To open things up, Pastor Jerry informed the class of the First Temple Seal recovered last week outside of the Old City walls near the Dung Gate in Jerusalem’s City of David. The seal has the name of the Temech family, who were servants in the First Temple referred to in Nehemiah 7. The depiction on the seal shows two bearded Temple Priests standing on either side of an alter with arms lifted in reverence to a crescent moon. This is significant, particularly in light of what Veritas has been covering, when the meaning behind this symbolism is revealed.
Recently, Pastor Jerry has taught extensively on the false gods of ancient mystery religions and how their influence has sought to corrupt the Word of God and His people. Among these false gods was the Chief Babylonian god Sin. It is this god whose symbol was the crescent moon and it is now clearly evident that this influence had crept into the most sacred reaches of Israel. The story is absolutely fascinating and you can learn more by visiting the following webpage:
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1200475897717&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull
Genesis 5
At first glance, this chapter seems to be a genealogy which serves as a go between for chapters 4 and 6. As Veritas dug deeper into chapter 5 this week, Pastor Jerry went to the original Hebrew to exhibit its prophetic significance. Additionally, he taught at length on the tremendous impact the content of this chapter has had on science and history. Particularly, the establishment of the Linear View of Time.
In Persia, Greece, Egypt, China, the Americas and other cultures, the ancients viewed time as cyclical . They believed that no new event, person or thing was unique and that everything was repeatable. The book of Genesis, as it has done with many other topics, literally established the concept of linear time in chapter 5 and provided a vehicle of progress for mankind. Linear time puts a beginning and an end in place. With cyclical time this was not possible. This concept of time removed mankind from the fatalistic leanings of cyclical time because people began to realize that time was a unique event. That, indeed, their life was a unique event as well.
Science needed the concept of linear time for an organized system of notation and a shared idea of truth. While a seemingly simple concept now, this idea of time, and things having a beginning, has been the bedrock of scientific progression. Cyclical time leads to fatalism and, truly, science has no place where fate is in control.
In Genesis 5 history sees another solid fact confirmed; everybody dies.
But, perhaps, the meaning of the genealogy leading up to the flood was the most fascinating portion of this week’s class. Pastor Jerry took each individual name in the genealogy and translated it back into its original Hebrew meaning. The story that unfolded was eye-opening.
Adam – Man
Seth – Appointed
Enosh – Mortal
Kenan – Sorrow
Mahalalel – Blessed God
Jared – Shall come down
Enoch – Teaching
Methusaleh – His death shall bring
Lamech – Despairing
Noah – Rest
The hidden message is literally the entire Bible encapsulated in one chapter.
Man (is) appointed mortal sorrow; the blessed God shall come down teaching. His death shall bring (the) despairing rest.”
Next week Pastor Jerry will continue uncovering the subject matter contained in Genesis 5 as Veritas takes on the possibility of such long life spans. Schools of thought range from certain historians belief that these names represent dynasties, while on the other end of the spectrum the Bible may reveal how it may have been scientifically possible for people to live so long. It will certainly be interesting and we look forward to seeing you there or talking to you here next week. Until then, may God abundantly bless your life as you increase in the stature and fullness of Jesus Christ.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
The Veritas Update 01.13.08
Last week Veritas recapped Genesis 3 and moved into Chapter 4. Recall that the “Way of Cain” presents itself through the two-fold evidence of jealousy and not keeping your brother. These issues, while interlocked with Cain, can be equally as damning when they stand alone. This class covered the effects jealousy first revealed in Cain. In bringing this issue to the light an important question needs to be asked; who is our brother?
Consider these facts:
1.3 billion people on the planet have no clean water.
2.6 billion people have no sanitation.
852 million people in the world are hungry.
18 thousand children die of hunger each day.
22 billion kids live in the world – half of them live in poverty.
48 of the poorest nations have a combined wealth that is less than the worlds 3 richest people.
1 billion people on the planet can’t read.
20% of the world’s population consumes 80% of the world’s goods.
50 million of the richest people in the world have as much wealth as the 2 billlion poorest.
Genesis 4:10 reveals that the blood of Abel was crying out to God from the ground. The crime against Abel affected God, as does the suffering of the people in this world. We cannot hurt others without the pain reaching our sovereign Father. Given these facts, what is your answer; has this world gone the way of Cain?
The answer is obvious. We are called to do more.
Cain proceeded into the inevitable consequence of his sin. However, it is worth noting in chapter 4 that Cain had a creative blessing after receiving his judgment. In Cain, and his offspring, the book of Genesis marks the steady progression of mankind. Cain married, had children and built a city. Among his offspring;
Jabal – Raised livestock
Jubal – Was the father of all who play the flute
Tubal-Cain – Forged various tools of bronze and iron
Family, farming, livestock, tools and music. Chapter 4 reveals that culture proceeded to grow outside of Eden. That even through a horrible start, God still endows mankind with a creative blessing. While doing all of this through Cain, God was also still at work in bringing a change of heart to Eve.
Later in chapter 4, Eve, who Pastor Jerry had noted displayed some arrogance in naming Cain, shows an adjustment in her ways when she names Seth. Remember that in naming Cain she fancied herself to be somewhat equal to God in the creation process. The Hebrew translation for Seth means “appointed.” After losing two sons already, Eve is less triumphant and acknowledges the divinity of God in realizing her child was appointed.
Chapter 4 is a poignant introduction into the grace of God.
Next Week
In this session of Veritas, Pastor Jerry will cover the inception of linear time and the cultural impact it has had on the world. Additionally, he will teach on the lineage of Genesis leading up to the flood, including the lifespan of human life, along with its probability and meaning.
Meanwhile, may God abundantly bless your walk with Him as we at Veritas continue on our mission of “Confronting the Lies of the Age.”
Consider these facts:
1.3 billion people on the planet have no clean water.
2.6 billion people have no sanitation.
852 million people in the world are hungry.
18 thousand children die of hunger each day.
22 billion kids live in the world – half of them live in poverty.
48 of the poorest nations have a combined wealth that is less than the worlds 3 richest people.
1 billion people on the planet can’t read.
20% of the world’s population consumes 80% of the world’s goods.
50 million of the richest people in the world have as much wealth as the 2 billlion poorest.
Genesis 4:10 reveals that the blood of Abel was crying out to God from the ground. The crime against Abel affected God, as does the suffering of the people in this world. We cannot hurt others without the pain reaching our sovereign Father. Given these facts, what is your answer; has this world gone the way of Cain?
The answer is obvious. We are called to do more.
Cain proceeded into the inevitable consequence of his sin. However, it is worth noting in chapter 4 that Cain had a creative blessing after receiving his judgment. In Cain, and his offspring, the book of Genesis marks the steady progression of mankind. Cain married, had children and built a city. Among his offspring;
Jabal – Raised livestock
Jubal – Was the father of all who play the flute
Tubal-Cain – Forged various tools of bronze and iron
Family, farming, livestock, tools and music. Chapter 4 reveals that culture proceeded to grow outside of Eden. That even through a horrible start, God still endows mankind with a creative blessing. While doing all of this through Cain, God was also still at work in bringing a change of heart to Eve.
Later in chapter 4, Eve, who Pastor Jerry had noted displayed some arrogance in naming Cain, shows an adjustment in her ways when she names Seth. Remember that in naming Cain she fancied herself to be somewhat equal to God in the creation process. The Hebrew translation for Seth means “appointed.” After losing two sons already, Eve is less triumphant and acknowledges the divinity of God in realizing her child was appointed.
Chapter 4 is a poignant introduction into the grace of God.
Next Week
In this session of Veritas, Pastor Jerry will cover the inception of linear time and the cultural impact it has had on the world. Additionally, he will teach on the lineage of Genesis leading up to the flood, including the lifespan of human life, along with its probability and meaning.
Meanwhile, may God abundantly bless your walk with Him as we at Veritas continue on our mission of “Confronting the Lies of the Age.”
The Veritas Update 01.06.08
Veritas Update
This week in Veritas, Pastor Jerry Robinson progressed to Genesis 4 in his expository teaching of Genesis 1-12. This was preceded by a summation the teaching over Genesis 3.
Genesis 3 begins with perfection and ends with sin and exile. This outline echoes the distinct struggles found respectively in Christianity and Judaism. With Christians the problem is sin and the solution is redemption. For the Jews the problem is exile and the answer is return.
Additionally, Genesis 3 is the foundational chapter outlining the progression of sin as mankind progressed.
Adam and Eve = Pair
Cain and Able = Family
Noah = Society
Babel/Nimrod = Civilization
Abraham = Nation
As the posterity of man increases with a growing population, sin begins to flourish and abound. When God calls Abram out of Ur it represents a starting over. To emphasize this point note that the Hebrew word for Abram is “Avram” which is similar to the name of the first man, Adam. Abram literally represents a new beginning.
Genesis 4
To bring the deeper meaning of this chapter to light, Pastor Jerry went to a literal interpretation of the text from the original Hebrew.
At the end of Genesis 4:1 the King James Version quotes Eve as saying, “I have gotten a man from the Lord.”
The original Hebrew interpretation could also mean, “I too, like Yahweh, have created a man.”
Notice how this falls in line with the original temptation of Eve Genesis 3:5, 6 when Eve was beguiled by the idea of becoming an equal to God. This interpretation gives great insight to the mindset of Eve in a post-garden environment and leads into some misgivings she may have had concerning her offspring.
In Genesis 3:15 God declares that the offspring of Eve will bruise the serpent's head and the serpent shall bruise his heel. Watch what is revealed as Pastor Jerry interprets the literal meaning of the names of Cain and Abel in Veritas.
Cain - translated has a close association with the idea of self-sufficiency.
Abel - translated means worthless, meaningless, frailty.
Could it be that Cain, and his parents, were under the presumption that he was automatically held God’s favor? Notice the disdain he blatantly displays before God in verse 9 when the Lord inquires over Abel’s whereabouts.
The original Hebrew reveals Cain as saying, “Am I the Shepherd’s Shepherd?” This connotes sarcasm and a prideful disconnect on realizing the favor of God had towards Abel.
It has to be noted here that this sin is what led to the proclamation of Cain’s curse. Cain was the first religious figure in the Bible. There is no predecessor in making offerings to God. Yet, regardless of this righteous inclination, the offering was weak compared to Abel’s and the sin of jealousy was already at work in Cain. However, God did not condemn Cain for this as evidenced by the admonition he used to reprove Cain in verse 7. “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door.”
This is a warning to every Christian that the way of Cain is found in jealousy. When we jealousy covet over the favor and gifting given to others, we are going the way of Cain. When we refuse to listen to the voice of God, His reproofs and His directives, like Cain, our consciences will become hardened. As with Cain, where his jealousy turned to murder, sin is always laying at the door. Genesis 4 serves as a perfect reminder to remain humble and obedient to the word and voice of God.
This week in Veritas, Pastor Jerry Robinson progressed to Genesis 4 in his expository teaching of Genesis 1-12. This was preceded by a summation the teaching over Genesis 3.
Genesis 3 begins with perfection and ends with sin and exile. This outline echoes the distinct struggles found respectively in Christianity and Judaism. With Christians the problem is sin and the solution is redemption. For the Jews the problem is exile and the answer is return.
Additionally, Genesis 3 is the foundational chapter outlining the progression of sin as mankind progressed.
Adam and Eve = Pair
Cain and Able = Family
Noah = Society
Babel/Nimrod = Civilization
Abraham = Nation
As the posterity of man increases with a growing population, sin begins to flourish and abound. When God calls Abram out of Ur it represents a starting over. To emphasize this point note that the Hebrew word for Abram is “Avram” which is similar to the name of the first man, Adam. Abram literally represents a new beginning.
Genesis 4
To bring the deeper meaning of this chapter to light, Pastor Jerry went to a literal interpretation of the text from the original Hebrew.
At the end of Genesis 4:1 the King James Version quotes Eve as saying, “I have gotten a man from the Lord.”
The original Hebrew interpretation could also mean, “I too, like Yahweh, have created a man.”
Notice how this falls in line with the original temptation of Eve Genesis 3:5, 6 when Eve was beguiled by the idea of becoming an equal to God. This interpretation gives great insight to the mindset of Eve in a post-garden environment and leads into some misgivings she may have had concerning her offspring.
In Genesis 3:15 God declares that the offspring of Eve will bruise the serpent's head and the serpent shall bruise his heel. Watch what is revealed as Pastor Jerry interprets the literal meaning of the names of Cain and Abel in Veritas.
Cain - translated has a close association with the idea of self-sufficiency.
Abel - translated means worthless, meaningless, frailty.
Could it be that Cain, and his parents, were under the presumption that he was automatically held God’s favor? Notice the disdain he blatantly displays before God in verse 9 when the Lord inquires over Abel’s whereabouts.
The original Hebrew reveals Cain as saying, “Am I the Shepherd’s Shepherd?” This connotes sarcasm and a prideful disconnect on realizing the favor of God had towards Abel.
It has to be noted here that this sin is what led to the proclamation of Cain’s curse. Cain was the first religious figure in the Bible. There is no predecessor in making offerings to God. Yet, regardless of this righteous inclination, the offering was weak compared to Abel’s and the sin of jealousy was already at work in Cain. However, God did not condemn Cain for this as evidenced by the admonition he used to reprove Cain in verse 7. “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door.”
This is a warning to every Christian that the way of Cain is found in jealousy. When we jealousy covet over the favor and gifting given to others, we are going the way of Cain. When we refuse to listen to the voice of God, His reproofs and His directives, like Cain, our consciences will become hardened. As with Cain, where his jealousy turned to murder, sin is always laying at the door. Genesis 4 serves as a perfect reminder to remain humble and obedient to the word and voice of God.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Tulsa Pastor to Debate Muslims
Tulsa Pastor Reza Safa, a converted Muslim, will debate representatives from the Islamic Society of Tulsa at 7 p.m Jan. 25 at the Tulsa Convention Center.
Several Muslims became upset with Safa after he said in a published interview that Christians could not be friends with Muslims.
“A group of Muslims from the Islamic Society of Tulsa interrupted our service on September 11 at our church demanding a debate within 30 days,” Safa said in a press release. “They were furious because in a local newspaper I declared that Muslims could not be friends with Christians.
“I agreed to a debate and although I gave them a date in October, they were not able to keep their pledge. Now after four months we have reached an agreement for a date.
“The Islamic Society of Tulsa claims strongly that they are a peaceful organization, yet the person that they have invited, all the way from Canada, to debate me is Dr. Jamal Badawi, a member of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) Fiqh Council.”
Steven Emerson in his book, American Jihad, has an extensive report on ISNA activities and their support of radical Islamic groups throughout the world, Safa said. Badawi is a Muslim scholar who has frequently debated Christians refuting the authenticity of the Bible, the divinity of Christ and the salvation of God through Jesus Christ.
Safa was born and raised a devout Shiite Muslim in the country of Iran. His father was a poet and Muslim scholar. While in Sweden, Reza heard the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the first time from Swedish missionaries. After months of struggle and fear of Islam, he committed his life to Jesus Christ and accepted Him as his Lord and Savior.
Reza founded The Harvesters World Outreach, a worldwide evangelistic and healing ministry. For the past 20 years, he has held crusades and pastors conferences in nearly 50 countries, reaching thousands of people in India, Africa, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union for Christianity.
Reza is also the founder and president of TBN Nejat TV, the first full-time Christian satellite network in the Persian language, and he pastors Fishermen’s House Church in Tulsa.
(Source: The Tulsa Beacon)
Several Muslims became upset with Safa after he said in a published interview that Christians could not be friends with Muslims.
“A group of Muslims from the Islamic Society of Tulsa interrupted our service on September 11 at our church demanding a debate within 30 days,” Safa said in a press release. “They were furious because in a local newspaper I declared that Muslims could not be friends with Christians.
“I agreed to a debate and although I gave them a date in October, they were not able to keep their pledge. Now after four months we have reached an agreement for a date.
“The Islamic Society of Tulsa claims strongly that they are a peaceful organization, yet the person that they have invited, all the way from Canada, to debate me is Dr. Jamal Badawi, a member of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) Fiqh Council.”
Steven Emerson in his book, American Jihad, has an extensive report on ISNA activities and their support of radical Islamic groups throughout the world, Safa said. Badawi is a Muslim scholar who has frequently debated Christians refuting the authenticity of the Bible, the divinity of Christ and the salvation of God through Jesus Christ.
Safa was born and raised a devout Shiite Muslim in the country of Iran. His father was a poet and Muslim scholar. While in Sweden, Reza heard the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the first time from Swedish missionaries. After months of struggle and fear of Islam, he committed his life to Jesus Christ and accepted Him as his Lord and Savior.
Reza founded The Harvesters World Outreach, a worldwide evangelistic and healing ministry. For the past 20 years, he has held crusades and pastors conferences in nearly 50 countries, reaching thousands of people in India, Africa, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union for Christianity.
Reza is also the founder and president of TBN Nejat TV, the first full-time Christian satellite network in the Persian language, and he pastors Fishermen’s House Church in Tulsa.
(Source: The Tulsa Beacon)
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