yourbiblestudybuddy

[yourbiblestudybuddy]

The Ark of The Covenant: Exodus 25

So, I'm reading Exodus 24, after going through all the laws of the Convenant during the time of Moses and I reach Exodus 25...I thought I was already shook. This was a whole new kind of mind blowing stuff.

For those who don't know, God told Moses and company to build an ark of gold with all the trimmings, also in gold, as a sign of this covenant; from the cherubims you see (winged beings), to the table, to the plates, and the candles. Literally, all gold, everything. That's how you know you're dealing with an almighty God.

I'm studying for a reason guys: this is all new to me. Here I am thinking that the only ark was the one Noah built...this is the one everyone should be talking about. I was born into Christianity and not once have I heard about this. Anyway, my next question is: where is this ark today? It's made of pure gold! It certainly would withstand the tests of time. So I found that there are indeed historians still searching for this ark. Some have claimed to have already found it, but I'm skeptical. I'll let you all know what my findings are... 👀

[yourbiblestudybuddy]

The Holy Trinity: Fact or Fiction?

Hello brothers and sisters in Christ.

It’s been a minute! My apologies. Clearly, I’ve changed the style of this blog from chronological study, to varied topics. It’s difficult for me to stay on track in my studies, and even more difficult delivering my studies to you guys in complete detail, due to the rushed American lifestyle, and the fact that there’s just simply an abundance of information in scriptures, that is frankly a bit overwhelming to cover. However, from now on I will do my best to share intriguing facts that I run across, or just words that might give you food for thought and hope in your Christian walk.

With that all being said, let’s dive in.

The term Holy Trinity refers to the one, almighty God as having three components: Himself (the Father), His Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This suggests that God is a three-part entity. This is not to say that God is three separate beings, but just one being having three parts, much like a puzzle making one image.

The term “Holy Trinity” is not used once in scriptures. However, that does not mean we can deny the fact that the three beings of the Holy Trinity is used to describe God on several accounts in the bible. Let’s refer to some verses:

1 Timothy 2:5

“…there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ ”

1 Corinthians 8:6

“…there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in Him, and One Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him”

Romans 8:26

“In the same way the Spirit also comes to help us, weak as we are. For we do not know how we ought to pray; the Spirit himself pleads with God for us in groans that words cannot express”.

Titus 3:6

“God poured out the Holy Spirit abundantly on us through Jesus Christ our Savior”

Based on these verses from the New Testament, the power of God is seen through Himself, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Christians have equated God, the Father, and Jesus Christ as both being “all things”. These are two different terms used in I Corinthians to describe God. Furthermore, in the way God’s power is described in Titus 3:6, all three terms are used as different forces, yet flowing from one source with one purpose. Finally in Roman’s 8:26, the Spirit is personified and “pleads with God”, as if two beings are talking with one another.

With this evidence, I would have to conclude that the “Holy Trinity” is fact. Although the term Holy Trinity is not used in the bible, it doesn’t mean that God does not have three parts. We must consider the bible in its entirety. And the term Holy Trinity is just a term used to describe these parts in its entirety, being that trinity means three. We should not add nor subtract from the Bible, (Deuteronomy 4:2), so it is wise to not claim Holy Trinity as being a biblical term, but more of a conceptual one.

[yourbiblestudybuddy]

Don't be afraid to use your gifts. Anything you're good at is a gift from God, and he'd want you to use it. My passion is art. For so long, I ignored it. I collected ideas and inspirations in journals, and thoughts, rather than creating something with them. Thought art wasn't enough to provide a profitable future. And it's true, with art alone, it's difficult to make a promising career out of, but that didn't mean I had to shove it aside. That was rude of me, selfish even, to take God's gift and throw it in storage. Just imagine giving your friend a gift you had put so much thought and love into, to find out that he just threw it in the garbage. How would that make you feel? I'd be enraged. But God didn't get angry with me. He was patient with me. He could have taken my gift away, but instead he waited for me to use it again. Somehow, I couldn't fight my passion anymore, but instead I embraced it. I minored in art while getting my biology degree. I discovered that my potential went beyond what I thought I was capable of doing. And I incorporate art in my everyday routine. Trying to get better. Practicing. Sharing my work with others, even if it just means making one person's day a little brighter. I may not have made a career out of it, but I'm using it, sharing it with others around me, in my home, at work, on social media, hoping it makes someone's day a little brighter. Because, the gifts God give us are not only meant for yourself, but for others. By sharing your talent, you're giving thanks to God. Do what you love because you love it, not to expect something in return. The love of it should be the reward in itself, but if you do get something in return that's a plus, and God's gracious blessing.

Follow me on instagram @ravent.artist

[yourbiblestudybuddy]

Daily Reading

"We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God" Remember some blessings are in disguise 🕵👀😜 The One Minute Bible #B&H

[yourbiblestudybuddy]

Luke 22: Peter denied Jesus thrice...Peter wept when he realized what he had done. Even after Jesus warned him of his betrayal, he still could not escape his fate. Peter's faith was weak and essentially the cause of his demise. We must keep our faith strong in Christ. He IS the Son of God. He IS our Savior. He WILL return. We must be patient until then and see past Satan's deceit. Stand firm in our morals and be unphased by those who mock them. We are all tested, and they are easier for some than others, but we must gather all of our strength provided by God to pass them. Never doubt the power that. Let's never doubt the power that He gives us.

[yourbiblestudybuddy]

How to Start Your Year Off Right

I was reminded where to turn when in need of spiritual lifting. A while ago, before deciding to study the bible, I kept a journal of verses that meant something to me; verses that moved me. I was talking with a sister in Christ the other night about a friend in need and this is what she sent me:

"Hey here's some verses that might comfort your friend and empower her if you get the chance to share with her :)"

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not

your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” - John 14:27

“For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his

tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.” - Psalm 27:5

“The Lord will conquer your enemies when they attack you. They will attack you from one direction, but they will scatter from you in seven!” - Deuteronomy 28:7

"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." - Isaiah 41:10

"The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly

kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”- 2 Timothy 4:18

"We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God." - 2 Corinthians 10:3-4

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will hear its fruits.” - Proverbs 18:21

I think I'll go ahead and add these to my collection. I encourage you to do the same. Make a list of not only your resolutions, but encouraging verses such as these to give you the strength to follow through with them. Humans aren't meant to be alone. We need a helping hand. When no one else can, God will always be there. I find comfort in knowing that I'm never alone. God is my strength and my light. Psalm 27:1

Happy Studies!

To a better year and a good life.

[yourbiblestudybuddy]

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

This verse reminds me of why I shouldn’t worry about what people think of me, or why I shouldn’t have social anxiety walking into a crowd, or why I shouldn’t stress about that major interview. The only thing I should fear in this life is not pleasing God, and God loves us unconditionally. So, lets start our week not fearing to fail the people around us, but fearing to fail God’s approval, as that is all that truly matters. By placing God first in all things, everything else will fall into place. God did not intend for us to have anxiety and fear, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (II Timothy 1:7). By strengthening our faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ, we empower the Holy Spirit within us of peace, confidence, and love. Let’s not fear men, failure, or the future, but cherish each day and the blessings we have.

Hope this was helpful for a good week, and a good life.

Happy Studies and God Bless xoxo

[yourbiblestudybuddy]

Alright, let’s take a pause in our studies. I’ve shared this link to address a question from the last post. I read through the article above, and it clarified that question: Is there such thing as a righteous lie? I believe most of us would say yes to this question, but is this the case in God’s eyes? If Abraham and Isaac both lied, and still received blessings in return, I would assume that God does indeed approve some lies, if they are not self serving. Sure, Abraham and Isaac both claimed their wives to be their sisters in order to save their own lives, however, their work for God was not done yet, making their lie then justified.

This point from the article I’ve shared gave me a little more clarity on God’s perspective on lying:

 Everything falls into the first two commandments:

The first of all the commandments is: “Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

- Mark 12:28-31

So, if the second commandment says to love your neighbor as yourself, then lying in order to save the life of a loved one would then be justified. Sure, the ninth commandment sates “ You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another” (Leviticus 19:11), but there is no commandment greater than the first two Therefore, if you need to lie to save your brother, the love for your brother outweighs the sin of a lie, so LIE!  

This is not to say that you should find some altruism in every lie. If you feel guilt in a lie, it’s wrong! However, we’ve all made mistakes, and God is a forgiving God. Just remember that the truth shall set you free, so try to stick with that.

Without further delay, let’s continue our studies!

[yourbiblestudybuddy]

And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham

Holy Bible (KJV); Genesis 26:1

Summary

This is the first line in a story about Isaac, the famous son of Abraham, during his journey to Egypt. Isaac is grown up now. He has a wife named Rebekah, and two sons, Jacob and Esau (the twins discussed from my previous post). When a famine strikes their land, “the Lord appears unto” Isaac, urging him to sojourn to Egypt (v.2). Isaac listens of course and dwells in a city called Gerar. When he arrives, he lies and claims his wife to be his sister. However, his lie does not hold when king Abimelech sees Isaac “sporting” (being intimate) with Rebekah through a window (um,...awkward) v.8. The king then warns the kingdom that the punishment for anyone who touches Isaac’s wife would be put to death. When Isaac “sowed” in this new land, he “waxed great”, and the Lord blessed him with power and many possessions (v. 13). Unfortunately, this is not how Isaac’s story ends, but we’ll stop here for now.

Analysis

In the meantime, let’s discuss some major questions.

1. Why is this same lie seen multiple times in the bible? “She’s my sister, not my wife”.

This was often used in those times by men who did not want to be killed by other men seeking their wives; is this a righteous lie? Is there such thing as a righteous lie? ...we’ll have to come back to this in the near future)

2. How does Isaac become so prosperous in another man’s kingdom?

Recall that Abimelech was also the ruler during Abraham’s journey to Gerar, and he remembers Abraham being a righteous man of God, and the consequences that took place when Abraham led him to believe that Sarah was his sister, just as his son Isaac lied about Rebekah.  Abraham actually tells this same lie twice, based on scriptures.Abimelech possibly just knows not to mistreat this guest.

3. Take away? Well, lets keep reading.

Until next time!

Your bible study buddy :)

[yourbiblestudybuddy]

"And the Lord said unto her: two nations are in thy womb"

Holy Bible (KJV); Genesis 25:23

Summary

Some years have passed after Abraham’s funeral, and Isaac now has children of his own with his wife, Rebekah. However, this is a special birth: she bears twins! This is the first time twins are born in the bible, and was cause for an exciting moment, for me anyway. “The first came out red, all over like an hairy garment” (v.25); this one is named Esau, and after came his brother named Jacob, “whose hand took hold on Esau’s heel” (v.26).

Analysis

In many cultures, twins have a special bond, and may foretell and omen, rather it be good or bad. The bible is full of parables and symbolism in numbers and poems, leaving me wanting to uncover the hidden message behind Isaac’s twins. We are only given hints. Verse 25 describes Esau as “red and hairy”;hairy is associated with the Hebrew word, "seir" which can also mean goat (i.e. hairy goat) and satyr or demon (HebrewNations); So maybe Esau is a demon seed? Jacob on the other hand is well, not red or hairy, and is the youngest twin. We also know their names. Names actually have importance in the bible, so lets start there. Esau means, “made already complete” and Jacob means, “holder of the heel” or “supplanter” in Hebrew translation. The latter is self explanatory, but the former needs a little more investigation. “Made already complete”...what could this mean? We will have to come back to this as we continue our studies to make since of it later. However, the color red seems to be a huge clue.

Fun Fact: King David was also reddish in color ( 1-Samuel 16:12, 17:42 ), and King David had a “warrior quality of bloodshed” (HebrewNations).

Thus, we know that Esau is potentially one who causes bloodshed and has a sinister side, while is brother Jacob is a supplanter, or potential ruler. Let’s find out if our inferences hold truth as we continue our journey through the bible!

Until next time!

God Bless and Happy Studies ;) .

Sources: Holy Bible (KJV), http://hebrewnations.com/articles/bible/esau2/esau1.html

[yourbiblestudybuddy]

Live Free or Die, Never?

Abraham passed at the age of 175 (”an hundred, threescore (3x20), and fifteen”;Genesis 25:7). This is an early death considering the life span of other figures from before the great flood. Adam lived a total of 930 years and generations later, Methuselah lived a total of 969 years! (Genesis 5:5;5:27)) However, 175 years is still a long time. This begs the question: “why exactly did people in the old testament live so long”?. Up until the flood and Noah’s ark, God allowed humans to live for hundreds of years. Now it’s a blessing only to reach the age of 70 (Psalm 90:10). I’ve always been told, “Oh it’s because people back then were just stronger and well adapted to their environments”, or “Well, since men were intended to live forever, it makes sense that they were more durable”. Another practical explanation would be that the earth had to be greatly populated by only a few, so a longer lifespan was necessary for the human race to survive extinction.

Howbeit these conclusions seem reasonable enough, the explanation in which I had not considered is the effects of sin. Sure, we all know sin is destructive, but could one man’s sin destroy the entire planet’s ecosystem? Apparently this is so. Upon the fall of man, God cursed the grounds of the garden of Eden, and the atmosphere became detrimental to human health. After Creation, we were meant to live forever on earth. Had Adam and Eve not sinned, living would have been a lot less strenuous on the body. Possibly, overtime, our tolerance of life on earth diminished, providing less and less durability to sustain the time intended for our lifespan. There’s a statement in the article I have attached that struck my attention: “Sin causes separation from the Life Giver” and this ebbs life”. The notorious phrase, “For the wages of sin is death”, rings a whole new tune for me (Romans 6:23). It just makes sense. In conclusion, to live as long as possible in this life, maintain a healthy diet, don’t drink excessively, stay away from illicit drugs, exercise at least three times a week, and remember the sabbath day (day of rest- Hebrews 4:9); however, if you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, when you leave this life, you will have a new and eternal life in heaven.

Source: Holy Bible (KJV), https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/how-and-why-did-people-in-the-bible-live-so-long/

[yourbiblestudybuddy]

"His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron"

Gensis 25:9

To continue from the previous post, Ishmael and Isaac are reunited after years apart due to their father’s passing. They came together to bury their father next to his wife in the field of Ephron. I imagine this scene to be a very poetic one; In spite of their differences, which was more than likely the case, they found common ground in the importance of paying their respects for their father. It is probably safe to assume that Ishmael  never had a real relationship with his father, considering that he was sent away to the desert of Paran with his mother at the early age of a lad, but he still felt the necessity to attend his father’s funeral, traveling hundreds of miles to do so. Ishmael may be a less than popular biblical figure, but I would conclude that Ishmael had a big heart and was a good man of God.

[yourbiblestudybuddy]

Take now...thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest...and offer him... for a burnt offering"

Genesis 22:2

Imagine being compelled to take the life of your only son as a sacrifice to God. To even suggest it is unthinkable, but Abraham was prepared to do just that. In his old age, God had finally blessed him and his wife Sarah with a son named Isaac. When Isaac grew into only a young lad, God demanded that Abraham give his only son to Him as a burnt offering. So, early the next morning, Abraham gathered the wood and asked his son, along with two of his young men to join him to journey to the land of Moriah ( current day Saudi Arabia). He is told to slaughter his son at one of the mountains there. The men and his son Isaac do not know what Abraham is planning, but will soon find out. As Isaac trusts his father as he follows him to the mountain in Moriah, Abraham blindly trusts his Father in Heaven.

This is a notorious bible story, but a good reminder of the faith we should have in God. As most know, God did not allow Abraham to follow through with the sacrifice; He sent an angel to stop Abraham from delivering the fatal blow to his son, which I am certain he was gravely relieved by. This test was an extreme one (possibly and understatement), but we can not always understand the measure of the tests in which God places upon us. However, we do know that God is a merciful God, and our faith in Him should surpass all doubt, just as Abraham‘s. Abraham named the place in the mountain at which his son was spared, Jehovah (a Hebrew name for God or Lord), and is still seen until this day (Genesis 22: 14).

[yourbiblestudybuddy]

And God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water...and gave the lad a drink

Genesis 21:19

You all at some point have heard the name Ishmael. Most may know him from Moby Dick, “Call me Ishmael”. This story however is about the original Ishmael, from the bible ( KJV). 

Just to recap, Ishmael is the son of Abraham and Hagar, as first mentioned in Genesis 16. Hagar is the handmaiden of Abraham’s wife, Sarah, who allowed Abraham to lay with her handmaiden as she could not conceive a child herself.

Fast-forwarding to Genesis chapter 21, Sarah can now have her own child, as God promised to bless her with. Sarah laughed at the idea of being able to conceive a child at her now old age, which made her child’s name, Isaac (meaning laughter in Hebrew) very fitting.

By the time Isaac is weaned, his father arranges a great feast in his honor. Ishmael is "a lad” or young man by this time, and well aware of his position as his father’s illegitimate child, unlike his brother who now has all the attention. During the feast, Sarah sees Ishmael, who is probably a little jealous, “mocking” or “scoffing” (v.9), possibly toward Isaac or the whole occasion. Sarah demands that Ishmael and his mother, Hagar, be sent away, and Abraham agrees, seeing the lad’s actions as “very grievous” (v.11). So, Hagar and her son are sent away, with a “bottle of water” (skin), to roam in the land of Beersheba.

After days of wandering, Hagar runs out of water, and her son is critically dehydrated. She lays him down under a shrub, and walks a “bowshot” of a distance from him, not wanting to see him die, and “life up her voice and wept”. When God heard the voice of the lad, not Hagar’s, He “opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water” (v.19), filled up her bottle, and gave the lad a drink. God remained with Ishmael from that day on, watching over him as he grew up in the wilderness of Paran, and became an archer. Hagar one day found Ishmael a wife out of the land of Egypt.

Ishmael’s story is one worthy for an Arthurian film, and leaves me wondering about more details of his life. What was it like living in the wilderness? (which is now a holy site in Modern day Mecca). What was his wife like? Were they happily married? Ishmael became an archer! How cool is that?! He must of looked something like this when he grew up:

Either way, we see God keeping his promise to Abraham, (v.13), protecting his seed to build a nation, and hears Ishmael in his time of need. Ishmael is seen later in the scripture, but for now, this is where his story ends.

Until next time!

Happy Studies

[yourbiblestudybuddy]

Abraham journeyed from thence toward the south country...and sojourned in Gerar

Genesis 20:1

To stay on track (pun intended), here is a map of Abraham’s journey so far. Here, he is in the city of Gerar, a place in present day Israel. It is here that Abraham deceived the king of Gerar, Abimelech.

Abraham told the king that his wife Sarah was his sister, so that he would not be killed (a common practice in a time where men would kill to take a man’s wife). God spoke to Abimelech in a dream, warning him not to touch this woman who claims to be Abraham’s sister, as she is his wife, thus the wife of a prophet, and that he would “surely die” if he did not “restore” her to Abraham (20:7).

Abimelech demanded answers for this deceit, and Abraham explains in verse 11: “I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife’s sake”. Abimelech heeds to God’s warning and restores Sarah back to Abraham. Afterwards, “God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his maidservants” for “the Lord had fast closed up all wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah”.

Analysis

This story exemplifies how one man’s sin, even an unintentional one, can affect not only himself, but everyone around him. In those times, based on Abraham’s explanation, a “God fearing” kingdom would have physical consequences for their sins. Being ignorant of what he had done, God was forgiving toward Abimelech, restoring the fertility of all in his kingdom.

[yourbiblestudybuddy]

His wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

Genesis 19:26

The story of Lot’s wife is one of the more familiar bible stories, but I’d like to delve in a little deeper, explaining the events leading up to this tragic tale.

Let’s go back to chapter 18, when Abraham was approached by three travelers. Abraham knew these men were sent by the Lord, and immediately bowed before them. Abraham urged his wife to prepare food for the travelers and provided water to wash their feet. The men rested and ate, and spoke of two very important events: One being that Sarah, Abraham’s wife, would have a son; she laughed at the idea being old in age, which God frowned upon, seeing her doubt His abilities; two being that Sodom and Gomorrah would have to be destroyed as a consequence of its corruption.

After hearing these tasks of God, Abraham stopped the men before they departed to Sodom with grave concern. Abraham asks, “Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?” and goes on to say, “Peradventure (meaning, suppose) there be fifty righteous within the city:wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous are therein?” and the Lord responds, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes”. Abraham went on asking the same question, lessening the number of the possible righteous people in the city, from 50, to 45, to 40, to 30, to 20, and finally 10. Each time the Lord replies that he would not destroy the city for the sake of the righteous, even if there were only 10. However, it seems that there were not even 10 righteous within the city. When the three men went to Lot’s, Abraham’s nephew’s home, they warned him about the coming destruction, so he urged everyone in his home to leave. No one listened except his wife and two daughters; his son in laws laughed at his warning, believing it to be a joke. Thus, the Lord did destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, allowing Lot, his wife and daughters to leave beforehand. The Lord instructed them to, “escape for thy life...look not behind thee...escape to the mountain” (19:17). They were the only righteous within the entire city, not meeting the minimum of 10, thus the city was destroyed with “brimstone and fire” (19:23). As they ran away, Lot’s wife looked back, defying her instructions, and “she became a pillar of salt” (19:26).

This story is a perfect representation of God’s mercy and wrath. Abraham asks God to spare the righteous in Sodom and Gomorrah, and God listened. The Lord was willing to spare the entire sinfully corrupt city, if there were even just 10 righteous within the midst. Although there weren’t even ten, He still saved the just ones, before the city’s destruction.This exemplifies God’s love for His people, and rewards us accordingly. Likewise, the consequence of disobeying Him will also be given equally accordingly. God spared the life of Lot’s wife, but also took her life when she chose to obey His instructions.

[yourbiblestudybuddy]

...And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after...and I will give unto thee all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession

Genesis 17

Summary

In this chapter, Abram is given a new name, Abraham, the one more commonly known today. God promises Abram to make his seed “exceedingly fruitful”, thereby giving him the name Abraham, meaning, father of a multitude.Furthermore, God gives Abraham all the land of Canaan (present day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Israel; these collectively were also known as Phoenicia). God gave Abraham only one instruction as a “token” of his covenant: every man should be circumcised at the age of 8 days old; along with any man currently uncircumcised. Thus, Abraham was circumcised at 99, and his son Ishmael, at the age of 13, and all other men in his house.

Analysis

To clarify, circumcision is the removal of a man’s foreskin.This seems to be a harsh condition in order to uphold this covenant. However, anatomically, this practice is ideal for prevention of infection and maintenance of good health in present day, which may be some reasoning behind this instruction, but not solely.