The “Beast in Revelation”, the Mark of the Beast and the “little horn”….kingdom of God?

Jun23 by fact-s.net

These questions are crucial to our understanding of many variables, like who will be the Beast, the progression of events to watch and where is this “kingdom of God, promised to humanity ?

Going back to Daniel 2 about Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and God’s interpretation thereof (through Daniel), one can see the Beast referred to.

So, this Beast has its origin from Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon, then to successive kingdoms …to a weak mixture of iron-clay “10-member conglomerate nations” which number will be down to 7 by removing 3/10, by the “little horn” who will then lead this 8-headed Beast, that will impose its “mark”, a global currency without which, no one can “buy nor sell”; before “a stone from nowhere” destroyed it.

Identifying who the “Beast of Revelation” is, can be a daunting task. Many have tried but here is my humble understanding for now. One has to first know who the “Beast of Revelation”, when this will come; then the “mark” of the Beast, the “little horn”and finally the promised “kingdom of God”

It maybe surprising to many among us, but Jesus himself already have identified the origin of this Beast as a succession from Babylon kingdom, and what his mark is;

as indicated in Mark 12:12-17

“Then the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away.

Paying the Imperial Tax to Caesar

¹³Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words.¹⁴They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax^[a] to Caesar or not? ¹⁵Should we pay or shouldn’t we?”

But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” ¹⁶They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?”

“Caesar’s,” they replied.

¹⁷Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.”

And they were amazed at him.”

As the Roman Empire has “denarius” as currency, without it “no one can buy nor sell”, therefore the “mark” has to be “currency”, as well, to “buy or sell”; i.e., a medium of exchange “in the forehead and hand”

Right now, we don’t know the “exact identity” of the “little horn” nor this “global sovereign currency”. Our role at this time is to watch world news.

On the side, there will be conglomerate of 10 states that will be formed. But, wait until the “little horn” appears by displacing 3/10 to be the 8th head of this “revived Beast of Revelations”. But, what “global/sovereign currency” will be imposed so that “no one can buy nor sell” except with that currency?

Currently, I think and guess that this new currency will be a “digital currency”. But, watch the news.

Remember what to watch:

A conglomerate of 10- nations to form; 10-headed Beast.
Three of 10 will be displaced by the “little horn”, thus identifying this person, who will then be the 8th head of this Beast.
A digital global “sovereign currency” will be imposed, so that without it, “no one can buy nor sell.”
Israel will then be invaded by this Beast
Return of Jesus Christ on earth, with the “firstfruits”, to rule for 1000 years with Jerusalem as headquarters. During this time , the resurrected “latterfruits” will be taught the “steps to salvation/eternal life”.
Gog and Magog will invade the nation of Israel that has “no borders”, as anybody will be welcome to come in and out.
New heaven and new earth.

Just my current understanding.

God bless us all🙏🙏🙏

Son of God, what does it mean?

Jun1 by fact-s.net

The blockbuster movie “Son of God” which was supported and encouraged for viewing by mega churches (1) had its world premiere on February 28, 2014. As a miniseries in History channel, it was touted by many to be phenomenal but even more awe-inspiring this time as a movie. Directed by Christopher Spencer and starring Diogo Morgado, “Son of God” is being marketed as a major motion picture event that “brings the story of Jesus’ life to audiences through compelling cinematic storytelling that is both powerful and inspirational, complete with exotic locales, dazzling visual effects and a rich orchestral score” (2). The interview of producers Mark Burnett and wife Roma Downey in Hannity/Fox on 2/21/14 (3) was no less riveting. The film tells the story of Jesus’ birth, his teachings, crucifixion and ultimate resurrection. The focus was about the fact that Jesus is unequivocally the “Son of God”. However, the presentation did not delve further into the “truth or reason” behind this fact. And, this is a common inadequacy one finds in sermons/homilies that stop at merely identifying Jesus/Y’SHUAH/Ha-Mashiach (4) as the “Son of God”. As vital as that fact is, it does not equate with the far-reaching blessing from the “truth or reason” behind that fact. Hopefully, as we all acknowledge him as such, we will not be distracted from the underlying ultimate message and thus be haunted by the admonition in Matt.7:21-23 “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

Because of time constraints intrinsic to the creation of any movie, it was understandable that a number of crucial and essential truth was left out. What was missing though in this movie was the provision for the reason why he had to become”Son of God”? What is the underlying message behind that fact? What is it to us and to our future, for this human being, the “Son of Man” to become the “Son of God”? What for is that descriptive title in relation to the future of the human race? After the proclamation of Jesus as the “Son of God”, when did that title actually become a reality? Pre-incarnate, incarnate or post-incarnate? These are questions that are so important as they form a narrative to know why you and I are here in this world… the very reason for our existence, albeit our destiny.

As already indicated in the miniseries, movie, gospels, prophecies, apostolic letters, revelation, secular writings (5), etc, Jesus in fact existed and walked on this earth and was proclaimed to be the “Son of God”. All Christian churches are well-equipped to prove that fact. But the purpose of this commentary is to explore and expound the proposition that there is more to this titular fact than meets the eye. And, although alluded to in the Bible and its significance not fully appreciated by mainstream Christianity, the truth behind this title is even more outstanding, faith-enhancing and grace-encompassing.

At the outset, as we continue to grow in understanding, let us consider the following:

A. His identity was already prophesied long before He came to this world.

This WORD-Creator/El Shaddai/YHVH (John 1:1-3, 14, Colossians1:16-17/Ex 6:3) took off his spirit-composition and glorious body to become flesh-and-blood. However, as a human being, he is identified as the Messiah(Isaiah 9:6-7), the Son of man(Matt 8:20), born of a virgin(Isa.7:14), a Nazarene(Matt 2:23), priest after the order of Melchizedek(Heb. 5:6,10), Prince of Peace, Everlasting Father, Immanuel(Matt.1:23), Passover-lamb(I Cor.5:7), etc.(6, 7). These are descriptive declarations when he was “flesh-and-blood”, i.e., as a human being. And this human incarnation of YHVH was for this purpose, “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.”(Hebrew 2:17)

B. This Messiah, the”flesh-and-blood” Passover-lamb/Christ was also declared/identified as the “Son of God”.

Ps.2:7,12 “I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him”. Notice the word “begotten” (derived from “yalad”), i.e. not yet born, still in the womb being developed. Also, that the Father-Son relationship is yet future.

Matthew 3:16-17 “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Matthew 16:15-17 “He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”

Luke 1:35 – “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”

Hebrews1:5 “For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?”

While these preceding verses identified and declared the Man-Jesus/Messiah/Christ /Passover-Lamb as “Son of God”, they did not give us a definitive inkling as to when the realization of this “Sonship” occurred. If anything, it connotes a future (shall) timetable. Was that title achieved at that time when he was “flesh-blood” or was it yet in the future?

C. The title “Son of God” came to fruition only after resurrection. At which time, he transcended from “begotten” to “firstborn”, the first of the “first-fruits” (wave sheaf Lev. 23:10-13) with spirit-body, spirit-composed, albeit with the power to manifest as human (8). This did not happen after his death and through 3 days and 3 nights in the tomb as a corpse. It achieved reality only after he was transformed from “flesh-blood” to a living “spirit-composed being”.

Consider the following verses:

Romans 1:4″And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead”.

Colossians1:18 “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn (prototokus”) from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”

Colossians 1:15 “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creation.”

Revelation1:5 “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood”

Romans 8:29 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren”

Hebrews 1:6 “And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.”

Acts 26:23 “That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. “

I Cor 15:20 “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.”

Rom 8:19 “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.”

Rom 8:29 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren”

Hebrews12:23 “To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,”

SUMMARY

The reason for the spirit-composed El/Shaddai/YHVH to change into Jesus/Y’SHUAH ( partaker of flesh and blood, lower than angels, Heb 2:7) is for him to fulfill the promise and undertaking of a Passover-Lamb/Messiah to suffer the penalty of mankind’s sins which is eternal death”(Hebrew 2:17). As all mankind’s sin was imputed to the sin of the “first” Adam(Rom.5:7-21), so was mankind’s penalty of death imputed to the death of the “last” Adam/Christ (1Cor 15:45), by grace and not by “works” so no one “can boast” ( Eph. 2:9 ). At resurrection, being spirit-composed, Jesus/Y’SHUAH then fulfilled the reality of being the “Son of God”, no longer “begotten”. Rather, he became the “firstborn” of a new creation-kind, created or made higher (Heb. 1:4) than angelic beings. Moreover, as he is the firstborn (the first of the firstfruits, the “wave-sheaf offering” Lev. 23:10-14), he will then get others (Rom 8:19) to become the “sons/children of God” also by resurrection or “twinkling of an eye” ( I Cor. 15:52 ) at his return to earth to commence the Millenium. A new “creation”(Gal.6:15; 2 Cor. 5:17) above angelic beings ( Ps. 8:4; Heb.2:5-18) is being composed, through this mechanism of “Sonship”. Jesus, the first-born “Son of God”, the first of the firstfruits (I Cor. 15:20) and afterwards “bringing many sons to glory”(Heb.2:10), the other firstfruits of the “spring-harvest” at the start of the Millenium in the first resurrection (Rev. 20:4,5; I Thes. 4:16,17), then the “latter-fruits” in the latter-harvest at the second resurrection. Based on this and “on this rock” ( the rock-solid meaning of “Son of God” Matt. 16:16-18), I will build my church (body), all spirit-composed. Through this rock-solid process of “sonship”, a new creation of spirit-beings will be realized, albeit a God-kingdom. This is the essence of the commission to proclaim the gospel (Matt.24:14) of the coming”kingdom of God”. The overall plan is to create a kingdom composed of spirit beings higher than angelic spirit-beings, the “kingdom of God”. While (9,10,11) there is a “plant-kingdom” and an “animal-kingdom”, there is no “human-kingdom created by God. In fact, all the ” human-kingdoms” from Adam who on his own “works” wanted to be like God (Gen 3:1-24), Tower of Babel (Gen. 11:1-9), Israel-kingdom divorced by YHVH (Isa 50.1;Hosea 2:2; Jer.3.8), successive heathen kingdoms represented by Nebuchadnezzar’s dream(Daniel 2:1-48) have no longevity. As a “stone” will destroy the last human kingdom represented by 10-toes of iron and clay, only the kingdom created by God, spirit-composed “sons/daughters of God” (Kingdom of God) will be everlasting.

This present world is under subjection (11) to angels (Gal 3:19, Heb. 2:2).

But, the “world to come” will not be under angelic-spirits but under the “kingdom-of-God”, spirit-composed “Sons/children of God”, all higher in category than angels. As it is written in Hebrews 2:5-17 “For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage (by angels). For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.”

This is the deeper and final essence of the title “Son of God”, with Jesus/Y’SHUAH the firstborn/wavesheaf firstfruit by resurrection, taking on this new category, higher than angels. Subsequently, other “sons/daughters” will follow through this mechanism of “rock-solid Sonship”, as Jesus/Y’SHUAH builds his “body/church”. What an awesome gift and blessing from the Father by grace and not “by works”, a destiny that we are looking forward to!

Will there be a sequel in the offing that embodies this truth and message behind the title “Son of God”? Let us hope so.

References:

1. Megachurch Pastors Lead ‘Son of God’ Campaign to ‘Take Over’ Multiplex Theaters Nationwide: http://www.christianpost.com/news/megachurch-pastors-lead-son-of-god-campaign-to-take-over-multiplex-theaters-nationwide-114732/

2. Producers: “Son of God ” will appeal to Christians and non-Christians alike:http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2014/02/28/son-god-movie-jesus-bible-american-audiences-religious/

3. Hannity/Fox on 2/21/14: https://74.217.254.62/tivo-tco/program/show.do?collectionId=tivo:cl…

4. Hebrew names of God. http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Names_of_G-d/Yeshua/yeshua.html

5.Early Secular writings regarding Christ:http://www.nelsonprice.com/early-secular-writings-regarding-christ/

6. Prophecies Jesus Fulfilled:

http://christianity.about.com/od/biblefactsandlists/a/Prophecies-Jesus.htm

7.Ten prophecies about Jesus birth:https://theresurgence.com/2012/12/24/10-prophecies-about-jesus-birth

8. How many times did Jesus appear after ….resurrection:http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/resurrectionofchrist.html

N.B. While the Son of God is higher than the angelic-spirits, the latter can also manifest as humans as in Gen. 19:1-5

9. Destiny of Man: https://fact-s.net/2011/05/21/the-destiny-of-man/

10.Deification of Man: https://fact-s.net/2011/05/26/deification-of-man-2/

11. Passion of Christ: https://fact-s.net/2011/05/21/the-passion-of-christ/

12. The law was given by angels: www.askelm.com/essentials/ess003a.htm

Trinity Doctrine: Deconstructed?

Dec12 by fact-s.net

TRINITY DOCTRINE: DECONSTRUCTED?

As a foundational teaching, the Trinity doctrine has been woven into mainstream Christianity since the Council of Nicea convened by Emperor Constantine in 325 C.E. in Bithynia(1). Because of disputes among church leaders, the first ecumenical council of Nicea was the first effort to attain consensus in the church through an assembly representing all of Christendom.(2). Its main accomplishments were settlement of the Christological issue of the nature of the Son of God and his relationship to God the Father (3). It describes the belief in Christian theology that the “one” God of the universe is comprised of “three” persons: the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit (4). The early church father Tertullian (c. 155-230), who wrote in Latin, is believed to have first used the term trinity to describe the God of the Bible (5).

How this theology came about is a subject worthy of review for all students of history. Knowing what happened at the time it was established gives us an inclination of the controversy that gave rise to this doctrine.

Can those questions that were contentious and overwhelming at that time among church leaders be resolved with what we know today? What was the basic underlying concept and difference among them that was the crux of their contention?

History

This doctrine was formulated in the 4th century during the Christological debates between Arius and Athanasius. At the core of the controversy was the nature of the Father and Son and their relationship. The terms “homoousios, homoiousios and heterousious” (same substance/cosubstantial vs. similar and different substance) developed and came to be used to explain varying interpretations. All of these positions and the almost innumerable variations on them which developed in the 4th century AD were strongly and tenaciously opposed by Athanasius and other pro-Nicenes who insisted on the doctrine of the homoousian (or as it is called in modern terms consubstantiality), eventually prevailing in the struggle to define the dogma of the Orthodox Church for the next two millennia when its use was confirmed by the First Council of Constantinople in 381 or 383. Origen Adamantius (184/185 – 253/254), along with the prominent “Origenists” Didymus the Blind and Evagrius Ponticus, were declared anathema in 553 CE by the Second Council of Constantinople (7). Origen seems to have been the first ecclesiastical writer to use the word “homoousios ” in a non-trinitarian context, but it is evident in his writings that he considered the Son’s divinity lesser than the Father’s, since he even calls the Son “a creature“(8). The controversy continued through centuries that followed, even to this day.

From the preceding prolegomenon, let us explore excerpts from historical vignettes. On the subject of Arianism, the Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica wrote (9):

“Arius’ basic premise was the uniqueness of God, who is alone self-existent and immutable; the Son, who is not self-existent, cannot be God. The controversy seemed to have been brought to an end by the Council of Nicaea (AD 325), which condemned Arius and his teaching and issued a creed to safeguard orthodox Christian belief. This creed states that the Son is homoousion to Patri (“of one substance with the Father”), thus declaring him to be all that the Father is: he is completely divine. In fact, however, this was only the beginning of a long-protracted dispute. From 325 to 337, when the emperor Constantine died, the Arian leaders, exiled after the Council of Nicaea, tried by intrigue to return to their churches and sees and to banish their enemies. They were partly successful. From 337 to 350, Constans, sympathetic to the orthodox Christians, was emperor in the West, and Constantius II, sympathetic to the Arians, was emperor in the East. At a church council held at Antioch (341), an affirmation of faith that omitted the homoousion clause was issued. Another church council was held at Sardica (modern Sofia) in 342, but little was achieved by either council. In 350 Constantius became sole ruler of the empire, and under his leadership the Nicene party (orthodox Christians) was largely crushed. The extreme Arians then declared that the Son was “unlike” (anomoios) the Father. These anomoeans succeeded in having their views endorsed at Sirmium in 357, but their extremism stimulated the moderates, who asserted that the Son was “of similar substance” (homoiousios) with the Father. Constantius at first supported these homoiousians but soon transferred his support to the homoeans, led by Acacius, who affirmed that the Son was “like” (homoios) the Father. Their views were approved in 360 at Constantinople, where all previous creeds were rejected, the term ousia (“substance,” or “stuff”) was repudiated, and a statement of faith was issued stating that the Son was “like the Father who begot him.” After Constantius’ death (361), the orthodox Christian majority in the West consolidated its position. The persecution of orthodox Christians conducted by the (Arian) emperor Valens (364–378) in the East and the success of the teaching of Basil the Great of Caesarea, Gregory of Nyssa, and Gregory of Nazianzus led the homoiousian majority in the East to realize its fundamental agreement with the Nicene party. When the emperors Gratian (367–383) and Theodosius I (379–395) took up the defense of orthodoxy, Arianism collapsed. The Emperor Theodosius had published an edict, prior to the Council of Constantinople, declaring that the Nicene Creed was the legitimate doctrine and that those opposed to it were heretics (10). In 381 the second ecumenical council met at Constantinople. Arianism was proscribed, and a statement of faith, the Nicene Creed, was approved.”

Coalescing of Powers

Notice that this changing adoption of religious concepts was influenced to a large degree by secular powers at a particular time, e.g., Emperors Constantine, Constans of the West, Constantius II of the East, Valens, Gratian and Theodosius. Civil and religious authorities were together, akin to “cronyism” and “symbiosis“, to impose religious beliefs using secular power. On those who committed heresy, “heretics did not work outside the Christian community – they counted themselves as faithful Christians attempting to explain the gospel in terms their contemporaries might understand”.

Without taking either side, one sees that the trunk-of-the-tree controversy of Trinity Doctrine emanates from two postulates, viz.,

1. Reconciling with “monotheism” the concept that the Father is God, Jesus Christ is God and the Spirit is God.

The doctrine of the Trinity was formally developed in the early church in reaction to “errant teaching” on the nature of God as found in Arianism. Arianism attempted to protect monotheism (the belief in one God) by denying the full deity of Jesus, a belief most Christians hold at this time. Arianism taught that Jesus was divine, but that he was a lesser deity than the Father. To affirm the Church’s stance on the nature of God, the Trinity was formally stated in the Nicene Creed(325 A.D.) and the later Athanasian Creed. As a result of these early ecumenical creeds, any departure from the Christian doctrine of the Trinity was considered heresy. These creeds affirm the early Christian conviction that Jesus was God. Arianism caused the church to dogmatically affirm what was already believed and inherent to the earliest of Christian theology (12).

Essential to the Trinity Doctrine is that there is one and only one God. It is essential because it was the conviction of monotheism (Shema doctrine)- that there is one God – that fact drove the early Christians to formulate the doctrine of the Trinity from Scripture. More importantly, monotheism is the teaching found in the Bible.(Trinity is not in the Bible) Scripture is clear that there is only one God: “There is no other God besides me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none besides me. Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:21-22; see also 44:6-8; Exodus 15:11; Deuteronomy 4:35; 6:4-5; 32:39; 1 Samuel 2:2; 1 Kings 8:60).

With this understanding, the doctrine of the Trinity continues to assert monotheism, an essential and easily found belief within the Scripture. Ontologically, each of the three members of the Trinity possess the same essential nature. Again, along with a monotheistic understanding, there is one and only one being, that is, God. The doctrine of the Trinity must remain grounded in God’s Word. Roger Olson sums it up when he says, “While it is true that no passage of Scripture spells out the doctrine of the Trinity, it is also true that the whole of Scripture’s witness to who God is and who Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit make no sense at all without the model of the Trinity and that all alternative concepts end up doing violence to some essential aspect of revelation, Christian experience and possibly even reason itself,”(13).

2. Nature of the Father/Son and which one has self-existence.

Notice that Arius’ belief countered that of others, especially Athanasius, because of his concept at that time of what constitutes the word “God“. The Son cannot be God according to Arius, because there is only “one God“, Jesus is not self-existent and therefore created. On the other hand, Athanasius and other pro-Nicene who believe that the Father is God, the Son is God and the Spirit is God reconciled monotheism through a “new concept of Trinity“

Key is knowing what is God?

But, can all of these Arius-Athanasius discrepancies be resolved by knowing exactly ” What is God?” What really constitutes the word “God“?. Do we really grok what the etymology of the original word translated to English? The answer may have been“lost in translation“. In the article “What is God?” (14), this controversy may finally be resolved by restoring the meaning of the original Hebraic words Elohim, YHVH, El Shaddai. In its summary:

1.Elohiym/Theos refers to a composite of powers, the sum of divine and powerful beings, the totality of all attributes of deity. It is a generic term that may apply to a particular being. When it does, the specific name of that Elohim is identified, e.g., YHVHELOHIM(Lord God)

2. Most of the time, Elohiym in the Old Testament refers to a specific YHVH Elohiym and Theos in the New Testament refers specifically to God the Father. At other times, it refers to those others in the generic Elohiym/Theos, i.e. Jesus, angels, humans, especially leaders with powers.

3. In general, Elohiym/Theos is collective and not a selective term; common and not a proper name; inclusive and not exclusive; generic not proprietary; composite and not specific.

4. The usage and/or context of the word explains the intended meaning, whether plural/singular or numerical plurality/multiplicity of power, rank or position/function.

5. The word God/Elohim, as originally written, includes different species, levels, class or rank. At the highest level is the Father, followed by Son(s) of God, then angelic rank, and the lowest is man. However, man will be transformed into “sons/children of God”, spirit-composed at resurrection and destined to be higher than angelic-class.

In “FATHER’S DAY_USA.2014“(15), the God of Old Testament was introduced to Abraham as El Shaddai(Almighty God), but to Moses he was YHVH ELOHIM(Lord God). He was identified with specificity. This God in the Old Testament, the God “above all gods“, was the only one Israel was commanded to worship thus directing them away from polytheism (there being many gods) of that era. The “Shema doctrine” was based on this. According to John, YHVH the Creator was also the “Word” who incarnated into the Messiah, the Christ. In contrast, in the New Testament, when the word God was used it almost invariably refers to the “Father” of Jesus and of us all. Truly, “God is one” (Shema) to be worshiped because it referred only and specifically in the Old Testament to El Shaddai/YHVH/Word/Logos. He was “above all gods” known at that time; no one then knew about the “Father” that we know today. Israel knew that the Creator and the One who Fathered them was YHVH Elohim(Lord God; I AM). The Israelites did not have knowledge that YHVH/Jesus has a Father. But, when the “Father/Son” relationship was introduced in the river Jordan at Jesus’ baptism,(16) Jesus acknowledged and deferred to the higher authority, the Father. They are clearly separate and distinct from one another. Angels, kings and humans are classified as “gods“. And Jesus taught us to pray to the Father (John 16:23; James 1:5).

In the New Testament, Jesus, while full of the “Spirit of the Father“, was completely human with “spirit-of-man” and flesh-composed for his purpose as a “sacrificial Lamb”. As a human being, he was also classified as “god“, yet he died because he was flesh-composed. After his resurrection, 3 days and three nights after his death, he took on a “new creation“, “Son of God“, spirit-composed, eternal, and with all the powers given by the Father (17). The Father, as He has created all “visible and invisible” through the Son (YHVH) as proximate Creator, is now creating a “kingdom of God”, composed of spirit-beings higher than the angelic-class (18). What is being created is “Sonship“, children of God. This “new creation” is not a plant- kingdom, not an animal-kingdom nor a human-kingdom. Rather, it is a “God-kingdom” with a specific kind much higher than angelic “species of god”. Our GOD the FATHER is expanding his kingdom with many “firstfruits“and “latter-fruits“.

In contrast, the Trinity Doctrine limits that God-kingdom into three. Whereas, the truth is that many are in the process of developing into the “body of Christ“, this “new creation“, Jesus first, then others. Jesus the “trailblazer“, the “captain” (Hebrews 2:10) has gone through this process. This is the destiny of all mankind (19). The ” world to come” will not be “subject to angels” as our current world is, but to this “new kind“(Hebrews 2:5).

Retrospective analysis

Looking back with a “retroscope“, we can now understand how and why well-meaning church leaders of earlier centuries have variance in understanding. Arius et.al stumbled because of his assumption and understanding that Jesus, being subservient to the Father and that God is One (Shema doctrine), cannot be God also. Contrariwise, Tertulian, Athanasius et. al misapplied the facts that the Father is God, Jesus is God and extended personality even to the divine Holy Spirit, so that a new concept emerged, the Trinity Doctrine, a doctrine that is limiting instead of expansive.

By observation, we can see that knowledge is progressive revelation ; God does not give out all truth at the same time. Truth has a timeline. Even Israel did not recognize the incarnate Jesus was YHVH CREATOR ELOHIM. Peter did not realize that even Gentiles can be “grafted” to Israel and receive the same promise to Abraham.(Romans11:11-36, Acts 15:7-9), as well as their differences about circumcision. But, in time, they were united in understanding these aforementioned things.

In much the same way, early in the Christian era, there were disputes on interpretation. But, now that we know, “What is God?, the Trinity Doctrine has been “deconstructed“. There is no need to “personify” the Spirit as it is an active power in all members of the God-Family, writing the Law not in “tables of stone” but in the “fleshly tables”of our heart and mind for guidance(2 Corinthians 3:3). As Job said, before I “hear” you, now I “see” you (Job 42:5). Even in I John 2:22-24, he identified “liar/antiChrist” are those who denied the Father and Son; notice NO mention of the Holy Spirit which is the power that emanates from them.

With these foregoing facts of history and biblical references, one can now explain how the Father is God, Jesus Christ is God and still reconcile with “oneness or Shema” doctrine without concocting a concept as “Trinity Doctrine“. The Shema refers to only one God of the Old Testament, specifically identified as YHVH(Lord God), EL SHADDAI(Almighty God), CREATOR, WORD(Logos). Israel did not know and was not introduced in an official manner to the FATHER by Jesus until his ministry in New Testament times. This generation is blessed for receiving this understanding unlike our Christian predecessors.

Summary

The one powerful God “above all gods” introduced to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the Old Testament times was “El Shaddai“(Almighty God). This was the same one known to Moses and Israel but with a different name, “YHVH Elohim“(Lord God). The early church believed that the Father is God, Jesus is God and the Holy Spirit (the Helper) is of God, the power that comes from God(1 Corinthians 2:11-12). There was no “trinitarian concept” from those days forward until later; it was never “personified“.

In the 3rd century, Tertulian constructed and introduced the concept of “trinity” to align with the Shema doctrine of “one God“. For how could the Father be God and at the same time Jesus and the Holy Spirit be God unless they are in this “triune concept”? This suggested that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are co-substantial, Son is homoousion to Patri, (of one substance with the Father), “three-in-one-body“. This teaching was carried through the 4th century and canonized in the Council of Nicaea and subsequently reinforced in/by other Councils. The alternative concept of God championed by Arius, Origen, and others at that time did not flourish; it also has flaws.

The Trinity Doctrine is a bedrock doctrine that historically survived because of human power through the Roman Empire’s conquest, subjugation, intimidation and educational system favoring this concept; a powerful military-religion complex at that time. It continued through subsequent Empires with power to control “religious thoughts”. Through all these years, it is still a predominant teaching in the Christian world to this day.

This time, though, this Trinity Doctrine has been challenged. One among alternative concepts is this post. It opined a concept similar to that during the patriarchal and apostolic era. The Shema doctrine is consistent with this concept so long as one considers the manifestations of God, at the time of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob named differently than at the time of Moses and Israel. El Shaddai and Yahweh Elohim names were the same Elohim/God, one God, one unique/separate person and not “two persons-in-one“. Moreover, after YHVH (who was with the Father at creation) incarnated to man-Jesus, he was introduced by Father God (Mark 1:10-11) as begotten Son, as He was the only right person to do that, being with YHVH/Jesus from the foundation of the world. That time there were 2 persons that are separate and unique, not “”two persons-in-one“. Jesus as flesh-composed at that time was God incarnate, who previously manifested as the El Shaddai and YHVH Elohim in the Old Testament. Not only that, but Jesus also introduced the “Holy Spirit” aka “Helper” (John 14:16-18; John 14:26;Romans 8:26; Micah 3:8; Acts 2:4; I John 2;19-27) that will come as the “power” to strengthen the “weakness” (Matthew 26:40-45) of the flesh inherent in it when we were created. Again, that time, not “three-persons-in-one“.

Everything happens because of power. Just look around us. Will any car drive without mechanical and electric power? How about any of our appliances, gizmos and light bulbs? Will anything stay grounded on Earth without gravitational power? With what we now know about the Anatomy and Physiology of the human body, can any of our parts function without energy, like end-plate mechanism for nerve-muscle function, Na-K pump for cellular activity and so on? Energy that comes from power drives all human organ systems to function. This energy is “potential” that becomes “kinetic” when used.

That being said, can the most important creation, a human being, (from the ground, earthy) become a “living being” unless energized by the power of the spirit”breath-of-life, given by a spirit-composed God? This is the “spirit-of-man”, the power that was breathed into man to become a “living being“. Being a living person, Adam as narrated in Genesis 2, wanted to be “like God”. And to do this, he was fooled by Satan to do it on his own power by eating the forbidden fruit. He did not realize that the right man to go through this process was man-Jesus, the incarnated El Shaddai, the YHVH Elohim, as planned and as a gift. Thereby, he sinned, sentenced to eternal death and was driven out of the garden of Eden, away from the “tree of life”. A Passover-Lamb was then required to take on this consequence of sin (eternal death) which was fulfilled by man-Jesus. However, Jesus’ death was only for that purpose of sacrificing his life for mankind. It was one step towards the process for us to receive the promised gift of eternal life. The Father has to resurrect him as promised to receive from him directly the power that will be used by the “potter” (Creator Jesus) to re-create and mold this “clay” as prophesied in Jeremiah 18:1-6) from one “marred vessel to another vessel”.

In much the same way that the “breath-of-life” changed the non-living “clay” to be a “living being“, this is the spirit-power to in-dwell in humans to energize our “spirit-of-man” for growth and development, changing it towards becoming “like him” and be “one” with the Creator, alive for eternity. No one has this power except the Father who promised and has given it to the resurrected Jesus, the Son of God, and then from him to us. This power is called holy and spirit because it came from a holy spirit-composed God Father. Truly, as the Creator God YHVH/Logos gave the “breath-of-life” that was the spirit-power that energized the created Genesis-Adam to become a “living being”, so did Father God gave resurrected Jesus this creative power to “build his church/body“. As man-Jesus “came from above“(John 3:31) as a perfect Passover Lamb that the Holy Spirit in-dwell at River Jordan to make him the “trailblazer and captain“(Hebrews 2:10) towards sonship, so shall we go through this process proven to be the “way, the truth and the life”(John 14:6). The word “Holy Spirit” is not in caps in the original manuscript. It is the power that in-dwells and guides (John 16:13) people to understand the truth to be “one” with the Father and Jesus, in “thoughts” for “my thoughts are not your thoughts“(Isaiah 55:8-9). There is no need to compose a “Trinitarian” concept of God just to align with the Shema doctrine.

Currently, many are not called at this time as each one has time appointed (Ecclesiastes 9:11); their time will come. As prophesied, our “spiritual blindness, deafness and muteness” will be changed by this in-dwelling power as in the prophecy:

Isaiah 29:18 “In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see“

Isaiah 35:5 “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped”

Matthew 11:15 “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.“

It is our hope that this research will help illuminate the controversy surrounding the Trinity. It was never personified until the 3rd/4th century( limiting the God-kingdom into 3 and ignoring the plan of expending it to “innumerable, like the stars in heaven”. Let us keep our mind open to truth and for no one to be stubborn because of misplaced “belief perseverance”.

May God bless all of us in search of the truth.

🙏😊

References:

1. First Council of Nicea. Retrieved from:https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Council_of_Nicaea

2. Kieckhefer, Richard (1989), “Papacy”, in Strayer, Joseph Reese, Dictionary of the Middle<

Ages 9, Charles Scribner’s Sons, ISBN 978-0-684-18278-

3. “Council of Nicaea”, p.39, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2014

4. Retrieved from:http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/beliefs/trinity.htm

5. Ibid.

6. Retrieved from: http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5057/

7. The New Catholic Encyclopedia (Detroit: Gale, 2003). ISBN 978-0-7876-4004-0

8. Pelikan, Jaroslav (1971), The Christian Tradition: A History of the Development of Doctrine 1,The Chicago University Press, p. 191.

9. Retrieved from: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/34124/Arianism.

10. Friell, G., Williams, S., Theodosian Code 16:2, 1, Theodosius: The Empire at Bay, London,1994.

11.Gonzalez, A History of Christian Thought, p. 121

12. Retrieved from: http://www.theopedia.com/Trinity.

13.The Mosaic of Christian Belief, p. 139.

14. Retrieved from: https://fact-s.net/2014/06/29/what-is-god-2/

15. Retrieved from: https://fact-s.net/2014/06/13/fathers-day_usa-3/

16. Retrieved from: https://fact-s.net/2014/08/06/passion-of-christ/

17. Retrieved from: https://fact-s.net/2014/03/25/son-of-god-2/

18. Retrieved from: https://fact-s.net/2014/07/12/deification-of-man-3/

19. Retrieved from: https://fact-s.net/2011/05/21/the-destiny-of-man/

Original post:8.8.2014

Reposted:12.20.2016

Revised and reposted 10/6/2018

Critique is welcome at foundationacts@yahoo.com

Trinity Doctrine: Deconstructed?

Dec7 by fact-s.net

TRINITY DOCTRINE: DECONSTRUCTED?

While this doctrine is “radioactive” to bring up, Pres. FDR in his first inaugural address has a wise rejoinder, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself”(6). Indeed, in an atmosphere of freedom, fear should not paralyze anyone as we search for the truth. How this theology came about is a subject worthy of review for all students of history. Knowing what happened at the time it was established gives us an inclination of the controversy that gave rise to this doctrine. Can those questions that were contentious and overwhelming at that time among church leaders be resolved with what we know today? What was the basic underlying concept and difference among them that was the crux of their contention?

History

From the preceding prolegomenon, let us explore excerpts from historical vignettes. On the subject of Arianism, the Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica wrote (9):

Coalescing of Powers

Without taking either side, one sees that the trunk-of-the-tree controversy of Trinity Doctrine emanates from two postulates, viz.,

1. Reconciling with “monotheism” the concept that the Father is God, Jesus Christ is God and the Spirit is God.

Fundamental to the Judaism of the OT (and of today) is the Shema. It is found in Deuteronomy 6 and part of it says, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one,” (Deut 6:4). The understanding of monotheism is at the heart of this passage, and it was at the core of the early Christians’ understanding of the nature of God.The three persons of the Godhead share the same spirit-essence. With this understanding, the doctrine of the Trinity continues to assert monotheism, an essential and easily found belief within the Scripture. Ontologically, each of the three members of the Trinity possess the same essential nature. Again, along with a monotheistic understanding, there is one and only one being, that is, God. The doctrine of the Trinity must remain grounded in God’s Word. Roger Olson sums it up when he says, “While it is true that no passage of Scripture spells out the doctrine of the Trinity, it is also true that the whole of Scripture’s witness to who God is and who Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit make no sense at all without the model of the Trinity and that all alternative concepts end up doing violence to some essential aspect of revelation, Christian experience and possibly even reason itself,”(13).

2. Nature of the Father/Son and which one has self-existence.

Key is knowing what is God?

3. In general, Elohiym/Theos is collective and not a selective term; common and not a proper name; inclusive and not exclusive; generic not proprietary; composite and not specific.

4. The usage and/or context of the word explains the intended meaning, whether plural/singular or numerical plurality/multiplicity of power, rank or position/function.

Retrospective analysis

Summary

Isaiah 29:18 “In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see“

Isaiah 35:5 “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped”

Matthew 11:15 “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.“

It is our hope that this research will help illuminate the controversy surrounding the Trinity. Let us keep our mind open to truth and for no one to be stubborn because of misplaced “belief perseverance”.

May God bless all of us in search of the truth.

🙏😊

References:

1. First Council of Nicea. Retrieved from:https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Council_of_Nicaea

2. Kieckhefer, Richard (1989), “Papacy”, in Strayer, Joseph Reese, Dictionary of the Middle<

Ages 9, Charles Scribner’s Sons, ISBN 978-0-684-18278-

3. “Council of Nicaea”, p.39, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2014

4. Retrieved from:http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/beliefs/trinity.htm

5. Ibid.

6. Retrieved from: http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5057/

7. The New Catholic Encyclopedia (Detroit: Gale, 2003). ISBN 978-0-7876-4004-0

8. Pelikan, Jaroslav (1971), The Christian Tradition: A History of the Development of Doctrine 1,The Chicago University Press, p. 191.

9. Retrieved from: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/34124/Arianism.

10. Friell, G., Williams, S., Theodosian Code 16:2, 1, Theodosius: The Empire at Bay, London,1994.

11.Gonzalez, A History of Christian Thought, p. 121

12. Retrieved from: http://www.theopedia.com/Trinity.

13.The Mosaic of Christian Belief, p. 139.

14. Retrieved from: https://fact-s.net/2014/06/29/what-is-god-2/

15. Retrieved from: https://fact-s.net/2014/06/13/fathers-day_usa-3/

16. Retrieved from: https://fact-s.net/2014/08/06/passion-of-christ/

17. Retrieved from: https://fact-s.net/2014/03/25/son-of-god-2/

18. Retrieved from: https://fact-s.net/2014/07/12/deification-of-man-3/

19. Retrieved from: https://fact-s.net/2011/05/21/the-destiny-of-man/

Original post:8.8.2014

Reposted:12.20.2016

Revised and reposted 10/6/2018

Critique is welcome at foundationacts@yahoo.com

BE LIKE GOD, how?

Apr16 by fact-s.net

This has been humanity’s goal since the beginning as in Genesis 3:5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”(NIV). But, God knows better on how to be like him; not on our own by just eating the “fruit” as tempted by Satan.

Subsequently, humanity built the Tower of Babel “to reach the heavens” as in Genesis 11:4 “Then,they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” (NIV). But, God did not like that, so their languages were confounded.

And, many attempts to be a ruler/sovereignty as in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of successive kingdoms in Daniel 2; all failed as God already planned to have his way, the “stone” will expand to rule all earth.

Even in our modern world, there are attempts to “like God”. Omnipresence is reflected in humanity’s attempt to be everywhere as in Zoom, monitoring by camera, Ring-camera, etc. Omniscience as in Artificial Intelligence (AI-tech)and ability to change into another as in “deep fake tech”. Moreover, there are attempts to be “everlasting” as in inventions purported to expand longevity.

But, all human efforts did not reach desired goals of “sovereignty, omnipresence, omniscience nor eternal life”. Only God can do this for mankind , as planned/prophesied and being executed by El Shaddai, aka Yahweh-Elohim, LOGOS, man-Jesus Christ.

God bless us all🙏🙏🙏

Crucifixion/Resurrection?

Apr9 by fact-s.net

Controversy continues as to the day of crucifixion and resurrection. That these events truly happened are generally believed by many.

But, does it matter when?

Respectfully, I think it does… to a certain extent but should not be for debate and a distraction to the main message that, in fact, they happened as prophesied that his death (Col. 1:2)is for our reconciliation and his resurrected life (Romans 5:10)is for our eventual salvation. Yes, we have to be reconciled to the Father first, before we will be saved “with his resurrected life”.

Fundamental issues to resolve are:

1. Three days and three nights, Jesus was dead as Jonah was, in the belly of the fish.

The popular teaching that Jesus died on Friday towards sunset and resurrected on Sunday, early sunrise may need to be re-evaluated because from the end of Friday (sunset) to the beginning(sunrise)of Sunday wil only account to 1 day, from “even-to-even” as day is biblically counted from Genesis, as in Genesis 1:8.

As written, ““For as Jonah 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” (Matthew 12:40).

“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.”(Jonah 1:17).

“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 heardest 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 for ever: 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. And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.” (Jonah 2:1-10)

The preceding narrative suggests that Jonas cried (Jo.2:2 ) as Jesus “cried out”(Matt.27:50) before they died and both “brought up my (to) life from corruption(death)” ( Jo. 2:6; Lu.24:3) as both were resurrected, exactly and precisely, “three days and three nights”.

Yes, Jonas died and was swallowed by a “big fish” to be regurgitated back to life at the “banks of Nineveh”. Yet, some Christian preachers teach from the pulpit that Jonas did not die and was alive in the belly of the “big fish” because Jesus, being God, could not have died and therefore did not resurrect from death… a circuitous and erroneous logic.

Why is this of a seminal and crucial event? Because the Jonas event is the only proof to that “evil and adulterous generation” and to all generations, that Jesus is the Messiah (Matt.12:39-40;16:4). Without this proof that it happened the way he described it, will cast doubt about him being the prophesied Savior.

2. Which Sabbath was referred to, annual or weekly?

In Lu. 23:54-56 “And that day was the “preparation”, and the sabbath drew on. And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the “sabbath day” according to the commandment.”

Since Christ is the Lamb of God (Jn. 1:29) and our Passover (I Cor. 5:7), then he had to be sacrificed on Nisan 14. According to Ex. 12:3-11, Nisan 14 is the day the Passover Lamb was killed. Following that day, starting sunset to sunset for counting a day, is the 1st Day of Unleavened Bread, Nisan 15. This feast of unleavened bread has to be observed for 7 days, with the 1st and 7th day, as “annual Sabbath“, and not weekly sabbath or Saturday; hence the error of Friday Crucifixion or death of Jesus Christ.

Jesus was killed on “preparation day” (Passover day) and was buried towards the end of that day, Nisan 14, as the annual “Sabbath drew on“, Nisan 15.

The women had to “rest” that “annual” Sabbath of rest, Nisan 15, “according to the commandment” and therefore has to “prepare spices and ointments” sometime Nisan 16, a non-sabbath day. Then they rested on a “weekly” Sabbath (Saturday) Nisan 17.

There were 2 Sabbaths that week and year, an annual and weekly Sabbath of rest.

3. What day did Christ resurrect and when was the crucifixion ?

Notice that Mary, Joanna, Mary Magdalene and other women were bringing the spices and ointments “very early in the morning the 1st day of the week”(Sunday, Nisan 18), and the body was “not found”, the “stone that sealed the tomb rolled down” and “Peter running towards the sepulcher” confirmed this (Lu. 24:1-12).

With the preceding facts, one can see clearly that following the “only sign of Jonas” having been buried towards the end of the day(sunset), Jesus must have resurrected after complete “3 days and 3 nights” also towards the end of the day(sunset). Since the “body was not found “very early morning” of Sunday the 1st day of the week, Nisan 18, therefore the resurrection was Nisan 17, a weekly Sabbath, towards the end of that day, sunset. The crucifixion or death of Christ had to be Nisan 14 (Passover killed), Wednesday, before the “annual” Sabbath, Nisan 15. Additionally, prophecy in Daniel says:

Dan. 9:27: “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease..,”

4. What is the “third day” referred to in the “Emmaus walk” narrative?

This day could not be Sunday the first day of the week as this was the 4th day from crucifixion and burial, not the 3rd day.

The narrative states that 2 disciples reached Emmaus on the 3rd day. The “third day” was the 3rd from Sunday when they started the trip from Jerusalem (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday). The “day was far spent” (Tuesday towards sunset and to begin the following start of Wedneday nightime) so they invited the resurrected Jesus to eat with them. And they started to rest that Wednesday night as it was the start of the 7th day of Unleavened bread, an annual sabbath, also a “rest day“. See also, Feast of Unleavened Bread in Lev 23:5-8 proving that Nisan 15 and Nisan 21 are annual or high Sabbaths.

Therefore, the “third day” has to be after Sunday, i.e., towards the end of Tuesday, the day prior to the beginning of Wednesday, the annual Sabbath Nisan 21(last day of UB). This then makes the “Emmaus walk” 3 days long, no matter how many miles the “distance from Jerusalem to the true Emmaus village”.

5. What year and date was the crucifixion/resurrection?

Knowing that Nisan 14 crucifixion was Wednesday and Nisan 17 was Saturday, can the calendar at that time confirm these days? The best calendar to show the years of Jesus’ ministry can be accessed in:

http://www.studiesintheword.org/chart_22-36AD.htm

http://www.usno.navy.mil/USNO/astronomical-applications/data-services/spring-phenom
http://www.judaismvschristianity.com/Passover_dates.htm.

Notice that in Molad years 23, 26, 30 and 33 AD, Nisan 14 (Crucifixion) was on Wednesday. Therefore, Nisan 17 towards sunset was Saturday, weekly Sabbath , when he was resurrected. And, on Nisan 18 Sunday the first of the week, Jesus’ “body was not found”. As to which exact year, one may have to research further.

Moreover, according to Lu. 3:23, Jesus was about 30 years old when he began his ministry after baptism at river Jordan which lasted 3 1/2 years. As E. Martin and others (1, 2,3) suggested that Jesus was born on Rosh Hashanah, Sept 11, 3BC, then his ministry was from 27 AD-31AD. Taking all things into consideration, then the year most likely was on 30 AD , month of March or April and his birthday may have to be re-evaluated. See also: https://jamestabor.com/jesus-died-on-a-thursday-not-a-friday/.

Summary

As Jonah was dead in the belly of the “big fish” for “3 days and 3 nights“ is the only proof given by Jesus to the “adulterous generation” and to all generations, that He is the Messiah, Son of God, he had to be dead in the tomb also for “3 days and 3 nights”. Teaching on this subject have been upended by a predominant Christian institutions that maintain Friday Crucifixion because of the error in concluding that the day after his death and burial was a weekly sabbath rather than annual Sabbath.

Notwithstanding the day, week and year are controversial, altogether and whatever the truth behind the facts of crucifixion and resurrection, the key message is:

Jesus is the Messiah/Passover who was crucified and resurrected for us.

As in Romans 5, Jesus’ death took on for all humanity the consequence of sin (accounted to one man Adam) which is eternal death, so that also one “man Christ Jesus” would reconcile us to the Father. Having been reconciled by Jesus’ death as a Passover, his resurrection to life (being alive) will be the occasion for the Father to gift him the Holy Spirit of power to create his church on an ongoing creation.

God bless👍🙏😇

Original post: April 21, 2015

Modified and reposted April 1, 2021

Also, April 9, 2023 Easter

REFERENCES:
1. Martin, Ernest: Star that Astonished the World, 2nd Ed; ISBN 0-945657-87-0, 1995
2. Retrieved from:http://cortright.org/revsign.htm
3. Retrieved from:http://cortright.org/birth.htm

Addiction & Culture

Mar29 by fact-s.net

Why should this subject be of interest to all of us? By now, we hear of “fentanyl crisis”, aside from drug overdose. More alarming is the question, does “addiction” predict the action of a person that can devolve into group/community actions, thereby leading to culture within that group of people or community? Moreover, how does our “taught-attitude/behavior”,i.e., action, lead to addiction? Will this then extend into the “culture of the community”, like sexual depravity of Sodom & Gomorrah? Are there solutions to this addiction? Additionally, how is this in anyway related to understanding the gospel about the “creation of the God-kingdom”, to start, not from angels (Hebrews 2:5), but from humans; and specifically on “renewing of our mind” as in Romans 12:2. Remember that we were created from “dust of the earth”, “flesh-composed”, subject to “pull of the flesh” and therefore with pathophysiologic system that is amenable to change; unlike the “angelic beings”, spirit-composed and 1/3rd revolted against God. Whereas, by creating the God-kingdom, starting from “man-Jesus”, then “many sons/daughters to glory”, we will then be “one with the Father, as Jesus is “one with him”.

Is their in our composition an intrinsic/natural and biochemical responses through neurotransmitters that, if unchecked, lead to this addiction menace? If, so, what can be done about this?

To start with, except accidents and natural disasters, here is a sweeping statement that “all human depravity emanates from “human actions”, like war, violence , injuries, murder of innocent victims, covetousness, stealing, adultery, sexting/cybersex, abusive behaviors, environmental dirt, etc.”

And, the origin of our motive that becomes an action comes from our “mind”. But “human minds” are diverse and differ from one another depending on our exposure to events and personal experiences. And actions maybe accidental, may lack ability to see right/wrong and without motive, like those with mental disabilities; therefore require less culpability; and, sentencing is thus modified for the sake of fair justice which requires knowledge of right or wrong as well as abilities to act accordingly. Moreover, influences from each other lead to “culture within the community”. Notwithstanding, it does not have to be “actual action” but even “thought/thinking that marinates/conceives, brings forth sin as in James 1:15.

Remember the song “sound of silence” where it says:”Because a vision softly creeping, left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain, still remains. Within the sound of silence” Some mechanism , biochemical or neuromodulation , etc, may keep that “vision/ gratifying experience” in our mind to express itself into subsequent action.

Since it was the Creator-God, who was known to Moses as Yahweh-Elohim, but known as El-Shaddai to Abraham, Isaac & Jacob (Exodus 6:3), who made us “flesh-composed,” thus, subject to the “ pull/works of the flesh”, understanding the biochemical and pathophysiologic mechanism of human actions due to our “composition/structure”(as created human beings) may help us determine what solutions there are, to many wrong actions/thoughts of humanity.

Culture of impunity:

Remember these examples of how the mind decides and acts:

5 black police officers from Memphis Tennessee indicted for the death of Tyre Nichols; did addictive behavior or attitudes towards each other lead to culture?

The Memphis police officers charged in the death of Tyre Nichols were part of an elite unit known as Scorpion that was set up to crack down on high-crime neighborhoods. The officers’ actions as they stopped and beat Nichols show how the squad’s work could, and did, go very wrong. Was the system – response taught to that unit?

Access also these: Harvey Weinstein etc Kelly sex abuse. How did they repeatedly do these heinous crimes? And this:

The Jan. 26 police shooting of a 36-year-old, double amputee in southeastern Los Angeles is the latest killing of a Black man to set off protests over excessive and lethal violence by U.S. law enforcement. Again, a response taught to the group, then embedded in their brains?

Deleterious effect extending to the community in Kensington, Philadelphia

And, addiction is not limited to illegal or legal drugs but also to digital platforms and social media that may develop in us, so-called Nomophobia

“10% of U.S. adults admit to having an addiction to Internet pornography. Research shows that about 67% of 13-year-old boys have seen at least one pornographic image on some sort of digital device in the past year, and by the age of 18, that number rises to 90%.”

FYI, beware: .”Danger of social media on “young minds”:

Definition of Addiction:

As important this subject is, let us now understand the official definition of “addiction”. The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as, “a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory, and related circuitry.” Something went wrong with the brain circuitry. How biochemically does addiction happen?

Pathophysiology of Addiction:

Having attended seminar on addiction made me think about the relationship of this menace to the development of culture of communities, towns, cities, nations and who, we eventually/ultimately become to be, as a person.

Understanding it’s pathophysiologic mechanism will also help us to see why we need to brace ourselves and change our perception on “addicts”, to understand them better with compassion and help them through these difficulties. This will also help us understand why God created us into this “temporary dwelling”, what God has done, and is doing as planned to remedy it. It will also make us aware of how reinforcement, repetitive behavior and actions lead to responses which can be predictable.

To begin with, addiction is derived from the Latin word for “enslaved” or “bound by”, which makes incredible sense.

Remember Romans 6:20 “When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness”(NIV). How did we become “bound by and enslaved to sin”? From where and how humans were created (Genesis 2:7), of flesh and not spirit, may help explain the propensity all of us have and are subject to this “pull and fruits of the flesh” because of what we were made of.

Let us start with the original Pavlov experiment on dogs: proof of consigned reflex. That is how dog’s brain works

Similarly, few realize that human addiction also has to do with the way the human (also flesh-composed as dogs) brain works. It may well be, that humans and animals have the same neurotransmitter circuitry and biochemical responses.

When most people think of addiction, they think of drugs. But addiction can exist in almost any form. Video games/TV time, alcoholism, gambling, sex, even sugar and exercise addiction. If it releases dopamine from the brain, then it can potentially become an addictive substance or responses. In simple terms, addiction is simply the brain becoming dependent on a source of feel-good chemicals created from something it doesn’t actually need to sustain itself.

Victims all too often know that what they’re doing is dangerous and destructive, but because of their perceived need for the thing, they literally can’t help it. Addiction is a learned behavior. No one sets out intending to become an addict. Half the time they don’t even realize they are one until it’s too late.

Addiction is caused through repetition, constant usage of a certain item, substance or action ( even thought/thinking that may conceive) that releases dopamine in large quantities. The brain likes this and demands more of it – that’s the mechanism of addiction. Reinforcing that reward, can make it tough to break the habit.The problem is that after a while, it becomes impossible to keep up with. The standards of the dopamine high become harder to reach and the victim becomes callous/less responsive and tries harder and harder to achieve that goal again. This is what leads to addiction. Without help, this cycle will keep repeating until the victim is too lost in it to get out on their own.

Trauma and stress affect their lives. To combat this problem and ultimately prevent addiction from occurring in the first place, Ressler would like to see the creation of more preventive strategies that help individuals better cope with stress and trauma, beginning in childhood.

Ressler is also pursuing a complementary study regarding the mechanisms of addiction, in which he is examining the amygdala—a part of the brain that plays a central role in how one experiences emotions—and related regions, such as the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). He and his colleagues’ findings suggest that dysregulation of the OFC-to-amygdala neurocircuit may influence addictive behavior.

Specifically, their findings show that increased levels of a neuroplasticity protein, called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf encoded by the BDNF gene.), drive goal-oriented behavior. In contrast, stress or developmental trauma may lead to atrophy of the OFC neurotrophin systems, which in turn can lead to increased habitual behavior, such as drug or any pleasure-seeking behavior, that becomes predominant over goal-directed behavior. Targeting these molecular systems may serve as a promising adjunct to behavioral therapies aimed at suppressing or reversing habitual thought or behavioral patterns seen in addiction

OFC may shrink or atrophy from diminished use leading to less control from frontal cortex.

There is an involuntary takeover of the brain that compromises decision-making and diminishes freedom of choice, making quitting difficult even in the face of desire to do so.

What happens in addiction is that, through completely natural processes involved in all learning, the brain prunes (disregards) nerve pathways of attention and motivation to preferentially notice, focus on, desire, and seek the substance or pleasurable experiences. What starts out as a choice becomes, in a sense, a prison. The addict the becomes “imprisoned or enslaved”.

Because substances or experiences of gratification, act directly on the reward center of the brain to deliver their high—these involve speedy and intense release of the neurotransmitter dopamine—addiction can be seen as a shortcut to reward, one that, over time, can have a high cost to physical and mental health. Nevertheless, the outsize sensation of reward makes a powerful case for repetition. And through pathways of nerve connection to other areas of the brain, the response weakens activity of the brain’s decision-making center in the prefrontal cortex. Overcoming addiction usually entails not just stopping use of a substance or behaviors but also discovering or rediscovering meaningful activities and goals, the pursuit of which provide the brain with rewards more naturally (and more gradually). And because they require effort, they contribute to growth of many facets of personality and personhood.

“…the brain shifts control over the sequence of actions involved in drinking from conscious control via the prefrontal cortex to habit formation using the basal ganglia. This transition from incentive salience toward habitual responding, mediated by changes in brain circuitry, can make it more likely that someone will continue their drinking pattern and harder for them to stop.”

“Effects of heavy substance use on the brain, and recovery of brain functioning with sustained abstinence, which may be facilitated by cognitive training, were reviewed. Neuroimaging provides powerful tools for determining brain mechanisms underlying psychotherapy and medication effects, predicting and monitoring outcomes, developing novel interventions that target specific brain circuits, and identifying for whom an intervention will be effective.

Same mechanism occurs as we see or interpret things or persons and repeatedly register in our orbit-frontal context

SUMMARY & Why Humans need God

Addiction is, “a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory, and related circuitry.” Something went wrong with the brain circuitry that dissociated one’s ability to say “no” to the gratifying pleasure that neurotransmitter dopamine stimulates and connects with the orbitofrontal cortex for analysis and decision-making.

Repetitive behavior leads to development of diminished connectivity of circuitry control between amygdala and OFC( occipital-frontal cortex) as well as bdnf-gene that becomes the building block of BDNF( brain-derived neurotrophic factor) to achieve an enhanced need for gratification.

Simply put, addiction is when the brain becomes dependent on a source of feel-good chemicals created from something it doesn’t actually need to sustain itself.

Current human interventions and therapy of not just stopping use of a substance or behaviors but also discovering or rediscovering meaningful activities and goals, the pursuit of which provide the brain with rewards more naturally (and more gradually) are salutary. And other things can be done by ourselves

Still, they require effort thus contributing to growth of many facets of personality and personhood. Human efforts, however has limits and our nature, needs additional “empowering tool” to overcome these temptations/urges intrinsic/natural to our created “temporary dwelling”. As Jesus emphasized, “…the flesh is weak” as in Mark 14:38.

This is why the God-Creator, aka, El-Shaddai, Yahweh-Elohim, who knows how we are made of, for good reasons, also has a plan to provide additional “empowering tool” long-promised to his human creation to overcome these “natural phenomenon”.

And this “empowering tool” comes in the form of “in-dwelling Jesus Christ” in our mind (for renewing the mind) by/through the holy spirit of power. And this power, given by the Father-God, manifested itself first through “man-Jesus” (our trailblazer, first of the firstfruits) by the River Jordan as witnessed by John the Baptist in Luke 3:22.

Subsequently, at “time appointed”, he gave this “empowering tool”, after Jesus’ resurrection, to his disciples, also on Pentecost and even now to re-create the “marred clay” to develop/mature into his church, eventually to “bring many sons/daughters to glory” as a family and members of the God-kingdom, as numerous as “stars in heaven” as promised through Abraham.

So, with this “empowering tool” and not our power nor our works but Jesus’ works, that “no one can boast”, here are:

Pre-emptive measures to prevent development of “bad culture” in our mind

1. Fear the Lord for wisdom to begin as in Proverbs 9:10

2. Flee temptation as in I Corinthians 6-18

3. Moderation as in Philippians 4/5 King James Bible
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. One knows “moderation” if he/she maintains “control and still can say NO to temptations”

God has planned and is executing what he promised to create us to do good works as in Ephesians 2:10.

As the Creator-God dwells only in the “holy-of-holies” of the Temple to show his plan for the future “in-dwelling in our mind” to clean it from evil and empower it to “will and do” good works , so at “time appointed”, he is doing this since his resurrection to life, as we are “saved through his life”.

God bless all of us to be guided to the truth to “will and do” his way, truth, and life. 🙏👍😊

March 29, 2023 published today to commemorate FDA’s approval of over-the -counter Naloxone

“Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Narcan, 4 milligram (mg) naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray for over-the-counter (OTC), nonprescription, use – the first naloxone product approved for use without a prescription. Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdose and is the standard treatment for opioid overdose. Today’s action paves the way for the life-saving medication to reverse an opioid overdose to be sold directly to consumers in places like drug stores, convenience stores, grocery stores and gas stations, as well as online.”

Temple is the Church: What, Why, Where and How to build it?

Feb20 by fact-s.net

In the COVID era, the world is in a dilemma: going to “church or not”, follow religious leaders to attend church mass/meeting or “stay-at-home” as mandated by “Caesar” to prevent transmission.

Similarly this extends to decision-making about “life vs livelihood”. On this Holy Week 2020, church gathering has been advised against, due to “social-distancing” guideline to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2. On-line and other technological methods of providing church masses become a norm on this unprecedented time.What Satan and atheists did not like to have and could not prevent, i.e., church gathering of believers, has been achieved by this “invisible enemy” through no fault of anybody. No more “social-bonding”, unlike before this global pandemic.

Indeed, times have change.Pre-2020 pandemic, many of us “go to church“. Some, 2-3 times a week while others attend once a week, consistently. Yet, for those who don’t go at all, many begin to wonder why others do and have made false assumptions in their thinking process, thus defaulting to “Hanlon’s razor”.

Why, and is there anything wrong with continuing to meet fellow believers in a church? At least for social bonding, while following guidelines? What about the risk of virus transmission? Or, instead forgoing traditional church attendance and still “attend” mass or service through other technological means like TV-coverage,FaceTime or zoom? Responses by church leaders and lay members can be varied and everyone exercises or not 1A right; the ubiquitous consonance and dissonance continue to exist.

Similarly, this extends to dilemma in choosing “life vs livelihood”.Whatever, there should be no fault-finding nor finger-pointing among fellow believers as all actions have consequences, good or bad; still, avoid “confirmation bias”. This gives us a reason to delve into this subject of “temple is the church“. What, why, where is it and how to build it…really?

Church History and what is it?

The earliest form of a “temple/church” is called a “sanctuary/tabernacle” found in Exodus 25:8-9 and commanded by God to be built precisely according to the pattern, also as in Acts 7:44, Exodus 25:1-27:21 and Exodus 40:17-33.The word tabernacle is an English rendition of the Hebrew word miskan, or “dwelling place”; also comes from the Hebrew word “ohel moed” or Tent of the congregation. More than 50 Chapters in the Bible were solely devoted to the tabernacle.But even before the tabernacle was constructed, there was “tent of meeting” where God met with Moses as recorded in Exodus 33:7-9. Many assumed that God actually dwelt in it. But, notice this, that as Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the Lord spoke with Moses. Notice that Moses was “into” the tent but the Lord “was not”; the “pillar of cloud was at the entrance.”This “tent of meeting” could be taken up and moved each time they changed locations while wandering in the wilderness. Other names in the Bible for the tent of meeting are the tabernacle of the congregation, wilderness tabernacle, tabernacle of witness, tent of witness, the tabernacle of Moses.After the tabernacle was built about one year after leaving Egypt’s slavery, Moses no longer needed his temporary tent, and the term tent of meeting began to be applied to the tabernacle. This was the “tabernacle in the wilderness” before Israelites went to Canaan 400 years later.In Exodus 25:22, it says “There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat, from the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony, I will speak with you about all that I will give you in commandment for the people of Israel.” Here again, God was not “in” the temple but “from above the mercy seat”.Numbers 9:15”Now on the day that the tabernacle was erected the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony, and in the evening it was like the appearance of fire over the tabernacle, until morning.” Note: God was not “in” but “cloud covered the tabernacle” at daytime but at night it was “fire over the tabernacle”.Moreover, the tabernacle was a temporary and portable dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and the other holy items that the Israelites were instructed to use in the worship of and sacrifice to Yahweh. It represents a portable earthly dwelling place of Yahweh (God) used by the children of Israel from the Exodus until the conquest of Canaan. This was then superseded by the Temple in Jerusalem when it was built by Solomon which was destroyed in 586 BCE by the Babylonians; was re-built in “stages” until destroyed by the Romans in 70 C.E. Currently, there is no 3rd Temple until prior to the 2nd return of Jesus Christ.Noticeably, the “tent of meeting” and the “tabernacle” were representative of a mobile and temporary dwelling of God’s presence. And, while the original Jerusalem temple was stationary, it was destroyed as well as the 2nd Jerusalem temple, making them also temporary representation of God’s dwelling, although “not actual”. All of them were “types” until the “anti-type” is revealed.

What do they represent and why? In the New Testament, Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:1–5 also mentioned the “tent of meeting” or the tabernacle, revealed the “anti-type” and compared it to the earthly human body:“For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee”.

From the preceding verses, one can see that all of them, i.e., tent of meeting, tabernacle and Temple in Jerusalem, represented our mobile and living temporary earthly mortal body that must be replaced. The tent/tabernacle/Temple represents our “home”, our “clothing” and without it, we are “unclothed or naked”. The narrative in Genesis 3:1-13 explains why Adam and Eve found themselves “naked”. This, they found themselves “naked/without clothing” as a consequence, only after they sinned and not before. It dawned on them about death of their mortal body and their “real you” would be separated from that mortal body at death. Again Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:2 referred to as “church”: To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be His holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ – their Lord and ours: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”.

But, notice that God was never actually in any of these representations. So, where will God in-dwell? Where does God actually in-dwell? It is without doubt as to where the “dwelling place” of God is, in heaven as stated in 2 Chronicles 6:21. But, he also promised to “in-dwell” in man.

We know this mortal body is temporary and must be replaced. This “mortal body” is a “tent/tabernacle/Temple”, our “clothing” and without which we are “unclothed” or “naked”. And, that God promised to in-dwell at “time appointed”. Is this “temporary mortal body” where God promised to in-dwell? Here are the verse-requisites of where actually God will “in-dwell”:Not made by human hands as in Acts 7:48-49 “However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says: “ ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be?

Remember, the “tent of meeting,tabernacle/Jerusalem 2 temples” were made by human hands and therefore God will not dwell there. Also, among the 2 components of man, only one directly comes from God himself.

Here is where actually He will in-dwell, the “breath-of-life” aka “spirit-of-man”; whereas, the other component came “from the ground, earthy”. And, this “in-dwelling” in man first happened at River Jordan to the “human trailblazer”, the “author/finisher”, man-Jesus Christ.God has to “pitch it” himself as in Hebrews 8:2 “…true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.” Clearly, He choses where and He pitched it himself.

How does God “pitched” his church? Now that the “anti-type” (the spirit/of-man) has been revealed, where God will in-dwell through the Holy Spirit and He did into the “first chosen human Jesus”, now comes the process how his church is going to be built.

Remember that Jesus said to Peter that on that identified “rock” , he will build his church. And, this is through the Holy Spirit that Jesus got for us only after his death and resurrection. Indeed, after this, he then breathe the Holy Spirit into his disciples and later generally to others he chose at Pentecost.We have a “stony heart” that was why the Ten Commandments were given in “tables of stones”. But, the “stone” will be removed from our heart and back to flesh as the Holy Spirit will open our eyes and ears by in-dwelling in the “spirit-of-man”(mind) to discern spiritual truths. Only with the guidance of the Holy Spirit will anyone “see, hear” spiritual truth. Then will be fulfilled on an individual basis as chosen by God, the prophesy in Ezekiel 36:26 “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”And this process is an “ongoing creation” now underway since that time.

Summary

What the tent of meeting/tabernacle/temple represents is a mobile and living temporary mortal body. Why it must be replaced is because it was meant to be originally created perfectly but strictly temporal as a “template” to be changed in the future “time appointed”. Where the in-dwelling of God will be, is not in the “mortal component of man which was made by hands” but in the “spirit-of-man”(the mind) that was “breathed into man’s nostrils”, the “real you”.

Here, in this “spirit-component” of man, the “kingdom of God” is and starts. And how this happened occurred first to the trailblazer/author man-Jesus and after his death/resurrection, he got directly from the Father, this Holy Spirit of power to be given thereafter to whoever he chose. Church is composed of people, believers, who by being human have deficiencies. Indeed frustrating, as we are all flawed people to experience his work on earth, as alluded to in 1 Corinthians and 7 churches in Revelations. No one should dislike any church member so much as to diss church attendance.Going into a building where fellow believers meet is not wrong, except in specific situations. Remember, Jesus went to the temple, too. To diminish its value is a dismissive line of thinking that leads nowhere constructive. Truly, “you’d have to get rid of the majority of the New Testament to argue that the church was a parenthetical, made-up organization.”The early believers were essentially in-house churches, where immediate family, extended family and friends were already living in deep, meaningful community together.

But with the reality of Covid-19 global pandemic, each one of us has to use the wisdom from God. And, decide the risks involved, modify and innovate as we can, using technological advances that we are all blessed to have. Currently, most of us are “attending” or participating in mass or church service by watching it in TV. Hopefully and prayerfully, “normalcy” will return sooner than later. The bottom line is written in John 4:24 “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth”. And that means, wherever we are.No need for second-guessing, finger-pointing, shaming nor blame-gaming. Let us all “be one” with the Father.

Hopefully, this post helps the world in a dilemma: going to “church or not” or choose “life vs livelihood”. Either choice taken, pro or con, has consequences that we will all experience. Risk vs rewards?

God bless🙏😇

Celebrate Christmas, really?

Dec23 by fact-s.net

Christmas, should it be celebrated ?

Should Christmas be celebrated and if so, when? Others reject its celebration on December 25 as others claim Jesus’ birth was on a September/October. While millions throughout the world are celebrating Yuletide season, some in the Christian world are conflicted. What should we do? What should be our response to those who recognize different dates of Jesus’ birth? And, for that matter, to anyone who summarily discredit Jesus birth?

Historical and Biblical vignettes

The birth of Jesus started in Bethlehem but this has been prophesied by prophets and referred as “seed“,all the way from Genesis 3:15:

“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.“

Interesting excerpt:

“In addition to celebrating the winter solstice a few days before December 25, Romans in 273 AD already celebrated two festivals on the very day: natalis solis invicti (the “birth of the unconquered sun”) and the birthday of Mithras, the Iranian god of the sun. According to Christianity Today, church leaders thought it would also be a fitting time to honour the son of God. Besides, as Ace Collins, author of Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas, said in a PBS segment, the existing Roman holidays were filled with drinking and debauchery, so this new holiday was a way to teach heathens a lesson about sin and redemption. After Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity and declared tolerance for the religion, Western Christians officially began celebrating December 25 as the birth of Jesus in 336 AD. Those in the Eastern Church continue to recognize another day, January 6, as Christ’s birthday, but nowadays most everyone agrees on the date.“(1)

The arguments against December 25 can be summarized into:

“First, shepherds were in the fields watching their flocks at the time of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:7-8;no flocks out in the snow?). Second, Jesus’ parents came to Bethlehem to register in a Roman census (Luke 2:1-4). Such censuses were not taken in winter, when temperatures often dropped below freezing and roads were in poor condition. The biblical accounts point to the fall of the year as the most likely time of Jesus’ birth, based on the conception and birth of John the Baptist. It was during this time of temple service that Zacharias learned that he and his wife, Elizabeth, would have a child (Luke 1:8-13). After he completed his service and traveled home, Elizabeth conceived (Luke 1:23-24). Assuming John’s conception took place near the end of June, adding nine months brings us to the end of March as the most likely time for John’s birth. Adding another six months (the difference in ages between John and Jesus (Luke 1:35-36)) brings us to the end of September as the likely time of Jesus’ birth.“(2).

The arguments for December 25 is expressed by:

“J. Stormer, PCC [Pensacola Christian College] Update (Winter 1996), cited by G. E. Veith, “Evidence December 25 is the right day,” has argued for December 25 as a possible date of Jesus’ birth on the basis of the course of temple duties for the clan of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist (Luke 1:5;8, 1 Chron 24:10). He argues that the 24 courses of the priests each served for one month. However, he did not document that claim, and the OT does not indicate the length of priestly service. Clues in the Mishnah suggest that each course served for one week—not one month—by rotation (see, for example, the note on m. Taanith 2:6 in Danby’s translation of the Mishnah). Josephus and the Talmud confirm that the courses each lasted one week (Joachim Jeremias, Jerusalem in the Time of Jesus [Philadelphia: Fortress, 1979], 119). If, then, the priestly service lasted one week, not one month at time, this causes their entire chronology to break down. Most likely, therefore, each course of the priests served for one week, from Sabbath to Sabbath, two different times each year. Since we cannot be sure whether the course mentioned in Luke was the first or second annual course, and other difficulties are present as well, the information concerning Zechariah’s temple service in Luke 1 is hardly adequate for pinpointing the time of Jesus’ birth.”(3).

With all the questions about the specific date, one may take this advice:

“In any case, our Christian faith should not rest on Christmas (which, after all, with all its trappings is only a human tradition), much less on the date of Christmas as December 25, but rather on the reason for the season—the virgin-born, divine-human Son of God, who came to save sinners by dying a sacrificial, substitutionary death on the cross and rose again on the third day (1 Cor 15:3–4)”(Ibid. 3).

The Reason for the Season

Indeed, our focus should be directed on the “reason for the season“. And to understand the reason for incarnation, one has to begin with the question, who the God/Elohim Creator of everything, the invisible and visible. Without first addressing this, one would miss out as to who, really, is this person Jesus whose birth the world is celebrating. This was none other than El Shaddai, aka, YHVH, the one who incarnated into flesh-composed human , the man-Jesus. The Elohim Creator (Gen. 1:1) is the same El Shaddai/God Almighty( Ex. 6:3, 6-7) to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; but to Moses he is called YHVH. Paul, speaking of man-Jesus, wrote in Col. 1:16, 17

“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist”.

Similar identified person and pre-eminence were echoed in John 1:1-3,14

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” …And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us…the only begotten of the Father.”

The Elohim in Genesis, the Creator of all, is the same as El Shaddai, YHVH and man-Jesus. Yet, it was the Father who caused Jesus to be the proximate Creator, as in,

Hebrews 1:2 says, “In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.”

It was “through” Jesus that the Father created everything. Jesus was the proximate Creator. That said, why will a most powerful Creator, spirit-composed, chose to be flesh-composed, a human, lower than “angels“, as in,

Ps. 8:4-7 “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet”

This was quoted by Paul also in,

Hebrews 2:6-7″“But there is a place where someone has testified:What is mankind that you are mindful of them,a son of man that you care for him? You made them a little lower than the angels;you crowned them with glory and honor”

Why El Shaddai/YHVH incarnated?

In general, someone trades off a powerful position with something better. But, for him to become human and “lower than angels” that he also created, sounds unconventional. Unless, there is something in being human that eventually be better choice for him. In Heb 1:2, after Jesus’ resurrection as Son of God, he was “appointed heir of all things.” And in Ps. 8:4-7, Jesus was prophesied after resurrection as Son of God to be “crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet”.

From the preceding, one can deduce that YHVH CREATOR, as powerful as he was, had limits; and what was referred as glory, honor, dominion overall were granted to him afterwards. Certainly better position than before creation. Moreover, he became a begotten, then born of God as Son; a position he did not have before, although prophesied. Does John 3:16 help to provide an answer, too? Here it is,

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Notice that it was the Father’s love that initiated the love that emanates from Jesus. The consistent narrative is that the Father wanted to create everything and he caused YHVH/Jesus to do it. Similarly, the Father wanted to show love to the world and he expressed it through Jesus. On both counts, Jesus agreed voluntarily and is “one” with the Father.

But, how is this incarnation an expression of love for the world? It still begs the question, what in being human is an expression of love? And, how is this a better trade-off for the Creator YHVH? If one looks back at biblical history, lowering himself to being human for Jesus is only a preliminary path to “create the spirit-composed kingdom of God”. He is the “beginner and finisher” (Heb. 12:2;Rev. 22:13), the “precursor” ;” (Heb. 6:20) of what is to become of humans. Note, that as a human being, Jesus was flesh-composed and became spirit-composed at resurrection. And, only after resurrection (during his life) did the Father give him the creative power of the Holy Spirit for humans to be “one” with the Father, as spirit-composed beings and in choosing right from wrong. Other humans will follow this track that he walked. He was a trail-blazer in creating a God-kingdom made of spirit-composed beings, higher than angelic position and “one” with the Father and Son in deciding which is right or wrong. This was planned by the Father and YHVH/Jesus voluntarily “signed on” to this strategy.

Strategic plan

Man sinned from the garden of Eden. He did not follow God’s guidance not to “eat the fruit wherein there is knowledge of good and evil.” (Gen. 2:16-17). Adam wanted to be “like God knowing good and evil” by his own “works” of eating the fruit himself. He did not know that another Adam, the second Adam(Jesus), has already been chosen by the Father, as a pioneer/trailblazer, to “eat the fruit“, the human to take on that specific task, for mankind. Adam did not follow the command not to eat that he sinned and brought death to mankind. It was violating the command that made his action sinful and not the “eating of the fruit” per se. He was not informed that in the future through Jesus, this “like God knowing good and evil” will be achieved. The Father chose the man-Jesus to do it, not by his own power, but by the power of the Holy Spirit given to him and under the mechanism of his faith, belief and trust, not by his own works, so “no man can boast“, even man-Jesus (Eph. 2:8-9; I Cor. 1:29). The man chosen has to be “from above”, heavenly; not come “out of the ground”, earthy (John 3:31;8:23).

As sin in the garden of Eden (Gen. 2:17) condemned man to second-death(4,5), the Father accounted all human sins to first-Adam and imputed this death (eternal, irreversible) to one man, Jesus, the second-Adam (Rom. 5:12-21). This was planned from the foundation of the world, before any man did any good works. Jesus , our Passover, believed in this plan and was then crucified and died for us. For which, we were reconciled to the Father and justified. But, through the “faith of Jesus“, in the promise of his resurrection from eternal death, the Father then resurrected him and gave him a “gift of the Holy Spirit” for us to subsequently receive starting at Pentecost that year.

Without YHVH incarnating into a human, this imputation to one man that came “from above” would not have happened, and the consequence of Adam’s sin, i.e. eternal death, would not have been passed-over for mankind’s reconciliation with the Father. Having been reconciled, we are “saved by/through his life”, as in,

Romans 5:10-11 “For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”

Notice that reconciliation was based on belief of Christ that what the Father promised from the foundation of the world, would take effect, regarding imputation of his death to that of mankind. We now received reconciliation through Jesus’ death, which already occurred. But, salvation (which was also promised) is still future, i.e., shall be saved. But how?

Holy Spirt of Power

Having the power of the Holy Spirit is the key to salvation from eternal death. Without it, humanity is doomed. This is the gift promised before the foundation of the world by the Father and believed by Jesus to be given to him for mankind, after resurrecting him from eternal death. This is the power to fulfill the prophecy of John referring to Jesus in:

Mark 1:8 “I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

With this power received by Jesus from the Father, he can then(not before) give it to whoever he so pleases and chooses. Those with “spiritual hearing” (Rom.10:17) will believe and they will be baptized in the Holy Spirit, not with water. And, with this power-tool, aka, Holy Spirit, our “weak body” (Matt. 26:41) will be energized to overcome evil, choose good vs evil towards sanctification. Only “overcomers“(Rev. 2:7; 11, 17; 3:5,12,21; Rom. 2:7), those who “bear fruits of the Holy Spirit” (John 15:2; Matt. 7:19) will eventually receive “in a twinkling of an eye” (I Cor. 15:52) the glorious spirit-composed bodies reserved from heaven. And, with that, salvation from eternal death is achieved and so will Hosea’s prophecy (Hosea 13:14) echoed in Paul’s musing, as in:

I Cor. 15:55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

Summary

Not knowing the exact date of Jesus’ birth, whether December, September/October, all should have a respectful and humble response and “get off our high-horse” of claiming moral superiority and a monopoly on truth. Everyone must stop bickering about the date of Jesus’ birth and accept the only fact that it did happen. Instead, celebrate the reason for incarnation, the birth of man-Jesus, at anytime, be it December 25 or otherwise. Failure to celebrate may marginalize the significance of this historic birth, as others have disparaged any date. This incarnation is so monumental for anyone to minimize as it begins the process of reconciliation, justification and future salvation, through his resurrection, “by his life”. Jesus believed on the promises of the Father regarding imputation of all sins of mankind to one human Adam so that the consequence of that sin (eternal death) be accounted to Jesus’ death leading to our reconciliation/justification. Having been reconciled to the Father, humans can now undergo the process of salvation “by his life” through the power of the Holy Spirit given as a gift to Jesus, post resurrection, and subsequently for us to be “baptized in”.

References:
1. When was Jesus born? Retrieved 12/25/17 from https://www.livescience.com/42976-when-was-jesus-born.html

2.When was Jesus Christ born. Retrieved 12/25/2017 from https://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/bible-questions-and-answers/when-was-jesus-christ-born-was-jesus-born-on-december3. Was Jesus born December 25? Retrieved 12/25/2017 from https://www.biblicalfoundations.org/was-jesus-born-on-december-25-with-c-l-quarles/

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Resurrection of Jesus, Why?

Apr11 by fact-s.net

April 16, 2022

How crucial is Jesus’ resurrection and why?

1. Fulfillment of the promise by the Father to him after his death by crucifixion as in Acts 2:33

2. We will “be saved by his life”. Only after he is alive, will Jesus receive the “spiritual power to in-dwell in us” ( Jesus by/through the Holy Spirit-power will come into us) for our “sanctification” through “renewing of our mind”. We will then undergo the process of salvation towards eternal life. He who overcomes as in Matthew 24:13, will bear “fruits of the holy spirit and be rewarded with “eternal life”.

3. As Jesus is the Comforter/Helper/High Priest, in-dwelling in us by/through the “spirit-power”, we will then be guided and directed to the truth and develop good judgment and wisdom to be one with the Father as Jesus is one with the Father….all in one family with similar take on what is good or bad.

Whoever overcomes will be saved as in Matthew 24:13 and Revelations 3:21

4. As proof of what will happen to others(resurrection) in the future “at appointed time and season”. He will bring “many sons/daughters (children) to glory

God bless🙏🙏🙏

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