Another great question! So, prior to them taking a bite from fruit that was from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden and they were naked. But, because sin hadn’t entered into the world, they had no reservations about being naked because there was nothing unnatural or wrong with it. Think about it, no other creature or animal was clothed, there were no other people and there was no evil associated with it.
I am often reminded of very little children who are about 2-years old who insist on taking off their diapers and running around naked! They do it out of innocence and aren’t embarrassed at all and don’t care because they are oblivious to their nakedness. They just don’t see the difference between their face, their knees or the part of their body that we parents insist they cover. Adam and Eve were similar in that type of thinking.
BUT, once they ate the fruit, the Bible says “their eyes were opened and they realized they were naked.” Sin had entered into mankind and the evil associated with nakedness, primarily lust, made them embarrassed and so they covered the parts of their bodies that affected lustful thoughts.
The covering of their bodies wasn’t meant as punishment, it was a way to hide their sin. Of course, these days, I sometimes wish we could cover some people’s mouths with fig leaves because of all the unwholesome and sinful speech coming out of it!!!
Showing posts with label Adam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adam. Show all posts
Friday, 24 February 2012
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Who did Cain marry? And don’t you think it would be weird if Seth married his sister?
If Adam and Eve were the first people, then when Cain was banished, who did Cain marry? Wowee, what an awesome question!!! And, this question has been asked many times before by many different people in the past and was even part of the very important historical Scopes trial in Tennessee in 1925. Back then, poor William Jennings Bryan failed to answer the question adequately from the opposing lawyer, Clarence Darrow, which cast doubt on Christianity (A little history trivia for you!).
But, we know the answer because we can look to the Holy Bible for the answer. In order to do that, we must accept as true that Adam and Eve were the first people on this Earth, okay? We know it to be true because it says so in Genesis, the first book of the Old Testament. We also know that Adam lived to be 930 years old! During that time, Adam and Eve had a number of children. Even though the Bible only mentions Cain, Abel and Seth by name, it also says that he had many other children: “After Seth was born, Adam lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters.” (Genesis 5:4) Remember also that God commanded that Adam and Eve “be fruitful and multiply.” (Genesis 1:28)
So, Cain’s wife was probably either another daughter of Adam and Eve or a close relative. The Hebrew scholars believe that Cain’s wife was his sister, based on the Hebrew word ishshah. Remember, that back in those days it was not weird or uncommon to marry your sister or close relative. The same situation applies to Seth. He also, most likely, married his sister or niece. It wasn’t until Moses came along in the Book of Leviticus (Chapters 18-20) that God made the law forbidding close relatives to marry.
Of course, we look at it today and think, “Ewwwwww!” But, that’s because we live in a different time and with different standards and laws prohibiting such practices. We look at the beginning of the human race and we tend to apply today’s laws or today’s problems that are associated with close relatives marrying and try to interpret Genesis based on our present situation. But, we must look at it from a Biblical historical standpoint and the customs and practices of that time.
Remember, too, that back then Adam and Eve were created perfectly by God. There was no sin on Earth when they were created. There were no impurities in the gene pool, so to speak. So, the chances were that their children, and maybe even their grandchildren, were a purer race and could create a human population without fear of birth defects.
But, we know the answer because we can look to the Holy Bible for the answer. In order to do that, we must accept as true that Adam and Eve were the first people on this Earth, okay? We know it to be true because it says so in Genesis, the first book of the Old Testament. We also know that Adam lived to be 930 years old! During that time, Adam and Eve had a number of children. Even though the Bible only mentions Cain, Abel and Seth by name, it also says that he had many other children: “After Seth was born, Adam lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters.” (Genesis 5:4) Remember also that God commanded that Adam and Eve “be fruitful and multiply.” (Genesis 1:28)
So, Cain’s wife was probably either another daughter of Adam and Eve or a close relative. The Hebrew scholars believe that Cain’s wife was his sister, based on the Hebrew word ishshah. Remember, that back in those days it was not weird or uncommon to marry your sister or close relative. The same situation applies to Seth. He also, most likely, married his sister or niece. It wasn’t until Moses came along in the Book of Leviticus (Chapters 18-20) that God made the law forbidding close relatives to marry.
Of course, we look at it today and think, “Ewwwwww!” But, that’s because we live in a different time and with different standards and laws prohibiting such practices. We look at the beginning of the human race and we tend to apply today’s laws or today’s problems that are associated with close relatives marrying and try to interpret Genesis based on our present situation. But, we must look at it from a Biblical historical standpoint and the customs and practices of that time.
Remember, too, that back then Adam and Eve were created perfectly by God. There was no sin on Earth when they were created. There were no impurities in the gene pool, so to speak. So, the chances were that their children, and maybe even their grandchildren, were a purer race and could create a human population without fear of birth defects.
Thursday, 28 October 2010
Why is Jesus waiting to come back?
Wow! That is a great question! The truth is because of His great mercy. Jesus is giving us all a chance to be rescued from our sin and to come to Him before He returns.
You see, when sin came into this world through the act of disobedience by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden when they ate the forbidden fruit, it opened up the door for Satan to enter and create all sorts of chaos and to try and disrupt God’s unstoppable plan. Satan has tried so hard, and for a long time, to get us all to turn away from God by tempting us with all sorts of bad things! And, because God gave us all free will, we’ve made a mess of this world. The world is full of bad people, terrible situations and evil temptations.
The good news is that, in order for us to have eternal life with Jesus, we have to admit our sins, believe that Jesus is who He says He is and then choose to follow Him. We have to turn from all those bad things and bad people and accept Jesus’ gift of grace. If we don’t, we’re not going to enjoy the salvation that Jesus gives us and the eternal life He promises.
But, make no mistake. Jesus will someday come back and He will defeat Satan once and for all. But, He loves us and wants to give us every opportunity to come to repentance and to choose Him as our Savior before He does return. That’s why He is waiting.
You see, when sin came into this world through the act of disobedience by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden when they ate the forbidden fruit, it opened up the door for Satan to enter and create all sorts of chaos and to try and disrupt God’s unstoppable plan. Satan has tried so hard, and for a long time, to get us all to turn away from God by tempting us with all sorts of bad things! And, because God gave us all free will, we’ve made a mess of this world. The world is full of bad people, terrible situations and evil temptations.
The good news is that, in order for us to have eternal life with Jesus, we have to admit our sins, believe that Jesus is who He says He is and then choose to follow Him. We have to turn from all those bad things and bad people and accept Jesus’ gift of grace. If we don’t, we’re not going to enjoy the salvation that Jesus gives us and the eternal life He promises.
But, make no mistake. Jesus will someday come back and He will defeat Satan once and for all. But, He loves us and wants to give us every opportunity to come to repentance and to choose Him as our Savior before He does return. That’s why He is waiting.
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
In Genesis it says “He created male and female he created them” but then it tells about Adam and Eve. So were we created at one or two times?
So go grab your Bible and read Genesis 1:27 (this is the verse you are asking about) and then also read the story of Adam and Eve which begins with Genesis 2:4 and goes to the end of chapter 4.
I can see why you asked this question, there is a lot of information and it is a little difficult to put together, isn’t it?
Here’s the deal … Genesis 1:27 is introducing the idea that humans (both male and female) are created in God’s image. God is telling us that we are the crown of His creation! And we are created to have a spiritual relationship with Him, a kind of relationship that no other created being (not dogs, elephants, monkeys, porpoises, or anything else, no matter how smart) can have with Him. That’s cool, and that’s what Genesis 1:27 is all about.
Then in Genesis chapters 2 and 3, the Bible starts telling about Adam and Eve and gives some details of their account (or story).
Finally, check out Genesis 5:1-3, which begins talking about Adam’s descendents.
Now that you have read everything about Adam and Eve, here is a fun fact about how all this information is made into a story and why –
• The word “Genesis” comes from the Greek word “geneseos” which means generation!
• Genesis includes the stories (accounts) of ten different generations – starting with Adam. This is important. While Genesis speaks of Adam’s story a couple of times, all of it together – not just the account of Adam and Eve, but of all the generations (Noah, Shem, Terah, Ishmael, Isaac, etc), show God’s love for mankind and His preparation of Israel as His chosen people!!
I know that it seems like there are different stories, but it really is just one grand story with different important parts. I hope this helps! Let me know if you have more questions!
I can see why you asked this question, there is a lot of information and it is a little difficult to put together, isn’t it?
Here’s the deal … Genesis 1:27 is introducing the idea that humans (both male and female) are created in God’s image. God is telling us that we are the crown of His creation! And we are created to have a spiritual relationship with Him, a kind of relationship that no other created being (not dogs, elephants, monkeys, porpoises, or anything else, no matter how smart) can have with Him. That’s cool, and that’s what Genesis 1:27 is all about.
Then in Genesis chapters 2 and 3, the Bible starts telling about Adam and Eve and gives some details of their account (or story).
Finally, check out Genesis 5:1-3, which begins talking about Adam’s descendents.
Now that you have read everything about Adam and Eve, here is a fun fact about how all this information is made into a story and why –
• The word “Genesis” comes from the Greek word “geneseos” which means generation!
• Genesis includes the stories (accounts) of ten different generations – starting with Adam. This is important. While Genesis speaks of Adam’s story a couple of times, all of it together – not just the account of Adam and Eve, but of all the generations (Noah, Shem, Terah, Ishmael, Isaac, etc), show God’s love for mankind and His preparation of Israel as His chosen people!!
I know that it seems like there are different stories, but it really is just one grand story with different important parts. I hope this helps! Let me know if you have more questions!
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
When did unwholesome words come into the world? If Adam and Eve were Christians why did they come up with those words?
Awesome questions! Wow, you really like to stretch my brain, don’t you??? Well, the answer is that unwholesome words entered into this world when sin entered the world. Remember, “unwholesome words” just aren’t swear words. It’s anytime you say something that can be hurtful to others or that hurts the heart of God, such as taking His name in vain.
Look at what Ephesians 4:29 has to say about unwholesome words: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” As Christians, we are supposed to speak in a way that helps people according to their needs not make them feel worse.
Let me try and give you a real life example. Let’s say you’re really good at a video game and a friend comes over and wants to play it. Let’s say that friend is absolutely terrible at the video game and keeps losing. The unwholesome way to speak to that friend would be to say, “Give me that controller! You stink!!! I’ve never seen someone play this game as badly as you just did!” That does nothing to build up your friend. You didn’t curse at him but you said he stunk. The Christ Follower would say, “It’s okay … it’s a hard game to play but I know, with practice, you’ll get better.”
Now, regarding the second part of your question, I don’t know what kind of words Adam and Even came up with but, if they did come up with bad words, it’s because of the sin that entered the world. I’m fairly certain they did not invent many of the curse words we hear so often today but because of their sin, that has been passed on throughout the ages we, human beings, have invented inappropriate and unwholesome words to say.
Remember what happened immediately after Adam and Eve bit into the apple? Their eyes were opened and they realized they were naked. (Genesis 3:7) Right then and there, sin entered into the world. Adam and Eve even hid from God because of what they had done. I can only imagine what they were saying to each other too; it was probably the first time unwholesome words were spoken in the Garden of Eden. I’m not saying Adam all of a sudden started cussing but I bet he looked right at Eve and said something like, “Boy, that sure was dumb … thanks a lot!” Again, not using cuss words but certainly not using words to build her up. Of course, we don’t know what was said but we do know that from that point, sin was in the world and it is that original sin that perpetuates unwholesome words today.
Look at what Ephesians 4:29 has to say about unwholesome words: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” As Christians, we are supposed to speak in a way that helps people according to their needs not make them feel worse.
Let me try and give you a real life example. Let’s say you’re really good at a video game and a friend comes over and wants to play it. Let’s say that friend is absolutely terrible at the video game and keeps losing. The unwholesome way to speak to that friend would be to say, “Give me that controller! You stink!!! I’ve never seen someone play this game as badly as you just did!” That does nothing to build up your friend. You didn’t curse at him but you said he stunk. The Christ Follower would say, “It’s okay … it’s a hard game to play but I know, with practice, you’ll get better.”
Now, regarding the second part of your question, I don’t know what kind of words Adam and Even came up with but, if they did come up with bad words, it’s because of the sin that entered the world. I’m fairly certain they did not invent many of the curse words we hear so often today but because of their sin, that has been passed on throughout the ages we, human beings, have invented inappropriate and unwholesome words to say.
Remember what happened immediately after Adam and Eve bit into the apple? Their eyes were opened and they realized they were naked. (Genesis 3:7) Right then and there, sin entered into the world. Adam and Eve even hid from God because of what they had done. I can only imagine what they were saying to each other too; it was probably the first time unwholesome words were spoken in the Garden of Eden. I’m not saying Adam all of a sudden started cussing but I bet he looked right at Eve and said something like, “Boy, that sure was dumb … thanks a lot!” Again, not using cuss words but certainly not using words to build her up. Of course, we don’t know what was said but we do know that from that point, sin was in the world and it is that original sin that perpetuates unwholesome words today.
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
Why do people do evil things?
Quite simply, it’s because of sin. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God and took a bite of that apple, it let sin and evil into this world. But, I need to be clear on this too … God gave us all free will to either choose sin or to choose righteousness. Some people are just truly evil for whatever reasons. They’ve turned their backs on God and decided to live lives that we can’t even understand. We look at truly bad people and say, “Wow, I’m glad I’m not him!” The sad part is we all sin to some degree. Even though we don’t mean to be evil, we sometimes do things that hurt the heart of God. For example, lying to your parents or friends, being angry at someone and hoping something bad will happen to them, cheating on a test, or maybe stealing some candy when no one is looking. The Bible tells us specifically:
“There is no one righteous; not even one.” (Romans 3:10)
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
It seems hopeless, doesn’t it? But, guess what? Here’s the Good News: Jesus Christ came to this earth and died on the cross for our sins. Our belief in that death and resurrection and the gift of grace that Jesus gives us through faith is what saves us from eternal punishment! Now, you have to ask yourself, do I really believe that? I am here to tell you without hesitation or shame that, yes, I believe that.
The reason that belief is so important is because if you don’t believe it or you question your faith, then that’s when fear creeps in. You begin to question things, especially when bad things happen! I have had many kids ask me, “How could God kill all those people in Haiti during that earthquake?” or, “Why does God let little children die?” Because we can’t make sense of it, we begin to falter in our faith, not trusting that God has a reason for it.
And when we doubt God, we allow fear to override our faith. I truly believe that it’s Satan trying to deceive us and to discourage us from trusting God completely. Satan knows that if he can create doubt in your mind, that’s when the fear can creep in. Satan is a master liar. He will do everything he can to make you doubt God’s abilities or love for you; he will even twist God’s word! Remember what he said to Eve in the Garden of Eden? Satan came as a serpent and convinced Eve to take a bite of the apple by saying to her, “Did God really say not to eat from any tree in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1) Then that darn serpent said, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good from evil.” (Genesis 3:4-5)
He tricked Eve and sin came into the world. Once sin entered the world, it allowed doubt to also enter our minds. When we doubt God’s abilities or love for us, we get scared. It’s not because we don’t believe in God, it’s because Satan makes us doubt that God is who He says He is and that God couldn’t possibly do all those things.
But, remember this…it’s all about faith. Know in your heart that God is who He says He is. Know that God is good all the time and that He cannot sin. Know that God loves you and that He has plans for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
“There is no one righteous; not even one.” (Romans 3:10)
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
It seems hopeless, doesn’t it? But, guess what? Here’s the Good News: Jesus Christ came to this earth and died on the cross for our sins. Our belief in that death and resurrection and the gift of grace that Jesus gives us through faith is what saves us from eternal punishment! Now, you have to ask yourself, do I really believe that? I am here to tell you without hesitation or shame that, yes, I believe that.
The reason that belief is so important is because if you don’t believe it or you question your faith, then that’s when fear creeps in. You begin to question things, especially when bad things happen! I have had many kids ask me, “How could God kill all those people in Haiti during that earthquake?” or, “Why does God let little children die?” Because we can’t make sense of it, we begin to falter in our faith, not trusting that God has a reason for it.
And when we doubt God, we allow fear to override our faith. I truly believe that it’s Satan trying to deceive us and to discourage us from trusting God completely. Satan knows that if he can create doubt in your mind, that’s when the fear can creep in. Satan is a master liar. He will do everything he can to make you doubt God’s abilities or love for you; he will even twist God’s word! Remember what he said to Eve in the Garden of Eden? Satan came as a serpent and convinced Eve to take a bite of the apple by saying to her, “Did God really say not to eat from any tree in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1) Then that darn serpent said, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good from evil.” (Genesis 3:4-5)
He tricked Eve and sin came into the world. Once sin entered the world, it allowed doubt to also enter our minds. When we doubt God’s abilities or love for us, we get scared. It’s not because we don’t believe in God, it’s because Satan makes us doubt that God is who He says He is and that God couldn’t possibly do all those things.
But, remember this…it’s all about faith. Know in your heart that God is who He says He is. Know that God is good all the time and that He cannot sin. Know that God loves you and that He has plans for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Monday, 22 February 2010
Why did God banish Adam and Eve & station an angel at the Garden of Eden?
Two VERY VERY good questions!
Eve ate the forbidden fruit when told by god not to do it. Adam and eve were punished for their disobedience.
Isn’t it wonderful that the grace of God will meet us where we are, but will not leave us in the same state in which we were found? Let me ask it this way: What would it be like if we remained in our fallen state for all eternity? God told Adam and Eve they could eat the fruit of any tree in the garden except the fruit of the tree of knowledge, which by the way, isn't necessarily an apple.
The story goes on to say the Serpent, who was Satan Himself, swayed Eve by appealing to her desires. God warned that if they should eat the fruit of this tree, in the same day they would die. Sure enough, this is what happened. At that moment, they died a spiritual death, thereby separated from God.
God in His mercy calls out to Adam, "Adam where are you?" God restores them spiritually, by sacrificing an animal. (Sin had to be paid for from the beginning. It's interesting to note that God was not satisfied with their attempt to cover their sin by making clothing out of fig leaves). Nevertheless, the physical effects and consequence of sin remained, thus the need for God to ban them from the garden.
This is one of the rare times we are given the privilege to read an account of a conversation that takes place between God the Father, and His Son Jesus: "God said, "The man has become like one of us, capable of knowing everything, ranging from good and evil. What if he now should reach out and take fruit from the Tree-of Life and eat, and live forever? Never - this cannot happen! So God expelled them from the Garden of Eden and sent them to work the ground, the same dirt out of which they'd been made. He threw them out of the garden and stationed angel-cherubim and a revolving sword of fire east of it, guarding the path to the Tree-of Life." (Genesis 3:22-24 The Message.) I believe, that this reveals that God is concerned for man because he knows that knowing the difference between good and evil doesn't mean we will always choose good.
Once Adam and Eve chose to sin, their physical bodies were corrupted, they immediately started to die -- along with everything else. All of creation was subject to death as a result of their choice (Wow! It makes me wonder what the lasting effects of my sin will be). If Adam and Eve did not obey and stay away from the tree of knowledge, why in the world would they stay away from the tree of life? How much more desirable is living forever? Isn't this what people are striving for today?
This brings me to my point and my understanding of God's choice. IF Adam and Eve had remained in the garden, surely they would have been tempted to eat from this tree of life. It must have been beautiful with fruit so luscious -- fruit that probably doesn't exist today. What would have been the result? They would have lived forever in their fallen state with no chance for physical redemption, no chance for a new Eden-a better Eden. They would live in a life filled with pain and heartbreak. It would be forever. Everything you are going though would be forever. God banned them to protect them because He loved them. He also loved the rest of his creation. So now, Adam had to tend to the ground because it was also corrupt. It would no longer yield the fruit and vegetables of its own accord. I believe you get the picture. Adam and Eve being banned from the Garden is the first time God show’s us how we should turn away from our sin. We need to admit our sin, ask God to place himself between you and your sin (ask for forgiveness), then turn away from it forever. Jesus Christ gave us a way to do just that!
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Eve ate the forbidden fruit when told by god not to do it. Adam and eve were punished for their disobedience.
Isn’t it wonderful that the grace of God will meet us where we are, but will not leave us in the same state in which we were found? Let me ask it this way: What would it be like if we remained in our fallen state for all eternity? God told Adam and Eve they could eat the fruit of any tree in the garden except the fruit of the tree of knowledge, which by the way, isn't necessarily an apple.
The story goes on to say the Serpent, who was Satan Himself, swayed Eve by appealing to her desires. God warned that if they should eat the fruit of this tree, in the same day they would die. Sure enough, this is what happened. At that moment, they died a spiritual death, thereby separated from God.
God in His mercy calls out to Adam, "Adam where are you?" God restores them spiritually, by sacrificing an animal. (Sin had to be paid for from the beginning. It's interesting to note that God was not satisfied with their attempt to cover their sin by making clothing out of fig leaves). Nevertheless, the physical effects and consequence of sin remained, thus the need for God to ban them from the garden.
This is one of the rare times we are given the privilege to read an account of a conversation that takes place between God the Father, and His Son Jesus: "God said, "The man has become like one of us, capable of knowing everything, ranging from good and evil. What if he now should reach out and take fruit from the Tree-of Life and eat, and live forever? Never - this cannot happen! So God expelled them from the Garden of Eden and sent them to work the ground, the same dirt out of which they'd been made. He threw them out of the garden and stationed angel-cherubim and a revolving sword of fire east of it, guarding the path to the Tree-of Life." (Genesis 3:22-24 The Message.) I believe, that this reveals that God is concerned for man because he knows that knowing the difference between good and evil doesn't mean we will always choose good.
Once Adam and Eve chose to sin, their physical bodies were corrupted, they immediately started to die -- along with everything else. All of creation was subject to death as a result of their choice (Wow! It makes me wonder what the lasting effects of my sin will be). If Adam and Eve did not obey and stay away from the tree of knowledge, why in the world would they stay away from the tree of life? How much more desirable is living forever? Isn't this what people are striving for today?
This brings me to my point and my understanding of God's choice. IF Adam and Eve had remained in the garden, surely they would have been tempted to eat from this tree of life. It must have been beautiful with fruit so luscious -- fruit that probably doesn't exist today. What would have been the result? They would have lived forever in their fallen state with no chance for physical redemption, no chance for a new Eden-a better Eden. They would live in a life filled with pain and heartbreak. It would be forever. Everything you are going though would be forever. God banned them to protect them because He loved them. He also loved the rest of his creation. So now, Adam had to tend to the ground because it was also corrupt. It would no longer yield the fruit and vegetables of its own accord. I believe you get the picture. Adam and Eve being banned from the Garden is the first time God show’s us how we should turn away from our sin. We need to admit our sin, ask God to place himself between you and your sin (ask for forgiveness), then turn away from it forever. Jesus Christ gave us a way to do just that!
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Thursday, 11 February 2010
How did Cain’s wife come if Adam and Eve were the first people created?
Wowee, what an awesome question!!! And, this question has been asked many times before by many different people in the past and was even part of the very important historical Scopes trial in Tennessee in 1925. Back then, poor William Jennings Bryan failed to answer the question adequately from the opposing lawyer, Clarence Darrow, which cast doubt on Christianity (A little history trivia for you!).
But, we know the answer because we can look to the Holy Bible for the answer. In order to do that, we must accept as true that Adam and Eve were the first people on this Earth, okay? We know it to be true because it says so in Genesis, the first book of the Old Testament. We also know that Adam lived to be 930 years old! During that time, Adam and Eve had a number of children. Even though the Bible only mentions Cain, Abel and Seth by name, it also says that he had many other children: “After Seth was born, Adam lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters.” (Genesis 5:4) Remember also that God commanded that Adam and Eve “be fruitful and multiply.” (Genesis 1:28)
So, Cain’s wife was probably either another daughter of Adam and Eve or a close relative. The Hebrew scholars believe that Cain’s wife was his sister, based on the Hebrew word ishshah. Remember, that back in those days it was not weird or uncommon to marry your sister or close relative. It wasn’t until Moses came along in the Book of Leviticus (Chapters 18-20) that God made the law forbidding close relatives to marry.
Of course, we look at it today and think, “Ewwwwww!” But, that’s because we live in a different time and with different standards. We look at the beginning of the human race and we tend to apply today’s laws or today’s problems that are associated with close relatives marrying and try to interpret Genesis based on our present situation. But, we must look at it from a biblical historical standpoint and the customs and practices of that time.
But, we know the answer because we can look to the Holy Bible for the answer. In order to do that, we must accept as true that Adam and Eve were the first people on this Earth, okay? We know it to be true because it says so in Genesis, the first book of the Old Testament. We also know that Adam lived to be 930 years old! During that time, Adam and Eve had a number of children. Even though the Bible only mentions Cain, Abel and Seth by name, it also says that he had many other children: “After Seth was born, Adam lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters.” (Genesis 5:4) Remember also that God commanded that Adam and Eve “be fruitful and multiply.” (Genesis 1:28)
So, Cain’s wife was probably either another daughter of Adam and Eve or a close relative. The Hebrew scholars believe that Cain’s wife was his sister, based on the Hebrew word ishshah. Remember, that back in those days it was not weird or uncommon to marry your sister or close relative. It wasn’t until Moses came along in the Book of Leviticus (Chapters 18-20) that God made the law forbidding close relatives to marry.
Of course, we look at it today and think, “Ewwwwww!” But, that’s because we live in a different time and with different standards. We look at the beginning of the human race and we tend to apply today’s laws or today’s problems that are associated with close relatives marrying and try to interpret Genesis based on our present situation. But, we must look at it from a biblical historical standpoint and the customs and practices of that time.
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Why did Satan tempt Adam and Eve?
So, that is a really awesome question!!! We know the story of how Satan appeared as a serpent and tempted Eve and she took a bite of the apple from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. And the end result was that sin then entered the world. But, the big question is why it happened in the first place, right? Well, we also know why Satan did it…he wanted to rule Heaven and he felt that he could disrupt God’s unstoppable plan by bringing sin into the world. Satan has been battling God since the beginning and this was just another attack against God. But, what we really wonder is why did God allow it?
It’s important to remember that Satan is not God or the exact opposite of God. He is a created being, just like you and me. God created Satan. If God wanted to, He could defeat Satan with a simple thought, make him disappear forever and make all of us obedient to His will and be without sin. The problem then is that we’d all be like a bunch of robots, walking around chanting, “God is holy, holy, holy,” without giving it much thought.
God doesn’t want that. He wants us to love Him but He also gave us free choice to do so. He wants us to desire to have a relationship with Him and for us to recognize that we need Him. So, God allowed Satan to introduce sin into the world so that we would realize how badly we need a kind and loving God. When you seek out God and give yourself to Him despite Satan’s attempts to pull you away from God, it brings God great joy! Remember the parable of the Lost Sheep? God celebrates everytime a “lost” person finds Him. So, that’s why Satan tempted Adam and Eve…to try and stop God’s unstoppable plan by bringing sin into this world.
It’s important to remember that Satan is not God or the exact opposite of God. He is a created being, just like you and me. God created Satan. If God wanted to, He could defeat Satan with a simple thought, make him disappear forever and make all of us obedient to His will and be without sin. The problem then is that we’d all be like a bunch of robots, walking around chanting, “God is holy, holy, holy,” without giving it much thought.
God doesn’t want that. He wants us to love Him but He also gave us free choice to do so. He wants us to desire to have a relationship with Him and for us to recognize that we need Him. So, God allowed Satan to introduce sin into the world so that we would realize how badly we need a kind and loving God. When you seek out God and give yourself to Him despite Satan’s attempts to pull you away from God, it brings God great joy! Remember the parable of the Lost Sheep? God celebrates everytime a “lost” person finds Him. So, that’s why Satan tempted Adam and Eve…to try and stop God’s unstoppable plan by bringing sin into this world.
Thursday, 31 December 2009
Why do people have to die?
That is a very awesome question! And, to find the answer, we have to go all the way back to the first book of the Old Testament, the Book of Genesis. Here’s the deal, when God first created the earth and created Adam and Eve, they were in a perfect relationship with God and they had no fear of dying. Life was fairly simple back then with very few rules…except one BIG rule:
“And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." (Genesis 2:16-17)
Well, we all know what happened. Eve was tempted by the serpent and took a bite of the apple and then Adam took a bite of the apple and sin entered the world. And God was not happy about it. In fact, God puts a curse on the serpent and on Adam and Eve. To mankind God says this, “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you are returned to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” (Genesis 3:19)
Our perfect relationship with God was broken and we were condemned to die. Even the New Testament reaffirms this curse in Romans 6:23 when it states, “For the wages of sin is death…” BUT, and here’s the good news!!! The rest of that verse says, “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus.”
Even though our physical bodies will eventually die, we are promised eternal life in Heaven WITH JESUS by accepting God’s gift of grace and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Probably one of the most quoted and well-known Bible verses is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son and whoever shall believe in Him shall not perish (die) but have eternal life.” But don’t forget the next line, which to me is just as important, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”
Even though every person will eventually die a physical death based on the sin that came into the world, those of us who are saved will have eternal life with Jesus in Heaven. While no one wants to die and we don’t want to see loved ones die, I want you to know that I am not scared of dying because I know where I am going. I just want to be able to stick around for a little while longer so that I can see my kids grow up, get married and maybe become a grandpa someday.
I want to tell you a funny story. A friend of mine’s grandmother loved Jesus so much and she knew, without a doubt, what awaited her when she died. So, when she was on her deathbed she was so happy that she was going to see Jesus soon that that’s all she could talk about. The she fell asleep, a little catnap so-to-speak, and then woke up. Here’s the funny part: She looked around the room, looked at my friend and actually said, “Oh, darn! Still here!” Can you believe that???
You know, even though he was sad when she eventually died, he knew that she was in heaven with his grandfather and with Jesus and it made him happy and gave him great comfort to know that she was there.
“And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." (Genesis 2:16-17)
Well, we all know what happened. Eve was tempted by the serpent and took a bite of the apple and then Adam took a bite of the apple and sin entered the world. And God was not happy about it. In fact, God puts a curse on the serpent and on Adam and Eve. To mankind God says this, “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you are returned to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” (Genesis 3:19)
Our perfect relationship with God was broken and we were condemned to die. Even the New Testament reaffirms this curse in Romans 6:23 when it states, “For the wages of sin is death…” BUT, and here’s the good news!!! The rest of that verse says, “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus.”
Even though our physical bodies will eventually die, we are promised eternal life in Heaven WITH JESUS by accepting God’s gift of grace and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Probably one of the most quoted and well-known Bible verses is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son and whoever shall believe in Him shall not perish (die) but have eternal life.” But don’t forget the next line, which to me is just as important, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”
Even though every person will eventually die a physical death based on the sin that came into the world, those of us who are saved will have eternal life with Jesus in Heaven. While no one wants to die and we don’t want to see loved ones die, I want you to know that I am not scared of dying because I know where I am going. I just want to be able to stick around for a little while longer so that I can see my kids grow up, get married and maybe become a grandpa someday.
I want to tell you a funny story. A friend of mine’s grandmother loved Jesus so much and she knew, without a doubt, what awaited her when she died. So, when she was on her deathbed she was so happy that she was going to see Jesus soon that that’s all she could talk about. The she fell asleep, a little catnap so-to-speak, and then woke up. Here’s the funny part: She looked around the room, looked at my friend and actually said, “Oh, darn! Still here!” Can you believe that???
You know, even though he was sad when she eventually died, he knew that she was in heaven with his grandfather and with Jesus and it made him happy and gave him great comfort to know that she was there.
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
If you know God is by your side, how can you still feel scared?
That is an awesome question!!! I actually love this question because I’ve had a lot of kids ask me this in person and it gives me the chance to ask a question back and that question is: Why are you scared?
I can promise you that it’s not because God isn’t there for you. He is always with you and thinks about you more times than there are grains of sand on a beach. He also knows every hair on your head and knows your every thought, hopes and dreams.
So, where does this fear come from then? Why do we get scared? And believe me, we all get scared at one time or another. Is it Satan trying to deceive us and to discourage us from trusting God completely? Satan does know that if he can create doubt in your mind, that’s when the fear can creep in. Satan is a master liar. He will do everything he can to make you doubt God’s love for you; he will even twist God’s Word! Remember what he said to Eve in the Garden of Eden? Satan came as a serpent and convinced Eve to take a bite of the apple by saying to her, “Did God really say not to eat from any tree in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1) Then that darn serpent said, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good from evil.” (Genesis 3:4-5)
He tricked Eve and sin came into our world. Once sin entered the world, it allowed doubt to also enter our minds. When we doubt God’s love for us, we get scared. It’s not because we don’t believe in God, it’s because Satan makes us doubt that God is who He says He is and that God couldn’t possibly do all those things.
But, remember this…it’s all about faith in God. Know in your heart that God is who He says He is. Know that God is good all the time and that He cannot sin. Know that God loves you and that He has plans for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
And when things seem to be going bad, remember this: “TRUST in the Lord, your God, with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding but in all ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Friday, 7 August 2009
How does God know how we feel when we're guilty if Jesus never sinned?
Excellent question!!! In order to understand God’s awesome abilities we have to expand our own imagination and remember that God is not like us. One of the reasons we have difficulty understanding God’s power is because we try and humanize God. It’s easier to picture Him if we think of Him to be like us.
But, God is so much greater than us. God is omniscient, which means He knows everything, is aware of everything and understands everything. He has a complete knowledge and perception of all things.
Don’t forget, God created the Earth and the universe and everything in it, including you and me. You and I are created in God’s image so everything you and I are capable of doing or thinking or feeling, God is capable of except to a much greater degree.
The fact that Jesus never sinned doesn’t mean God doesn’t know what sin is or the guilt associated with sin. Not only does He know what sin is, He hates it! God can’t even be in the presence of sin because He is so holy and perfect. Even before Adam and Eve took that bite from the apple, sin existed. Do you know who committed the first sin and do you know what that sin was?
It was an angel named Lucifer. Lucifer wasn’t just an angel though. He was God’s second-in-command (so to speak) and he was the most beautiful angel and the most intelligent angel in Heaven and was given a lot of power. But, do you know what happened to that angel? Lucifer became prideful and felt he could do a better job than God. The sin of pride entered into Heaven. Lucifer tried to take over but he lost and was cast out of Heaven. He also took a third of the angels with him. You may know Lucifer by his other name…Satan. And those angels are his demons.
God knows when we sin, He knows how we feel when we sin and He knows the guilt associated with sin. But, here’s the great news. God can and will forgive all sin. Not only does He forgive, but once you truly repent, He also forgets it. He’ll never, ever hold it against you. It’s like it never happened. I guess what I’m trying to say is, if God can forgive and forget then there is no reason to hold onto guilt about committing that sin. And that is AWESOME!!!
Saturday, 1 August 2009
Why did Adam and Eve live so long?
I’ve always wondered that myself. I don’t recall that answer ever being directly answered by scripture, so I put on my detective hat, pulled out my magnifying glass and went digging.
Following an in-depth exploration of the subject, I came to this conclusion: There isn’t a direct answer. BUT, I had so much fun checking it out that I thought you might enjoy a little trip through my findings.
Chapter 5 of Genesis lists all the life spans of Adam and his descendants from Adam to Lamech (Noah’s dad). This is where we see crazy stuff like Adam living 930 years, his son Seth living 912 years, great great great great great (is that enough “greats?”) grandson Methuselah living 969 years, and on it goes through verse 31, then we come to Noah. Of course, along with Noah came the flood. He ended up living 950 years (Genesis 9:29).
n Genesis 11 we’re given the “records of the generations of Shem (v.10)” Shem is one of the 3 sons that rode on the ark with Noah, surviving the flood. This passage reveals a gradual decline in years lived. Shem lived 600 years, his son Arpachshad (say THAT 3 times fast!) lived 468 years, his grandson lived 433 years and on down it goes (with a few exceptions like Eber and Terah who lived a little longer than their surrounding relatives). So, after the flood, people were living 600, then 400ish, then 300, then 200 years. Shem’s line was so traced because it delivered Abraham and eventually, Jesus (if you’re interested, go to Matthew 1:1-17).
I do think it’s interesting how the years went down after the flood (which happened because God was sorry He made us and “every intent of the thoughts of [our hearts] was only evil continually”). Following the flood, we went increasingly down and things began to stabilize with Abraham who became the father of the Jewish nation. He lived 175 yrs., his wife 127, his son Ishmael 137, his son Issac 180. Skip forward a few generations and Moses lived 120 years while next-in-command, Joshua, only lived 110 yrs.
This is where it gets fun. Did our God cut down the life spans because we kept sinning against Him? Did He decide we wouldn’t need to live as long once Israel became established as a nation? Too much junk food and TV time? Too much hair spray that destroyed the ozone and lets cosmic radiation harm life ont he planet? What do YOU think?
Following an in-depth exploration of the subject, I came to this conclusion: There isn’t a direct answer. BUT, I had so much fun checking it out that I thought you might enjoy a little trip through my findings.
Chapter 5 of Genesis lists all the life spans of Adam and his descendants from Adam to Lamech (Noah’s dad). This is where we see crazy stuff like Adam living 930 years, his son Seth living 912 years, great great great great great (is that enough “greats?”) grandson Methuselah living 969 years, and on it goes through verse 31, then we come to Noah. Of course, along with Noah came the flood. He ended up living 950 years (Genesis 9:29).
n Genesis 11 we’re given the “records of the generations of Shem (v.10)” Shem is one of the 3 sons that rode on the ark with Noah, surviving the flood. This passage reveals a gradual decline in years lived. Shem lived 600 years, his son Arpachshad (say THAT 3 times fast!) lived 468 years, his grandson lived 433 years and on down it goes (with a few exceptions like Eber and Terah who lived a little longer than their surrounding relatives). So, after the flood, people were living 600, then 400ish, then 300, then 200 years. Shem’s line was so traced because it delivered Abraham and eventually, Jesus (if you’re interested, go to Matthew 1:1-17).
I do think it’s interesting how the years went down after the flood (which happened because God was sorry He made us and “every intent of the thoughts of [our hearts] was only evil continually”). Following the flood, we went increasingly down and things began to stabilize with Abraham who became the father of the Jewish nation. He lived 175 yrs., his wife 127, his son Ishmael 137, his son Issac 180. Skip forward a few generations and Moses lived 120 years while next-in-command, Joshua, only lived 110 yrs.
This is where it gets fun. Did our God cut down the life spans because we kept sinning against Him? Did He decide we wouldn’t need to live as long once Israel became established as a nation? Too much junk food and TV time? Too much hair spray that destroyed the ozone and lets cosmic radiation harm life ont he planet? What do YOU think?
Wednesday, 29 July 2009
How old was Jesus when he made the Bible?
Actually, Jesus didn’t make or write the Bible. The Bible includes the life of Jesus, and of course, that’s WAAAAYYYYY important, but it also contains stories of others. Adam & Eve, Noah, Joseph, Moses, Joshua – remember all those guys? They all lived before Jesus walked the earth.
The Bible is God’s story. God used many men and women to tell his story over many thousands of years. The best part of that story, though, is that Jesus came to earth, lived a perfect life, then was crucified, and rose again. His victory over death proves he was everything he said was – God’s Son. Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
And if we will believe in him, he will call us God’s children, and we can live with him forever. That is amazing! Read John 1:12.
The Bible is God’s story. God used many men and women to tell his story over many thousands of years. The best part of that story, though, is that Jesus came to earth, lived a perfect life, then was crucified, and rose again. His victory over death proves he was everything he said was – God’s Son. Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
And if we will believe in him, he will call us God’s children, and we can live with him forever. That is amazing! Read John 1:12.
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Why did Adam and Eve get kicked out of the garden for lying? Will I get kicked out of heaven for lying?
Adam and Eve didn’t get kicked out of the garden for lying, they got kicked out because the Lord didn’t want them to eat from the tree of life and live forever. Read all about it in Genesis 3:22-24. Really, Adam and Eve blew it with God because they disobeyed Him. He told them what NOT to do, and they did it. This just made everything into a big mess, as disobedience always does……..
As for lying, our God does “desire truth in the innermost being (Psalm 51:6A).” In Proverbs 6:17 we’re told that God hates a lying tongue. So this tells us how God feels about lying. We’re then told in James that, “to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin (4:17).” And God tells us to “confess our sins to one another” in James 5:16. So, we know that God doesn’t like lying so we shouldn’t do it. We know that if we do what we shouldn’t, we are sinning. We know that if we are sinning, we should tell someone. AND, we know that “If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).” Knowing all that, will God kick us out of heaven if we tell a lie and don’t ask for forgiveness?
If Jesus is truly our Lord and Savior, habitual sin is impossible to do without feeling extremely tormented. So a person who lies all the time and doesn’t give it a thought probably doesn’t have a relationship with Jesus. If that is the case, we’re told in Revelation 21:8 & 27 that there isn’t a place in heaven for such a person. But if we DO have a relationship with Jesus, nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:39). We won’t, however, be able to sin without being bothered by it. And if we’re bothered by it enough, we’ll probably HAVE to confess it to SOMEONE, even if it IS only to the Lord (although it’s most helpful to tell another person as well).
So, a true child of God, one who has been adopted into His family through Jesus, will not be kicked out of heaven. I don’t believe, however, that we’ll get into heaven without unconfessed sin being laid bare to our Savior. He says in Matthew 12:36 that on the day of judgement, we’ll be held accountable for “every careless word [we] shall speak.” He says nothing unclean will be allowed into heaven. SO…..I personally don’t want to be standing before my Lord on judgement day in need of a shower. I’d rather confess my sins and get washed clean while I’m still here—how about you?
As for lying, our God does “desire truth in the innermost being (Psalm 51:6A).” In Proverbs 6:17 we’re told that God hates a lying tongue. So this tells us how God feels about lying. We’re then told in James that, “to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin (4:17).” And God tells us to “confess our sins to one another” in James 5:16. So, we know that God doesn’t like lying so we shouldn’t do it. We know that if we do what we shouldn’t, we are sinning. We know that if we are sinning, we should tell someone. AND, we know that “If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).” Knowing all that, will God kick us out of heaven if we tell a lie and don’t ask for forgiveness?
If Jesus is truly our Lord and Savior, habitual sin is impossible to do without feeling extremely tormented. So a person who lies all the time and doesn’t give it a thought probably doesn’t have a relationship with Jesus. If that is the case, we’re told in Revelation 21:8 & 27 that there isn’t a place in heaven for such a person. But if we DO have a relationship with Jesus, nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:39). We won’t, however, be able to sin without being bothered by it. And if we’re bothered by it enough, we’ll probably HAVE to confess it to SOMEONE, even if it IS only to the Lord (although it’s most helpful to tell another person as well).
So, a true child of God, one who has been adopted into His family through Jesus, will not be kicked out of heaven. I don’t believe, however, that we’ll get into heaven without unconfessed sin being laid bare to our Savior. He says in Matthew 12:36 that on the day of judgement, we’ll be held accountable for “every careless word [we] shall speak.” He says nothing unclean will be allowed into heaven. SO…..I personally don’t want to be standing before my Lord on judgement day in need of a shower. I’d rather confess my sins and get washed clean while I’m still here—how about you?
Saturday, 27 June 2009
If a baby dies at birth, how old will it be in heaven? Will it stay a baby and not know anything in heaven?
This is a set of big questions, and the answers are also big, so follow along with me.
First – how old will the baby be?
God is the Creator of everything – including time (and also matter, energy, space, relationships, intelligence, emotions, etc etc … really … everything.) And time helps us understand where we are in this physical world. Typically, we say we are in a place at a time. We have a place and a time where we are.
But that changes! God is outside of time, and eternity is outside of time. By “outside” of time I mean that you cannot measure it. Remember the beautiful song, “Amazing Grace”? Remember the words, "When we've been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We've no less days to sing God's praise Than when we'd first begun"?
Read on to understand a bit better what we will BE like in heaven…
Second – will it stay a baby?
The answer lies in understanding Jesus after his resurrection. Here we go …
Read Philippians 3:20-21 starting with “And we eagerly await….” What will Jesus transform? [to transform is to change the form of something]
Put you answer here: __________________________
What will Jesus transform the “our lowly bodies” into? To be like his what?
Put your answer here: __________________________
Our lowly bodies, that is, our earthly bodies, whether baby or adult, will be transformed to be like his heavenly body! Wow, huh?
Now go to 1 Corinthians and read chapter 15, verse 35 through the end of the chapter.
Pretty cool, huh?
Did you notice the key 44th verse? There is a natural body, the one we live in now, and there is a spiritual body, the one we will after our earthly death!
Right now you know by experience that life is much more than just our physical body, right? We have an intellect, we have emotions, we have relationships, and we have a spiritual part of our being. Sooooo … wanna know what a baby’s new spiritual body looks like?
Go back to 1 Corinthians 15:49. “And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man [Paul is talking about the first created man, Adam], so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven [that is Jesus].
So the baby, and you, and me will all bear the likeness of Jesus after our earthly death.
So wanna know what Jesus looks like in his spiritual body? [If you don’t, just stop reading here, but if you do, keep reading …]
Go to the account of Jesus’ transfiguration. Read Matthew 17:2, Mark 9:3, and Luke 9:29. [The word “transfiguration” refers to Jesus’ appearance when the disciples saw him changed.]
What is wild, is that just as you have a physical body, so did Jesus. But when Jesus was transfigured, his disciples caught a glimpse of his spiritual body. We can’t know exactly what’s up with that body, and the disciples barely had words to describe it. We can’t really wrap our brains around what that new body will be like, but we do know that, “so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven.”
Third, will the baby know anything?
Follow me carefully now … while we see a little baby, helpless, limited in knowledge & strength & intelligence, this is not what God sees. God sees a perfectly and completely formed spiritual being! [This may also help you understand how God sees disabled people, poor people, widows, orphans, and – honestly – all the rest of us who just ain’t exactly “perfect!”]
The theologian C.S. Lewis said that you will NEVER look upon an ordinary person. ALL of God’s children (doesn’t matter how old) are EXTRAORDINARY because they all bear the image of our Creator!!
The Bible doesn’t speak specifically to babies in heaven, but the nature and character of God point to that baby as someone who also has a spiritual body and who will share in the blessings of heaven. Cool, huh?
First – how old will the baby be?
God is the Creator of everything – including time (and also matter, energy, space, relationships, intelligence, emotions, etc etc … really … everything.) And time helps us understand where we are in this physical world. Typically, we say we are in a place at a time. We have a place and a time where we are.
But that changes! God is outside of time, and eternity is outside of time. By “outside” of time I mean that you cannot measure it. Remember the beautiful song, “Amazing Grace”? Remember the words, "When we've been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We've no less days to sing God's praise Than when we'd first begun"?
Read on to understand a bit better what we will BE like in heaven…
Second – will it stay a baby?
The answer lies in understanding Jesus after his resurrection. Here we go …
Read Philippians 3:20-21 starting with “And we eagerly await….” What will Jesus transform? [to transform is to change the form of something]
Put you answer here: __________________________
What will Jesus transform the “our lowly bodies” into? To be like his what?
Put your answer here: __________________________
Our lowly bodies, that is, our earthly bodies, whether baby or adult, will be transformed to be like his heavenly body! Wow, huh?
Now go to 1 Corinthians and read chapter 15, verse 35 through the end of the chapter.
Pretty cool, huh?
Did you notice the key 44th verse? There is a natural body, the one we live in now, and there is a spiritual body, the one we will after our earthly death!
Right now you know by experience that life is much more than just our physical body, right? We have an intellect, we have emotions, we have relationships, and we have a spiritual part of our being. Sooooo … wanna know what a baby’s new spiritual body looks like?
Go back to 1 Corinthians 15:49. “And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man [Paul is talking about the first created man, Adam], so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven [that is Jesus].
So the baby, and you, and me will all bear the likeness of Jesus after our earthly death.
So wanna know what Jesus looks like in his spiritual body? [If you don’t, just stop reading here, but if you do, keep reading …]
Go to the account of Jesus’ transfiguration. Read Matthew 17:2, Mark 9:3, and Luke 9:29. [The word “transfiguration” refers to Jesus’ appearance when the disciples saw him changed.]
What is wild, is that just as you have a physical body, so did Jesus. But when Jesus was transfigured, his disciples caught a glimpse of his spiritual body. We can’t know exactly what’s up with that body, and the disciples barely had words to describe it. We can’t really wrap our brains around what that new body will be like, but we do know that, “so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven.”
Third, will the baby know anything?
Follow me carefully now … while we see a little baby, helpless, limited in knowledge & strength & intelligence, this is not what God sees. God sees a perfectly and completely formed spiritual being! [This may also help you understand how God sees disabled people, poor people, widows, orphans, and – honestly – all the rest of us who just ain’t exactly “perfect!”]
The theologian C.S. Lewis said that you will NEVER look upon an ordinary person. ALL of God’s children (doesn’t matter how old) are EXTRAORDINARY because they all bear the image of our Creator!!
The Bible doesn’t speak specifically to babies in heaven, but the nature and character of God point to that baby as someone who also has a spiritual body and who will share in the blessings of heaven. Cool, huh?
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Do I have to read the Bible every day?
I’m going to answer that question by asking a question of my own…do you have to talk to your parents every day? I’ll bet you’re thinking, well, of course I have to talk to my parents everyday. Maybe you’re saying, well, no I don’t have to talk to them everyday but I like talking to them everyday.
Well, guess what? The Holy Bible is God’s Word. And, it’s God’s way of talking to you. It’s His way of letting you get to know Him and He really, really wants you to know Him.
There are some incredible stories in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. The story of Adam and Eve, the story of Moses, the story of David and Goliath or Samson and Delilah, the story of King Solomon…I could go on and on.
Do you like love stories? The Holy Bible is the greatest love story ever written! The stories of God’s love for us are endless. My favorite is how He gave His one and only Son to die for us so that we could have eternal life with Him in Heaven!
I remember when I first became a Christian and I picked up a Bible. It was so thick! I thought to myself, seriously??? I’m supposed to read this whole thing? Ummm, are there any DVD’s I can watch or maybe a thinner version? I didn’t even know where to start! Do I read it like a book from one cover to the other? Or, do I start with the Old Testament then read the New Testament? It seemed so overwhelming.
But, then, my small group leader said, “Start with the book of John in the New Testament.” He said it was all about God’s love for us. So, I flipped to John and saw that it was only twenty-one chapters. I said, “I can handle this!” And, before I knew it, I had read an entire book of the Bible. It was awesome!!! It made me want to read more. So, I started reading books of the New Testament. Then, my wife said, “Try reading a Psalm and a Proverb a day.” And she meant just one psalm and one proverb, not the whole book of Psalms and Proverbs. How easy is that???
And because it’s God’s way of talking to you, you end up wanting to know more and more. You find yourself just immersing yourself in God’s Word! Believe it or not, every little thing you will ever face, good and bad, is mentioned in the Bible. Every question you’ll ever have, God has an answer for and it’s in the Bible.
So, to answer your question…do you have to read the Bible everyday? I guess you really don’t have to but why wouldn’t you since God really wants to talk to you every day.
Well, guess what? The Holy Bible is God’s Word. And, it’s God’s way of talking to you. It’s His way of letting you get to know Him and He really, really wants you to know Him.
There are some incredible stories in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. The story of Adam and Eve, the story of Moses, the story of David and Goliath or Samson and Delilah, the story of King Solomon…I could go on and on.
Do you like love stories? The Holy Bible is the greatest love story ever written! The stories of God’s love for us are endless. My favorite is how He gave His one and only Son to die for us so that we could have eternal life with Him in Heaven!
I remember when I first became a Christian and I picked up a Bible. It was so thick! I thought to myself, seriously??? I’m supposed to read this whole thing? Ummm, are there any DVD’s I can watch or maybe a thinner version? I didn’t even know where to start! Do I read it like a book from one cover to the other? Or, do I start with the Old Testament then read the New Testament? It seemed so overwhelming.
But, then, my small group leader said, “Start with the book of John in the New Testament.” He said it was all about God’s love for us. So, I flipped to John and saw that it was only twenty-one chapters. I said, “I can handle this!” And, before I knew it, I had read an entire book of the Bible. It was awesome!!! It made me want to read more. So, I started reading books of the New Testament. Then, my wife said, “Try reading a Psalm and a Proverb a day.” And she meant just one psalm and one proverb, not the whole book of Psalms and Proverbs. How easy is that???
And because it’s God’s way of talking to you, you end up wanting to know more and more. You find yourself just immersing yourself in God’s Word! Believe it or not, every little thing you will ever face, good and bad, is mentioned in the Bible. Every question you’ll ever have, God has an answer for and it’s in the Bible.
So, to answer your question…do you have to read the Bible everyday? I guess you really don’t have to but why wouldn’t you since God really wants to talk to you every day.
Saturday, 6 June 2009
What about Adam and Eve, how were they tempted?
That is an awesome question! They were tempted by the serpent (who was really Satan, darn that guy!) who said to Eve, “Did God really say you mustn’t eat from any tree in the garden?” And poor Eve, replies, “Well, we may eat fruit from the trees in the Garden but God did say, you must not eat the fruit from the middle of the garden and you must not touch it or you will die.”
And that wily old serpent kept pestering Eve and kept tempting her, which distracted her and caused her to doubt. He lied and said, “Ohhhh, you surely will not die! For God knows that when eat of it your eyes will be open and you will be like God knowing good and evil.””
He played to her pride, making her think she could be like God. See? That’s what Satan does! Satan is smart…he won’t tempt you with things you don’t care about. He’ll tempt you in the area that he knows will push your buttons. In Eve’s case (and Adam’s too) he appealed to their envy and pride.
And so, Eve and Adam ate of the apple and their eyes were open but they certainly weren’t like God. They realized they were naked and were embarrassed. And, because of that small but significant act of taking a bite of an apple, sin entered the world.
But, it all started with the serpent tempting Eve and pushing the right buttons so she couldn’t resist.
And that wily old serpent kept pestering Eve and kept tempting her, which distracted her and caused her to doubt. He lied and said, “Ohhhh, you surely will not die! For God knows that when eat of it your eyes will be open and you will be like God knowing good and evil.””
He played to her pride, making her think she could be like God. See? That’s what Satan does! Satan is smart…he won’t tempt you with things you don’t care about. He’ll tempt you in the area that he knows will push your buttons. In Eve’s case (and Adam’s too) he appealed to their envy and pride.
And so, Eve and Adam ate of the apple and their eyes were open but they certainly weren’t like God. They realized they were naked and were embarrassed. And, because of that small but significant act of taking a bite of an apple, sin entered the world.
But, it all started with the serpent tempting Eve and pushing the right buttons so she couldn’t resist.
Thursday, 21 May 2009
How come Adam and Eve didn’t stand up to God?
That is an awesome question! Here’s the deal on that situation. It’s precisely because they knew who God was that they didn’t stand up to Him. Think about it…would you stand up to your own father? Probably not, right?
Well, Adam and Eve both knew exactly who God was and, even more importantly, they knew they had made a mistake. I guess it’s easy to stand up to someone if you know you’re right but, if you know you’re wrong that changes things doesn’t it?
Remember, God created the whole world and everything in it, including Adam and Eve. They knew of His power. God also provided everything they needed to survive too. In fact, God gave Adam the first job in the history of the world…do you know what it is? Take a look at Genesis 2:15, which reads, “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
So, let’s review here: God created the Earth, God created Adam and Eve, and God gave Adam a job. They knew of His power, knowledge and abilities.
Then, God had a list of rules. Do you want to know how many rules were on that list? Just one! The only rule God gave was to not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Remember, up until this point there was no sin in the world so there really wasn’t a need for rules. BUT, once Adam and Eve took a bite of that apple that came from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, sin entered the world.
Adam and Eve blew it. They made a terrible mistake by giving in to the temptation of the serpent and they knew it. Because of that, they were banished from the Garden of Eden. And, to make sure they didn’t come back in, God placed a cherubim (a winged celestial being) with a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
Hmmm…God is able to call upon a winged being with a flaming sword? I wonder what Adam and Eve thought about that. Do you think they were wondering how many more of those guys God had in reserve!
And, finally, to add insult to injury, God cursed both Adam and Eve! He made it so that women from that day forward would have tremendous pain during childbirth. He also made it so that while women would desire their husbands, the men would rule over them. God then cursed Adam and made it so that Adam would have to work very hard and struggle to get things to grow from the ground because God cursed the ground!
Now, knowing how powerful God is and seeing all that God had created, knowing that He had the power to curse you for eternity and also seeing that he had access to “bodyguards” with flaming swords…would you stand up to God? Ummm…I’ll pass on that! And, that’s what Adam and Eve did; they accepted their punishment and lived the rest of their lives struggling, not just physically, but also with the sin that entered the world.
We “inherited” that sin from Adam and Eve. But, we’re lucky because we have Jesus, who took the sins of the entire world and of the generations to come on His own shoulders when He died for us on that cross. He redeemed us. Do you know what that means? Let me give you an example: When your mom or dad has a coupon and they take it to the store and “redeem” it, they get something back for that coupon. It may be a lower price for the item or it may be that you get another item free for buying one. In the case of Jesus, you get eternal life in Heaven because Christ redeemed you with His life. All you have to do is admit your sins and ask for forgiveness, believe that Jesus was who He said He was and that He died on the cross for your sins, and then confess Him as your Savior. It’s as easy as A-B-C…admit, believe and confess!
Well, Adam and Eve both knew exactly who God was and, even more importantly, they knew they had made a mistake. I guess it’s easy to stand up to someone if you know you’re right but, if you know you’re wrong that changes things doesn’t it?
Remember, God created the whole world and everything in it, including Adam and Eve. They knew of His power. God also provided everything they needed to survive too. In fact, God gave Adam the first job in the history of the world…do you know what it is? Take a look at Genesis 2:15, which reads, “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
So, let’s review here: God created the Earth, God created Adam and Eve, and God gave Adam a job. They knew of His power, knowledge and abilities.
Then, God had a list of rules. Do you want to know how many rules were on that list? Just one! The only rule God gave was to not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Remember, up until this point there was no sin in the world so there really wasn’t a need for rules. BUT, once Adam and Eve took a bite of that apple that came from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, sin entered the world.
Adam and Eve blew it. They made a terrible mistake by giving in to the temptation of the serpent and they knew it. Because of that, they were banished from the Garden of Eden. And, to make sure they didn’t come back in, God placed a cherubim (a winged celestial being) with a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
Hmmm…God is able to call upon a winged being with a flaming sword? I wonder what Adam and Eve thought about that. Do you think they were wondering how many more of those guys God had in reserve!
And, finally, to add insult to injury, God cursed both Adam and Eve! He made it so that women from that day forward would have tremendous pain during childbirth. He also made it so that while women would desire their husbands, the men would rule over them. God then cursed Adam and made it so that Adam would have to work very hard and struggle to get things to grow from the ground because God cursed the ground!
Now, knowing how powerful God is and seeing all that God had created, knowing that He had the power to curse you for eternity and also seeing that he had access to “bodyguards” with flaming swords…would you stand up to God? Ummm…I’ll pass on that! And, that’s what Adam and Eve did; they accepted their punishment and lived the rest of their lives struggling, not just physically, but also with the sin that entered the world.
We “inherited” that sin from Adam and Eve. But, we’re lucky because we have Jesus, who took the sins of the entire world and of the generations to come on His own shoulders when He died for us on that cross. He redeemed us. Do you know what that means? Let me give you an example: When your mom or dad has a coupon and they take it to the store and “redeem” it, they get something back for that coupon. It may be a lower price for the item or it may be that you get another item free for buying one. In the case of Jesus, you get eternal life in Heaven because Christ redeemed you with His life. All you have to do is admit your sins and ask for forgiveness, believe that Jesus was who He said He was and that He died on the cross for your sins, and then confess Him as your Savior. It’s as easy as A-B-C…admit, believe and confess!
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