Retrobyter

Shalom, @Michael37. Of course, I've seen this. However, "by extension" means that it is an ADDITIONAL, IMPLIED meaning based on how it is PERCEIVED its meaning would be in certain contexts. The primary meaning is "the sky." It is the meaning that the GREEKS themselves would understand. Where did the Greeks prior to and while Rome ruled think that the gods lived? They believed that they lived on Mount Olympus, "... the highest mountain in Greece, residing in a palace within the clouds above the peak; this is where they were believed to be able to observe the lives of humans below them." And, who ruled over the sky (ho ouranos)? That was the domain of the king of the gods, "Zeus," whom the Romans called "Jupiter." "In Greek mythology, Zeus ruled the sky, lightning, thunder, and justice. He was the king of the Olympian gods and the supreme god in Greek religion." So, when the Jewish scribes translated the TANAKH (the O.T.) into the Greek of the Septuagint, and later the New Testament authors and/or scribes translated the texts of Scripture into the Koine Greek, one must understand that THIS, "the sky," is what the Greek-speaking peoples would have understood from the word "ouranos." Anything more that this would have to be conveyed in CONTEXT! Therefore, one must be careful not to fall into the trap of circular reasoning, using the meaning of the word in context to describe the word in its context! This is why Paul (and others) used the composite word "epouranios" to describe things, like the New Jerusalem, that were "above the sky," i.e., in space. Most of the time, when the word "ouranos" is used, it is within the phrase, "ek tou ouranou," meaning "from the sky" or "out of-the sky." And, from our perspective, that typically meant coming THROUGH the sky to humanity upon the ground. And, that is how both the Pharisees and Yeeshuwa` used the word in Matthew 16:1-4: Matthew 16:1-4 (KJV) 1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven (Greek: ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ). 2 He answered and said unto them, "When it is evening, ye say, [It will be] fair weather: for the sky (Greek: ὁ οὐρανός) is red. 3 And in the morning, [It will be] foul weather to day: for the sky (Greek: ὁ οὐρανός) is red and lowring. O [ye] hypocrites, ye can discern the [sur]face of the sky (τὸ μὲν πρόσωπον τοῦ οὐρανοῦ); but can ye not [discern] the signs of the times? 4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas." And he left them, and departed. Therefore, one must look for occurrences of "God's abode" that do NOT use the word "ouranos" for clues to suggest that God has an "abode" that is being described outside of and beyond the earth's atmosphere, even as being in another dimension of reality. Yet, it is the PRECISE OPPOSITE that we find in the Scriptures! At best, it is said as an analogy: "The heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool." (הַשָּׁמַיִם or "hashaamayim" in Isaiah 66:1; Ὁ οὐρανός or "Ho ouranos" in Acts 7:49). Now, let's look at the Greek of Revelation 4:1. Ἀποκάλυψις 4:1 (Scrivener's TR 1894) 1 Μετὰ ταῦτα εἶδον, καὶ ἰδοὺ, θύρα ἠνεῳγμένη ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, καὶ ἡ φωνὴ ἡ πρώτη ἣν ἤκουσα ὡς σάλπιγγος λαλούσης μετ’ ἐμοῦ, λέγουσα, Ἀνάβα ὧδε, καὶ δείξω σοι ἃ δεῖ γενέσθαι μετὰ ταῦτα. 1 Meta tauta eidon, kai idou, thura eeneoogmenee en too ouranoo, kai hee foonee hee prootee heen eekousa hoos salpiggos lalousees met' emou, legousa, Anaba hoode, kai deixoo soi ha dei genesthai meta tauta. 1 After this I-saw, and look, a-door was-opened in the sky, and the voice the first one which I-heard like a-trumpet speaking with me, saying, "Come-up here, and I-will-show you the things that-shall-happen after this." Read on ... 2 καὶ εὐθέως ἐγενόμην ἐν πνεύματι· καὶ ἰδοὺ, θρόνος ἔκειτο ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, καὶ ἐπὶ τοῦ θρόνου καθήμενος· 2 Kai heutheoos egenomeen en pneumati; kai idou, thronos ekeito en too ouranoo, kai epi tou thronou katheemenos; 2 And I-was-found immediately in/on a-wind/spirit; and look, a throne was-set in the sky, and upon the throne [one]-sat; Now, consider contextual clues: How is a door usually "opened in the sky" or a throne usually "set in the sky?" Wouldn't they be set up upon a mountain? What? Has gravity taken a vacation? And, how was John to come up on his own power, for the command form was given for him to "come up here!" There's a simple test: Look up all the occurrences of "door" ("θύρα") in the New Testament and see how it is used in all the other places in Scripture: Here's the New Testament verses. There are 39 occurrences in 37 verses: Matthew 6:6 KJV - 6 "But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door,[G2374] pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." Matthew 24:33 KJV - 33 "So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, [even] at the doors.[G2374]" Matthew 25:10 KJV - 10 "And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door[G2374] was shut." Matthew 27:60 KJV - 60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door[G2374] of the sepulchre, and departed. Matthew 28:2 KJV - 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door,[G2374] and sat upon it. Mark 1:33 KJV - 33 And all the city was gathered together at the door.[G2374] Mark 2:2 KJV - 2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive [them], no, not so much as about the door:[G2374] and he preached the word unto them. Mark 11:4 KJV - 4 And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door[G2374] without (outside) in a place where two ways met; and they loose him. Mark 13:29 KJV - 29 "So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, [even] at the doors.[G2374]" Mark 15:46 KJV - 46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door[G2374] of the sepulchre. Mark 16:3 KJV - 3 And they said among themselves, "Who shall roll us away the stone from the door[G2374] of the sepulchre?" Luke 11:7 KJV - 7 "And he from within shall answer and say, 'Trouble me not: the door[G2374] is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.'" Luke 13:25 KJV - 25 "When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door,[G2374] and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door,[G2374] saying, 'Lord, Lord, open unto us'; and he shall answer and say unto you, 'I know you not whence ye are' :" John 10:1-2, 7, 9 KJV - 1 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door[G2374] into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he that entereth in by the door[G2374] is the shepherd of the sheep." ... 7 Then said Jesus unto them again, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door[G2374] of the sheep. ... 9 "I am the door:[G2374] by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." John 18:16 KJV - 16 But Peter stood at the door[G2374] without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter. John 20:19, 26 KJV - 19 Then the same day at evening, being the first [day] of the week, when the doors[G2374] were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, "Peace [be] unto you." ... 26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: [then] came Jesus, the doors[G2374] being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace [be] unto you." Acts 3:2 KJV - 2 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate[G2374] of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Acts 5:9, 19, 23 KJV - 9 Then Peter said unto her, "How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband [are] at the door,[G2374] and shall carry thee out." ... 19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors,[G2374] and brought them forth, and said, ... 23 Saying, "The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors:[G2374] but when we had opened, we found no man within." Acts 12:6, 13 KJV - 6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door[G2374] kept the prison. ... 13 And as Peter knocked at the door[G2374] of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. Acts 14:27 KJV - 27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door[G2374] of faith unto the Gentiles. Acts 16:26-27 KJV - 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors[G2374] were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. 27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors[G2374] open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. Acts 21:30 KJV - 30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors[G2374] were shut. 1 Corinthians 16:9 KJV - 9 For a great door[G2374] and effectual is opened unto me, and [there are] many adversaries. 2 Corinthians 2:12 KJV - 12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to [preach] Christ's gospel, and a door[G2374] was opened unto me of the Lord, Colossians 4:3 KJV - 3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door[G2374] of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: James 5:9 KJV - 9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.[G2374] Revelation 3:8, 20 KJV - 8 "I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door,[G2374] and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. ... 20 Behold, I stand at the door,[G2374] and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door,[G2374] I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Revelation 4:1 KJV - 1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door[G2374] [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, "Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter." With the exceptions of the analogy that the Messiah makes with him being the door to the sheepfold, the word is always a literal, phyiscal door or doorway. Why should it be different in Revelation 4:1?

Shalom, @Michael37. I love it! These ten things are among the issues that the Messiah will address when He returns! As @Marilyn C said above, Yeeshuwa` said, Mark 14:7 (KJV) 7 "For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always." This tells us the REASON why we always have the poor around! They provide us the OPPORTUNITY to "do them good!" When they have received their "good," and they have learned how to take care of themselves and others (if they can), they can "pay it forward" to others! Yeeshuwa` will make it more possible for them to take care of themselves and others, as He heals the sick, the lame, the deaf, the blind, and raises the dead! WE, who are His emissaries to this earth, will also be given the same power over these ailments and will be His ambassadors to other places and countries, providing them a broader base of healing to "pay forward!" It's going to be a WONDERFUL time! God will use US as well as His Messiah to get the job done! This will be FUN! At the end of the Millennium (if not some before), God will remake this earth and its atmosphere into the third state after the Fire predicted in Revelation 20 and 2 Peter 3. That will answer the problem about the "climate change."

Shalom @Michael37. The simple answer is "God doesn't HAVE an 'abode.'" He is said to be "omnipresent," that is, "present everywhere." That means that even in the farthest reaches of space, He is there! Consider the words we have from three different sources: David said, Psalm 139:7-12 (KJV) 7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven (Hebrew: שָׁמַיִם = shaamayim = "[into the] skies," a dual word meaning the "daytime sky" and the "NIGHTTIME SKY," with all that we can now see in telescopes and detect by radio-telescopes), THOU ART THERE: if I make my bed in hell (שְּׁאוֹל = sh'owl = "[in]-asked-about," i.e. the "[in-the]-tomb" or "[in-the]-grave"), behold, THOU ART THERE. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 EVEN THERE SHALL THY HAND LEAD ME, AND THY RIGHT HAND SHALL HOLD ME. 11 If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me"; even the night shall be light about me. 12 Yea, THE DARKNESS HIDETH NOT FROM THEE; BUT THE NIGHT SHINETH AS THE DAY: THE DARKNESS AND THE LIGHT ARE BOTH ALIKE TO THEE. Solomon said, 1 Kings 8:22-30 (KJV) 22 And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven: 23 And he said, "LORD God of Israel, [there is] no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart: 24 Who hast kept with thy servant David my father that thou promisedst him: thou spakest also with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled [it] with thine hand, as [it is] this day. 25 Therefore now, LORD God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father that thou promisedst him, saying, There shall not fail thee a man in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel; so that thy children take heed to their way, that they walk before me as thou hast walked before me. 26 And now, O God of Israel, let thy word, I pray thee, be verified, which thou spakest unto thy servant David my father. 27 "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, THE HEAVEN AND HEAVEN OF HEAVENS CANNOT CONTAIN THEE; how much less this house that I have builded? 28 Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day: 29 That thine eyes may be open toward this house night and day, [even] toward the place of which thou hast said, My name shall be there: that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which thy servant shall make toward this place. 30 And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive." (Both David and Solomon were "anointed ones"; therefore, I colored their words in red.) Note here that "shaamayim" was a NAME that God gave to the "רָקִיעַ" or "raqiya`," meaning an "expanse" as "beaten thin," even as the "thinning of the atmosphere." So, the words "the heavens and the heaven of heavens," which in Hebrew is "#" Finally, Isaiah said, Isaiah 45:1-13 (KJV) 1 Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; 2 "I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: 3 And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call [thee] by thy name, [am] the God of Israel. 4 For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. 5 I [am] the LORD (Hebrew: יְהוָה = "YHWH," in which vowel pointing was added from "'Adonay," to remind readers to say "'Adonay" rather than pronounce the Name), and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: 6 That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that [there is] none beside me. I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else. 7 I FORM THE LIGHT, AND CREATE DARKNESS: I make peace, and create evil (calamities): I the LORD do all these [things]. 8 Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it. 9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! [Let] the potsherd [strive] with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? 10 Woe unto him that saith unto [his] father, 'What begettest thou?' ('What have you fathered?') or to the woman (the mother), 'What hast thou brought forth?' ('To what have you given birth?')" 11 Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, "Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me. 12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, [EVEN] MY HANDS, HAVE STRETCHED OUT THE HEAVENS, AND ALL THEIR HOST HAVE I COMMANDED. 13 I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward," saith the LORD of hosts. Another psalm says, Psalm 147:1-5 (KJV) 1 Praise ye the LORD: for [it is] good to sing praises unto our God; for [it is] pleasant; [and] praise is comely. 2 The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. 3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. 4 HE TELLETH THE NUMBER OF THE STARS; HE CALLETH THEM ALL BY [THEIR] NAMES. 5 GREAT [IS] OUR LORD, AND OF GREAT POWER: HIS UNDERSTANDING [IS] INFINITE (Hebrew: מִסְפָּר = MIÇPAAR = "INNUMERABLE"). Now, all that being said, God DID make a City for us and will land it upon the New Earth, after it has been remade. That City is Yerushalayim haChadashah (the New Jerusalem), which will be set upon its foundation upon the New Earth. If one wants to call that "Heaven," that's okay. It DOES contain its own atmosphere! How else would the species called the "Tree of Life" be able to live there? (See, while still talking about the New Jerusalem, what John said in Revelation 22:1-2.) This city is said to be 12,000 stadia or 1,380 miles high! That's about six times the farthest height of the atmophere the earth is currently said to have! If we divide the height by 12 for each of its twelve foundational levels, that means that each level to the city will have 115 miles (less the thickness of the foundation) of atmosphere! One could EASILY fly a jetplane through that level's atmosphere! Also, as mentioned in the same passage of Revelation, this City is where the "throne of God and of the Lamb" is found, from which a pure river of water of life flows. So, was John caught up to a DISTANT throne of God and of the Lamb, or was he snatched away to a FUTURE throne of God and of the Lamb? I believe it was the latter.

Shalom, everyone. Resurrection Vs. Heaven by Retrobyter 12/24/2003 1. Do you think that to Heaven you'll go when you die? Did you know that "the Heaven" means simply "the sky?" There's a word that Paul used to mean "above the sky" That was used just a few times. Would you like to know why? 2. 'Cause Heav'n's not the end for which we should wish. Our hope is to be in His Resurrection of our flesh. God will raise us to life when the Messiah returns. It should be in His Coming for which our hearts yearn. 3. Yeeshuwa` arose from the grave in the flesh. He could eat and be touched and had skin clean and fresh. His body God did not allow to decay, But brought Him to life upon the third day! 4. God made the first Adam a new, "living breather": His body accepted God's life as a creature. God made the last Adam a "life-giving wind," Breathing new life eternal into those who had sinned. 5. When loved ones stand at the gravesite and weep, They may have forgotten those in Christ are "asleep." Someday the alarm clock of God's shofar blaster Will blow lout and long, awaking those from disaster. 6. They'll stretch and they'll yawn and jump out of their beds, With God's joy everlasting anointing their heads! Then we'll too be changed into something amazing, With life incorruptible! God we'll be praising! 7. He'll rapture the justified into the sky: With all of the saints, together we'll fly. Shouts of victory will rise from our lips to His name, And we'll praise Him forever and give Him the fame! 8. Through the heavens we'll go, but we'll all take "right turns!" Forever we'll be with the Lord, but He yearns For His Land and His people who cry out in fear, And He'll go straight to Israel to rescue those dear! 9. His terrible sickle will swing in His hand: With vengeance so fierce, He'll fight for His Land! Out of His mouth will go a sharp sword! Enemies tremble when the Lion has roared! 10. The Lion of the tribe of Yhudah is He, And none will stand to oppose Him, but flee! They'll run, but they cannot outrun His fierce wrath! His clothes will be stained in an awesome blood bath! 11. He'll chase from Yhudah those who would pillage, And free every town, every burrough, and village. Then off to Yerushaalayim He'll fly, And land on the Mountain of Olives close by. 12. The Mountain will quake with the touch of His foot, And will split in the middle as if by a knife cut. Half of the Mountain will slide to the north; The other half to the sould will slide forth. 13. The rift of the vale an escape will provide. Then, Yeeshuwa` haMaashiyach will go in with pride! The graves Ishmael planted before the East Gate Won't stop Him, for the vale will go right to the Gate! 14. By His blood He has hallowed, and none can restrain, For He comes in full haste to aid those in pain! Superstitions that somehow a graveyard provided Will dissolve as the graveyard is simply divided! 15. The gate too, one sealed, will be torn quote asunder, As the Lord of God's army will enter with thunder! The pursuer himself will be come the pursued, And the children of Tsiyown will flee as they're rescued. 16. As Israel passes by the Messiah, they'll see The prints of the nails in His hands and His feet. They'll ask, "Where'd you get these wounds in your hands?" He'll answer, "I got them from those I thought were my friends." 17. They'll realize right then what their ancestors did. And once they have safely removed and have hid, They'll gather together each family apart, And mourn for their Son from the depths of their heart. 18. With strengthn never waning and pow'r in His arm, He'll scour every building, every home, every farm. He'll purge His own city of those He'll defeat, And chase them, as through the north gate they'll retreat! 19. On the hill of Megiddo, they'll think to take stand, And battle against Him as together they band. But, He and His army will defeat them with ease-- To the bridle blood'll flow, as the Scripture decrees. 20. For two hundred miles (give or take), He will trounce them, And forever from His conquered Land He will bounce them! Then the birds and wild beasts to the Supper will come; They'll gorge themselves silly with the meat of the dumb! 21. They'll cart off their bones to pick at them, though sated, And the nations will sue for peace (though belated) He'll judge them by how they treated His people, Both Israelis and those who have met under steeple. 22. There's no difference now between Gentile and Jews When God has graffed both in the Olive Tree's Root. Outside of the Olive Tree, there's still a distinction, And Yeeshuwa` will judge them, nation by nation. 23. HaSatan will be brought up on charges 'gainst man, And a powerful messenger will put a stop to his plan. With haSatan chained securely and thrown in the abyss, A thousand years of our reign will begin in His bliss. 24. then, after the tribunal and after He's judged, He'll re-enter His city, although somewhat smudged, Accepted and welcomed as their prophesied King, All Israel will of His victory sing! 25. Then, He'll call for His people, both far and near, And say, "The time for Aliyah is now here! Come out of the nations to which you were deported. Come home, my dear family, come home!" He exhorted. 26. Encouraging the nations to make a great haste, And send home His people and no more time waste. He will give to some promises, and some He will threaten. They'll send them by ship, and by bus, and some jet in! 27. They'll send them all home and pay for the trip, To appease the King's wishes, they'll thrust them 'board ship! The children of Israel shall flow back to the Land: Their numbers will be as the grains of the sand! 28. When all of His people are back in ha'Arets, And He has forgiven them all of their debts, He'll sit down with them at the banqueting table, And observe the Lamb's Marriage Supper, as able. 29. When Messiah sits and drinks the new wine in His cup, A shout to His praise then will be ushered up! For He's finally drunk the fresh wine that He promised To drink it anew in His Kingdom! He's honest! 30. Before the Judgment Seat of the Messiah we'll stand, And answer before Him and receive from His hand. We'll receive in our bodies things done, good or bad. And we'll give Him the credit for any good that we had. 31. Daniel two and then seven and Matthew thirteen Will be slowly fulfilled and the parables seen: The stone cut without hands from the mount will expand, Becoming a mountain and filling the Land. 32. The God of the sky shall His Kingdom erect, Which never shall be destroyed, for He will protect. The Son of man, having come with the clouds, Is given dominion forever over the crowds. 33. His Kingdom, like One sowing good seed in His field, Will have weeds sown by an enemy to mess up His yield. He'll let them both grow and harvest both in the end. His children He'll keep but He'll burn those who offend! 34. His Kingdom is like a trivial seed. A mustard ssed is small, the least of all seeds, But when it isi grown, it's the greatest of herbs; So His Kingdom will start small but will grow beyond words! 35. Most misunderstood of the parables states His Kingdom is like how the leaven operates: Its influence is hidden, not seen with the eyes. In a short time, the whole dough affected will rise. 36. (The leaven is frequently said to type sin, Because of some other examples it's in, But here, it is said to be the Kingdom of heaven. Be careful not to use the wrong typing for leaven!) 37. The Kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure Hid in a field, its value's beyond measure! When one finds it (Remember: like leaven it's hidden), He sells all he owns and buys the field, 'cause he's driven! 38. The Kingodm of heaven is a capitalist, Seeking for pearls in which to invest, And even if the King sells all and risks it, He will always be able to turn a nice profit. 39. The Kingdom from the sky is just like a net Catching fish good to eat, and some, one would regret, And when it is full, it'll be drawn to the shore. The bad thrown away, and the good put in store. 40. That's just how it'll be at the end of our rule: Messiah will keep one to Him is a jewel. But, He'll throw the child of the wicked one out; No evil may inherit when life starts to sprout. 41. The children of Satan will seek to retain, But their doom is secure; there'll be none that remain. Although of His Kingdom there'll be no real end, Our reign beside Him will expire, and He'll mend. 42. All the evil and sin building up through the years, He'll root it all out, though again it'll bring tears. At first, He'll set free haSatan from his jail, And he'll build up an army that's just doomed to fail. 43. With Gog of Magog and the prince of Meshech, They'll surround God's encampment and stick out their neck. Then God will rain fire down upon their fool heads, And they will be judged with the rest of the dead. 44. Before the White Throne, those last raised will stand: They'll be judged from the books and from bliss will be banned. Then, into the Fire will go those who annoyed, And, last, Death and Hell will themselves be destroyed. 45. We will enter the New Yerushalayim prepared And be flown to a safe distance as the earth's solar flared! As the deluge of Fire from the earth shall subside, God will create a New Earth and New Sky. 46. When finally the last enemy, Death, is defeated, Yeeshuwa` shall be subdued to Him who is seated. When the Messiah shall deliver the Kingdom to God, Eternity begins, and His Father will nod. 47. And, last, Yerushalayim Chadashah will descend Upon the New Earth, and all things God will mend. We'll live in an Eden re-created by Him, And forever we'll bow and we'll jump to His whim. 48. In the City, we'll worship and praise God forever, The whole City a tribute to His every endeavor! In the New Earth, our "backyard" and "playground" so neat, Will be every citizen's "private retreat." 49. The river of life-giving water will be Flowing down the middle of each golden street, Right down to each gate, and then out each door. The water will flow and bring life and much more. 50. And, while it is true there will be no mor sea, The New Earth will have twelve new rivers, apparently. They will issue out of each pearly gateway, and then Spread out to water, like the four rivers of Eden. 51. We'll be able to laugh on our walks through the "park." Thousands of miles around the City it will never get dark! (For "paradise" comes from "pardace," which means A lush "orchard" or "park" with beautiful scenes.) 52. We could go on a picnic, or go for a swim, Canoe down a river ... whatever our whim! But each Friday night, as the sun starts to set, We'll head for the City ('cause this is the best!) 53. Each Shabbat, we'll get to sing praise to the LORD. We'll honor the Great One that we have adored! So worthy of honor and praise, we'll worship Him, Clothed in light that makes the sun appear dim! 54. It will be so much fun when our Hero we cheer, To tell Him we love Him, being completely sincere! We'll be so complete when fulfilling our purpose: We were created to please Him and give Him our service. 55. Some say we were created to glorify His Name, And we can do that right now, for "glory" means "fame." To "give God the glory" or to "make Him most famous," Requires us to tell others of how He has saved us. 56. One cannot just say, "Praise the Lord!" once to praise Him. To say "Praise the Lord!" is telling others to "praise Him!" It is a command with the "You" understood; You're deferring the praise to some other who would! 57. To praise Someone is to give Him renown! To share with the world how He's never let you down! What ... tell me ... what has He done just for you? Then ,focus on that and tell others, too! 58. But within the New Earth, there will be no one new To share with them what He has done just for you! No more will one say, "Know the LORD"; all will know Him! And, we will be content to know that each person will own Him. 59. Once we all have learned everyone's stories, We'll have to find something new for His glories. This won't be a problem, because He's not static. He's constantly showing His love! He's dynamic! 60. So, what is this "heaven" we're all looking for? It's simply the "sky" of the New Earth, nothing more. Of course, one may be thinking of the New Jerusalem's air, But in a thousand years or so, it'll be here instead of there. 61. We need to be focused on the literal raising and not be so focused on the ethereal and hazy, For His Son's tangible resurrection God has given, And not just some nonsense of a whimsical "heaven." 62. Most evangelicals know "heaven" is not On clouds, strumming harps in robes without spot, But why does "heaven" have to be found "Across the universe, where the Lord has been crowned"? 63. If "heaven's" a nickname for the Eternal City, Because of its size, its own air, and it's pretty, Then, I can agree ... with a little reserve, But one must take care from God's Word not to swerve! 64. Our fanciful thinking and imagination Can be a great strength and a sour of inspiration, But imagination can also be a drawback If God's Word is silent about a given subject. 65. To be honest with others when ideas we find, We must qualify speech and say, "This is mine." At no time should we pass off our thoughts as if God's Without a clear Scripture to back up the odds. 66. Fabrications are fine, if not passed off as truth. Original though can be good for our youth! So, pass on to others what God has taught you, And do God you best in whatever you do.

Shalom to all. Here's another one set to music: No Sin Left Unpaid! by Retrobyter 10/15/2023 Chorus: There is no sin left unpaid upon the Tree; He forgave our souls magnanimously! He gave us life so freely and complete; Go and share it with everyone you meet! Verse 1: Reputations so frail! One slip brings regret! Some people forgive, but they seldom forget. Trust quickly will fade, but Jesus will say: "Nor do I condemn, sin no more but obey. Verse 2: Ne'er within one's game will God play a part; He welcomes a truly mortified heart; And Jesus will say when we're all alone, "Let him without sin throw the very first stone." Verse 3: Though no one forgets the wrongs you have done, The penitent heart can yet find God's Son! He'll comfort your grief and lessen your loss By making your sins those nailed to His cross! Verse 4: The sin we've confesssed was paid long ago! (Though it brought Jesus shame and terrible woe.) We're children of God: Converse face to face. Accepted in the Beloved! What bountiful grace! Verse 5: I've failed you again! Oh! Wretch that I am! So loathsome and vile to the Innocent Lamb! But I read in His Word that He says to me, "I forgive you, my child. Let me help you be free!" Verse 6: Thoughtless words and deeds done disgracing His Name! Oh! Body of sin! So worthy of blame! New lives without sin for which we do yearn Jesus said we'll receive, for He will Return! Chorus: There is no sin left unpaid upon the Tree; He forgave our souls magnanimously! He gave us life so freely and complete; Go and share it with everyone you meet! It's a long song, especially if one is to include the chorus after every verse, but the chorus is the capstone to every verse! His Sacrifice on the cross is the answer to the problems we face in life, even and especially the deepest and darkest of sins we might commit.

Shalom to all. This one I set to music ... God of the Second Chance By Retrobyter 1/23/04 Verse 1: Father, dear Father, the God of all Truth, You are the wonderful ADONAY, LORD, Your love and forgiveness do blot out my youth, And help me to focus on You, my Adored. Chorus: God of the Second Chance! Lord of New Birth! He looked right through our sin and saw our worth. Not in what we have done merit we love, Finding worth through His Son is from Above. Verse 2: The blood of your dear Son has washed every sin And wiped clean the slate of the sins I confessedd. He's taken His residence now deep within My heart, and with new hope, His mercy's expressed. Verse 3: Help me to look to the future You'll bring And help me to tell all the world of your pow'r. I'm focused upon the Return of Your King; I look for His coming each day and each hour! Verse 4: Each saint at the call of His trumpet revives! His angels will gather us; He'll claim His own! It will be so marvelous when He arrives! He'll rescue His people and set up His throne!

Shalom to all. Here's ... A Ballad to Yeeshuwa`s Heart By Retrobyter on 8/11/03 The scribes and the Pharisees stormed through the door, Hauling a woman whose shame couldn't be more. Placing her brutally in the middle of the room, They proceeded harshly to prnounce her doom: "This adulterous woman was caught in the act! The Law says she should die, by stoning, in fact! But what do You say, O Rabbi so smart?" But Yeeshuwa` looked through them, right down to their heart: He stooped to the ground and wrote in the dust As though He had missed what they said in their lust. They asked Him again, goading Him to reply! He raised Himself up and looked them dead in the eye, "He without sin can throw the first stone." His words cut to the heart and chilled to the bone! Yeeshuwa` stooped down again and wrote in the dust, But this time they saw what He wrote of THEIR lust. For there on the ground were clues, maybe a name, As reminders of secrets and things that brought shame.. The elders left quietly remembering their past. The younger, more zealous, left the place last. But each had remembered some sin in their life That was just as much evil as an unfaithful wife. When Yeeshuwa` got up and looked all around, He said, "Where are your accusers; are there none to be found?" The woman said, No, sir, they've walked out the door." "Nor do I condemn thee; go home; sin no more." The woman left the temple; the Lord spared her life, And I'm sure she determined to be a more faithful wife. But this message came through loud and clear on that day, With actions He spoke and no words more could say, The Lord is longsuffering, not willing one die, But that all should repent, find forgiveness and cry ... Tear of joy for the mercy and love God has shown In declaring us His children, His loved ones, His own! He left no sin unpaid on Calvary's Tree, And He died for us freely to set our souls free. So, sinner, take heart! There's hope with the Lord Who has given His Son as the Payment Adored. He'll name you His child, if you accept His Son As your payment for sin, and a new life's begun! Just a trailing thought: Have you ever wondered how "this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act?" (John 8:4) Sound like a set-up, if you ask me. And who was the guy? Where is he? Wasn't he JUST AS GUILTY?

Shalom to all. Back when my mother died in 1986 (she had just turned 50 years old at the time), I wrote this poem to her memory: As a qualifier, I wrote this while I still believed that people go to heaven when they die. I don't anymore; but, I do believe in the RESURRECTION of our "souls," our "air-breathing bodies," at the Messiah's Coming. 1 Bittersweet the memory of my Mom so dear to me. S0 sickly in her fading hour; Yet still her soul the budding flow'r! 2 Such courage I have never known In man of steel with heart of stone! Since first she knew of cancer's story, Her one desire was for God's glory! 3 Her one complaint about her fate was that she could not concentrate; To talk about her precious Lord Had always been her best reward! 4 My gentle, loving wife gave birth to a little girl upon this earth. My Mom held on for the little soul, Our "Source of Joy" - Abigail Nicole. 5 T'was precious to see her hold our child A tender moment in which she smiled. Her first grandbaby spawned love so deep; Beside each other, they fell to asleep. 6 We used to talk of many things: Of Jerusalem New and angels' wings. She'd always listen to my thoughts, Even if what I said was naught. 7 When time to say good-bye had come, I knew the pain would leave me dumb. We hugged and wept for we both knew Our times together had been too few. 8 My heavy heart was crying out, "you mustn't go, you wretched lout!" But go I did and there resigned, We'd meet again, for God is kind. 9 My daughter's cousin was on the way, But Mom was called home and could not stay. She wanted dearly to see her second, but Jesus to my Mom had beakoned. 10 The clouds were crying the day she died. "How fitting," i thought, as I too cried. Glad was I that she was home. But, I would miss her wheree'er I'd roam. 11 Girding up my loins, I claim the promises for which Christ came: I look beyond and now I see that through it all, she now is free. 12 And some glad day, Messiah fair will take us home within His care, and Mom and I will finally meet, before the throne beneath His feet.

Shalom, @FriendofJonathan. Sure, but how should that affect OUR point of view? We DON'T know who will be justified and who will not! That's GOD'S business, and, frankly, it's NONE of our business! As I've said, "He's NOT TELLING!" So, from our perspective, we just need to know that ANYONE could and may be justified by God! Thus, it is STILL our job to tell EVERYONE about God's forgiveness and justification! We don't have the option of writing off anyone, nor should we consider someone entirely a lost cause!

Shalom, @Sower. I like to think of a mathematical paradox as a misinterpretation of the facts, usually associated with the dimension in which it is viewed. We've all seen images like this: And asked the question, "Is the ball in front of the box or behind it?" The truth is that this is NOT a three-dimensional box as portrayed, but is a HEXAGON in two-dimensional space, with two sets of three, intersecting lines within it! Those lines and the "ball" (a shaded-in circle) are on the same sheet of paper (or the flat screen of a computer monitor). Only when the interpreter IMAGINES this to be a "three-dimensional box" does the question become a paradox. The same is true for images like this: Again, this is actually 2-D not 3-D! It's truly just a trick of the artist upon a two-dimensional surface. The Hangman's Paradox is similar: The paradox has been described as follows: ["Unexpected Hanging Paradox". Wolfram] A judge tells a condemned prisoner that he will be hanged at noon on one weekday in the following week but that the execution will be a surprise to the prisoner. He will not know the day of the hanging until the executioner knocks on his cell door at noon that day. Having reflected on his sentence, the prisoner draws the conclusion that he will escape from the hanging. His reasoning is in several parts. He begins by concluding that the "surprise hanging" can't be on Friday, as if he hasn't been hanged by Thursday, there is only one day left – and so it won't be a surprise if he's hanged on Friday. Since the judge's sentence stipulated that the hanging would be a surprise to him, he concludes it cannot occur on Friday. He then reasons that the surprise hanging cannot be on Thursday either, because Friday has already been eliminated and if he hasn't been hanged by Wednesday noon, the hanging must occur on Thursday, making a Thursday hanging not a surprise either. By similar reasoning, he concludes that the hanging can also not occur on Wednesday, Tuesday or Monday. Joyfully he retires to his cell confident that the hanging will not occur at all. The next week, the executioner knocks on the prisoner's door at noon on Wednesday – which, despite all the above, was an utter surprise to him. Everything the judge said came true. Other versions of the paradox replace the death sentence with a surprise fire drill, examination, pop quiz, A/B test launch, a lion behind a door, or a marriage proposal. [Chow, T. Y. (1998). "The surprise examination or unexpected hanging paradox". The American Mathematical Monthly. 105(1): 41–51.] The problem here is that he cannot use a "chain rule" for these propositions. All he can reason is that it will either happen on Friday (which he "correctly" rules out) or on NON-FRIDAY, which is the lump of the other days in the week! He cannot logically assume that "the surprise hanging cannot be on Thursday either, because Friday has already been eliminated and if he hasn't been hanged by Wednesday noon, the hanging must occur on Thursday, making a Thursday hanging not a surprise either." While Thursday is a part of the NON-FRIDAY set, Friday has not truly been eliminated from the problem! Indeed, THINKING that "Friday has been eliminated" makes Friday a VIABLE SOLUTION! He WON'T be expecting it! The same is true for John 7:27: John 7:25-27 (KJV) 25 Then said some of them of Jerusalem, "Is not this he, whom they seek to kill? 26 But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ? 27 Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is." However, in ASSUMING they knew from whence He came, they DECEIVED themselves with a similar paradox! It's IRONIC!

Shalom, @Grace Aggrey-Fynn. One cannot reason this way. First, Paul warned, "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." (2 Corinthians 10:12). Second, Yeeshuwa` ("Jesus") said, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw ALL men unto me." (John 12:32, emphasis mine). Several times, the comparison is made above, "God has chosen you above everyone else," but this was what Paul warned against! To say, "God has favored me above everyone else" is nothing but PRIDE! And, it was said, "Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly." (Provebs 3:34, KJV) And, both Peter and James quote this verse. James 4:6 (KJV) 6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." and 1 Peter 5:5 (KJV) 5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for "God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." One cannot compare himself or herself to others, when it comes to God's favor. It's a "Catch-22" scenario: If one says, "God has favored me above others," he is being prideful, but God gives grace to the HUMBLE and MOCKS the proudful, instead! Yeeshuwa` also said, John 3:16-18 (KJV, emphasis mine) 16 "For God so loved the WORLD, that he gave his only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the WORLD through him might be saved (rescued; delivered). 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." God gives human beings the CHOICE, but it's THEIR choice, and He respects their choice, and judges accordingly. The bottom line is this: It's NOT ABOUT US! It's ALL ABOUT HIM! It is GOD ALONE who has justified us through the Sacrifice of His Son, the Messiah Yeeshuwa` ("the Christ Jesus"), that He made on our behalf! Isaiah 53:10-11 (KJV) 10 Yet it pleased the LORD (YHWH) to bruise him (the Messiah); HE hath put him to grief: when THOU shalt make his soul (the Messiah's air-breathing body) an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 11 He (YHWH) shall see of the travail of his (the Messiah's) soul, and SHALL BE SATISFIED: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant (the Messiah) justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. When I was just entering college the first time, I considered 5-point Calvinism. I knew that Arminianism was not correct, but how much of Calvinism was correct? "The five points of Calvinism are: Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints; often remembered by the acronym 'TULIP'." Of these five, the first one is obviously biblical: "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." All human beings are naturally, totally depraved from birth! A child might cry like he or she is suffering greatly, but when Mom comes in and picks up the child, that's all the child wanted, and the crying ceases! The child LIED to get attention! No one had to teach that child how to lie. He or she may not be intentional with the lie, but even though innocent of deception, he or she lied nonetheless. The second, Unconditional Election, suggests that God made a way for a person to be justified without that person's help. This, too, is biblical. GOD HIMSELF - ALONE - made the Sacrifice for the sins of humanity to be covered and forgiven. (Isaiah 53:10-11). Limited Atonement, however, is NOT biblical. One can see that in the words of the Messiah in John 3:16-18 quoted above. He atoned for the sins of the WHOLE WORLD, whether they accept that Sacrifice or not! In fact, his or her rejection of that Sacrifice is the BASIS for the judgment against him or her! Irresistible Grace, is also NOT biblical. God is not responsible for whether a person is proudful or humble. That is TOTALLY on the back of the individual! I like the analogy of the doorway that one walks through when one is justified by God: Before entering the doorway, one will read above the door, "Whosoever will may come." When one passes through the doorway and looks back, one will see above the inside of the door, "Chosen in Him before the foundation of the world." God DOES know who will be justified and who will resist, but He is NOT making that choice for them, and the choice isn't recorded until the person has made the choice! Thus, His grace MAY be resisted! The foreknowledge of God is not deterministic. While He has "declared the end from the beginning," He's NOT TELLING! From our perspective, He has allowed for individual choice, just as He allowed Adam and Chavah ("Eve") to take of the fruit, and eat it, while they still lived within the Garden. The final point, "the Perseverance of the Saints," or rather, "GOD'S Perseverance FOR the Saints," is the fact that when one is born again and justified by God, it is GOD who does the justifying! "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth." (Romans 8:33). Therefore, this, too, is biblical: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" (Romans 8:35). Answer: "No one and no thing!" So, I concluded that, at best, I consider myself a "THREE-point Calvinist." It's best to stick to the Scriptures rather than a label.

Shalom, Michael. Thank you. I was hoping that was an academic reference. I've also set it to music as a ballad.

Shalom, Michael. How do you mean?

If You Will Come, We'll Surely Kneel To Thee By Retrobyter Seven hundred years Before Christ's timely birth, A prophet of great boldness came To tell the men of earth That there would be a pow'rful Man Anointed to be King; Of His surprising miracles The populace would sing. Of healing pow'r to make blind see, And deaf to hear His voice, Of pow'r even to raise the dead, And cause men to rejoice; Of all these things and so much more The children would sing songs ... But only children welcomed Him to Remedy their wrongs! A song once written years before Isaiah was a child Predicted that Christ would not fit into Systems then gone wild; "The builders of the pyr'mid said, 'The stone does not fit in!' When they were done, it CAPPED the work, Much to their chagrin!" The Messiah was rejected, Ridiculed and slain, But to the shock of all involved He CAME TO LIFE AGAIN! But, He did not then "cap the work" Of which the song declared; Instead, He left the earth until He hears the message dared, "We care not whether You were He Of whom the Christians claim; We only know we need you now, Or we will die in shame. "We've heard of you, Messiah fair, And of your pow'r we read; Please come and rescue us, dear Sire, In this our time of need! If you don't save us now, There won't be anyone left to save! The nation Israel is doomed, And we can see our grave!" And, in the nation Israel's Darkest, gloomiest hour, Will come the Prince (not yet the King) In majesty and pow'r! And, when they see Messiah riding Down on kingly steed, And all the millions following To aid the ones in need, Then, shouts of victory will echo All across the Land With sighs of relief and gasps of awe, As He saves with mighty hand! And THEN will He be made a King, Accepted now at last; And THEN a King o'er many kings As one by one they ask! Ah! But for now He is the "Christ" - "Anointed" TO BE King, And although He is not King now, He will be in the "Spring": For now, the "Winter" slowly drags With vernal guarantees, And time goes on at God's own pace With thoughtfulness and ease. He fills each age with purpose, And reason for each pause, To get the most from ev'ry age, And weed out all the flaws. So, boast not Christian Gentile, For you are graffed in, To share Messiah's bounty Prematurely; do not sin! If God spared not the people Whom He dealt with many years, What will He do if you should speak Against them without tears? The Scriptures say so little 'Bout this time in which we live ... Could it be that we've read into it Much more than He did give? Why must we feel that we're the ones For whom the sun must shine? Why do we think we're all who'll be At the Marriage Feast to dine? Get rid of that old foolish pride; We're graffed in, I say! This high and mighty attitude Will come to humbler day! It should be crushing blow to think That Christ's return will be When ISRAEL cries, "If you will come, We'll surely kneel to Thee!"

Shalom, @A Freeman. Not so, friend. I can show book, chapter, and verse for what I've claimed as true. The words are certainly biblical, and that in itself makes them true. The Qur'an?! That is NOT the Word of God. It was an attempt to control and subjugate the ones gullible enough (or cowed enough by fear) to listen, but Paul himself taught, Galatians 1:8 (KJV) 8 But though we, or AN ANGEL FROM HEAVEN, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. And, one will find this in history: "The Quran, revealed in the 7th century AD by a man who claimed angelic visitation, lacks verifiable evidence. Contrastingly, the Bible, written between 1400 BC and AD 95, predates the Quran by centuries and was widely distributed before Muhammad's time." (MadraSatelQuran.com on "Is the Quran older than the Bible?") We also learn, "The Prophet Muhammad disseminated the Koran in a piecemeal and gradual manner from AD610 to 632, the year in which he passed away. The evidence indicates that he recited the text and scribes wrote down what they heard." (By Behnam Sadeghi, Stanford University for the BBC, July 23, 2015.) Therefore, the Qur'an was begun 515 years AFTER the Bible was finished! The Word of God says, Proverbs 30:4-6 (KJV) 4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what [is] his name, and what [is] his son's name, if thou canst tell? 5 Every word of God [is] pure: he [is] a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. We also read this: Psalm 119:89-96 (KJV) 89 לְ For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. 90 Thy faithfulness [is] unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. 91 They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all [are] thy servants. 92 Unless thy law [had been] my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. 93 I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me (brought me to life). 94 I [am] thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts. 95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: [but] I will consider thy testimonies. 96 I have seen an end of all perfection: [but] thy commandment [is] exceeding broad. So, the Bible ALONE is the Word of God. The point of Scripture which Paul wrote shows that we CANNOT keep God's Law! Consider: God said, Isaiah 46:8-10 (KJV) 8 "Remember this, and shew yourselves men: bring it again to mind, O ye transgressors. 9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 DECLARING THE END FROM THE BEGINNING, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, MY COUNSEL SHALL STAND, AND I WILL DO ALL MY PLEASURE:" YHWH God not only KNOWS the end from the beginning, He DECLARED it from the beginning, meaning that He SET IT ALL INTO MOTION! James also said, James 2:1-13 (KJV) 1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? 8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (Leviticus 19:18), ye do well: 9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. 10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, HE IS GUILTY OF ALL. 11 For he that said, "Do not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14), said also, "Do not kill" (Exodus 20:13). Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. And, one cannot go just by the Ten Commandments, for there were 613 commandments, and many of those cannot be kept today because there is no Temple in Jerusalem today! These are not necessarily the SAME SONG! How many songs do YOU sing in your services? We typically have THREE songs in our Sunday morning service. Why can't this choir have three DIFFERENT songs to sing? The Song of Moses was recorded in Exodus 15 and repeated in Deuteronomy 31 and 32. The children of Israel sang this song after the defeat of Pharoah and his army in the crossing of the Red Sea. The Song of the Lamb would have been written after the Lamb was slain (unless it's within the prophets). It was probably sung during John's time. The New Song, may not be written until the 144,000 are selected to sing. Secondly, the "priestly ordinances" regarding animal sacrifice were NOT "done away" at all! Many Christians feel this way, but the truth is that the animal sacrifices were how the Levi'iym were FED! They are found within the prophecy of Y'chezk'eel (Ezekiel)! It was a COOK-OUT, and the animals AND THE VEGETABLES brought to the Tabernacle and later to the Temple were given as a portion for the Levites and priests to eat. After all, the service to YHWH Elohiym was THEIR inheritance! The meat being "sodden" was boiled, much as in a BEEF STEW! I don't know whether they had potatoes, but leeks and onions are roots, and they may have consumed other roots, as well. Within the Passover seders, many Jews today will use horseradishes as the "bitter herbs" in the ceremony.