Tag Archives: bible

The Story of the Magi

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Every now and then, I like to revisit some of the misconceptions of the story of the magi in the Bible. I think this might be a good time, as Christmas approaches.

In Matthew 2, the Bible gives us the account of the visit of the Magi. Everyone knows there were three, except we don’t. The Bible only says that the Magi visited and it implies that there were more than one. If you look at the passage technically, the Bible refers to them in plural, 2 or more. I would think there were not 20, as I think the Bible would have said so. Indeed, there might have been three, but there might have also been 4 or 5. Beyond that, I would expect that they had an entourage with them, maybe 50 servants.

Some say that the reason that people say there were three is that that there were three presents. That part, the Bible states clearly. Each of the gifts have a spiritual and political meaning. They are indeed gifts fit for a king. However, at least one of them spoke of the death he would suffer and die on the cross for us.

Second, we know that they visited him in the manger, only that’s not right. In Matthew 2:11 specifically starts, “On coming to the house.”

This is easily explained by the 3rd misconception, that they visited the night of His birth. In no way does the Bible say that. The clear implication is that the wisemen did not start their journey until the birth. It very likely took them 1 to 2 years to get to Him. In the meantime, Joseph likely set down roots in Bethlehem and moved into a house. It also explains why Herod instructed his men to kill all babies under 2.

Finally, it would be a good idea to remember, Jesus was genetically, a descendent of Abraham, Judah and David a Jew. Each was given the promise Jesus would be in their line. Most of their descendants were light skinned, mostly a somewhat olive tone. However, David had red hair and fair skin. We also know that at least one of his sons had blonde hair. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that Jesus was brown or Black. This is not to say that there is any less of a Christian bond between non-white peoples and Jesus. It just is, let’s keep our facts strait. God did promise Abraham a savior in his ancestry. He again repeated the promise with Israel (Jacob) and David. It is why God insisted that the Jews not intermarry with other nationalities. If he permitted them to intermarry, then He would not be keeping his promise to any of the three men.

May I remind one and all, that also means I don’t have any physical relation to Jesus either, that is, unless there is something in my ancestry I don’t know about.

Regardless, no matter our ancestry, it would be best if we all put it aside. It is, I am sure, what God wants us to do. Jesus died so that we all have direct access to the thrown of God through Jesus, no matter what color our skin is… or isn’t.

Now Here’s a Novel Idea

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I can’t say it’s Biblical. I’m not even sure that it something that God wants us to teach. However, I can’t help but think that, if any nation followed this one thing, it would be a very big profit to that nation and it’s people. As an aside, I can’t help but believe that it would help the world as well.

God gave Israel the ten commandments. They were a gift. Those people that follow The Ten Commandments will prosper, even if they refuse to believe in God. It sounds ridiculous, but I have given the matter a great deal of thought. Consider, if all Americans stopped lying, killing, robbing, or even seeking after that which is owned by another.

However, putting that aside for a moment, and what makes my suggestion unique, what if the national government sought to follow the Commandments diligently. I mean, do we really want a government that mistreats our citizens, such as killing the innocent, like unborn babies. Do we really want a government that steals from the citizens, such as exorbitant taxation for the benefit of those that are part of the government. Do we really want a government that is dishonest that lies to us and diligently hides pertinent information from us.

Perhaps, most of all, do we want a greedy government that provides lavishly for itself while taking from those who put in an honest 40 or 45 hour week without valid reason. Do we really want a government that denies the existence of God and instead worships evolution, a baseless, unproved theory. Do we want a government that viciously endeavors to hide and deny the existence of the one true God.

It does make me ask, how and why is it that God would ever want to bless such a nation.

And feeble men ask why we have troubles and trials.

Come to think of it, maybe it is about time to rethink the way that businesses are ran as well. Is it really such a novel idea? Seems that that was kind of the way we ran things after the Revolutionary War, or at least tried. Have we actually been improving things since then?

I wonder, just what would kind of report card would George Washington and Abe Lincoln give our current day government. I have the suspicion they would be more than a little embarrassed by what we today call the United States of America. That, by the way, is true of those on both sides of that theoretical line that is in Congress.

Not Appropriate

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When a man stands behind a pulpit and preaches the word of God, he should be careful to teach the truth according to the Bible. As I was going through channels a couple of days ago, I heard a person who claimed to be teaching the Bible who implied that eating meat was Biblically wrong. He was very proud of himself that he had been a vegetarian for all these many years and he is healthier because of it.

Fact is, if he wishes to preach not to eat meat, he should be careful to say that it is his personal feelings. It is not Biblical. Throughout the Old and the New testament eating Meat is directed. Indeed, it is required in the first Passover. Jesus cooked fish for the disciples. Indeed, it is part of the requirements of the rituals of the Temple.

I do understand the concepts of not eating meat. Many are are healthier when they don’t eat meat. Most of us do eat too much meat leading to many health problems. However, just because a vegetarian is healthy, it does not mean that he owes it completely to his diet. Moreover, we have not one bit of proof that he might not be healthier if he had ate some meat.

The thing is, if a person wants to preach not eating meat, they ought not try to say it is biblical, because it’s not. When you try to make the Bible say things it doesn’t, it undermines the truth that you do preach. The one speaking should precede it with something saying it is personal opinions based on facts outside the Bible.

Understand, I am not saying that it is wrong to teach eating only fruits and vegetables. It’s up to you. I am just saying it should not be taught as Biblical.

Revisiting the CEO Principle

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I can’t remember how long ago it was, but many years ago, I posted what I call the CEO principle. Some might actually remember it. I suspect most have not read it. For that reason, I will briefly review it.

You know when you go to the store and buy that gizmo wrapped in that really wonderful bubble wrap. When you get home, you go to work in the effort to remove the blister wrap. I’ve got to believe that they spent a lot of time and money engineering how to enclose those wonderful gizmos in that wrap. Invariably, one thing you must remember, never use a knife to remove the wrap. First, it is not very effective. Second, you might actually hurt yourself. I have no idea how much validity there is to it but I have heard of people cutting off a finger while trying to break into the things.

I really doubt that, but I can believe that some have cut themselves pretty good. So, if you are going to use a knife, be sure to have plenty of bandages. It might also be a good idea to have someone around to apply the bandages. Make sure whoever it is, is not so squeamish.

Now, what does this all have to do with my CEO principle? Simple. If the CEO of the company that makes those wonderful gizmos actually used the product, off the shelf, they would not be wrapped as they are.

I get it. I know why they do it that way. There are thieves out there that will steal the gizmos by the dozens. The blister wrap is something of an antitheft system, to make sure that the product is complete when you get it home.

The principle not only applies to the way that it is wrapped, but also how they are made. Did you ever try to put one of those pieces of furniture together with those “Easy instructions?” Yep. You know exactly what I mean, that is, unless you are one of those who can afford to have the furniture delivered completely assimbled.

My electric lawn more almost escaped the CEO principle. It is real nice and works good. Not only that, it is easy to use. However, I almost have to use a prybar to remove the charged battery from the charger. No way does the CEO have to do that. He has someone else do it. Well, that is not totally fair. I bought it 5 years ago. They might have fixed it by now, though I hold out little hope. The battery slides in and out of the mower easy. Why not the charger?

I’m sure by now, you get the idea. There is no purpose to go on, though I could for a long time. The reason that I am revisiting the post is that I realize it also applies to the government. Let’s face it. When Obama had that Obama care thing written up, he knew he would not ever need to use it. He knew his family would never need it, very likely to the 3rd and 4th generation. He knew that, when he or his family needs to see a doctor, they will be able to go to the doctor he wants to and he will not have to go on the internet and sign up for one of the plans. He will never have to pay a doctor, lab or hospital bill, EVER.

However, It does not stop there. All those idiots that call themselves democrats and voted for Obama care knew they would never have to deal with it as we do. I know that because the bill was originally written so that they would have all have to go through the same stuff. Then, suddenly, before it was passed, they found out and that was changed. So, it would appear that what is good for us is not good enough for them or theirs.

That is to say, they need not concern themselves with most of the stuff they force down our throats. Is there anyone out there that actually believes that the senators and representatives ever had to put up with all the stuff we did during the pandemic? Do you believe their kids have to take the shots before they can go to school? It is sort of the way things are done in government. The laws are intended for us, not them.

It does go beyond that. Nowadays, the laws do not apply to the dems, only the republicans. Moreover, they have lots of help from the media. There is not one law that they and their minions can’t break. On the other hand, if a republican walks within a mile of the Capitol building, he is picked up and thrown in prison. Then, by the way, he is denied a lawyer or speedy trial. Many of those that were imprisoned four years ago remain imprisoned, uncharged and without lawyers.

Worse yet, a republican need not do anything wrong to feel the sting of the dems and their media. If a man being nominated for a cabinet post is targeted, they simply dream up something from decades ago, so as to make it difficult to disprove. Never mind, true or not. He is indicted by the press and that is more than enough.

One thing I know about the CEO principle. Private or government, complaints are useless. I know. I tried. I don’t think I was the only one either. And… by the way… in case you haven’t noticed, I am still complaining, for what little good it does.

Consider, how the Keating five got off Scott free, though they were all guilty of banking corruption. They were never even charged. Google it, Keating Five scandal. Four dems and Senator John McCain were caught with their hands in the proverbial cookie jar and they all should have gone to prison. Instead, they did away with Savings and Loan system, forcing us to go to banks for our loans.

Moreover, if they had all been Republicans, they would have all gone to jail.

The Rapture Is Near

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First a quick word about the rapture so you know what I’m writing about. In the Bible, in I Thessalonians 4, it is made clear. Quickly, in the twinkling of an eye, Jesus will return for His Church. Suddenly every person who was saved and is dead, will be brought to life and they will go up to meet Jesus. Then, quickly, those who are saved and remain alive, will be changed and also will go to be with Jesus.

Those who remain will go through the tribulation, a time of great misery, which will last for 7 years.

Now, read for yourself and it will become clear to you, all the signs are met. However, there is one more thing. The more we hear people scoff that it is not near, the more likely it is near. Some say it may yet be another two thousand years. Actually, that is true. It could be another four thousand years. I simply don’t know. No one knows but God.

However, it might also be in the next 2 minutes. If that be the case, it would be a wise thing not to put salvation off for 5 minutes. Indeed, even the scoffing is predicted as Jesus compared it to the way those of Noah’s time mocked Noah about the ark.

Once God sealed the door on ark and all but Noah and his family perished; once the rapture is over, all who remain will face the tribulation.

Censors?

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At one time, movies were actually censored officially. Whenever a movie was produced, it had to be previewed by sensors and if it didn’t pass the sensor’s rules, it could not be released until it did.

I guess it was continued until some time in the seventies. Until then, the content was guarded, both visual and audio.

Even today, in theory, what goes out into the world of radio and TV is regulated. I get the feeling that many FCC regulators intentionally look the other way. I can’t imagine that it is legal for some of what is broadcasts meets specs. Moreover, they are all the time pushing the envelope, always just pushing it more and more, day by day. The swimsuits keep getting smaller; the language is getting worse; and the activities/subjects becoming more graphic.

That is not to say that we don’t still have sensors. Only the sensors have started limiting in other ways. Already, preachers are beginning to have some fears in preaching about homosexuality. If churches wonder into the politics, they stand in danger of losing their tax free status, unless it is a Black church. Then it is encouraged.

Worse, there is the unspoken censoring. Preachers aren’t kept from preaching on certain subjects, but when they do, the media launches assaults on them. They joke about them and they search for ways to make them look like hypocrites. Look how they went back into the pasts of the more recent judge appointments, also coined as Borking. Moreover, there is no shame, even when there is no proof. In the court of public opinion, none is needed. The allegation is all they need. Saying it enough makes it so.

These same methods are now used on preachers and conservatives. I am not proud of some the things Trump said and did, but no one gets called on any of it if they have a D after their name. Perfection is required for republicans only.

Moreover, politically incorrect things are not permitted on radio, TV and even on college campuses. This censoring is more powerful and stringent than any of the old censoring. Worse, things such as the Ten Commandments are not permitted in many places and it’s getting even more so disallowed over time.

Could it be that they will even be disallowed in our churches; or Bibles; or casual conversation, or thoughts.

I mean what is so objectionable about the words, “Thou shalt not bear false witness?” Why does anyone want to block the words, “Thou shalt not murder,” from our schools or courts? Why is it so bad to suggest that we encourage our nation to honor our fathers and mothers?

It would seem that there are those afraid of the words. If I put them out on my front lawn, I suspect that someone would sue me the next day to have it removed. They just can’t stand to have the words in their face reminding them daily of what they are doing wrong. If there is no God, why are they afraid of His law? Why to they fear His words?”

Why is it so important that they censor every word of the Bible? What harm does it cause them?

Is it Lack of Control or the Desire

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I would suspect there of other reasons that people use profanity. However I would suspect that the above two reasons sum it up for most part. Indeed, if a person cannot control his tongue, it is probable he cannot control his life either.

On the other hand, there are those that use profanity intentionally. It helps their ego. They think it adds authority to commands or instructions. When calling attention to another persons faults, they think that it helps add emphasis. .The stronger the profanity, the more of them that are strung together, the louder the words, the more emphatic.

Jesus, when he was told that some people were not washing their hands before eating, said that it is not what goes into a man’s mouth that defiles him, but what comes out. With these few words, He tells us that a man defiles himself when he uses profanity, regardless of the reason. By implication the Bible says that when filth pours out of a man’s mouth, then it tells us that what is in his heart is filthy too.

Some lack control. Some do it for their ego. Some use it to profane God’s name. Some do it on purpose and then act as if it was a moment of weakness. To God, it is all worse than not washing our hands.

Because it has it has become so commonplace, people think it’s okay. Fact is, that makes it all the worse.

A State of Confusion

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It reminds me of the old saying that my older brother used to love to repeat, “Ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you to stand behind you to speak on something of which I know nothing about.” Okay. You can look it up on the internet, though my brother did not quote it right. It really is worth reading the whole thing if you have a minute or two. However, it’s not my point at this time. It is simply a way to introduce that which confuses me.

A number of decades ago, there was a nation, a horrible nation called Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR). As I read the Bible, which I have read completely at least 7 times cover to cover, I did from time to time come across verses that confused me. They never caused me to doubt but they did cause me confusion.

Perhaps some of those passages is in Ezekiel. Well, at one one time, I was pretty sure of my understanding, you know the part about Gog and Magog. Between my own reading and some commentaries, I figured that it was referencing the USSR. The problem with that is that, now, the USSR no longer exists.

Ronald Reagan said that the nation would fall. In my mind, I said, “Right. Like that is going to happen. Communist nations never fall. Once the commies have their hold on any country, they won’t ever let go,” but they did. It seemed in a matter of weeks but it was more like months, the huge powerhouse crumbled before my eyes.

So. So much for my belief that the USSR is Gog and Magog. The thing is, Ezekiel is clear about it. Gog and Magog will come down from the north and attack Israel. It is also very clear that it will be a very powerful nation.

While Russia is still powerful, it is not what it used to be. However, to be sure, Russia is not much better than the USSR. More than that, Putin has voiced his desire to put the former empire back together. Worse, the dems don’t seem to want to get in his way. By driving the price of oil up to a hundred dollars a barrel, they have helped in the financing of it.

So, is Gog and Magog going to be the the reconstituted Soviet Union?

As I said in my opening statement, I don’t know. It sounds logical. Regardless. No matter what nation is being referred to, I would not want to be there when God decides to punish them. I won’t tell you what will happen to them. Just read it for yourself in Ezekiel 23.

I might be confused as to who Gog and Magog are. However, I have a pretty good idea of the punishment that awaits them and the reason.

Finally, for those who doubt the existence of God, study the history of Israel. A) The prophecies concerning the nation are coming true. B) Notice what happens to those nations that have treated Israel badly. Egypt, Babylonia, Rome and Germany. They aren’t but shells of what they were. I suspect it will not be long before Russia will receive their punishment as well regardless of if they are Gog and Magog or not.

For those who have a brain, take note. God can reduce the US to rubble. He just might decide to do it if we, too treat Israel badly. We have been forewarned. Even more, we have the examples.

Why Did Noah Build an Ark?

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It is a simple question. It just might be conceivable, though not likely I’m the 1st to ask it. I guess most of us think he did as he was told. Then again, maybe it was simply that he was afraid for him and his family.

He might have had the attitude, if there is a flood, it will come in handy. You do realize, while he built, he evangelized? That was part of the reason for building ark. When those around saw him building the ark, they did laugh at him. They did ask him about the project.

I do sort of wonder, was he the first to build anything like a boat. Did they ever go sailing on a weekend. These guys were living four and five hundred years, remember. They had plenty of time to build stuff like this just for fun. Contrary to what some learned folks might say, we are likely speaking of a very advanced civilization. The Bible recorded that there was a man who worked with iron, long before the bronze age.

So, let’s say Noah has some success at evangelizing. I think it was even conceivable that God might change his mind and not send the flood. We know, of course, God has the foreknowledge. He knew they wouldn’t. However, we also know He was giving them one more last chance to repent.

It looks to me as if Noah was acting from faith. However, we also know that if Noah was a successful evangelist, he would have been the only one in town with a big boat sitting in his front yard.

However, it would still have purpose. Every time the animals started going into it, 2 by 2, the neighbors might take note.

Which does bring up a plausible additional reason for Noah to take on the project. It did give Noah a tool for evangelism. As I said, they did laugh at him. However, some must have started taking note as the animals without any prompt, started wandering in. Some might even have repented but fear. They did not want to be subject to the same ridicule as Noah.

I don’t know when the rain started, some just might have had second thoughts if it started sprinkling before the door was closed. If I may, I don’t think God would mind me using a little imagination. I am almost sure that God had the love that allowed everyone every last chance. I suspect it was sprinkling before the door was sealed.

Then, Noah and his family boarded the ark. God, Himself, closed and sealed the door. It was for two reasons. It kept both the water and the people out. It was the final decision point in time. Those that were in the ark lived. Those that were outside the ark died.

Not only is it a historic fact, but it is something of a picture for us. God is long suffering. He gives us chance after chance because of His love. However, one day, He will close the door for each of us. Those of us who never repented and accepted Jesus, it is too late. Death is all that remains for them. With that in mind, for those who haven’t already, it would be a good idea to accept Jesus, now, before the rain starts falling.

Some, when they tell the story of the ark, use the term perish instead of died. Well, the do both mean the same. Perhaps, perish sounds better. Perhaps it covers it a little so that it has a little less of an edge. But it was not my intention to make it sound nice in the least. I wanted it to have its full impact, for the benefit of anyone who needs to know. If I take the edge off, how does it help those who need to repent?

Political Parties and Jesus

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Just happened to be listening to Allen Jackson, the preacher, not the singer, though I do listen to the singer from time to time too. Though it was not his primary subject of his sermon, he did, in an aside speak to the claim that Jesus was never a member of a political party. However, He did speak to power and he did speak to the powerful.

Incidentally, if I were a multi-millionaire, I would never contribute a penny to either party. They have been far too weak on abortion and border matters. It would be my way of speaking to power. Republicans have come out weak on gambling. Indeed, in some cases, some republicans have fought for it. You can come out with you logic why why I am making my mistakes. If I give any money to anyone, it is to the individual and only to the individual that shares my beliefs.

Looking back over things, you might have a tendency go along with me. The Republican party selected a senator who was a thief and another man who was a wimp rino. It is no wonder they both lost.

Sometimes these preachers say more as an aside than they say as their main subject. I think this is one of those cases. Every time we vote, we speak to the powerful. Every time we send a note to representative, we are speaking to the powerful. And, of course, this is regardless of political party.

Moreover, God does caution us not to call good evil, or evil good. It is not idle advice but a warning. There are threats of punishments for that.

Given these two little factors, maybe it would be a good idea not to vote for a political party that is in favor of causing death, you know, like abortion. Like causing wars. Like causing rumors about viruses and virus treatments that resulted in large amounts of death and then denying it. Do you really think He would want any of us to be in favor of a party that doesn’t punish the lawless and looks the other way in mass theft and rioting.

If and when you voted for Old Joe, you spoke to power and you told them that killing is perfectly okay. The doctors that do it should be respected instead of put in prison. As a voter, you have said that we cannot use a gun for defense, but the lawless can use them to steal and and murder. You have told the powerful to stop locking up the lawless and be sure to arrest Trump and anyone who supports him. This though you know he never did anything to deserve it.

Before you vote for Kamala, just remember, in essence you are speaking to power and saying good is evil and evil is good. That is true, regardless of any party affiliation.

Jesus might not be a Republican, but he is pro life. He still is in favor of the truth. As dems speak their lies, they may and do deceive some people. They may and sometimes do deceive themselves. However, they never deceive Jesus. And it is true; He is neither Republican or Democrat. So pretending to be one or the other will not impress Him one bit. For Him, those that deceive are guilty no matter if he has an R or a D after his name.