A place to grow your relationship with God

Posts tagged ‘Jesus’

Embracing Holiness: A Guide for Modern Christians

Christians are called to live Holy lives. In Leviticus 19:2 it says, “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.” Here it is plain to see that the Israelites were called to live Holy Lives. Look at Exodus 15:5-6 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

Unfortunately, in Exodus 20:18-19 is says, “And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”

Later they broke the covenant by sinning.

Today Christians are once again offered the chance to be a kingdom of Priests.

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; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10

Christians are called to be a Holy Nation. That does not mean that we always will live in a Holy Nation. We are collectively the Holy Nation. Christians should have more allegiance to our heavenly Kingdom than any other nation.

Christians are to be a royal priesthood. The royal part says that we are children of the King. Therefore, we should act prince and princes. That does not mean be snobby, stuck up, or rude. It means that we should be ambassadors for Christ. Remember that ambassadors represent the nation that they are sent from. We are on this earth, but are home is not here. We are only passing through. As we pass through, we are called to represent Christ to those we come into contact with.

The priesthood part means that we are allowed to come boldly before the throne room of God through prayer anytime we want. We can and should talk with him daily about what is going on in the land that we are currently living in.

As representators of God, we are called to live Holy lives. See 1 Thessalonians 4:7 “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.”

Men and Women alike are called to live a life of Holiness as part of the kingdom of Priests.

  • I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 1 Peter 2:8-10

Notice that men are to pray lifting up Holy hands. They are to do this without wrath and doubting. In other words, men are to lead in prayer. They are not called to lift their hands in wrath.

  • wrath (meaning according to the dictionary)
    • strong vengeful anger or indignation
    • retributory punishment for an offense or a crime : divine chastisement

All this violence that men are seen doing is not of God. Men are called to pray, not hit or act in anger.

Women are to be in like manner. This means women should pray as well without wrath or doubting. Women are also instructed to adorn themselves in modest apparel. This means that women should not look like the world’s ideas of high fashion. They are to dress in a way as professing godliness, not worldliness.

Holiness should be a defining trademark of how all Christians live. This Holiness should be inward as well as outward. Just an outward appearance of holiness does not cut it because God sees our heart. However, the statement: God knows my heart is getting old.

  • Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:18

Bad trees don’t produce good fruit; and good trees don’t produce bad fruit. So, if your heart is clean the fruit: your behavior, appearance, and speech should be getting better and better. This staying the same is not cutting it. We are called to be in the world not of the world. Noticed what Jesus prayed in John 17:15-16:  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

Stop acting like the rest of the world and start living Holy Lives like as an ambassador of the Heavenly Father.

Bible Studies for Overcoming Life’s Challenges

Category:

General Bible Study, Scriptural Articles

Tagged with:

The Biblical Call to Rest: Discovering Sabbath Meaning

The word Sabbath comes from Hebrew. So, what does Sabbath mean? Could the meaning of the word give us any clues as to how we should respond.

  • In Hebrew:
    • H7676: Sabbat from H7673; specifically, the Sabbath intermission
    • H7673: to repose, in desist from exertion
  • In Greek:
    • G4521: Sabbaton of Hebrew origin (H7676) Sabbath or day of weekly repose from secular avocations

There are some interesting words in these definitions. Here are some definitions:

  • repose:
    • the state of being at rest; sleep
    • peace or tranquility; calm
    • absence of movement or animation
  • exertion:
    • vigorous action or effort
  • avocations:
    • something a person does in addition to a principal occupation, hobby
  • desist:
    • stop

So, what does all of this mean? It means that time should be set aside to stop and just spend some time with Jesus.

Genesis 2:1-3 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

God rested as an example for us. God also gave creation as a reason to keep sabbath.

Exodus 20:8-11 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Even today we need to have set time to stop and remember the work of God in our lives. We need to remember the work that Jesus did on the cross. Jesus calls all to come to him for rest. Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Many years ago there was a song that talked about spending time with God. It is called Take time to be Holy by Author: William D. Longstaff (ca. 1882). I have put it below for you to read/ sing.

1 Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
abide in Him always, and feed on His word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

2 Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
spend much time in secret with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

3 Take time to be holy, let Him be thy guide,
and run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
and, looking to Jesus, still trust in His word.

4 Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

This is a fitting song when thinking about the sabbath. We should take time every day to spend with God. We should also set aside a day just for God. We need to remember to Take Time to Be Holy.

The Seven Appointed Times of God

Category:

bible, Bible Study, Feasts of God, Scriptural Articles, word study

Tagged with:

Entendiendo la Cena de las Bodas del Cordero

Apocalipsis 19:6- capítulo 21
Y oí como la voz de una gran multitud, como el estruendo de muchas aguas, y como la voz de grandes truenos, que decía: ¡Aleluya, porque el Señor nuestro Dios Todopoderoso reina! Apocalipsis 19:6

La Cena de las Bodas del Cordero (Apocalipsis 19:7-10)

  • Gocémonos y alegrémonos y démosle gloria; porque han llegado las bodas del Cordero, y su esposa se ha preparado. 

  • Y a ella se le ha concedido que se vista de lino fino, limpio y resplandeciente; porque el lino fino es las acciones justas de los santos.

  • Y el ángel me dijo: Escribe: Bienaventurados los que son llamados a la cena de las bodas del Cordero. Y me dijo: Estas son palabras verdaderas de Dios. 

  • Yo me postré a sus pies para adorarle. Y él me dijo: Mira, no lo hagas; yo soy consiervo tuyo, y de tus hermanos que retienen el testimonio de Jesús. Adora a Dios; porque el testimonio de Jesús es el espíritu de la profecía.

El Regreso del Rey de Reyes y Señor de Señores (Apocalipsis 19:11-16)

  • Entonces vi el cielo abierto; y he aquí un caballo blanco, y el que lo montaba se llamaba Fiel y Verdadero, y con justicia juzga y pelea. 
  • Sus ojos eran como llama de fuego, y había en su cabeza muchas diademas; y tenía un nombre escrito que ninguno conocía sino él mismo. 
  • Estaba vestido de una ropa teñida en sangre; y su nombre es: EL VERBO DE DIOS. 
  • Y los ejércitos celestiales, vestidos de lino finísimo, blanco y limpio, le seguían en caballos blancos. 
  • De su boca sale una espada aguda, para herir con ella a las naciones, y él las regirá con vara de hierro; y él pisa el lagar del vino del furor y de la ira del Dios Todopoderoso. 
  • Y en su vestidura y en su muslo tiene escrito este nombre: REY DE REYES Y SEÑOR DE SEÑORES.

Apocalipsis Capítulo 20
Satan Atado (Apocalipsis 20:1-3)

  • Vi a un ángel que descendía del cielo, con la llave del abismo, y una gran cadena en la mano. 
  • Y prendió al dragón, la serpiente antigua, que es el diablo y Satanás, y lo ató por mil años; 
  • y lo arrojó al abismo, y lo encerró, y puso su sello sobre él, para que no engañase más a las naciones, hasta que fuesen cumplidos mil años; y después de esto debe ser desatado por un poco de tiempo.

Reinado de Santos (Apocalipsis 20:4)

  • Y vi tronos, y se sentaron sobre ellos los que recibieron facultad de juzgar; 
  • y vi las almas de los decapitados por causa del testimonio de Jesús y por la palabra de Dios, los que no habían adorado a la bestia ni a su imagen, y que no recibieron la marca en sus frentes ni en sus manos;
  • y vivieron y reinaron con Cristo mil años.

Satanás suelto (Apocalipsis 20:7-8a)

  • Cuando los mil años se cumplan, Satanás será suelto de su prisión, y saldrá a engañar a las naciones 

Gog y Magog (Apocalipsis 20:8b-9)

  • que están en los cuatro ángulos de la tierra, a Gog y a Magog, a fin de reunirlos para la batalla; el número de los cuales es como la arena del mar. 
  • Y subieron sobre la anchura de la tierra, y rodearon el campamento de los santos y la ciudad amada; y de Dios descendió fuego del cielo, y los consumió. 

Satanás lanzado (Apocalipsis 20:10)

  • Y el diablo que los engañaba fue lanzado en el lago de fuego y azufre, donde estaban la bestia y el falso profeta; y serán atormentados día y noche por los siglos de los siglos.

Gran Trono Blanco (Apocalipsis 20:11-12)

  •  Y vi un gran trono blanco y al que estaba sentado en él, de delante del cual huyeron la tierra y el cielo, y ningún lugar se encontró para ellos. 
  • Y vi a los muertos, grandes y pequeños, de pie ante Dios; y los libros fueron abiertos, y otro libro fue abierto, el cual es el libro de la vida;
  • y fueron juzgados los muertos por las cosas que estaban escritas en los libros, según sus obras. 

Lago de Fuego (Apocalipsis 20:14-15)

  • And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

  • And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

El Estado Eterno (Apocalipsis 21:1-3)

  • El Nuevo Cielo
  • La Nueva Tierra
  • La Nueva Jerusalé
    • Vi un cielo nuevo y una tierra nueva; porque el primer cielo y la primera tierra pasaron, y el mar ya no existía más. 2 Y yo Juan vi la santa ciudad, la nueva Jerusalén, descender del cielo, de Dios, dispuesta como una esposa ataviada para su marido. 3 Y oí una gran voz del cielo que decía: He aquí el tabernáculo de Dios con los hombres, y él morará con ellos; y ellos serán su pueblo, y Dios mismo estará con ellos como su Dios. Apocalipsis 21:1-3
La Eternidad de Dios: Estudio Bíblico

Category:

El fin de los tiempos y el Libro del Apocalipsis, Estudio de la Biblia,, La eternidad de Dios

Tagged with:

Understanding the Great Commission’s Key Messages

The Great Commission

  • The Great Commission is recorded in each of the three Synoptic Gospels
    • Jesus commanded the disciples to preach repentance and remission of sins in His
      name to all nations.
      • Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway even unto the end of the world. Amen.
      • Mark 16:15-18 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick. and they shall recover.
      • Luke 24:45-49 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things And, hehold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high

1. THE ELEMENTS OF THE GREAT COMMISSION

  • Belief
    • He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Mark 16:16
  • Repentance
    •  And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:47
  • Water Baptism
    • Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19
  • The Holy Ghost
    • Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19
  • Teaching
    • Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19
  • Healing
    •  They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Mark 16:18


2. JESUS’ ASCENSION

  • Jesus led the disciples to a place on the Mount of Olives near Bethany.
  • He told them to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father and they would be
    baptized with the Holy Ghost in not many days.
  • As the disciples looked skyward, two men stood by them in white apparel.
  • The two men told the disciples that the same Jesus who was taken from them up into
    heaven would return in like manner.
    • Acts 1:1-11 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them. It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while
      they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Explore Fundamental Bible Stories in Home Study

Category:

bible, Bible Study, Home Bible Study, Scriptural Articles

Tagged with:

Life in a submarine: Deep water

My name is Rebecca. My family lives in a submarine.
I live with my sister Joy, my brothers, Danny and Mark and there is my mom, my dad, and my dad’s helpers. We all lived in a yellow Sub.
One day, it rained hard. Joy and I were worried, but my mom said let make cookies, and so we did. My dad works hard keeping us on tack to Ireland, but the waves didn’t help. Mark tried to help, but he had to watch Danny, the youngest. Danny was 5, Mark 9, Joy was 7, and I am old 12-years-old.
Mother was getting worried. Father said that we are going a little deeper but not too deep. Joseph, my dad’s helper, takes us down deeper. While Tom makes sure, we don’t go too deep.

Mom asks Dad a question, “Should one of us be in the Control room?” Still a little worried Dad said, “Yes, one or maybe two should be in the Control room.” So, Dad asks Joseph and Tom to be in the control room.

Later, we ate dinner and went to bed. That night we woke; the red alert was going off. What is going on Joy asked me. I don’t know. So, Joy and I run to little Danny’s room. He was crying. Rebecca, “I am worried. Let’s see where Mark is. Maybe he is on his way to the control room,” said little Danny. Ok let’s go. When we got there, Mark was with mom and dad in the control room. “What’s going on father?” Mark asks. “The water- it is too deep!” was the reply. Daddy, are we going to be all right asked Rebecca. Yes, Rebecca we are. God is with us. He was with us when we told people about him, and he is here now.

I knew my father was right. My mom and dad are missionaries and when I was little my dad said a Bible verse a lot to me when I was scared. The verse says, “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6. So, I knew my dad right. If we ask God, he with Help us.

Why don’t you take the kids to the living room and pray and I will see if we can get to Ireland ok. Mom agreed and said, “I will try to call grandma and grandpa in Scotland [Edinburg]. I will tell them that we are trying to get home but having trouble making it back to Ireland [Dublin].”

Rebecca, please carry Danny. “Ok” I answered. “So, mom, are we going to sleep in the living room?” asked Mark. “Yes, Mark we are.” answered mom.

“Mom”, Joy asked, “how far are we from home?” About 2 miles. Surprisingly the call goes through. Grandma and Grandpa were so worried. After the call, dad came into the room. He said, “we are out of deep water.” We were all happy to Hear that.

The next morning Joy, Danny, Mark, Mom, Dad, Tom, Joseph, and I were so happy to walk on dry land.

For the next part of the story: Visiting the old castle

A work of fiction written by Bell

Poems and stories by Bell

Category:

Poems and more, Poems and Stories by Bell

Tagged with:

La Destrucción de Babilonia en el Apocalipsis

El Juicio de Babilonia la Grande

La gran Ramera (Apocalipsis 17:1-18)

  • Babilonia, la Prostituta sobre la Bestia
    • Entonces uno de los siete ángeles que tenía las siete copas vino y habló conmigo, diciendo: “Ven aquí, te mostraré el juicio y la condena de la gran prostituta que está sentada sobre muchas aguas [influenciando naciones],
    • ella con quien los reyes de la tierra han cometido actos de inmoralidad, y los habitantes de la tierra se han embriagado con el vino de su inmoralidad.
    • una mujer sentada sobre una bestia escarlata que estaba completamente cubierta de nombres blasfemos, teniendo siete cabezas y diez cuernos.
    • La mujer estaba vestida de púrpura y escarlata, y adornada con oro, piedras preciosas y perlas, [y ella] sostenía en su mano un cáliz de oro lleno de las abominaciones y la inmundicia de su [inmoralidad] sexual.
    • En su frente estaba escrito un nombre, un misterio: “BABILONIA LA GRANDE, LA MADRE DE LAS PROSTITUTAS (religiones falsas, herejías) Y DE LAS ABOMINACIONES DE LA TIERRA.”
    • La mujer estaba ebria de la sangre de los santos (el pueblo de Dios), y de la sangre de los testigos de Jesús [que fueron martirizados].
  • El ángel me dijo: “¿Por qué te asombras? Te explicaré el misterio de la mujer y de la bestia que la lleva, la cual tiene siete cabezas y diez cuernos.”
    • La bestia que viste era [una vez], pero [ahora] no es, y está a punto de salir del abismo (el pozo sin fondo, el lugar de residencia de los demonios) y ir a la destrucción (perdición).
    • Los habitantes de la tierra, cuyos nombres no han sido escritos en el Libro de la Vida desde la fundación del mundo, se asombrarán cuando vean a la bestia, porque era y no es y aún ha de venir [a la tierra].
    • Aquí está la mente que tiene sabiduría [y esto es lo que sabe sobre la visión]. Las siete cabezas son siete colinas sobre las cuales se sienta la mujer; 
      • son siete reyes:
        • cinco de los cuales han caído,
        • uno existe y está reinando,
        • el otro [el séptimo] aún no ha venido, y cuando venga, debe permanecer un poco.
        • La bestia que [una vez] fue pero no es, es también un octavo rey y es uno de los siete, y va a la destrucción (perdición).
      • Las diez cuernos que viste son diez reyes que aún no han recibido un reino, pero [juntos] reciben autoridad como reyes por una sola hora [para un propósito común] junto con la bestia.
      • Estos [reyes] tienen un propósito [una mente, un objetivo común], y le dan su poder y autoridad a la bestia.
 

Victoria para el Cordero

  • Ellos harán guerra contra el Cordero (Cristo),
    • el Cordero triunfará y los conquistará, porque Él es Señor de señores y Rey de reyes, y aquellos que están con Él y de su lado son los llamados y elegidos (electos) y fieles.
  • Entonces el ángel me dijo: “Las aguas que viste, donde está sentada la prostituta, son:
    • pueblos, multitudes, naciones, y lenguas.”
  • los diez cuernos que viste, y la bestia
    • odiará a la prostituta
    • la dejará desolada y desnuda [despojada de su poder e influencia]
    • comerá su carne y la consumirá completamente con fuego.
      • Porque Dios les ha puesto en el corazón llevar a cabo Su propósito al estar de acuerdo en entregar su reino a la bestia, hasta que se cumplan las [palabras proféticas] de Dios.
    • La mujer a quien viste es la gran ciudad, que reina sobre los reyes, domina a los líderes políticos de la tierra.

La Gran Ciudad (Revelaciones 18:1-24)

Babilonia ha caído

  • Después de estas cosas vi a otro ángel que descendía del cielo, poseyendo gran autoridad, y la tierra fue iluminada con su esplendor y resplandor.
  • Él gritó con una voz poderosa, diciendo: “¡Ha caído, ha caído [ciertamente para ser destruida] Babilonia la grande!”
    • Ella se ha convertido en un lugar de morada para demonios, una prisión habitada por cada espíritu inmundo y una cárcel para toda ave inmunda y abominable.
    • Porque todas las naciones han bebido del vino de la pasión de su inmoralidad [sexual].
    • Los reyes y líderes políticos de la tierra han cometido inmoralidad con ella.
    • Los comerciantes de la tierra se han enriquecido con la riqueza y el poder económico de su lujuria sensual.
  • Y oí otra voz del cielo, que decía: ‘Salid de ella, pueblo mío, para que no seáis partícipes de sus pecados y no recibáis de sus plagas;’
    • porque sus pecados (crímenes, transgresiones) se han acumulado hasta el cielo.
    • Dios ha recordado su maldad y crímenes [para juicio].
    • Págale a ella incluso como ella ha pagado a otros, y devuélvele [a ella] el doble [de su tormento] de acuerdo con lo que ha hecho.
    • En la copa [del pecado y el sufrimiento] que ella mezcló, mezcla una porción doble [de justicia perfecta] para ella.
    • En la medida en que ella se glorificó y se deleitó y se jactó en su sensualidad [viviendo deliciosamente y lujosamente],
    • en ese mismo grado imponerle tormento y angustia, y luto y dolor;
      • porque en su corazón se jacta: ‘Me siento como una reina [en un trono] y no soy viuda, y nunca, jamás veré luto ni experimentaré dolor.’
      • Por esta razón, en un solo día vendrán sus plagas (aflicciones, calamidades),
        • pestilencia
        • luto
        • hambre
        • ella será consumida por el fuego y completamente destruida; porque fuerte y poderoso es el Señor Dios que la juzga.

Lamentos por Babilonia

  • los reyes y líderes políticos de la tierra, que cometieron inmoralidad y vivieron lujosamente con ella,
    • llorarán y se golpearán el pecho [de duelo] por ella cuando vean el humo de su quemadura,
    • permaneciendo a una gran distancia, por miedo a su tormento, diciendo: ‘¡Ay, ay, la gran ciudad, la ciudad fuerte, Babilonia! En una sola hora ha llegado tu juicio.’
  • “Y los mercaderes de la tierra llorarán y se lamentarán por ella,
    • porque ya no compran sus carga (bienes, mercancías) más—cargas de:
      • oro, plata, piedras preciosas, perlas
      • lino fino
        • púrpura, seda, escarlata
      • todo tipo de cidra (aromática) madera
      • cada artículo de marfil,
      • cada artículo de gran valor y lujoso:
        • madera, bronce, hierro, mármol,
        • canela, especias, incienso, perfume, olibano, vino, aceite de oliva, harina fina, trigo,
      • de ganado:
        • ovejas, cargamentos de caballos, carros y carruajes
      • de esclavos y vidas humanas.
      • Los frutos maduros y las delicadezas del deseo de tu alma se han alejado de ti, y todas las cosas que eran lujosas y extravagantes se han perdido para ti, nunca más volverán a ser encontradas.
      • Los comerciantes que manejaban estos artículos, que se enriquecieron con [su negocio con] ella.
        • se mantendrán a lo lejos, con miedo de su tormento, llorando y lamentándose en voz alta, 16 diciendo: ‘¡Ay, ay, de la gran ciudad que estaba vestida de lino fino, de púrpura y escarlata, adornada y engalanada con oro, con piedras preciosas y perlas; porque en una hora se ha desolado toda su gran riqueza.
      • cada capitán de barco o navegante, y cada pasajero y marinero, y todos los que se ganan la vida en el mar:
        • estaba a lo lejos, y exclamaron mientras veían el humo de su quema, diciendo: ‘¿Qué se podría comparar a la gran ciudad?’
        • se echaron polvo sobre sus cabezas y clamaban, llorando y lamentándose, diciendo: ‘¡Ay, ay, por la gran ciudad, donde todos los que tenían barcos en el mar se enriquecieron por su gran riqueza, porque en una hora ha sido desolada!’
        • Alégrense, oh cielos, y ustedes santos (el pueblo de Dios) y apóstoles y profetas [que fueron martirizados], porque Dios ha ejecutado venganza por ustedes [a través de un juicio justo] sobre ella.

La Sentencia Divina sobre Babilonia

  • Entonces un solo poderoso ángel levantó una roca como una gran piedra de molino y la arrojó al mar:
    • diciendo: “Con tal violencia será derribada Babel, la gran ciudad [por el repentino y espectacular juicio de Dios], y nunca más será hallada.
    • El sonido de los arpistas, músicos, flautistas y trompetistas nunca más se oirá en ti;
    • ningún artesano diestro de ningún oficio será hallado en ti;
    • el sonido de la piedra de molino [moliendo grano] nunca más se oirá en ti [pues el comercio ya no prosperará, y la vida normal llegará a su fin];
    • nunca más brillará la luz de una lámpara en ti;
    • nunca más se oirá la voz del novio y de la novia en ti;
      • porque tus mercaderes eran los grandes y prominentes hombres de la tierra;
      • porque todas las naciones fueron engañadas y conducidas por tu hechicería [tus encantamientos mágicos y tu magia venenosa].
      • En Babilonia se halló la sangre de profetas y de santos (el pueblo de Dios) y de todos aquellos que han sido asesinados en la tierra.
La Eternidad de Dios: Estudio Bíblico

Category:

El fin de los tiempos y el Libro del Apocalipsis, Estudio de la Biblia,, La eternidad de Dios

Tagged with:

The Resurrection of Jesus: An Unbroken Promise

Christ Lives

  • God’s plan was for the Messiah to come forth out of the grave, death could not hold
    Him.
  • Jesus predicted how long He would be in the grave.
    • Matthew 12:39-41 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous
      generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of
      the prophet Jonas: 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. The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall
      condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater
      than Jonas is here,


1. A WATCH PUT OVER HIS GRAVE

  • The chief priests were afraid that the disciples would steal the body of Jesus, then
    claim that Jesus had risen.
  • Pilate put guards around the grave and secured it the best way possible.
    • Matthew 27:63-65 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was
      yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre
      be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him
      away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be
      worse than the first. 65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make
      it as sure as ye can.


2. JESUS CAME FORTH

  • There efforts to keep Jesus in the tomb were to no avail. The angel of the Lord
    descended from heaven, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like
    lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
    • The keepers of the tomb (guards) shook and became like dead men.
    • Mary Magdalene, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and the mother of James, and Salome,
      along with others made their way to the tomb. They wanted to anoint the body of Jesus with spices. As they came close they wondered who rolled the stone away. Christ was risen!
      The tomb was empty.
    • Matthew 28:1-8 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye; for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.


3. MANY SAW HIM

  • After His resurrection, about 500 people saw Him.
    • 1 Corinthians 15:4-8 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day
      according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
    • Acts 1:3 To whom also he showed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
Explore Fundamental Bible Stories in Home Study

Category:

bible, Bible Study, Home Bible Study, Scriptural Articles, Seasonal, Spring

Tagged with:

The Importance of Giving: Lessons from the Bible

When preachers preach on tithes the normal scriptures used come from Malachi chapter 3. Since I am going to talk about tithes and giving, I am going to start there also. However, I am possibly going to do so from a different perspective. The Bible says that we are to rightly divide the word of God. 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. This means that you are to look at the scripture in light of what the rest of the Bible says. Make sure that you know and understand the context of the scripture. In some cases it is helpful to know the history behind the actions or lack of actions in the scripture.

Now let’s look at Malachi 3:7-12 to see what it says. I have put it here using the amplified version of the Bible. I am using the amplified because it adds in the meaning of difficult words and phrases using brackets.

  • “Yet from the days of your fathers you have turned away from My statutes and ordinances and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts. “But you say, ‘How shall we return?’ “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings [you have withheld]. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, this whole nation! Bring all the tithes (the tenth) into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you [so great] a blessing until there is no more room to receive it. Then I will rebuke the devourer (insects, plague) for your sake and he will not destroy the fruits of the ground, nor will your vine in the field drop its grapes [before harvest],” says the Lord of hosts. “All nations shall call you happy and blessed, for you shall be a land of delight,” says the Lord of hosts.

Notice that it is talking about food. The Levites were not given any land portion. The Israelites were commanded to bring the tithes to the house of God so that the Levities didn’t have to neglect the house of God in order to provide for their families.

Now lets look and see what it says about giving in the New Testament.

  • Luke 6:38 KJV Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

This verse comes after the Beatitudes. It is in the section talking judging others. Look at the verse in context.

  •  “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6: 37-38 NIV

Look at 2 Corinthians 9:6-9.  

  • Now [remember] this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to others] will also reap generously [and be blessed].  Let each one give [thoughtfully and with purpose] just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [and delights in the one whose heart is in his gift]. And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him] and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity. As it is written and forever remains written, “He [the benevolent and generous person] scattered abroad, he gave to the poor, His righteousness endures forever!”

This verse says how you should give. Here are some key points:

  • Give sparingly means you will reap sparingly
  • Give happily
  • Do not give because some said to give (not grudgingly or under compulsion)
  • Give thoughtfully and with purpose

So, if you are giving out of fear please stop. If you are giving unhappily, stop. If you are giving grudgingly, then stop. If you are giving without thinking or purpose, stop.

Now pray about giving correctly. Give with joy. Give with purpose. Pray and give according as God lays on your heart.

Exploring Contemplative Ideas to Strengthen Your Beliefs

Category:

General Bible Study, Scriptural Articles

Tagged with:

Jesus and the Parable of the Lost Sheep Explained

During a recent heavy rainstorm, I checked on my animals. I first found all four cats, and the one dog was under my feet. Next, I checked on the chickens. All but one was accounted for. So, I head into the pouring down rain looking for my chicken. After finding the chicken, and ensuring her safety, I thought about Jesus and the parable of the good shepherd.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” So, he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?  And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:1-7

The shepherd in the parable leaves the 99 in a safe place. He goes out into the elements and finds his lost sheep. He doesn’t stop until he is successful. Then he brings the sheep back to safety.

This is also a picture of what has done for us. Jesus to came, seek, and to save, the lost. We were unable to redeem ourselves. So, Jesus came to earth and weathered the elements. He endured many hardships, was beaten and crucified all because He loves us. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Just as my love for my animals drove me into the pouring down rain to look for my chicken, Jesus’ love for you and me brought Him down from Heaven just for you and me. I only got soaked from the rain. Jesus was beaten and killed by the very people He came to save. Just think about how much love he has for us.

Overcoming Challenges: Faith in Modern Society

Category:

Stories and more, Thoughts

Tagged with:

Celebrating the Joy of Sukkot: A Guide to the Feast of Tabernacles

Feasts of Tabernacles

This is a joyful feast. According to Deuteronomy 16:13‑15 Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine: And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates. Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the Lord thy God in the place which the Lord shall choose: because the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice.

The Torah (1st five books of the Old Testament) explicitly commands three things regarding the festival of Sukkot:

  1. To gather the four branches (Lev. 23:40)
  2. To rejoice before the LORD (Deut. 16:13‑14; Lev. 23:40)
  3. To live in a sukkah (booth) (Lev. 23:42)

It is considered a mitzvah for every Jew to participate in the building and/or decoration of a sukkah before the holiday begins. For those of us who are not Jewish, you are not required to build a sukkah. If possible, it would be nice if you did therefore, I am putting the instruction on how to build one here. For everyone else, please spend some time outside. Remember to be thankful. I will also be posting more about the four branches in a different post.

A few facts to consider:

  • This Feast was to remind the people of their time in the wilderness going to the promise land.
  • Revelations 21:3 and then I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “See! The tabernacle of God is among men, and He will live among them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them [as their God,]
  • During this feast the priests would perform many rituals. These Jewish rituals point found new meaning in the New Testament.
    •  John 7:37-39 Now on the last and most important day of the feast, Jesus stood and called out [in a loud voice], “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink! He who believes in Me [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Me], as the Scripture has said, ‘From his innermost being will flow continually rivers of living water.’” But He was speaking of the [Holy] Spirit, whom those who believed in Him [as Savior] were to receive afterward. The Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (raised to honor).
      • So, as the priest was pouring the “living water” at the altar and praying for rain for the coming months, Jesus stood up and declared that the living water was actually the Holy Spirit that would flow from the innermost being (belly) of the believer.
      • Joel had prophesied that the Messiah would come and pour out the Spirit of God on the entire world.
        • Joel 2:28-29 “It shall come about after this That I shall pour out My Spirit on all mankind; And your sons and your daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions. “Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.
      • This was fulfilled in Acts Chapter 2.
      • The festival of Sukkot has a prophetic dimension awaiting fulfillment. As the “Day of Ingathering” of the harvest, Sukkot prefigures the gathering together of the Jewish people in the days of the Jesus’s reign on earth (Isa. 27:12‑13; Jer. 23:7‑8). Indeed, all of the nations of the earth that survived the Great Tribulation will come together to worship the LORD in Jerusalem during the Feast of Sukkot (Zech. 14:16‑17). Sukkot, therefore is a vision of the world to come. Sukkot also foreshadows the LORD’s sheltering Presence over Israel in the millennial kingdom. No longer will Israel be subject to the oppression of the ungodly nations of the world, but God Himself will place His sanctuary in her midst (Ezek. 37:26‑28). Jesus did indeed come to “sukkah” (or “tabernacle”) with us (see John 1:14) in order to purge away our sins and to redeem us to Himself.
        • John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
          • remember tabernacle means to dwell
      • There is an interesting prophecy in Zechariah chapter 14.
        • Zechariah 14:16-19 Then everyone who is left of all the nations that went against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and celebrate the Feast of Booths (Tabernacles). 17 And it will be that whichever of the families of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, there will be no rain on them. 18 If the family of Egypt does not go up [to Jerusalem] and present themselves, then no rain will fall on them. It will be the plague with which the Lord will strike the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths (Tabernacles). 19 This will be the [consequent] punishment [for the sin] of Egypt, and the [consequent] punishment [for the sin] of all the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths (Tabernacles).
      • I really like what Revelation 21:3 says about Tabernacles.
        • And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

How to Celebrate Sukkot: for anyone wanting to participate in this feast now. Remember doing this or not doing this does not affect your salvation. However, this can be a great learning experience for you and your family. Don’t be like the pharisees and think that doing this or any other thing makes you more Holy than anyone else.

The festival of Sukkot is celebrated for seven days (i.e., from Tishri 15‑21) during which we “dwell” in our sukkah by reciting various blessings, eating meals there, singing songs, and waving our lulavs.

Preparations for the Holiday

We begin preparing for Sukkot immediately following the Yom Kippur holiday. The following things help us to get ready for the holiday:

  1. Build and/or decorate a Sukkah. (I just use my wonderful car porch.)
    • you could build a sukkah
    • you could use a tent
    • you could use a car porch
    • you could use a gazebo
  2. Obtain lulav.
    • buy one
    • make one
  3. Make yourself happy. We are commanded to rejoice during the holiday of Sukkot for the blessing of God’s provision and care for our lives (Deut. 16:14‑15).
  4. Read the Bible

Steps for Celebrating Sukkot

On the evening before Sukkot begins, we will do the following:

  1. Light the Holiday Candles
    • To sanctify the occasion, we light the holiday candles 18 minutes before sundown (i.e., on Tishri 14). As the celebration begins, we will move into the “new day,” that is, the first day of Sukkot.
    • Say the blessing and then light the candles. The Blessing is…
      • Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who sanctifies us with his commandments and commands us to light the candles of Sukkot (Tabernacles).
  2. Thank God for the Season
    • After sundown on the first night of Sukkot (only) we recite a blessing to thank God for bringing us to this season in our lives. The Blessing is…
      • Blessed are You, Lord our God, Master of the universe who has kept us alive and sustained us and has brought us to this special time.
    • You may also want to thank the LORD for the holidays as a revelation of Jesus at this time. This Blessing is…
      • Blessed art You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has given us holidays, customs, and seasons of happiness, for the glory of our Lord Jesus, the Light of the world.
  3. Say Kiddush: a blessing over the wine/ grape juice/ fruit of the vine
    • Before eating the holiday meal in the sukkah, we recite kiddush. Here is the shorter blessing over the wine.
      • The shorter blessing is…
        • Blessed art Thou, LORD our God, King of the universe, Creator of the true fruit of the vine Jesus. amen.
  4. Recite the Sukkah Blessing
    • After reciting the holiday kiddush, we (joyfully!) recite the traditional blessing over the Sukkah. The blessing is…
      • Blessed are You, LORD our God, King of the universe, Who sanctifies us with his commandments and commanded us to dwell in the sukkah.
  5. Recite blessing for the bread
    • Before partaking of our meal in the sukkah, we recite ha‑motzi (the blessing over the bread). The Ha-Motzi is: 
      • Blessed art Thou, LORD our God, King of the universe, who brings forth the living bread from heaven.
  6. Eat a meal
    • After this we enjoy our meal together in the sukkah. Traditional foods include stuffed cabbage and kreplach containing fruit or fall harvest vegetables; dishes made with honey and pastries.
  7. Wave the Lulav
    • We face east while holding the lulav bundle in our right hand and the etrog in the left hand. We then lift them together with the etrog pointing downward and recite the lulav blessing.
      • Blessed are You, LORD our God, King of the universe, Who sanctifies us with His commandments and commanded us regarding the waving of the lulav.
      • After reciting the blessing, we turn the etrog right‑side up, put both hands together, and then “shake” the lulav (i.e., reach out then draw in) three times in each direction: front, right, back, left, up and down.
        • These six directions indicate the surrounding presence of God.
        • Note that it is entirely appropriate to recite the blessing and “wave the lulav” at any time during the festival of Sukkot, day or night.
  8. Sing praises to the LORD
    • After reciting the Hebrew blessing and shaking the lulav around, it is customary to recite (or sing) Psalm 136.
      • Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
      • Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.
      • Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever;
      • to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever;
      • to him who spread out the earth above the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever;
      • to him who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever;
      • the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever;
      • the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever;
      • to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, for his steadfast love endures forever;
      • and brought Israel out from among them, for his steadfast love endures forever;
      • with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for his steadfast love endures forever;
      • to him who divided the Red Sea in two, for his steadfast love endures forever; and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for his steadfast love endures forever; 
      • but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures forever;
      • to him who led his people through the wilderness, for his steadfast love endures forever;
      • to him who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;
      • and killed mighty kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;
      • Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures forever;
      • and Og, king of Bashan, for his steadfast love endures forever;
      • and gave their land as a heritage, for his steadfast love endures forever;
      • a heritage to Israel his servant, for his steadfast love endures forever.
      • It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever;
      • and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever;
      • he who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever.
      • Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.
  9. Celebrate in the Sukkah
    • Perhaps more than any other Jewish holiday, Sukkot has an atmosphere of celebration and delight. The Torah explicitly mentions that we are to rejoice during this festival, and we do so by listening to festive music, talking about the meaning of the holiday, praying together, eating holiday food, and just relaxing inside the sukkah with family and friends.
  10. During the subsequent days (and nights) of Sukkot we will perform these same steps, though we skip step number 2 after the 1st night.
The Seven Appointed Times of God

Category:

bible, Bible Study, Feasts of God, Scriptural Articles

Tagged with: