish Roots of the Christian Church
It goes without saying that were it not for the Jewish Scriptures, Christianity as it has been known for two-thousand years wouldn’t even exist; at least, in the form that it is today. The expected Jesus of Nazareth, Messiah, and descendant of King David and Savior of the world as prophesied in the sacred and inspired Jewish Old Testament writings, is the head of the Church which bears His name. And yet, the Christian Church essentially jettisons the Old Testament in favor of the New Testament, which is akin to tossing out the baby with the bath water. In reality, Christianity is not separate from Judaism; it is the spiritual culmination of it. This point is essentially Paul’s argument in the book of GALATIANS (2: 16 – 5: 6). Furthermore, the inauguration of the Church or “The Great Commission” started in Jerusalem of Judea (Cp. Luke 24: 46-48; Acts 1: 4-5, 8).
In the beginning of the Christian Church, it started in Jerusalem with about one-hundred and twenty disciples of Jesus Christ, including Jesus’ mother and brothers; mostly of whom are probably Galileans (Acts 1: 14-15, 2: 7). The Church came under persecution in Jerusalem and so the believers scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria (Acts 8: 1). Philip, one of the leading brothers from the Church in Jerusalem (Acts 6: 5) preaches the word to the city of Samaria (“Sebaste”) in SAMARIA (Acts 8: 12-13), and converts are made there. Philip reaches Caesarea in GALILEE and preaches the word there (Acts 8: 40), and in all probability makes converts in that city, too. There are other places where the Apostle Peter met disciples; the towns of Lydda, Sharon, and Joppa (Acts 9: 32, 35, 38, 43); all of which were in the region of Judea. In Damascus of Syria there was a Jewish synagogue where a disciple named Ananais was associated with (Acts 9: 1). This particular passage just cited is important because it goes to the heart of what is forgotten in Christian theology, and that is of a Jewish foundation.
In fact, the very person credited with the theology of Western Christianity, the Apostle Paul, would doubtless be surprised at the separation of the Church today because he wrote in Ephesians 2: 11-14: Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh; who are called uncircumcision by what is called ‘the Circumcision’ made in the flesh by hands; that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. But now in Jesus Christ you who were once afar off have brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both [“Jew and Gentile”] one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation. Not only that, but the European Missions that the Apostle Paul embarked upon and made converts in the various cities and towns was the result of proclaiming the word of God in the synagogues by quoting and teaching from the Old Testament Scriptures.
Acts 13: 14-15, 48-49
Arriving at Pisidian Antioch [“Galatia”] on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. After the reading of the Law and the Prophets the synagogue officials sent to them and asking if they had any words of exhortation.
The Gentiles began glorifying the word of God and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed, and the word of the Lord was spread throughout the region.
Acts 14: 1, 6-7
At Iconium (“Galatia”) they entered a synagogue of the Jews and a great multitude believed, both Jews and Greeks. They fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra, and Derbe (“Galatia”) preaching the gospel.
NOTE: Although the author doesn’t say that they went to the Jewish synagogues in these places, you can be for sure that if one was located there, this is where they would have gone.
Acts 16: 12-13-15, 27-33
And from there to Phillipi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia, a Roman colony; and we were staying in this city for some days. And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to a riverside, where we were supposing that there would be a place of prayer; and we sat down and began speaking to the women who had assembled.
NOTE: There is supposedly a Jewish custom where if a city or town doesn’t have a synagogue, then you are to meet by a riverside for prayer and religious instruction.
Acts 17: 1-2, 4
Now when they came to Thessalonica (MACEDONIA) where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths, reasoned with them from the Scriptures (II Timothy 1: 5; 3: 15). And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a great multitude of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women.
Acts 17: 10-12
And the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea (MACEDONIA); and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily (II Timothy 1: 5; 3: 15), to see whether these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men.
Acts 18: 8, 11
And he departed from there and went to the house of a certain man named Titius Justus, a worshipper of God whose house was next to the synagogue. And Crispus the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his household and many of the Corinthians when they heard were believing and being baptized. And he settled there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Acts 18: 19
And they came to Ephesus (“ASIA”), and he left them (“Prisca and Aquila;”18: 18a) there. Now he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
Acts 19:1
And it came about while Apollos was at Corinth (GREECE), Paul having passed through the upper country came to Ephesus (ASIA)
8-10
And he entered the synagogue and continued and continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of ‘the Way’ (“Ha-Derekh”) before the multitude, he withdrew from them and took away the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
It seems clear, after all the internal Scriptural evidence, that Christianity in the beginning was the product of Jewish theology emanating from the temple in Jerusalem on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ; and then, from the various synagogues in Judea, Samaria, Galilee, Syria, and from the ones in Europe. So closely was the Christian Movement associated with Judaism (perhaps a more radical form), that a certain attorney named Tertullus, accused the apostle Paul before the judgment seat of Felix, Governor of Caesarea, as being the ringleader of “the sect of the Nazarenes” (Acts 23: 33; 24: 1-6). That this group of believers is Christian and connected with Judaism and the Old Testament, there can be no doubt; based upon Paul’s testimony before King Agrippa and Festus the Governor(at this time).
Acts 24: 14-16
But this I admit to you, that according to ‘the Way’ (“haDerekh;” Cp. 19: 10: 10, 23) which they call a “sect” I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law, and is written in the Prophets; having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.
Acts 26: 23, 24b-25, 27-29
That the Christ was to suffer, and that by reason of His resurrection from the dead He should be the first to proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles. Festus said in a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!” But he said, “I am not mad, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth.” “King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know you do. And Agrippa replied to Paul, “In a short time you will persuade me to be a Christian.” And Paul said, “I would to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains.”
The evidence is irrefutable and if it were presented in a Court of Law the jury and Judge would see that it contain more than enough to get a conviction; far exceeding the legal threshold of ‘reasonable doubt’ to almost ‘absolute certainty.' The Jewish and Christian communities really need to come together on this issue because this is what the cross of Christ is about, too; and not just for the remission of sins. Lastly, in Ephesians 2: 15b, 16, it states: …that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both [Jew and Gentile] into one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
July 24, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
In the beginning of the Christian Church, it started in Jerusalem with about one-hundred and twenty disciples of Jesus Christ, including Jesus’ mother and brothers; mostly of whom are probably Galileans (Acts 1: 14-15, 2: 7). The Church came under persecution in Jerusalem and so the believers scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria (Acts 8: 1). Philip, one of the leading brothers from the Church in Jerusalem (Acts 6: 5) preaches the word to the city of Samaria (“Sebaste”) in SAMARIA (Acts 8: 12-13), and converts are made there. Philip reaches Caesarea in GALILEE and preaches the word there (Acts 8: 40), and in all probability makes converts in that city, too. There are other places where the Apostle Peter met disciples; the towns of Lydda, Sharon, and Joppa (Acts 9: 32, 35, 38, 43); all of which were in the region of Judea. In Damascus of Syria there was a Jewish synagogue where a disciple named Ananais was associated with (Acts 9: 1). This particular passage just cited is important because it goes to the heart of what is forgotten in Christian theology, and that is of a Jewish foundation.
In fact, the very person credited with the theology of Western Christianity, the Apostle Paul, would doubtless be surprised at the separation of the Church today because he wrote in Ephesians 2: 11-14: Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh; who are called uncircumcision by what is called ‘the Circumcision’ made in the flesh by hands; that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. But now in Jesus Christ you who were once afar off have brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both [“Jew and Gentile”] one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation. Not only that, but the European Missions that the Apostle Paul embarked upon and made converts in the various cities and towns was the result of proclaiming the word of God in the synagogues by quoting and teaching from the Old Testament Scriptures.
Acts 13: 14-15, 48-49
Arriving at Pisidian Antioch [“Galatia”] on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. After the reading of the Law and the Prophets the synagogue officials sent to them and asking if they had any words of exhortation.
The Gentiles began glorifying the word of God and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed, and the word of the Lord was spread throughout the region.
Acts 14: 1, 6-7
At Iconium (“Galatia”) they entered a synagogue of the Jews and a great multitude believed, both Jews and Greeks. They fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra, and Derbe (“Galatia”) preaching the gospel.
NOTE: Although the author doesn’t say that they went to the Jewish synagogues in these places, you can be for sure that if one was located there, this is where they would have gone.
Acts 16: 12-13-15, 27-33
And from there to Phillipi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia, a Roman colony; and we were staying in this city for some days. And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to a riverside, where we were supposing that there would be a place of prayer; and we sat down and began speaking to the women who had assembled.
NOTE: There is supposedly a Jewish custom where if a city or town doesn’t have a synagogue, then you are to meet by a riverside for prayer and religious instruction.
Acts 17: 1-2, 4
Now when they came to Thessalonica (MACEDONIA) where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths, reasoned with them from the Scriptures (II Timothy 1: 5; 3: 15). And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a great multitude of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women.
Acts 17: 10-12
And the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea (MACEDONIA); and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily (II Timothy 1: 5; 3: 15), to see whether these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men.
Acts 18: 8, 11
And he departed from there and went to the house of a certain man named Titius Justus, a worshipper of God whose house was next to the synagogue. And Crispus the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his household and many of the Corinthians when they heard were believing and being baptized. And he settled there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Acts 18: 19
And they came to Ephesus (“ASIA”), and he left them (“Prisca and Aquila;”18: 18a) there. Now he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
Acts 19:1
And it came about while Apollos was at Corinth (GREECE), Paul having passed through the upper country came to Ephesus (ASIA)
8-10
And he entered the synagogue and continued and continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of ‘the Way’ (“Ha-Derekh”) before the multitude, he withdrew from them and took away the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
It seems clear, after all the internal Scriptural evidence, that Christianity in the beginning was the product of Jewish theology emanating from the temple in Jerusalem on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ; and then, from the various synagogues in Judea, Samaria, Galilee, Syria, and from the ones in Europe. So closely was the Christian Movement associated with Judaism (perhaps a more radical form), that a certain attorney named Tertullus, accused the apostle Paul before the judgment seat of Felix, Governor of Caesarea, as being the ringleader of “the sect of the Nazarenes” (Acts 23: 33; 24: 1-6). That this group of believers is Christian and connected with Judaism and the Old Testament, there can be no doubt; based upon Paul’s testimony before King Agrippa and Festus the Governor(at this time).
Acts 24: 14-16
But this I admit to you, that according to ‘the Way’ (“haDerekh;” Cp. 19: 10: 10, 23) which they call a “sect” I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law, and is written in the Prophets; having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.
Acts 26: 23, 24b-25, 27-29
That the Christ was to suffer, and that by reason of His resurrection from the dead He should be the first to proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles. Festus said in a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!” But he said, “I am not mad, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth.” “King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know you do. And Agrippa replied to Paul, “In a short time you will persuade me to be a Christian.” And Paul said, “I would to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains.”
The evidence is irrefutable and if it were presented in a Court of Law the jury and Judge would see that it contain more than enough to get a conviction; far exceeding the legal threshold of ‘reasonable doubt’ to almost ‘absolute certainty.' The Jewish and Christian communities really need to come together on this issue because this is what the cross of Christ is about, too; and not just for the remission of sins. Lastly, in Ephesians 2: 15b, 16, it states: …that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both [Jew and Gentile] into one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
July 24, 2008
pbks@hotmail.com
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