Philip as Missionary

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8 NIV).

(Overview and commentary on: Philip as Missionary - Lesson 10)

Karakia Timatanga | Opening Prayer

He hōnore, he korōria ki te atua

All honour and glory to our maker

He maungārongo ki te whenua

Let there be peace and tranquillity on earth

He whakaaro pai ki ngā tangata katoa

Goodwill to mankind

Āmine.                                  

Amen

Saturday | Sabbath | Hātarei

To begin this week I would like to draw your attention to the summary statements on the Great Commission texts of the recently passed away theologian John Stott. There are two sermons available online in transcript and audio. In the first sermon he concludes that:

Christ emphasises four marks of Christian evangelism:

1. an assured personal experience of peace in both mind and conscience.
2. a humble, sacrificial identification with those to whom we are sent.
3. the power of the Holy Spirit in our ministry.
4. an authoritative proclamation of the divine terms of peace.
This was the risen Lord's word to the infant church when it was still in hiding; it may yet bring the church out of hiding today.

In the second sermon he concludes (referring to Mt 28:16-20) that:

Looking back over this best-known version of the Great Commission (its announcement, its command and its promise), we are struck by its comprehensive sweep as indicated by the fourfold repetition of the word "all."

1. Christ claimed to have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.

2. Therefore He sends us to make disciples of all the nations.

3. He bids us transmit to these disciples all His teaching. Finally,

4. He promises to be with us all the days, even "to the end of time" (N.E.B.).

Sunday | Rātapu

Philip the Evangelist

In the discussion of Philip the disciple I must necessarily confess that in my commentary of the lesson two weeks ago I made the basic error of attributing aspects of Philip the evangelists work incorrectly. If you as a reader notice such an error of fact please draw it to my attention because as far as possible my intention is to portray issues from the Bible with accuracy. (Thank goodness I didn’t confuse him with Herod the Tetrarch ;-)) Milligan (n.d.) says:

Philip the Evangelist must be carefully distinguished from Philip the Apostle. And though it is little that we are told regarding him in Scripture, that little is very significant. He first comes before us as one of the seven chosen by the early Church at Jerusalem to take charge of the daily ministration of charity to the poor widows (Acts 6:1-5). And when this work is hindered by the outbreak of persecution following on the death of Stephen, we find him at once departing to enter on active missionary work elsewhere (Acts 8:1-5). The fact that he should have selected Samaria as the scene of these new labours, is in itself a proof that he was able to rise above the ordinary Jewish prejudices of his time.

Schantz and Thompson (2015) write that though Philip did a good work most of what he accomplished we know little about. John the apostle says much the same about Jesus Jn 21:25. In the Bible we really only get the essential snippets. For most of us, unless we are people of power or fame our lives too are lived in relative obscurity. However, this obscurity is irrelevant from the Biblical point of view because irrespective of whether we like it or not, Heaven has an ‘Official Information Act’ – Ecc 12:14 and everything finally gets revealed.

Monday | Rāhina

Waiting on Tables (and dealing with divisive issues)

The problem of divisiveness potentially exists within any church. In Acts 2:44-47, Acts 4:34-37 we see a church being led in the unity of God’s Spirit. Even in this environment things can go wrong and this should not surprise us. Things went wrong in Eden too. How the problem works out will depend on any number of factors but an essential ingredient is effective church leadership. In the example given in Acts 6:1-7 we see the church leadership deal with the issue as it arises. They don’t ignore it, instead they use a model of distributed leadership and foster an organisational culture which deals with matters practically. The issues that arose in the book of Acts were handled well. Sometimes our churches don’t handle things so well and this can result in people leaving – which is probably very detrimental for them and also unhealthy for those who stay behind. Sometimes it is in the best interests of everyone that a person or persons leave. Knowing how to handle these more delicate situations requires a lot of wisdom that can only come from God.

Here are some basic steps that could be followed to ensure that things are done properly.

1.  If you are a church leader you ought to ‘fight’ to keep every member. Don’t take the membership for granted. Church membership doesn’t guarantee eternal life but belonging to a church helps people to maintain their faith. (Look after new and established members. Church members attend voluntarily. Some will attend whatever the circumstances and others need more reason to.)

2. Do not assume that you understand what members are thinking. Talk to them and find out what the issues are.

3.  Follow biblical principles in handling conflict.

4.  If you are a leader in the church follow the procedures in the church manual for handling church discipline. If you are a member of a church expect your church to follow proper processes. When you do this it ensures that principles of natural justice are followed and it protects the integrity of the church, the reputation of leaders and the members from injustice. These principles allow an individual to have their side of the story heard. In all fairness and legality a person who has a vested interest or bias in a matter should not be allowed to take part in the decision making process.

5.  If matters cannot be resolved in an appropriate way, move on and serve God somewhere else. Leave with grace and dignity if you can.

6.      Pray for those you disagree with or who have treated you badly.

A chain blog on the issue was started by Alan Knox. Have a read. Not all the links are working but some of the blog articles are insightful.

Tuesday | Rātū

Philip in Samaria (coping with bad things that happen)

Philip along with a great many other Christians potentially lost everything when they fled Jerusalem. The question Schantz and Thompson (2015) ask is very relevant.

What animosities, grudges, and prejudices that have poisoned your soul need to be come things of the past? Isn’t it time to let it all go?

Bad things happen in life – some of them are brought about by our own actions and some are the result of decisions or actions by others which we have no control over. If we lose stuff we need to keep in mind (more easily said than done) what Paul says to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:6-8. If we have been dealt with badly consider Romans 12:21 and Matthew 5:10-11. It is essential that we let God take over and work in us. Paul says that we are created to do good works (Eph 2:10). Christianity above all other religions should be a religion of hope. Joseph is a good example of not bearing a grudge. After a life of painful experiences when his brothers finally come to him and he has power to harm them his magnanimous response is found in Gen 50:20. Philip seems to have this sort of disposition. He allows God to use him first as a deacon and then when things go bad he then becomes a missionary. 

It’s just as well Jesus doesn't bear grudges.

Wednesday  | Rāapa

With the Ethiopian

Prophecy to Christians is essential. It is central to the understanding of our faith in God and our hope for His future kingdom. Prophecy is also contestable (1 Thess 5:19-22) so we need to understand what it is, what it isn’t and what can be relied on.

It is significant that the Ethiopian becomes a believer based on the prophecies of Isaiah. Jn 13:19 tells us that the primary function of prophecy is to lead us to believe in Jesus. The events or the history foretold should contribute to the development of an evidence informed faith. Jn 20:31 outlines a similar purpose for the written word of God i.e., it is written so that we might believe, resulting in eternal life. Prophecy, often needs explanation and this is what Philip is called by God to do for this individual. In this particular instance the Ethiopian is convinced by what Philip teaches, confesses that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and is immediately baptised.

The lesson points out (Schantz and Thompson, 2015) that in Samaria Philip was involved in carrying out miracles Acts 8:6. God in His wisdom must have known this was necessary. In the Pentateuch, which the Samaritans believed in, we find the account of the exodus miracles. Many of the miracles are performed in these books with the comment – “that you may know that I am the Lord.” ( e.g., Ex 6:7). Miracles are also a contestable source of faith. It is hardly surprising that evidence from prophecies or miracles are contestable; they are contestable because they challenge the natural assumption concerning the existence of supernatural power. As Christians we accept that God does intervene in the world but we too must assess the veracity or otherwise of prophecy and miracles.

Thursday | Rāpare

Philip as Evangelist, Father, and Host

Unfortunately, for us and for them, our families get a clearer picture than anyone else of our righteousness or unrighteousness. I think it is fair to say that Philip was a righteous man. If he were not, he would not have been selected as a deacon. From the scripture we know that Philip’s daughters were godly. This is a good thing. 

In the Bible we see that our families can be saved through ‘our righteousness’. I use this term very loosely because we understand quite clearly that no one is righteous (Rom 3:10). In the flood story we see Noah’s family saved on his account Gen 7:1. We see other families saved on account of one righteous family member e.g., Joseph and the jailer at Phillipi. The jailer is interesting because he only just becomes a Christian and he is told that his family will be saved. There are also accounts of righteous people having the most dysfunctional of families e.g., David and the prophet Samuel. Decisions for God are often embedded within the family but we must also remember that God allows choice and that a third of his angelic family left Him. This was not in any way a reflection upon Him. The tussle between good and evil goes on in all our families. We cannot be given over to undue worry about our families. God is fair and He knows each individuals circumstance. He knows our families and His love for them is greater than ours. Our task is to be faithful and prayerful (Rom_12:12) always keeping in mind – not doctrine, but quality of relationship (1 Co 13:13). And where things are not right in our families let us each day look at our own lives to see what we can do that might make that small but saving difference.

(I must qualify my remark about doctrine. You need to know what you believe and why you believe it. It just isn’t the most important thing when your relationship requires loving actions.)

Considerations for practise

1. Reflect on your family. How do your family view your life and faith? Do you need to make some changes? Ask God for wisdom (James 1:5).

Closing Prayer - Karakia Whakamutunga

2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV)

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Kia tau ki a tātou katoa te atawhai o tō tātou Ariki, a Ihu Karaiti me te aroha o te Atua, me te whiwhingatahitanga ki te wairua tapu, ake, ake, ake, āmine.


See you next week. The following lesson is on the apostle Paul.



References

Knox, A. (2011, June). Chain blog: Dealing with divisive issues introduction. Retrieved from http://www.alanknox.net/2011/06/chain-blog-dealing-with-divisive-issues-introduction/

Hager, N. (2002, March). A researcher’s view of New Zealand’s Official Information Act, International Symposium on Freedom of Information and Privacy. Retrieved from http://www.nickyhager.info/a-researcher%E2%80%99s-view-of-new-zealand%E2%80%99s-official-information-act-international-symposium-on-freedom-of-information-and-privacy/
(This is a perspective on how the OIA is working and it is not that recent. The OIA is a very good concept and quite biblical with regard to transparency.)

Milligan, G. (n.d.). Philip, the evangelist. In Bible Hub. Retrieved from http://biblehub.com/library/milligan/men_of_the_bible_some_lesser-known/philip_the_evangelist.htm

Schantz, B. & Thompson, S. (2015). Biblical Missionaries. Adult Sabbath School Quarterly 3Q. 2015. Silver Spring: MD: Pacific Press.

Stott, J. (1966). The Great Commission: Part 1. In Billy Graham Center Archives. Retrieved from http://www2.wheaton.edu/bgc/archives/docs/Berlin66/stott1.htm

Stott, J. (1966). The Great Commission: Part 2. In Billy Graham Center Archives. Retrieved from http://www2.wheaton.edu/bgc/archives/docs/Berlin66/stott2.htm

Promises from the Historical Books

These books contain the history of Israel: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther

Joshua

Josh 1:8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Josh 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

1 Samuel

1 Sam 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

2 Kings

2Ki 6:16 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."

1 Chronicles

1 Ch 16:11 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.

2 Chronicles

2 Ch 7:14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

2 Ch 15:2 He went out to meet Asa and said to him, "Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.

2 Ch 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war."

Peter and the Gentiles

Then Peter said to them, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call (Acts 2:38-39, NKJV).

(Overview and commentary on: Peter and the Gentiles - Lesson 9)

Karakia Timatanga | Opening Prayer

He hōnore, he korōria ki te atua

All honour and glory to our maker

He maungārongo ki te whenua

Let there be peace and tranquillity on earth

He whakaaro pai ki ngā tangata katoa

Goodwill to mankind

Āmine.                                  

Amen

Saturday | Sabbath | Hātarei

We are in the category of “all who are afar off” – on the very edges of hope. We are afar off on three counts: we are removed in time by almost two millennia, we are just over 16,000 km away from where these events took place and we are barely conceptualised in Peter’s mind. However, we are all in the category “as many as the Lord our God will call”. I say we are all in this category, and also on the very edges of hope because Peter (2 Pe 3:9) explains that everyone is called to repentance and that the time lag to His appearance is in fact evidence of His patience. We are also on the very edges of hope because there is a general concern that the condition of our planet is deteriorating (http://www.clubofrome.org) and in the mean-time, as far as God is concerned there is also a corresponding decline in faith (Lk 18:8) and love (Mt 24:12). The time lag from the human perspective (2 Pe 3:4) is daunting because our lives are so short and our need for God’s restored heaven and earth so great. From the perspective of one who is eternal, four thousand years or so, to the incarnation of Jesus was as nothing.

Sunday | Rātapu

Peter at Pentecost

Schantz and Thompson (2015) give a good overview of Peter’s role at Pentecost. This event was perhaps one of the most significant events in Peter’s life and in the history of the church. How did it come about? It came about because Peter was reinstated by Christ and this reinstatement was recognised by his fellow apostles. I suppose today (slightly facetiously), Peter’s role in the church might be akin to a repentant telly evangelist of which there seem to be all too many. A key difference between Peter and the modern equivalents is that we can be assured that Peter was genuine because of his direct endorsement by Christ. Sometimes doing the wrong stuff does not prevent us from taking leadership roles and at other times it can. The question for the church is how can we know the difference?

Monday | Rāhina

The Conversion of Cornelius: Part 1

This passage describes a godly man who lives in accordance with what he understands. Cornelius is prayerful and demonstrates mercy and kindness to those less fortunate than himself. This story is indeed key to the gospel being taken to the gentiles. Interestingly enough many of the Gentiles we meet in the gospels and the book of Acts are outstanding in their faith and attitude towards their fellow man.

The gospel, being taken to the gentiles is a divine act. It required direct intervention by God because the barriers between Jews and Gentiles were so great. Two verses that are very instructive in this passage are Acts 10:34-35:

Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realise how true it is that God does not show favouritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.

As Shantz and Thompson (2015) point out this man has a lot to learn with regard to Christian doctrine and practise. More importantly God accepts this man as being on an equal footing to someone who “knows the truth” on two counts: first he fears God (respects God, worships God, prioritises Him) and second he does what is right. On these two counts many of us would fall short. What flows from this, is that as Adventists we must not assume any privilege, sense of entitlement, or claim above any other Christian (or monotheist) on the basis of what we believe, because God in the first instance, looks at only two fundamentals. Perhaps this idea can be taken further also towards those who are also ignorant of belief. This is a little bit more tenuous but God, thank goodness is judge, and that He does under certain circumstances overlook things (Ac 17:30)

Tuesday | Rātū

The Conversion of Cornelius: Part 2

As an aside the lesson brings up the point (Schantz & Thompson, 2015) that the angel did not bring the gospel to Cornelius. The angel could have but didn’t. Why not? Probably for the same reason that God sent Jesus into the world i.e., only humanity can carry out this task. In the world of men God intervenes supernaturally only as a matter of last resort. When something has been revealed there is a responsibility placed on the person to whom it has been revealed to act (Dt. 29:29). In carrying out the tasks assigned by God, in this case the presentation of the gospel to Cornelius the Gentile, God is not only liberating Gentiles, He is also liberating the Jews. The blessing of passing on the message of salvation is as much benefit to the person giving it as receiving it. It is a reminder of our own need and God’s graciousness to us also.

Wednesday  | Rāapa

Peter’s Vision

Schantz and Thompson (2015) cover this section in accordance with the context of the passage and I think rightfully ignore the controversial aspect of the vision. In my view they have interpreted the meaning of this passage correctly. God in giving Peter this vision of unclean animals is presenting Peter with a concept that he finds religiously and culturally abhorrent. The lesson that the Lord is trying to teach the early (and later) Christians is that people from other cultures are God’s children also. Visiting a Gentile was as abhorrent to Peter and his fellow Jews as was eating unclean foods.

Perhaps I am not as circumspect as Schantz and Thompson (2015) because I intend to briefly attend to the elephant in the room regarding unclean food. Along with Jews, Moslems and a few other small, non-conformist Christian groups (e.g. British Israelites, United Church of God), Adventists as a whole do not eat unclean food. The primary argument against eating such food has been along the lines that: the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and that this food is unhealthy; therefore I will not eat it because of its unhealthy effect on my body. This is a legitimate argument, but in practise, we, very often, won’t eat this food but will eat cake, chocolate, puddings etc. which may have a similar effect on the body, or perhaps not engage in exercise. Another argument is that the eating of such food was forbidden because it was part of a holiness code. We are not to eat such food because God wants us to be undefiled and holy. In this argument there is still an emphasis on the body as being sacred to God but the reason for abstention is not health but holiness.

In this post I don’t want to spend any more time reflecting on this but I do wish to draw attention to the misuse of this passage. Some Christians, perhaps unwittingly, take this passage out of context and try and debunk the view that Christians should abstain from eating such foods. This is not the passage to argue from. Peter clearly states the reason and interpretation of the dream and it has nothing to do with whether a Christian should or shouldn’t eat unclean food. The passage is about the breaking down of cultural barriers associated with race.

The question that Schantz and Thompson (2015) ask at the end of this section is worth more consideration.

How do we show respect for people whose faith we believe is wrong without giving the impression that we respect those beliefs ourselves? What is the difference between respecting people as opposed to respecting their beliefs?

Personally, I think we need to be very careful in this area of respect. People are deeply connected to their systems of belief and it is often a part of their identity as people. All too often I have seen Christians attempt to debunk the beliefs of others with little consideration of the impact on the person. In doing this the Christian, alienates the non-believer and comes out of the process looking very smug and arrogant. This can happen with many issues but it can at times become particularly sharp over an issue such as evolution. At the very least Christians must refrain from making personal attacks. We all for a multitude of reasons, hold a variety of fallacious views, about the world and our place in it.

Paul, the most successful early missionary, shockingly abandoned some Jewish beliefs in order to build bridges with other cultures. Also in his address in Athens he focussed his initial arguments from what was believed in common. His final approach however, did not centre at all in debunking the beliefs or arguments of others – it rested on the primacy and universal appeal of Christ’s death for us all.

Thursday | Rāpare

The Jerusalem Decree

1 Co 7:19 probably says it all:

Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God's commands is what counts. 

This statement by Paul boils down the arguments to there essential components for Jews and Gentiles. There are some things that don't matter but obeying God does. Gentiles, if you are going to follow Christ you must do this.

Considerations for practise

These two lists are from the United Church of God based on Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14. 

What do you think of their interpretation of clean and unclean food?

Unclean Animals

1. Swine: Boar, Peccary, Pig (hog, bacon, ham, lard, pork, most sausage and pepperoni)

2. Canines: Coyote, Dog, Fox, Hyena, Jackal, Wolf

3. Felines: Cat, Cheetah, Leopard, Lion, Panther, Tiger

4. Equines: Donkey (ass), Horse, Mule, Onager, Zebra (quagga)

5. Other Animals: Armadillo, Badger, Bat, Bear, Beaver, Camel, Elephant, Gorilla Groundhog, Hippopotamus, Kangaroo, Llama (alpaca, vicuña), Mole, Monkey, Mouse, Muskrat, Opossum, Porcupine, Rabbit (hare), Raccoon, Rat, Rhinoceros, Skunk, Slug, Snail (escargot), Squirrel, Wallaby, Weasel, Wolverine, Worm, All insects except some in the locust family

6. Marine Animals Without Fins and Scales: Bullhead, Catfish, Eel, European Turbot, Marlin, Paddlefish, Shark, Stickleback, Squid, Sturgeon (includes most caviar), Swordfish

7. Shellfish: Abalone (NZ paua), Clam, Conch, Crab, Crayfish (crawfish, crawdad), Lobster, Mussel, Oyster, Scallop, Shrimp (prawn)

8. Soft body: Cuttlefish, Jellyfish, Limpet, Octopus, Squid (calamari)

9. Sea mammals: Dolphin, Otter, Porpoise, Seal, Walrus, Whale

10. Birds of Prey, Scavengers and Others: Albatross, Bittern, Buzzard, Condor, Coot, Cormorant, Crane, Crow, Cuckoo, Eagle, Flamingo Grebe, Grosbeak, Gull, Hawk, Heron, Kite, Lapwing, Loon, Magpie, Osprey, Ostrich, Owl, Parrot, Pelican, Penguin, Plover, Rail, Raven, Roadrunner, Sandpiper, Seagull, Stork, Swallow, Swift, Vulture, Water hen, Woodpecker

11. Reptiles: Alligator, Caiman, Crocodile, Lizard, Snake, Turtle

12. Amphibians: Blindworm, Frog, Newt, Salamander, Toad

Clean Animals

1. Mammals That Chew the Cud and Part the Hoof: Antelope, Bison (buffalo), Caribou, Cattle (beef, veal), Deer (venison), Elk, Gazelle, Giraffe, Goat, Hart, Ibex, Moose, Ox, Reindeer, Sheep (lamb, mutton)

2. Fish With Fins and Scales: Anchovy, Barracuda, Bass, Black pomfret (or monchong), Bluefish, Bluegill, Carp, Cod, Crappie, Drum, Flounder, Grouper, Grunt, Haddock, Hake, Halibut, Hardhead, Herring (or alewife), Kingfish, Mackerel (or corbia), Mahimahi (or dorado, dolphinfish [not to be confused with the mammal dolphin]), Minnow, Mullet, Perch (or bream), Pike (or pickerel or jack), Pollack (or pollock or Boston bluefish), Rockfish, Salmon, Sardine (or pilchard), Shad, Silver hake (or whiting), Smelt (or frost fish or ice fish), Snapper (or ebu, jobfish, lehi, onaga, opakapaka or uku), Sole, Steelhead, Sucker, Sunfish, Tarpon, Trout (or weakfish), Tuna (or ahi, aku, albacore, bonito, or tombo), Turbot (except European turbot), Whitefish

3. Birds With Clean Characteristics: Chicken, Dove, Duck, Goose, Grouse, Guinea fowl, Partridge, Peafowl, Pheasant, Pigeon, Prairie chicken, Ptarmigan, Quail, Sagehen, Sparrow (and other songbirds), Swan*, Teal, Turkey

* In the King James Version, Leviticus 11:18 and Deuteronomy 14:16list “swan” among unclean birds. However, this seems to be a mistranslation. The original word apparently refers to a kind of owl and is so translated in most modern Bible versions.

4. Insects: Types of locusts that may include crickets and grasshoppers

Closing Prayer - Karakia Whakamutunga

2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV)

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Kia tau ki a tātou katoa te atawhai o tō tātou Ariki, a Ihu Karaiti me te aroha o te Atua, me te whiwhingatahitanga ki te wairua tapu, ake, ake, ake, āmine.


References

Schantz, B. & Thompson, S. (2015). Biblical Missionaries. Adult Sabbath School Quarterly 3Q. 2015. Silver Spring: MD: Pacific Press.

The club of Rome. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.clubofrome.org/

United Church of God. (2013, August). Which animals does the Bible designate as 'Clean' and 'Unclean'? In  Beyond Today. Retrieved from: http://www.ucg.org/bible-study-tools/booklets/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-clean-and-unclean-meats/which-animals

Promises from the Pentateuch

The Pentateuch – The five books of the Law written by Moses

These are the books concerning the beginning of Israel.

Genesis

Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Gen 2:3 And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

Gen 2:7 the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

Exodus

Ex 4:11 The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD?

Ex 4:12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."

Ex 14:14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Ex 20:1 And God spoke all these words:

Ex 20:2 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

Ex 20:3 "You shall have no other gods before me.

Ex 20:4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.

Ex 20:5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,

Ex 20:6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

Ex 20:7 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

Ex 20:8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

Ex 20:9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work,

Ex 20:10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.

Ex 20:11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

Ex 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

Ex 20:13 "You shall not murder.

Ex 20:14 "You shall not commit adultery.

Ex 20:15 "You shall not steal.

Ex 20:16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

Ex 20:17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

Ex 23:2 "Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd,

Ex 23:25 Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you,

Leviticus

Lev 19:30 "'Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the LORD.

Lev 19:32 "'Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.

Numbers

Num 6:24 "'"The LORD bless you and keep you;

Num 6:25 the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;

Num 6:26 the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."'

Num 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?

Deuteronomy

Dt 6:5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Dt 8:18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

Dt 29:29 The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.