#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 ...

[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)!

[wizardly-weirdo]

I’m not a religious person, I’m an ex cult member (I was raised in the Mormon tax grab faith)

I am in no means a Christian and in no way do I follow the Bible, yet I will share with you all my favorite verses.

Numbers 5: 16-31

16 And the priest shall bring her near, and set her before the Lord:

17 And the priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel; and of the dust that is in the floor of the tabernacle the priest shall take, and put it into the water:

18 And the priest shall set the woman before the Lord, and uncover the woman's head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy offering: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causeth the curse:

19 And the priest shall charge her by an oath, and say unto the woman, If no man have lain with thee, and if thou hast not gone aside to uncleanness with another instead of thy husband, be thou free from this bitter water that causeth the curse:

20 But if thou hast gone aside to another instead of thy husband, and if thou be defiled, and some man have lain with thee beside thine husband:

21 Then the priest shall charge the woman with an oath of cursing, and the priest shall say unto the woman, The Lord make thee a curse and an oath among thy people, when the Lord doth make thy thigh to rot, and thy belly to swell;

22 And this water that causeth the curse shall go into thy bowels, to make thy belly to swell, and thy thigh to rot: And the woman shall say, Amen, amen.

23 And the priest shall write these curses in a book, and he shall blot them out with the bitter water:

24 And he shall cause the woman to drink the bitter water that causeth the curse: and the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, and become bitter.

25 Then the priest shall take the jealousy offering out of the woman's hand, and shall wave the offering before the Lord, and offer it upon the altar:

26 And the priest shall take an handful of the offering, even the memorial thereof, and burn it upon the altar, and afterward shall cause the woman to drink the water.

27 And when he hath made her to drink the water, then it shall come to pass, that, if she be defiled, and have done trespass against her husband, that the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, and become bitter, and her belly shall swell, and her thigh shall rot: and the woman shall be a curse among her people.

28 And if the woman be not defiled, but be clean; then she shall be free, and shall conceive seed.

29 This is the law of jealousies, when a wife goeth aside to another instead of her husband, and is defiled;

30 Or when the spirit of jealousy cometh upon him, and he be jealous over his wife, and shall set the woman before the Lord, and the priest shall execute upon her all this law.

31 Then shall the man be guiltless from iniquity, and this woman shall bear her iniquity.

If you haven’t picked up on it, the priest is performing an abortion.

So, Christians, hate mongers, republican assholes: stop using the Bible to justify your hate if you have not read it. The Bible doesn’t say what you think. The Bible supports abortion and GIVES YOU A RECIPE TO RECREATE!!

Jesus wasn’t a MAGA gun toting, confederate flag wielding mongrel. He was a pacifist hippie who hung out with 12 dudes and a hooker, he has a kind soul who loved EVERYONE, not just whites and republicans.

I know someone is going to bring gays into the discussion because of Leviticus 18: 22.

It was purposefully mistranslated. It originally detested pedophilia, not homosexuality, originally translating roughly to “man shall not lie with BOY” not “man shall not lie with man.” Also, Leviticus doesn’t apply to modern Christians or else we wouldn’t be eating pork and shellfish or cutting our hair.

Plus, in Matthew chapter 19, Jesus states that eunuchs, castrated men (also at the time meaning gay and/or celibate men) are to be revered in the eyes of heaven.

So god never said you could strip women of their bodily autonomy and medical rights, nor did he ever say to hate anyone, not even the queer community.

[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

[freebiblestudies]

Line Upon Line Lesson 076: Tent Coverings

Exodus 26:14 - You shall also make a covering of ram skins dyed red for the tent, and a covering of badger skins above that.

God gave Moses some unusual instructions with regards to the tent covering for the sanctuary. Why were there multiple layers made of different materials?

Let’s read together Exodus 26:14; Exodus 36:19; Isaiah 59:1-2; and John 1:11.

Interestingly, different translations differ on the identity of the animal used for the outermost tent layer. The translations range from badger to porpoise to sea cow (most likely a dugong). In any event, the skin of a marine animal was used.

This layer may not have seemed impressive upon first glance. The badger skin covering represented Jesus, who did not seem to be special or extraordinary to people.

Let’s read together Exodus 26:14; Exodus 36:18; Numbers 4:25; John 1:29; and 1 Peter 1:19.

The ram's skin dyed red symbolized Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. It is only through His precious blood that we can be saved.

Let’s read together Exodus 26:7-13; Exodus 36:14-18; and Leviticus 16:7-10.

On the Day of Atonement, two goats were presented to the high priest. Lots were cast and one goat would be chosen to be the Lord’s goat. This goat would be sacrificed. Its blood would be sprinkled in specific parts of the sanctuary to make atonement and cleanse the sanctuary.

The second goat would become the scapegoat. All the sins of the people of Israel were confessed upon the head of that goat. Then the goat would be led away into the wilderness to die on its own.

Perhaps the goat hair layer pointed to the day when God finally rids the universe of sin.

Let’s read together Exodus 26:1; Exodus 36:8-13; Romans 3:22; and Revelation 7:13-14.

The layer of fine linen pointed to the righteousness of Christ. This layer also pointed to the day we will finally dwell together with God in a new perfect world.

Friend, will you take to heart the lessons learned from the tent coverings?

‭‭

[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.

[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)

[fordecree7]

BIBLE TIME

Leviticus 8

Consecration of Aaron and His Sons

8 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments and the anointing oil and the bull of the sin offering and the two rams and the basket of unleavened bread. 3 And assemble all the congregation at the entrance of the tent of meeting.” 4 And Moses did as the Lord commanded him, and the congregation was assembled at the entrance of the tent of meeting.

5 And Moses said to the congregation, “This is the thing that the Lord has commanded to be done.” 6 And Moses brought Aaron and his sons and washed them with water. 7 And he put the coat on him and tied the sash around his waist and clothed him with the robe and put the ephod on him and tied the skillfully woven band of the ephod around him, binding it to him with the band. 8 And he placed the breastpiece on him, and in the breastpiece he put the Urim and the Thummim. 9 And he set the turban on his head, and on the turban, in front, he set the golden plate, the holy crown, as the Lord commanded Moses.

10 Then Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and all that was in it, and consecrated them. 11 And he sprinkled some of it on the altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all its utensils and the basin and its stand, to consecrate them. 12 And he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron's head and anointed him to consecrate him. 13 And Moses brought Aaron's sons and clothed them with coats and tied sashes around their waists and bound caps on them, as the Lord commanded Moses.

14 Then he brought the bull of the sin offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the bull of the sin offering. 15 And he killed it, and Moses took the blood, and with his finger put it on the horns of the altar around it and purified the altar and poured out the blood at the base of the altar and consecrated it to make atonement for it. 16 And he took all the fat that was on the entrails and the long lobe of the liver and the two kidneys with their fat, and Moses burned them on the altar. 17 But the bull and its skin and its flesh and its dung he burned up with fire outside the camp, as the Lord commanded Moses.

18 Then he presented the ram of the burnt offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram. 19 And he killed it, and Moses threw the blood against the sides of the altar. 20 He cut the ram into pieces, and Moses burned the head and the pieces and the fat. 21 He washed the entrails and the legs with water, and Moses burned the whole ram on the altar. It was a burnt offering with a pleasing aroma, a food offering for the Lord, as the Lord commanded Moses.

22 Then he presented the other ram, the ram of ordination, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram. 23 And he killed it, and Moses took some of its blood and put it on the lobe of Aaron's right ear and on the thumb of his right hand and on the big toe of his right foot. 24 Then he presented Aaron's sons, and Moses put some of the blood on the lobes of their right ears and on the thumbs of their right hands and on the big toes of their right feet. And Moses threw the blood against the sides of the altar. 25 Then he took the fat and the fat tail and all the fat that was on the entrails and the long lobe of the liver and the two kidneys with their fat and the right thigh, 26 and out of the basket of unleavened bread that was before the Lord he took one unleavened loaf and one loaf of bread with oil and one wafer and placed them on the pieces of fat and on the right thigh. 27 And he put all these in the hands of Aaron and in the hands of his sons and waved them as a wave offering before the Lord. 28 Then Moses took them from their hands and burned them on the altar with the burnt offering. This was an ordination offering with a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the Lord. 29 And Moses took the breast and waved it for a wave offering before the Lord. It was Moses' portion of the ram of ordination, as the Lord commanded Moses.

30 Then Moses took some of the anointing oil and of the blood that was on the altar and sprinkled it on Aaron and his garments, and also on his sons and his sons' garments. So he consecrated Aaron and his garments, and his sons and his sons' garments with him.

31 And Moses said to Aaron and his sons, “Boil the flesh at the entrance of the tent of meeting, and there eat it and the bread that is in the basket of ordination offerings, as I commanded, saying, ‘Aaron and his sons shall eat it.’ 32 And what remains of the flesh and the bread you shall burn up with fire. 33 And you shall not go outside the entrance of the tent of meeting for seven days, until the days of your ordination are completed, for it will take seven days to ordain you. 34 As has been done today, the Lord has commanded to be done to make atonement for you. 35 At the entrance of the tent of meeting you shall remain day and night for seven days, performing what the Lord has charged, so that you do not die, for so I have been commanded.” 36 And Aaron and his sons did all the things that the Lord commanded by Moses.

Bible Time- Leviticus 8 Diane Beauford

[fortleegospel]

Gospel News

Dear friends and members of Fort Lee Gospel Church,

Last week there was a change in leadership in our nation with plenty of changes to our laws and politics. As I was praying this week, I felt the need to pray for the millions in our nation without legal status.

Our immigration system has been broken since at least the days of former President Ronald Reagan. About 25 years ago I officiated at a wedding, where the bride was a new believer with four children, and the groom had returned to Christ after a time of drifting. The groom had been a journalist in his country who overstayed his visit to the United States, and did not have legal status. The bride was a citizen, so it seemed simple to resolve his ‘undocumented’ status. After a few years of this family being a regular part of our church, the groom was imprisoned and then deported. Our church saw firsthand how a broken immigration system can destroy a Christian family.

The purpose of this email is not to condemn past, current, or future laws passed by our leaders. As a US citizen, I do not have power to shape the immigration debate in Washington, DC. I can only encourage us to think biblically, pray with the heart of God, and act with Christian compassion.

I.              Thinking Biblically

The heart of the Old Testament was the exodus from Egypt, giving of the Law, and entering the promised land. Even baby Jesus fled to Egypt so that his life could loosely parallel the exodus narrative, “out of Egypt I called my son” (Matt 2:18). In the backdrop of the exodus, here are some clear commands God gave to the Jewish nation:

Exodus 22 21 “Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.”

Exodus 23 9 “Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt.”

Leviticus 19 33 “‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. 34 The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”

Deuteronomy 10 16 Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. 18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. 19 And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.

Deuteronomy 14 28 At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year’s produce and store it in your towns, 29 so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.

Malachi 3 5 “So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me,” says the Lord Almighty.”

In the New Testament, the focus changes from national Israel to the church. Jesus and the first generation of his followers were focused on the preaching of the gospel to all people. Central to our concerns as Christians is the Great Commission. Matthew 28 and Acts 1 express this concern:

Matthew 28 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Acts 1 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The book of Acts shows how God uses immigration for His purposes. Acts 1-7 show the birth of the church in Jerusalem and its amazing community and miracles. Acts 8 is when the church was persecuted and scattered. These early Christians became refugees, against their will. But Acts 8:4 says, “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” Christianity became a global religion because of the diaspora of Jewish followers of Jesus.

There are times when the movement of Christians leads to the salvation of new people groups. Other times, immigration brings people in contact with the gospel for the first time. Always, God is Sovereign.

II.            Pray With the Heart of God

Here are some prompters for prayer:

·         Pray for cultures and countries impacted by global conflict. I recently met a neighbor whose family was from Syria and his wife’s family was from the Ukraine. There are many people in the world suffering because of war or bad government.

·         Pray for our neighbors who live with a heightened sense of anxiety because they or a family member could be deported. Pray that they turn to Christ, rather than drugs or alcohol, to calm their nerves.

·         Pray for our politicians and courts to settle on just and practical solutions to the immigration challenge.

·         Pray for churches to be ‘In the world, not Of it,’ engaging the needs of our society with the values of the kingdom of God.

III.           Actions from Christian Compassion

The conversations I have had with pastors of other churches and leaders within our church is challenging me to seek God for a loving and Christian response to the immigration crisis of 2025. Currently, we do not yet have a plan, but conversations are starting.

The challenge of a church response is that publicity puts the very people we try to help in danger. Many of us may be called to help the undocumented on an individual level. The latest census poll showed that 60.6% of Fort Lee households speak a language other than English in the home. It is impossible to know how many of the people we see on a regular basis are living with the fear that ICE agents could come for them or a family member.

Regardless of our political preferences, the calling of the Christian is to respond with compassion to the needs we encounter in our daily life. May God guide each of us to see the needs around us and respond with empathy, practicality, and the hope of the gospel. In the words of I John 3:

16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

-Pastor Rick

PEAK Survey Coming the Week

Those who are actively involved in the life of our church should be receiving an email later this week that will ask each person to fill out a survey to help in the process of discerning what God wants to accomplish in our church. In the words of the PEAK administrators:

The purpose of the PEAK Profile is to prepare the church to expect the advancement of the Kingdom. PEAK is designed to inspire the church to expand to the greatest capacity of who God has called it to be. The PEAK Profile includes 9 Essential Elements for the advancing church. Acts 1:8 declares that the church should be prepared to receive the power of the Holy Spirit to advance the Kingdom through the local community, the region, and the world. Preparing for Kingdom advancement requires a culture of improvement through evaluation, assessment, & accountability so that the church can continue to grow as an Acts 1:8 community for all ages.

If you do not receive an email from the church by next week, please reach out to the church and one will be provided. Thanks for your help with this process.

Weekly Announcements

Sunday worship service at 11:00 AM is primarily off-line, with only the sermon posted on our website, Facebook page, and YouTube.  

The Tuesday Men’s Lunch and study meets at the church at 12:30 PM for a meal and Bible study.

The Tuesday Bible Study meets at 7:00 PM every Tuesday as we continue to study the book of Romans.

The monthly Church Dinner will be on Sunday, February 16th, following the 11:00 AM worship service. Plan to join us for this fellowship meal.

The 6:00 AM Prayer Meeting on Wednesdays and Saturdays is at the church with an option to connect on Google Meet.  

The Women’s Bible Study will continue the study in the book of Psalms this Saturday, February 1st, at 2:00 PM.

Connect info for Tuesday Bible Studies and Morning Prayer is:

Meeting URL :

https://meet.google.com/suk-xpsf-nwh

For dial in: Phone: +1 567-351-1104 PIN: 469 349 929#

[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.