Ancient Israel experiences in the 40 years of wilderness wanderings can be a good mirror for us. Their example reveals many aspects of our nature: âMoreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was … [Read more...] about Taking God Seriously
God's Plan
God of the Living
God instructed Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If he did eat, God said the consequences would be that dying, you shall die. In time, both Adam and Eve, did eat the fruit, and so death entered the world. Ever since then, humanity has been cursed with a physical death. The question came up soon after: what happens after death? Throughout history, man has developed many different explanations and ideas related to what happens after … [Read more...] about God of the Living
Death and Beyond
While we all know something about living a physical life, it is important to gain an understanding of death and what is beyond. Paul's perspective in I Corinthians 15:19-26 is very enlightening: "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death [through Adam], by Man [Christ] also came the resurrection of the dead. For as … [Read more...] about Death and Beyond
China and Russia in Prophecy
There is a lot of talk today about a new world order. The worldâs attention has been drawn to two major political powers, China and Russia. Each power has geopolitical ambitions. An article in Foreign Affairs, âHow Fear of China is Forging a New World Orderâ states: âAs China seeks to burn down what remains of the liberal order, disparate actors are starting to roll back Beijingâs power. In the process they are reordering the world. For the first time since the cold war, … [Read more...] about China and Russia in Prophecy
The Master Potter
The Hebrew word for clay is âchomerâ which means as bubbling up. That is of water, a wave, of earth, mire, or clay, like cement or mortar. Moses wrote that God formed man out of the dust of the ground (Genesis 2.7) The Hebrew word for dust means clay, earth, mud, ashes, dust, ground, mortar, powder and, rubbish. Water is a factor since mud consists of water and clay. So even after God breathed life into Adam, he was and we are today, just living dirt and water. In Isaiah 64: 8 God … [Read more...] about The Master Potter
Lessons of the Days of Unleavened Bread
The observance of the seven Days of Unleavened Bread are intended to increase the understanding of Godâs way and His plan of salvation. Interestingly, there were monumental events that occurred on the seventh day during the history of the ancient nation of Israel. Paul recites two major events in the book of Hebrews: âBy faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians attempting to do so were drowned. By faith, the walls of Jericho fell after they were encircled … [Read more...] about Lessons of the Days of Unleavened Bread
When Pentecost Arrived
A miracle is a surprising and welcome event that is not explained by natural or scientific laws and therefore attributed to the work of a divine agency, a work of God. After His resurrection, Christ commanded His disciples to stay in Jerusalem âuntil you are clothed with power from on highâ (Luke 24:49 ESV). Interestingly, several miracles "from power on high" took place on that Day of Pentecost. The first miracle was a sound like a âmighty rushing windâ (Acts 2:1-2). It was startling. … [Read more...] about When Pentecost Arrived