Genesis 1:2-5And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
Look at the description of the Earth: without form, void, dark, covered with water! Then God lit it up by creating light. Then dividing light and dark into time periods called Day and Night. End day One.
Interesting that the term earth is mentioned here. It’s not till day 3 that dry ground is formed and then God calls it earth; And God called the dry land Earth.
Is it Authorized (Commanded) by the Scripture? Before the FLOOD Genesis 4:8-15 Cain killed Abel – Banishment Genesis 6:5 Man’s wicked ways lead to the great flood After the FLOOD Genesis 8:21 “for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth;” Genesis 9:6 Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. Exodus 2:11-15 Moses killed an Egyptian THE LAW The 10 Commandments given to the Jews: No. 6Thou shalt not kill. Exodus 20:13 Exodus 21:12 The Penalty – He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death. Consider these: Exodus 21:16And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death. Exodus 22:2 If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. Exodus 35:2Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death. Leviticus 20:9-16 Cursing Parents Vs 9 For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: Adultery Vs 10 … the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death. Incest Vs 11-12, 14 … both of them shall surely be put to death; … Homosexual vs 13 … they shall surely be put to death; Bestiality Vs 15-16 … he (she) shall surely be put to death: and ye shall slay the beast. AGAINST John 8:1-11 The Lord Jesus forgives the Woman caught in Adultery (where is the man?) FOR Matthew 5:21-22Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. FINAL ARGUMENT Romans 13:1-7Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Genesis 1:1In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. The rest of the chapter details what God did. Have you read it lately? Really read it? Reading Genesis 1:1 seems to say it all. In the beginning refers to the Heaven and Earth that we know, obviously there is more: Where does God exist (live) and the Angles? Just who did the creation? The following is a detailed look at each day: Day 1Genesis 1:2-5 Day 2Genesis 1:6-8 Day 3Genesis 1:9-13 Day 4Genesis 1:14-19 Day 5Genesis 1:20-23 Day 6Genesis 1:24-31 Day 7Genesis 2:1-2 Creation Summary
The Bible is a Revelation from God, of the falloff man, the way of salvation and God’s plan and purpose for the ages. It speaks of: Four Persons: God the father, God the Soin, God the Holy Spiri and Satan Three Places: Earth, Heaven, Hell Three classes of people: Jew, Gentile and Believers The Scriptures were given to man a little at a time, “at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets” Hebrews 1:1, “… holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21 during a period of 1600 years, from 1492 BC to 100 AD. There are 66 books, 39 Old Testament, 27 New Testament. The books wee written by about 40 different authors. By Kings, David and Solomon, by statesmen, Daniel and Nehemiah, by priests, Ezra, by Moses, raised by Egyptians, by herdsmen, Amos, prophets Isaiah, Ezekiel and Zechariah, a tax collector, Matthew, fisherman, Peter, James and John who “were unlearned and ignorant“ Acts 4:13, a man well versed in Jewish Law, Saul (Paul). The Old and New Testaments were not separate and distinct books, but rather are two halves of a whole. The New in “enfolded” in the Old, and the Old is “unfolded” in the New. One cannot understand Leviticus without Hebrews, or Daniel without Revelation or Isaiah 53 without the Gospels. Hidden in the Old Revealed in the New. Three kinds of language in the Bible: Figurative, Symbolical and Literal. Such expressions as “Harden not your heart” are Figurative, there meaning is made clear by the context. Symbolic language like the description of Nebuchadnezzars’ “Colossus”, Daniel’s “four wild beasts” or Christ in the midst of the “seven candlesticks” are explained either in the same chapter or elsewhere in Scripture. Literal are true statements as “the true gospel is the Death, Burial and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus”. Three things that must be avoided when handled in God’s word: Misinterpretation of Scripture Misapplication of Scripture Dislocation of Scripture We must not overlook the “Parable” form of imparting truth. In the Gospels it is used as a “Mystery Form” of imparting truth. Matthew 13:10-13And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 2 Timothy 3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: The Old Testament is preparation for Christ; The Gospels Manifest Him to the world; In Acts He is preached and His Gospel Propagated; in the epistles His gospel is explained; and in Revelation all the purposes of God through Christ are consummated.
Christmas Season is here. Tis the Season to be Jolly! Good Will, Peace on Earth to all men! For most of the people this peace, good will, time to be jolly comes STRAIGHT FROM THE BOTTLE.
During two to three weeks during this season, hundreds of people will die, simply due to Drinking. Thousands of others will be crippled, maimed, seriously injured. WHY? Because someone thought the way to be happy was to get soused … drunk … blasted!
As many will visit family and friends during the holidays, many (most) will be offered a drink (alcohol). Just to be sociable … many will accept it …. Just to be sociable … Well, what does one little drink hurt? Intoxicating drink is the devil’s best friend. If you are a Christian, that one little drink will at best ruin your testimony for the Lord and bring reproach on His name. At worst it can turn you into an alcoholic … “Oh pooh” says you. I DEFY YOU to show me an acholic who never drank and all of them will say “it was just one little drink”.
Now, let’s see what the Bible says about drinking: Wine, in the scripture was (if alcoholic) a natural fermentation …. Alcohol, hard booze, wasn’t invented until 1790 (after Bible Printed) The Bible records the sins of men, and drink is one of those sins: It never condones Sin.
Deuteronomy 21:20 Punishable by death (under the Law) Proverbs 20:21 Makes FOOLS of men Proverbs 23:20-21 Rewards for drinking … Poverty Proverbs 23:29-35 More results of drunkenness Proverbs 31:4-5 Not for kings (righteous) Proverbs 31:6-7 Only for those without hope
Honoring God for His Gift1 Corinthians 1:7So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Making room for HimLuke 2:7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Singing His PraisesLuke 2:13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Inquiring of Him Matthew 2:2Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Accepting His GiftRomans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Cheerful giving2 Corinthians 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Remembering the poorProverbs 28:27He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
Sacrifice for othersRomans 12:1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Thanks Giving 2 Corinthians 9:15Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
Have a very, merry Christmas. Put Christ in your holiday.
First observed in Rome, 354 A.D. First observed in Jerusalem 385 A.D. December 25th was chosen in Rome to coincide with the Pagan Holiday of Sun Worship so that Christians might perform their sacred rites undisturbed, while the Pagans celebrated their Holiday. In 1647, the Puritans, Baptists, Presbyterians, and Quakers so opposed Christmas that it was outlawed in North America.
CHRISTMAS … formed from the word’s Christ’s Mass. Occurred in English Language as early as 1038. ADVENT … the time of preparation, preceding the coming of the Lord. EPIPHANY … the Festival in the Christian Church honoring the visit of the Magi. Occurs on January 6th, the 12th day after Christmas. NOEL … French word – A word shouted or sung as an expression of Joy. Originally to honor the birth of Christ. YULE … of pagan Teutonic Origin … the idea of noise or clamor accompanying some feast. In old English it’s used to denote the time of December, January. CANDLEMAS … the feast celebrating the purification of the Virgin Mary. Or the presentation of Christ in the Temple. It occurs on February 2nd.
The real reason for Christmas … The birth of the Saviour of the World. The Old Testament is full of His coming. Consider: Born of a Woman 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. Seed of Abraham Genesis 18:18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? From the Tribe of Judah Genesis 49:10 The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be. Born of a Virgin Isaiah 7:14Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Heir to David’s Throne Isaiah 9:7Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. Time of His birth (fulness of Time) Daniel 9:25Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. Place of His birth Micah 5:2But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
The Lord Jesus speaking of the coming Tribulation states the will be worse than any time since everything was created: Mark 13:19For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. The apostle Paul reminds us of the order of creation: 1 Corinthians 11:9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. Saved by grace through faith: Ephesians 2:10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Everything was created by Jesus Christ: Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: Remember, when saved YOU become a new man: Ephesians 4:24And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Colossians 1:16 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: Remember, when saved YOU become a new man: Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Why does Man think they can overrule God: 1 Timothy 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. The reason we were created: Revelation 4:11Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Everything was created by Jesus Christ: Revelation 10:6And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer: God, thru Christ, created you. Christ died so you could become a new creature and live forever with Him in Heaven for eternity. Are you a new creature? 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and Romans 10:9-13.
2 Corinthians 11:4For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. Galatians 1:6I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
1 Corinthians 15:1-4Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 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: Romans 10:9-13That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
At one time there were two gospels; One for the Jew and one for the Gentile!
But as the Apostle Paul got more into his ministry and the Jews were persecuted and scattered the Gospel became (1 Corinthians 15:1-4/Romans 10:9-13) the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, according to the scriptures!
As we continue into a new millennium, we mourn the passing of an old friend by the name of Common Sense. Common Sense lived a long life but died from heart failure at the brink of this past millennium. No one really knows how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He selflessly devoted his life to service in schools, hospitals, homes, factories and offices, helping folks get jobs done without fanfare and foolishness.
For decades, petty rules, silly laws and frivolous lawsuits held no power over Common Sense. He was credited with cultivating such valued lessons as to know when to come in out of the rain, the early bird gets the worm, and life isn’t always fair.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you earn), reliable parenting strategies (the adults are in charge, not the kids), and it’s okay to come in second.
A veteran of the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression, and the Technological Revolution, Common Sense survived cultural and educational trends including feminism, body piercing, whole language and new math.
But his health declined when he became infected with the If-it-only-helps-one-person-it’s-worth-it virus. In recent decades his waning strength proved no match for the ravages of overbearing federal regulation.
He watched in pain as good people became ruled by self-seeking lawyers and enlightened auditors. His health rapidly deteriorated when schools endlessly implemented zero tolerance policies, reports of six year old boys charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate, a teen suspended for taking a swig of mouthwash after lunch, and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student. It declined even further when schools had to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student but cannot inform the parent when the female student is pregnant or wants an abortion.
Finally, Common Sense lost his will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches became businesses, criminals received better treatment than victims, and federal judges stuck their noses in everything from Boy Scouts to professional sports.
As the end neared, Common Sense drifted in and out of logic but was kept informed of developments, regarding questionable regulations forasbestos, low-flow toilets, smart guns, the nurturing of Prohibition Laws and mandatory air bags.
Finally when told that the homeowners association restricted exterior furniture only to that which enhanced property values, he breathed his last.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He issurvived by three stepbrothers: Rights, Tolerance and Whiner.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
