12 MAR 2024 · In this episode the chief fathers of the tribe of Manasseh spoke to Moses about the  judgment God gave concerning the daughters of Zelophehad. In Numbers chapter 27, the five daughters of Zelophehad asked Moses for their fathers land inheritance.  Land had always gone to sons, but Zelophehad didn’t have sons but daughters. So their fathers land would have gone to someone else but that did not seem right so they took the matter to Moses. Moses took the matter to the Lord, who said, the daughters of Zelophehad were right. They should receive their fathers land. But now the men realize, another tribes land inheritance would increase and their’s would decrease under the current judgment.  So God amended the judgment saying the women were required to marry men from their own tribe. In his response, God is seen as a just and fair judge, when the women first presented their case, God declared they were right they should receive their father’s land, although he foresaw what the men now see, He did not go beyond the specific pleadings in the women’s case. Their father’s land should not be given to someone else, just because they were women.  The tribes were also told their land inheritance could not move from tribe to tribe, everyone was required to keep their own land inheritance. For this reason Naboth refused to sell his vineyard to king Ahab.  Naboth was a man of faith and did not want to break God’s commandment. So he told king Ahab,  in 1 Kings chapter 21 verse 3, "The Lord forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee."   Ahab became depressed and his wife Jezebel hired men of Belial to lie and say they heard Naboth blaspheme the name of God and the king, so he was stoned to death.   Ahab quickly, took possession of the vineyard, when he heard Naboth was dead. We note that like Naboth, Christ was falsely accused of blasphemy and was killed. The wicked one believed if Christ was slain he would obtain possession of God’s vineyard.  God’s people are called his vineyard in Isaiah chapter 5 verse 7.  Here’s the text: Isaiah 5:7  For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry. God often goes to look for fruits of righteousness amongst his people called the vineyard,  but He often finds, unrighteousness. And this appears to be the result of those minding the vineyard.  Jesus once told a parable about a man who had a vineyard. He hired servants to take care of the vineyard but they wanted it for themselves, so they killed the servants, the owner sent to receive the fruit.  They even killed his Son, saying “This is the heir, let us kill him that the inheritance may be ours.”  So because of their wickedness, Jesus said the vineyard would be taken from them and given to others.  It would be given to those who will take care of his vineyard. But idol worshippers like Jezebel and Ahab, will be destroyed because of their coveteousness and mixed worship. The Pharisees rejected God’s Son so the vineyard was given to His disiples. This He will continue to do throughout the generations, until he returns. Whenever the vineyard falls into the hands of wicked men, he will take it from them and hand it over to true disciples,  people who will take care of it. And the wicked vineyard workers will be destroyed. Here's the text: Luke 20:9  Then began he to speak to the people this parable; A certain man planted a vineyard, and let it forth to husbandmen, and went into a far country for a long time. Luke 20:10  And at the season he sent a servant to the husbandmen, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard: but the husbandmen beat him, and sent him away empty.  Luke 20:11  And again he sent another servant: and they beat him also, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty. Luke 20:12  And again he sent a third: and they wounded him also, and cast him out.  Luke 20:13  Then said the lord of the vineyard, What shall I do? I will send my beloved son: it may be they will reverence him when they see him. Luke 20:14  But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours. Luke 20:15  So they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What therefore shall the lord of the vineyard do unto them? Luke 20:16  He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give the vineyard to others. And when they heard it, they said, God forbid. Luke 20:17  And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? Luke 20:18  Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

1 MAR 2024 · In this episode cities are given to the Levites. They will not receive land like the other tribes but cities within tribal lands. They will be dispersed throughout the nation, each tribe will have priests within their community, to administer justice and teach God’s laws. They will be strategically placed within the land, given cities a certain distance from the wall, with plenty of room to raise cattle, cattle they will receive from tithes and offerings. They will be given 48 cities and 6 of them will be refuge cities. Refuge cities, were established to protect murderers, from the avenger of blood. The avenger of blood was a designated family member who had the duty or obligation to avenge the death of his kin. God is a righteous God, and He knew man lived in an imperfect world and a man could accidentally kill someone. So He wanted to provide a way of escape for the guilty party. He wanted to protect him from the avenger. But if the murder or killing was done on purpose, with malice and forethought, he would be killed by the avenger. But if the killing was accidental, the avenger could not slay him. In order to be protected from the avenger of blood, the killer had to remain in the refuge city until the death of the high priest. If he left the city, and the avenger killed him, so be it, he should have remained in the city. After the high priest died, the killer would be released to go back to his possession in his own land. This points to Jesus’ sacrifice. He died to make atonement for man’s sin. Because of Christ’s death, our sins are forgiven and we are allowed to return to our possession, that is our body at the resurrection. Jesus is our high priest. He died, so we can return to our possession. Paul said, through Christ we have obtained an inheritance that is eternal life, and the Holy Spirit is the down payment, on the purchased possession, which is the beliver’s body. Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Ephesians 1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Ephesians 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: Ephesians 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Ephesians 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

27 FEB 2024 · In this episode, God gave Moses the boundaries and borders for the land of Israel. Forty years after leaving the land of Egypt the Israelites are close to inheriting the promised land. In the Old Testament, they inherited the promised land by fighting and slaying others. But in the NewTestament, things have changed. In order to inherit the promised land, God’s people are told to love and do good to others. In John chapter 13 verse 35, Christ told his disciples, He was giving them a new commandment and that commandments was to love one another as He loved them. They were even warned against being angry with each other and calling each other names. Here’s the text: Matthew 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. In the Old Testament, under the direction of Moses and Joshua the people show no pity or mercy on their enemies. But in the New Testament, under the direction of Christ and the Holy Spirit, those who show mercy are blessed and receive mercy from God. Here's the text: Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. The nation of Israel was created to be a light to other nations. And Christ's disciples are called to be a light to the people around them. As we love each other, we help rescue others out of the kingdom of darkness. So Paul says, in Romans chapter 12 verses 17 through 21. Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Romans 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

23 FEB 2024 · In this episode God told Moses to write an account of Israels journeys, according to their goings out. Moses started off by saying they departed from Ramseses on the 15th day of the 1st Month. The day God executed judgments on the Egyptians and their gods. God judged the Egyptians and the gods they worshipped. And in this chapter the people are told to destroy all molten images, pictures, and high places when they enter into the promised land. We note they would be tempted to keep the idols because they were often covered with gold and silver. The idols were symbols of wealth, so the people would want to keep them. Here’s the text: Deuteronomy 7:25 The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it is an abomination to the LORD thy God. Deuteronomy 7:26 Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing Idolatry was forebidden in the Old Testament and in the New Testament. Paul said, in Colossians chapter 3 verse 5 that covetousness is idolatry. So he encouraged Christians to set their affections on things above not on things on the earth. Here’s the text: Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: Colossians 3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: The people were also told to drive out the inhabitants in the land. If they did not drive them out they would vex them and be pricks in their eyes. Pricks were briers or thorns and in this case pricks are figurative, for evil men. The BDB says, eyes may refer to the physical eye, or mental and spiritual faculties. If they allowed the inhabitants to remain in the land, they would distress and afflict them. Their sinful deeds and wicked behavior, would distress the Israelites causing mental and physical anguish. Jesus told his followers they were the salt and the light of the world. If they refused to be salt and light they in essence would be vexed by their enemies. He said, they would be trodden underfoot by men. Thayer’s says trodden means, to tread down, trample under foot, to trample on, metaphorically to treat with rudeness and insult, to spurn, treat with insulting neglect. In order to be salt and light they would have to deal with the images and high places in the land, by destroying all manner of covetousness in their own lives. They would have to cast down thoughts and imaginations and pluck down the high places in their lives, as Paul notes in the following text. 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; Thayer’s says, casting down means, to pull down, demolish, the subtle reasonings of opponents likened to a fortress, to refute, to destroy. Strongs says, imaginations means reasoning, thought, estimate, conclude, esteem, suppose, think on. They would have to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God. And live according to the written word of God and not their own thoughts and reasonsings. They would not be able to let the images of the world, it’s pictures and the things the world promotes and highly esteems, dictate their lifestyle or determine, what’s important in life. The pictures and the images they’ve raised up and exalted, above the word of God must be destroyed. Or they will be vexed by the prince of darkness. They will be afflicted and distressed, mentally and physically. And if they don't repent, the enemy will continue to deal wisely with them and they may find themselves in a snare, having to be chastised by the Lord. They will also be seen as adulterers in God’s eyes because He is a jealous God. James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. In Deuteronomy chapter 5 verse 9, God says, He is a jealous God. Here’s the text: Deuteronomy 5:9 Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, The god of this world seeks to vex us with his wiles. If we love the world, that his territory and the things on earth more than heavenly things, we will forfeit the kingdom of God. So John warns us by telling us we cannot love the world or the things in the world because it affects our love for God. Here's the text: 1John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 1John 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

20 FEB 2024 · In this episode the children of Gad and the children of Reuben asked Moses to give them the land of Sihon and Og, because the land was good for cattle and they had much cattle. Moses quickly rebuked them saying, “shall your brethren go to war while you sit here?” He said if they refused to go up and fight the others would get discouraged. If the Gadites and the Reubenites refused to cross over the Jordan the Israelites would lose over 88,000 fighting men. This was a big deal because God said, in Leviticus chapter 26 verse 8, that their enemies would fall before them by the sword. And 5 of them would chase 100 and 100 shall put 10,000 to flight. So if 88,000 men were missing from the battlefield, we can see why the others would become discouraged. But the men told Moses, they would surely cross over the Jordan to help their brethren fight for the promised land but first they wanted to build fenced cities for their families and their cattle. Moses agreed to give them the land, if they kept their part of the agreement. If they did not do what they said, they would not "officially" receive the land. All their labor would be in vain and they would receive land on the other side of the Jordan with the rest of the tribes. We note that the land they requested, was not a part of the land God promised to give Abraham and his descendants. But Shion and Og came out against them as they were marching toward the promised land. And by the strong arm of the Lord the Israelites defeated them and gained possession of their land, all their cattle and all their treasure. Several prophets wrote about Sihon and Og, and how God defeated them and gave the children of Israel their land. Nehemiah 9:22 Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan. Those evil kings were bad tenants in the lands they occupied. They were extremely wicked and cruel. So they were judged and cast out of the land. God created the earth so he owns all the land. And He determined it was time to cast out those evil men and their people, the people they taught to be evil. So they were evicted, and God let new tenants, his children, the Israelites, move into the land. God has promised to give the earth and all its land to the righteous. This will occur because Jesus the Christ, the second Adam, defeated the prince of the world. He said, in John chapter 16 verse 11 and John chapter 12 verse 31, that the world has been judged and the prince of the world has been judged and cast out. So we are reminded in Psalms chapter 37, not to envy the wicked but commit our life to the Lord, delight in him, do good, for in just a little while, the wicked will be no more. And those who worship and serve the Living God will dwell in the land forever, free of all evil. Here’s the text: Psalms 37:1 A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. Psalms 37:2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Psalms 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Psalms 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Psalms 37:6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Psalms 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Psalms 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. Psalms 37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. Psalms 37:10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. Psalms 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

16 FEB 2024 · In this episode, God told Moses to go to war against the Midianites to avenge the children of Israel. Five kings were slain and so was Balaam, who was living in the Land of Midian. He had received his reward. Yet, it was short lived. He had set a trap for the Israelites, and became a victim of his own trap. Scripture clearly tells us, there is a snare in the trap or evil plans a person may hatch, whereby they become victims of their own wickedness. Here are text: Proverbs 29:6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice. Proverbs 28:10 Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession. Ecclesiastes 10:8 He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him. In this battle, the soliders, killed the five kings and all the men in Midian They also burned all the cities and castles down to the ground. Everything taken out of Midian all of the vessels, all the jewels and even the prisoners of war had to be purified before being taken into the camp. Some things were purified by water only, and some by fire and water. All of the metals, had to go through the fire and then purified by the water of separation. The water of separation, was made with the ashes of a red heifer. The red heifer was slain, outside the camp and her blood was taken and sprinkled before the tabernacle of the congregation. Then her body was burned, along with cedar wood, hyssop and scarlet. The ashes of those items, were then mixed with water to make the water of separation. We are told the water of separation was used as a purification for sin. We note that we are all precious vessels of the Lord, captives of Jesus Christ; taken as spoils of war out of the enemies camp. We must be cleansed by fire and the water of separation, by these we are cleansed from sin and allowed into the camp of the Living God, located on the other side of the heavens. John said in Matthew chapter 3 verse 11 that Jesus baptizes us with the Holy Ghost and with fire. Here's the text: Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: When Christ fills us with the Holy Spirit, it seems as if we are in a refiners fire. Because the Holy Spirit begins to convict us of sin. And we begin to wrestle with our own sinful desires and God’s righteous desires. So as He leads us, to lead a righteous life, it feels as if there is a war going on in our soul. In Acts chapter 1 verse 8, Jesus told the disciples they would receive power after the Holy Ghost came upon them. Then we are told in Acts chapter 2 verses 1 through 4, that when they were baptized, the Holy Spirit came upon them as cloven tongues of fire. Thayer’s says cloven means, to cleave asunder, cut in pieces, to be divided into opposing parts. When Jesus baptizes us with the Holy Spirit, the flesh and the spirit began to oppose each other. The person begins to see sin as sin and no longer wants to sin but the body wants to sin. So Paul tells us to be aware of this in Galatians chapter 5 verse 17, saying, the spirit and the flesh are contrary to one another. So we cannot do the things that we would. And Peter tells us in 1 Peter chapter 2 verse 11, to abstain from fleshly lusts because they war against the soul. We obtain the victory over the flesh by remembering Jesus gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit so we can have power over sin and the flesh. And Paul tells us in Romans chapter 8 verse 13, that we can mortify the deeds of the flesh through the spirit. He even said a prayer, in 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 23, noting the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit and how He is able to make us whole, in body, soul and spirit. Here’s the text: 1Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

13 FEB 2024 · In this episode laws regarding vows are given. Moses is told to tell the people, if they made a vow, an oath or swore to do something, they were required to do everything that proceeded out of their mouth. Vows were voluntary but once made the person was obligated to do whatever he or she said. We note that marriage vows are considered binding. God called the marriage agreement a covenant. A covenant a man and woman made before Him. However, it came to pass, men started doing a “treacherous” thing. They started divorcing their wives after they lost their youth and beauty. And this stunk in the nostrils of God. So in Malachi chapter 2, He told the men, to start being ruled by "His Spirit” instead of their own carnal spirit, and stop dealing treacherously with their wives. Jesus addressed the marriage issue in Matthew chapter 19, and after he finished speaking, the disciples said, if that’s the case between a man and his wife it’s best not to get married. Jesus had told them, the only legitimate reason a man could divorce his wife, was if she had committed fornication. Other than that, if he divorced her, and married someone else he was guilty of committing adultery. They would be breaking one of the ten commandments, they would be in sin in the eyes of God. Solomon addressed all vow making saying, don’t be rash to utter vows. Don’t make a vow then say it was an error. Why should God destroy the work of your hands. God addressed young girls who made vows, giving their father, the authority to nullify a vow. A father would know if his daughter had the temperament to keep a vow or not. A husband had the authority to nullify a vow, if he believed it was unwise. Divorced women and widows also made vows, they like the men, were obligated to keep their vows. We note that people became Nazarites, out of pure love and devotion for the Living God. Nazarites wanted to separate themselves from activities, the average person found pleasure in, activities that were not sinful but appeared to bind the person to the cares of this life. One famous Nazarite was John the Baptist. He didn’t drink wine, he ate locusts and honey, he wore a tunic made of camel’s hair. His life was not focused on obtaining things that pertained to the lives of carnal men. Thayer’s says carnal means, to be governed by mere human nature not by the Spirit of God. Those making Nazarite vows wanted to live like pilgrims on earth. They realized the earth was not their final destination. Jesus warned his followers against being governed by mere human appetite. This he called being "overcharged" by the cares of this life. Here's the text: Luke 21:34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. Luke 21:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. Jesus did not want his followers to be overcharged that is weighed down with concerns for the things of this world. If they made the things of this world of great importance, their walk with God would be unfruitful, they would fail to produce the fruits of a righteous life. Then they would be worthy of being punished with the rest of the world because they bore not the fruits of righteousness. Their anxious concerns for the things of this world would cause them to walk in disobedience. Jesus warned his followers, in Mark chapter 4 verse 19, that the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches and the lusts of other things enter into our lives and choke the word and make it unfruitful. Our prayer should be as the Psalmist wrote in Psalms 119 verses 35 through 37. There he prayed that God would incline his heart to his word not to covetousness. God had given David a revelation about righteousness and eternal life. He wanted to live forever, and he knew there was one thing that could cause him to stumble and forfeit eternal life, and that was covetousness. And there was nothing on earth worth exchanging eternal life for. So he said: Psalms 119:35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Psalms 119:36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Psalms 119:37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. Solomon would tell his readers, it’s man’s duty to fear God and keep his commandments. So perhaps it was out of such fear, that many chose to be Nazarites, they wanted to separate themselves from things that would cause them to lose the reverential fear of the Living God. The type of fear that compelled them to keep his commandments and to look forward to receiving the reward of eternal life. Solomon had wearied himself looking for the meaning and purpose of life. And after all his studying, research and personal experiments, he determined, that man was free to do what he wanted to do with his life. He was free to live anyway he wanted to, but he should always remember that judgment day would come. So he said: Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

9 FEB 2024 · In this episode, God gave Moses laws regarding sacrifices and offerings for the feast of trumpets, the day of atonement and the feast of booths. The feast of trumpets was a day of blowing trumpets. It was a day of gladness for the people and a day of gladness for the Lord. The feast of trumpets preceded the day of atonement, it pointed to the day God looked forward to. The day when his Son would make atonement for the sins of his people to deliver them from the power of sin and death. The feasts of trumpets pointed to the restoration of all things. The day, when all of creation would be delivered from its bondage to corruption. The whole creation, even the animals travail in pain because, the devil brought death and destruction upon the earth. But through signs and symbols, tokens and festivals, God revealed to the world, he had a plan. A plan to deliver them out of their mess. The day would come, when Jesus the Christ, the Son of God the Son of Man would restore all things. Because of Christ, everything will be restored, the natures of both, man and beast will be delivered from the corruption within. Lions will eat hay, no longer hunting other precious animals to devour them for food. Men and women will no longer harm each other out of envy and jealousy, greed or hatred. But none of that would occur without the day of atonement. On the day of atonement the people were commanded not to eat or drink anything. It was a day of mourning, a day to afflict the soul. On the day of atonement, Jesus would die to make atonement for the sins of all people. He would pay the penalty that God’s justice demanded for breaking his laws, then they would be released from the obligation to pay the price for their sin, which was death. He would pay the penalty, yet man would still never be sinless. He would continue to sin because of his fallen nature. But he would strive to overcome sin, and for this God would be well pleased. And all of the overcomers, will be granted new bodies. New bodies as pictured in the feast called the feast of booths. God told the people to make temporary dwelling places to dwell in during the feasts of booths. Because He made them dwell in booths when he delivered them out of Egypt. They were also told only natural born Israelites, could dwell in booths, during the feast. We note that Jesus said, only those born again, can inherit the kingdom of God and receive eternal life. Only those born of God will put on immortal bodies, after their mortal body, their booth, has been taken down or returned to the dust of the ground. Those who reject Christ have mortal bodies that will not put on immortality. They will remain mortal and in some cases their bodies are pictures as bodies, worms will gnaw upon forever. Mark 9:47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Mark 9:48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. Those who decide to surrender to the god of this world will go to the place God has prepared for him. But those who surrender to Christ will live though he dies. Jesus told Martha in John chapter 11 verses 25 through 27. John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? John 11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

6 FEB 2024 · In this episode God told Moses to give the children of Israel laws for the daily offerings, the Sabbath, Passover and the seasonal feasts. Most of the laws were given to the first generation at Mt. Sinai. Now they are being given to the second generation. They were told to make offerings at the beginning of every month. This law was briefly mentioned in Numbers chapter 10 verse 10. Here’s the text: Numbers 10:10 Also in the day of your gladness, and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am the LORD your God. We note that all the commandments, and sacrifices not only served as a memorial to the Israelites, but they also served as a memorial to God himself. Mounce says, memorial means, a record, honorable remembrance, to remember, recollect, call to mind, to be mindful of, to fix the thoughts upon, to make mention, speak of. God remembered the Israelites, when they obeyed him and offered sacrifices to him. He fixed his thoughts upon them and set out to do good to them. We don’t offer animal sacrifices today but we are to offer sacrifices to God. Hebrews chapter 13 verses 15 and 16, tells us what kind of sacrifices we should offer the Lord. Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Hebrews 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. David also said, in Psalms chapter 141 verse 2, " Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice." We are told in the book of Acts chapter 10, that Cornelius was a devout man of prayer, who feared God, and gave much alms to the people. Alms is another word for charity given to the poor, such as food, clothing, money and hospitality. God took notice of Cornelius' deeds, they went up as a memorial unto Him. Here’s the text: Acts 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, Acts 10:2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. Acts 10:3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. Acts 10:4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. When Cornelius prayed and gave alms to the poor, God took notice of him. He wanted to do good to him. He wanted to bless him and the biggest blessing he could give Cornelius was Salvation through Christ. God was pleased with Cornelius but if he died, he wouldn’t inherit eternal life because he didn’t know Christ. So God sent an angel to him, who told him to send for Peter. When Peter arrived, he preached the gospel to him and his household. Peter preached Christ, and the remission of sins. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and were baptized. So all of Cornelius’ prayers, his good works, and almsgiving or charity to the poor was nice, and noticed by God but without Christ, it wasn’t enough to enter into heaven, it wasn’t enough to receive eternal life. Eternal life comes from Christ alone, so God showed loving kindness to Cornelius. And led him to the door of eternal life. Jesus Christ is the door to eternal life. Without him we cannot enter into the kingdom of God. John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. We note that Jesus said, some will claim to know Him. They will even do work in his name. But He will declare, that He never knew them. Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. I never knew you means, he never looked upon them with favor. He was never pleased with them as a person, because they did not obey the word of God. So they will not inherit eternal life. Eternal life is a privilege granted to those known by Christ. He will not abandon them when they die. The angels will transport them into the kingdom of God upon death. There they will welcomed with great joy. Psalms chapter 116 verse 15 says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.

2 FEB 2024 · In this episode the daughters of Zelophehad asked Moses to give them their fathers land. Moses didn't know what to do because it was their custom to give land and property to sons only. So he took the matter to the Lord and God said, the women were right. They had a right to receive an inheritance among their father’s brethren. God established a new law that day, clearly revealing He is a righteous and just God. In the book of Leviticus God told judges, not to be a respecter of persons, they weren’t supposed to pity the poor, that is rule in their favor just because they were poor, nor were they to show favor to the rich just because they were rich. His judges were supposed to rule as he would rule, they were his representatives. God also told Moses he would die and be gathered with Aaron because he sinned against him at the waters of Meribah. He would be allowed to see the promised land but not enter in. He would see the land the nation will inherit but he would be "gathered" to his people. All the patriarchs were "gathered" to their people, none of them inherited the earthly promised land, but were "gathered" together and inherited the promised land on the otherside of the heavens. They are the firstfruits, picturing those who will receive the gift of eternal life first. Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. Moses had sinned, but he was not a man of sin. It wasn’t his custom or habit to sin against the Lord. He loved God and sought to do his will. Moses like all men, would be saved by the grace of God. No man is without sin. So by the covenant of sacrifice he would be gathered to his people. Psalms 50:5 Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice. Moses asked God to select his successor and God chose Joshua because he had the “spirit” in him. Joshua had the spirit of wisdom in Him. A spirit he obainted during the course of his life, serving alongside Moses. Joshua would work with Eleazar the priest, to lead and guide the Israelites. Although filled with wisdom, Joshua would need wise counsel. He will not only need to know what to do but when and where to do it. This type of knowledge and wisdom, is called wise counsel and would come from Eleazar. God has given man knowledge and wisdom but he still needs wise counsel that only comes from our High Priest named Jesus Christ. As people who’ve been given a course to run. We are to seek wise counsel from Christ. Mounce says course means, race, course of life or ministry, career. If we want to have true success in our lives, our family life, our careers, or ministries, we must seek wise counsel from the one Isaiah called the branch. Here’s the text: Isaiah 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: Isaiah 11:2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;