#Leviticus 19:29

[girlbloggercher]

how to read the Bible

this is in order!

1. John

2. Mark

3. Matthew

4. Luke

5. Genesis

6. Exodus

7. Leviticus

8. Numbers

9. Dueteronomy

10. Romans

11. Galatians

12. Colossians

13. Proverbs

14. Ecclesiastes

15. Job

16. 1 Peter

17. 1 Corinthians

18. 2 Corinthians

19. Ephesians

20. Philippians

21. 1 Thessalonians

22. 2 Thessalonians

23. 1 Timothy

24. 2 Timothy

25. James

26. 2 Peter

27. 1 John

28. 2 John

29. 3 John

30. Jude

31. Psalms

32. Joshua

33. Judges

34. 1 Samuel

35. 2 Samuel

36. 1 Kings

37. 2 Kings

38. 1 Chronicles

39. 2 Chronicles

40. Ezra

41. Nehemiah

42. Jeremiah

43. Lamentations

44. Ezekiel

45. Joel

46. Amos

47. Obadiah

48. Nahum

49. Habakkuk

50. Zephaniah

51. Haggai

52. Zechariah

53. Malachi

54. Micah

55. Hosea

56. Luke

57. Esther

58. Jonah

59. Song of Solomon

60. Acts

61. Titus

62. Philemon

63. Hebrew

64. Isaiah

65. Daniel

66. Revelation

[oldgayjew]

Do you recall some of Trump's rants?

‘Vengeful’ Trump withheld disaster aid and will do so again, ex-officials warn

Former administration officials say Trump deliberately denied funds to states he deemed politically hostile

Donald Trump deliberately withheld disaster aid to states he deemed politically hostile to him as US president and will do so again unimpeded if he returns to the White House, several former Trump administration officials have warned.

As Hurricane Helene and then Hurricane Milton have ravaged much of the south-eastern US in the past two weeks, Trump has sought to pin blame upon Joe Biden’s administration for a ponderous response to the disasters, even suggesting that this was deliberate due to the number of Republican voters affected by the storms.

Former Trump administration officials have said the former president, when in office, initially refused to release federal disaster aid for wildfires in California in 2018, withheld wildfire assistance for Washington state in 2020, and severely restricted emergency relief to Puerto Rico in the wake of the devastating Hurricane Maria in 2017 because he felt these places were not sufficiently supportive of him.

The revelations, first reported upon by E&E News, have raised major doubts over what Trump’s response to disasters would be should he win next month’s presidential election. The former president has already been criticized for his role in spreading misinformation about Helene and Milton that has allegedly slowed the disaster response and even led to online death threats against Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) staff and metorologists.

“Trump absolutely didn’t want to give aid to California or Puerto Rico purely for partisan politics – because they didn’t vote for him,” said Kevin Carroll, former senior counselor to the homeland security secretary John Kelly during Trump’s term. Carroll said Kelly, later the president’s chief of staff, had to “twist Trump’s arm” to get him to release the federal funding via Fema to these badly hit areas.

“It was clear that Trump was entirely self-interested and vengeful towards those he perceived didn’t vote for him,” Carroll told the Guardian. “He even wanted to pull the navy out of Hawaii because they didn’t vote for him. We were appalled – these are American civilians the government is meant to provide for. The idea of withholding aid is antithetical to everything you want from in a leader.”

The effort to overcome Trump’s reluctance to provide aid for California succeeded only after the then-president was provided voting data showing that Orange county, heavily damaged by the wildfires, has large numbers of Republican voters, according to Olivia Troye, who was a homeland security adviser to the Trump White House.

“We had to sit around and brainstorm a way where he would agree to this because he looked at everything through a political lens,” Troye told the Guardian. “There were instances where disaster declarations would sit on his desk for days, we’d get phone calls all the time on how to speed things up, sometimes we had to get [Vice-President] Mike Pence to weigh in.

Republicans forget what he's said. It's well documented and there's even proof on videos. It's not FAKE News.

Romans 12:19-21"Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord".  

Proverbs 24:29"Do not say: 'I will do to him just as he has done to me; I will get even with him'".  

Leviticus 19:18A Jew should not take revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Jew who has harmed him.  

The only reason that aid would be denied is if he knew that it wouldn't get to the people who needed it most ... such as the aid that was sent to Puerto Rico and stockpiled in warehouses so that the governor could say that Trump was denying aid and aid that lined the pockets of California politicians ... aid for wildfires was conditional that clearing of underbrush and cutting firebreaks was mandatory to prevent future fires ... the EPA refused to allow it ... the same EPA that valued the lives of "snail darters" over the lives of 23 firefighters that perished because the wouldn't allow a water drop taken from their habitat ...

You also cite sources that are laughable at best and deceitful at large ... you turn the story to match your narrative by claiming "partisanship" and against non-supporters ... Obozo did that in Texas and other states that opposed him ... clean up your own back yard before you look at others ...

[tinyladofladdies]

what is the Gospel?

history . .

there is one God in 3 persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

God existed before anything else did; He created all things perfectly, including human beings, who He made in His image (Genesis 1:1, 26-28, John 1:1-3). God is the only holy, perfect Being in existence, and He created us to know Him forever.

God created humanity to partner with Him in ruling His perfect creation, however, humanity quickly fell into rebellion when adam & eve listened to temptation from satan, the serpent. the serpent twisted God's Word and adam & eve trusted in their own judgement rather than God's and listened to their selfish desire to define good and evil for themselves instead of letting God show them what was holy & good (Genesis 3).

adam & eve were cast out from God's perfect garden, severing ALL of humanity's relationship with God and separating us from His presence. because of this original sin (disobeying and distorting God's Word), all of humanity is born in a sinful state. the serpent, too, was cast from the garden and since the original sin, has been influencing the world into more and more evil, temptation, and distance from God. however, God promised that there would be a Descendant from eve Who would crush the serpent's head and defeat him (Genesis 3:14-15).

the sinful state of humanity causes all of us to be separated from God from birth and into eternity; sin cannot coexist with utter purity & holiness (Romans 6:23, 8:7-8).

God stayed faithful in taking care of humanity even despite our separation from Him; He made promises to abraham, isaac, and jacob, and their descendants (the jewish nation israel named after jacob), that they would be God's people and He would be their God (Genesis 22:17, Jeremiah 32: 38). He promised to multiply them, making them a countlessly large nation, to set them apart from the other nations to show the world what God is like (Deuteronomy 7:6), and to send them a Savior who would restore all things and bring justice (Isaiah 9:6). God gave them His Word and fulfilled every promise to them; He rescued His people many times from oppression and the downfall of their own mistakes, yet not even His holy people could stay obedient to God. God gave them His law (found in the 5 books of the Torah) to show His people how to be holy (set apart) and to show them who He is and what He values; in order to be worthy to enter God's presence, there would be animal sacrifices and sanctification rituals (Leviticus 16:21) in order to atone for the sins of Israel (God's people), yet none of His people were perfect and kept rebelling against Him.

God started sending prophets into the world, spoken to by His Holy Spirit who divinely inspired the Word of God (the entire Bible), to warn Israel of the gravity of their sins; soon, if God's people would keep participating in evil and turning away from God, they would be exiled from all of the peace and possessions God had promised them and fulfilled them with.

the prophets spoke of Jesus, who, centuries later, fulfilled every single prophecy spoken of Him . .

The Good News . .

Jesus is God, described as the Son of God and the Word of God become human; Jesus took on human flesh yet stayed completely sinless (Hebrews 4:15). He gave His life in the place of all of humanity, not just Israel, in order to extend God's grace, salvation, and presence, to anyone of any background who would repent and call upon Him (Hebrews 2:17, Galatians 3:8).

"The Gospel" means "the Good news."

to repent, means to completely turn around.

atone, means to make amends.

Jesus became the sacrificial lamb (symbolically) in order to fulfill the law of sacrifice that God's people used to participate in in order to enter God's presence (John 1:29, 1 Peter 1:19); because Jesus is God and was the only One holy enough to perfectly atone, this means that Jesus' sacrifice not only fulfilled every law and prophecy, but humanity finally had the chance to be in right-standing with God (1 Timothy 2:5). this means, that instead of being enemies of God, being estranged or distant from God, we now have the right to become God's children, His people, and His friends (Romans 5:10, John 1:12). to repent of our sins, means to pray to God our Father and confess our sinful nature, our rebellion, and the things we have done that have hurt our relationship with God as well as hurt ourselves & those around us. by confessing, we ask for God's forgiveness, we confess who Jesus is and what He did for us, and through this, we receive the Holy Spirit who testifies that we are God's children and Who seals our salvation in Heaven for eternity (Romans 8:16, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22).

Jesus came to earth as a human, yet also 100% God; He lived a perfect life, started His ministry at 30 years old, baptised, healed, drove out demons, and taught of God's character, Word, and Kingdom. Jesus was persecuted by the nation of Israel in order to fulfill the prophecies, He died on a cross, was tortured and killed in our place, and after 3 days He rose from the dead, to fulfill every prophecy (Mark 8:31). in Jesus' death and resurrection, He defeated our sins, He defeated the enemy (satan), and He defeated death. setting us free, giving us eternal life and forgiveness from the Father if we repent and believe that this is Who Jesus Is.

in Jesus, there is forgiveness, peace, healing, joy, & hope (Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Peter 1:3). God heals, God saves, God loves, His Spirit guides and reassures every believer and Jesus completely sets us free; no matter what you have said or done, no matter how much seems to hold you back, Jesus breaks every chain and meets us where we are, however, He loves us too much to leave us as we are. Jesus gives us the ability to live the life of righteousness (right-living) that God intended for us that we were not able to fruitfully & fully do without Jesus and without God's active help. for all time, God has kept His promises and His Word, He has kept His covenant with those He chose to be His people, and while those people always failed, Jesus never has and never will; Jesus fulfilled our side of the covenant, He paid the price that had to be paid for our sins, and in doing so, we can now have relationship with God for eternity, we can now partner with God in loving His people and doing the work of His Kingdom. God is always near, always present, and desires to help you, heal you, and save you.

there will be more Bible verses below that specifically address salvation & repentance; if you need more context or have more questions, this is a safe space to do so. <3

Acts 4:12 — Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

John 14:6 — Jesus answered, "I am the way, the Truth, and the life. no one comes to the Father except through Me."

Acts 2:38 — Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

John 3:16-17 — For God so loved the world that He gave His One and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

Romans 8:38-39 — For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 10:9-10 — If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

Hebrews 7:25 — Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.

Luke 5:31-31 — Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Acts 3:19 — Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

Mark 16:16 — Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Romans 10:13 — for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 3:23 — for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

Acts 22:16 — And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:23‬ ‭— For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝

◌🌊🐚Ꮚ°˳´ creds . .

dividers: roseraris

[artandthebible]

The Executioner Presenting Herodias with the Head of John the Baptist

Artist: Bernardino Luini (Italian, c. 1480/82-1532)

Medium: Oil on Panel

Date: c. 1527

Collection: Uffizi Gallery

Description

The painting depicts an executioner, who is propping the severed head of John the Baptist into a footed stand resting on a ledge and held by Salome (or possibly Herodias). On the left, an old woman with a veiled head, probably a maid, witnesses the scene. The face of the executioner is described with almost caricatural features, which enhance his ugliness and wickedness, in contrast with the delicate features of the lifeless face of the Baptist. Particular attention is paid to the sumptuous dress of Salome, characteristic of the fashion of the early 16th century, as well to her elaborate braided hair. Leonardo's influence is particularly evident in the girl's face.

Why was John the Baptist Beheaded?

According to Matthew 14:1–12 and Mark 6:14–29, Herodias, the wife of King Herod Antipas, was responsible for persuading her husband to behead John the Baptist.

More than once, John the Baptist had rebuked King Herod for divorcing his wife and marrying his niece Herodias, who had been his brother Philip’s wife. Philip was still living, and both Philip and Antipas were uncles to Herodias - for several reasons, then, Herod’s marriage to Herodias was a violation of God’s law (Leviticus 18:16; 20:21). Herodias seethed with anger toward John the Baptist because he dared to speak out, and, to appease his wife, Herod had the prophet thrown into prison. As a powerful Roman ruler, Herod could have had John the Baptist executed, but he respected John as a righteous man who spoke the truth and decided not to put him to death. Herod was intrigued by John and liked to hear him speak. In contrast, Herodias loathed John and wanted him dead (Mark 6:17–20).

Ultimately, Herodias’s hate-filled grudge against John the Baptist was the reason he was beheaded. Mark 6:19 states, “So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him.” The idea in the original Greek language is that Herodias actively sought John’s death. Biding her time, Herodias waited for a chance to act.

Seizing the opportunity of Herod’s birthday party, Herodias set about her plan to have John the Baptist put to death. At the banquet, Herodias’s daughter, whom tradition names Salome, performed a provocative dance designed to arouse her audience with lust. Herodias’s daughter’s performance greatly pleased the king and his guests. Herod told the girl, “Ask me for anything you like and I will give it to you... up to half my kingdom!” (Mark 6:22–23, NLT). With these words, King Herod flaunted his generosity and greatness before his guests, but soon he would deeply regret this vow.

Herodias’s daughter went and asked her mother, “What should I ask for?” Queen Herodias replied, “Ask for the head of John the Baptist!” (Mark 6:24, NLT). Not skipping a beat, the girl hurried back to Herod and said, “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter” (verse 25). Evidently, her cruelty matched her mother’s.

Unable to take back his hastily uttered oath, the king granted the girl’s wish. He dispatched his executioner to the prison where John the Baptist was beheaded. The soldier returned to the banquet with John’s head on a platter and presented it to the girl, who, in turn, gave it to her mother (Mark 6:26–28). Later, John’s followers retrieved his body and buried it (verse 29).

John the Baptist was beheaded to satisfy Herodias’s bloodthirsty hatred. Just as Elijah was hated by Queen Jezebel, so the one who came in the power and spirit of Elijah was hated by Queen Herodias. Employing cunning powers of manipulation and degrading her own daughter, she got what she wanted from her husband, inciting his lust and using his desire to please his guests. She succeeded in silencing her critic, at least outwardly. Later, King Herod was troubled by his guilty conscience, and, when He heard of Jesus Christ’s miracles, he worried that Jesus was actually John the Baptist risen from the dead (Mark 6:14–16)!

[iesnoth]

 “Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!”

Deuteronomy 27:19, from the Torah

THIS PIECE IS BEING SOLD FOR CHARITY

I've been thinking/praying alot about Palestine and how to help. I didn't want to just donate, but to find a way to keep this humanitarian tragedy, and others like it, in mind.

This piece is on sale at redbubble, you can find it here. All sales will go to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, which I have already made my own donation to.

***Note: "foreigner" is the direct quote from the Scripture, I'm not saying Palestinians are foreigners. Regardless, it was God's command to care for the foreigners, immigrants, etc. Other Old Testament examples are: Deuteronomy 10:19, Leviticus 19:34, Job 29:15-17, Jeremiah 7:5-7, Ezekiel 47:22, and Zechariah 7:9-10

[psalmonesermons]

Why be born again? Part 2

Nicodemus comes to see Jesus: John 3:1-4

John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.

Nicodemus was a Pharisee- which means he was a deeply religious man, who scheduled prayer 7 times each day, he also visited the temple 3 times a day, and would include discussions on theology and perform charitable deeds on a regular basis.

Nicodemus was in the ruler of the Jews, a ruler of the people, in other words, a top man and a VIP. Some historians think that Nicodemus might have been part of the Ben Gurion family who were a wealthy and powerful family in Israel in those days.

Nicodemus as a Pharisee would have known the Law and the Prophets' scriptures and would certainly have learned them by heart.

2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”

3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

v2 Might have been to avoid public scrutiny or might have been both men were busy during the day. Nicodemus calls Jesus rabbi meaning ‘professor’ or ‘teacher’ indicating that he was impressed with Jesus’ learning at a soulish level. However, intelligence is soulish, and Nicodemus did not call Jesus Lord.

When Nicodemus called Jesus Rabbi (a teacher from God) he had got it right thus far, for the many miracles Jesus did were a proof that he was messiah.

The miracles of Jesus included those prophesied in the old testament for example from Isaiah 29:18-19 (deaf, blind healed etc.), and in Isaiah 35: 4- 6 (deaf ears opened, mute healed, and the lame leaping etc.). These miracles were prophesied some 700 years BC. Another miracle Jesus performed was to heal people with leprosy. Nicodemus would be aware that although the priests routinely diagnosed leprosy as in Leviticus 13, no one until Jesus had actually cured leprosy (see Leviticus 14). Modern medicine has only found a cure for leprosy in the last twenty years.

When John the Baptist-heard of the works of Christ-he sent messengers to ask Jesus are you the expected Messiah…? Jesus answered in a spiritual manner-quoting the miracles! Nicodemus wants to talk theology, but Jesus wants to talk spiritually to him (remember Nicodemus has only a dead spirit).

v3 Jesus tells him, Amen, Amen, your spirit needs to be born again (regenerated or made alive) or you cannot see the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus’ dead spirit needed to be regenerated i.e. brought to life.

4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”

v4 Nicodemus responds from his soul asking if Jesus meant a physical rebirth showing that Jesus’ words sounded crazy to him -he did not understand what Jesus was telling him.

In Part 3 we continue to explore the fascinating dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus in

[anastpaul]

Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 20 March –Seize Christ with the Hands of Faith

Our Lenten Journey with the Angels and the Saints – 20 March – Wednesday in Passion Week – Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-19, 25; John 10:22-38 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/ “O Lord my God, I have cried to Theeand Thou hast healed me.”Psalm 29:3 “My sheep hear My Voice.And I know themand they follow Me. ”John 10:27 Seize Christ with the Hands of Faith St Augustine (354-430)Father and…

[biblegumchewontheword]

Books of the Bible

Here is a detailed list of the 66 books of the Bible, divided by the Old and New Testaments, along with their divisions and categories:

**Old Testament:**

**Pentateuch (5 books):**

1. Genesis

2. Exodus

3. Leviticus

4. Numbers

5. Deuteronomy

**Historical Books (12 books):**

6. Joshua

7. Judges

8. Ruth

9. 1 Samuel

10. 2 Samuel

11. 1 Kings

12. 2 Kings

13. 1 Chronicles

14. 2 Chronicles

15. Ezra

16. Nehemiah

17. Esther

**Poetry/Wisdom Books (5 books):**

18. Job

19. Psalms

20. Proverbs

21. Ecclesiastes

22. Song of Solomon

**Major Prophets (5 books):**

23. Isaiah

24. Jeremiah

25. Lamentations

26. Ezekiel

27. Daniel

**Minor Prophets (12 books):**

28. Hosea

29. Joel

30. Amos

31. Obadiah

32. Jonah

33. Micah

34. Nahum

35. Habakkuk

36. Zephaniah

37. Haggai

38. Zechariah

39. Malachi

**New Testament:**

**Gospels (4 books):**

40. Matthew

41. Mark

42. Luke

43. John

**History (1 book):**

44. Acts

**Pauline Epistles (13 books):**

45. Romans

46. 1 Corinthians

47. 2 Corinthians

48. Galatians

49. Ephesians

50. Philippians

51. Colossians

52. 1 Thessalonians

53. 2 Thessalonians

54. 1 Timothy

55. 2 Timothy

56. Titus

57. Philemon

**General Epistles (8 books):**

58. Hebrews

59. James

60. 1 Peter

61. 2 Peter

62. 1 John

63. 2 John

64. 3 John

65. Jude

**Apocalyptic (1 book):**

66. Revelation

This list represents the traditional order and grouping of the books of the Bible in most Christian denominations.

These are the 66 books that make up the Bible.

Title: The Significance of Each Book of the Bible

Introduction:

The Bible is a collection of 66 books that together form the inspired Word of God. Each book has its own unique message, themes, and significance that contribute to the overall story of God's redemption and love for humanity. Let's explore the importance of each book of the Bible.

Lesson Points:

1. The Old Testament:

- Genesis: The book of beginnings, detailing creation, the fall, and the establishment of God's covenant with His people.

- Exodus: The story of the Israelites' liberation from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai.

- Psalms: A collection of songs and prayers that express a range of human emotions and provide a guide for worship.

- Proverbs: Wisdom literature that offers practical advice for living a righteous and wise life.

- Isaiah: Prophecies about the coming Messiah and God's plan of salvation.

2. The New Testament:

- Matthew: Emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the establishment of the kingdom of God.

- Acts: Chronicles the early spread of the Gospel and the growth of the early church.

- Romans: Explains the doctrine of justification by faith and the implications of salvation through Christ.

- Corinthians: Addresses issues within the church and provides practical guidance for Christian living.

- Revelation: Offers apocalyptic visions of the end times, the victory of Christ, and the establishment of the new heaven and earth.

3. Themes and Messages:

- Each book of the Bible contributes to the overarching themes of God's love, redemption, forgiveness, and salvation for all humanity.

- Together, these books provide a complete narrative of God's work in the world and His plan for His people.

Application:

- Take time to explore and study each book of the Bible, seeking to understand its unique message and significance.

- Reflect on how the themes and stories in the Bible can impact your own life and faith journey.

- Consider how the teachings and examples in the Bible can shape your beliefs and actions as a follower of Christ.

Conclusion:

The books of the Bible are not just separate entities but are interconnected parts of the larger story of God's redemption and love for humanity. Each book has its own importance and contributes to the overall message of God's plan for salvation. May we approach the study of the Bible with reverence and openness to the wisdom and guidance it offers for our lives.

[freebiblestudies]

Line Upon Line Lesson 024: Thighs and Promises

Genesis 24:2-4 - So Abraham said to the oldest servant of his house, who ruled over all that he had, “Please, put your hand under my thigh, and I will make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell;but you shall go to my country and to my family, and take a wife for my son Isaac.”

This is an unusual Bible verse, to say the least.  Abraham’s servant had to put his hand under Abraham’s thigh to swear an oath.  What does this mean?

Let’s read together Exodus 29:22, 27; Leviticus 7:32-34; Numbers 5:21-27; and 1 Samuel 9:24.

The word thigh is only mentioned 33 times in the Bible.  The references  in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers deal mostly with the heave offering.  The priest would receive the right thigh of the sacrifice as his appointed portion.  Some scholars have speculated that the thigh represents the authority or power of the priesthood.  It is interesting to note that Samuel offered the thigh to Saul, who would become the first king of Israel.

Let’s read together Psalm 45:3; Song of Solomon 3:8;  and Revelation 19:15-16.

Revelation 19:16 mentions Jesus having His title “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” written on His robe and thigh.  However, it is very doubtful Jesus would have that title literally tattooed on his thigh.  It is more likely He has a sword on His thigh.  The sword would likely have that title written on it.  In this context, this is a reference to war, as Jesus ultimately will triumph over Satan.

Let’s read together Jeremiah 31:19 and Ezekiel 21:12.

There is a reference in the books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel to striking one’s thigh.  In context, this is an outward show of grief.

Let’s read together Genesis 24:9 and 47:29-30.

Interestingly, Israel (also known as Jacob) made the children of Israel swear an oath to him, using the same method.  Israel made them promise to take his bones out of Egypt and bury them in the promised land.

While the cultural significance of placing a hand under another person’s thigh is lost to antiquity, it is clear that it is employed for matters of great importance.  Why did Abraham make his servant swear he would look for Isaac’s bride among Abraham’s own people?  Why not from the surrounding nations?  Why limit the options for Isaac?

Let’s read together Deuteronomy 11:16;  1 Kings 11:1-8; Amos 3:3; and 2 Corinthians 6:14.

Abraham's wish for Isaac not to marry a woman from another nation, was to protect Isaac.  Abraham knew if Isaac married a woman who worshiped idols, she might lead him into idolatry also.  Abraham didn’t want to risk his son turning away from God for the sake of an unbelieving woman.

Abraham’s desire for his son to marry a woman of the same faith is relevant to us today.  If you are looking for a spouse, first seek God with all your heart.  Only then, seek for someone who is also walking with Jesus.

[adrianodiprato]

+ “The final chapter is ours to write. We know what we need to do. What happens next is up to us.” Sir David Attenborough

Our Common Home: Lessons from Pope Francis' 'Laudate Deum'

In a world increasingly grappling with environmental challenges, Pope Francis' recent apostolic exhortation, "Laudate Deum," offers invaluable insights into the urgent need for care and stewardship of our planet, lovingly referred to as "our common home." This blog piece explores the significance of environmental protection, the challenges of our current multilateral system, the role of faith in fostering a deeper connection with the Earth, and why it is particularly relevant to Christians across the globe. Pope Francis' message underscores the notion that hope-filled, faith-inspired actions are vital, for "The world sings of an infinite Love: how can we fail to care for it?" (#65).

The Challenge of International Climate Agreements: A Historical Perspective

For several decades, representatives from around the world have convened to address climate change. While these meetings have had their successes and shortcomings, there is much to be learned from the past. The 1997 Kyoto Protocol set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but it failed to meet them. It is reminiscent of the wisdom found in Matthew 6:28-29:

"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they toil not, neither do they spin. And yet I say unto you that even Solomon, in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these."

In 2015, the Paris Agreement breathed new life into global climate efforts, but its success depends on unwavering commitment and political determination.

The Urgent Need for Climate Action: Lessons from COP28

COP28, hosted by the United Arab Emirates, presents a pivotal opportunity to accelerate the shift to sustainable energy sources. This is especially significant given the UAE's role as a major fossil fuel exporter. Their investments in renewable energy align with biblical wisdom in Leviticus 25:23, which reminds us that "the land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine; with me, you are but aliens and tenants."

COP28 is our chance to prove that the years of effort since 1992 were not in vain. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, and it is in line with Pope Francis' message: every effort counts, and even the smallest action can alleviate suffering. The time to reduce global carbon emissions is running out, and action cannot be delayed. We need binding, efficient, obligatory, and readily monitored commitments from all nations for a sustainable energy transition.

The Role of Faith in Environmental Stewardship

In Laudate Deum, Pope Francis emphasizes the crucial role of faith and spirituality in fostering a deep connection with nature. He invokes passages from the Bible, emphasizing God's proclamation that "everything... was very good." This biblical perspective recognises the Earth as sacred and deserving of our care.

For Christians worldwide, our motivation to respond is hope-filled. We believe that the risen Christ reconciles all creatures to himself. As Pope Francis says,

"The world sings of an infinite Love: how can we fail to care for it?" (#65)

This deep-rooted faith calls us to see the world as a gift from God, worthy of reverence and protection. We must remember that we are tenants of the Earth, not its owners. Pope Francis’ situated anthropocentrism (#67) compels us to live in harmony with the environment instead of exploiting it for short-term gain.

Hope in the Face of Adversity

Despite the grave challenges we face, Pope Francis reminds us that we must maintain hope. To "‘say there is nothing to hope for... would mean exposing humanity, especially the poorest, to the worst impacts of climate change" (#54). Our faith compels us to have hope, as Romans 8:19-21 tells us,

"For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God."

Hope is not merely wishful thinking; it is a powerful motivator for change. It inspires individuals, communities, and nations to act and preserve our common home. Hope encourages us to look beyond the challenges and work collectively towards a sustainable and harmonious future.

Journeying in Communion and Commitment

For Christians across the globe, our faith calls us to recognize that we are part of a universal family. That human life is incomprehensible and unsustainable without other creatures.

For “as part of the universe… all of us are linked by unseen bonds and together form a kind of universal family, a sublime communion which fills us with a sacred, affectionate and humble respect”. Laudato Si (#42)

Individual, family, and community efforts are pivotal in creating a culture of environmental responsibility. Changes in daily habits contribute to a cultural shift essential for addressing environmental challenges. Furthermore, these changes exert pressure on political sectors to prioritize long-term environmental interests over short-term gains.

Conclusion: A Christian Duty

In conclusion, Laudate Deum by Pope Francis calls for a renewal of our commitment to care for our common home. International climate agreements and the urgency of COP28, the transformative power of faith, and the importance of hope underscore the vital role of Christians across the globe in environmental stewardship. Our faith and the risen Christ's reconciliation of all creatures to himself are motivating factors. In the face of environmental degradation and climate change, we have a calling that transcends borders, denominations, and ideologies. As Christians, we must unite in the noble pursuit of a sustainable and harmonious future for our planet, guided by the ever-present light of hope.

References

Apostolic Exhortation Laudato Deum (4 October 2013), Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’ (24 May 2015), 89: AAS 107 (2015), 883.

Adriano Di Prato is a best-selling author, broadcaster and the Academic Operations Manager at LCI Melbourne, a progressive art, design + enterprise private institute of higher education.

[atheostic]

God fits 15 red flags for an abusive relationship (1/3)

1. Controlling your appearance

God has lots of rules regarding what you can and can’t wear. Some of the rules include: 

That you must wear tassels on the edge of your clothing (Numbers 15:38, Deuteronomy 22:12)

That you can’t wear polyester blends or other mixed fabrics (Leviticus 19:19, Deuteronomy 22:11)

That you can’t trim the edges of your beard (Leviticus 19:27)

2. Punishes animals and children cruelly and doesn’t seem to care aout their pain/distress

God killed every child on Earth as well as most animals through of one of the worst ways to die (I’ve nearly drowned before – believe you me, it is not a pleasant way to go).

God also killed children and made them suffer when he sent pestilence to the people of Egypt as one of the “miracles.” 

God also killed all the firstborn children of Egypt as punishment for someone else’s actions (Exodus 12:29-38), and he punishes people for the actions of their ancestors up to the third and fourth generation (Exodus 34:7).

3. Preventing you from using birth control or pressuring you to become pregnant when you’re not ready

God punished a man for not finishing inside his sister-in-law (because the man didn’t want to impregnate her). (Genesis 38:9-10)

Additionally, acording to several churches, using birth control is not allowed and you should have as many children as God decides you should have.

4. You feel afraid to break up with them

People fear ceasing to believe in God because they fear that they will be punished in the afterlife. They also fear deconversion because they’ve been taught to believe that life is meaningless and hollow without God.

5. Doesn’t respect your privacy

Since he is supposedly omnipresent, God is watching you all the time – when you eat, sleep, go to the bathroom, have sex, masturbate, go to work/school, everything. There is no time when he isn’t staring at you and keeping tabs on what you’re doing. In other words, he’s stalking you.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Do Not Consult Soothsayers

19 And when they say to you, Make request for us to those who have control of spirits, and to those wise in secret arts, who make hollow bird-like sounds; is it not right for a people to make request to their gods, to make request for the living to the dead? 20 Then say to them, Put your faith in the teaching and the witness. … If they do not say such things. … For him there is no dawn. — Isaiah 8:19 | Bible in Basic English (BBE) The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain Cross References: Genesis 41:24; Leviticus 19:31; Leviticus 20:6; 1 Samuel 28:8; 2 Kings 21:6; 2 Kings 23:24; Isaiah 19:3; Isaiah 26:14; Isaiah 29:4; Isaiah 30:2; Isaiah 45:11; Isaiah 47:12-13; Jeremiah 27:9; Micah 5:12; Acts 16:16

Read full chapter

Isaiah 8:19 Commentaries

[automatismoateo]

Every Atheist should read the bible! via /r/atheism

Every Atheist should read the bible!

Let me explain that. As a child, luckily, I was given no religious instruction. And so when I figured out I’m gay, I wondered why I am an abomination. Being an avid reader this lead me to reading the bible.

After four years I got through that tome, it was a long hard slog. One of the worst written, poorly edited pieces of fiction I have ever read. But I’m very glad I did it.

Since, according to Pew Research 90% of all “christians” have never read the bible, I win every debate I enter about the bible. I will enumerate some of my favorite bits of biblical lore I use to horrify the true believers.

There are two conflicting creation stories in Genesis.

In Genesis 6:2 it is stated god has “sons”, meaning Jesus was not god’s “only begotten son” (1 John 4:9).

In the flood of Noah, god drowned all humans except Noah and a small handful of his relatives, included in the drowned was any number of infants, one and two year olds, and pregnant women.

In Exodus 4:21 god “hardens Pharoah’s heart” so Pharoah will not let the Jews leave Egypt, this is so god can bring plagues onto Egypt including the slaughter of all the first born, god’s second mass murder, (this includes the first-born cattle, Exodus 12:29)

A concubine is a sex slave. Exodus 21:7-10 gives detailed instructions on selling your daughter as a sex slave.

There are two sets of “The Ten Commandments” Exodus 20:3-17 and Exodus 34:14-28, these two differ greatly.

Leviticus 15:16-18 tells you what to do if a man’s “seed of copulation go out from him”. You never know when this will come in handy. Pun intended!

Leviticus 20:6 warns you not to go “a whoring” after wizards. Does this include Harry Potter?

Leviticus 19:20 states if a man rapes an engaged female slave, she shall be beaten.

Leviticus 25:44-46 give instructions on who you can own as a slave, and how to obtain said slave.

Leviticus 27:1-7 god puts monetary value on human life, fetuses and infants under one month old are worthless.

Leviticus 27:32 god claims 1/10 of your gross income.

Wasn’t that fun, and I barely scratched the surface of the first three books of the old testament, there are literally thousands of morally disgusting tidbits in the “Holy Book”, and the new testament isn’t any better.

If you can, I suggest every atheist read the bible, I would suggest reading a modern translation as opposed to the King James Version, the KJV was written about the time of Shakespeare and we know how easy his plays are to read.

Today there are numerous internet sites to help a person understand this foul book, one of my favorites is “The Skeptics Annotated Bible”. You can read this version online or buy a copy for yourself.

Submitted March 10, 2023 at 12:02AM by Wise-meaning-9070 (From Reddit https://ift.tt/gZpH5xG)

[freebiblestudyhub]

Are the Food Rules in Leviticus Still Relevant Today?

The Book of Leviticus, found in the Old Testament of the Bible, contains numerous laws and regulations given to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. Among these laws, a significant portion is devoted to dietary restrictions. These food laws, known as "kosher" laws, outline what is permissible and forbidden for the people of Israel to eat. The question of whether these dietary laws are still relevant today is one that has sparked much debate, particularly among Christians who follow the New Testament teachings.

In this article, we will explore the food rules in Leviticus, the theological and cultural context in which they were given, and examine whether these rules hold relevance for modern-day Christians.

The Food Laws in Leviticus

The dietary restrictions found in Leviticus are primarily located in Leviticus 11. This chapter outlines various animals that are considered "clean" and "unclean" and provides guidance on what can be eaten and what should be avoided. The rules regarding clean and unclean animals are presented in the following categories:

1. Land Animals

Leviticus 11:2-8 specifies that land animals are to be considered clean only if they have both hooves split in two and chew the cud. Clean animals include cows, sheep, and goats. Animals such as pigs, which do not chew cud, are considered unclean and forbidden to eat.

2. Sea Creatures

In Leviticus 11:9-12, sea creatures are only considered clean if they have fins and scales. Fish such as salmon and trout are permitted, while shellfish like shrimp, lobster, and clams are considered unclean.

3. Birds

Leviticus 11:13-19 lists various birds that are considered unclean, including eagles, vultures, and owls. Birds of prey and scavengers are forbidden, while domestic birds like chickens and ducks are permitted.

4. Insects

Leviticus 11:20-23 allows certain types of locusts, grasshoppers, and crickets, but other insects, including most flying creatures, are considered unclean.

5. Reptiles and Other Creatures

Leviticus 11:29-30 also prohibits the consumption of creatures like lizards, snakes, and rodents.

In addition to these dietary laws, the book of Leviticus also includes regulations on how to prepare and handle food, emphasizing cleanliness and purity. In particular, Leviticus 17:10-14 stresses that blood must be drained from meat before consumption, as it is considered sacred.

The Purpose of the Food Laws in Leviticus

To understand whether these laws are still relevant today, it is important to consider their original purpose. The dietary laws were part of a larger system of holiness and purity intended to set the Israelites apart from the surrounding nations. This concept of being "set apart" (or "holy") is central to the Old Testament, and it emphasizes that God’s people were to live according to His standards and not conform to the practices of the pagan nations around them.

1. Holiness and Separation

The primary reason for the food laws in Leviticus was to maintain the holiness of the Israelites. By following these dietary restrictions, the Israelites would be reminded daily of their covenant with God. The laws served as a way of distinguishing God's people from others and keeping them separate from idolatrous practices, many of which involved eating certain forbidden animals or participating in feasts dedicated to pagan gods.

In Leviticus 20:24-26, God states:

"But I have said to you, 'You will possess their land; I will give it to you as an inheritance, a land flowing with milk and honey.' I am the Lord your God, who has set you apart from the nations. You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own."

The dietary laws were one aspect of this separation, which extended to many other areas of life, including clothing, marriage, and worship.

2. Health and Hygiene

Some scholars argue that the dietary restrictions also had a practical, health-related purpose. Many of the unclean animals, such as pigs and certain shellfish, can carry diseases or parasites that would have posed a risk to health in ancient times. While the Bible does not explicitly state that these laws were given for health reasons, it is possible that they served a protective function in addition to their spiritual and social significance.

Are the Food Laws Still Relevant for Christians Today?

The question of whether the food laws in Leviticus are still relevant for Christians is a complex one. The New Testament provides some key teachings that have implications for how Christians view the Old Testament laws, including the dietary restrictions.

1. Jesus' Teachings on Clean and Unclean Foods

In the Gospels, Jesus addresses the issue of clean and unclean foods. In Mark 7:14-19, Jesus declares all foods clean. He says:

"Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them. After he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about this parable. 'Are you so dull?' he asked. 'Don’t you see that nothing that enters a person from the outside can defile them? For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body.'" (Mark 7:18-19, NIV)

This passage suggests that the ceremonial laws concerning food purity were no longer binding on followers of Jesus. Jesus emphasizes that what truly defiles a person is not what they eat but what comes from their heart, such as evil thoughts, immoral behavior, and sin.

In Matthew 15:11, Jesus further clarifies:

"What goes into someone's mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them."

This teaching directly challenges the Old Testament food laws by focusing on inner purity rather than external ritual observance.

2. Peter's Vision in Acts 10

In Acts 10, the apostle Peter has a vision in which God tells him to eat animals that were considered unclean by Jewish law. In the vision, a sheet filled with various unclean animals is lowered from heaven, and God commands Peter to "kill and eat." When Peter objects, God responds:

"Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." (Acts 10:15, NIV)

This vision is significant because it marks the moment when the early church recognized that the dietary restrictions from Leviticus were no longer applicable to Christians. This revelation is connected to the broader theme in Acts that the gospel is for all people, Jew and Gentile alike. The early church came to understand that salvation through Jesus Christ was not dependent on adherence to the ceremonial laws, including the food laws.

3. Paul's Teaching on Food Laws

The apostle Paul also addresses the issue of food laws in his letters. In Romans 14:14, he writes:

"I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean." (Romans 14:14, NIV)

Paul emphasizes Christian freedom and encourages believers not to judge one another based on food preferences or dietary choices. He explains that food does not bring a person closer to God, and believers should be guided by love and consideration for others rather than legalistic observance of food laws.

In 1 Timothy 4:3-5, Paul writes:

"They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer." (1 Timothy 4:3-5, NIV)

This passage reaffirms that the food laws from Leviticus do not apply to Christians, as all foods are considered good when received with gratitude and prayer.

Conclusion: Are the Food Laws Still Relevant Today?

While the food laws in Leviticus served an important purpose for the Israelites in the Old Testament—promoting holiness, separation, and health—Christian teachings in the New Testament suggest that these laws are no longer binding for believers in Christ. Jesus' declaration that all foods are clean, Peter's vision in Acts, and Paul's teachings on Christian freedom all point to the idea that the dietary restrictions of Leviticus were specific to the covenant between God and Israel and were fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ.

However, it is important to recognize that the food laws in Leviticus continue to hold cultural and historical significance, especially for Jewish communities who still observe kosher dietary laws. For Christians, while these laws may not be directly applicable, they can serve as a reminder of the holiness and separation that God desires for His people. Ultimately, the Christian focus is on inner purity and moral righteousness, not external ritual observance.

Thus, the food rules in Leviticus are not relevant to modern Christians in terms of dietary restrictions, but they remain a part of the rich tapestry of biblical history that points to the deeper spiritual truths of the gospel.

[humbleservantprayerwall]

Daily Devotionals 11-29-2024

(Reading Your Bible Daily Is Fundamental) Verses of the Day:1 John 4:4/2 Corinthians 9:5-6/2 Kings 25:27-30Colossians 3:17/Exodus 35:8/Ezekiel 11:19/Ezra 2:1-2/Ephesians 1:7/Ecclesiastes 3:12-13/Hebrews 2:14-15/Hebrews 11:17-19/John 6:35/John 16:30-31/John 13:17/James 2:21-24/James 2:14-17/James 5:16/John 6:51/Leviticus 19:16-17/Luke 6:38/Luke 1:53/Luke 17:15–16/Luke 6:45/Matthew 5:6/Matthew…

[anastpaul]

Quote/s of the Day – 29 March – Hear and Obey

Quote/s of the Day – 29 March –Wednesday in Passion Week – Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-19, 25, John 10:22-38 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/ “My sheep hear My Voice;I know them and they follow Me.” John 10:27 “Peace in us is the resultof two kinds of necessary obedience,the obedience to right reasonof the lower facultiesand the obedience of right reasonto God, our Creator.“This is the…