Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Genesis 1:6-8 Let There Be A Firmament, Part Two


And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.

Many of the naysayers insult those who believe in the literal interpretation of the Word of G-d, especially in this verse. They say we are too naive and stupid because we take it literally. They also try to add to our interpretation and again say it's stupid and uneducated. They say that there's no way there could be a solid dome of water above the firmament, known as the sky.

First of all, the bible never says there's a literal solid dome. Secondly, the solid dome interpretation is use in the poetic or figurative sense. The sad thing is that all these "educated scholars" had to do is look at a Hebrew dictionary. As for the firmament and the waters above and below, let's take it from their textbooks.

"If we assume that volcanoes five billion years ago emitted the same gasses as they do today, the earth's second atmosphere probably consisted of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. These gasses were expelled from the earth's interior by a process known as outgassing. "

"The vast amounts of water vapor expelled by the volcanic earth resulted in the formation of clouds which, in turn, produced rain. Over a period of thousands of years, the rain accumulated as rivers and lake and ocean basins."


Check it for yourselves. http://ess.geology.ufl.edu/HTMLpages/ESS/GLY1033_notes/lecture1.html

Wow....That's as simple as it gets...and that's exactly what the bible says... no more ...no less. There was water below and above the firmament. Why do the naysayers continually misstate our interpretation? Because it's not the truth they want, it's the glorification of their god that they desire.

NOTE TO THE NAYSAYERS: Quit adding to and taking away from G-ds Word in a vain attempt to advance your agenda. Do you hate G-d that much? One thing we all can take to the bank is the fact that whether or not you believe in G-d, we all will stand one day before the throne of G-d and give an accounting. Are you comfortable enough with your postion that you can argue it before the creator?

As for the firmament being a dome "of protection", why not? Think about it. Think about what you know about our atmosphere. We'll discuss this tomorrow.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Genesis 1:6-8 Let There Be A Firmament, Part One


And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.

There are many naysayers that condemn the Word of G-d based on this verse. Over the next couple of days, we will dig into this verse and dispel its controversy.

To start out, the Hebrew word, rawkeeah, translated as firmament can be interpreted as an expanse or a solid dome. Which one is correct? Can both be correct? After we are through, you are going to ask, "What was the big deal about this verse? Why all the controversy? I'm going to tip my hand and tell you that both interpretations are correct and shows that there has to be a G-d and he is in control.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Genesis 1:5 G-d called the light day.


And G-d called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.

Pretty self explanatory, G-d decided to call light by the name, Day. In Hebrew, it is yom. He also decided to call the darkness, night. Most will say that this proves that G-d was simply talking about a period of light and one period of night and both equals one day. No argument here. G-d intends us to look at this as one yom and that is good enough for me. G-d said it....I believe it.

As a side note, is it a 24 hour day? We can say with an utmost certainty that is was not. It is a fact that the earths daily rotation has been slowing down since sin entered into this world. Estimates within the scientific community inform us the days in the distant past range from 14 to 22 hours long.

The problem arises when you try to stretch that one day all the way back to verse one. Is it possible? Yes. Can we say with absolute assurance? N0. Others will say it proves all happened in one day because the same words are used. Again, possible but not absolute. What is the problem with exploring all possibilities as long as it doesn't go against the Word of G-d? Doesn't that say something about the PRIDE and arrogance of man, who thinks he has it all figured out and has all the answers?

Whether you believe it all happened in one day or over many years, doesn't it all come down to the fact that G-d did it all, and do you believe it?

In closing, one thing does keep me wondering and praying about it. Have you ever wondered why darkness or night is associated with evil, destruction, bleakness, etc., while light is associated with G-d, goodness, truth, etc. Could it be that these relationships have their origins to what could have possibly happened between verse one and two? Could it be that G-d wants it memorialized? Would that be just like our G-d?

As we keep our minds open to and discuss all possibilities supported by scripture, there is one thing we can rely on. G-d will explain it to us on the way up.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Genesis 1:4 God divided the light from the darkness.


... and G-d divided the light from the darkness.

What an interesting statement. A statement that has confused many scholars. Please don't take this as arrogance, but it's not that hard. Once again, the confusion comes from looking at it from our point of view.

First the confusing part. What is this light that is being discussed here. Many scholars have decreed that it is the sun, totally ignoring the fact that the sun was placed in the heavens to rule over the day on the fourth day. This teaching has caused many to doubt the unerring word of G-d and has set us up for ridicule within the scientific world. It's not that I care about being in conflict with the scientific community. No....its when we deliberately misinterpret the information and stubbornly announce it to the world as godly truth while disregarding the scriptures to the contrary.

Remember, G-d created the atoms. He then assembled them in specific arrangements that make up everything around us. This is the same with light. G-d created the atom arrangement to allow light to shine. A very simple concept. God created simply light. We as humans have a problem separating light from the sources of light. What happens to the light that shines out from our sun after it leaves. It continues on it's merry way throughout the universe. What happens to the light if somehow our sun goes dark. It continues on it's merry way throughout the universe. Light is a separate entity from sources of light, such as the sun. Once again, we have difficulties separating the parts that make up the whole. G-d doesn't. He sees his creation as individual parts and as mention in the last blog, he knows them intimately.

Now the dividing part. We know that, within this universe, there are very strong forces, some that are strong enough to prevent light from shining. They are called black holes. We have observed that anything, including light, cannot escape the effects of a black hole. Some scientists have speculated that it was from a black hole, a singularity, the universe sprang to life.

G-d called light out from the basic building blocks and then separated it from the rest to allow it to shine. It is from this light formula, it I can say it that way, that G-d created the sun, stars and everything that gives off light, but that's not until the fourth day.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Genesis 1:4 And G-d saw the light, that it was good.


And G-d saw the light, that it was good:

In the traditional rendering of this verse, we see that G-d saw the light, which he just created and declared that it was good. However, by looking at the Hebrew, we can dig a little more detail out of what’s happening at the moment in time.

Raw-aw Elohim ayth ore kee tobe

Looking at the root meaning of the Hebrew word Raw-aw, which was translated as “saw”, we see that it could as easily be translated as gazed. This word usually means that whoever or whatever the one was gazing at, triggered an inward or outward, emotional response of joy or respect. Therefore raw-aw should be translated as “gazed joyfully or gazed upon with respect." Since reacting with joy towards someone normally implies respecting the other person, then the correct translation could be, “gazed joyfully”.

Elohim ayth is very controversial. Within the Jewish community, ayth is simply injected into the sentence in order to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition. While within the Messianic community, it has additional meaning when combined with the name of G-d or any pronoun referencing G-d. As mentioned in an earlier blog, ayth is comprised of the letters Alef and Tav, A and Z, the Alpha and the Omega, a name which points to Y’shua, the Son of G-d.

To back up the Messianic position, we pose this question. If ayth was simply injected into the sentence in order to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, then why isn’t used every time? The answer is the fact that G-d’s multi-dimensional existence expresses itself at times and he wants the reader to be aware.

Because G-d was overjoyed at seeing light, the word of G-d, Y’shua, was expressed. The same happens when a mother gazes at her newborn child and expresses her joy in seeing the beauty of new life she was given and says “Isn’t she so beautiful?”. Does that make her joyous expression a separate person? No. It is simply a verbal manifestation of her joy. The fact that G-d can either express himself verbally, or as a physical manifestation totally impresses me and leaves me in awe. Should we not expect this type of thing from our G-d who is all powerful and whose presence touches all things at all times? Why do we love to limit G-d and try to put him into a box?

After beckoning light to come forth, G-d was assured that it was good or alright. That can be seen in the alternate translation of the Hebrew words, kee tobe, which is traditionally written as, “That it was good”. Kee can alternately mean “assured of”, while Tobe can mean, “well being, welfare, happiness, good, etc.

We see that looking at the scriptures, under a different light, can give us a deeper insight into
G-d, his personality and how he relates to his creation, especially us. Finally, this verse can be expressed as:

Elohim, especially Y’shua, gazed joyfully upon light, assured as to it’s well being.

You can easily insert your name in the place of light in this verse.

G-d wants you to know that he gazes joyfully upon you every moment of the day, assured of your well being in Y’shua.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Genesis 1:3 Let there be Light?


And G-d said, Let there be light: and there was light.

In Hebrew,

Awmar Elohim, "hawyaw ore", hawyaw ore .

More specifically, Elohim called out, "Illumination.....come into this existence", and light came.

This verse, like so many others are read over lightly, ignoring some really interesting things about G-d. Things that allow us to gain a more intimate relationship with G-d.

Notice the word "Awmar" which is translated as said. Awmar is word used to call out to someone or something that has an ability to respond. It's like a master calling out to his pet dog and it responds instantly, not so much out of obedience but out of a desire to be next to the one whom he loves more than anything or anyone. This word tells us that illumination or light is something that G-d is very familiar with and calls by name.

We are taught that everything in the creation story are new things created by G-d. Even though there are new things created, there are obviously some are old friends, such as "light".

What a fantastic relationship.... and this is the same kind of relationship you and I have with the creator. He has known you for a long time.


Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee.
Jeremiah 1:5

The biggest problem is we can't hear his voice and respond through our sin influenced ears. However, as we grow closer to him, our ears begin to hear his voice.

One parting comment for this blog: Everyone thinks that this light is our sun. How can this be since the sun wasn't made until the fourth day?

Monday, April 20, 2009

Genesis 1:2 And the Spirit of G-d moved upon the face of the waters.


Whether or not, Genesis 1:2 is translated

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.

Or

But the earth had become a place of ruin, and destruction was upon the face of the abyss

The earth required further molding or reconstruction. At the end of this verse, we find G-ds Spirit enveloping the earth like a hen sits on her egg.

And the Spirit of G-d moved upon the face of the waters.

The word translated here as “moved” is the Hebrew word, rawkhaf, which means to brood, flutter, move or shake.

If you can imagine the Spirit of G-d fluttering like a field of extreme energy around the earth, then you have a pretty good picture of G-ds power at work forming the earth into what it is today.

I have always enjoyed envisioning G-d at this moment in time. It gives me an assurance of the almighty power of the creator. The neat thing here is the fact that it required a small amount of his power and time to do what he had done so far, a representation of an awesome and mighty G-d, the G-d that has claimed us as his own.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Genesis 1:2 ...and darkness was upon the face of the deep.


... and darkness was upon the face of the deep.

In the traditional rendering of this verse, we are looking at an unformed earth covered with water just before the forming process. However, in the alternate translation, it could be read as,

"... and misery, destruction and death was upon the face of the abyss, a roaring, surging mass of water."

which is obtained by the root meanings of the words, "khoshek" translated simply as darkness in the traditional interpretation and "teh-home" which is translated as deep. However, these words can be translated as "destruction and death" and "abyss, a roaring, surging mass of water."

This just happens to compliment the alternate version of the beginning of the Genesis 1:2. Once again, this verse has been a source of controversy for a long time and supports the idea of a pre adamic civilization. The problem with this version is the fact that it conflicts with man being first to fall and bringing sin into this world.

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Roman 5:12

Rebuttal to this argument is the alternate rendering of Romans 5:12.

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into this kosmos (orderly arrangement), and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Those in this camp argue that kosmos may imply the world but only within this existence. It means an orderly arrangement. The fact that the verse says, "this kosmos" shows that there could be another kosmos which was destroyed by God, a world that could have seen Satan and his followers judged after being kicked out of heaven.

Let me finished by saying that regardless of the version you believe, both are viable renderings of this verse based on the Hebrew. There will be some who will insult those who hold the opposite belief. My recommendation is to ignore the insults but always be open to other side. This is how G-d will teaches you by causing you to dig deep into his Word.

Closed minds and hanging onto traditional thought leads to no growth.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form and void? Part Four

Shalom, I hope everyone had a peaceful Sabbath.

In continuing our discussion concerning Genesis :2, the other translation for this verse is the traditional rendering of "And the earth was without form and void. It this is what the verse intended to say, then it is a simple continuation of Genesis 1:1.

In Genesis 1:1, God creates the earth and the universe. And in Genesis 1:2 he then takes this unformed planet and began to mold it into the earth we know today, or something similar.

As mentioned in our last four blogs, there are problems with this translation.

1. It does not allow for the geological ages.
2. Its does not give a timeline for when Satan and the fallen angels.

and that's just a couple.

However, just because it doesn't explain these things, doesn't mean that it is incorrect. There is no solid irrefutable proof that the geological ages span the millions of years that the scientists want to accept as truth. Time estimates come from methods like carbon dating, which is inconsistent at best and the fact that certain artifacts and skeletal remains were found in layers of earth dated by unreliable methods. They determine the age a layer of earth by methods such carbon dating and then say that the skeletal remains are that old because they were found within that layer. This is not good science. Especially when everyone is told that the earth is ever changing with plate tectonics, earthquakes, other natural disasters such as flooding and volcanic eruptions.

Also, scientist wishes us to except the fact that the universe is approximately 15 billion years old based on the speed of light. They say that because the speed of light is constant, they can reliably ascertain the time in which the light from the farthest star took to reach the earth and wah-lah, that's the age of the universe. However, they ignore the fact that the speed of light could be slowing down. If true, then that throws all kinds of time estimates into the realm of doubt, such as carbon dating.

Later in the discussion of 6 days versus 15 billion years, we will discuss the fact of the speed of light possibly slowing down and its ramifications.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form and void? Part Three

The Hebrew words, translated as, "...without form and void" are Tohu and bohu.

“Tohu”, translated as “without form” could also be “a desolation” as a result of a judgment. This has led a few to believe that the earth had a civilization of non-humans, possibly angels, prior to Adam and Eve.

Adding fuel to this argument is the fact that the next word, “bohu”, which is translated as void could also be translated as “indistinguishable ruin”. Compare this with Isaiah 45:18.

For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain (TOHU), he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.

Isaiah writes that God did not form the earth “tohu”, (WITHOUT FORM) Does this contradict traditional teaching concerning Gen 1:2. Remember, God’s word is perfect and does not contradict each other.

The first part of this verse could be read ….”The land became or had become a desolation, an indistinguishable ruin.

How could this have happened?

Some believe that Ba'el, Satan was given dominion over the earth at first. When he and a third of the angels rebelled, God judged them and their dominion, the pre-Adamic earth. Those who follow this line of belief, think that Satan's led rebellion occurred between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. This does bring up a good question. If this is not the way it happened, then when did Satan's fall from grace occur?

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form and void? Part Two

In continuing with Monday's question,

So should Genesis 1:2 be translated as in the King James Version,

"And the earth was without form and void"

or

"But the earth had become without form and void"?

The question is whether to translate the Hebrew word "hayah" as "was" or "had become". Both are acceptable translations. To translate it as "was", verse two would be a simple continuation of verse one, signifying that its present formless condition was ripe for God's continuing creative activity. Opponents say that this view does not allow for enough time for the fossil observations we have at this time.

If the translation of "hayah" as being "had become" or "became" is correct, the implications are far different. For then verse two is a picture of the earth, not as it came from the hand of God in creation, but after some intervening event which had reduced it to a state of ruin.

This alternative translation allows for a space of time of unknown duration between verse one and two which can accommodate "geological ages". By the way and contrary to what you have been taught in church, this was one of the views held within the early church and some Jews prior to the time of Yeshua. This is called the "Gap Theory". Opponents object to this 'Gap Theory' as simply an attempt to rescue modern Geology.

As I said earlier, both translations are good Hebrew and does not cause any problems with the rest of the creation account here in Genesis. However, one view does have an apparent problem when compared with the rest of scripture. Both views have supporting scripture and will be examined over the next few blogs.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form and void? Part One


And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Earth is again the Hebrew word “Eretz” meaning solid earth or the land.

The Hebrew word “hayaw” is properly translated as "was" within this verse. However, it also means to exist, became or come to pass. This small word has lead to a world of controversy. As we look into the meaning of the rest of this verse, please keep in mind that either interpretation does not cause any problems whatsoever except for a blow possibly to traditional teachings.

So should Genesis 1:2 be translated as in the King James Version

"And the earth was without form and void"

or

"But the earth had become without form and void"?

Which is supported by the rest of the scriptures?

Would you be surprise that both are?

See you tomorrow.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Genesis 1:1 - In The Beginning, Part Six

“Erets” means simply ground, land. Curious, that it doesn't imply water. So when it was translated as earth, it gives the allusion that it is the earth as a whole, land and water. In verse 2, it does talk about the waters, plural. Apparently, the Holy Spirit wants us to look at land and the water separately. This will become apparent later in the chapter, where the text implies that the water is part of the firmament, heavens, not the earth specifically.

With all this said, Genesis 1:1 could be written:

At the beginning of time and space, Elohim created out of nothing, the smallest building blocks of creation, the atom. He then formed all the universe, including the earth out of these atoms.

It can be also noted that G-d wants us to note that his Word and spirit was involved in this creation. This has created much debate over why G-d, who proclaims himself to be one, reveals his multi-dimensionality to a world who has problems grasping his nature. Some say that we don't have the capacity to understand G-d. However, the fact the G-d has revealed to us his multi-dimensionality shows that we can understand him if we would eliminate our worldly preconceived notions and allow the his Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth as promised by Yeshua.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.

John 16:13-15

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Genesis 1:1 - In The Beginning, Part Five

The Hebrew word, “shamayim”, here in Genesis 1:1, translated as heaven in the King James version, is more correctly translated as heavens. Specifically, shamayim is one of those words that encompasses a plural meaning but it is used as a singular noun, in the same way as Elohim.

It comes from a root word which means to be lofty; the sky. The plurality alludes to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve. Basically, if the word, shamayim, is used, it means everything seen when you look up, the sky and outer space.

If are talking about just the sky or the expanse between the earth and outer space, then the word "rawkeeah" would be used. Rawkeeah is translated as firmament in the some bible translations.

In Psalm 19:1, both words are used. “
The heavens "SHAMAYIM" declare the glory of God; and the firmament "RAWKEEAH" showeth his handiwork.

Isaiah 45:12 gives us look into what God wants us to think when shamayim is used.
I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens"SHAMAYIM", and all their host have I commanded.

As we get further into the creation story, it is important to understand the difference between shamayim and the word rawkeeah. This is especially true when we get to Genesis 1:6.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Genesis 1:1 - In The Beginning, Part Four

The next two letters don’t show up in your English bible. They are the “alef”,and the “tav”, the first and last letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It’s equivalent to the “A” and the “Z”. In the Hebrew language these letters are put together as the “ayth” and used in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object or subject of a verb or preposition. It comes from the root word “oth” which means (in the sense of appearing); a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, evidence, etc.: a sign.

Otherwise, it points more specifically to the one who’s doing the action. In this case, G-d. It’s interesting to note that in Greek, these same letters are the Alpha and Omega, a name proclaimed as belonging to Y’shua, Jesus of Nazareth. Isn’t this what John tells us in John 1:1? That Y’shua, Jesus is G-d and is responsible for creation. Could these two letters be a “beacon or a sign”, written into the text, pointing to this fact over 4000 years before Y'shua walked on the earth?

Interesting is the fact that it also appears in Zechariah 12:10:

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me "AYTH" whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

The "me" whom they pierced is the Alpha and Omega, the Aleph and the Tav, Y'shua the Messiah.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Genesis 1:1 - In The Beginning, Part Three

Shabbat Shalom, Happy Passover.

The word “bara”, translated as “created”, more specifically means to to create, shape, form and to expand upon. Using the complete concept of the word, is it better to say that G-d created the basic building blocks, the atoms and from these basic building blocks, G-d formed the universe and the earth?

In fact, science teaches us the same theory and tries to explain it by calling it “the big bang” theory. This theory concludes that all things were condensed in a singularity, a very small point in space. They say that this singularity exploded, or expanded during which, after billions of years, it formed “bara” all the matter that makes up the universe. They say that the only problem is determining where the material came from and identifying the force that caused it to happen.

Of course, that force and the source happens to be G-d.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Genesis 1:1 - In The Beginning, Part Two

“Elohim”, translated as G-d here in Genesis 1:1, is actually the Hebrew word for G-ds. In the beginning, G-ds created the heavens and the earth. Here we have a plural noun which has a singular verb. In earlier text and Hebraic translational materials, "Elohim" is translated as Holy Ones.

Holy Ones, what does that mean? Well, if you look at the whole counsel of G-d, the whole Word of G-d, you'll find that means G-d is the Father, The Word of G-d, The Spirit of G-d, The Hand of G-d, The Right Arm of G-d and so on. Within his dimensionality, Even though G-d is One, G-d  actions appear to be multiple entities, within our Space-Time. 

Does this contradict the Sh'ma found in Deuteronomy 6:4, “The Lord, our G-d is one Lord.“?

No! Again, Genesis 1:1 proclaims the multi-dimensionality of G-d, which appears to be different individual beings, acting as one, within our Space-Time. When in reality, Elohim is infinitely multi-dimensional. He has no limits.

With that said, however, he appears to be limited because he does not arbitrarily break his laws of physics, except for times, where it suits his will or desire. This is the reason why God doesn't show himself to everyone, all the time. When he does, it is a temporary Space-Time representation of himself, such as "The Angel of God", "The Burning Bush", "The Column of Smoke of Fire", or my favorite, "Y'shua, The Son of God".

Therefore, we can confidently state that G-d inhabits eternity but exists in three spacial dimensions and one time dimension within our time-space. This theme is consistent throughout the Tanak, or Old Testament into the B’rit Hadashah, or New Testament.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Genesis 1:1 - In The Beginning Part One

I figured we should start at the beginning. Each day I will add a manageable part of G-ds Word. Please add anything that would help to create the best exposition of G-ds Word. It's all open to discussion. I hold Acts 17:11 near and dear to my heart.

Receive the message with all readiness of mind, but search the scriptures daily to whether those things were so.

I love to hear and discuss G-ds Word. Thanks again for any comment.

Genesis 1:1

EnglishIn the beginning G-d created the heaven and the earth.
Transliterated Hebrew
Bereshit bara Elohim ha shamayim ha erets

By the very meaning of the Hebrew word “bereshit”, translated as in the beginning, shows that there was nothing before this moment in time. This was the beginning of time and space. The fact that G-d was the one who created time and space, you can logically conclude that G-d exists outside time and space. In fact, Isaiah 57:15 says exactly that.

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy.

Also, Ephesians 1:4 tells that G-d knew of you and your choices before this moment in time.

According as he hath determined us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without blame before him in love.

As a side note, Maimonides, a Jewish Medieval Scholar, in the 13th century, wrote, “From the Torah, specifically from the form of the letter Bet, I have concluded, that before this moment in time (speaking of Genesis 1:1), there was nothing, no time, no space. "

He went on to write, "We live in a 10 dimensional universe, 4 spatial and knowable dimensions, and 6 unknowable dimensions” All this from the Hebrew word, "Bereshit". We all know that it took until  the 1900’s, for modern physicists to come up with the String Theory, which states, “ The universe exists of 3 + 1 spatial dimensions with one being time, making up Space-Time, which is easily perceivable. There are also six additional spatial dimensions that can only be reconciled by indirect means….”.

Shalom!

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Willing to Challenge Established Religious Tradition?

Believe it or not, many of today’s church leaders just don’t get it. I received a church newsletter in which the minister condemned a local resident of contradicting lawn decorations. The resident had ghosts, goblins, and witches in their front yard at Halloween, while a month or so later, the same house had a manger scene, angels, and a Santa Claus adorning their property. The minister went on to explain how this was very contradicting and it showed how this person and the whole community are in need of their guidance.

At first glance, this seems perfectly fine to the average church attendee. However, this same church will have; bunny rabbits at Easter, patriotic songs instead of songs of adoration on 4th of July, the hanging of the greens, a Christmas tree, and even Santa Claus during the month of December within their "sanctified" walls.

You see both groups are worldly, but in varying degrees. They fall into one of two groups; those who do it unknowingly, or those who do it while ignoring what G-d says about it. Many, who are reading this, will ignore this completely. They will not question what they have been taught, but will continue to be blindly led down that worldly path. However, you who continue to read this blog will be following the biblical example, to receive the message with all eagerness of heart, but search the scriptures daily, comparing it to the Word of G-d. Acts 17:11

The Facts of Life

There is a G-d.
Look around you…the evidence is overwhelming. From the intricate inner workings of your own body to the skies above to the uttermost expanse of the universe, the proof of a living G-d is there.

G-d is One.
Regardless of what men say, there is no trinity, there are no multiple gods. There is only one G-d. He manifests himself in many ways. In fact, the concept of the trinity confines or limits G-d to three persons. G-d is infinite but decides to reveal himself to us in one of three manners, the Father, the Son or his Holy Spirit. These are manifestations of one G-d, not three separate persons as taught in the church today.

G-d made man.G-d made man in his own image and as with G-d, we are also one person manifested in many ways. Within this time – space which we live, we are manifested as body, mind, spirit and soul.

Man is unique and is responsible and accountable for his own actions.
G-d gave man sovereignty, authority over his own life and existence. Man is the only sentient, self aware and self conscious living creature on the planet earth. The rest of creation is for man to rule over. Man is given responsibility over all the earth.

The will of G-d is the Law.
Whatever G-d says is the Law of G-d. The Law of G-d are the rules of life. You may not feel like obeying the rules, but that doesn’t make them go away or your responsibility to follow them. Whatever man does or thinks, he will be judged according to the Law of G-d.

Sin is breaking G-ds Law.
Disobeying God, in the slightest, is sin.

G-d is Holy.God is completely and utterly perfect. In as such, G-d cannot exist in the same dimension where disobedience, sin, is present.

Sin separated man from G-d.Not soon after his creation, man disobeyed G-d. This has caused an everlasting chasm or separation between sinful man and G-d.

G-ds Law indicates that there must be a payment for sin.
The price for sin is death. All men will die for the sins they have committed. Because of our sins, our physical body will die. In fact, we are dying at this moment because of the degradation caused by sin. That leaves the mind, spirit and our soul, which is everlasting, but still separated from G-d. Keep in mind, spirit and your soul is everlasting whether you spend it with G-d or away from G-d.

G-ds Law also says there must be atonement for sin.
Atonement or forgiveness is required for the redemption of your mind, spirit, and your soul. Atonement comes by the shedding of innocent blood, a sacrifice for your sin. The problem arises since there are no innocent or sinless creatures on the planet earth.

G-d provided the blood sacrifice.
Through out the bible, there are times where G-d manifested himself in the flesh. These appearances of the Angel of G-d can best be described as G-d in his physical body, 100% man but 100% G-d. This allowed G-d to physically visit his creation without actually being in the presence of sinful man. I should differentiate, at this time, the differences between the Angel of G-d and angels of G-d. As previously mentioned, the Angel of G-d was the physical manifestation of G-d himself, where the angels of G-d were the messengers of G-d. At one time, approximately 2000 years ago, G-d sent the Angel of G-d into the world to live a sinless life and be the blood sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. The name of the Angel of G-d is Yeshua Ha Mashiach, known as Jesus Christ.

G-d loves us all.
The first thing usually asked is, “Why doesn’t G-d wipe us off the face of the map and start over?” He could have and in all rights probably should have, but G-d loves his creation and wants all his creation to love him back. We were made for fellowship and worship. Would you have your child shot because he disobeyed you? No! Wouldn’t you give your life for the life of your child. Yes! In the same way, G-d didn’t wipe man from existence but gave his physical life for you to be back with him.

Yeshua or Jesus paid the price of atonement.
Because man brought sin into the world, the sacrifice had to be a man. Because G-d is the only sinless being, the sacrifice had to be G-d. There was no other way. Yeshua or Jesus was both the son of man and the son of G-d. He freely gave his life so our everlasting souls may have forgiveness from and have eternal fellowship with G-d. Without this sacrifice, our sins dictate that our eternal souls would be eternally separated from G-d . .However, the shedding of blood and the sacrifice of the body of the Messiah, Yeshua, Jesus Christ, our everlasting souls and the bodies have eternal life with G-d.

Salvation is having faith that this is all true.Contrary to what you have probably heard in church, belief is not enough. You actions must reflect that your life is totally dependent on the facts laid out here. Two words must drive your life…Trust and Obey. Trust in G-d and Obey to show that trust.