The Philistines were an aggressive, warrior people, and are first recorded in Scripture in the Table of Nations (list of 70 nations descended from Noah). Also the Scripture records that the Philistines had contact with both Abraham and Isaac. At that time the Philistines resided at Gerar in Southern Canaan. They had a king, Abimelech, and an army under the command of a certain Phicol. (Genesis 20; 21; 26)
Because of their maritime history, they are often associated with "Sea Peoples."The term is descriptive for both the Scriptural and extra-biblical documents that place their origin in Crete and the islands near Greece.
The name "Philistine" comes from the Hebrew word "Philistia," and the Greek rendering of the name "Palais'Tinei," which gave rise to the modern name "Palestine." The ancient Philistines occupied a territory South West of Israel, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River.
GENESIS 8, 9 and 10 explains how GOD decided to let humankind have the chance to choose between good and evil: "Noah built an Altar to the LORD, he took one of each kind of "ritually clean animal and bird", and burned them whole as a Sacrifice on the Altar. The odor of the Sacrifice pleased the LORD, and HE said to Himself, "NEVER again will I put the EARTH under a CURSE because of WHAT PEOPLE DO; I know that from the time they are young their THOUGHTS are EVIL. NEVER again will I DESTROY all living beings, as I have done this time. As long as the WORLD exists, there will be a TIME for PLANTING, and a TIME for HARVEST. There will always be COLD and HEAT, SUMMER and WINTER, DAY and NIGHT."(8: 20-22)
"GOD blessed Noah and his sons and said, "Have many CHILDREN, so that your DESCENDANTS will live all over the EARTH. All the animals (earth), birds (air), and fish (water) will live in FEAR of YOU. They are ALL PLACED UNDER YOUR POWER. Now you can EAT THEM, as well as GREEN PLANTS; I give them all to you for FOOD. The one thing YOU MUST NOT EAT is MEAT WIT BLOOD STILL IN IT; I forbid this because THE LIFE IS IN THE BLOOD. If anyone takes HUMAN LIFE, he will be punished. I WILL PUNISH WITH DEATH any animal that takes a human life. HUMAN beings WERE MADE LIKE GOD, so whoever murders one of them will be killed by someone else. (9: 1-8)"
GOD said to NOAH and his sons, "I am now MAKING a COVENANT with YOU and with your DESCENDANTS, and with ALL LIVING BEINGS -all birds (air) and all animals (earth) -EVERYTHING that came "OUT OF THE BOAT" with you. With these WORDS I make My Covenant with you: I PROMISE that never again will all living beings be destroyed by a Flood; never again will a Flood destroy the earth. As a SIGN of this EVERLASTING COVENANT which I am making with you and with ALL LIVING BEINGS, I Am putting MY BOW in the CLOUDS. It will be the SIGN OF the COVENANT WITH THE WORLD. Whenever I cover the sky with clouds and the rainbow appears, I will REMEMBER MY PROMISE to YOU and to ALL the ANIMALS that a Flood will never again destroy all living beings." (9: 9-15)
The SONS OF NOAH who went OUT OF the BOAT were Shem, Ham, and Japhet. (HAM was the Father of Canaan). These 3 sons of Noah were the ANCESTORS OF ALL the PEOPLE ON EARTH. (9: 18-19) These 3 had sons after the Flood. (10:1)
- The SONS of JAPHET : -Gomer, -Magog, -Madai, -Javan, -Tubal, -Meshech, and Tiras. They were the ancestors of the peoples who bear their names. Gomer's descendants were the people of Ash'Kenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah. Javan's descendants were the people of Eli'Shah, Spain, Cyprus, and Rhodes. They were the ancestors of the people who live along the coast and on the islands. These are Japheth's descendants, living in their different Tribes and Countries, each group speaking its own language.
- The SONS of HAM : -Cush, -Egypt (Mizraim), -Libya (Phut), -and Canaan. They were the ancestors of the people who bear their names. Cush's descendants were the people of Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. Raamah's descendants were the people of Sheba and Dedan.
Cush had a son named Nimrod, who became the World's first great conqueror. By the Lord's help Nimrod was a great hunter, and that is why people say, "May the Lord make you as great a hunter as Nimrod!" At first Nimrod's kingdom included Babylon, Erech, and Accad, all 3 of them in Babylonia.
From that land Nimrod went to Assh'Ur and built the cities on Nineveh, Rehoboth Ir, Calah, and Resen, which is between Nineveh and the great city of Calah.
Egypt (Mizraim)'s descendants were the people of Lydia (Ludim), Anam (Anamim), Lehab (Lehabim), Naphtuh (Naphtuhim), Path'Rusim, Casluhim, (out of whom came PHILISTINES [Phi'Listim]) and of Crete (Caphtorim).
Canaan's sons : Sidon, the oldest, and Heth. They were the ancestors of the peoples who bear their names. Canaan was also the ancestor of the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites, the Hivites, the Arkites, the Sinites, the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. The different Tribes spread out, until the Canaanite borders reached from SIDON Southward to GERAR near Gaza, and Eastward to SODOM, GOMORRAH, ADMAH, and ZEBOIIM near Lasha. These are Ham's descendants, living in their different Tribes and Countries, each group speaking its own language.
- SHEM, the older brother of Japhet, was the ancestor of all HEBREWS. Shem's sons : -Elam, -Ass'Hur, -Ar'Pachshad, -Lud, and Aram. They were the ancestors of the peoples who bear their names.
Aram's descendants were the people of Uz, Hul, Gether, and Meshek. Ar'Pachshad was the father of Shelah, who was the father of Eber. Eber had 2 sons: one was named Peleg, because during his time the People of the World were divided; and the other was named Joktan. Joktan's descendants were the people of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, Obal, Abimael, Sheba, Ophir, Havilah, and Hobab. The Land in which they lived extended from MESHA to SEPHAR in the Eastern Hill Country. These are Shem's descendants, living in their different Tribes and Countries, each group speaking its own language.
HAM, one of the 3 sons of Noah, father 4 sons that were born after the Flood: Ethiopians, Egyptians, some Arabian and African Tribes, and the Canaanites descended from these 4 sons. Ham became involved in an incident that brought a "curse" on his seed, his son Canaan. Noah, who was a farmer, was the first man to "plant" a "vineyard,"in the New World. After he drank some of the wine produced in the earth, Noah became intoxicated, took off his clothes, and lay naked in his Tent. Ham saw his father's nakedness, and instead of showing the proper respect, by walking backwards with a mantle to cover him so that he would not bring punishment on himself by looking on it, he told his 2 brothers of his discovery. Shem and Japhet exhibited the proper respect for Noah, as the family head and the Servant and Prophet whom GOD had made an instrument in the preservation of the human race. Noah, on awakening, uttered a curse, not on Ham, but on Ham's son Canaan. In the accompanying blessing of Shem, which included a blessing for Japhet, Ham was passed over and ignored; only Canaan was mentioned and cursed and was prophetically foretold to become a slave to Shem and Japhet.
The PHILISTINES were descendants of Mizraim, one of the 4 sons of Ham. They are mentioned prominently in New Kingdom Egyptian documents (1200-1100BC) as an element of the nefarious "Sea Peoples" who tried unsuccessfully to invade Egypt from the Mediterranean and Libya during the reigns of Rameses III and his immediate successors. This texts call the Philistines "Pele'Set."
The curse over Ham's son Canaan was partly fulfilled when the Semitic Israelites subjugated the Canaanites. Those who were not destroyed (for example , the Gibeonites, Joshua 9, were made slaves to Israel. Centuries later, the curse was further fulfilled when descendants of Ham's son Canaan came under the domination of the Japhetic world powers of Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome.
In the Psalms, Ham is associated with Egypt, it being called "the land of Ham," Psalm 78: 51; 105:23, 27; 106: 21, 22.
Amos (Hebrew name that means "Burden bearer") is the first prophet in the Scripture whose message (speeches, sayings and vision reports) was recorded at length. The approaching GOD's judgment is outlined in his Book towards Syria, Philistia, and Tyre for cruel treatment to Israel; Edom (related through Esau), Ammon (related through Lot), for hatred and mistreatment of their brother Israelites; and Moab for burning the bones of the king of Edom for lime. Then Judah and Israel for revolts and gross violations of GOD's Law. GOD reveals its judgment and warns through Amos as a horn blown and a lion's roar. The judgment is sure to come with great calamity. Visions and prophecies show Israel's end and Amos does not intercede. The Priest of Bethel commands Amos to stop prophesying but he continue announcing the destruction of sinful Israel and reconstruction of the royal house of David.
Amos is the only available historical source of information of the World's reality that existed in his time. Amos was a businessman-farmer, resident of Tekoa, a village 10km/6mi South of Jerusalem, on the boundary of the Judean Wilderness, who was called as a laymen to deliver a message of condemnation and judgment to the Israelites.
Amos tells nothing of his family or lineage but does provide more than usual amount of information about Time and his own geographical, chronological, and cultural setting in particular. Amos, besides of describing himself as "shepherd, and "herdssman" he also describes himself as "a dresser of sycamore-fig trees," to refer to the nipping or slitting of fruit in order to make it edible. He was an expert in fig cultivation as well as a successful dealer in sheep. With this information Amos was either a seasonal worker of varied skills or possibly a person of some means who owned sheep, cattle, fodder, sufficient to raise sycamore figs as cattle fodder. He engaged self-consciously in the activity of prophesying, but he explicitly denied the vocation of a professional prophet supported by a cultic or royal shrine. He was at effort to show that he prophesied only by "divine compulsion under extraordinary circumstances."(3:8; 7:15)
The fact that Amos' message portrays contemporary religious institutions as corrupt explains why a nonspecialist such as him was compelled to perform the prophetic role as a religious intermediary.
The angry roar of an enraged GOD from HIS UNIVERSAL THRONE in Heavenly Jerusalem signals DISTRESS and DESTRUCTION encompassing the ENTIRE CREATED ORDER, and demonstrates the COSMIC DIMENSION of Israel's MORAL and SOCIAL OFFENSES.
Like the shepherd David, who was called to public service by GOD, so also Amos was called by GOD and made him a prophet. From the solitude in the Wilderness of the South, he was sent to the idolatrous 10 -Tribes of the North Kingdom with its capital Samaria. Amos began his prophetical career 2 years before the Earthquake that occurred during the Time in which the reigns of Uzziah (Judah) and Jeroboam II (10-Tribes-Kingdom) overlapped. The Earthquake was of such magnitude that nearly 300 years later Zechariah (14: 5) made a particular mention of it. The prophecy was first delivered to the 2 kingdoms orally. When Amos returned to his homeland he published it. All the nations condemned by Amos were in due time devoured by the Fire of destruction. GOD's spirit moved Amos to employ simple, direct and picturesque language in a dignified manner befitting a prophet of GOD, in describing the ostentatious luxury language of the rich, which Amos referred to their thrones and stools, as "their houses of ivory" and "couches of ivory"(3:15; 6:4) Simple Words, powerful Words, Words full of meaning, were chosen so both the "high and the low"(descendants of Shem , Japhet and Ham) could understand and get sense of what Amos said. Amos used a variety of illustrations, some with rural flavor, in order to give vitality and force to God's message. (2:13; 4:2; 9:9) Historical events concerning the descendants of the 3 sons of Noah are accurately recalled (1:9,11, 13; 4:11) Allusion are made to familiar cultic practices and customs of the people. (2:8; 6:4-6) The whole GOD's Message is a well-ordered composition with definite form and purpose.
Amos magnified the WORD and NAME, the RIGHTEOUSNESS and SOVEREIGNTY of GOD. He describes how "the SOVEREIGN LORD, GOD OF the ARMIES" is infinitely great, that nothing is beyond His Reach or Power. (9: 2-5) The SUN, MOON, CONSTELLATIONS, and ELEMENTS (air, fire, water, earth) are subject to GOD's COMMANDS. (5:8; 8:9) It is therefore, a small matter for GOD to demonstrate His Supremacy over the power of the nations. (1:3-5; 2:1-3; 9:7)
GOD's purpose for Amos was to bore a weighty Message laden with Woe and denunciation against the power of evil, and on the other hand carrying a comforting Message of Restoration in which those with sincere heart and faithful to GOD could put their hope.
Monday, 27 February 2017
Friday, 24 February 2017
THE UNFORTUNATE BELIEVERS OF TODAY.
The WORD of GOD commands us to be affirmed constantly in our Faith by the deep study of His Word and by being careful to maintain good works.
Titus, a Gentile converted to Christianity says, "I want you to give special emphasis to these matters, so that those who believe in GOD has to be concerned with giving their time to doing deeds, according to the Word of God, which are good and useful for everyone. Avoid stupid arguments, long lists of ancestors, quarrels, and fights about the Law. They are useless and worthless." (3: 8-9)
Unfortunately, the believers of today only quote a verse placed in Paul's Letter to the Romans: "If you CONFESS with your mouth that JESUS IS LORD and BELIEVE in your heart that GOD RAISED HIM FROM the DEAD, you will be saved." (Romans10: 9) So people are told that all they have to do is quote the magical verse and they are saved.
In the Gospel according to Luke JESUS is presented as both the promised Savior of Israel and as the Savior of all people. JESUS himself said to the believers, "Why do you call ME, 'Lord, Lord, and yet do not do what I tell you?' Anyone who comes to ME and listens to MY WORDS and OBEYS THEM - I will show you what he is like. He is like a man who, in building his (spiritual) house, dug deep (study of the Word of God) and laid the foundation on rock (apply the Word of God in his life). The River flooded over (problems in life) and hit that (spiritual) house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But anyone who hears MY WORDS and DOES NOT OBEY them is like a man who built his (spiritual) house without laying a foundation (no regards in study the Word of God); when the flood hit that house it fell at once -and what a terrible (spiritual) crash that was!' " (Luke 6: 46-49)
In the Gospel according to Matthew JESUS is the One through Whom GOD fulfilled the Promises HE made to His People and for the whole World. JESUS is presented as the GREAT TEACHER, Who has the AUTHORITY to INTERPRET the LAW of GOD, and Who TEACHES about KINGDOM of GOD. JESUS said, "Not everyone who calls ME 'Lord, Lord' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but ONLY THOSE WHO DO What MY FATHER in heaven WANTS THEM TO DO. When the Judgment Day comes, many will say to ME, 'Lord, Lord! In Your Name we spoke GOD's Message, by Your Name we drove out many demons and performed many miracles! ' Then I will say to them,
'I NEVER KNEW YOU. Get away from ME, you wicked people! ' " (Matthew 7: 21-23)
Paul says, "I have complete confidence in the Scripture: It is GOD's power to save all who believe, first the Jews and also the Gentiles. For the Scripture reveals how GOD puts people right with Himself : it is through FAITH from beginning to end." (Romans 1: 16-17)
"My friends, how I wish with all my heart that my own people might be saved! How I pray to GOD for them! I can assure you that they are deeply devoted to GOD; but their devotion is not based in TRUE KNOWLEDGE. They have not known the way in which GOD puts people right with Himself, and instead, they have tried to set up THEIR OWN WAY; and so they DID NOT SUBMIT themselves TO GOD's WAY of putting people right." (Romans 10: 1-3)
Titus, a Gentile converted to Christianity says, "I want you to give special emphasis to these matters, so that those who believe in GOD has to be concerned with giving their time to doing deeds, according to the Word of God, which are good and useful for everyone. Avoid stupid arguments, long lists of ancestors, quarrels, and fights about the Law. They are useless and worthless." (3: 8-9)
Unfortunately, the believers of today only quote a verse placed in Paul's Letter to the Romans: "If you CONFESS with your mouth that JESUS IS LORD and BELIEVE in your heart that GOD RAISED HIM FROM the DEAD, you will be saved." (Romans10: 9) So people are told that all they have to do is quote the magical verse and they are saved.
In the Gospel according to Luke JESUS is presented as both the promised Savior of Israel and as the Savior of all people. JESUS himself said to the believers, "Why do you call ME, 'Lord, Lord, and yet do not do what I tell you?' Anyone who comes to ME and listens to MY WORDS and OBEYS THEM - I will show you what he is like. He is like a man who, in building his (spiritual) house, dug deep (study of the Word of God) and laid the foundation on rock (apply the Word of God in his life). The River flooded over (problems in life) and hit that (spiritual) house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But anyone who hears MY WORDS and DOES NOT OBEY them is like a man who built his (spiritual) house without laying a foundation (no regards in study the Word of God); when the flood hit that house it fell at once -and what a terrible (spiritual) crash that was!' " (Luke 6: 46-49)
In the Gospel according to Matthew JESUS is the One through Whom GOD fulfilled the Promises HE made to His People and for the whole World. JESUS is presented as the GREAT TEACHER, Who has the AUTHORITY to INTERPRET the LAW of GOD, and Who TEACHES about KINGDOM of GOD. JESUS said, "Not everyone who calls ME 'Lord, Lord' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but ONLY THOSE WHO DO What MY FATHER in heaven WANTS THEM TO DO. When the Judgment Day comes, many will say to ME, 'Lord, Lord! In Your Name we spoke GOD's Message, by Your Name we drove out many demons and performed many miracles! ' Then I will say to them,
'I NEVER KNEW YOU. Get away from ME, you wicked people! ' " (Matthew 7: 21-23)
Paul says, "I have complete confidence in the Scripture: It is GOD's power to save all who believe, first the Jews and also the Gentiles. For the Scripture reveals how GOD puts people right with Himself : it is through FAITH from beginning to end." (Romans 1: 16-17)
"My friends, how I wish with all my heart that my own people might be saved! How I pray to GOD for them! I can assure you that they are deeply devoted to GOD; but their devotion is not based in TRUE KNOWLEDGE. They have not known the way in which GOD puts people right with Himself, and instead, they have tried to set up THEIR OWN WAY; and so they DID NOT SUBMIT themselves TO GOD's WAY of putting people right." (Romans 10: 1-3)
THE ORIGEN OF THE NEPHILIM.
According to the Scripture, the Nephilim were the offspring of the "sons of GOD" and the "daughters of men" before the Flood.
The Nephilim later inhabited Canaan at the time of the Israelite conquest of Canaan, and were known as 'Amorite', descendants from the Hamitic race. (Genesis 10; 1 Chronicle 1)
In Abraham's Time the King of Elam in coalition with 3 other kings raided to the SOUTH of Canaan and defeated some of the Amorites dwelling at Hazazon-Tamar, SOUTH WEST of the DEAD SEA.
Three Amorite Men living in Hebron were then confederates of Abraham and as such aided Abraham in pursuing and defeating the invading Kings, thereby rescuing his nephew Lot. (Genesis 14)
Sometime after GOD advised Abraham that when 'the error of the Amorites had finally come to completion,' Abraham's descendants would return to Canaan from an alien Land and would take possession of the Amorite's Land. (Genesis 15)
Still, shortly before Jacob's death in Egypt, he promised Joseph: "I do give you one shoulder of Land more than your brothers, which I took from the hand of the Amorite by my sword and by my bow." (Genesis 48) When he promised Joseph, Jacob's prophetic words envisioned the future conquest of Canaan by FAITH as though it were already effected, with Jacob taking the Land of the Amorite by LAW.
In Deuteronomy 3 we find a description of power that the sons of the Amorite had through the person of King Og, popularized as the King's Road to rule the World.
"We moved NORTH toward the REGION of BASHAN, and King Og came out with all his men to fight us near the Town of Edrei. But the LORD said to me (Moses), 'Do not be afraid of King Og, I am going to give him, his men, and all his territory to you. Do the same thing to him that you did to the Amorite king Sihon, who ruled in Hesbon." (3:1-2)
"At that Time we took from those 2 Amorite Kings (Sihon and Og) the Land EAST of the Jordan River, from the Arnon River to Mount Hermon. (Mount Hermon is called Sirion by the Sidonians, and Senir by the Amorites)" (3: 8-9)
"We took all the territory of King Og of Bashan: the Cities on the Plateau, the Regions of Gilead and of Bashan, as far EAST as the Towns of Salecah and Edrei. (King Og was the last of the REPHAIM. His coffin, made of stone, was 6 feet wide and almost 14 feet long according to standard measurements. It can be still be seen in the Amorite city of Rabah)" (3: 10-11)
In Numbers 21, GOD received the vow that the Israelites did concerning the Nephilim.
"When the Canaanite king of Arad in the SOUTHERN part of Canaan heard that the Israelites were coming by Way of Atharim, he attacked them and captured some of them. Then the Israelites made a VOW to the LORD: "If YOU will let us conquer 'these people (the Nephilim)', we will unconditionally dedicate them (their power) and their cities to YOU and will destroy them. The LORD heard them and helped them to conquer the Canaanites. So the Israelites completely destroyed them and their cities, and named the place Hormah.
Ezekiel the prophet, who lived in exile in Babylon during the period before and after the Fall of Jerusalem, addressed these distinctive character of people, who were Amorite (Nephilim) in spirit, in a vivid and symbolic way, by saying:
In the 12 Year, in the 12 Month, on the 1st Day of the month, the WORD of the LORD came to me:
"Son of a Man, raise a lamentation over Pharaoh king of Egypt, and say to him: 'You consider yourself a Lion among the Nations, but you are like a Dragon in the Seas; you burst forth in your Rivers, trouble the Waters with your feet, and foul their Rivers.' " (32: 1-2)
Thus says the LORD GOD: "I will throw MY NET over you with a host of many peoples; and I will haul you up in MY DRAGNET. And I will CAST you ON the GROUND, on the OPEN FIELD I will FLING you, and will CAUSE all the BIRDS of the AIR to SETTLE on you, and I will GORGE the BEASTS of the whole EARTH with you. I will STREW your FLESH upon the Mountains, and fill the Valleys with your CARCASS. I will DRENCH the Land even to the Mountains with your flowing BLOOD; and the WATERCOURSES will be FILL of you. When I BLOT you out, I will COVER the HEAVENS, and make their STARS DARK; I will COVER the SUN with a CLOUD, and the MOON shall NOT give its LIGHT. All the BRIGHT LIGHTS of HEAVEN will I make DARK over you, and put DARKNESS upon your Land." (32: 3-8)
"I will trouble the HEARTS of many peoples, when I carry you CAPTIVE among the Nations, into the countries which you have not known. I will make many peoples APPALLED at you, and their kings shall shudder because of you, when I brandish MY SWORD before them; they shall tremble every moment, every one for his own life, on the DAY of your DOWNFALL." (32: 9-10)
The Nephilim later inhabited Canaan at the time of the Israelite conquest of Canaan, and were known as 'Amorite', descendants from the Hamitic race. (Genesis 10; 1 Chronicle 1)
In Abraham's Time the King of Elam in coalition with 3 other kings raided to the SOUTH of Canaan and defeated some of the Amorites dwelling at Hazazon-Tamar, SOUTH WEST of the DEAD SEA.
Three Amorite Men living in Hebron were then confederates of Abraham and as such aided Abraham in pursuing and defeating the invading Kings, thereby rescuing his nephew Lot. (Genesis 14)
Sometime after GOD advised Abraham that when 'the error of the Amorites had finally come to completion,' Abraham's descendants would return to Canaan from an alien Land and would take possession of the Amorite's Land. (Genesis 15)
Still, shortly before Jacob's death in Egypt, he promised Joseph: "I do give you one shoulder of Land more than your brothers, which I took from the hand of the Amorite by my sword and by my bow." (Genesis 48) When he promised Joseph, Jacob's prophetic words envisioned the future conquest of Canaan by FAITH as though it were already effected, with Jacob taking the Land of the Amorite by LAW.
In Deuteronomy 3 we find a description of power that the sons of the Amorite had through the person of King Og, popularized as the King's Road to rule the World.
"We moved NORTH toward the REGION of BASHAN, and King Og came out with all his men to fight us near the Town of Edrei. But the LORD said to me (Moses), 'Do not be afraid of King Og, I am going to give him, his men, and all his territory to you. Do the same thing to him that you did to the Amorite king Sihon, who ruled in Hesbon." (3:1-2)
"At that Time we took from those 2 Amorite Kings (Sihon and Og) the Land EAST of the Jordan River, from the Arnon River to Mount Hermon. (Mount Hermon is called Sirion by the Sidonians, and Senir by the Amorites)" (3: 8-9)
"We took all the territory of King Og of Bashan: the Cities on the Plateau, the Regions of Gilead and of Bashan, as far EAST as the Towns of Salecah and Edrei. (King Og was the last of the REPHAIM. His coffin, made of stone, was 6 feet wide and almost 14 feet long according to standard measurements. It can be still be seen in the Amorite city of Rabah)" (3: 10-11)
In Numbers 21, GOD received the vow that the Israelites did concerning the Nephilim.
"When the Canaanite king of Arad in the SOUTHERN part of Canaan heard that the Israelites were coming by Way of Atharim, he attacked them and captured some of them. Then the Israelites made a VOW to the LORD: "If YOU will let us conquer 'these people (the Nephilim)', we will unconditionally dedicate them (their power) and their cities to YOU and will destroy them. The LORD heard them and helped them to conquer the Canaanites. So the Israelites completely destroyed them and their cities, and named the place Hormah.
Ezekiel the prophet, who lived in exile in Babylon during the period before and after the Fall of Jerusalem, addressed these distinctive character of people, who were Amorite (Nephilim) in spirit, in a vivid and symbolic way, by saying:
In the 12 Year, in the 12 Month, on the 1st Day of the month, the WORD of the LORD came to me:
"Son of a Man, raise a lamentation over Pharaoh king of Egypt, and say to him: 'You consider yourself a Lion among the Nations, but you are like a Dragon in the Seas; you burst forth in your Rivers, trouble the Waters with your feet, and foul their Rivers.' " (32: 1-2)
Thus says the LORD GOD: "I will throw MY NET over you with a host of many peoples; and I will haul you up in MY DRAGNET. And I will CAST you ON the GROUND, on the OPEN FIELD I will FLING you, and will CAUSE all the BIRDS of the AIR to SETTLE on you, and I will GORGE the BEASTS of the whole EARTH with you. I will STREW your FLESH upon the Mountains, and fill the Valleys with your CARCASS. I will DRENCH the Land even to the Mountains with your flowing BLOOD; and the WATERCOURSES will be FILL of you. When I BLOT you out, I will COVER the HEAVENS, and make their STARS DARK; I will COVER the SUN with a CLOUD, and the MOON shall NOT give its LIGHT. All the BRIGHT LIGHTS of HEAVEN will I make DARK over you, and put DARKNESS upon your Land." (32: 3-8)
"I will trouble the HEARTS of many peoples, when I carry you CAPTIVE among the Nations, into the countries which you have not known. I will make many peoples APPALLED at you, and their kings shall shudder because of you, when I brandish MY SWORD before them; they shall tremble every moment, every one for his own life, on the DAY of your DOWNFALL." (32: 9-10)
Saturday, 18 February 2017
LAKE OF GENNESARET.
The Lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1), also known as Sea of Tiberias (John 6:1), Lake Kinneret (Num34:11), and Sea of Galilee (region named Galilee from 7thBC), is the largest freshwater inland Lake in North Palestine. From North-South this body of fresh water has a length of 21km/13mi, with a maximum width of about 12km/7.5mi. Its greatest water depth is about 48km/157ft.
The Lake lies an average of 210m/700ft below the level of the Mediterranean Sea. Because of the low elevation the air temperature is much warmer there than in the surrounding plateaus and mountains. This result in atmospheric disturbances. Also, strong winds rush down the Jordan Valley from snowcapped Mount Hermon, not far to the North.
The Lake is fed partly by underground Springs related to the Jordan sector of the Great Rift Valley, but most of its water comes from the Jordan River, which enters from North. Depending upon the season, the clear fresh waters of the Lake vary from green to blue in color, and the average water temperature ranges from 14*C/57*F in February to 30*C/86*F in August.
The bed of the Lake resembles a huge basin. Rising from its shores on the East side are steep limestone Mountains overlaid with lava, reaching an elevation of about 610m/2,000ft. But on the West the Mountains rise less abruptly. Hills and Mountains practically surround the Lake, except for the Plains around the Jordan, that is, the points where the Jordan River enters the Lake at the North end and where it renews its course at the South West.
The area to the North is occupied by a mass of large basalt boulders. Not far South of the city of Tiberias on the West shore, there are hot sulfur Springs that have long being famous for their medicinal properties. One of the 7 Springs there has a temperature of 58*C/136*F.
Gennesaret is the Greek form of Kinneret, and as other places rose to prominence, such as Tiberias, the name change names according to it.
The site of the ancient Town of Kinneretis, is a small somewhat triangular plain on a mound bordering on the North West shore of the Lake and measuring about 5by2.5km/3by1.5mi, known in modern Hebrew language as Tel Kinrot, halfway between Capernaum and Magdala.
In the Scripture, Kinneret was a Town alloted to the Tribe of Naphtali (Josh19:35). The name appears in singular form as "Kinneret"(Num34:11; Deut3:17) or plural form as "Kinneroth"(Jos11:2,12:3). In the New Testament the name appears changed to Gennesaret (Luke5:1).
This body of water figured prominently in JESUS' earthly Ministry. A number of times JESUS spoke from a boat to great crowds assembled on its wide, pebble shore. (Mr 3:9; 4:1; Luk 5:1-3) On one of this occasions HE caused some of His Disciples to have a miraculous catch of fish and called Peter, Andrew, James, and John to be "Fishers of Men."(Mt 4:18-22; Luk 5:4-11) In the vicinity of the Lake, JESUS performed many powerful works. HE healed the sick, expelled demons (Mr 3:7-12), calmed the wind and the sea (Mr 4:35-41), and walked on the water (John 6:16-21).
Once, JESUS miraculously fed more than 5,000 people. We find this awesome Miracle in Matthew 14.
Matthew14 says, "A that Time Herod, the Ruler of Galilee, heard about JESUS. 'He is really John the Baptist, who has come back to life,' Herod told his officials. 'That is why HE has THIS POWER to perform MIRACLES.' (1-2) "When JESUS hear the news about John the Baptist beheading in prison, HE left there in a boat and went to a lonely place by Himself. The people heard about it, and so they left their Towns and followed HIM by land. JESUS got out of the boat, and when HE saw the large crowd, HIS HEART WAS FILLED WITH PITY for them, and HE HEALED their sick." (13-14)
"That evening His Disciples came to HIM and said, 'It is already very late, and this is a lonely place. Send the people away and let them go to the Villages to buy food for themselves.' " (15)
"They do not have to leave,"answered JESUS. "You yourselves give them something to eat!" (16)
"All we have here are 5 loaves and 2 fish," His Disciples replied. "Then bring them to ME," JESUS said. HE ordered the people to sit down on the grass; then HE took the 5 loaves and the 2 fish, looked up to Heaven, and GAVE THANKS TO GOD. He broke the loaves and gave them to the Disciples, and the Disciples gave them to the people. Everyone ate and had enough. Then the Disciples took up 12 baskets full of what was left over. The number of men who ate was about 5,000, not counting the women and children." (17-21)
"Then JESUS made the Disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side of the Lake, while HE sent the people away. After sending the people away, HE went up a hill by Himself to PRAY. When evening came, JESUS was there alone; and by this Time the boat was far out in the Lake, tossed about by the waves, because the wind was blowing against it. Between 3 and 6 o'clock in the morning JESUS came to the Disciples, WALKING ON THE WATER. When the Disciples saw HIM walking on the water, they were terrified. 'It is a ghost!' they said, and screamed with fear. JESUS spoke to them at once, 'COURAGE!' He said. 'It is I. Do not be afraid!' Then Peter spoke out, 'LORD, if it is really you, order me to come out on the water to YOU.' 'COME!' answered JESUS. So Peter got out of the boat and started walking on the water to JESUS. But when Peter noticed the strong wind, he was afraid and started to sink down in the water. 'Save me, LORD!' Peter cried. At once JESUS reached out and grabbed hold on Peter and said, 'WHAT LITTLE FAITH you have! WHY did you DOUBT?' They both got into the boat, and the wind died down. Then the Disciples in the boat worshiped JESUS.
'TRULY YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD!' they exclaimed. " (22-32)
At another time JESUS fed more than 4,000, each time with only a few loaves of bread and several fish (Matthew 15:29, 34-38).
Rightly JESUS condemned 3 cities in that area, Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, for remaining unresponsive despite the many powerful works their inhabitants had witnessed. (Matthew 11:20-24)
Ruins of the Town of Capernaum lie just North of Lake on the North Western shore. Excavations have revealed a synagogue from the 4th or 5th century, making it one of the oldest in the World.
After HIS RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD, Jesus appeared to some of His Disciples by the Lake and caused them to have a 2nd miraculous catch of fish. HE then stressed the importance of feeding His Sheep. (John 21:1, 4-19)
The Lake lies an average of 210m/700ft below the level of the Mediterranean Sea. Because of the low elevation the air temperature is much warmer there than in the surrounding plateaus and mountains. This result in atmospheric disturbances. Also, strong winds rush down the Jordan Valley from snowcapped Mount Hermon, not far to the North.
The Lake is fed partly by underground Springs related to the Jordan sector of the Great Rift Valley, but most of its water comes from the Jordan River, which enters from North. Depending upon the season, the clear fresh waters of the Lake vary from green to blue in color, and the average water temperature ranges from 14*C/57*F in February to 30*C/86*F in August.
The bed of the Lake resembles a huge basin. Rising from its shores on the East side are steep limestone Mountains overlaid with lava, reaching an elevation of about 610m/2,000ft. But on the West the Mountains rise less abruptly. Hills and Mountains practically surround the Lake, except for the Plains around the Jordan, that is, the points where the Jordan River enters the Lake at the North end and where it renews its course at the South West.
The area to the North is occupied by a mass of large basalt boulders. Not far South of the city of Tiberias on the West shore, there are hot sulfur Springs that have long being famous for their medicinal properties. One of the 7 Springs there has a temperature of 58*C/136*F.
Gennesaret is the Greek form of Kinneret, and as other places rose to prominence, such as Tiberias, the name change names according to it.
The site of the ancient Town of Kinneretis, is a small somewhat triangular plain on a mound bordering on the North West shore of the Lake and measuring about 5by2.5km/3by1.5mi, known in modern Hebrew language as Tel Kinrot, halfway between Capernaum and Magdala.
In the Scripture, Kinneret was a Town alloted to the Tribe of Naphtali (Josh19:35). The name appears in singular form as "Kinneret"(Num34:11; Deut3:17) or plural form as "Kinneroth"(Jos11:2,12:3). In the New Testament the name appears changed to Gennesaret (Luke5:1).
This body of water figured prominently in JESUS' earthly Ministry. A number of times JESUS spoke from a boat to great crowds assembled on its wide, pebble shore. (Mr 3:9; 4:1; Luk 5:1-3) On one of this occasions HE caused some of His Disciples to have a miraculous catch of fish and called Peter, Andrew, James, and John to be "Fishers of Men."(Mt 4:18-22; Luk 5:4-11) In the vicinity of the Lake, JESUS performed many powerful works. HE healed the sick, expelled demons (Mr 3:7-12), calmed the wind and the sea (Mr 4:35-41), and walked on the water (John 6:16-21).
Once, JESUS miraculously fed more than 5,000 people. We find this awesome Miracle in Matthew 14.
Matthew14 says, "A that Time Herod, the Ruler of Galilee, heard about JESUS. 'He is really John the Baptist, who has come back to life,' Herod told his officials. 'That is why HE has THIS POWER to perform MIRACLES.' (1-2) "When JESUS hear the news about John the Baptist beheading in prison, HE left there in a boat and went to a lonely place by Himself. The people heard about it, and so they left their Towns and followed HIM by land. JESUS got out of the boat, and when HE saw the large crowd, HIS HEART WAS FILLED WITH PITY for them, and HE HEALED their sick." (13-14)
"That evening His Disciples came to HIM and said, 'It is already very late, and this is a lonely place. Send the people away and let them go to the Villages to buy food for themselves.' " (15)
"They do not have to leave,"answered JESUS. "You yourselves give them something to eat!" (16)
"All we have here are 5 loaves and 2 fish," His Disciples replied. "Then bring them to ME," JESUS said. HE ordered the people to sit down on the grass; then HE took the 5 loaves and the 2 fish, looked up to Heaven, and GAVE THANKS TO GOD. He broke the loaves and gave them to the Disciples, and the Disciples gave them to the people. Everyone ate and had enough. Then the Disciples took up 12 baskets full of what was left over. The number of men who ate was about 5,000, not counting the women and children." (17-21)
"Then JESUS made the Disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side of the Lake, while HE sent the people away. After sending the people away, HE went up a hill by Himself to PRAY. When evening came, JESUS was there alone; and by this Time the boat was far out in the Lake, tossed about by the waves, because the wind was blowing against it. Between 3 and 6 o'clock in the morning JESUS came to the Disciples, WALKING ON THE WATER. When the Disciples saw HIM walking on the water, they were terrified. 'It is a ghost!' they said, and screamed with fear. JESUS spoke to them at once, 'COURAGE!' He said. 'It is I. Do not be afraid!' Then Peter spoke out, 'LORD, if it is really you, order me to come out on the water to YOU.' 'COME!' answered JESUS. So Peter got out of the boat and started walking on the water to JESUS. But when Peter noticed the strong wind, he was afraid and started to sink down in the water. 'Save me, LORD!' Peter cried. At once JESUS reached out and grabbed hold on Peter and said, 'WHAT LITTLE FAITH you have! WHY did you DOUBT?' They both got into the boat, and the wind died down. Then the Disciples in the boat worshiped JESUS.
'TRULY YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD!' they exclaimed. " (22-32)
At another time JESUS fed more than 4,000, each time with only a few loaves of bread and several fish (Matthew 15:29, 34-38).
Rightly JESUS condemned 3 cities in that area, Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, for remaining unresponsive despite the many powerful works their inhabitants had witnessed. (Matthew 11:20-24)
Ruins of the Town of Capernaum lie just North of Lake on the North Western shore. Excavations have revealed a synagogue from the 4th or 5th century, making it one of the oldest in the World.
After HIS RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD, Jesus appeared to some of His Disciples by the Lake and caused them to have a 2nd miraculous catch of fish. HE then stressed the importance of feeding His Sheep. (John 21:1, 4-19)
Friday, 17 February 2017
THE MEANING OF HOLINESS.
Holiness is the state or character of being holy, meaning cleanness or purity. The Hebrew Word 'holy' conveys the thought of separateness, exclusiveness, or sanctification to GOD, Who Is Holy; a state of being set aside to the service of GOD.
The quality of holiness belongs to GOD. In Exodus 28and 29, GOD gave this instructions: "Summon your brother Aaron and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. SEPARATE them FROM the people of Israel, so that they may SERVE ME as Priests. MAKE priestly GARMENTS for AARON your brother, to PROVIDE him with DIGNITY and BEAUTY." (28:1-2)
"WITH the blue, purple, and red WOOL they made the MAGNIFICENT GARMENTS which the PRIESTS were TO WEAR when THEY SERVED IN the HOLY PLACE." (39:1)
The prophecies in the Book of Zechariah deals with this sacred Holiness that involves the purification of GOD's people in order to rebuild GOD's temple.
The Prophet declared: "The Day when the LORD will sit in JUDGMENT is near." (1)
"Then Jerusalem will be looted, and the loot will be divided up before your eyes. The LORD will BRING all the nations together to make WAR on Jerusalem. The city will be taken, the houses looted, and the women raped. Half of the people will go into exile, but the rest of them will not be taken away from the city." (2)
"Then the LORD will GO OUT and FIGHT against those NATIONS, as HE has FOUGHT in times PAST." (3) "At that time HE will stand on the MOUNT of OLIVES, to the East of Jerusalem. Then the Mount of Olives will BE SPLIT in two from East to West BY al large VALLEY. One HALF of the Mountain will MOVE Northward, and the other HALF Southward."(4) "You will ESCAPE through this Valley that divides the Mountain in two. You will FLEE as your ancestors did when the earthquake struck in the time of King Uzziah of Judah." (5)
"The LORD my GOD will come, bringing all the angels with HIM. When that TIME COMES, there will no longer be cold or frost, nor ant darkness. There WILL ALWAYS BE daytime, even at night.
When this will happen is KNOWN ONLY TO the LORD." (6-7)
"When THAT DAY comes, FRESH WATER will flow from Jerusalem, half of it to the Dead Sea and the other half to the Mediterranean. It will flow all year long, in the dry season as well as the wet."(8)
"The the LORD will BE KING OVER all the EARTH; everyone will worship HIM AS GOD and KNOW HIM BY the SAME NAME." (9)
"The whole region, from Geba in the North to Rimmon in the South, will be made level. Jerusalem will tower above the land around it; the city will reach from the Benjamin Gate to the Corner Gate, where there had been an earlier Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the royal wine presses."(10)
"The people will live there in safety, no longer threatened by destruction." (11)
"The LORD will bring a terrible disease on all the nations that make war on Jerusalem. Their flesh will rot away while they are still alive; their eyes and tongues will rot away. At the same time the LORD will make them so confused and afraid that everyone will seize the man next to him and attack him."
"The men of Judah will fight to defend Jerusalem. They will take as loot the wealth of all the nations -gold, silver, and clothing in great abundance." "A terrible disease will also fall on the horses, the mules, the camels, and the donkeys -on all the animals in the camps of the enemy." (12-16)
"Then ALL OF the SURVIVORS from the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go there each year to worship the LORD ALMIGHTY as KING and to celebrate the Festival of Shelters. If any nation refuses to go and worship the LORD ALMIGHTY as KING, then rain will not fall on their land. It the Egyptians refuse to celebrate the Festival of Shelters, then they will be struck by the same disease that the LORD will send on every nation that refuses to go. This will be the punishment that will fall on Egypt and on all other nations if they do not celebrate the Festival of Shelters." (17-19)
"At that TIME even the harness bells of the horses will be inscribed with the Words "DEDICATED TO THE LORD." The cooking pots in the Temple will be as sacred as the bowls before the Altar."
"Every cooking pot in Jerusalem and in all Judah will be SET APART for use in the worship of the LORD ALMIGHTY. The people who offer sacrifices will use them for boiling the meat of the sacrifices." "When the TIME comes, there will no longer be any merchant in the Temple of the LORD ALMIGHTY. (20-21)
The Israelites were frequently reminded that GOD is the SOURCE of all HOLINESS as they observed the WORDS "HOLINESS BELONGS TO GOD" that were engraved on the shining gold plate of the High Priest's turban. This plate was called "the Holy Sign of Dedication," showing that the High Priest was set apart to a service of special Holiness.
In Moses' victory song after the deliverance through the Red Sea, Israel sang: "WHO among the gods is like YOU, O GOD? WHO is like YOU, proving Yourself MIGHTY IN HOLINESS? (Exodus 15 :11; 1Samuel 2:2). As an added GUARANTEE of the CARRYING OUT of HIS WORD, GOD has even SWORN BY HIS HOLINESS. (Amos 4:2)
GOD"S Name is sacred and HIS NAME is to be held as HOLY, sanctified ABOVE ALL others (Mt 6:9). Disrespect for HIS NAME merits the punishment of death (Lev 24:10-16,23; Num 15:30).
Since GOD is the ORIGINATOR of all RIGHTEOUS PRINCIPLES and LAWS (Jas 4:12) and is the basis of all Holiness, any person or thing that is Holy becomes so because of the relationship with GOD and His Worship. One cannot have UNDERSTANDING or WISDOM unless he has KNOWLEDGE of the MOST HOLY ONE. (Prov 9:10) GOD can be worshiped only in Holiness. One claiming to worship HIM but practicing uncleanness is disgusting in GOD's SIGHT (Prov 21:27).
When GOD foretold that HE would make THE WAY CLEAR for His People to RETURN to Jerusalem from the exile, GOD said: "The WAY of HOLINESS it will BE CALLED. The unclean one will not pass over it"(Isa 35:8).
The HOLY SPIRIT operating on a person is an active force for Holiness or cleanness. Any unclean or wrong practice constitutes a resisting or grieving of that Spirit (Eph 4:30). Though impersonal in itself, the HOLY SPIRIT is expressive of GOD's Holy Personality and therefore can be grieved or made to feel hurt and this may result in GOD's changing into an enemy of the rebellious one (Isa 63:10).
A person grieving the HOLY SPIRIT may go so far as to blaspheme against it, which JESUS CHRIST said about that specific sin, that it will not be forgiven in the present system of things nor in that to come. (Mt 12:31, 32; Mr 3:28-30)
The quality of holiness belongs to GOD. In Exodus 28and 29, GOD gave this instructions: "Summon your brother Aaron and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. SEPARATE them FROM the people of Israel, so that they may SERVE ME as Priests. MAKE priestly GARMENTS for AARON your brother, to PROVIDE him with DIGNITY and BEAUTY." (28:1-2)
"WITH the blue, purple, and red WOOL they made the MAGNIFICENT GARMENTS which the PRIESTS were TO WEAR when THEY SERVED IN the HOLY PLACE." (39:1)
The prophecies in the Book of Zechariah deals with this sacred Holiness that involves the purification of GOD's people in order to rebuild GOD's temple.
The Prophet declared: "The Day when the LORD will sit in JUDGMENT is near." (1)
"Then Jerusalem will be looted, and the loot will be divided up before your eyes. The LORD will BRING all the nations together to make WAR on Jerusalem. The city will be taken, the houses looted, and the women raped. Half of the people will go into exile, but the rest of them will not be taken away from the city." (2)
"Then the LORD will GO OUT and FIGHT against those NATIONS, as HE has FOUGHT in times PAST." (3) "At that time HE will stand on the MOUNT of OLIVES, to the East of Jerusalem. Then the Mount of Olives will BE SPLIT in two from East to West BY al large VALLEY. One HALF of the Mountain will MOVE Northward, and the other HALF Southward."(4) "You will ESCAPE through this Valley that divides the Mountain in two. You will FLEE as your ancestors did when the earthquake struck in the time of King Uzziah of Judah." (5)
"The LORD my GOD will come, bringing all the angels with HIM. When that TIME COMES, there will no longer be cold or frost, nor ant darkness. There WILL ALWAYS BE daytime, even at night.
When this will happen is KNOWN ONLY TO the LORD." (6-7)
"When THAT DAY comes, FRESH WATER will flow from Jerusalem, half of it to the Dead Sea and the other half to the Mediterranean. It will flow all year long, in the dry season as well as the wet."(8)
"The the LORD will BE KING OVER all the EARTH; everyone will worship HIM AS GOD and KNOW HIM BY the SAME NAME." (9)
"The whole region, from Geba in the North to Rimmon in the South, will be made level. Jerusalem will tower above the land around it; the city will reach from the Benjamin Gate to the Corner Gate, where there had been an earlier Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the royal wine presses."(10)
"The people will live there in safety, no longer threatened by destruction." (11)
"The LORD will bring a terrible disease on all the nations that make war on Jerusalem. Their flesh will rot away while they are still alive; their eyes and tongues will rot away. At the same time the LORD will make them so confused and afraid that everyone will seize the man next to him and attack him."
"The men of Judah will fight to defend Jerusalem. They will take as loot the wealth of all the nations -gold, silver, and clothing in great abundance." "A terrible disease will also fall on the horses, the mules, the camels, and the donkeys -on all the animals in the camps of the enemy." (12-16)
"Then ALL OF the SURVIVORS from the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go there each year to worship the LORD ALMIGHTY as KING and to celebrate the Festival of Shelters. If any nation refuses to go and worship the LORD ALMIGHTY as KING, then rain will not fall on their land. It the Egyptians refuse to celebrate the Festival of Shelters, then they will be struck by the same disease that the LORD will send on every nation that refuses to go. This will be the punishment that will fall on Egypt and on all other nations if they do not celebrate the Festival of Shelters." (17-19)
"At that TIME even the harness bells of the horses will be inscribed with the Words "DEDICATED TO THE LORD." The cooking pots in the Temple will be as sacred as the bowls before the Altar."
"Every cooking pot in Jerusalem and in all Judah will be SET APART for use in the worship of the LORD ALMIGHTY. The people who offer sacrifices will use them for boiling the meat of the sacrifices." "When the TIME comes, there will no longer be any merchant in the Temple of the LORD ALMIGHTY. (20-21)
The Israelites were frequently reminded that GOD is the SOURCE of all HOLINESS as they observed the WORDS "HOLINESS BELONGS TO GOD" that were engraved on the shining gold plate of the High Priest's turban. This plate was called "the Holy Sign of Dedication," showing that the High Priest was set apart to a service of special Holiness.
In Moses' victory song after the deliverance through the Red Sea, Israel sang: "WHO among the gods is like YOU, O GOD? WHO is like YOU, proving Yourself MIGHTY IN HOLINESS? (Exodus 15 :11; 1Samuel 2:2). As an added GUARANTEE of the CARRYING OUT of HIS WORD, GOD has even SWORN BY HIS HOLINESS. (Amos 4:2)
GOD"S Name is sacred and HIS NAME is to be held as HOLY, sanctified ABOVE ALL others (Mt 6:9). Disrespect for HIS NAME merits the punishment of death (Lev 24:10-16,23; Num 15:30).
Since GOD is the ORIGINATOR of all RIGHTEOUS PRINCIPLES and LAWS (Jas 4:12) and is the basis of all Holiness, any person or thing that is Holy becomes so because of the relationship with GOD and His Worship. One cannot have UNDERSTANDING or WISDOM unless he has KNOWLEDGE of the MOST HOLY ONE. (Prov 9:10) GOD can be worshiped only in Holiness. One claiming to worship HIM but practicing uncleanness is disgusting in GOD's SIGHT (Prov 21:27).
When GOD foretold that HE would make THE WAY CLEAR for His People to RETURN to Jerusalem from the exile, GOD said: "The WAY of HOLINESS it will BE CALLED. The unclean one will not pass over it"(Isa 35:8).
The HOLY SPIRIT operating on a person is an active force for Holiness or cleanness. Any unclean or wrong practice constitutes a resisting or grieving of that Spirit (Eph 4:30). Though impersonal in itself, the HOLY SPIRIT is expressive of GOD's Holy Personality and therefore can be grieved or made to feel hurt and this may result in GOD's changing into an enemy of the rebellious one (Isa 63:10).
A person grieving the HOLY SPIRIT may go so far as to blaspheme against it, which JESUS CHRIST said about that specific sin, that it will not be forgiven in the present system of things nor in that to come. (Mt 12:31, 32; Mr 3:28-30)
THE NICOLAITANS. Part 2
In the Book of Revelation the Nicolatians are mentioned twice, and they were known in the cities of Ephesus and Pergamum. The more we know about the places mentioned in the Scripture, the more we will be able to understand, accurately and precisely, the meaning that the narrative was meant to be, as the account of experiences by real people in real places.
Ephesus is one of the most important cities in early Christianity. It attracted many influential Christian leaders, including Paul, John, and Timothy. The remains of the city lies on the Western edge of modern Turkey, just about 5 miles inland from the Aegean Coast. It was once a major port city which went right up to the water but sediments from the Cayster River eventually filled the harbor. The steep hills guarded the ancient city from enemy attacks because it was placed in a Valley between two hills which sloped toward the sea.
The apostle Paul lived in Ephesus for 2 years during his 3rd missionary journey to Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Greece. The Letter of Paul to the Ephesians follows his Letter to the Galatians and precedes his Letter to the Philippians in the New Testament. The Letter to the Ephesians is most noted for its description OF CHRIST and the Church. Paul speaks OF GOD's Plan for Salvation (1:3-6); calls for the Unity of the Church IN CHRIST (1:15-2:22); the Church as BODY OF CHRIST (1:22-23); and the UNITY of the BODY OF CHRIST in ONE BODY, ONE SPIRIT, ONE HOPE, ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM, and ONE GOD and FATHER OF ALL. (4:4-6)
Paul outlines the 5-Fold Ministry -Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers - and its purpose, (4:11-13) and the exemplary living of its members through ONE's DAILY CONDUCT (4:1-5:5), living as CHILDREN OF LIGHT (5:8-5:20). Paul compares the RELATIONSHIP of CHRIST and the CHURCH to the MARRIAGE relationship of HUSBAND and WIFE. (5:21-33)
The Nicolatians did not care how they were living their lives and believed that the Faith they professed was enough to put them right to GOD. They excused certain forms of impurity and made the Grace of GOD a cloak for lasciviousness, teaching that GOD did not required obedience to any new covenant and salvation was attained solely through Faith and deeds with no need of repentance or sanctification.
They practiced ritualism without spirituality, knowledge without practice and justification by Faith without holiness.
This dangerous reasoning was taught in the Church of Ephesus in the 1st century. In the Book of Jude, a warning is placed about these ungodly reasoning of men. They used the Grace of GOD as an excuse for the violation of GOD's Law - the Moral Law, falling themselves into profound immorality. They denied the moral example of our Lord JESUS which they willingly acknowledged Him as their Saviour but not as their LORD and MASTER.
It was this teaching and reasoning of the Nicolatians in the 1st century that was corrupting the Church of Pergamos. They sought hidden spiritual knowledge through mystical experiences and believed that this knowledge alone was perfectly sufficient for salvation. They also believed that man's spiritual and physical nature were two completely and separated entities, implying that the freedom to commit immoralities and overindulge themselves in any and every way of it was part of the physical entity but not spiritual and hence GOD's Grace override them. They said that the precepts of the Commandments, Ordinances and Statutes bared not with the Christian life because JESUS CHRIST had come to destroy it and not to fulfill it.
The Grace of GOD covers all time and spans all history in the Scripture. The young Gentile Titus who, by Faith, became a Christian believer, a fellow worker, and an assistant to Paul in his missionary work, received a Letter addressed to him from Paul, when he was helping with the GOD's Work in Crete. His job was to supervise the work of the believers inside the Church. First, Titus is reminded of the kind of character that church leaders should have, especially in view of the bad attitude of many Cretans had towards the sanctification of the body in Christ. Next, Titus is advised How to Teach the various groups in the Church, the older men, the older women who in turn had to teach the younger women, the young men, and the slaves. Finally, Paul gives Titus advice regarding Christian conduct, especially the need to be peaceful, and friendly, and to avoid hatred, argument, and division in the Church.
Paul says to Titus in chapter 2: "You must teach what agrees with 'sound doctrine' (according to the Word of GOD). Instruct the older men to be sober, sensible, and self-controlled (from the things of the flesh); to be sound in their Faith, Love, and Endurance. In the same way instruct the older women to behave as women should who live a Holy life. They must not be slanderers or slaves to wine (overindulge in the things of the flesh). They must teach what is good, in order to train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, and to be good housewives who submit themselves to their husbands, so that no one will speak evil of the Message that Comes From GOD." (1-5)
"In the same way urge the young men to be self-controlled. In all things you yourself must be an example of good behavior. Be sincere and serious in your teaching. Use SOUND WORDS (GOD's WORDS) that cannot be criticized, so that your enemies may be put to shame by not having anything bad to say about us." (6-8)
"Slaves are to submit themselves to their masters and please them in all things (examples are placed in the Scripture since the beginning of time). They must not talk back to their masters or steal from them. Instead, slaves must show that they are always good and faithful, so as to BRING CREDIT TO the TEACHINGS ABOUT GOD IUR SAVIOR in all they do. For GOD HAS REVEALED HIS GRACE FOR the SALVATION OF ALL PEOPLE." (9-11)
Ephesus is one of the most important cities in early Christianity. It attracted many influential Christian leaders, including Paul, John, and Timothy. The remains of the city lies on the Western edge of modern Turkey, just about 5 miles inland from the Aegean Coast. It was once a major port city which went right up to the water but sediments from the Cayster River eventually filled the harbor. The steep hills guarded the ancient city from enemy attacks because it was placed in a Valley between two hills which sloped toward the sea.
The apostle Paul lived in Ephesus for 2 years during his 3rd missionary journey to Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Greece. The Letter of Paul to the Ephesians follows his Letter to the Galatians and precedes his Letter to the Philippians in the New Testament. The Letter to the Ephesians is most noted for its description OF CHRIST and the Church. Paul speaks OF GOD's Plan for Salvation (1:3-6); calls for the Unity of the Church IN CHRIST (1:15-2:22); the Church as BODY OF CHRIST (1:22-23); and the UNITY of the BODY OF CHRIST in ONE BODY, ONE SPIRIT, ONE HOPE, ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM, and ONE GOD and FATHER OF ALL. (4:4-6)
Paul outlines the 5-Fold Ministry -Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers - and its purpose, (4:11-13) and the exemplary living of its members through ONE's DAILY CONDUCT (4:1-5:5), living as CHILDREN OF LIGHT (5:8-5:20). Paul compares the RELATIONSHIP of CHRIST and the CHURCH to the MARRIAGE relationship of HUSBAND and WIFE. (5:21-33)
The Nicolatians did not care how they were living their lives and believed that the Faith they professed was enough to put them right to GOD. They excused certain forms of impurity and made the Grace of GOD a cloak for lasciviousness, teaching that GOD did not required obedience to any new covenant and salvation was attained solely through Faith and deeds with no need of repentance or sanctification.
They practiced ritualism without spirituality, knowledge without practice and justification by Faith without holiness.
This dangerous reasoning was taught in the Church of Ephesus in the 1st century. In the Book of Jude, a warning is placed about these ungodly reasoning of men. They used the Grace of GOD as an excuse for the violation of GOD's Law - the Moral Law, falling themselves into profound immorality. They denied the moral example of our Lord JESUS which they willingly acknowledged Him as their Saviour but not as their LORD and MASTER.
It was this teaching and reasoning of the Nicolatians in the 1st century that was corrupting the Church of Pergamos. They sought hidden spiritual knowledge through mystical experiences and believed that this knowledge alone was perfectly sufficient for salvation. They also believed that man's spiritual and physical nature were two completely and separated entities, implying that the freedom to commit immoralities and overindulge themselves in any and every way of it was part of the physical entity but not spiritual and hence GOD's Grace override them. They said that the precepts of the Commandments, Ordinances and Statutes bared not with the Christian life because JESUS CHRIST had come to destroy it and not to fulfill it.
The Grace of GOD covers all time and spans all history in the Scripture. The young Gentile Titus who, by Faith, became a Christian believer, a fellow worker, and an assistant to Paul in his missionary work, received a Letter addressed to him from Paul, when he was helping with the GOD's Work in Crete. His job was to supervise the work of the believers inside the Church. First, Titus is reminded of the kind of character that church leaders should have, especially in view of the bad attitude of many Cretans had towards the sanctification of the body in Christ. Next, Titus is advised How to Teach the various groups in the Church, the older men, the older women who in turn had to teach the younger women, the young men, and the slaves. Finally, Paul gives Titus advice regarding Christian conduct, especially the need to be peaceful, and friendly, and to avoid hatred, argument, and division in the Church.
Paul says to Titus in chapter 2: "You must teach what agrees with 'sound doctrine' (according to the Word of GOD). Instruct the older men to be sober, sensible, and self-controlled (from the things of the flesh); to be sound in their Faith, Love, and Endurance. In the same way instruct the older women to behave as women should who live a Holy life. They must not be slanderers or slaves to wine (overindulge in the things of the flesh). They must teach what is good, in order to train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, and to be good housewives who submit themselves to their husbands, so that no one will speak evil of the Message that Comes From GOD." (1-5)
"In the same way urge the young men to be self-controlled. In all things you yourself must be an example of good behavior. Be sincere and serious in your teaching. Use SOUND WORDS (GOD's WORDS) that cannot be criticized, so that your enemies may be put to shame by not having anything bad to say about us." (6-8)
"Slaves are to submit themselves to their masters and please them in all things (examples are placed in the Scripture since the beginning of time). They must not talk back to their masters or steal from them. Instead, slaves must show that they are always good and faithful, so as to BRING CREDIT TO the TEACHINGS ABOUT GOD IUR SAVIOR in all they do. For GOD HAS REVEALED HIS GRACE FOR the SALVATION OF ALL PEOPLE." (9-11)
THE NICOLAITANS. Part 1
The Nicolaitans were a kind of people within or in close contact with the churches of Asia Minor in the latter part of the Apostolic Age. They are expressly named only in the Book of Revelation. JESUS loathed the Nicolaitans' doctrine and hated their deeds.
To understand why, let's begin reading Revelation 2 :"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: 'This is the Message from the One Who Holds the 7 Stars in His Right Hand and Who Walks among the 7 Gold Lamp-stands." (1)
"I know what you have done; I know how hard you have worked and how patient you have been. I know that you cannot tolerate evil people and that you have tested those who say they are apostles but are not, and have found out that they are liars. You are patient, you have suffered for my sake, and you have not given up." (2-3)
"But this is what I have against you: 'YOU DO NOT LOVE ME NOW as you did at first. Think HOW FAR YOU HAVE FALLEN! Turn from your sins and DO WHAT YOU DID AT FIRST. If you do not turn from your sins, I will come to you and take your Lamp-stand from its place.' " (4-5)
"But this is what you have in your favor: 'YOU HATE WHAT THE NICOLAITANS DO, as much as I do." (6)
Ephesus, once called by a Roman writer "The Light of Asia, with a population of 300,000, was the chief commercial port city of the Province on the West Coast of Asia Minor. It was the center of the worship of the Mother Earth's power in Western Asia and the city was full of wizards, sorcerers, witches, astrologers, diviners who used all kind of ritual practices, and magic.
Ephesus was the Gate-Way of Asia. One of its distinctions, laid down by STATUTE, was that when a Roman proconsul came to take up office as governor of Asia, he must 'disembark at Ephesus' or 'be baptized by the power of Mother Earth' and then enter his province invested with her power.
For all travelers and trade, from Cayster and the Maeander Valleys, from Galatia, from Euphrates and from Mesopotamia, EPHESUS WAS THE HIGHWAY TO ROME.
In the New Testament Era Ephesus was the 4th greatest city in the World, after Rome, Alexandria in Egypt, and Antioch of Syria. Christians were brought from Asia to be flung to the lions in Rome's arena, and, because of it, Ephesus was called THE HIGHWAY OF THE MARTYRS.
The apostle Paul first visited Ephesus on return from his missionary journey where he "entered the synagogue and 'reasoned' with the Jews. Before that episode he went first to Corinth.
Acts 18, says: "Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently came from Italy with his wife Priscilla, for Emperor Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and stayed and worked with them, because he earned his living by 'making tents,' just as they did. He held discussions in the synagogue every Sabbath, trying to 'convince' both Jews and Greeks." (1-5)
"When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul gave his whole time to preaching the Message testifying to the Jews that JESUS IS THE MESSIAH. When they 'opposed him' and said 'evil things' about JESUS, Paul protested by shaking the dust from his clothes and saying to them, "IF YOU ARE LOST, YOU YOURSELVES MUST TAKE THE BLAME FOR IT! I am Paul, and I am not responsible for it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." (6-7)
"Paul left them and went and went to live in the house of a Gentile named Titius Justus, who worshiped GOD; his house was next to the synagogue. Crispus, who was the leader of the synagogue, believed in the LORD, together with all his family; and many other people in Corinth heard the Message, believed and were baptized." (8)
"One night Paul had a VISION in which the LORD said to him, "DO NOT BE AFRAID, but KEEP ON SPEAKING and DO NOT GIVE UP, for I AM WITH YOU. No one will be able to harm you, for MANY IN THIS CITY ARE MY PEOPLE." So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching the people the WORD OF GOD." (9-11)
When Gallio was made the Roman governor of Achaia, Jews there (against the Message) got together and 'seized Paul,' and took him into Court. "This man," they said, "is trying to 'persuade' people to 'worship GOD in 'a Way' that is against our Law!"
Paul was about to speak when Gallio said to the Jews there, "If this were a matter of some evil crime or wrong that has been committed, it would be reasonable for me to be patient with you Jews. But since IT IS AN ARGUMENT about WORDS and NAMES and YOUR OWN LAW, you yourselves must settle it. I will not be the Judge of such things!" Gallio drove them out of the Court. Then, they all grabbed Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the Court. But that did not bother Gallio a bit." (12-17)
After staying with the believers in Corinth for a time, Paul left them and sailed off with Priscilla and Aquila for Syria. Before sailing from Cenchreae Paul had his head shaved because of a Vow he had taken. They arrived in Ephesus , where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He went into the synagogue and held discussions with the Jews. The people asked Paul to stay longer, but Paul would not consent. Instead, Paul told them as he left, "If it is the WILL OF GOD, I will come back to you."
And so Paul sailed from Ephesus. When he arrived at Caesarea, he went to Jerusalem and greeted the Church, and then went to Antioch. After spending some time there, he left and went through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the Believers." (18-23)
"At that time a Jew named Apollos, who had been born in Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent speaker and had a thorough knowledge of the Scripture. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord, and with great enthusiasm he proclaimed and taught correctly the Facts about Jesus. However, Apollo knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took Apollos home with them and explained to him more correctly the Way of God. Apollos then decided to go Achaia, so the believers in Ephesus helped him by writing to the believers in Achaia, urging them to welcome him. When Apollos arrived, he was a great help to those who through GOD's Grace had become believers. For with his strong arguments Apollos defeated the Jews (against the Message) in public debates by proving from the Scripture that JESUS IS THE MESSIAH. (24-28)
The name "Nicolaitans" comes from the Greek word "Nikolaus," which is a compound of the words Nikos, meaning 'to conquer' or 'to subdue' and Laos, meaning 'the people,' from where we get 'laity.'
When these two words are compunded into one, they form the name "Nikolaus," which literally means "one who conquers and subdues the people."
To understand why, let's begin reading Revelation 2 :"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: 'This is the Message from the One Who Holds the 7 Stars in His Right Hand and Who Walks among the 7 Gold Lamp-stands." (1)
"I know what you have done; I know how hard you have worked and how patient you have been. I know that you cannot tolerate evil people and that you have tested those who say they are apostles but are not, and have found out that they are liars. You are patient, you have suffered for my sake, and you have not given up." (2-3)
"But this is what I have against you: 'YOU DO NOT LOVE ME NOW as you did at first. Think HOW FAR YOU HAVE FALLEN! Turn from your sins and DO WHAT YOU DID AT FIRST. If you do not turn from your sins, I will come to you and take your Lamp-stand from its place.' " (4-5)
"But this is what you have in your favor: 'YOU HATE WHAT THE NICOLAITANS DO, as much as I do." (6)
Ephesus, once called by a Roman writer "The Light of Asia, with a population of 300,000, was the chief commercial port city of the Province on the West Coast of Asia Minor. It was the center of the worship of the Mother Earth's power in Western Asia and the city was full of wizards, sorcerers, witches, astrologers, diviners who used all kind of ritual practices, and magic.
Ephesus was the Gate-Way of Asia. One of its distinctions, laid down by STATUTE, was that when a Roman proconsul came to take up office as governor of Asia, he must 'disembark at Ephesus' or 'be baptized by the power of Mother Earth' and then enter his province invested with her power.
For all travelers and trade, from Cayster and the Maeander Valleys, from Galatia, from Euphrates and from Mesopotamia, EPHESUS WAS THE HIGHWAY TO ROME.
In the New Testament Era Ephesus was the 4th greatest city in the World, after Rome, Alexandria in Egypt, and Antioch of Syria. Christians were brought from Asia to be flung to the lions in Rome's arena, and, because of it, Ephesus was called THE HIGHWAY OF THE MARTYRS.
The apostle Paul first visited Ephesus on return from his missionary journey where he "entered the synagogue and 'reasoned' with the Jews. Before that episode he went first to Corinth.
Acts 18, says: "Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently came from Italy with his wife Priscilla, for Emperor Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and stayed and worked with them, because he earned his living by 'making tents,' just as they did. He held discussions in the synagogue every Sabbath, trying to 'convince' both Jews and Greeks." (1-5)
"When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul gave his whole time to preaching the Message testifying to the Jews that JESUS IS THE MESSIAH. When they 'opposed him' and said 'evil things' about JESUS, Paul protested by shaking the dust from his clothes and saying to them, "IF YOU ARE LOST, YOU YOURSELVES MUST TAKE THE BLAME FOR IT! I am Paul, and I am not responsible for it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." (6-7)
"Paul left them and went and went to live in the house of a Gentile named Titius Justus, who worshiped GOD; his house was next to the synagogue. Crispus, who was the leader of the synagogue, believed in the LORD, together with all his family; and many other people in Corinth heard the Message, believed and were baptized." (8)
"One night Paul had a VISION in which the LORD said to him, "DO NOT BE AFRAID, but KEEP ON SPEAKING and DO NOT GIVE UP, for I AM WITH YOU. No one will be able to harm you, for MANY IN THIS CITY ARE MY PEOPLE." So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching the people the WORD OF GOD." (9-11)
When Gallio was made the Roman governor of Achaia, Jews there (against the Message) got together and 'seized Paul,' and took him into Court. "This man," they said, "is trying to 'persuade' people to 'worship GOD in 'a Way' that is against our Law!"
Paul was about to speak when Gallio said to the Jews there, "If this were a matter of some evil crime or wrong that has been committed, it would be reasonable for me to be patient with you Jews. But since IT IS AN ARGUMENT about WORDS and NAMES and YOUR OWN LAW, you yourselves must settle it. I will not be the Judge of such things!" Gallio drove them out of the Court. Then, they all grabbed Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the Court. But that did not bother Gallio a bit." (12-17)
After staying with the believers in Corinth for a time, Paul left them and sailed off with Priscilla and Aquila for Syria. Before sailing from Cenchreae Paul had his head shaved because of a Vow he had taken. They arrived in Ephesus , where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He went into the synagogue and held discussions with the Jews. The people asked Paul to stay longer, but Paul would not consent. Instead, Paul told them as he left, "If it is the WILL OF GOD, I will come back to you."
And so Paul sailed from Ephesus. When he arrived at Caesarea, he went to Jerusalem and greeted the Church, and then went to Antioch. After spending some time there, he left and went through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the Believers." (18-23)
"At that time a Jew named Apollos, who had been born in Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent speaker and had a thorough knowledge of the Scripture. He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord, and with great enthusiasm he proclaimed and taught correctly the Facts about Jesus. However, Apollo knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took Apollos home with them and explained to him more correctly the Way of God. Apollos then decided to go Achaia, so the believers in Ephesus helped him by writing to the believers in Achaia, urging them to welcome him. When Apollos arrived, he was a great help to those who through GOD's Grace had become believers. For with his strong arguments Apollos defeated the Jews (against the Message) in public debates by proving from the Scripture that JESUS IS THE MESSIAH. (24-28)
The name "Nicolaitans" comes from the Greek word "Nikolaus," which is a compound of the words Nikos, meaning 'to conquer' or 'to subdue' and Laos, meaning 'the people,' from where we get 'laity.'
When these two words are compunded into one, they form the name "Nikolaus," which literally means "one who conquers and subdues the people."
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