Exodus 20:7 “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”
Before CM and KI I naïvely thought the third commandment had to do with swearing. Now I realize that taking the Lord’s name in vain has to do with being a poor ambassador for God. Many of the churches of today have deviated from the simple message of Jesus as well as being tolerant of immorality.
Paul tells us in ll Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
I talk to people about the simple message of justification by faith: “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV.
However and in my opinion it is not enough just to say that salvation through Jesus Christ is the only way. We have to back it up by knowing something about other faiths.
“Fast Facts® on False Teachings” by Ed Decker, 2002 is a quick overview of many of the so-called world religions and/or cults.
While the Catholic Church conforms to some Christian principles, much of their doctrine flies in the face of Jesus’ simple message. I refer people to Dave hunt's book, “A Woman Rides the Beast: The Roman Catholic Church and the Last Days.”
“The God Makers: A Shocking Expose of What the Mormon Church Really Believes” by Dave Hunt and Ed Decker, 1983 is a good book to study and then share with your Mormon friends.
Thomas Heinze has a recent series of books including “Answers To My Jehovah's Witness Friends,” “Answers To My Mormon Friends” and “Answers To My Catholic Friends.” His books are written in a fairly simple style that puts the cookies on the bottom shelve.
I recall being in a chat room where one member started an interesting thread titled "Eternity is a long time to be wrong about God." She got the attention of many of our fellow chat room members but turned them off by only quoting Scripture with no explanation. She had the best of intentions and we've remained friends on another thread dealing with prayer only; of course on that thread we are singing to the choir.
As ambassadors in training we need to put on the full armor of God and also be credible in what we say. I gently witnessed many times to a good "all roads lead to God" friend about Jesus being the way. One day a mutual friend told him pretty much that if you don't accept Jesus you will burn in hell. So much for reaching him.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Names also have meanings. What does your name mean? Does that have any significance to you?BIB 502-2-19-7
Growing up I never really appreciated the name Sally. I used to sometimes be called "Dilly dally Sally" fitting considering how far behind I am in this KI class. There are too many songs written using the name Sally. In addition to the songs, it just seemed like Sally was such an ordinary sounding name. Rather like a barmaid or worse in the “Old West.”
Years ago I read that Sally was equivalent to the Hebrew name Sarah and that Sarah means Princess. My middle name is Jane and has the meanings “Jehovah has been gracious” and “Gift from God.” So not too bad a name combination.
My undergraduate degree was in a technical field and I spent years pretty much as a technocrat. Later in my career I evolved into being a fourth-generation language computer geek. So a good portion of my life was really slanted towards the technical.
As I entered middle-age I discovered that I had a re-awakening of the creative side of my nature. This perhaps was partly due to my circling the drain of the New Age. Well when you change from being very technical to being more creative a name change is in order. So I used the shortened form of Sarah, Sara, combined with my middle name Jane. I've made some extremely unusual wall hangings and crystal creations signing them as sarajane. I've long since given up any involvement in the New Age as I recognized it is being an invitation to the dark side.
I continued making jewelry until recently using the handle “thesarajanecollection.” I still have hundreds of items listed in various ecommerce carts and occasionally sell something. However, I’m rather inactive and more in maintenance mode with these carts. In these end days I’m far more driven to use my time to bring people into the Kingdom.
Years ago I read that Sally was equivalent to the Hebrew name Sarah and that Sarah means Princess. My middle name is Jane and has the meanings “Jehovah has been gracious” and “Gift from God.” So not too bad a name combination.
My undergraduate degree was in a technical field and I spent years pretty much as a technocrat. Later in my career I evolved into being a fourth-generation language computer geek. So a good portion of my life was really slanted towards the technical.
As I entered middle-age I discovered that I had a re-awakening of the creative side of my nature. This perhaps was partly due to my circling the drain of the New Age. Well when you change from being very technical to being more creative a name change is in order. So I used the shortened form of Sarah, Sara, combined with my middle name Jane. I've made some extremely unusual wall hangings and crystal creations signing them as sarajane. I've long since given up any involvement in the New Age as I recognized it is being an invitation to the dark side.
I continued making jewelry until recently using the handle “thesarajanecollection.” I still have hundreds of items listed in various ecommerce carts and occasionally sell something. However, I’m rather inactive and more in maintenance mode with these carts. In these end days I’m far more driven to use my time to bring people into the Kingdom.
Explain who the Rephaim were. Why were they a danger to God’s plan? 502-2-19-1
Genesis 6:4, “There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.” God's perfect creation was/is being corrupted.
Legends of the offspring’s of these unholy unions are told throughout the planet and cultures. Either the flood of Noah didn’t wipe out the tainted blood-lines likely due to his wife and/or daughters-in-law or Satan’s minions were still invested in “coming in unto the daughters of men.” I suspect that both may very well be the cause.
References are made to the Rephaites in Genesis 14. And in Numbers 13:33 are more references, “We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.” There are additional references in the Old Testament, enough to prove that they were still around after the flood.
Satan may have manipulated human DNA as evidence by the strange man/animal gods of Egypt and he has had thousands of years to improve his methodology. So rather than creating giants today Satan may have adapted to more modern methods to contaminate the human race.
During the last week of the course “1601 Intro to Strategic Trend Briefings” we covered transhumanism. This following is just one slide from the teaching, “More than Human,” a teaching I recommend highly.
“Changing Human Nature: A Futuristic Perspective:
• Transhumanism philosophy promotes the idea of human enhancement by technological means:
• Futuristic concepts like intelligence enhancement (up to 'super intelligence ')
• Techniques like genetic engineering, psychopharmacology, anti-aging therapies. neural interfaces, wearable/implantable computers, long lasting internal organ replacement, mental uploading and so forth
• Propagated from prominent positions like the US Nanotechnology Initiative and the Oxford University philosophy department.”
The possibility of genetic targeting weapons has been suggested as well as combining humans with computers. Likely the military would like to have the Ultimate super warrior equipped with bionic parts. Viruses/diseases that would home in on a certain human genome are rumored to being developed.
Add to that there is ongoing research involving injecting human DNA into animal; Satan is alive and well and really promoting transhumanism.
Are ETs real or a distraction created by Satan as a cover for the coming Rapture? In my opinion, this is a definite possibility. There are many rather consistence stories of abductions and being probed; the fallen ones experimenting with DNA? There are so many occult practices in the New Age such as table tipping that likely these New Agers are opening themselves to these evil beings and invite abduction.
To me, keeping our thoughts focused on God is our best protection.
Legends of the offspring’s of these unholy unions are told throughout the planet and cultures. Either the flood of Noah didn’t wipe out the tainted blood-lines likely due to his wife and/or daughters-in-law or Satan’s minions were still invested in “coming in unto the daughters of men.” I suspect that both may very well be the cause.
References are made to the Rephaites in Genesis 14. And in Numbers 13:33 are more references, “We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.” There are additional references in the Old Testament, enough to prove that they were still around after the flood.
Satan may have manipulated human DNA as evidence by the strange man/animal gods of Egypt and he has had thousands of years to improve his methodology. So rather than creating giants today Satan may have adapted to more modern methods to contaminate the human race.
During the last week of the course “1601 Intro to Strategic Trend Briefings” we covered transhumanism. This following is just one slide from the teaching, “More than Human,” a teaching I recommend highly.
“Changing Human Nature: A Futuristic Perspective:
• Transhumanism philosophy promotes the idea of human enhancement by technological means:
• Futuristic concepts like intelligence enhancement (up to 'super intelligence ')
• Techniques like genetic engineering, psychopharmacology, anti-aging therapies. neural interfaces, wearable/implantable computers, long lasting internal organ replacement, mental uploading and so forth
• Propagated from prominent positions like the US Nanotechnology Initiative and the Oxford University philosophy department.”
The possibility of genetic targeting weapons has been suggested as well as combining humans with computers. Likely the military would like to have the Ultimate super warrior equipped with bionic parts. Viruses/diseases that would home in on a certain human genome are rumored to being developed.
Add to that there is ongoing research involving injecting human DNA into animal; Satan is alive and well and really promoting transhumanism.
Are ETs real or a distraction created by Satan as a cover for the coming Rapture? In my opinion, this is a definite possibility. There are many rather consistence stories of abductions and being probed; the fallen ones experimenting with DNA? There are so many occult practices in the New Age such as table tipping that likely these New Agers are opening themselves to these evil beings and invite abduction.
To me, keeping our thoughts focused on God is our best protection.
What does the name Jacob mean and how does he live up to that name?BIB 502-2-18-7
| That the younger would supersede the elder goes back to Abraham's family. Abraham had a son by the slave Hagar who was probably about 13 years older than Isaac. Isaac was the son of promise by Abraham’s wife Sarah. God's covenant with Abraham was passed to Isaac rather than Ishmael and we see the results of this in the news every day. I have long thought that Jacob got a raw deal when it comes to his reputation in the Bible. When his mother Rebecca was pregnant God told Rebecca “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” Genesis 25:23. Jacob means heel grabber, a well-deserved name. As Rebecca was delivering her son Esau Jacob had a hold of his heel trying to pass him as they exited the womb. Esau (red) became a skillful hunter and Jacob was content to stay close to home. In my opinion, it was always God's plan that He would pass His convenient down to Jacob. Jacob's brother came in from hunting one day and was hungry and gave up his birthright for a bowl of porridge. I’m sure God took note of Esau’s disdain for his birthright and was not surprised by his preferring subsidence for the flesh rather than for the spirit. Later, Isaac wanted Esau to make him a savory stew and bring it to him so that he could give him his blessing. Rebecca knew this was not the plan of God and made a savory stew herself. She then had Jacob dress in Esau’s clothing and added a piece of animal fur around his neck and his arm. Jacob brought the savory stew to his father and his father was a little suspicious until he felt the fur. He then gave Jacob his blessing. Later when Esau brought his father a savory stew he found out that his blessing had been given to Jacob. Jacob fled his home fearing revenge from Esau. Rebecca told Jacob to go to her brother Lehman. Jacob learned the hard lesson of the elder taking precedence over the younger. He worked for Lehman for seven years to earn the right to marry Lehman’s daughter Rachel only to be tricked on his wedding night by the substitution of her older sister Leah. Jacob then worked another seven years to earn Rachel. Between Rachel and Leah and two concubines Jacob had 12 sons and one daughter. And so was Jacob really devious or just doing God’s will? Perhaps a little of both. |
What titles are applied to the Antichrist? Give Scriptural references. BIB 547-1-12-6
Both the Old and New Testaments make many references/ allusions to one who is commonly called the Antichrist. With thanks to CM, I selected several of his examples to further expound upon.
Old Testament:
Genesis 3:15 is a favorite as even in the beginning we are told there will be a redeemer, the seed of the woman who overcomes the seed of the Serpent. “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring[a] and hers; he will crush[b] your head, and you will strike his heel.”
The King Who Exalts Himself - Daniel 11:36, “The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place.” Once again we win!
persuasive orator - Daniel 7:20, “I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and about the other horn that came up, before which three of them fell—the horn that looked more imposing than the others and that had eyes and a mouth that spoke boastfully.” Wonder if he’ll use a teleprompter.
Zechariah 11:17 seems to be the only description of the physical appearance of the antichrist. , “Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! The sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.” Islam has their own antichrist named Dajjalis who is blind in one eye. Difference accounts say that Dajjalis is blind in the left eye and other say the right eye. When Mohammad’s followers quoted Mohammed’s “visions” AKA plagiarizing the Bible they certainly were not accurate. In Zechariah the shepherd is not idle rather he leads people into idol worship of him.
New Testament:
Lawless One 2 Thessalonians 2:8, “And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.” We win!
Man of Sin 2 Thessalonians 2:3, “Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness[a] is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.” Again, we win!
One come in his own name John - John 5:43, “I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him.” Here Jesus really lays it on the line and the world is rushing to fulfill this in its search for an all-encompassing god.
A financial genius - 13:17, “So that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.” As we move towards the convenience of cash-less society…..
Old Testament:
Genesis 3:15 is a favorite as even in the beginning we are told there will be a redeemer, the seed of the woman who overcomes the seed of the Serpent. “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring[a] and hers; he will crush[b] your head, and you will strike his heel.”
The King Who Exalts Himself - Daniel 11:36, “The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place.” Once again we win!
persuasive orator - Daniel 7:20, “I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and about the other horn that came up, before which three of them fell—the horn that looked more imposing than the others and that had eyes and a mouth that spoke boastfully.” Wonder if he’ll use a teleprompter.
Zechariah 11:17 seems to be the only description of the physical appearance of the antichrist. , “Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! The sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.” Islam has their own antichrist named Dajjalis who is blind in one eye. Difference accounts say that Dajjalis is blind in the left eye and other say the right eye. When Mohammad’s followers quoted Mohammed’s “visions” AKA plagiarizing the Bible they certainly were not accurate. In Zechariah the shepherd is not idle rather he leads people into idol worship of him.
New Testament:
Lawless One 2 Thessalonians 2:8, “And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.” We win!
Man of Sin 2 Thessalonians 2:3, “Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness[a] is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.” Again, we win!
One come in his own name John - John 5:43, “I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him.” Here Jesus really lays it on the line and the world is rushing to fulfill this in its search for an all-encompassing god.
A financial genius - 13:17, “So that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.” As we move towards the convenience of cash-less society…..
Did God accomplish His will through the deceptions within the family or despite them? Were they necessary or were they distractions? BIB 502-2-18-3
This question reminds me of the poster with the petulant little boy saying "God don't make no junk.” Sure God doesn't make any junk and he also doesn't make any mistakes. I don't believe that God would put people through deceptions unless they were necessary to fulfill His will, well maybe...
Both Abraham and Isaac referred to their wives as their sisters when traveling to avoid the possibly of being killed by kidnappers. Actually in Abraham's case Sarah was his half-sister and in Isaac's case often those in your clan are considered sisters and brothers. So not deception rather being less than honest. While this seems like a total disregard for their wives, I would assume that both Abraham and Isaac had faith that God would protect the virtue of their wives. In any event, both Abraham and Isaac realize great riches from their deceptions.
When Rebecca was pregnant God told her that she had two nations struggling in her womb and the elder would serve the younger. When and Rebecca was giving birth Esau came out first with Jacob hanging onto his heel and trying to beat him out of the womb. It was God’s will that Jacob was to be the son of promise rather than Esau who had earlier sold his birthright for a bowl of porridge. Through Rebecca’s and Jacob’s deception Isaac gave Jacob his blessing and in turn assured the continuity of God’s covenant to Abraham. Jacob fled for his life and then met Rachel and Leah. While Rachel was the love of his life, his son Judah by Leah was in the line of Jesus.
Joseph, Jacob’s son by Rachel, was disliked by his brothers who sold him into slavery. The brothers covered Joseph’s coat of many colors with blood and told their father that Joseph was killed by wild animals. Joseph rose to power in Egypt second only to the Pharaoh. Later Joseph provided a sanctuary for Jacob and his 11 brothers and their families. Joseph was sold into slavery through the deception of his brothers and in Egypt he was able to save his family. What his brothers planed for evil, God planned for good.
Were these deceptions necessary or were they distractions? I leave the answer to God.
Both Abraham and Isaac referred to their wives as their sisters when traveling to avoid the possibly of being killed by kidnappers. Actually in Abraham's case Sarah was his half-sister and in Isaac's case often those in your clan are considered sisters and brothers. So not deception rather being less than honest. While this seems like a total disregard for their wives, I would assume that both Abraham and Isaac had faith that God would protect the virtue of their wives. In any event, both Abraham and Isaac realize great riches from their deceptions.
When Rebecca was pregnant God told her that she had two nations struggling in her womb and the elder would serve the younger. When and Rebecca was giving birth Esau came out first with Jacob hanging onto his heel and trying to beat him out of the womb. It was God’s will that Jacob was to be the son of promise rather than Esau who had earlier sold his birthright for a bowl of porridge. Through Rebecca’s and Jacob’s deception Isaac gave Jacob his blessing and in turn assured the continuity of God’s covenant to Abraham. Jacob fled for his life and then met Rachel and Leah. While Rachel was the love of his life, his son Judah by Leah was in the line of Jesus.
Joseph, Jacob’s son by Rachel, was disliked by his brothers who sold him into slavery. The brothers covered Joseph’s coat of many colors with blood and told their father that Joseph was killed by wild animals. Joseph rose to power in Egypt second only to the Pharaoh. Later Joseph provided a sanctuary for Jacob and his 11 brothers and their families. Joseph was sold into slavery through the deception of his brothers and in Egypt he was able to save his family. What his brothers planed for evil, God planned for good.
Were these deceptions necessary or were they distractions? I leave the answer to God.
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