By Jim Patterson - September 22, 2024
Jesus knew all things. Jesus told his Disciples, like the Sheep and Goats, he would separate people. Matthew 25: 31-46. Jesus told his disciples that it would be as a bridegroom when he returned. Those who didn't do Works would be locked out. Matthew 25;1-13. James 2:18-26 - Jesus said he was returning for Judgement. John 5:26-29. Jesus said he would return to the place he ascended from. John 6:62. Jesus said ALL would be Judged. 2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 20:12, Matthew 12:36. Jesus told his Disciples that Satan, The Prince of The World, ...
By Jim Patterson - September 15, 2024
"According to some Christian beliefs, Jesus said many are called to the kingdom of God, but only a few are chosen to receive Christ and enter. This is because only the chosen ones truly hear God and respond sincerely. Here are some other reasons why Jesus may have said that only a few are chosen: * God's choice: God chose the chosen ones before the world was created to be holy and blameless in his sight. * God's Decision is solely for his pleasure: God chooses to save some people because it pleases him. In Judaism, "chosenness " refers to the belief that Jews, ...
By Jim Patterson - September 8, 2024
In the Hebrew Bible, death was viewed as a transition managed by the living through ritual actions. The Hebrew word for "death" is mawet, pronounced "MA-wet". The Hebrew verb for "to die" is mōt, pronounced "MOHT."MAVET (Mawet), the ordinary Hebrew word for death, is also the proper name of a Canaanite underworld god (Mot), the enemy of Baal in a Ugaritic epic.Death and the Relation to GodIn the Hebrew Bible, most things are seen and described in their relation to (the belief in) the God of Israel. The story of the first sin introduces death as something that marks the ...
By Jim Patterson - September 2, 2024
Satan IT ALL BEGINS WITH THE HEBREWS In the Hebrew Bible, the figure known as ha-satan ("the satan") first appears as a heavenly prosecutor who works for Yahweh (God). Satan tests the loyalty of Yahweh's followers and prosecutes the nation of Judah in the divine court. During the intertestamental period, Satan may have developed into a malevolent entity that opposes God, possibly due to the influence of the Zoroastrian figure Angra Mainyu. In the apocryphal Book of Jubilees, Yahweh gives Satan, who is referred to as Mastema, authority over a group of fallen angels or their offspring. Satan's job is to ...
May 29, 2024
In the grand narrative of Scripture, the responsibility to teach and guide the next generation stands as a foundational pillar. The Bible underscores the importance of imparting wisdom, faith, and moral values to the young, ensuring that each generation carries forward the legacy of God's truth and love. This divine mandate is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing that the duty of instruction is not only a familial obligation but a communal and spiritual one as well. Old Testament FoundationsThe Old Testament provides numerous instances where the importance of teaching the next generation is highlighted. One of the ...
May 28, 2024
In our modern era, characterized by technological advances and urban sprawl, many people yearn for a return to simpler, more meaningful ways of living. Central to this aspiration is the practice of living from the earth—a lifestyle that emphasizes sustainability, self-sufficiency, and a profound connection with nature. The Bible, a source of spiritual guidance for millions, offers valuable insights into the importance of living in harmony with the earth and recognizing it as a divine gift from God. This article explores biblical references that underscore the sacredness of the earth and the call to be its stewards. The Creation Narrative: God's ...
By Tohbi Fawn - May 18, 2024
Welcome to A Drop from Eden! Today, we embark on a fascinating journey through time to explore the biblical history of aromatherapy. This ancient practice, which harnesses the healing power of essential oils and aromatic compounds, is deeply rooted in the scriptures, illustrating a profound connection between scent, spirituality, and wellness.Aromatherapy might seem like a modern wellness trend, but its origins are ancient, with the Bible offering one of the earliest records of its use. The sacred texts provide numerous references to fragrant oils and herbs, showcasing their significance in religious rituals, daily life, and medicinal practices.Gifts from the East: ...
I pray, Lord, for all who will need strength and courage in the day ahead: For those who face danger. For those who risk themselves for others. For those who must make an important decision today. For people who are seriously ill. For those facing persecution or torture. I ask you, Lord, to give them the power of your Spirit,Amen
God of every nation and people, from the beginning of Creation you have made known your love through the gift of your Son, who bears the name Emmanuel, “God with Us.” In the fullness of time the Christ-child came to be the Good News to all who would receive him.Grant that I may remember every day the blessing that this season represents, to me personally and to all Christians throughout the world; and especially, to those who have not yet received the Word, but may find Christ in the future. Thank you, Lord, for your great blessing to us all.Amen.
By Jim Patterson
We read in Luke 2:8-20 how the birth of the Lord Jesus was first announced to humanity. The birth of a king's son is generally made an occasion of public reveling and rejoicing. The announcement of the birth of the Prince of Peace was made privately, at midnight, and without anything of worldly pomp and ostentation.Let us mark who they were to whom the message first came that Christ was born. They were "shepherds abiding in the field near Bethlehem, keeping watch over their flocks by night." To shepherds - not to priests and rulers - to shepherds - not ...