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The Meaning of the Priestly Blessing in Numbers chapter 6

THE PRIESTLY BENEDICTION

According to rabbinical sources, this priestly benediction-consisting of fifteen words- was to be prayed only by the high priest, following the evening and morning daily offerings. The high priest raised both hands above his head and over the people, joining his hands at the thumbs in the shape of the Hebrew Letter Shin, a letter representing the Name of God. He then pronounced seven different blessings over the people. Numbers 6:22-27 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.

the Hebrew Letter Shin
  1. The Lord bless you.
    • The Hebrew word Bless is bāraḵ.
      • Strong’s H1288 בָּרַךְ bârak, baw-rak’; a primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (God or the king, as treason):—× abundantly, × altogether, × at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, × greatly, × indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, × still, thank.
  2. The Lord keep you. The Hebrew word for keep is šāmar.
    •  Strong’s H8104 שָׁמַר shâmar, shaw-mar’; a primitive root; properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.:—beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man).
  3. The Lord make His face shine upon you: This word pânîym is the common Hebrew word for face.
    • פָּנִים pânîym, paw-neem’; plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun פָּנֶה pâneh; from H6437); the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively);
  4. The Lord be gracious unto you: Gracious in Hebrew is chânan or ḥānan.
    • חָנַן chânan, khaw-nan’; a primitive root (compare H2583); properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e. move to favor by petition):—beseech, × fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, × very.
  5. The Lord lift His countenance upon you: The word for countenance is also pânîym. (See number 3)
  6. The Lord give you peace: The Hebrew word for peace here is shâlôwm.
    • שָׁלוֹם shâlôwm, shaw-lome’; or שָׁלֹם shâlôm; from H7999; safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace:—× do, familiar, × fare, favour, friend, × great, (good) health, (× perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, (× all is, be) well, × wholly.
  7. The priest then spoke the name of the Lord over the people God’s name is significant. God leads the people who exalt His name.

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Witness of the Stars: Crux (the Cross)

 CRUX (The Cross)

The Cross Endured

The Hebrew name was Adom, which means cutting off, as in Dan. ix. 26:—“After threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off.” The last letter of the Hebrew alphabet was called Tau, which was anciently made in the form of a cross. The ancient Phœnician was [Symbol: right-tilted cross]; the ancient Hebrew, as found on coins, was [Symbol: right-tilted cross] and [Symbol: vertical cross]; the Aramaic, as found on Egyptian monuments, was a transition [Symbol: tilted cross] or [Symbol: stretched cross], which passed into the present square Hebrew character ת. This letter is called Tau, and means a mark; especially a boundary-mark, a limit or finish. And it is the last letter, which finishes the Hebrew alphabet to this day.

Plate 6: Crux (the Cross)

The Southern Cross was just visible in the latitude of Jerusalem at the time of the first coming of our Lord to die. Since then, through the gradual recession of the Polar Star, it has not been seen in northern latitudes. It gradually disappeared and became invisible at Jerusalem when the Real Sacrifice was offered there; and tradition, which preserved its memory, assured travelers that if they could go far enough south it would be again seen. Dante sang of “the four stars never beheld but by the early race of men.” It was not until the sixteenth century had dawned that missionaries and voyagers, doubling the Cape for the first time, and visiting the tropics and southern seas, brought back the news of “a wonderful cross more glorious than all the constellations of the heavens.”

It is a small asterism, containing only about five stars, viz., one of the 1st magnitude, two of the 2nd, one of the 3rd, and one of the 4th. Four of these are in the form of a cross.

Long before the Christian Era this sign of the Cross had lost its true meaning, and had been perverted in Babylon and Egypt as it has since been desecrated by Rome. The Persians and Egyptians worshipped it. The cakes made and eaten in honour of the Queen of Heaven were marked with it. This heathen custom Rome has adopted and adapted in her Good Friday cakes, which are thus stamped. But all are alike ignorant of what it means, viz., “IT IS FINISHED.”

In Egypt, and in the earliest times, it was the sign and symbol of life. To-day, Romanists use it as the symbol of death! But it means life! Natural life given up, and eternal life procured. Atonement, finished, perfect, and complete; never to be repeated, or added to. All who partake of its benefits in Christ now, in grace, by faith “ARE made nigh by the blood of Christ” (Eph. ii. 13), and of them Jesus says, “He that heareth my voice, and believeth on Him that sent me HATH everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment; but IS PASSED from death unto life” (John v. 24). So perfect and complete is the work which Jesus finished on the Cross that we cannot seek to add even our repentance, faith, tears, or prayers, without practically asserting that the work of Christ is not finished, and is not sufficient!

The Hebrew names of this constellation—Adom and Tau—rebuke our Pharisaic spirit, which is the relic and essence of all false religions, and points to the blessed fact that the Sacrifice was offered “once for all,” and the atoning work of Redemption completely finished on Calvary.

“’Tis finished! the Messiah dies!

Cut off for sins, but not His own;

Accomplished is the sacrifice,

The great redeeming work is done.”

In the ancient Egyptian Zodiac of Denderah this first Decan of Libra is represented as a lion with his tongue hanging out of his mouth, as if in thirst, and a female figure holding a cup out to him. Under his fore feet is the hieroglyphic symbol of running water. What is all this but “the Lion of the tribe of Judah” brought down “into the dust of death,” and saying “I am poured out like water … my strength is dried up” (Ps. xxii. 13-18): “I thirst” (John xix. 28): “and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink” (Ps. lxix. 21)?

The Egyptian name of this Lion, however, points to his ultimate triumph, for it is called Sera, that is, victory!

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Understanding the Jewish Tallit: History and Significance

THE HISTORY OF THE JEWISH TALLIT (PRAYER SHAWL)

The Torah instructs Jews to attach “fringes to the corners of their garments” (Numbers 15:38). The Jewish tallit, or prayer shawl, is a white rectangular garment worn by devout Jews during morning services on weekdays, the Sabbath, and festivals. Typically made from lamb’s wool, cotton, or silk, a tallit never combines wool and linen, as this mixture is prohibited in the Torah (Leviticus 19:19). Each tallit features special knotted fringes, known as arba kanfot, on its four corners. These fringes, called tzitzit, are tied in a particular way, with each knot holding specific significance.

For years, the stripes on the tallit were black because the source of the blue dye for the thread was unknown. Research later revealed that the blue dye came from the shell of a Mediterranean mussel, the Helix ianthina, which produced a shade known as cerulean purple—a mix between blue and purple. A tzitzit traditionally has 613 knots to symbolize the 613 commandments in Jewish law. The fringes, whether knotted or not, serve as a reminder to follow God’s commandments, as mentioned in Numbers 15:39. Tallit sizes can range from thirty-six by fifty-four inches to seventy-two by ninety-six inches.

A band is sown on the top called the Atarah, or the crown, and often is embroidered in silver Hebrew letters, with a special prayer: “Blessed are You, our God, Creator of time and space, who enriches our lives with holiness, commanding us to wrap ourselves in the tallit.”

In more Orthodox communities, men wear the tallit while women do not, as it’s considered a man’s garment, and the Torah prohibits women from wearing men’s clothing (see Deuteronomy 22:5). Observant Jews are often buried in their tallit, but with two changes: the neckband is removed, and one corner fringe is cut off to signify that the deceased is no longer bound by Torah obligations.

The hem of Jesus’ garment would have had fringes on it because He would have keep the commandment of Numbers 15:38-40 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the Lord, and do them ; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.

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The Two Blind Men

THE TWO BLIND MEN

When Jesus had left the house of the ruler Jairus, there followed Him two blind men. They called out to Him, “Thou Son of David, have mercy upon us.”

Then Jesus looked at them, and asked if they really believed that He had power to cure them and give them back their sight. And they said unto Him, “Yea, Lord.” Then He touched their eyes, and said unto them, “According to your faith, so be it unto you.” And immediately they opened their eyes and were able to see. Jesus charged them to let no man know what He had done. But when they were departed they spread His fame abroad over all that country.

Another time Christ and His disciples were coming away from Jericho, followed by a large crowd of people. And there was sitting by the wayside a blind beggar, Bartimeus by name; and when he heard the noise of the multitude, he asked what it meant. They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth passeth by.” Then he cried out in a loud voice, saying, “Jesus, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.” The people tried to keep him from calling out, but he would not be quiet. He was determined that Christ should see him. And Jesus stood still and commanded them to call him. So, he arose and cast away his outer garment and came to Jesus. When Jesus asked what he would have done to him, he answered, “Lord, that I might receive my sight.” And Jesus said unto him, “Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.” And he received his sight at once, and followed Jesus, praising Him.

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Why Churches Must Address Noise Levels for Children

My daughter recently wrote about churches and the loudness of the music. If you have not read it, please do. Here is the link Why Churches Should Consider Noise Levels for Children with Noise sensitivity.

I am thankful for my daughter being as high functioning on the Autism spectrum as she is. I know that many other parents have it so much worse than I do. My heart goes out to all of the parents who are trying to figure out what to do. I don’t know why there is more people being diagnosed with autism. However, I am beginning to see it as a test for the churches, after my daughter showed me a verse in the Bible. Here is the verse.

  •  Matthew 18:5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

This is Jesus talking in the above verse. My daughter looks at things differently than I do. She said that to reject a child is the same thing as rejecting Jesus, because those who receive a child in the name of Jesus receives Jesus. Think about those words.

Then she pointed out that the public library is more sensitive than the church is to the needs of the children. So, the test is will the church receive children who are different? Failure to receive all children in the Name of Jesus is failure to receive Jesus.

I am not saying that children should not be taught as much as possible how to behave in church. I am saying that children should be loved, considered, cared for, and appropriate accommodations provided for.

Here are some examples of what a library system is doing.

Notice how accommodating the library is. Various items are being provided by the library to help the children. Unnecessary light and sound elements are being turned off. The library is normally a quiet place. They are going above and beyond by offering to turn off any additional sound elements. I am thankful that the library is offering this. I have not had to use this with my daughter, because the library is already quiet enough for her. Everyone on the spectrum has different issues. It is not a one size fits all kind of thing. I am grateful that the library is trying to do something. I hope and pray that the churches step up and try harder to communicate with the parents about what the needs are and how they can help and support. I do know that the number 1 thing that they can do is take it seriously when the people say that the music is too loud.

At the church we are currently attending, the music is loud. With earplugs my daughter is able to sit/ stand in the back. She is unable to go to the front of the church because of the music.

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A Timeline of Jonah

  • Father of Jonah or  (Jona’s)  in Matthew 12:40
    • Jonah the son of Amittai
      •  Jonah 1:1
        • Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,

Name Meanings

  • The name Jonah is from the Hebrew name יוֹנָה (Yona) meaning “dove”.
  • Jonah Father’s name Amittai Means “my truth” in Hebrew, a possessive form of אֱמֶת (ʾemeṯ) meaning “truth”.

The Lord told Jonah to go to Nineveh, but Jonah arose and fled to Joppa. At Joppa he went to the docks to get on a ship going to Tarnish.

  • Jonah 1:3
    • But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord

You can’t run from God. He is the only one who can be everywhere, you can run but God will all aways catch up with you like Jonah. In the end you do what God called you for, like Jonah or you may die, and God, will pick someone else.

  • Lord catches up with Jonah and brings a windstorm that was likely to break the ship
    • Jonah 1: 4
      • But the Lord sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.
  • The seamen were afraid and cried every man unto his god.
    • Jonah 1:5-6
      •  Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.
      • So, the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, what meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so, be that God will think upon us, that we perish not
  • Casting lots to see who brough the storm on them.
    • Jonah 1:7-9 
      • And they said everyone to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.
        • Then said they unto him, tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us; What is thine occupation? and whence comets thou? what is thy country? and of what people art thou?
        • And he said unto them, I am a Hebrew; and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land
  • Jonah told them to cast him into the sea
    • Jonah 1:10-12
      •  Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him. Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them.
      • Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous.
      •  And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.
  • Jonah was cast into the sea.
    • Jonah 1:13-15
      •  Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them.
      •  Wherefore they cried unto the Lord, and said, We beseech thee, O Lord, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O Lord, hast done as it pleased thee.
      •  So, they took up Jonah and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging.
  • Seamen made a sacrifice and made vows.
    • Jonah 1:16
      •  Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the Lord, and made vows.
  • Jonah was swallow by a whale.
    • Jonah 1:17
      •  Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.
    • Matthew 12:-40
      •  For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth
  • Jonah prayed while in the belly of the whale.
    • Jonah 2:1-9
      •  Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish’s belly,
      • And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou headrest my voice.
      •  For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me.
      • Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple.
      • The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head.
      • I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me forever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O Lord my God.
      • When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.
      • They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.
      • But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.
  • Jonah was vomited out on dry land.
    • Jonah 2:10
      • And the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land
  • The Lord told Jonah to go the great city of Ninevah.
    • Jonah 3:1-3
      •  And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying,
      • Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.
      • So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days’ journey.
  • Jonah went to Nineveh to tell  them.
    • Jonah 3:4
      • And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown
  • The City of Nineveh repented.
    • Jonah 3:5-9
      •  So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
      •  For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
      •  And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything: let them not feed, nor drink water:
      •  But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn everyone from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.
      •  Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?
  • God forgive them.
    • Jonah 3: 10
      •  And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
  • Jonah grew angry.
    • Jonah 4:3
      • Therefore now, O Lord, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.
  • God ask why?
    • Jonah 4:4
      • Then said the Lord, Doest thou well to be angry?
  • Jonah waited to see what would happen to Nineveh. God caused a gourd to grow.
    • Jonah 4:5-6
      •  So, Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city.
      • And the Lord God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So, Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd.
  • God sent a worm to eat the gourd.
    • Jonah 4:7-8
      • But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered.
      • And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live.
  • Jonah is sad that the gourd died.
    • Jonah 4:8
      •  And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live.
  • God ask why Jonah was sad about gourd but mad that the city was spared?
    • Jonah 4:9-11
      •  And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death.
      • Then said the Lord, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night:
      • And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle

This is the end of Jonah and his story   No one knows what happen after that to Jonah. People have ideas but they are only ideas about what happened.

Bible Studies by Bell

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Why Churches Should Consider Noise Levels for Children with Noise sensitivity

I think we should read this verse it says that God can us hear so why do some our church have screaming and boom boom for music? Why can’t some children go to church? {I am meaning the poor children that need ear plugs for go to the library}.

Kids who need ear plugs to go to the library can be referred to as having auditory overstimulation noise sensitivity. This condition can be caused by various factors, including ADHD, autism, or exposure to loud environments. If the library can realize they need to have time of day for these children, why can’t the church? So why can’t the church realize they need to turn the music down? Jesus says let the children come to me but if they can’t go to the library without ear plugs how’re they going to go to the church that have booming and screaming for music?

I, Bell, am autistic. The so-called music at the church for me is nothing but booming thunder and screaming. I like to sing to God but at church, I don’t sing at all. I just stand there and try to survive. It is hard to even think about anything. Sometimes it even gives me headaches. That is not right. It is hindering me from worshiping God. That is the same as keeping me from going to Jesus. I am sure that this will prevent others from going to Jesus. At one church I went to the preacher said, “I just turn off my hearing aid, and I hear it perfectly.” That is wrong and should be a sign that the music is too loud. That should be a reason to turn it down.

Jesus often taught by simply talking to the people. Jesus never screamed at the children. Yes, the Bible does say shout praised to the Lord. However, you need to remember at that time there was no electric instruments, speakers, or microphones. The people just used their natural voice.

  • King James Bible Isaish 59:1
    • Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
  • New King James Version: Isaish 59:1
    • Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear.
  • New International Version: Isaish 59:1
    • Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.
  • New Living Translation: Isaish 59:1
    • Listen! The LORD’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call.
  • English Standard Version: Isaish 59:1
    • Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear;
  • Berean Standard Bible: Isaish 59:1
    • Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear.
  • New American Standard Bible: Isaish 59:1
    • Behold, the LORD’S hand is not so short That it cannot save; Nor is His ear so dull That it cannot hear.
  • Amplified Bible Isaish 59 :1
    • Behold, the LORD’S hand is not so short That it cannot save, Nor His ear so impaired That it cannot hear.
  • Christian Standard Bible : Isaish 59 :1
    • Indeed, the LORD’s arm is not too weak to save, and his ear is not too deaf to hear.
  • Holman Christian Standard Bible: Isaish 59:1
    • Indeed, the LORD’s hand is not too short to save, and His ear is not too deaf to hear.

Other References

  • Matthew 18:1-6
    • At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
    • And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
    • And said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
    •  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
    •  And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receives me.
    • But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it was better for him that a millstone was hanged about his neck, and that he was drowned in the depth of the sea.
  • Mark 10:13-16
    • And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
    •  But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
    •  Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
    •  And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
  • Matthew 19 :13-15
    •  Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
    •  But Jesus said, suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
    • And he laid his hands on them and departed thence.
  • Mark 9:36-37
    • And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,
    • Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
  • Luke 18:15-17
    • And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
    •  But Jesus called them unto him, and said, suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
    • Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
Bible Studies by Bell

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The Children’s Six Minutes: If I Were a Boy Again

IF I WERE A BOY AGAIN

Chicago University, one of the great schools of America and the world, received its impetus from the tireless energy and brilliant leadership of its great President, Dr. Harper. After his death there was found among his papers a memorandum which read as follows:

“If I were a boy again I would strive to find out from goods books how good men lived.

“If I were a boy again I would study the Bible even more than I did. I would make it a mental companion. The Bible is a necessity for every boy.

“If I were a boy again I would more and more cultivate the company of those older whose graces of person and mind would help me on in my good work. I would always seek good company.

“If I were a boy again I would study the life and character of our Saviour, persistently, that I might become more and more like unto him.”

Now President Harper was a great, wise and good man. If he felt that he would do certain [69]things were he a boy again, surely the rest of us could improve upon our boyhood years had we the chance.

If I were a boy again I would be more attentive to Church and Sunday School and the things that were taught me there. If I were a boy again I would get my day school lessons with greater care. If I were a boy again I would be more obedient to and more thoughtful of my parents.

Why should I talk like this, for I cannot be a boy again? But you boys have your boyhood. It is a present reality. Let President Harper teach you. Be the boy he pictures.

MEMORY VERSE, Psalm 103: 1-5

“Bless the Lord, O my soul … who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

MEMORY HYMN

“By cool Siloam’s shady rill.”

THE CHILDREN’S SIX MINUTES by Bruce S. Wright

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Called to Be Holy: Living a Godly Life

When Jesus died the curtail separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies was torn into. Today our high priest is Jesus.

  • Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The throne of grace is similar to the mercy seat that was built on the Ark of the Covenant. We are now all called to be part of the royal priesthood.

  • 1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

That means there is no need for the priest like Israel had before Jesus came. However, that does not mean that God is any less Holy. God still says for us to be Holy for he is Holy.

  •  1 Peter 1:14-16 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
  • Leviticus 11:44-45 For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. For I am the Lord that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.
  • Leviticus 19:2 Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy.

Peter quotes from the Old Testament when he writes “Be ye Holy”. Peter explains that we are to be Holy in all manner of conversation.

  • All manner of Conversation is a phrase.
    • ἀναστροφή anastrophḗ, an-as-trof-ay’; from G390; behavior:—conversation.
    • STRONGS G391: ἀναστροφή, -ῆς, ἡ, (from the passive ἀναστρέφομαι, see the preceding word), properly, ‘walk,’ i. e. manner of life, behavior, conduct (German Lebenswandel): Galatians 1:13; Ephesians 4:22; 1 Timothy 4:12; James 3:13; 1 Peter 1:15, 18; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 3:1f, 16; 2 Peter 2:7; plural ἅγιαιἀναστροφαί the ways in which holy living shows itself, 2 Peter 3:11. Hence, life in so far as it is comprised in conduct, Hebrews 13:7. 
    • Basically, it means in everything that you do, be Holy.
  • Holy
    • ἅγιος hágios, hag’-ee-os; from ἅγος hágos (an awful thing) (compare G53, H2282); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated):—(most) holy (one, thing), saint.

We are called to be Holy just as God is Holy. We are not to act more holy than everyone else. We are to walk righteously before God and others. In all that we do and say, we are to glorify and be pleasing unto God.

We are called to be a

  • royal priesthood
    • royal: of, relating to, or subject to the crown
      • God is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords
      • We are His adopted children.
    • priesthood
      • the office, dignity, or character of a priest
      • Priest: someone who is authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion especially as a mediatory agent between humans and God
  • holy nation
    • We are now part of God’s eternal kingdom.
  • a peculiar people
    • peculiar: different from the usual or normal:
    • We are not called to act or look like the rest of the world. We are called to be children of the Most High God.

We all of this in mind think about

  • how you act on a daily basis.
  • how you are dressing.
  • how you are talking to others.
  • how you are treating others.
  • what you are spending your time doing.
  • Does your behavior reflect the love of God?
  • Is your style of dress that of a Godly person? or is it more of a worldly person?
  • Would anyone know from what you talk about that you are a Christian?
  • Is what you are watching, reading, or playing pleasing to God?

1 Peter 4:17-18 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

1 Corinthians 11:30-32 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Now is the time to make corrections. Now is the time to repent. Now is the time to judge ourselves before God has to step in and so to speak clean house with a whip. Remember Jesus made a whip and cleaned house while he was on earth.

  • John 2:15-16  And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.
  • Matthew 21:12-13 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Today we normally don’t allow buying and selling in the House of God. However, many people made the word of God into nothing more than merchandise. Paul talked about this in his writings as he was explaining that his group and him were not like the others.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:17 (amp) For we are not like many, [acting like merchants] peddling God’s word [shortchanging and adulterating God’s message]; but from pure [uncompromised] motives, as [commissioned and sent] from God, we speak [His message] in Christ in the sight of God.

When you are acting more like a merchant than a messenger of God, you only teach, preach, or focus on what brings in the crowd and you ignore the rest (holiness, obedience, etc.). You often compromise the true and allow unholy things to come into the Church and lives. If you are guilty of this, repent.

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The Holy Spirit at Work Before the Day of Pentecost

The moving of the Spirit of the Lord was the key to the defeat of Israel’s enemies. The Holy Spirit manifested during creation as He “moved upon the face of the waters” (Gen. 1:2). He manifests the tangible presence of the Almighty with a personality that can be grieved (see Eph. 4:30) and
blasphemed (see Matt. 12:31).

In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit “came upon” people, and in the New Covenant He comes to dwell within believers (see John 14:16). The Holy Spirit “came upon” or “filled” many people over a long period of time prior to the Day of Pentecost described in Acts 2:1-4. Every time the Holy Spirit came upon people an action occurred. This action was often times speaking. Below is a chart about who the Spirit came upon and what the action occurred. This is not an exhausted list of every time the Holy Spirit came upon the people.

WhoScripture Reference
BezalelExodus 31:1-5 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.
AholiabExodus 31:6 And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;
MosesNumbers 11:25 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him; and He took some of the Spirit who was upon Moses and put Him upon the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied [praising God and declaring His will], but they did not do it again.
The seventy elders of IsraelNumbers 11:25-26 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and spoke to him; and He took some of the Spirit who was upon Moses and put Him upon the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested upon them, they prophesied [praising God and declaring His will], but they did not do it again. But two men had remained in the camp; one named Eldad and the other named Medad. The Spirit rested upon them (now they were among those who had been registered, but had not gone out to the Tent), and they prophesied in the camp.
BalaamNumbers 24:2 And Balaam raised his eyes and he saw Israel living in their tents tribe by tribe; and the Spirit of God came on him. 
OthnielJudges 3:9-10 But when the Israelites cried out to the Lord [for help], the Lord raised up a man to rescue the people of Israel, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother.  The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he judged Israel. He went out to war, and the Lord gave Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand, and he prevailed over Cushan-rishathaim.
GideonJudges 6:34 So the Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon [and empowered him]; and he blew a trumpet, and the Abiezrites were called together [as a militia] to follow him. 
JephthahJudges 11:29 Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh, and Mizpah of Gilead, and from Mizpah of Gilead he passed on to the Ammonites. 
SamsonJudges 14:6 The Spirit of the Lord came upon him (Samson) mightily, and he tore the lion apart as one tears apart a young goat, and he had nothing at all in his hand; but he did not tell his father or mother what he had done.
Saul1 Samuel 10:9-10 Then it happened when Saul turned his back to leave Samuel, God changed his heart; and all those signs came to pass that day. When they came to the hill [Gibeah], behold, a group of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came on him mightily, and he prophesied [under divine guidance] among them.
David1 Samuel 16:13  Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed David in the presence of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah.
Saul’s messengers1 Samuel 19:20 Then Saul sent messengers to take David; but when they saw the group of prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing and presiding over them, the Spirit of God came on the messengers of Saul; and they also prophesied.
Elijah1 Kings 18:46 And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.
The hand or Spirit of the Lord was upon Elijah, and he ran fastest than a chariot.
Elisha2 Kings 2:9-15 And when they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.”  He said, “You have asked for a difficult thing. However, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.”  As they continued along and talked, behold, a chariot of fire with horses of fire [appeared suddenly and] separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.  Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” And he no longer saw Elijah. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces [in grief]. He picked up the mantle of Elijah that fell off him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan. He took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and struck the waters and said, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” And when he too had struck the waters, they divided this way and that, and Elisha crossed over.
Amasai1 Chronicles 12:18 Then the [Holy] Spirit came on Amasai, who was chief of the thirty, and he said,
“We are yours, O David,
And with you, O son of Jesse!
Peace, peace be to you,
And peace be to him who helps you;
For your God helps you.”
Then David accepted and received them and made them officers of his troops.
Azariah2 Chronicles 15:1 Now the Spirit of God came on Azariah the son of Oded,
Jahaziel 2 Chronicles 20:14 Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the Lord in the midst of the congregation; And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.
Zechariah2 Chronicles 24:20  Then the Spirit of God came over Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, and he stood above the people and said to them, “This is what God has said: ‘Why do you transgress the commandments of the Lord so that you cannot prosper? Because you have abandoned (turned away from) the Lord, He has also abandoned (turned away from) you.’”
All of the Writers of the Old Testament2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
All of the true ProphetsHebrews 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Mary Luke 1:34-35 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
ElizabethLuke 1:41-42 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
ZechariahLuke 1:67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, (see Luke 1:68-79)
John the BaptistLuke 1:15-17 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
Simeon Luke 2:25-28 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, (see Luke 2:29-35)
Anna Luke 2:36-38 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity; And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
The Messiah/ Jesus ChristIsaiah 11:2 And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him—
The Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The Spirit of counsel and strength,
The Spirit of knowledge and of the [reverential and obedient] fear of the Lord—
Isaiah 42:1 “Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold;
My Chosen One in whom My soul delights.
I have put My Spirit upon Him;
He will bring forth justice to the nations.
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
Because the Lord has anointed and commissioned me
To bring good news to the humble and afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up [the wounds of] the brokenhearted,
To proclaim release [from confinement and condemnation] to the [physical and spiritual] captives
And freedom to prisoners,
Matthew 3:16 After Jesus was baptized, He came up immediately out of the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he (John) saw the [l]Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him (Jesus), 
Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me (the Messiah),
Because He has anointed Me to preach the good news to the poor.
He has sent Me to announce release (pardon, forgiveness) to the captives,
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set free those who are oppressed (downtrodden, bruised, crushed by tragedy),
The DisciplesJohn 20:19-22 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

 Joel prophesied of time when everyone would be filled with the Holy Spirit.

  • Joel 2:28-29 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

That time came on the Day of Pentecost in the upper room.

  •  Acts 2:1-4
    • And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
    • And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
    • And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
    • And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Now everyone can be filled with the Holy Spirit. This occurs when you except Jesus and invite Him into your heart. He is a gentle man. He never comes in uninvited.

  • Rev. 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

If you have not experienced some sort of action since you “got saved”, please pray about this. Every time that the Holy Spirit (Spirit of God) came upon the people it was followed by an action. Most of the time that action was speaking, but there was always an action. For those who lived righteously, it was continual thing.

Here is a song that used to be popular about the Spirit of God Moving.

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