Category: OLD TESTAMENT

Genesis 1:27-28,31 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.  God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

Genesis 5:2 Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.

Genesis 2:7-8 Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed.

Genesis 2:19-20 Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.  So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. But for Adam no suitable helper was found.

Genesis 2:21-23 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;  And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.  And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

When the Lord God created man, the female was inside him. The Lord God called him (them) ADAM. He then placed the man (Adam) in the garden and had him name all the animals which the Lord God brought to him (this indicates a passage of time. As the animals were brought to Adam (probably by two’s, male and female) but Adam was alone. So the Lord God put Adam to sleep and removed the “rib” (womb) from Adam and formed the wo(womb)man. When Adam awoke and the Lord God presented her to Adam, Adam called her wo(womb)man and Adam named her Eve.

Genesis 3:20 And Adam called his wife’s name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.

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2 Peter 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
Jude 1:11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
Revelation 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

Deuteronomy 23:3-6 Summarizes what happened because of Balaam.
“An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever: Because they met you not with bread and with water in the way, when ye came forth out of Egypt; and because they hired against thee Balaam the son of Beor of Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse thee. Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee. Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever.”
Other references to Balaam:
Joshua 13:22 Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them.
Joshua 24:9 Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you:
Joshua 24:10 But I would not hearken unto Balaam; therefore he blessed you still: so I delivered you out of his hand.
Nehemiah 13:2 Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing.
Micah 6:5 O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the LORD.

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Balaam   deceiver NOT man of God.  

We need help in our Battles

Read the story found in 1 Samuel 17. (Have you gone thru the David & Goliath series 1-5? If not, review them first).
David had selected 5 smooth stones as he went to face Goliath and his 4 brothers. BIG PROBLEMS.
1 Sam 17:46 is the Key verse in the story of David and Goliath. “…that all the earth may knowth there is a GOD in Israel.” Always give God the glory.
David (with God’s help) defeated Goliath.
2 Samuel 21:15-22 is a summation of the Philistine wars. David won’t have to face all the Big Problems, he gets help from others.
We also need help in our Spiritual Battles – can’t always face them alone-
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

God’s word is our strength for victory.
1 Timothy 4:11-16 These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
Near the end of David’s life he wrote the song (Psalm) in 2 Samuel 22 and also Psalm 18. He gives all the glory to God!

The Key to a successful (VICTORUS) Christian life – Know God’s word.
2 Timothy 2:15-16 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
2 Timothy 4:1-4 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Here’s a list of Question to ask yourself (with scriptural answers):

• How do I get to Heaven? John 14:6, Romans 10:9-13
• I Believe there’s a God, am I a sinner? Isaiah 53:6, Romans 3:23
• Won’t doing my best (obeying the law) get me saved? Ephesians 2:8-9
• How do I receive Jesus as my Savior? John 1:12, Revelation 3:20, Romans 10:13
• How much do I owe God? Romans 5:8, Romans 12:2
• How do I know God will forgive my sin? Romans 5:8, 1 John 1:9
• What does God want me to do? Psalm 100, 1 Thessalonians 5:18
• How do I know I will live for God? Psalm 23, John 14:1-3
• How can I avoid temptation? Proverbs 3:6, 1 Corintians 10:13
• Is it wrong to worry? Philippians 4:6
• How do I know my life will be different? 2 Corinthians 5:17
• How do I know God wrote the Bible? 2 Timothy 3:16, 1 Peter 1:21
• Why did God write the Bible? 2 Timothy 3:16
• Is it important to study the Bible? 2 Timothy 2:15

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Follow thru to VICTORY

Read the story found in 1 Samuel 17.
(Have you gone thru the David & Goliath series 1-4? If not, review them first).
Lessons learned thus far:

1. We all face Giants (Goliath).
2. God has called us to Stand.
3. Be yourself (be imitators of God).
4. Chose your weapons well.

The last lesson we are drawing upon: FOLLOW THRU
(17:28) David could have backed down when his own brothers rebuked him.
(17:30) David could have backed down when the Israel army rebuked him.
(17:33) David could have backed down when King Saul tried to talk him out of it.
(17:38-39) David could have backed down when King Saul’s armor didn’t Fit.
Then David steps (alone) onto the Battle Field, FACE TO FACE WITH GOLIATH.

v 41 even here, would anyone blame David for backing down, turning tail and running? Could anyone blame him or even accuse him?
v 42 Goliath distained him… (Christians are despised, distained by the world. If you’re a Christian and the world doesn’t despise, distain you, YOU’VE got problems).
1 John 3:13 Marvel not if the world hate you
John 15:19 You’re not of this world
John 17:14 … the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world…
Paul tells of how the world treated him (1 Cor 4:13-14) and in (1 Cor 1:27-28 we find God choosing things which are despised: foolish things, weak things, base things, things which are despised of the world.
v 43-44 Goliath puts his contempt to words,
v 45 David voices his stand for GOD. When you stand for God, you have no one to fear.
Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso ever putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. (Matt 10:28)
David was trusting in the LORD. He took one look at those weapons and called upon GOD.
v 46-47 Goliath had had his say and now David gives his version.
(remember the hymn Trust and Obey? “When we walk with the Lord in the light of his word what a glory he sheds on our way. While we do his good will he abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey“).
v 48-50 THE FIGHT. David prevails. Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
But did David stop here? He had knocked down the Giant. NO, he FOLLOWED THRU.
v 51 He finished the battle, he killed the giant. He cut off his head.

When God calls us to a work, (1 Thes 5:24) He wants us to follow thru (Phil 2:12-13).
All it takes to FOLLOW THRU with God is TRUST, FAITH and OBEDIENCE. When God is with you (and He always is) YOU can have VICTORY.

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Chose Your Weapons Well

Read the story found in 1 Samuel 17.
David has arrived at the battle to deliver a care package to his older brothers. He has seen the giant challenge Israel and even more God. He has decided that he will defend the challenge to (and honor of) God.
v 37 …and Saul said unto David “Go, and the Lord be with thee’.
King Saul wants to be part of this fight so he offers his armor and weapons to David. (Saul’s Pride) (of course he didn’t go to the fight).
v 38, 39 David tries his armor and arms and decides to use his own trusted weapons.
Remember WE are in a spiritual battle also. We need to be spiritually armed. Compare David’s weapons to our weapons.

David’s list of weapons:

1. A Staff

This testified that David was a shepherd. Our first weapon has got to be a good testimony. If we don’t have a testimony of salvation then we aren’t even in the battle, in fact we are on the other side. If our testimony is poor we will be like David’s brothers.

2. Stones, second in the list (see more later)

3. A shepherd’s bag

This is where a shepherd carries all his valuables, his food. Without this pouch he’s have to carry everything in his hands and would have difficulty in defending himself. Our third weapon. This pouch is likened to our hearts. Here is where we store all things of value.

4. A sling

This is a very valuable weapon, it gives him the ability to reach out and slay the enemy. (Judges 20:16 illustrates how accurate these weapons are). Our forth weapon is our Bible, a two edged sword, a weapon to reach out.
Yes, David had his weapons. He had chosen them well. He knew how to use them and he was ready to meet his foe. Are your weapons ready to meet your foe?
What about weapon number 2? The stones v 40 …and chose five smooth stones.
Why smooth? (Round) they fly truer
Why 5 stones? He only needed one to fell the giant. Lack of trust? Nay, Goliath had 4 brothers (2 Sam 22:15-22) and David was prepared for them.

These stones became projectiles, they are what made the ling dangerous, without the stones the sling was a useless weapon, an empty threat. These stones are to David what Bible Verses are to Christians. The devil doesn’t care if you own a Bible, or 6 Bibles as long as you don’t use it. If you don’t know what your Bible teaches it as useless as a sling without a stone.

Let’s give names to these 5 stones:
1 ⟶ SALVATION: first you have to have it (Romans 10:9-13) and second you have to know you are saved (1 John 5:13, John 20:31).
2 ⟶ Forgiveness of Sin: How many Christians walk around depressed, defeated, because they have sinned! Get forgiveness (1 John 1:9) and live like it.
3 ⟶ Know His eternal presence: He is always with us. (Mathew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5)
4 ⟶ Know His concern: He loves us and wants our best. (Romans 8:31-39)
5 ⟶ He wants us to be winners (Soul). Share your faith (1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Timothy 24-26)

Paul says it best in Ephesians 6:11-17: Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
It is a daily spiritual Battle. We need to stand, in the strength of the LORD, and He has provided the weapons.

Remember, you are already in the Battle.
The only question is, which side?

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BE YOURSELF

Read the story found in 1 Samuel 17.
WHO WAS GOLIATH? The 9’9” giant defying Israel (GOD).
WHO WAS DAVID? A young Sheppard boy sent to comfort his brothers in Battle.

DAVID has taken a stand:
1. He stands for the true and living God of Israel
2. He didn’t stand for self
3. He stood alone

v 31 The word spreads thru the Israelite camp. David will fight the giant.
When you take a stand for God, others will hear about it. Be ready!
v 32-33 Everyone will try to stop you! Why? Envy, Jealousy, Fear
v 38 Then they will try to join the band wagon. That doesn’t mean they will help, it means they will want to tell you what to do, everyone’s an expert. Tell them what you are going to do and you will hear “Oh, you should have said….” or “Oh, you should have done….”
v 39 Only use what God has given you. BE YOURSELF!

David couldn’t use King Saul’s armor.
David couldn’t use King Saul’s weapons.
Remember how God has worked with you in the Past (v 34-37)
YOU + GOD = MAJORITY
Remember Gideon? (Judges 6) He led the Israelites against the Midianites. Started with 32,000 warriors. God said TOO MANY and sent 22,000 fearful home. Still TOO MANY! God weeded out another 7,700 and sent them home. Left with 300 warriors, Gideon face 15,000 (that’s 50 to 1) and God gave them the victory.
What about Samson? He slew 1000 Philistines.
We all have a goliath to face. We must all take a stand. When you stand (many times) you will stand alone, SO BE YOURSELF and trust God.

We all face giants and giants are awesome things towering over us.
Perhaps your giant is human.
Perhaps your giant is a task – work.
Perhaps your giant is intangible.
The only thing you can do with your giant is to trust GOD.
Philipians 4:13 I can do all thing through Christ who strengthens me

GOD + me = Victory

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God has Called Us to Stand

Read the story found in 1 Samuel 17.
Who was David? (v 12-15) Youngest Son of Jesse, with 8 older brothers. (16:1-13 was called by God to be next King). Three oldest brothers off to Battle with King Saul, David was in the field tending sheep.
What was David doing on the battle field? (He’s just a young teen)
v 17 His father sent him to deliver corn and bread to his brothers. (a care package)
v 18 David was to take some cheese to the captains and inquire of his brothers.
v 19 father instructs David where the battle is being fought (gives directions)
v 20 David obeys and arrives at start of daily battle. He joins in as a cheer leader.
v 22 David sees brothers and runs to greet them.
v 23 as he greets them….. HERE COMES GOLIATH!

For the 40th time (morning and evening) the Philistine Champion makes his challenge (remember Goliath, 9’9” over 300 LBS). All covered with armor! He was the Philistine army tank and the Israelites didn’t have a bazooka to knock him out.

v 24 All the Israelites stand in fear (trembling)
v 26 David questions their actions
v 27 All around him they give their excuses “boy, you just don’t understand…a guy could get hurt out there”
Israel was afraid…WHY? They were in Apostasy. They had not been seeking God. They had turned their backs on God. SIN! And SIN separates us from God.
But David stands for God.
God delights in those who believe Him. God delivers those who trust in Him.
But watch out, the devil will try to stop you; he’ll work in the most unlikely places, even through your family. Here’s David, standing for God, defying the enemy of God and what do his brothers say?
v 28 What are you doing here? What about the sheep?
v 29 David’s reply, wait a minute, I was sent here to see how you are doing, to bring goodies, to report back to father how you are fairing.
BUT that big clown out there has NO RIGHT to blaspheme God.
v 30 Each one David speaks to gives him the same answer.
David took a stand for GOD. He didn’t know where it would lead him. He didn’t know before the day was out he’d be in mortal combat with the Giant. BUT HE TRUSTED GOD TO TAKE CARE OF HIM.

Have you taken a stand for God? Are you trusting Him to take care of you?

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Where were they taken? We read of the account of Enos in Genesis:

Genesis 5:18-24 And Jared lived an hundred sixty and two years, and he begat Enoch: And Jared lived after he begat Enoch eight hundred years, and begat sons …. And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

In Hebrews, the Apostle Paul, tells us more of what happened to Enoch:

Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

Where did God take him (bodily)? And then let’s look at Elijah. His life and ministry are recorded in 1 and 2 Kings. But look at 2 Kings 2:11.

And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

The last mention of Elijah is in Malachi speaking of his return to earth.

Malachi 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

Where did God take him (bodily)? In the New Testament ELIJAH is translated as ELIAS.

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all refer to Elias (Elijah). And as we read some of the references a question comes to mind, Was John the Baptist ELIJAH (ELIAS)? Just look at the following verses. (Read them in context)
Matthew 11:14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
Mark 9:11-13 And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come? And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought. But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.
Matthew 17:3, 10-12 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.

It would appear that the Lord Jesus was calling John the Baptist, ELIAS. But when John the Baptist was questioned, he answered:

John 1:21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

Could it be that the Lord Jesus was referring to John the Baptist as fulling the spirit of ELIAS (not a bodily return).

Mark 9:2-6 (Matthew 17:1-4, Luke 9:28-30) Records the TRANSFIGERATION of Moses and Elias on the mount with the Lord Jesus. Could this be what the Lord was talking about when he said Elias would come? But back to the original question: Where were the bodies (Enoch, Elijah) taken? Enoch was translated, Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven BOTH men were taken BODILY.
But they could not have gone into Heaven where God is, as Christ had to be the first to go into Heaven, where God is, IN A BODY raised from the dead. Ergo, they must have gone into PARADISE (Luke 23:43, 16:19-31). Then followed Christ when He went into Heaven Ephesians 4:8-10.
1 Corinthians 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept.
1 Corinthians 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.

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