He that overcometh....

    This must be very urgent in the mind of Christ, for His Spirit
urges all the Seven Churches to 'overcome' and attached rewards with
it. (Rev. 2:7,11,17,26; 3:5,12,21).

   Seven keys to an overcoming life:

   ---  In Christ.
   ---  In the Word.
   ---  In prayer.
   ---  In purity.
   ---  In integrity.
   ---  In humility.
   ---  In Fellowship.

   Pyayerfully explore the urgency of the overcoming life and ponder on
the steps to get there and stay there.

Thought I lost this group.  But still here.  Will copy the
resurrection chronology and send it to Dan Barker.



--- In Isaiah55@yahoogroups.com, "Meru" <meru_counsel@...> wrote:
>
>   Recently repolished the book:
>
>   http://lulu.com/dream
>
>   In case the site cannot be accessed, tyoe the title in Yahoo or
> Google search.
>

Recently repolished the book:

   http://lulu.com/dream

   In case the site cannot be accessed, tyoe the title in Yahoo or
Google search.

An encouraging phenomenon:

   Go to YOUTUBE and type "GLOWING CROSS AT SHILLONG"  --- Even BBC
reported it.

Let The LORD our G-d JESUS CHRIST be exalted!


The LORD lives! Exalted be G-d our Savior JESUS CHRIST and His Holy Name,
who is the Sovereign LORD, Almighty G-d over Israel and over the heavens and
earth forever. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the
Beginning and the End. When the times will have reached their fulfillment,
He will bring all things in heavens and on earth together under Himself, and
His Kingdom will never end.

Hear, O Israel: the LORD our G-d, the LORD is One. Love the LORD your G-d
with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with
all your strength.[Mk 12:29,30]

Acknowledge that the LORD our G-d JESUS CHRIST is the Spirit. He became a
Man, who was G-d, appeared in a body; is the image of the invisible G-d; was
vindicated by the Spirit; and all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily
form. Take to heart this day that our LORD JESUS CHRIST is the One and Only
G-d; yesterday, today and forever. He is the G-d of Abraham, the G-d of
Isaac, the G-d of Jacob and the G-d of David. He is Holy Father and Holy Son
and Holy Spirit, and our Redeemer from of old.

Our G-d revealed His eternal power and divine nature to us through the
creation of the world He made. And, He came into the world to save sinners.
He gave Himself as a ransom for all mankind. He wants all people to be saved
and to come to a knowledge of the Truth. He is the atoning sacrifice for our
sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.[1Jn
2:2]

While we were still sinners, He Himself bore our sins and died for us on the
Cross, and He raised to life that it is the power and glory of G-d. He has
destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the
Gospel. He demonstrates G-d's love and justice for us; so that we might die
to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds we have been healed and by
His blood we have been purified from all sins. We were like sheep gone
astray, but now we have returned to our G-d, and we are justified freely by
His grace through the redemption that came by Him, our Savior JESUS CHRIST.

Now, G-d makes known to us the mystery of His will according to His good
pleasure in His time. Our LORD G-d JESUS CHRIST is the only reason we exist.
He is the King of kings and Lord of lords; and is the Head over every power
and authority. In everything He has the supremacy, all things were created
by Him and for Him, and in Him all things hold together.

Every good thing comes from Him, everything G-d makes is for His glory. Oh,
how deep are the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of our Living G-d; from
Him and through Him and to Him are all things.

In His infinite wisdom and power; with a word, He brought universe into
existence. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for
fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.[2Pe
3:7]

Bible is the testimony of G-d, all Holy Scriptures are truly to witness to
our LORD G-d JESUS CHRIST, who is the center and key and lifeline of all
mankind and all human history and the heavens and earth.

G-d has given us eternal life, and this life is in G-d Himself JESUS CHRIST.
Anyone who believes in the LORD G-d JESUS CHRIST has life; those who do not
believe in Him do not have life.

If there was no the LORD G-d JESUS CHRIST, there was no human history; where
the Spirit of G-d is, there is freedom. He is in control of all the times.
He holds the keys of death and Hades. And, the all human history have been
predestined according to the plan of G-d who works all things in all mankind
for His own sake. This world in its present form is passing away. As we face
the spiritual warfare in the last days, the real answer is to trust in G-d's
providence and to rely on Him in all circumstances. The man who does the
will of G-d lives forever.

But not everyone knows this. The Spirit clearly says that in later times
some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught
by demons.[1Ti 4:1]  And, the devil has blinded the minds of unbelievers and
foolish men, so that they cannot see the truth and the light of the Gospel
of JESUS CHRIST, who is just our only Sovereign LORD G-d and our Holy
Father.

In John's Gospel we are told by our LORD G-d that " Yet a time is coming and
has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and
in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. G-d is
Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." [Jn
4:23,24]

The end is coming in the appointed time, our Almighty LORD G-d JESUS CHRIST
Himself will come down from heaven, and He will destroy all dominion,
authority and power, and put all His enemies under His feet, and He will
reign forever.

The people of G-d, you were sealed for the day of redemption; you are G-d's
possession -- to the praise of His glory. Our LORD G-d JESUS CHRIST is
Awesome and Allpowerful and Perfect that you are to regard as Holy.
Therefore, have great reverence for Him, let the peace of G-d rule in your
hearts, and clothe yourselves with holiness, faithfulness, obedience,
humility, perseverance, patience and self-control.

Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt.
Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. [1Th 5:19-22
]

You are all sons of G-d through faith in CHRIST JESUS, for all of you who
were baptized into CHRIST have clothed yourselves with CHRIST. There is
neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one
in CHRIST JESUS. If you belong to CHRIST, then you are Abraham's seed, and
heirs according to the promise. [ Gal 3: 26-29 ]

As His people, holy and dearly loved, we must have faith in our LORD G-d
JESUS CHRIST and fix our thoughts on Him. We must only worship Him and serve
Him and hold fast to Him. We must obey Him and keep His commands. Let all
mankind fear Him and confess Him and know the Truth. Let everyone come to
repentance and turn to our Living and True G-d JESUS CHRIST.

We pray that G-d Himself will fill His people with the knowledge of His will
through all spiritual wisdom and understanding and discernment; that teach
all of us how to fear Him and how to use His Holy Name and how to bear fruit
in every good work. May everyone know the mystery of G-d, namely, JESUS
CHRIST, the only G-d, to Him be honor and glory and praise forever.

Praise the LORD, all nations; extol Him, all peoples. For He is " Wonderful
Counselor, Mighty G-d, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." [ Isa 9:6 ] Let
The LORD our G-d JESUS CHRIST be exalted forever. Amen.


TheLORDguides_Ministry
Worldwide Outreach Events
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheLORDguides_Ministry

Salvation is found in no one else,
for there is no other name under heaven
given to men by which we must be saved. [Ac 4.12]

They are to be mine. I am the LORD. [Nu 3:13]
For this G-d is our G-d for ever and ever; He will be our guide even to the
end. [Ps 48:14]

P.S. Praise the LORD!  All words were manifested and revealed by our LORD
G-d Himself.  All messages we sent came from our G-d Himself for all His
people in the last days. Please do your best to forward as the LORD guides
you.

_________________________________________________________________
Express yourself instantly with MSN Messenger! Download today it's FREE!
http://messenger.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200471ave/direct/01/

In my message on the resurrection event below, I overlooked the
fact that John did mention the two angels (Point 4).  Please factor
in the two angels in John 20:12-13.

   Again a brief summary ---

   After the death and resurrection, fifty days to Pentecost.  The
breakdown:

  .... the disciples spends about 10 days in Jerusalem (John 20:26).

  .... about 30 days in Galilee (Matthew 28:7,10; John 21:1).

  .... returns to Jerusalem for the remaining 10 days until Pentecost
(Luke 24:47-53; Acts 1:3).

      On Pentecost (50), the Holy Spirit descended and inaugurated
the birthday of the Church (Acts 2:1-4).

      The same power (dunamis) of the Holy Spirit promised in Acts
1:8 is still available to believers today.

The Hurricane Katrina has thoroughly devastated
Alabama/Mississippi/New Orleans.  These three States comprises of
less than 3% of the US economy (12 trillion a year).  This event
might slow down about 1% of economic growth in the country  for
several months --- still better than Europe.  A significant blow, but
recoverable.  The insurance companies are looking at about $20
billions plus payments.  In the currency market, the US dollar is
down by a penny or two among the majors (rich countries).

   America has been and continue to be the economic engine for the
world.  So the world is nervously watching the developments with
different motives.

   Some foreign papers are taking the opportunity to point out the
weaknesses of America.  While the business world is hoping this event
won't reduce their earning power.

   During the third week of July 2005, there was a specific prophecy
directed at New Orleans : that God is fed up with too much bickerings
in the area, and that people have persistently mistreated one of His
servants.  The people are admonished to stop their bickerings and
that God is going to remove the curse in their midst.  Two years
earlier, a prophecy was in place concerning these States, that a
disaster was coming in the months of August, September, October.  Now
it has.

   In a show to prove the faithfulness of Job, God removed His
protection and allowed Satan to harass him for a time.  But in the
end, God restored Job with more than what he previously lost.

   When bad things happen to us, we question: "Why me?"  When good
things are happening to others, we question: "Why not me?"  This is a
universal human response.

   I guess no matter what is happening to us, it would would be an
improvement in the faith if we can move on with gratefulness.  We
cannot fathom all things.  We are unaware of many details that is
going on in and around us.  Only God possesses complete and absolute
knowledge.  Hence even if we cannot understand a lot of things, its
best to keep trusting the Lord.  This is called faith.

   In this time of trials and hardships for the people in the affected
areas, we all can offer prayers for them.  May this experience draw
many to the Lord, closer to Him, and that all their emotional and
physical needs be met adequately.

    9/11 was a manmade disaster perpetrated by terrorists.  Parts of
Asia is still recovering from the tsunami effect.  Some people are
calling hurricane Katrina as America's tsunami.  All this goes to
show that life is like a puff of the air -- here today, gone
tomorrow.  When is your/my time to die, no one knows.  It could be
anytime.

   As a prophet of old has uttered: "Prepare to meet thy God".  Live
each day for the Lord.

http://Godandscience.org

http://icr.org

Hi folks, I have not been active here for a while;  but very soon
I'll be posting messages again.  Meanwhile, let me remind you that
God
has a beautiful plan for you: Jeremiah 29:11-13.

   In America the evolution debate is still raging on in some schools.

In future I'd like to share some thoughts with you on this.  For
now check
out these sites:  www.Godandscience.org   and www.icr.org

   God bless.  Have a heavenly day!

That the resurrection of Jesus took place is an undeniable fact of
history.  When we scrutinise the details collected from the four
Gospels there seems some conflicts in numbers and chronology.
Because of this some skeptics have tried to cast doubt on the event,
and even ridiculed the apparent inconsistencies.

   There is an answer to this and any so-called inconsistencies can be
cleared rationally.  In fact the seemingly different accounts of the
Gospels goes to prove that there is no collusion or conspiracy among
them, and the fact that they reported the same event authenticates
the historicity of the death and resurrection of Christ.

   When a major event happens the media from hundreds of organizations
report it with different highlights.  For example, the Tsunami
(12/26/04).  Whether in print, TV, or Radio, it was reported over and
over again, each time highlighting certain aspects of the destruction
and loss of lives, different details picked up by each reporter.  At
times we see the report on Thailand, then Sri Lanka, India, and
Indonesia.  By seeing four different accounts on the affected parts
of the four countries, we cannot say the Tsunami never happened
because the reports differ.

   The same benefit should be accorded to the four Gospels when
reconciling the accounts of the resurrection.  Each writer had
different emphasis with different audience in mind when they were
written -- but all centering around the resurrection.  With this in
mind let me proceed to construct a chronological presentation.

   1. The first person to see the resurrected Christ is a woman.  Her
name is Mary Magdalene.  Mark attests to it (Mk. 16:9) and John
emphasizes (Jn. 20:10-18).  To John this is so significant that he
highlighted Mary's privilege and encounter with with Jesus without
referring to the other women.

   At first Mary saw only the empty tomb along with the other women.
All of them saw and heard the two angels and went back to the
disciples to report it.  Doubting the women, the disciples rushed to
the spot -- with Peter and another disciple ahead -- and saw neither
Jesus nor the two angels, but oly the empty tomb.  They went back to
the house where they were gathering.

   After this Mary Magdalene returned to the site of the tomb hoping
she would somehow see the body of Christ (J. 20:10-18).  Then she saw
Jesus and fell down to His feet.  Another Mary also returned and they
both worshipped.  The other women too returned and joined them in
worshipping Jesus (Mt. 28:9).

   In the KJV John 20:17 should be corrected to mean that Jesus asked
Mary to stop holding on to Him.  Touching Him is fine.

   2.  The first man to see the resurrected Christ is none other than
Peter, but none of the Gospels give any detail.  After the appearance
to the women, some time during the late morning or during the day,
Jesus revealed Himself to Peter.  Luke offers a passing reference
indicating that Peter saw the Lord ahead of the other disciples (Lk.
24:33-34).  Then the two on the way to Emmaus (Lk. 24:31-33).  That
same evening Jesus appeared to the remaining ten disciples, absent
Thomas (Lk. 24:36-39; Jn. 20:19-22).  One week later, Jesus appeared
to them again, this time Thomas is present (Jn. 20:24-31).

   3.  The earthquake.  Only Matthew reports it (Mt. 28:2-4).  He
received eyewitness report from a few Roman soldiers and priests who
converted (Mt. 28:11-15; Acts 6:7).

   He inserted the earthquake and the rolling of the stone as a
parenthesis in his account, making it appear as though the women saw
the eathquake. In reality the women never saw that particular
incident; but that the stone was rolled away by the time they got on
the spot (on their way they were wondering how to open the tomb, Mk.
16:3-4).

   4.  The two angels.  John does not report it as his emphasis is on
Mary Magdalene.  Or he may have seen the accounts of the others and
decide not to repeat it.  He also does not include the Virgin birth,
etc.

   Mark and Matthew mention only one angel, but neither insist there
was only one.  Luke mention two angels (Lk. 24:4-8).  Both angels
basically said the same thing.

   One angel sat on the rolled stone outside the tomb, and Matthew
points to his conversation (Mt. 28:5-7).

   The other angel sat inside the tomb, and Mark report his speech to
the women (Mk. 16:5-7).

   One angel sitting outside the tomb and the other sitting inside the
tomb.  Two angels.

                    THE MEETING IN GALILEE

   Matthew does not include Jesus' appearance among the disciples in
Jerusalem.  Luke alone mention the two on the road to Emmaus (Lk.
24:13-34).  Both Matthew and Mark cites the desire of Jesus to meet
them in Galilee.  The disciples stayed in Jerusalem for another week
as is shown in John 20:26, when Thomas meet our Lord.  They then
travelled to Galilee, maybe ten days after the resurrection.

   From the Passover (Crucifixion of Christ) to Shavuot (Festival of
Harvest) is fifty days (Pentecost).  The disciples spent the last 10
days before the Pentecost in Jerusalem (Acts 1&2).  This would give
them about thirty days to spend in Galilee (Mt. 28:10; Mk. 16:7).

   During this intervening 30 days, Peter decide to spend some time
fishing and had another encounter with the Lord (John 21).

   It was on a mountain in Galilee that Jesus delivered the Sermon on
the Mount (Matthew 5-7).  After the resurrection Jesus may have
appeared to a crowd again on the same spot (1 Corinthians 15:6),
organised by the disciples.  (Paul later met some of these
eyewitnesses).

   All the four Gospels highlighted different aspects that what detail
one leaves out the other fills in, thus complementing each other.

   Luke reports that Jesus appeared to different people for about 40
days (Acts 1:3).  After that in the presence of the disciples Jesus
was taken up to heaven (Lk. 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-11).

   The remaining 10 days the disciples stayed together in one accord
and in prayer -- until the Holy Spirit came upon them on Pentecost
(Acts 2:1-3).

   The New Testament fulfils all that the Patriarchs, the prophets,
and the people of Israel were looking for in their rituals,
sacrifices, and festivals.  Everything is fulfilled in the person and
works of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-3).  To the Jew first, and then to
the Gentile (Romans 1:16).  We are one in Christ.  Finally the
blessings promised to Abraham has come full circle -- Genesis 12:1-3;
Galatians 3:26-29.  Amen!  Glory to God!

Lately I've been busy reaching out to Muslims online.  They are so
thick with religion and the dos and don'ts that its hard to get
through to them.

  As Christians we should be hearing from the Holy Spirit frequently.
He spoke to the early believers (Acts 13:2).  In matters of serious
and well thought out decisions, He confirms us (Acts 15:28).

   Even as you read this, the Spirit may be speaking in your heart.
Learn to listen to Him.  Jesus said in Revelation 2 and 3 that those
who have ears should hear the Spirit speaking to the churches.  He is
speaking to you.  Take time to pray and listen.

   Also lately I came across this site and posted a few helpful
comments -----  www.akasworld.com

    Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year -- may it be filled with
lots of pleasant surprises!!!!!!!

hello kevi
this is luella
--- kevi <meru_counsel@...> wrote:

>
>
>   The wise Solomon said that production of books
> will be endless and
> one should avoid excess in reading them.  On the
> other hand, Our Lord
> said that we ought to love God with all our mind.
> To do that we need
> to keep feeding the mind with the Bible and books
> that are written to
> educate us with the principles of scripture.
>
>   In other words, be selective and continue to read
> good books.  I do
> not keep up with the bestsellers, because in a few
> weeks, most of
> them are forgotten.  A lot of them are hypes and
> expensive too.
> After some time, I find most of them in thrift
> stores or yard sales
> for a dollar or less.  Even then I don't bother to
> buy them because
> many of them are too bulky or too verbose.  Word,
> words, words, and
> not much substance.
>
>   But there are certain books that are are simple
> and yet should be
> read again and again.  Its good to collect them.
> One can use them as
> conversation piece with like-minded people.
> Content-wise, some books
> are worth more than one paid for.
>
>    I find that many people are willing to spend a
> lot in other items
> such as food, clothes, or luxury goods (TV,
> Computers,games, etc).
> Yet they get stingy with books.  Here in the US,
> many spend $4 a day
> for coffee at Starbucks (4x7=$28, weekly).  But some
> of them will
> hesitate to spend $15 for a book.  Ironic.
>
>    I think we need to develop the habit of reading
> books not only for
> pleasure but to increase in knowledge, which will
> come handy.
>
>    As is obvious, I love to read and to write.
> While in Nepal over
> 10 years ago, I partnered with a friend and produced
> a small book in
> Nepali (translated by my Nepali friend).  It became
> quite popular and
> even put into tapes by Gospel Recordings for
> distribution.
>
>    I am still honing my skill as I continue to
> write.  I have book
> ideas in my mind faster than I can write.  Thinking
> is much easier
> than seating down to write.  Its easier to dream
> than to perspire.
> Pray as I hope to put these thoughts into print.
> God helping me, I
> hope to break through and reach more people in
> future.
>
>     I am now operating an Online Bookstore.  Visit
> it and browse
> through the different catagories.  There are
> thousands of titles to
> choose from.  They are priced competetively, and in
> some cases, much
> cheaper than in bookstores.
>
>    God bless you.  http://Kevi.spreadtheword.com
>
>    Receive your blessing today!
>
>
>
>
>
>
>




__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail Address AutoComplete - You start. We finish.
http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail

The wise Solomon said that production of books will be endless and
one should avoid excess in reading them.  On the other hand, Our Lord
said that we ought to love God with all our mind.  To do that we need
to keep feeding the mind with the Bible and books that are written to
educate us with the principles of scripture.

   In other words, be selective and continue to read good books.  I do
not keep up with the bestsellers, because in a few weeks, most of
them are forgotten.  A lot of them are hypes and expensive too.
After some time, I find most of them in thrift stores or yard sales
for a dollar or less.  Even then I don't bother to buy them because
many of them are too bulky or too verbose.  Word, words, words, and
not much substance.

   But there are certain books that are are simple and yet should be
read again and again.  Its good to collect them.  One can use them as
conversation piece with like-minded people.  Content-wise, some books
are worth more than one paid for.

    I find that many people are willing to spend a lot in other items
such as food, clothes, or luxury goods (TV, Computers,games, etc).
Yet they get stingy with books.  Here in the US, many spend $4 a day
for coffee at Starbucks (4x7=$28, weekly).  But some of them will
hesitate to spend $15 for a book.  Ironic.

    I think we need to develop the habit of reading books not only for
pleasure but to increase in knowledge, which will come handy.

    As is obvious, I love to read and to write.  While in Nepal over
10 years ago, I partnered with a friend and produced a small book in
Nepali (translated by my Nepali friend).  It became quite popular and
even put into tapes by Gospel Recordings for distribution.

    I am still honing my skill as I continue to write.  I have book
ideas in my mind faster than I can write.  Thinking is much easier
than seating down to write.  Its easier to dream than to perspire.
Pray as I hope to put these thoughts into print.  God helping me, I
hope to break through and reach more people in future.

     I am now operating an Online Bookstore.  Visit it and browse
through the different catagories.  There are thousands of titles to
choose from.  They are priced competetively, and in some cases, much
cheaper than in bookstores.

    God bless you.  http://Kevi.spreadtheword.com

    Receive your blessing today!

The test is over.  I've figured out how to post the access to my
book ad here.  Thanks for the patience.

   The book is short, biblical, informative, and inspirational.  It
will challenge anyone to ask God for their dream.  Parents, specially
mothers, will be motivated to pray for their children and fulfill
their dreams.  Please write me if you are in an area where purchase
on the internet is difficult.

    God gives us each a dream.  We can lose it or achieve it.  Samson
lost it.  David lost and regained it.  This morning I read Maxwell's
devotional and discovered that a dream at its early stage can be
likened to an oak that is one year old.  At this time even a child
can easily uproot it.  But once it is grown it becomes strong enough
to withstand even the most severe hurricane.

    Do you dream of achieving something?  Remember many will not
believe and try to knock you down.  But if you are determined and
willing to pay the price, God is there to guide you to it.  He wants
the best for you.

    "If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land
and give it to us..." (Numbers 14:6-8,10).

    Dream of Jabez:  http://lulu.com/content/70256

    GO FOR IT!

    God bless you.

I just posted my book on the internet.  Pray that it will inspire
readers to seek God for their dreams.  I was inspired by the
book 'The Prayer of Jabez' (though I have only browsed it for a few
minutes).  I worked on this one even before I knew Bruce Wilkinson
had published another one called "The Dream Giver".  Of course I
cannot hold a candle to him; but in my own way I have written "The
Dream of Jabez" without copying his style.

   Great gift item for all occasions -- graduation, birthday,
anniversary, 'thank you', etc.  It gives examples from Disney,
Hilton, Jackson (not Michael), etc.  It will inspire young people to
dream 'dreams', and also encourage parents to 'dream' for their
children.

    If it does not provide the link here, type it on the "FIND"
column:  www.lulu.com/content/70256

    God bless.

By now you may have detected a pattern in the life of Esau.  He
wanted to live as he wished and still expects God to bless him.  It
doesn't work this way with God.  A true encounter with God always
result in radical change.  Just as we desire in children to steadily
grow in understanding and character, God wants us to grow and be more
like Christ (1 Corinthians 13:11; Romans 8:29).

      There are many people with the kind of attitude that Esau has.
They go about with a sense of entitlement, that God, the government,
and society owes them something.  When things are going good, they
take them for granted.  When things turn sour, they blame everybody
but themselves.

      Esau either failed to learn from the good examples his parents
set, or knowingly disregarded them.  As a man given to indulging his
desires "now", Esau went ahead and married two wives without
consulting his parents.  At least it appeared that way, for his wives
were a source of grief for Isaac and Rebekah.

      To a God fearing person, next to salvation, marriage should be
the most important decision in life.  Because God meant marriage to
be a lifetime commitment.  Here prayer, patience, and parental
blessing and advice will go a long way in selecting a suitable
partner for life.

      Although in marriage the newlywed couple break away from their
parents and begin a new home (Genesis 2:24), they are never meant to
sever loving relationships with their parents and in-laws.  This is
where Esau failed.  He married his wives without taking into
consideration how they would relate to his parents.

      More than that, Esau took pleasure in adding to the sorrows of
his parents.  He continues to nurse the grudge against his brother
Jacob for outsmarting him in receiving the primary blessing from
their father.  He determines in his heart to murder Jacob, and upon
learning his escape to their uncle Laban in Syria, Esau transfers
the bitterness to his own mother and father.

      When he learns of his parents desire for Jacob not to marry a
Canaanite, Esau purposely goes to marry one -- a calculated move to
distress his parents (Genesis 28:6-9).

      This behavior on his part not only display a dishonor against
his parents, but reveal the contempt he has for them.  One can expect
some resentment against his brother Jacob as a natural human
response.  But to deliberately aggravate his parents in their senior
years is an indication his anger has gone out of control.

      It betrays a lack of discipline and maturity in Esau.  He is
willing to step on anybody if he cannot get his way.  His parents are
not spared.

      There are people who do not know how to isolate their anger and
deal with it.  By isolate I mean narrowing it down to the primary
source -- a person or a situation -- so people who have no part in
causing the hurt would be spared from feeling the heat.  In this
case, Esau's anger should be directed at himself, for he is to blame
for selling his birthright.

      Esau is only a few seconds older than his twin brother Jacob.
Scripture clearly shows that God is not bound by this technicality.
His favor goes to whoever expresses a desire to seek His face and
walk in godliness.  Esau has none of that in his heart.

      God hates sin, but delights in repentant sinners.  Esau offended
his parents and sinned against God.  But he remains unrepentant.  Now
we can understand why God hates Esau (Malachi 1:3).

      "Let the wicked foresake his way and the evil man his thoughts.
Let him turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him, and to our
God, for He will freely pardon" (Isaiah 55:7).

God Himself declares that He is immutable, meaning He changes
not -- "I the Lord do not change" (Malachi 3:6).  Although human
society may go through all kinds of stages, ancient or modern, the
principles and the morals of God remains the same.  In a changing and
unstable world, it is comforting to know that God forever remains
secure and loves mankind just the same.

      That is the reason the apostle Paul can say with certainty the
human accounts in the Old Testament were recorded to help and warn
future generations (1 Corinthians 10:1-13).  God dealt with imperfect
people then, as He deals with imperfect people now.  In all these, we
are to draw upon the principles of life that God laid down for
mankind.

      Here we will learn the consequences of the poor choice Esau made
in his marriage.

      1.  Esau failed to honor God in his marriage.

      God loves mankind.  He chose Abraham and his descendants to be a
blessing to the world (Genesis 12:3).  With this mandate in mind,
Abraham was very careful in selecting a wife for his son Isaac.
Reading the account in Genesis 24 gives us an idea how serious
Abraham was in ensuring his posterity with the right kind of people.

      Isaac married the right woman, Rebekah.  Even today marrying the
right person for the right reason is very important to God and to
us.  It is important to God because He desires to bless us; it is
important to us because we want a productive and godly life.  In this
way the blessings of God are received and enjoyed, and passed on to
others through us.

      As a young boy growing up to manhood, Esau must have heard all
about his grandparents, Abraham and Sarah, and how their miracle
child got a wife.  But Esau veered away from this godly example and
thwarted the blessing of God on his life.

      At age forty, the same age when Isaac married, Esau married two
wives.  The Bible briefly notes that they were a source of grief to
his parents (Genesis 26:34-35).

      Today we have clear scripture admonishing us not to be "yoked
together with unbelievers" (2 Corinthians 6:14).  Of course, we have
to live among unbelievers, but when it comes to serious decisions
such as marriage and other cultural traditions, we are to draw a line
and make a stand.  This Esau failed to do.  He has the example of his
parents, but felt no inclination to practice it.  Thus Esau stopped
the flow of God's blessing from his family. (We can also say from here that he
chose to live a selfish life, with no thought of passing God's blessing to
others)

      As we read on the story of Esau, we can find him prospering in
material ways.  But the spiritual blessing departed from Esau and his
descendants.  One can learn from here that prospering in material
wealth does not necessarily indicate God's favor.  The story of the
Rich man and Lazarus illustrates this (Luke 16:19-31).  We are not to
envy the wealth of celebrities, stars and the millionaires among us.
They may enjoy earthly success for a while, but time is too short and
eternity is too long.  Living in God's favor is more important than
simply acquiring temporal wealth.

      This is not to say living in poverty is the way to live in God's
favor.  God has His own way of blessing His children with material
wealth (Matthew 6:33; Psalms 37 and 73; etc).  But this topic need
further discussion and is not treated here.

(Next:  How Esau failed to honor his parents in marriage).

Dear friends, very shortly I'll post further message on
Esau/Jacob.  We will learn how Esau failed to honor God and his own
parents in the area of marriage.

   Meanwhile, here is a bit of good news, sprinkled with a warning.
God is preparing for a move that will bring many young people into
the kingdom in Spain.  For too long this country has been a
stronghold of formal religion.  Now the people will see what it means
to have a dynamic relationship with God.  Pray for the nation.

   Beginning with the 60s, many Americans have rebelled against God
and turned to their own ways.  God revealed to his people that people
in the West will embrace foreign religions and even doctrines of
demons.  Garbed in Western clothing, today Hinduism (New Age),
Buddhism, etc have become very popular.  Plus occultism, palmistry,
psychic readings, etc (1 Timothy 4:1).

   Like young Timothy, continue to hold on to the faith you have been
taught (2 Tim 3:14-15), and never give in to popular heresy.  Make
sure your anchor holds (Hebrews 6:19).  Those who don't hold to sound
doctrine will get lost in the sea of confusion.

Praying for you.

We can see from the life of Jacob that God is not seeking for
perfect people --- there are no perfect people.  But the eyes of God
run to and fro to see those whose hearts are turned toward Him.
David was a man after God's own heart, and yet he had moral
failures.  The good thing about David is that when confronted with
his sin, he repented.

   Likewise, though Jacob had weaknesses, in the depth of his heart,
he yearned for the blessings of God.  God allowed him to go through
some tough situations to make him a better person.  Jacob went
through the 'refiner's fire' to burn the dross out of him (Malachi
3:2-3).  In Paul's language, he worked out (not work for) his
salvation through fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12-13).

    If you're going through tough times, remember God is working
things out so you could become a better person.  And be able to
handle greater things.  God knows you better than you know yourself.
Trust in Him and never give up.  God will come trhough.

Text:  Malachi 1:1-5.

      One may ask, "Why did God say I hated Esau?"  At face value this
sounds cruel and unlike a loving God.  Often this kind of lines turn
some people off, specially those who have less knowledge of scripture.

      The Bible does not offer a lot of explanations for many things.
If it were to answer everything right away to satisfy the critics or
to convince the skeptics, we would have a Bible too voluminous for a
truck to carry (John 21:25).

      That is why patience, prayer (James 1:5), and diligence (2
Timothy 2:15) is required to unlock the wisdom of scriptures.  But to
the careless and impatient, the Bible remains a closed book.

      The principles in the Bible covers all issues of life.  That is
why to this day it stays relevant as tomorrows news.  All the
foundations of great nationhood, successful businesses, powerful
speeches, accurate understanding of mankind, etc, can be found in the
principles laid out in scriptures.

      The Bible is best understood by comparing scripture with
scripture.  Concerning the statement on Esau, you will find that God
did not determine to hate Esau and therefore hated him.  God does not
capriciously hate someone like fickle humans do.

      As the grandson of Abraham, Esau stands to inherit not only
material wealth, but spiritual mantle to be blest and in turn bless
others (Genesis 12:1-3).  But Esau thought nothing of it and sold his
birthright to Jacob.  The Bible says he despised his birthright
(Genesis 27:34).  Either Esau failed to understand the import of
God's calling on Abraham and his descendants, or he really did not
care for things spiritual.

      God hated Esau not simply for the act of selling his birthright,
for that was only a symptom of who Esau really was at heart.  In all
his life Esau did not show any inclination for the things of God.  He
was a carnal man through and through.  Hence he missed the blessings
of God.

      But why did God choose a schemer to carry out His purposes.
Jacob was a piece of work himself.  Well none of us were perfect when
God showed His love on us (Romans 5:8).  He saw something in Jacob
that He can work on and turn it around.  (More to come on Easu and
Jacob).

Many Jews are apprensive about the potential of the movie to generate
anti-Semitism.  I think the fear is understandable but misplaced.
Only the ignorant and the emotionally unstable will hate the Jews
from a movie like this.  Let me explain.

In the Bible Egypt often represents sin, bondage to sin, or
worldliness.  Just before the children of Israel were delivered from
slavery in Egypt, they celebrated PASSOVER (killing a lamb and
applying its blood on the doorpost -- symbolising the death of Christ
on the cross (John 1:29)).

Alluding to this, Revelation 11:8 says that Jesus was crucified in
Sodom and Egypt, meaning sin in the world was responsible for His
death.  Even the apostle Paul blamed spiritual blindness on those who
persecuted Jesus (1 Corinthians 2:8).

When the Jews came out of Egypt, they sang a song of redemption
(Exodus 15).  Christians too will sing this song when they finally
leave Egypt for heaven (Revelation 15).

God meant the death of Christ to become a blessing to the world (John
3:16).  Blaming the Jews for the death of Jesus is out of place.  He
died for the sins of the world.  That is why in Him we can find
eternal salvation (Romans 6:23).

Scripture:  Genesis 22.

      The Jews were startled (or riled) when they heard Jesus telling
them that Abraham had seen his (Jesus) day and rejoiced over it
(John 8:56-59).

      There is no discord between the testaments.  What is left a
mystery in the Old Testament can be understood by the light in the
New Testament.  As someone has aptly said, the Old contains the New
and the New explains the Old.  The person and works of Jesus
fulfills and explains the prophecies of the Old Testament.  For
example, the prophets had a glimpse and tried to determine when
salvation would be wrought in Christ;  "Even angels long to look
into these things" (1 Peter 1:10-12).

      When Paul wrote of the inspiration of Scripture, he was
referring to the Old Testament (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  It was the
Bible for Jesus and the early disciples.  Jesus profusely quoted and
accurately interpreted its intent and spirit.

      Jesus is the New Testament.  All the 27 books accepted in the
canon (Matthew to Revelation) center around His person, His works,
and His teachings (Colossians 1:16-20).  He is the wisdom of God and
the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:24).  He is the author and
finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

      God spoke to Abraham both in vision and in person.  One
prophetic picture he was led to experience was the call to offer his
son Isaac as a burnt offering:  "Take your son Isaac, your only one,
whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah.  There you shall offer
him up as holocaust on a height that I will point out to you"
(Genesis 22:2).

      Here God tested the faith of Abraham.  It also demonstrates to
the world that when God chose people to do His works, He selects
those who will truly follow His biddings.  In His foreknowledge God
saw this quality in Abraham and so chose him to impart God's plan of
redemption to the world (Genesis 12:1-3).

      After both Abraham and Sarah were beyond any hope of having
their biological child, God promised them a son.  But ten years
elapsed before this was fulfilled.  God meant to convey that His
acts are supernatural.

      Being advanced and beyond childbearing age, Sarah chuckled when
it was told she would bear a child.  The Lord replied, "Is anything
too hard for God? (Genesis 18:11-14).  When Mary puzzled over how as
a virgin she would get pregnant, the angel Gabriel replied, "For
nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37).

      The birth of Isaac was a miraculous act of God.  The son of
promise.  Knowing this Abraham did not hesitate when called upon to
offer his son as a sacrifice; he was convinced that if God can
supernaturally bring Isaac to the world God can also raise him from
the dead (Hebrews 11:17-19).

      In Genesis 22:2, the word 'love' is used for the first time in
the Bible -- "your only son Isaac, whom you love".  Sarah and
Abraham must be doting parents.  Perhaps not wanting any competition
or conflict with any other female over the affection of Isaac, Sarah
may have kept Isaac from marriage.  Only after his mother Sarah
died, Isaac married at age 40 (Genesis 24).

      As far as God is concerned, Abraham had offered his son Isaac.
He was tested and found faithful.  God provided a substitude and
Abraham came home with his beloved son Isaac (Genesis 22:10-14).
This is a beautiful picture of John 3:16.  This time the beloved Son
of God truly died (Isaiah 53:); but He rose again because He was
sinless (Psalm 16:10; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

      The provision for salvation is complete (Romans 10:9-10).  All
those who come to Christ may die physically, but they will rise
again and put on immortality (1 Corinthians 15:53; 1 Peter 1:21-
25).  For with God nothing is impossible.

There is a lot to be said about Israel.  It has been called by
other names, such as Canaan, the Holy Land, the Promised Land, and
historically "Palestine" for 19 centuries --- until the Jews
reestablished their homeland in 1948 and called it Israel.

      The purpose of this article is not to give detailed account,
but a very brief overview so the average reader can make some sense
of the struggles reported almost daily in the media worldwide.


                PALESTINE

      The Philistines were the traditional/historical enemies of
Israel -- Samson and Delilah, David and Goliath, etc.  The name
Palestine was imposed on the land in 135 A.D. as punishment for the
Jewish uprising against Roman rule.  Believing the Messiah would
lead the people into overthrowing all foreign rule, the Jews rallied
behind Bar Kochba and put up a brave fight against Rome's mighty
army.  The Jews were eventually subdued and officially banned from
entering their homeland.  But this war cost Rome dearly, and so in
retaliation the territory was renamed Palestine.

      Historically, there is no such political people called
Palestinians.  Only centuries later people of Arab descent came to
occupy the area, and the so-called Palestinians today are Muslim
Arabs for the most part.  There is a minority of Christian Arabs too.

      Before the Jews returned to create a homeland in 1948 much of
the areas were under the claims of Jordan and Egypt, both Arab
countries.  There was neither interest nor idea of creating a
Palestinian State then.  But now that Israel is a sovereign State,
the Arabs too wants a State called Palestine with Jerusalem as its
capital.

      Israel is surrounded by Muslims (mostly Arabs) in the North and
Northeast, East, South and Southwest --- Lebanon, Syria, Turkey
(Ottoman Turks), Iraq, Iran (Persians), Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi
Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, Yemen, etc.  To the West is the Medittereanean
Sea.  The militant Arabs thought they could push Israel to the sea
and drown them forever, but could not succeed (Psalm 83:4-8).

                        ISRAEL

      In 'Jesus in the OT - 4' I briefly touched on how by a covenant
God deeded the land to the descendants of Abraham (Genesis 15).  It
was to be forever.  Here is where some people get confused because
some well-intended Christians have propogated a wrong interpretation
of the relationship between Israel and the Church.

                         REPLACEMENT THEOLOGY

      Through Abraham's seed the Messiah was to come, which was
realised in Jesus Christ, and so those who claim Christ as Savior
have become spiritual children of Abraham.  Elsewhere Paul talk
about a Christian being a true Jew through the exercise of faith.
Here Paul is only expressing spiritual rhetoric, so to speak.

      Some Bible teachers interpreted this to mean that the Church
has replaced Israel.  For after all in Christ there is neither Jew
nor Gentile, male or female, slave or free (Galatians 3:27-29).

      But this is only talking about our status in Christ, that
everyone is equal.  That both Jews and Gentiles must find salvation
in Christ (Romans 1:16).  Even after coming to Christ, a male is
still a male, and the same for a female.  Although equal and united
in Christ, the physical distinction of gender and race still exist.

      The passage in Galatians 3:27-29 is never meant to disslove our
physical distinctions, but to highlight our equality and oneness in
Christ.  Arabs and Jews in Christ are one with all God's children.

      The Church has never replaced Israel, and will never replace
Israel.  God does not act selfishly with "I used you then; I'll
discard you now."

                     TWO COVENANTS

      The positions of Israel and the Church becomes clear when we
investigate the two covenants God made with Abraham and his
descendants.

      1.  ABRAHAMIC COVENANT.  In this covenant God created the
nation of Israel with Abraham as its father.  It included the
promise of land to the people (Genesis 17:8).  This inheritance was
sealed with a covenant (Genesis 15:18).

      On the part of Abraham and his descendants they will practice
circumcision as a sign of God's covenant recognising them as a
distinct race (Genesis 17:1-14).

      That is why a Gentile is not required to circumcise because he
is not a Jew and is not called to be a Jew (Acts 15).  When a
circumcised Jew comes to Christ, he has become a child of Abraham
both physically and spiritually.  Therefore many Messianic Jews
refer to themselves as "completed Jews".

      The Jewish race and the Jewish land is still recognised by God
because of the covenant.

      2.  MOSAIC COVENANT.  In Hebrews 8:7-13, the writer mentions
the old and new covenants in relation to the Mosaic covenant.  The
first covenant was provisional or temporary, and the Israelites also
failed to keep it.  It was established to govern Israel.  Because of
their unbelief and idolatry God allowed the Northern Kingdom to be
wiped out by Assyrians in 722 B.C., and exiled the Southern Kingdom
to Babylon beginning in 606 B.C.  It was during the process of the
latter punishment that through Jeremiah God spoke of a new covenant
(Jeremiah 31:31-34).

      The book of Hebrews explains how the New Covenant was fulfilled
in the person of Jesus Christ.  It is also at this fulfilment when
God's universal plan of salvation is revealed.  Now everyone, both
Jews and Gentiles can come to God through Jesus Christ (John 3:16;
14:6; Galatians 3:28-29).  This Gospel will be taken to the nations
of the world (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; etc).

                TO THE END

      While the Abrahamic covenant remains, the Mosaic covenant is
replaced.  The Jews as a race still exist and Canaan is still their
land in the sight of God.

      Knowing the Messiah will come from the Jewish race, the devil
attempted to exterminate them through Haman, but failed (Esther 3
and Revelation 12).  Again the devil through Herod tried to
eliminate the Messiah when his birth was determined (Matthew 2).

      God has intricately linked His name with Abraham, Isaac and
Jacob, and their descendants.  The disappearance of the Jewish race
will invalidate the account of the Bible in the eyes of the
unbelieving world.  So the devil tried again through Hitler to
exterminate the Jews.  What Hitler failed to do, now the militant
Arabs are trying to accomplish.

      No one can demolish what God has established.  Israel will
exist as a nation to the end of time.  Anyone or any nation that
ries to remove Israel will only get hurt (Zechariah 12:1-3).  It is
better to get on with God and "pray for the peace of Jerusalem"
(Psalm 122:6).

      God loves the Arabs just as much as any other race.  They have
been given lands, oil, and a huge population.  In Christ both Jews
and Arabs can be one and live in peace.  Many Arabs have and are
coming to Christ.  There will be peace in the Middle East when the
Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) is fully recognised and embraced.  Or
when He comes in glory!  "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation
22:20).

Covenant in Genesis 15.  Please read this short chapter to get
an overview first.

      The term 'covenant' is derived from the Hebrew word "berith",
which means to cut, or cutting.  It is used in various transactions
between God and man, and man and his fellow beings.

      In verse one God declares that He is the shield of Abraham.
God has just granted Abraham victory in battles (chapter 14).  He
protected Abraham.  The implication for Christians today is that we
fight spiritual battles by faith (Gen. 15:6; Ephesians 6:16).

      God also reveals a great reward for Abraham (v.1).  This reward
is twofold:  heavenly (Hebrews 11:10) and earthly.  In this passage
only the earthly reward is discussed.  Having no children of his own
Abraham wondered what good a reward would do in his old age. God
assures him of physical descendants which will multiply and become
countless like the stars.  And Abraham believed (v. 2-6).

      "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who
comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of
those who deligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).


                         COVENANT

      V.7-22.  God reaffirms the purpose why He called Abraham from
Babylon, the symbol of rebellion, to a promised land called Canaan,
a land of rest in God.  The Bible says that the wicked are never at
rest; hence one can find rest and peace by surrendering to God alone
(Matthew 11:28-30).

      A piece of real estate is promised to Abraham.  So in effect,
Abraham asks, where is the title, the legal document of ownership
(v.9)?  God took Abraham to the local Notary office to seal the
deal.  But in ancient time, the system is different.

      Animals are cut and placed on two sides with a path in
between.  The persons entering the covenant will walk through as a
symbol of declaration that should one party fail to keep its part,
the other party has the right to cut the delinquent into two -- that
is, impose death penalty.  (See Jeremiah 34:18-20 for a biblical
example).

      This covenant is as serious and sacred as life itself.  As
binding as the constitution of a nation.  By this covenant God
deeded Canaan to Abraham and his descendants (v.12-21).  (God-
willing, shortly I hope to write a simple article on the present-day
conflict between Jews and the "so-called Palestinians" --- it will
help you understand the situation better).

      Notice one glaring omission here:  Abraham fell into a trance
and did not walk between the carcasses (v.12).  All the significant
works of God are not achieved by human efforts, but by God working
through men and women who are called.  That is why life in the
Spirit and the power of the Holy Spirit is the only way true works
of God are accomplished.  (John 6:63;  Acts 1:8;  Ephesians 5:18,
etc.)  (Anyone entering fulltime Christian ministry ought to learn
how to fast and pray and move in the power of the Spirit).

      There is no doubt God will maintain His part of the covenant;
and knowing Abraham and his descendants will be unable to fulfil
their part, God entered into it on their behalf (because the
covenant is deemed complete even without Abraham walking between the
animal parts).

      God passed between the peieces in the form of smoke and fire
(v.17).   Four hundred years later (v.13), this same God led the
children of Israel, on the way to Canaan, by a pillar of cloud by
day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21-22).

      The question remains:  Who will die when Abraham and his
descendants violate the covenant?  God will die, for He walked
between the covenant animals on their behalf.

      This is where Jesus steps in.  Read John 1:1,14,29.  See also 1
Timothy 3:16.  God loves the world and did for them what they could
not do (John 3:16).  What a wonderful and loving God we have.  Live
for Him and share your faith.  Support those who are sharing the
Gospel with your prayers and your finances.  Remember, God rewarded
Abraham, and He rewards all those who walk in faith and obedience.

      AMAZING LOVE!  HOW CAN IT BE
      THAT THOU MY GOD, SHOULDST DIE FOR ME!

     (Hymn: And Can It Be? by Charles Wesley)

Jesus said,"... Everything must be fulfilled that is written
about me in the law of Moses, the prophets and the Psalms" (Luke
23:44).


      In this third series, before I go on the concept of "sacrifice"
in Genesis, I wish to clarify two errors that have been confusing
some believers.

      Error 1 -- The Documentary Hypothesis.  In the name of 'higher
criticism' a history professor by the name of Julius Wellhausen
cooked up a theory to discredit the Torah (first five books of the
Bible).  He argued that Genesis to Deuteronomy were not written by
Moses, but in different stages by interlopers spanning over hundreds
of years.  He named them as J E D P.  These letters represents four
different groups whose writings were put together and formed
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.  A fantastic
theory stretched to ridiculous conclusions.  Serious Bible
Scholarship has dropped it, for it has no scientific, literary,
linguistic, or historical integrity.

      I simply cited this just in case you have come across this
discredited theory and have you confused a bit.

      Error 2 -- Evolution.  The theory of evolution has given an
excellent excuse for unbelievers, or at least those who dislike the
Bible, to comfort themselves in the false notion that science has
now bypassed faith in God or belief in scriptures.

      In the U.S. evolution is taught in academia under the guise of
science.  This is such a contentious issue and often confusing to
the average person who has not investigated the theory.

      My purpose for introducing it here is not to argue the points,
but to assure Christians that "there ABSOLUTELY is no scientific
evidence for evolution".  None. Zero.  All its proponents have is
clever arguments.  Anyone claiming to have evidence for evolution is
either lying or doesn't know what real science is.  Now if some
people wishes to entertain evolutionary fantasy, that's their
privilege;  but to call it science is outright fraud.  In fact, the
laws of thermodynamics makes evolution impossible.

      Evolution never happened.  Christian apologist Hank Hanegraaff
said, "Evolution is rooted in metaphysical contention [no evidence]
and mythological [Piltdown man, Java man, Peking man, etc] tales."

      Dr. Henry M. Morris, ex-evolutionist, said, "One of the
paradoxes in the history of science is that a theory so barren of
scientific proof as evolution could be so universally accepted as
scientific fact."

      The supposed evolution from ape to men is fiction, fraud, and
fantasy.  Dr. Louis Bounoure, Director of Research at the French
National Center for Scientific Research, said that evolution is "a
fairy tale for grown-ups."

      What should Christians do about evolution in schools and
colleges?  If it is imposed on the curriculum, study it as academic
exercise and get good grades, but believe none of it.  Or take
delight in learning the subject better so one can warn others of its
scientific bankruptcies.

      The Bible is not written as a book on science.  But in the
areas that touches on science, there is nothing that contradicts
it.  In fact, to the surprise of modern man, we have been late in
discovering what the Bible already says about sciences.  At the same
time, since the Bible deals with matters of faith, it is beyond the
scope of science.  Yet not against science.


                      SACRIFICE

      In the Bible we see God making decisions concerning mankind,
and He exercises the prerogative of changing them according to human
responses.  Such as conditional promises, or heeding the
intercession of penitent hearts.

      But as far as His essence is concerned, God is immutable
(Malachi 3:6).  His attributes and character remains the same.  As a
holy God, He cannot compromise with sin.  When Adam and Eve sinned
by their disobedience, God followed through His warning and brought
death to them (Gen. 2:16-17).

      God is also merciful.  The death sentence will take effect, but
its execution is delayed.  In mercy, God let Adam and Eve live for
several centuries.  A window of opportunity for redemption is
extended --- in their place, animals were killed (Gen. 3:21).
Imagine the first humans seeing blood, which is the essence of life
(Leviticus 17:11), spilled for the first time.  Death too.  In this
object lesson God made it clear that something died to cover the
failure and shame of Adam and Eve.

     God continues to directly converse with the children of Adam and
Eve.  When Cain got upset over the rejection of his offering, God
replied, "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?" (Gen.
4:7).

      The parents of Cain and Abel must have shown to them the
requirement of blood sacrifice.  From Genesis 4:1-16 we find that
Abel followed it and got accepted;  but Cain disregarded it, and
following his rejection, committed murder in jealous rage.
Disobedience leads to further sin and trouble unless prompt
repentance is exercised.

      Abel exercised faith in God through his sheep sacrifice
(Hebrews 11:4).  Cain exercised wilful disobedience and strayed
further from God.  From here on mankind moved away from God and away
from proper understanding of God and His ways.  This was how
wickedness increased (Gen. 6:5).  Mankind followed this pattern even
after the flood.  From this example we can glimpse an idea how the
world's population multiplied without knowledge of the true God,
thereby creating false religions and philosophies which entraps men
and women right to our time.

      But God has not given up on man.  Adam was still alive (Gen.
5:3-5) when Noah was born.  Noah's father mentioned the curse on the
ground (Gen. 3:17-19), an indication that his great grandfather Adam
told them the story (Gen. 5:28-29).

      Hence Noah was aware of all that happened hundreds of years ago
in the Garden of Eden.  Like Abel, by faith Noah chose to follow God
(Gen. 6:8-10; Hebrews 11:7).  After the flood was over, the first
thing Noah did was offer animal sacrifice to God (Gen. 8:20-22).  We
can also assume that Noah's great gandsons were told the stories of
God's dealings with the people in the past right up to the story in
Eden.  Abraham is one of them.

      Even before the law mandating animal sacrifice was passed under
Moses, the earlier generations knew that was what pleases God.  This
concept of animal sacrifice was never lost throughout the Bible.

     The penalty for sin is death (Gen. 2:17; Romans 6:23).  But in
mercy, God is willing to accept a substitute to spare our lives.

     In series 4, we shall discuss sacrifice in Genesis 15 and 22.
This time the promise for land is added.  This sacrifice is sealed
with a covenant.  A covenant between God and man represented by
Abraham.  Strangely, God himself shedding His own blood for the
covenant is implied in Genesis 15.

    We have a God who blesses.

Leviticus 14:1-7.

      In this passage we find the ceremonial regulations to pronounce
healing from infectious skin diseases.  The diseased person lives
outside the camp and cannot come to the community and mingle with
others until the priest declares him clean.  QUARANTINE.

      The procedure includes two live birds.  One is killed over a
clay pot with water, making it red with the blood; the other is
dipped in the red water and released.  The same water is then
sprinkled seven times on the healed person.  Then he is
pronounced "clean".

      Remember God is able to heal a person without this procedure
(Luke 4:27;  2 Kings 5:1-15).  In His sovereignty, God has the
freedom and the ability to make exceptions.  But He passed this
Jewish law to protect the community and also to carry a message.

      In Leviticus 14 the two birds represents the death and
resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Blood is shed.  The skin disease, or
leprosy, represents sin.  The judgment of sin is death (Genesis
2:17;  Romans 6:23).  It includes spiritual death, which is eternal
separation from God.

      Because God is holy, He cannot condone sin.  So humans are left
in a hopeless situation.  Because God is love, He provides a way for
us to return to Him.  This provision is fulfilled by Jesus who is
altogether holy and perfect and sinless --- He paid the ultimate
penalty of sin for us by His death on the cross.

      And because Jesus is holy and sinless, He rose from the death.
Or He conquered death.  So by accepting the death and resurrection of
Jesus we are pronounced "clean" before the holy God.

      Jesus lived under the law to fulfil all the demands of the law
(Galatians 4:4; Matthew 5:17-18).  Just as God healed Namaan of
leprosy, Jesus demonstrated His power to heal the same disease.  He
healed a leper in Matthew 8:1-5 and instructed him to fulfil the
ceremonial law passed under Moses in Leviticus 14.

      Jesus has power over both physical and spiritual diseases.  We
can be cleansed only in Jesus Christ alone (1 John 1:7).  Everyone is
welcome to avail of this cleansing (Revelation 22:14-21).


               ARE YOU WASHED IN THE BLOOD?

   Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power?
   Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
   Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
   Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?

     Are you washed in the blood,
     In the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb?
     Are your garments spotless?
     Are they white as snow?
     Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
       (Elisha A. Hoffman)

Exodus 15:26.  The Healer.

     Right after revealing a tree to heal the water, God continues on
to declare: "If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your
God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his
commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you the
diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord who heals you."

    God has proven his mighty power by the ten plagues and the
crossing of the Red Sea before the eyes of the people.  Here he
provides additional revelation as a healer by first healing the
undrinkable water.  By now the Israelites should not doubt his power
even to heal their physical infirmities.

    But the promise is conditional -- "IF".  Now the people have to do
their part, that is to trust and obey him (TRUST AND OBEY --- I love
that hymn).  Here the carrot and stick principle is applied --- if
the people obey, God will keep them healthy; if they disobey, they
may be afflicted with the diseases of Egypt.

      (See some of the diseases of Egypt in Deuteronomy 28:27-28 & 60-
61.).

      The two conditions .  First,  "if you listen carefully to the
voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes" (Exodus
15:26).

      God is about to give them the 10 Commandments and other
instructions on how to walk worthy before the Lord and live in peace
in the community.  They have to 'listen'.

      The song of Simon and Garfunkel has a line: "people hearing
without listening".

      In Revelation chapters 2 and 3 Jesus admonished the 7 churches
to listen.  The church in Laodicea (3:14-22) felt self-suffifient and
failed to listen;  so Jesus was left outside knocking (3:20).

      Today a big problem of individuals and churches is the failure
to listen to the voice of God.  In their history the Israelites on
many occasions failed to listen to the voice of God through the
priests and the prophets and ended up in many tragic situations.

      Did you know that in some cases the devil can inflict people
with diseases?  If God's people fails to live within his protection,
they expose themselves to attacks of the enemy.  This principle
applies both spiritually and physically.

      Some of the diseases of Egypt were serious mental disorders (see
verses above). To a lesser degree, but still with potential for great
harm, one can add undue stress, severe emotional problems, disharmony in the
family, etc.

      Obedience to God is not only to please him, but for our own
good, because it keeps us from harm's way.

      Ecclesiates 10:8 says ... "whoever breaks through a wall may be
bitten by a snake".  There is a wall of protection in God's
guidance.  Snakes lurks outside the wall, ready to bite.  Let me
illustrate.

     We all have heard of Kobe Bryant, the young dazzling Lakers
basketball star who rocketed to fame and wealth in so short a time.
In his recent sexual escapade, he broke through the wall of marriage
and got bitten by a poisonous snake.  Ouch!!!  One can only imagine
his emotional pain, along with the legal, moral, financial and
reputation problems.  He must be feeling sorry a million times.

      Secondly, ... "if you pay attention to his commands and keep all
his decrees" (Exodus 15:26).  Knowledge has increased and we have
advanced medical knowledge today.  In the past God protected the
Israelites through the ceremonial laws.

      Encoded in the ceremonial laws were medical hygiene such as
washing of hands, proper handling of dead bodies and disposal of
human wastes (Deut. 23:13, indoor plumbing is a modern adaptation),
sanitation, quarantine, etc.  Centuries before modern science
discovered medical hygiene, the religious Jews were already following
them.

     Here God protected the Israelites from plagues and other
communicable diseases, while the world waited until the eighteenth
centuries on to modern times to catch up with the medical hygiene in
the Bible.

      This same healer in Exodus 15:26, manifest himself in the New
Testament as the Great Physician.  As a part of his credential
(Matthew 11:1-6), or proof of his Divine Power, Jesus healed the
sick, raised the death, and cast out demons.  He healed individuals
as well as crowds en mass (Matthew 4:23-25).

      I am the Lord that healeth thee (Ex. 15:26).  Jesus is God (1
John 5:20).  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews
13:8).

One amazing relevance and beauty of the Bible is that of its
unity.  One of the major themes throughout is the Gospel centered
around the life and works of Jesus Christ.

     In Genesis 2:2-3, we find God resting from creation.  Ever since
nothing new has been created.  It completely agrees with the
scientific law of thermodynamics.

     But since the fall of mankind from the disobedience of Adam and
Eve, Jesus said that God the Father has been working (John 5:17).
God set in motion the plan of SALVATION for mankind (Revelation
13:8).  Because God is holy, He cannot accept man as he is.  Because
He is love, He provides a way for man to return to Him.

    The answer is Jesus Christ.  Right from the beginning God began
working to reveal Jesus to the world.  So in the Old Testament, we come across
symbols, types, and prophecies that look forward to the coming of
Jesus into the world to show God's love to mankind (John 3:16).

     I will continue as a series to present references to Jesus in the
OT, and in random order.  My prayer is that you will learn of Him
better which will strengthen your faith as you live for and serve God.

      After His resurection Jesus discussed about Himself to two
disciples on the way to Emmaus: "And beginning with Moses and all the prophets,
he explained to them what was said in all the scriptures concerning
himself" (Luke 24:27).

          THE WATER OF LIFE

      Exodus 15.
      Verses 1-21.   The children of Israel have mirculously crossed the Red Sea.
The deliverance is celebrated with dancing (its alright to dance in worship) and
a memorial song.

      Verses 22-25.   And now comes the test of character.  The people are
thirsty but the only water available is bitter.  The people turns bitter too. 
The grumbling begins.

(God is fully aware of their need, yet waited to see if they could patiently
depend on His provision without murmuring and unbelief -- a sign of maturity).

             TEST SCORE:  "-F".   Failed.


      God shows Moses a tree to heal the water.  Why did God not simply ask Moses
to speak to the water or raise his rod over the water as he did in parting the
Red Sea?  (Exodus 14:21-22).  There is a reason.

      Because God intends to reveal the symbol of the cross (tree) where one day
Jesus will be crucified on it.  The TREE made the water sweet and satisfied the
thirst of the people, thus saving their lives.

      Is your life bitter?  Have you been mourning because life has been
difficult and unfair to you?

      Come to Jesus to receive joy and eternal life.  The water of life Jesus
gives will make you thirsty no more (John 4:13-14).

       If you are already in Christ, learn to pray and stop murmuring.  Live one
day at a time and above your circumstances.   Remember God will grade your
score.

In Albuqurque, New Mexico, there is a tombstone with the
inscription:

      "Remember friend, as you pass by, as you now are, so once was
I;  As I am now, so you must be.  So be content to follow me."

      After some time, a shrewd fellow wrote this reply:  "To follow
you I'm not content till I find out which way you went."


      Since the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, mankind
has been decreed to die physically (Genesis 3:22-24;  Hebrews 9:27).
This has been our lot to this day.  But we have another destination
after life on earth.

      Death always bring sorrow to the dear and near ones.  Loneliness
too.  A fact of life.  Some people grieve longer than others.  But a
time comes when one realize, or must realize, that life goes on, though not
the same.  While we can, after a season of grieving, it is ok to
celebrate and enjoy life in all its meaning, beauty and goodness.

      When I hear the death of people I don't know personally, one
question crosses my mind:  did he/she die in the Lord?

      We earthlings esteem highly of famous people, and even have a
tendency to think they have a special place in God's kingdom.  Not
necessarily according to the Bible.

      Remember God is not against wealth or fame.  But He does not
esteem mankind according to their position or wealth.  We can derive
this understanding from the parable of the Rich man and Lazarus, or
from the rich man who forgot God (Luke 16:19-31; & 12:13-21).
Whether rich or poor, a heart that seek after God is precious in His
sight (1 Samuel 16:7;  Acts:13:22).

      Yesterday (6-29-2003) Katherine Hepburn died.  I assume you have
either seen one of her movies or know her by name.  Right now her
legacy is splashed around the world in print, radio and television.
Full of praises.  A legend in our time.  As a celebrity icon her name
is included in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

      I respect her brilliance and achievement.  I admire her
indomitable spirit.  But in her personal life,  I cannot consider her
life as exemplary.  As a feminist she chose career over marriage and
yet lived with a married man (Spencer Tracy, a Catholic who never
divorced his wife) for three decades.  And the Hollywood press looked
the other way.

      I am not aware of her state of mind toward the final days of her
life, so as to where her soul went, I dare not speculate.  I touched
on her story as it is making ripples now, and also because I wish to
highlight one reality of life:  that humans, rich or poor, famous or
obscure, are subject to death.  Death is no respecter of persons.

      As for those who die in the Lord, the Bible says that God
regards them affectionately:  "Precious in the sight of the Lord are
the death of His saints" (Psalm 116:15).

      Saints!  Wait a minute!  Who are the saints?  A saint is not
someone who exercised great leadership, or did miracles, or rendered
some outstanding service, or who was persecuted and killed for
his/her faith.  Well, a saint can experience all these, but that does
not make a saint.

      A saint, by biblical standards, is one who has been born again
(John 3:1-7) by confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10).
A true Christian is a saint.

      After the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, all the early believers
were called 'SAINTS' or 'followers of the Way'  (Acts 2:41;  9:13,32, etc).  The
term "CHRISTIAN" was applied to these saints only 15 years later in Antioch
(Acts 11:26).  By then there were thousands of saints comprising of ordinary
believers, both Jews and Gentiles.

      The term Christian is mentioned only 3 times in the Bible, whereas "SAINT"
is applied to believers numerous times in the Bible (Romans 1:7;  8:27; 
15:25-26;  1 Corinthians 6:1;  Ephesians 1:1,15,18;  Colossians 1:4,12,26,  etc,
--- too numerous to cite them all).

      We are saints because Christ purchased us with His blood and we are
cleansed by it (1 Corinthians 6:19-20;  1 John 1:7).  The blood of the Lamb
washes our sins white as snow (Isaiah 1:18;  Revelation 22:14).  That is why
Christians are called to walk in the Holiness of God (1 Peter 1:13-16).

      So remember, if someone is in Christ till the moment of death, such a
person is precious in God's sight.  In heaven the redeemed person will realize
that worldly fame or even the names in the Hollywood Walk of Fame are but dust
and ashes.  Only what is done in and for the Lord will endure in the golden city
(Revelation 21:18-27).

      Jesus said, ... " rejoice because your names are written in heaven" (Luke
10:20).

      "And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of
fire"  (Revelation 20:15).