--> Matthew 12:40 for as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
How does one reconcile the 3 days and 3 nights of Scripture with "Good Friday" and "Easter?" Has anyone even noticed that Passover -which Jesus was crucified, died, and buried just before Passover began at sunset- was Monday? It was discrepancies like these that sent us searching for answers as to the real origin of the traditions surrounding Easter. Many may not even know that the word [mis]translated as Easter in Acts 12:4 of the KJV is actual "paschal"; which means Passover. "Paschal" is correctly translated throughout the NT; only being mistranslated here in Acts 12:4.
Also noteworthy is the fact that the original Geneva Bible-1560; which pre-dates the KJV-1611 by more than 50 years; correctly translates "paschal" as passover.
If you are doing something with the intention of honoring God; shouldn't you be concerned with whether or not God feels honored by it?
--> Deut 12:31-32
31 You must not worship the Lord your God the way the other nations worship their gods,..
32 “So be careful to obey all the commands I give you. You must not add anything to them or subtract anything from them. -NLT
Here are a few links to get anyone started who genuinely wants to discover where Easter traditions originate from and determine for themselves whether God would condone adopting the similitude of these practices as a form of honoring Him.
--> www.gnmagazine.org/booklets/HH/easterbiblicaltruth.asp
--> www.gnmagazine.org/booklets/HH/resurrectionconnection.asp
--> www.gnmagazine.org/booklets/HH/fertilitysymbols.asp
*****IGNORANCE IS NOT BLISS:
--> Acts 17:30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Love One Another As I Have Loved You- John 15:12
In the Gospels we read of many examples of Jesus's love for others. We read of Jesus feeding the hungry, healing the lame, washing the feet of others; ultimately dying for other's sins.
But we read of at least one instance of Jesus' love for another that may seem a peculiar display of affection to some. I invite you to read Mark 10:21 which I will paraphrase here:
"Jesus LOVED him and said, 'Despite all the areas that you do obey in, there is still this one area in your life that you continue to commit sin. To inherit eternal life you must forsake this sin and follow me.'"
Now ask yourselves, do you love others enough to speak up and warn them; with love; that God's Word teaches that unrepented and unforsaken sin will keep them from inheriting eternal life? Or, are you worried that you will be accused of judging? Remember, when you speak God's Word; it is His judgment- not yours.
In general, your love and concern will usually be construed as condemnation; do not let this discourage you. The man Jesus rebuked went away sad{Mark 10:22}. Perhaps the Words of Jesus eventually penetrated the man's heart and effected change; just as His Words may when spoken through you. We have this promise from God's Word- that His Word will always accomplish it's intended purpose {Isaiah 55:11}.
So, speak the Truth and trust God for the outcome. Remember this also; any response, positive or negative, to the Truth spoken in genuine love; evidences that God's Word is at work molding the heart.
But we read of at least one instance of Jesus' love for another that may seem a peculiar display of affection to some. I invite you to read Mark 10:21 which I will paraphrase here:
"Jesus LOVED him and said, 'Despite all the areas that you do obey in, there is still this one area in your life that you continue to commit sin. To inherit eternal life you must forsake this sin and follow me.'"
Now ask yourselves, do you love others enough to speak up and warn them; with love; that God's Word teaches that unrepented and unforsaken sin will keep them from inheriting eternal life? Or, are you worried that you will be accused of judging? Remember, when you speak God's Word; it is His judgment- not yours.
In general, your love and concern will usually be construed as condemnation; do not let this discourage you. The man Jesus rebuked went away sad{Mark 10:22}. Perhaps the Words of Jesus eventually penetrated the man's heart and effected change; just as His Words may when spoken through you. We have this promise from God's Word- that His Word will always accomplish it's intended purpose {Isaiah 55:11}.
So, speak the Truth and trust God for the outcome. Remember this also; any response, positive or negative, to the Truth spoken in genuine love; evidences that God's Word is at work molding the heart.
Friday, April 1, 2011
I Forgot What I Was Going To Ask For!
Standing before a Holy, Righteous, and Glorious God; what would we have the gall to ask for- this is the attitude behind answered prayer!
When this thought came to me I was struck about what we often pray for- sometimes we can be quite "self" focused in our prayers. Standing before God in all His glory; I am sure the focus would quickly drift from "self." As we stand there in awe; what would we honestly pray for? This prayer would be answered![read John 15:16 and ask yourself: what would you ask God for in His Son's name?]
This is not to say that it is wrong to have a desire for "things" [so long as the "things" are not ungodly]; just a thought to provoke consideration upon our prayers.
If our "walk," including prayer life, displays that we genuinely delight in the Lord; then God will grant the desires of our heart:
--> Psalm 37:4
4 Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass. -NKJV
When this thought came to me I was struck about what we often pray for- sometimes we can be quite "self" focused in our prayers. Standing before God in all His glory; I am sure the focus would quickly drift from "self." As we stand there in awe; what would we honestly pray for? This prayer would be answered![read John 15:16 and ask yourself: what would you ask God for in His Son's name?]
This is not to say that it is wrong to have a desire for "things" [so long as the "things" are not ungodly]; just a thought to provoke consideration upon our prayers.
If our "walk," including prayer life, displays that we genuinely delight in the Lord; then God will grant the desires of our heart:
--> Psalm 37:4
4 Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass. -NKJV
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)