Once again, Science is in line with the scriptures. In this case, the Science is in the form of one of the most brilliant Scientific minds of our era, Stephen Hawking. Hawking came out recently saying we need to abandon earth or face extinction. Pretty strong, sobering words coming from a very smart guy. In fact he's advocating we act fast.
Reminds me of the question posed to Jesus, another brilliant mind, by his disciples. "What will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age?"
The answer and description given by Jesus, and then later by John in his vision on the isle of Patmos, is not far off from where Hawking is coming from. In other words, just like the "circle of the earth" and "the earth hangs on nothing" another biblical truth comes to light via the Scientific world showing us that God gave us some very important scientific answers all along.
Biblically speaking, the end of the age will start with a cosmic disturbance. The signs will be in the heavens. Many have mentioned astroids as being the destructive means by which this may happen. Some say nuclear bombs will be our undoing.
The bible is clear about this cosmic disturbance that will usher in the end. It says "the sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes." Joel 2:31
and...
"there was a great earthquake and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood: and the stars of heaven fell to the earth even as a fig tree casts her untimely figs when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together and every mountain and island were moved out of their places." Rev 6:12-14
Of course, Hawking has given us his view, sans scripture, but both are saying pretty much the same thing. There's coming a day when we will go from one age to another or we will face extinction on this earth. In Hawking's view he's suggesting we explore space for alternative habitation. In God's Word it says he will usher in a "new heaven and a new earth."
There are many signs that show us that the time is drawing near. Look at what's going on in the animal kingdom. Look at mankind and the hatred, greed and violence that is permeating our culture by the hands of many. The weather and climate is but just another thing to watch. The diseases and pestilences as well. All are going to get expedientially stronger until we can't ignore it any longer. I can't pick up the daily newspaper and not wonder how long do we have?
Only God knows.
Our job is to be ready.
I feel that most Believers have a very negative view of the Pharisees. During Jesus's time, there were several sects of Pharisism. The word Pharisee means 'set apart'. If you look through out all of Scripture GOD was continually and constantly saying I don't want your burnt bulls or rams what I desire is a changed heart hence why Jesus called some of them 'white washed tombs'.
As you pointed out KFC it was a way of life and not a way to life. The word Torah is a word that means "teaching" or "instruction." It is often rendered as "law." But that is the least of its roles. It comes from a root word in Hebrew yarah which gives us the word picture of a man throwing a spear at a target. From this root, we see that Torah is instruction on how to hit the mark or target. More specifically how to accurately do those things which are pleasing to GOD. The Torah teaches us how to please the heart of GOD.
Romans 10:4 tells us that Messiah was the "end" (telos) of the Torah for righteousness for every one who believes. Now, I feel that the Greek word telos would be more accurately translated to goal here. Messiah was the goal of the Torah for righteousness (rightstanding) for those who believe. Telos is like the finish line in a race. If you look in Romans 9:30-10:4 in the Greek you'll see that goal makes more sense than end (for the words used here are very Olympic/athletic related). The goal of the runners is to cross the finish line not necessarily just to end the race. When we have received Yeshua (Jesus) as our savior, the goal of the Torah has been fulfilled.
Actually this goes nicely with what your next to the last post said. If you look at Romans 10:4 "For Messiah is the goal of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes." Everything points in the direction of Messiah, if you look at Shabbat meal, for example. First there is the lighting of the two candles by the head women of the house (symbolizing that the woman would be the one who brings the light/Messiah in). Then the blessings of the Red Wine giving coming from the vines of the earth and the Bread that is from the grains from the earth. This is such a beautiful symbolism here. Me doing this here doesn't get me any brownie points with GOD or make HIM exalt me. It helps me to see the Messiah throughout all Scriptures and be focused on HIM for Jesus was the goal and the point in all of this.
Good stuff PP. I love you!!!! You are a born teacher!
I also like to go to the Greek for a clearer meaner to words. We were studying Jude last night and looked at "earnestly contend" (v3) which is one word in the Greek and is agonizomai (where we get agonize from) first meant to compete in an athletic contest and then more generally to "fight, struggle, strive." That's how we are to be in defense of the faith. We are to agonize over it as we would in a sporting event.
Sad to say, most have no idea. But I can see you do!
It comes from a root word in Hebrew yarah which gives us the word picture of a man throwing a spear at a target. From this root, we see that Torah is instruction on how to hit the mark or target.
That's the philosophical discussion, very typical for rabbinical assemblies.
But here's the deal. Yarah today means "shoot" and 2000 years ago meant "cast" (as in "throw a dice"). But I think it originally derived from "decide". There is a logical connection between "decide" and "cast" ("the die is cast" is a common saying to mean that the decision has been made). Work with me, I am coming to a point.
As you know, and as others might find interesting, the word/root "katav" means "write" and from it derives "hiktiv" meaning "dictate" (aka "make someone write"). Similarly "yashav" means "sit" and "hoshiv" means "seat" (aka "make someone sit"). Most Hebrew verbs have such a derivation. I think it's likely that "horoth" ("instruct", whence derives "torah" = "instruction") derives from "yarah" (originally "decide") and hence literally means "make somebody decide" which is what instructing is. (The "decide" here means "decide what to do or how to do it", hence evolved into "cast").
Now, what really baffles me is the derivation of the word "talmud". It's clear that it derives from "lamad" ("learn"). But how?
("Talmid" = "student" is clear. It's from "make somebody learn" and analogous to "toshav" = "inhabitant" and "torah" = "instruction".)
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