Understanding: turn away from evil
Wisdom: to fear the Lord
The Bible grouping
OT: 39 books (929 chapters)
1. Law Books: 5 Books (187 Chapters) (Author Moses)
1) Genesis (50 Chapters)
2) Exodus (40 Chapters)
3) Leviticus (27 Chapters)
4) Numbers (36 Chapters)
5) Deuteronomy (34 Chapters)
2. History Books: 12 Books (249 Chapters)
1) Joshua (24 Chapters) (Author: Joshua)
2) Judges (21 Chapters) (Author: Samuel, Nathan, Gad)
3) Ruth (4 Chapters) (Author: Samuel, Nathan, Gad)
4) 1 Samuel (31 Chapters) (Author: Samuel, Nathan, Gad)
5) 2 Samuel (24 Chapters) (Author: Samuel, Nathan, Gad)
6) 1 Kings (22 Chapters) (Author: Jeremiah)
7) 2 Kings (25 Chapters) (Author: Jeremiah)
8) 1 Chronicles (29 Chapters) (Author: Ezra)
9) 2 Chronicles (36 Chapters) (Author: Ezra)
10) Ezra (10 Chapters) (Author: Ezra)
11) Nehemiah (13 Chapters) (Author: Ezra)
12) Esther (10 Chapters) (Author: Mordecai)
3. Poetic (Wisdom) Books: 5 Books (243 Chapters)
1) Job (42 Chapters)
2) Psalms (130 Chapters)
3) Proverbs (31 Chapters) (Author: Solomon: Agur and Lemuel are specifically named as the writers of Proverbs 30 and 31)
4) Ecclesiastes (12 Chapters) (Author: Solomon)
5) Songs of Songs (8 Chapters) ((Author: Solomon)
4. Major Prophets Books (Because of many chapters) (183 Chapters): 5 Books
1) Isaiah (66 Chapters) (Author: Isaiah)
2) Jeremiah (52 Chapters) (Author: Jeremiah)
3) Lamentations (5 Chapters) (Author: Jeremiah)
4) Ezekiel (48 Chapters) (Author: Ezekiel)
5) Daniel (12 Chapters) (Author: Daniel)
5. Minor Prophets Books (Because of few chapters) (67 Chapters): 12 Books
1) Hosea (14 Chapters) (Author: Hosea)
2) Joel (3 Chapters) (Author: Joel)
3) Amos (9 Chapters) (Author: Amos)
4) Obadiah (1 Chapter) (Author: Obadiah)
5) Jonah (4 Chapters) (Author: Jonah)
6) Micah (7 Chapters) (Author: Micah)
7) Nahum (3 Chapters) (Author: Nahum)
8) Habakkuk (3 Chapters) (Author: Habakkuk)
9) Zephaniah (3 Chapters) (Author: Zephaniah)
10) Haggai (2 Chapters) (Author: Haggai)
11) Zechariah (14 Chapters) (Author: Zechariah)
12) Malachi (4 Chapters) (Author: Malachi)
NT: 27 books (260 Chapters)
1. Gospel (Biographical) Books: 4 Books (89 Chapters)
1) Mathew (28 Chapters) (Author: Matthew)
2) Mark (16 Chapters) (Author: Mark)
3) Luke (24 Chapters) (Author: Luke)
4) John (21 Chapters) (Author: John)
2. History Book: 1 Book (28 Chapters)
1) Acts o the Apostles (28 Chapters) (Author: Luke)
3. Pauline Epistles: 13 Books (87 Chapters)
1) Romans (16 Chapters)
2) 1st Corinthians (16 Chapters)
3) 2nd Corinthians (13 Chapters)
4) Galatians (6 Chapters)
5) Ephesians (6 Chapters)
6) Philippians (4 Chapters)
7) Colossians (4 Chapters)
8) 1 Thessalonians (5 Chapters)
9) 2 Thessalonians (3 Chapters)
10) 1 Timothy (6 Chapters)
11) 2 Timothy (1 Chapters)
12) Titus (1 Chapters)
13) Philemon (1 Chapters))
4. General Epistles: 8 Books (34 Chapters)
1) Hebrews (13 Chapters) (Author: Paul)
2) James (5 Chapters) (Author: James)
3) 1 Peter (5 Chapters) (Author: Peter)
4) 2 Peter (3 Chapters) (Author: Peter)
5) 1 John (5 Chapters) (Author: John)
6) 2 John (1 Chapters) (Author: John)
7) 3 John (1 Chapters) (Author: John)
8) Jude (1 Chapters) (Author: Jude)
Apocalyptic Writings (Prophecy): 1 Book (22 Chapters)
Revelation (22 Chapters) (Author: John)
Title: Pray Over it instead of stress over it.
Matthew 8:23-27 New Living Translation (NLT)
Jesus Calms the Storm
23 Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. 24 Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
26 Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.
27 The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”
Mark 4:35-41 New Living Translation (NLT)
Jesus Calms the Storm
35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”
What can we learn from here?
1. Life is not a bed of roses even with Jesus' presence.
Storm in our lives is part and parcel, inevitable. What we can do pray over it instead of stress over it. Wake Jesus up and everything will be quite, calm and peaceful and reach our destination.
2. When you work, Jesus rest. When you rest, Jesus work. Choose for yourself.
When the disciples were frantically working to keep the boat afloat, Jesus was peacefully sleeping and resting.
3. Pray, don't perceive God is not caring or blame God for the storm in your life.
The disciples went to rebuke Jesus "Don't you care that we are drowning?"
They could also think that if only Jesus did not ask us to go over to the other side, we would have been resting and not in this storm/
4. With Jesus is in the same boat with you, will you sink? Don't you think you are safe?
5. Jesus not only calm the storm of your life, He will also bring you to your destination
6. When Jesus said "See you there", rest assured, everyone will be there
Mark4:35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.”
Title: Focus on Jesus in front you or the storm around you?
Matt 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, John 6:16-21
Matt 14:22-33
22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. 23After He had sent them away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone, 24but the boat was already fara from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
25During the fourth watch of the night,b Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. 26When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear.
28“Lord, if it is You,” Peter replied, “command me to come to You on the water.”
29“Come,” said Jesus.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30But when he saw the strength of the wind,c he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”(why did you have concern when the miracle in right in front of you)
32And when they had climbed back into the boat, the wind died down. 33Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God!”
Mark 6:45-52
45Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to Bethsaida, while He dismissed the crowd. 46After bidding them farewell, He went up on the mountain to pray.
47When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and Jesus was alone on land. 48He could see that the disciples were straining to row, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night,g Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. He intended to pass by them, 49but when they saw Him walking on the sea, they cried out, thinking He was a ghost— 50for they all saw Him and were terrified.
But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” 51Then He climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. And the disciples were utterly astounded, 52for they had not understood about the loaves, but their hearts had been hardened.
John 6:16-21
16When evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, 17got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was already dark, and Jesus had not yet gone out to them. 18A strong wind was blowing, and the sea grew agitated.
19When they had rowed about three or four miles,c they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the sea—and they were terrified. 20But Jesus spoke up: “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21Then they were willing to take Him into the boat, and at once the boat reached the shore where they were heading.
Here we learnt a few things
1) Focus on Jesus, you walk on stormy water of your life
2) When you doubted Jesus and sink in the storm, 2nd chance is to call on Jesus, He will reach out His hand and saves you.
3) When Jesus is in the boat, even with the storm, you immediately reach your destination safe and fast. (John 6:21)
4) Take Jesus, invite Jesus, bring Him into the boat, let Him come into your boat (the buffeted by waves and against by wind - everything seems to be against you and your life), once Jesus was in the boat, anything and everything that is against you will die down (wind died down)
5) Take Jesus invitation, promises seriously and obediently, when He promised you to "Come", be confident that His promises is Yes and Amen and do not look at the situation and doubt His promises.
When Peter look at Jesus, He walked on stormy water, not under still water
But when he began to take his eyes away from Jesus and focus on the storm, that caused fear, he began to sink.
There are many storm in our lives, we can walk on it, or we can sink in it.
Focus on Jesus, faith build up and walk on stormy water
Focus on the storm, fear build up, and sink in the stormy water.
2nd chance is to call on Jesus, He will reach out His hand and saves you.
Jesus said, "Why did you doubt?", this is the question we should ask ourselves during stormy moment of out lives.
But why Peter subsequently doubted? What did Peter doubted about?
When we said focus on Jesus, Look to Him, what does that means?
That means we focus on and look to all His promises. Claim them be certain that they are yes and amen in our lives.
Likewise, we are like Peter
1) Peter saw Jesus performed many miracles, still doubted Jesus. Before this incident, He saw Jesus fed the 5,000. Likewise, we saw Jesus work miracles in many people's lives, and even in our own life, when we focused on recalling all of these Jesus miracles and look to all His promises, we will walk on the stormy water of our lives. But, when we focus on the storm of our lives, we lack faith and doubted Jesus whether He can bring us out of the situation, then we sink.
What does "Man of little faith means"?
Means there is doubt (not sure whether it will happen) in what God, the Lord Jesus, the angels and the prophets of the Lord said or words and miraculous sign.
Sarah doubted, Zachariah (John's father) doubted. Jesus disciple doubted
Faith means, do not have a single doubt, especially when you know it is a miracle.
Walking water is already a miracle, but while walking, Peter have concern when he feel the wind and looked at the storm, instead of enjoying the miracle and looking towards Jesus, the miracle Maker.
Ps Prince, why you trusted Me with so little, you should ask for more
Title: Did Adam and Eve eat from Tree of Life before the fall?
In my opinion Yes. The following are evidence from the bible
1) God can never be ambiguous, God is a very specific and meticulous God. When God said "you can eat from any tree" means any and every tree except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
2) If things that is forbidden, God will also tell the consequence, "you will certainly (surely) die". If the tree of life cannot be eater, God will tell the consequence if eating from it. But there was no consequence mentioned for the tree of life. God cannot have forgotten to mentioned it.
3) After the fall, then they were being barred from eating the tree of life, the consequence is "they will live forever". Before the fall, they are allowed to live forever. After the fall, they were not allowed to live forever when God has pronounced a judgement on them.
4) Regardless of before the fall or after the fall, it was the tree of life that gave them the mortality. Before the fall, it was the eating of the tree of live that they can live forever. After the fall, they are serving the death penalty, but, the tree of life will cancel their death, that's why they are being barred.
Title: God will not tempt you. Don't allow the evil one and your lust twist the word of God for your action.
The result of twisting God's word or wrongly interpreting or misunderstanding God's command and being confused by the evil one.
Gen 2:9 The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the (2) middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (In the Middle, here are 2 tress, not just 1 tree)
Gen 2:16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “(1) You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but (2) you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, (God did not say you must not eat from the middle) for when you eat from it (3) you will certainly die.”
Gen 3:1 Serpent said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You (1) must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” (Satan made God look very stingy - when God said they can eat from any tree, except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil)
Gen 3:2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You (2) must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden (the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is located in the middle, but God did not say must not eat from the middle, wrongly interpreting or understanding of the command of God will get us into trouble)
Contemporary English Version
The woman answered, "God said we could eat fruit from any tree in the garden,
Gen 3:4 “(3)You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
In the middle of the garden, there were 2 tress, not just 1 tree. Now, instead of choosing between the 2, the serpent directed Eve to focus on the tree of the knowledge of good and evil rather that the tree of live. Over here, it also confirmed that Adam and Eve did eat from the tree of life, that's why only the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is tempting to them.
Tree of Life represent Jesus and the gospel of grace (Grace)
Tree of the knowledge of good and evil represent the law, especially the 10 commandment (Law)
Until today, it is still choosing between grace and law. Satan will direct us to focus on the law and say we will not certainly die.
Did Adam and Eve eat from the Tree of Life? In my opinion is YES. God's command can never be ambiguous, especially when it comes to life and death matter. If God did not allow Adam and Eve to eat from the tree of life, He will make it clear, just as He did for the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, the consequence is "you will certainly die". In my opinion, I believe because they are allowed to eat from the tree of life, that's why there is no death before the fall. There's why, after the the fall, they are being barred from the tree of life. That means, after the fall, the tree of life (Jesus) will still can cancel out their death penalty if they were allowed to eat from the tree of life.
Gen 3:22 And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed (now then not allow, originally was allowed) to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.”
(1) God gave us choice, not make us like robot
(2) Tree of the knowledge of good and evil represent the law
(3) God want us to know only good, and not to know any evil, because man can't handle evil.
Gen 6:5 The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only (consistently, totally, continually, altogether, everything) evil all the time. (as a result of knowing evil)
(4) God did not put the tree there to test man, it was the evil one who tempted man, and the lust of the eyes and of the flesh help us to give into temptation. (desirable for wisdom - the law)
James 1:14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged (lured, drawn, lusted, seduced into) away by their own evil desire and enticed (seduced, trapped by it).
(5) After you have tasted the tree of life and all the promises and provision of God of eating all the trees and you still want to touch and eat from the tree of law? Then you will surely die.
Heb 6:4-6 NLT
4 For it is impossible to bring back to repentance (metanoia (greek) change of one's way of life or practices, change of mind) those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come— 6 and who then turn away from God (by rejecting the new covenant, Jesus). It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame.
Title: What is the bible definition of sin?
Do not judge our position based on our behavior (Ps Prince)
The first mentioned of sin was not when Adam sin because of disobedient by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
But as far as Paul is concerned, the 1st mention of sin is when Adam sin by disobedience to the command of God.
New International Version
Rom 5:17, For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
The word SIN was not mention until Gen 4:7, other versions mentioned sin, only Young Literal Translation mentioned sin-offering
Is the first evil act, the killing of the brother Abel or the offering of vegetable after Adam had sin?
Gen 4:7 (Young Literal Translation)
Is there not, if thou dost well, acceptance? and if thou dost not well, at the opening a sin-offering is crouching, and unto thee its desire, and thou rulest over it.'
Rom 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned
The word sin, chattath, can be translated to "sin or sin-offering"
The Lord spoke to Cain and said, "Why are you so upset Cain, ad why did the joy you used to have left you? If you offer a sacrifice for sin that pleases Me, I would have gladly accepted it. Look over there, Cain! At the door of this place of offering, I see a Lamb. It is waiting there for you to fulfill your desire/ You are the one who has charge over the Lamb, why don't you offer it to Me?"
The choice before Cain is clear, God had pleaded with Cain to get him to do what was right, he can choose to do God's will or refuse
Title: What does setting free from sin means?
Do not judge our position based on our behavior
What is the bible definition of sin?
John 8:11 And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin (old covenant: do not commit adultery) no more.” (go, believe in me and the new covenant of no condemnation)
John 8:31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings (of the new covenant, Jesus and salvation). 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (from the old covenant).”
Contaxt: John 8:34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins (based on the standard of the old covenant) is a slave of sin (the old covenant). 35 A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever.
John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free (free from the standard of the old covenant sin), you will be free indeed (truly free, permanently free, forever free from the enslaving and condemnation of old covenant, the new covenant is true freedom)
Heb 9:15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance (all the promises)--now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins (based on the standard of the old covenant law) committed under the first covenant.
Whenever, there is a mention of sin in the bible, it's always based on the standard of the old covenant. Under the new covenant, there is no condemnation because your sin and lawless deeds, I remember no more.
Title: I believe, Help me in my unbelief
Believe Jesus is God, come from God and He is the Messiah sent by God for salvation and using the Name of Jesus, there will be power of miracle.
Whenever Jesus said to His disciples, "You man of little faith"
(Ps Prince - Why you ask so little and take so little from me?)
(Me - The disciples personally saw so many miracles Jesus has done, yet when they saw another, there were terrified with disbelief, what kind of man is He, even the wind and sea listen to Him
When Jesus said to the crowd, He said, "You, unbelieving generation"
Mark 9:19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”
Obviously, the crowd believe that Jesus can heal, that's why wherever He goes, wherever He is, the crowd followed Him or be there in advance before Jesus arrived and bring the sick there for healing
Mark 9:15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.
Mark 9:22 But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”
23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”That means, if they believe in Jesus as God and Messiah, they can work the miracle in Jesus Name. But if they didn't believe Jesus as God and Messiah, just believe He is the prophet and healer, only Jesus can heal, only Jesus can do the Miracle.
In Jesus home town. they don't believe Jesus can heal, Jesus can only perform few miracles in His home town.
Mark 9:38 “Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”
39 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, 40 for whoever is not against us is for us. 41 Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah (not only helping the Jews) will certainly not lose their reward.
Title: Eternal Inheritance and Eternal life and the Will
Enjoy your Eternal Inheritance on earth
John 6:54Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55For My flesh is real food, and My blood is real drink.
56Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him. 57Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on Me will live because of Me
Title: Old Covenant and New Covenant (Milk and Solid food)
Milk is elementary teaching
Solid food is Grace teaching
Title: There is no death in Jesus
When someone died, Jesus termed it as fallen asleep
John 11:11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.”
This world is not our home. Should we die, it is fallen asleep (Rest), means we have finished our journey on earth
God rested when He had finished His work of creation
Jesus rested (seated) at the right hand of God when He had finished His work of redemption on earth.
When we so called die, we had fallen asleep in, resurrected to where Jesus is, finished and journey on earth and rest in the presence of God and Jesus
Title: The situation (positive or negative) is to glorify Jesus and God in our lives
Why is there so much unfairness, born sickness, viruses, epidemic, pandemic and so on?
Remember one thing, all these happen so that God's glory can be seen in all these negative things.
John 11:4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”
New Living Translation
John 9:3, “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power (works, miracle) of God could be seen in him.
Prayer: Give thanks, Declaration, Restoration, Claiming all the promises of God, certain, surely, yes and amen.
God, whatever regrets I'm living in, whatever wrong decision I've made in the past, all the situation (positive or negative, tough and difficult) that I'm in and all that I have now, I want to thank You for all these things, as it is mentioned in your word
New American Standard Bible (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
in everything (all circumstances, whatever happening to you) give thanks (be thankful); for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus (the will of God for you (concerning you) in Christ Jesus). (This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus - GNT)
Thank God and thank Jesus for Your finished work on the cross. I declare that I am the righteousness of God in Christ, Thank God that there is no more wrath of God, no more curses of God, no condemnation, no more judgement, condemnation, any discipline of God is for my good.
New Living Translation (Rev 22:3)
No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him.
New American Standard Bible (Romans 8:28)
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Lev 6:4-5 (Restitution 120%) - health, financial, relation,
All these things happened in my life, it is not because of my sin or generation curses (my parent's sin), it is happening so that Your glory can be seen in my life and 120% restoration of good.
I claim all the blessings of God
- Abrahamic blessings, (great nation, father of many)
- Blessings of deut 28
- Blessings of Jebez prayer
- Blessings of Ps 23
- Protection of Ps 91
- Lord's prayer in Matt 6 (daily needs (provision, relationship, favor, wisdom, influence, achieving goals) and stay focus to achieve what i need to do for today that is under you will and your plan, avoid trouble, deliver us from distraction and any trap that the evil one has set up for us to fall into it)
- set me apart, consecrate, make holy
New American Standard Bible (3 John 1:2)
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.
Title: Knowledge vs Discernment (The root of the problem)
Gen: God commanded Adam not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God did not command Adam not to eat from the tree from the middle of the garden
Differences between knowledge, understanding, wisdom and discernment.
Discernment is the ability to distinguish, to differentiate, to judge, to separate (usually with senses and experience) to draw conclusion and remove confusion stirred up by the evil one.
The ability to know not just the presenting problem of a symptoms, but rather, to discover the root cause or the root of the cause of the problem. Because for every cause there is an effect (consequence), Cause and Effect.
New International Version (Heb 5:14)
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use (practice, exercising) have trained themselves to distinguish (discern, sense) good (right) from evil (wrong).
Understanding is after you have live through something and have enough experience to judge
Knowledge is just mental knowing. Having or received information that has not been tested or experience by yourself. Generally, facts and opinion presented by others to convince, any conclusion drawn from knowledge can be bias, confusing and result in drawing a wrong conclusion.
Wisdom often associate with making choices. It is gained by drawing conclusion from many life experiences.
1 Kings 3 (Solomon asked God for wisdom)
7 “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.
Ecc 1:16-18
16 I said to myself, “Look, I have increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.” 17 Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.
18 For with much wisdom comes much sorrow;
the more knowledge, the more grief
the more knowledge, the more grief
For example: the root cause of sin is disobedient. (by touching grace and law)
Before the fall, before eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Adam have the discernment of good from evil. But after eating, he has the confusion between good and evil.
Discernment is the ability of discerning one FROM another (know how to judge correctly, separate what is important or the truth from the other)
Knowledge is knowing between one and other
Latin word discernere, meaning "separate." Discernment separates what's important or true from what's not.
And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:9).
Crystal clear command
And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every and any tree of the garden, you may freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it: for in the day that you eat, from there on, you shall surely die (Genesis 2:16–17).
Satan put confusion
He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”
Woman confusion
Gen 3:2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”
Eve was confused and twisted God's word
Satan add on to her confusion and twisted God's word some more
Gen 3:4 “You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
When man twist God's word, satan will seize the opportunity to twist it some more
discern (sense) between good and evil, good from evil
the knowledge of good and evil (mixed good and evil together, you do not know what is good and what is evil, you are confused with good from evil,
You know what is good and evil, but you do not know how to differentiate them
Example: what is true freedom. True freedom is not do what you like to do, it's to do what you don't like to do. You do not know how to draw the line and where to draw the line.
Discerning is to know how to draw the line and where to draw the line.
Confused between good and evil (with the knowledge of good and evil, 1 leg law, 1 leg grace)
Discern good from evil
Discernment vs Discrimination
What is the difference between knowing and discerning? (the knowledge of good and evil)
Knowing between 2 things can be confusing. You can favor one over the other.
Discerning between 2 things is crystal clear, you know how to draw the line and where to draw the line. You have concluded one over the other
Knowledge: Money is the root of all evil
Discernment: The love of money is the root of all evil
Knowledge: Freedom is doing what I like to do
Discernment: True freedom is the ability of doing what you don't like to do (such as addiction)
Title: Which is the root, which is the fruit? (Righteousness or right living)
Right believing is the root, righteousness is the fruit
Not righteousness is the root, right believing is the fruit
Righteousness is the root, right living is the fruit
Not Right living is the root, righteousness is the fruit
Righteousness is not right living. Righteousness is the root to right living
Righteousness is not earned by living right, righteousness is a gift by having faith in Christ
Righteousness is a position in God through Christ, not a behavior
Don't judge our position based on our behavior
Righteousness is not for us to judge ourselves or perceive ourselves whether we have it, it is the way God sees us by our faith in Christ. a gift of which we have faith in His Son. It is the very basic foundation of having or establish a relationship with God. Without this position of righteousness, there is no relationship with God.
In order to have the fruit of right living, we must keep on declaring (seeing ourselves as the way God sees us, your sins and lawless deeds, I remember no more - past sin, presence sin and future sins) by declaring that we are the righteousness of God in Christ.
Prayer: Thank you Lord that I'm forever righteous and perfect in your sight because of the finished work of Christ. My behavior will never remove or gain righteousness as it is a gift of God by faith in Christ. By declaring that I'm the righteousness of God in Christ, the right living will effortlessly change my lifestyle to be more like Jesus and live in His image and allow Jesus to be glorified in my life. In Jesus's Name, Amen
Title: The Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper
19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you
John 6:35Jesus answered, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.
Jon 6:54Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55For My flesh is real food, and My blood is real drink.
56Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him
The last meal that Jesus shared with his apostles, or disciples, is described in all four canonical Gospels (Mt. 26:17–30, Mk. 14:12–26, Lk. 22:7–39 and Jn. 13:1–17:26). This meal later became known as the Last Supper.
Matthew's Version
17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”
26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the[a] covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
Mark's version
12 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”
22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.”
23 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.
24 “This is my blood of the[a] covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. 25 “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
Luke's version
7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”
15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.[a] 21 But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table (Judas was with them).
John's version
It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
The History: The angels of death passover the Israelites when they saw the blood of the lamb on the door post (the 10th plague, the death of the 1st born)
Luke's version
Acts 2:46. “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat [food] with gladness and singleness of heart.”
Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
During the early church, they did it frequently, as often as they can, whenever they meet and from house to house.
Do it whenever there is gathering of God's people
Paul's version
1 Cor 11:23-26
23For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread, 24and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you;b do this in remembrance of Me.” 25In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
27Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner (not unworthy position) will be guilty of sinning against thec body and blood of the Lord. 28Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 29For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the bodyd (without understanding the finished work of Christ, and eat like feasting), eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.
31Now if we judged ourselves properly, we would not come under judgment. 32But when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.
33So, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. 34If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you come together it will not result in judgment
The angel of death passover the Israelites because they saw the blood of animals. How much more, the death penalty of disobedient and any plague, epidemic, Pandemic will passover us when the blood of the Son of man is on us by drinking the blood of Jesus.
Jesus's version
John 6:32Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
34“Sir,” they said, “give us this bread at all times.”
35Jesus answered, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst. 36But as I stated, you have seen Me and still you do not believe.
47Truly, truly, I tell you, he who believes has eternal life. 48I am the bread of life. 49Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. 50This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that anyone may eat of it and not die. 51I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And this bread, which I will give for the life of the world, is My flesh.”
47Truly, truly, I tell you, he who believes has eternal life. 48I am the bread of life. 49Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. 50This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that anyone may eat of it and not die. 51I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And this bread, which I will give for the life of the world, is My flesh.”
52At this, the Jews began to argue among themselves, “How can this man give us His flesh to eat?”
53So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man, you have no life in you. 54Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55For My flesh is real food, and My blood is real drink.
56Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him. 57Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on Me will live because of Me. 58This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your fathers, who ate the manna and died, the one who eats this bread will live forever.”
New Living Translation (John 6:53)
So Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you.
Title: Why God didn't want man to have the knowledge (discernment, wisdom, understanding) of good (right) and evil (wrong), just like God?
1 Kings 3
7 “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart (wisdom) to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.
New International Version (Heb 5:14)
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use (practice, exercising) have trained themselves to distinguish (discern, sense) good (right) from evil (wrong).
Reason 1: Choices
Reason 2: Don't touch the law (knowledge of good and evil)
Title: Is it the disobedient or the fruit that cost Adam and Eve to die?
Is it choice or efficacy of the fruit or the doubt in God's word, command, in this case a negative promise that cause Adam to surely due?
God said, "When you eat of it, you shall surely die"
John 8:24 unless you believe that I am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.
Unbelief = Doubting God's word, God's command, God's promises, is sin
Here raised many related questions
1. Did Adam and Eve eat from the tree of life before the fall?
2. Was it just a choice that God has given to mankind to choose between obedience and disobedience or there is greater significant in eating from the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil
3. Is there a reason why God didn't want mankind to have the knowledge of good and evil?
4. Did all the living creatures enjoyed the fruits of the Garden of Eden as Adam and Eve?
5. Did serpent eat from the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil before it tempt Eve?
6. Did God use the word sin on the serpent, Adam and Eve?
7. What was God definition of "die"? Physical death or spiritual death or both?
8. Is the word "die" means separation from God, means both fellowship and relationship with God is broken?
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Following is my opinion and revelation as I pondered and meditated deeper into the word of God and the origin of sin.
1.1 In my opinion, following is my explanation.
Gen 2:9 The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the (2) middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. (In the Middle, here are 2 tress, not just 1 tree)
Gen 2:16 And the Lord God commanded the man, “(1) You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17 but (2) you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, (God did not say you must not eat from the middle) for when you eat from it (3) you will certainly die.”
Gen 3:1 Serpent said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You (1) must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” (Satan made God look very stingy - when God said they can eat from any tree, except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil)
Gen 3:2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You (2) must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden (the tree of the knowledge of good and evil is located in the middle, but God did not say must not eat from the middle, wrongly interpreting or understanding of the command of God will get us into trouble)
Contemporary English Version
The woman answered, "God said we could eat fruit from any tree in the garden,
Gen 3:4 “(3)You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
In my opinion Yes. The following are evidence from the bible
1) God can never be ambiguous, God is a very specific and meticulous God. When God said "you can eat from any tree" means any and every tree except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
2) If things that is forbidden, God will also tell the consequence, "you will certainly (surely) die". If the tree of life cannot be eater, God will tell the consequence if eating from it. But there was no consequence mentioned for the tree of life. God cannot have forgotten to mentioned it.
3) After the fall, then they were being barred from eating the tree of life, the consequence is "they will live forever". Before the fall, they are allowed to live forever. After the fall, they were not allowed to live forever when God has pronounced a judgement on them.
4) Regardless of before the fall or after the fall, it was the tree of life that gave them the mortality. Before the fall, it was the eating of the tree of live that they can live forever. After the fall, they are serving the death penalty, but, the tree of life will cancel their death, that's why they are being barred.
2.1 Is was not just a choice, it has great significant.
If it is just a choice, God would have said, "
What was Adam and Eve discovered after eating the fruit? Naked, shame. Their eyes were opened. You mean all the while they were physically blinded? No, Eve's eyes were opened, the fruit was pleasing to the eyes and good for food.
Their eyes were opened to see good, Adam saw Eve beautifully made. Eve saw the fruits pleasing to the eyes. What changed before eating and after eating, nothing changed. Before eating, they were naked, after eating, there were also naked. The only changed was feelings. You mean all the while they didn't know they were walking naked? After eating, they felt shame. The feeling of Shame is the result of knowledge of good or knowledge of evil?
It was not just the choice, it was the significant of knowledge of evil that God didn't want them to eat from the knowledge of good and evil.
The "die" here is obviously a physical death, even though it is not a immediate death
3.1 God is a very specific and meticulous God. If it is a command that caused death and life, will He forgot something or left out something? God didn't name all the trees, except naming 2 trees and He even mentioned the location of the 2 trees were in the middle of the garden.
i) The name of the tree of life, not the tree of life and death. (come as one, not a pair)
ii) The name of the other tree is the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, not tree of the knowldge of good or tree of the knowledge of evil (come as a pair, not as one)
If tree of the knowledge of good, then no problem, please eat from it. If tree of the knowledge of evil, obviously God will not put it there.
But it is the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Why God is so adament about allowing mankind to have the knowledge of good and evil like God even before the fall?
Yes, God didn't want mankind to have the knowledge of evil. You want to know good? Knowledge of evil comes with it. Obviously, the original intention of God to create everything is for good, but now that man has eater from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, the knowledge of evil comes with it. Man doesn't have the attributes and quality to handle evil.
4.1 Did all the living creatures enjoyed the fruits of the Garden of Eden as Adam and Eve?
I believe it is yes. All the living creatures also freely ate from any trees, even the fruit of life.
5.1 Did serpent eat from the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil before it tempt Eve?
I believe the serpent had eaten from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and became evil before it started to tempt Eve. After eating, it did not immediately die physically and always interpreted God's command literally (thought that it will die immediately, but did not). That's why when it tempt Eve, he may be truly thought that she will not surely die.
6.1 Did God use the word sin on the serpent, Adam and Eve?
Sin was not mentioned by God until God used the word sin on Cain
The first mentioned of sin was not when Adam sin because of disobedient by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
But as far as Paul is concerned, the 1st mention of sin is when Adam sin by disobedience to the command of God.
New International Version
Rom 5:17, For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
The word SIN was not mention until Gen 4:7, other versions mentioned sin, only Young Literal Translation mentioned sin-offering
Is the first evil act, the killing of the brother Abel or the offering of vegetable after Adam had sin?
Gen 4:7 (Young Literal Translation)
Is there not, if thou dost well, acceptance? and if thou dost not well, at the opening a sin-offering is crouching, and unto thee its desire, and thou rulest over it.'
Rom 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned
The word sin, chattath, can be translated to "sin or sin-offering"
The Lord spoke to Cain and said, "Why are you so upset Cain, ad why did the joy you used to have left you? If you offer a sacrifice for sin that pleases Me, I would have gladly accepted it. Look over there, Cain! At the door of this place of offering, I see a Lamb. It is waiting there for you to fulfill your desire/ You are the one who has charge over the Lamb, why don't you offer it to Me?"
The choice before Cain is clear, God had pleaded with Cain to get him to do what was right, he can choose to do God's will or refuse
7.1 What was God definition of "die"? Physical death or spiritual death or both?
The definition of death obviously is physical. That's why eating from the tree of life kept them being immortal. Even with the pronouncement of death, eating from the tree of life will still make them immortal, that's the reason why they are being barred from eating from tree of life by being banned from the garden of eden, Not only being banned, but God even sent angels and sword to guard so that there is no way for anyone from reaching or eating from the tree of life after the fall.
But, is the death also means spiritual death? What is the meaning of spiritual death? Is it physically separation from God or spiritually separation from God
8.1 Is the word "die" means separation from God, means both fellowship and relationship with God is broken?
Does "die" means spiritual death? Means relationship with God is separated from His love and fellowship with God is broken?
God still with Adam and Eve. God still talked to them. After man sin, God is still talking to man and Cain and Abel still offering sacrifices to God. That means there is still having relationship and fellowship with God.
So, death cannot means relationship with God is separated and fellowship with God is broken.
Or God was very quick in killing an animal, the animal's blood cleansed their sin and restored their relationship and fellowship with God at the same time, provide covering for them.
Death means, curses become part of their life because God cursed them. It means death sentencing, there is a death sentencing of curse.
In my opinion, the word "die" means there is physical mortality age and spiritual curse.
Because the sin of one man, death (curse) enter and reign through that man. Likewise, because of the righteousness of one, life (eliminated God's anger and cursed) enter and reign through that man.
New International Version
Rom 5:17, For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
Title: The Lord's prayer.
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'
Luke 11:1-4
1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." 2 He said to them, "When you pray, say: " 'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.[4]' "
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/prayer/breakdown-of-the-lords-prayer.html
Hello be Thy Name: Glory be to Your Name
Thy Kingdom comes, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven (As you are, so am I in the world).
Let whatever that is happening in the Kingdom of God in Heaven, let all these things be done on earth in my life. My life in Your Kingdom, because Jesus in King in my life, God is my King, God's Kingdom has been established in my life and my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit
Let my life be your kingdom because You and the King of my life
I declare You are my King, take over the throne of my life and establish your Kingdom in my life
Let Your will be done in my life
Your Kingdom and Your will in my life is just as it is in Heaven right now
Whatever it is happening right now in heaven, let the same happening to me in my life on earth right now. (Jesus is interceding for me, I am in the most holy place in the very presence of God)
Grant me this day my daily bread
Grant me today what I need, wisdom, focus, disapline, favor, relationship, financial blessings, closing of property deals, complete the necessary things that needed to be completed today, prophecy, the answer of all promises in my life be Yes and Amen, things that needed to be done for the right and better future, things that make history and glorifying to Your Name. Linking me to the right clients, allow the right clients to contact so that I will be able to sell the properties effortlessly. Get my friends and clients to refer business to me. Help me to have the energy and the right follow up to the needs and request of my clients and help me to be a good leader to the people in my sphere of influence.
Forgive me as I have forgiven others
Do not let me into temptation, but deliver me out of evil
Do not allow me to be led into any temptation, distraction, trouble, frustration, fear, doing all the wrong things that will lead to wrong direction, effort wasted
Deliver me from temptation, distraction, trouble, wrong focus, wrong effort
For Thy is the Kingdom, and the power forever in my life, forever and ever, now and forevermore.
Amen and Amen.
Title: What is the meaning of Test in bible narrative (language)
Test, Exam, Homework
To the prepared: is time to showcase
To the unprepared: is a struggling time
Test, to prove (how good, how real, beyond the shadow of doubt)
Mal
Test me or prove me to see if I don't open up the heaven of blessings
Do not put God to the test (tempt God). Don't try to prove Him
When Jesus was led to be tempted, or tested, is to prove that He is indeed God.
Test is also for Him to showcase that He is God
How to make yourself fully prepare to showcase instead of struggling
Is to keep reading the word of God so that you know under what situation, what God's word to use to have wisdom to overcome the situation.
Under 3 circumstance, Jesus use the word of God against satan's test.
Test often associate with trails, temptation
Test (exam, homework) should have a new revelation: it should be perceived as showcasing how good, how ready, how prepared a person is.
To the non-prepared, it is a struggle to pass or just passed, barely make it
To the super-prepared, it is time for me to showcase what I have, what talent, gifts that God has blessed the person with. Obviously Jesus scored full marks, 100 points during the test.
He was so prepared after baptism and after the Spirit descended upon Him and after God has assured Him, He went into the exam room with full confident that He will score full marks. To Jesus, it's time to enjoy the moment of showcasing to the whole world and to satan that He is indeed God's sent, He is Son of God and He is God Himself.
The exam is so tough that a normal human being will failed badly, only a celestial being made human in order to pass and passed with full marks, and prove that He is God in human form
As homework, test, exam: Jesus enjoyed and passed with flying colors, full mark
As trail in a court: To prove that He is who He claimed to be, God in human form
As temptation: He didn't give in to His human flesh.
He didn't struggle, He enjoyed the exam. He enjoyed the homework God given to Him to showcase Himself to the whole world.
Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tested, to be trialed, to be tempted for 40 days and 40 nights without food before His ministry at the age of 30, just after His baptism by John the baptist and after the Holy Spirit descended upon Him and after God pronounced Him as God's beloved Son
Jesus also had His assignment of homework done to save mankind.
As homework: He went through what a human has to go through, birth, growing stage, and work and ministry. He has body, soul (feeling, emotion, pain, joy) and spirit.
He passed His test of being tried, being persecuted, being beaten and being nailed on the cross
He passed His exam of dying on the cross, which is a must in order to bring salvation
The showcase was His victory over death and got resurrected
Another showcase of His victory was to appeared Himself to His disciples and multitude.
On the other hand. The very first test was in the Garden of Eden when real human being failed miserably.
Why God put the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the middle of the garden when He could have hidden the tree at some corner and mis-sighted area?
It was a test to mankind whether mankind can pass the test.
There was a lot of provision and enjoyment, but only one command and one consequent. And man failed the "one command" test.
As test: Set up by God
As temptation: the devil want man to yield to their flesh
As trial: there is no persecution, no beating, no suffering, no courtcase before they ate the fruit
Title: The important and power of our faith
What is the bible emphasis about faith?
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Heb 11:6 For without faith, it is impossible to please God, He who comes to must believe that He is (God or the I Am, who He claimed to be), and that He is the rewarder of those who seek Him
The whole book of Hebrew 11 is about faith
Rom 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Rom 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us
Hope is confident expectation of good.
John 8:24 unless you believe that I am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.
Unbelief = Doubting God's word, God's command, God's promises, is sin
Doubt = Lack faith = Man of little faith (Doubting the miracle, or not looking back to the miracles of God we had experience and trust God for the current situation)
1 John5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
God's will is to prosper us
Jer 29:1: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you
3 John 2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
If you have faith as small as a mustard see, you can command the mountain be thrown into the see, and it shall be done.
How to show or display that we have faith in God?
If I claim by faith that this girl or boy to be my spouse eventually without doubt. To display that faith without doubt, don't even look at other trees in the forest. But you know that the girl or boy has zero interest in you. Do you think it will come true?
How to know whether is it God's will or your will?
Blind faith is not only putting your faith in untrustworthy people or object, also untrustworthy feelings. feelings without wisdom or logic.
But faith and logic work opposite each other.
God give faith, God also give wisdom, God also give logic
Faith is gathering God's word on a daily basis, and master all you know from the word (from God's perspective) and use the word as wisdom to handle the situation. Just like Jesus, knew the word so well that He use scripture to pass all the test and temptation.
Faith is looking to God
Title: What is seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness?
Seek first the Understand and the way the kingdom of God and the way His righteousness operate and follow.
Understand how to gain righteousness first
Understand the way the kingdom of God operate first
Is it about reading God's word?
The righteousness of God is a gift, It is by faith that righteousness is accounted to us.
What is the kingdom of God. Have a good perception of what is the kingdom of God
The kingdom of God is near
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
(Matthew 13:31-32; Mark 4:30-34)
(Matthew 13:31-32; Mark 4:30-34)
Luke 13:18Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? 19It is like a mustard seed that a man tossed into his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.”
The Parable of the Leaven
(Matthew 13:33)
(Matthew 13:33)
20Again He asked, “To what can I compare the kingdom of God? 21It is like leaven that a woman took and mixed into three measures of flour, until all of it was leavened.”
Title: What does setting free means
Jesus Heals a Disabled Woman
Luke 13:10One Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11and a woman there had been disabled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was hunched over and could not stand up straight. 12When Jesus saw her, He called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your disability.” 13Then He placed His hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and began to glorify God.
Healing me set free from the bondage of infirmity, addiction, sin, unbelief (being slave to all these)
Deliver from
Whom the Son set free, it's free indeed
Title: God's Principle of Increase (Finances)
1. Don't budget God out (the important of Tithing)
Why God want the 1st fruit, not the last fruit (not the remaining)
Don't budget God out (of the picture)
You must budget God in
Set aside the 10%
That's why the bible said offer the 1st fruit. Whatever you have already offered, the rest you can spend. This is God's way of budgeting Himself into your budgeting equation or formula
Tithing is very important on God's principle of increase
Even though Tithing is not compulsory, it is very important to God.
God gave us choices, but there is always consequence in every choices
We can choose our action, we cannot choose consequence
If we choose to play with fire, we will surely get burn
God gave Adam and Eve free choices to eat from any trees but not from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The consequence is (You will surely die)
The positive side of another free choice
Test me and see if I will not open the heaven to pour out so much blessing
God said, do not put the Lord your God to test, but this is the one and only place God suggested you to test Him
For God loves a cheerful giver.
1(b) Tithing is declaring Jesus lives
2. Position before possession
Know your position in Christ.
You are the righteousness of God in Christ.
You are the heir, co-heir with Christ.
God will provide us according to His riches in glory (not according to the world riches)
3. God transfer of wealth
4. God's plan is to prosper us (3 John 2)
Beloved, I pray that you prosper in every way.
I know the plan I have for you, plan to prosper you.
If you ask, why am I still struggling in my finances?
I trusted God, but point 2,3,4 didn't work for me.
Then go back to point number 1.
1. Don't budget God out, Test Him.
For every action, there is consequence. The consequence is see if I will not open up the heaven of blessings for you.
Try to tithe to God immediately after you receive. Don't delay.
5. God want you to have money, but God doesn't want the money have you
FAQ:
Q: Should I tithe the gross or nett?
A: This is the part that God ask you to test Him
You test Him with nett, you get the nett blessing
Q: If I am into great debt, should I use the money to tithe or use the money to pay for my debt first?
A: Budget Him in first. The bible said, In what way I have steal from You? In tithe and offering. Even though, tithing is a choice, likewise, salvation is a choice, but consequence of the wrong choice of action is very great. God compared it to as good as stealing from God.
Q: I have been tithing, but I still yet to see the fruit and consequence of my tithing
A: When you are cold, you put on another layer.
If you still feel cold, you put on yet another layer
If you still feel cold, you put on the 3rd, 4th, 5th layer and so on until you feel warm
Likewise, you tithe until you see the blessing.
It will surely come, because God said test me and see if I don't
Title: About Tithing
Mal
Test me or prove me to see if I don't open up the heaven of blessings
Do not put God to the test (tempt God). Don't try to prove Him
When Jesus was led to be tempted, or tested, is to prove that He is indeed God.
Test is also for Him to showcase that He is God
The first mention of Tithe
Tithe mean 10 of
Gen14:18 And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High,[d] brought Abram some bread and wine. 19 Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing:
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
Creator of heaven and earth.
20 And blessed be God Most High,
who has defeated your enemies for you.”
Creator of heaven and earth.
20 And blessed be God Most High,
who has defeated your enemies for you.”
Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered.
1. Tithe is only for the believers, only those who have received Christ.
Because holy communion (wine and bread) only for the believers
Those who partake the holy com declare Christ death
Melchizedek is a type of Christ, He is King, High Priest, and brought the holy comm (Jesus, eat my flesh (I am the bread of life), drink my blood (pour out to you for salvation)), come from no where, no parents and no mentioned of him subsequently
Title: The consequences of dobut
Gen 15:7 Then the Lord told him, “I am the Lord who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as your possession.”
8 But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, how can I be sure that I will actually possess it?
Consequence: Gen 15:13 Then the Lord said to Abram, “You can be sure that your descendants will be strangers in a foreign land, where they will be oppressed as slaves for 400 years. 14 But I will punish the nation that enslaves them, and in the end they will come away with great wealth.Luke 1:18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure this will happen? I’m an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years.”
Consequence: Zechariah was blind for almost 10 months, from Elizebath conceived until John was born.
Title: If the Law is such imperfect, why God want to give the law?
The strength of the Law is sin
To help to remind people of their sin
To help man to come to the end of themselves
The Law is Jesus concealed and the new covenant is Jesus revealed.
What does "Man of little faith means"?
Means there is doubt (not sure whether it will happen) in what God, the Lord Jesus, the angels and the prophets of the Lord said or words and miraculous sign.
Sarah doubted, Zachariah (John's father) doubted. Jesus disciple doubted
Ps Prince, why you trusted Me with so little, you should ask for more
Title: Right vs Righteousness
The Righteousness of God vs being right with God
Righteousness is a gift, right is a process
Righteousness is the root, right is the fruit
Righteousness is the position, right is the behavior
Do not judge your position by your behavior
Being right with God doesn't earn you the righteousness
At times when we are not being right with God, doesn't make us loose our righteousness
Righteousness is a gift, you cannot shake it loose, you cannot loose the gift, unless you reject the gift.
Only 2 things you can loose this gift of righteousness
1. You betray Jesus
2. You repent with your own self righteousness by dying for yourself (take your own life)
And these 2 things have to come together.
If you take your own life but did not betray Jesus, you will not loose your salvation.
Title: The difference between Old and New Covenant
Because man has sin, and think that they are good, so God need to give them the OC (law and commandment), Law of the Land: Law of Justice, Law of cleansing, Law of relationship with God and with people (10 commandment)
1) to guide them in the behaviour
2) to remind them of their sin
3) so that they will anticipate and look for the Messiah to rescue them
4) it's a mean to point them to the Messiah.
Do you want to listen to good news or bad news
So, OC is bad news
NC is good news
The OC is follow them to follow in anticipation of the NC
They can never fulfill the OC,
OC: (human kingdom, human law)
NC: (Jesus kingdom, Jesus law)
OC: “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29).
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jer 29:13)
NC: (Jesus kingdom, Jesus law): "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? (Matt 18:12)
OC: (human kingdom, human law): 23But if a serious injury results, then you must require a life for a life— 24eye for eye, tooth for tooth,f hand for hand, foot for foot, 25burn for burn, wound for wound, and stripe for stripe.
NC: (Jesus kingdom, Jesus law): By His stripe, we are healed
If someone slap you on your left cheek, offer your right cheek too.
OC: Year after year, the sacrifice remind them of their sin
NC: Once and for all, your sin and lawlessness, I remember no more
OC: 10 commandment
NC: Reduce to 1, Love one another (If you love one another, it show that you love God and you are my disciples)
OC: God speak to the people via prophets and priest
NC: The HS guide you into all truth
God Himself provided the sin offering
He forgive our sins based on His knowledge, not our knowledge
God in His own knowledge of our sins and put all our sins on Jesus body and His blood. god holiness has been fully vindicated by His Son Jesus
God righteousness and mercy meet
God justice and holiness meet
The light of God reveal the perfect work of Christ
The blessing of God leads you into repentance
Not your repentance leads you into blessing
The Lord know how sinful we are and He come into our boat, not depart from you.
The holiness of God is on our side
The holiness of God remembers all your sins, but with Jesus death, your sins are remember no more.
When I fell in love with your wife, you can't fell in love with other ladies.
God doesn't see your sin, if He does, He is doubting the effectiveness f the work on the cross.
Jer 33:9
Mark 5:33
FEAR N TREMBLING = REVERENT N AWE
Whenever they see the good work of the Lord, they trembles (AWE) by the Awesome work of God on their lives. Then follow knowing the awesomeness of God, then follow by the desire for Repentance, then follow by wanting to be saved n be a believer by wanting to be saved
Acts 16:25-30
Blasphemy of the HS is knowing the work of the HS but attributing it to demons, Christian will never do that
The Pharisees - who knew that Jesus' miracles validated His words and ministry (see John 11:45-48) - were attempting to discredit Jesus' Messiahship by saying that His works were by the devil and not by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, when the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan, they were blaspheming the Holy Spirit by whom Jesus performed His miracles. This is unforgivable because it struck at the very heart of the redemptive work of God in Christ
Why Jesus against the rich of His days?
Because those rich were not helping the poor, but rather, continue to harass and treat them badly and as outcast
The sheep and the goat, the sheep, those people who are willing to share their riches, the goat, those who are not sharing their riches with the poor
Rev 3:16 Jesus rebuke the rich and give them 2nd chance
Nazareth m the rich
It is easy for the camel to go thru the eyes of needle than the rich to inherit kingdom
The rich during Jesus days mostly gotten rich by corruption, bully and exploit the poor, collect extra tax, thru greed, they love and worship money. They often trust in their own riches n not God.
The rich didn't want to associate themselves with the poor, they despise the poor and refuse to help or give to them.
Mark 10:17-25 The Rich Young man
Jesus and Saints of old always address the bigger group, the rich, the Jews who didn't believe in Jesus. They are normally addressed as DEAR FRIENDS
The non believing Jews n believing Jews as BROTHERS N SISTERS
The believing Jews or believers as DEAR BELOVED
http://www.google.com.sg/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=who+are+the+sheeps+and+goats+mentioned+by+jesus%3F&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CF8QFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gotquestions.org%2Fparable-sheep-goats.html&ei=Z0yqT6aeFILirAfIv9QM&usg=AFQjCNFU2DyVpn4yv9OQdhtolMA5VCYT8w
http://www.google.com.sg/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=who%20are%20the%20sheeps%20and%20goats%20mentoned%20by%20jesus%3F&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CF8QFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffocusonjerusalem.com%2FJudgmentoftheSheepandGoats.html&ei=WFCqT8yXFYvqrQeC96jRAQ&usg=AFQjCNF6R7uM9QJSHpqZkYeJfqAIp_d9Pw
Matt 25:31-46 The parable of the sheeps and the goats
V.40 whatever you did for one of these BROTHERS of mine, you did it for Me.
Matt 12:46-60 Whoever does the will of my Father is my BROTHER AND SISTER AND MOTHER
Matt 10:40-42 He who receives you receives Me, and He who receives Me receives the One Who sent Me
The sheeps receive those BROTHERS AND SISTERS that God had sent it their midst, the fact that they receive the BROTHERS, is their faith that receive Christ.
The fact that they have hated you was because they have hated Me. This are the goats (the pharasis, teacher of the law, the rich, saducess), they didn't receive God's people, the very act is the rejection of Christ.
They didn't reject you, they rejected Me
The very act of rejecting God's people (Jesus called them brothers) coming to their midst and not serving them, is the very act of receiving God's salvation. This was how Jesus being so harsh when He talk to the pharasis who never believes in the Mesaiah
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