Thursday, March 17, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
The symbol of the cross in the wilderness
What I find fascinating about studying the Bible is the fact that there is nothing within it that does not reveal something about Christ. The Tanakh and everything within it is a shadow and pattern for the new. For instance just the lay out of the tribes of Israel around the Tabernacle revealed the Cross of Christ.
The Old Testament altar was the 'shadow' or 'type' for the altar that the Lamb of God would be laid upon as a once for all time sacrifice. It was Moses who received the Divine pattern.
''Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, "See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain". Hebrews 8:5
Moses was given the exact pattern for every sacred item on the mountain top by God Himself. Everything was described in great detail, and had to be built in great detail, and used in great detail, otherwise it would not be acceptable. These details all pointed forward to the amazing sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb without blemish. The acceptable Lamb on the acceptable altar at Calvary.
God's requirements for His altar
"You shall make an altar of acacia wood, 5 cubits long by 5 cubits wide - the altar shall be square- and its height shall be 3 cubits. You shall make its horns on its four corners; its horns shal be of one peice with it. And you shall overlay it with bronze" Exodus 27: 1-2
Altar was to be made of wood. - Exodus 27 verse 1
The cross was made of wood.
Altar was to be four pointed - Exodus 27 verses 1 & 2
The cross had the four points.
Blood was to be placed on all four points of the altar. - Exodus 29 verse 12 a
When Jesus was laid upon the cross on the ground blood from His head, His hands on either side, and His feet, put His blood on the four points of the altar. .
Blood was to be thrown on all sides of the altar. - Leviticus 5:9
When Jesus was laid upon the cross on the ground the blood from His head, His hands on either side, and His feet, would run down all four sides of the altar.
Rest of blood to be poured out at the base of the altar.-Exodus 29 verse 12 b
When the cross was finally 'lifted up' and dropped into its upright position for all to see (Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the son of man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have everlasting life John 3:14) then the rest of the Lamb’s blood would pour on to the base of the altar.
Blood was to be sprinkled against the side of the altar - Leviticus 5:9
As Jesus was held up for all to see, His side was pierced, as was prophesied in Zechariah 12:10 and fulfilled in John 19:34 and so His blood was sprinkled against the side of the altar, as per the divine pattern given to Moses on the mountain top.
The Altar of Incense that was a sweet fragrance before God was also specified as being a four 'horned' altar.
Exodus 30 verses 1 & 7 & 10
According to the divine pattern - given by God to Moses - if an altar does not have four 'blood points' it can be instantly understood to be a counterfeit altar. See below how only the cross fits the divine pattern established so often in the Old Testament
God's Divine pattern is the four horned square altar
The Lamb's blood applied to the four points
The blood applied to the four points of the altar
Finally the Lamb on the altar lifted up for all to see - just as Moses lifted up the brazen serpent for all to see and be healed.
The number four is important in scripture. It speaks of universality. Four winds (Ezekiel 37:9) Four corners of the earth (Isaiah 11:12) Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Revelation 6:6) etc.
Only the pattern of the cross fits God's Divine pattern for His altar.
Even the lamb's blood that was put on the doors of the Israelites homes in Egypt on Passover night prefigures the cross..
'And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it'
'Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt'. Exodus 12: 7&13
The cross in the camp
God's order always makes a statement. Israel had twelve tribes and when they encamped around the tabernacle in the wilderness there was a very definite order layed out for them.
On the NORTH side of the Tabernacle - under the standard of the Eagle - were positioned the three tribes of Dan, Asher and Naphtali (Numbers 2:25-31) These tribes totalled 157,000
On the WEST side of the tabernacle - under the standard of the Ox - were the three tribes of Ephraim, Mannasseh and Benjamin (Numbers 2:18-24 These tribes totalled 108,000
On the SOUTH side of the tabernacle under the standard of the Man were positioned the three tribes of Rueben, Simeon and Gad (Numbers 2:10-16) These tribes totalled 151,450
On the EAST side of the tabernacle - under the standard of the Lion - were positioned the Tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun Numbers 2:3-9 These tribes totalled 186,00
Note: God's tabernacle always faced to the west
This is known as the Revelation of the "Cross" in the arrangement of the camp
When lifted up with the West side facing towards heaven the proportions look something like this
When God set His Presence right at the heart of this Cross in the wilderness it is not too hard to see what He was saying to us.
The Old Testament altar was the 'shadow' or 'type' for the altar that the Lamb of God would be laid upon as a once for all time sacrifice. It was Moses who received the Divine pattern.
''Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, "See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain". Hebrews 8:5
Moses was given the exact pattern for every sacred item on the mountain top by God Himself. Everything was described in great detail, and had to be built in great detail, and used in great detail, otherwise it would not be acceptable. These details all pointed forward to the amazing sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb without blemish. The acceptable Lamb on the acceptable altar at Calvary.
God's requirements for His altar
"You shall make an altar of acacia wood, 5 cubits long by 5 cubits wide - the altar shall be square- and its height shall be 3 cubits. You shall make its horns on its four corners; its horns shal be of one peice with it. And you shall overlay it with bronze" Exodus 27: 1-2
Altar was to be made of wood. - Exodus 27 verse 1
The cross was made of wood.
Altar was to be four pointed - Exodus 27 verses 1 & 2
The cross had the four points.
Blood was to be placed on all four points of the altar. - Exodus 29 verse 12 a
When Jesus was laid upon the cross on the ground blood from His head, His hands on either side, and His feet, put His blood on the four points of the altar. .
Blood was to be thrown on all sides of the altar. - Leviticus 5:9
When Jesus was laid upon the cross on the ground the blood from His head, His hands on either side, and His feet, would run down all four sides of the altar.
Rest of blood to be poured out at the base of the altar.-Exodus 29 verse 12 b
When the cross was finally 'lifted up' and dropped into its upright position for all to see (Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the son of man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have everlasting life John 3:14) then the rest of the Lamb’s blood would pour on to the base of the altar.
Blood was to be sprinkled against the side of the altar - Leviticus 5:9
As Jesus was held up for all to see, His side was pierced, as was prophesied in Zechariah 12:10 and fulfilled in John 19:34 and so His blood was sprinkled against the side of the altar, as per the divine pattern given to Moses on the mountain top.
The Altar of Incense that was a sweet fragrance before God was also specified as being a four 'horned' altar.
Exodus 30 verses 1 & 7 & 10
According to the divine pattern - given by God to Moses - if an altar does not have four 'blood points' it can be instantly understood to be a counterfeit altar. See below how only the cross fits the divine pattern established so often in the Old Testament
God's Divine pattern is the four horned square altar
The Lamb's blood applied to the four points
The blood applied to the four points of the altar
Finally the Lamb on the altar lifted up for all to see - just as Moses lifted up the brazen serpent for all to see and be healed.
The number four is important in scripture. It speaks of universality. Four winds (Ezekiel 37:9) Four corners of the earth (Isaiah 11:12) Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (Revelation 6:6) etc.
Only the pattern of the cross fits God's Divine pattern for His altar.
Even the lamb's blood that was put on the doors of the Israelites homes in Egypt on Passover night prefigures the cross..
'And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it'
'Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt'. Exodus 12: 7&13
The cross in the camp
God's order always makes a statement. Israel had twelve tribes and when they encamped around the tabernacle in the wilderness there was a very definite order layed out for them.
On the NORTH side of the Tabernacle - under the standard of the Eagle - were positioned the three tribes of Dan, Asher and Naphtali (Numbers 2:25-31) These tribes totalled 157,000
On the WEST side of the tabernacle - under the standard of the Ox - were the three tribes of Ephraim, Mannasseh and Benjamin (Numbers 2:18-24 These tribes totalled 108,000
On the SOUTH side of the tabernacle under the standard of the Man were positioned the three tribes of Rueben, Simeon and Gad (Numbers 2:10-16) These tribes totalled 151,450
On the EAST side of the tabernacle - under the standard of the Lion - were positioned the Tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun Numbers 2:3-9 These tribes totalled 186,00
Note: God's tabernacle always faced to the west
This is known as the Revelation of the "Cross" in the arrangement of the camp
When lifted up with the West side facing towards heaven the proportions look something like this
When God set His Presence right at the heart of this Cross in the wilderness it is not too hard to see what He was saying to us.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
TWENTY QUESTIONS
TWENTY QUESTIONS
1. WHY SHOULD I SAY I CAN’T
WHEN THE BIBLE SAYS I CAN DO ALL THINGS
THROUGH CHRIST WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH?
(Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.)
2. WHY SHOULD I LACK
WHEN I KNOW THAT GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL MY NEEDS
NEEDS ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY IN CHRIST JESUS?
(Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need
according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.)
3. WHY SHOULD I FEAR
WHEN THE BIBLE SAYS GOD HAS NOT GIVEN ME A SPIRIT OF FEAR,
BUT OF POWER, LOVE AND A SOUND MIND?
(Timothy II 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;
but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.)
4. WHY SHOULD I BATTLE WITH UNBELIEF
KNOWING THAT GOD HAS GIVEN ME A MEASURE OF FAITH?
(Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that
is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think;
but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man
the measure of faith.)
5. WHY SHOULD I BE WEAK
WHEN THE BIBLE SAYS THAT THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH
AND TO TAKE ACTION BECAUSE I KNOW GOD?
(Psalm 27:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid? Daniel 11:32 And such as do wickedly
against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people
that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. )
6. WHY SHOULD I ALLOW
SATAN TO HAVE A VICTORY IN MY LIFE WHEN
HE THAT IS IN ME IS GREATER THAN
HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD?
(John I 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them:
because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.)
7. WHY SHOULD I FEEL DEFEATED
WHEN THE BIBLE SAYS THAT GOD ALWAYS LEADS ME IN TRIUMPH?
(Corinthians II 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth
us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his
knowledge by us in every place.)
8. WHY SHOULD I LACK WISDOM
WHEN CHRIST BECAME WISDOM TO ME FROM GOD
AND GOD GIVES WISDOM TO ME GENEROUSLY
WHEN I ASK HIM FOR IT?
(Corinthians I 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus,
who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness,
and sanctification, and redemption:
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,
that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not;
and it shall be given him. )
9. WHY SHOULD I BE DEPRESSED
WHEN I CAN CALL TO MIND GOD’S LOVINGKINDNESS,
COMPASSION AND FAITHFULNESS AND HAVE HOPE?
(Lamentations 3:21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
22 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed,
because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. )
l0 WHY SHOULD I WORRY AND FRET
WHEN I CAN CAST ALL MY CARES ON CHRIST,
WHO CARES FOR ME?
(Peter I 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.)
11. WHY SHOULD I EVER BE IN BONDAGE
KNOWING THAT THERE IS LIBERTY
WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS?
(Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ
hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.)
12. WHY SHOULD I FEEL CONDEMNATION
WHEN THE BIBLE SAYS I AM NOT CONDEMNED
BECAUSE I AM IN CHRIST?
(Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them
which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.)
13. WHY SHOULD I FEEL LONELY
WHEN JESUS SAID HE IS WITH ME ALWAYS
AND HE WILL NEVER LEAVE ME OR FORSAKE ME ?
(Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever
I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the
end of the world. Amen.
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness;
and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said,
I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. )
14 WHY SHOULD I FEEL ACCURSED OR VICTIMIZED
WHEN THE BIBLE SAYS THAT CHRIST REDEEMED ME
FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW
THAT I MIGHT RECEIVE HIS SPIRIT?
(Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law,
being made a curse for us: for it is written,
Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the
Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the
promise of the Spirit through faith.)
15 WHY SHOULD I BE DISCONTENT
WHEN I, LIKE PAUL, CAN LEARN TO BE
CONTENT IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES?
(Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned,
in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.)
16. WHY SHOULD I FEEL WORTHLESS
WHEN CHRIST BECAME SIN ON MY BEHALF
THAT I MIGHT BECOME THE
RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM?
(Corinthians II 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us,
who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. )
17. WHY SHOULD I FEEL SELF-CONSCIOUS
AND INSECURE KNOWING THAT NO ONE CAN BE
AGAINST ME WHEN GOD IS FOR ME?
(Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things?
If God be for us, who can be against us? )
18. WHY SHOULD I BE CONFUSED
WHEN GOD IS THE AUTHOR OF PEACE AND HE GIVES ME KNOWLEDGE
THROUGH HIS INDWELLING SPIRIT?
(Corinthians I 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion,
but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. )
19 WHY SHOULD I FEEL LIKE A FAILURE
WHEN I AM A CONQUEROR IN ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST?
(Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors
through him that loved us.)
20. WHY SHOULD I BECOME SO ANXIOUS
WHEN I CAN TAKE COURAGE KNOWING THAT
JESUS HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD AND ITS
TRIBULATIONS?
1. WHY SHOULD I SAY I CAN’T
WHEN THE BIBLE SAYS I CAN DO ALL THINGS
THROUGH CHRIST WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH?
(Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.)
2. WHY SHOULD I LACK
WHEN I KNOW THAT GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL MY NEEDS
NEEDS ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES IN GLORY IN CHRIST JESUS?
(Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need
according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.)
3. WHY SHOULD I FEAR
WHEN THE BIBLE SAYS GOD HAS NOT GIVEN ME A SPIRIT OF FEAR,
BUT OF POWER, LOVE AND A SOUND MIND?
(Timothy II 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear;
but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.)
4. WHY SHOULD I BATTLE WITH UNBELIEF
KNOWING THAT GOD HAS GIVEN ME A MEASURE OF FAITH?
(Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that
is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think;
but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man
the measure of faith.)
5. WHY SHOULD I BE WEAK
WHEN THE BIBLE SAYS THAT THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH
AND TO TAKE ACTION BECAUSE I KNOW GOD?
(Psalm 27:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid? Daniel 11:32 And such as do wickedly
against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people
that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. )
6. WHY SHOULD I ALLOW
SATAN TO HAVE A VICTORY IN MY LIFE WHEN
HE THAT IS IN ME IS GREATER THAN
HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD?
(John I 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them:
because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.)
7. WHY SHOULD I FEEL DEFEATED
WHEN THE BIBLE SAYS THAT GOD ALWAYS LEADS ME IN TRIUMPH?
(Corinthians II 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth
us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his
knowledge by us in every place.)
8. WHY SHOULD I LACK WISDOM
WHEN CHRIST BECAME WISDOM TO ME FROM GOD
AND GOD GIVES WISDOM TO ME GENEROUSLY
WHEN I ASK HIM FOR IT?
(Corinthians I 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus,
who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness,
and sanctification, and redemption:
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,
that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not;
and it shall be given him. )
9. WHY SHOULD I BE DEPRESSED
WHEN I CAN CALL TO MIND GOD’S LOVINGKINDNESS,
COMPASSION AND FAITHFULNESS AND HAVE HOPE?
(Lamentations 3:21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
22 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed,
because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. )
l0 WHY SHOULD I WORRY AND FRET
WHEN I CAN CAST ALL MY CARES ON CHRIST,
WHO CARES FOR ME?
(Peter I 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.)
11. WHY SHOULD I EVER BE IN BONDAGE
KNOWING THAT THERE IS LIBERTY
WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS?
(Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ
hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.)
12. WHY SHOULD I FEEL CONDEMNATION
WHEN THE BIBLE SAYS I AM NOT CONDEMNED
BECAUSE I AM IN CHRIST?
(Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them
which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.)
13. WHY SHOULD I FEEL LONELY
WHEN JESUS SAID HE IS WITH ME ALWAYS
AND HE WILL NEVER LEAVE ME OR FORSAKE ME ?
(Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever
I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the
end of the world. Amen.
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness;
and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said,
I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. )
14 WHY SHOULD I FEEL ACCURSED OR VICTIMIZED
WHEN THE BIBLE SAYS THAT CHRIST REDEEMED ME
FROM THE CURSE OF THE LAW
THAT I MIGHT RECEIVE HIS SPIRIT?
(Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law,
being made a curse for us: for it is written,
Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the
Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the
promise of the Spirit through faith.)
15 WHY SHOULD I BE DISCONTENT
WHEN I, LIKE PAUL, CAN LEARN TO BE
CONTENT IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES?
(Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned,
in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.)
16. WHY SHOULD I FEEL WORTHLESS
WHEN CHRIST BECAME SIN ON MY BEHALF
THAT I MIGHT BECOME THE
RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN HIM?
(Corinthians II 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us,
who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. )
17. WHY SHOULD I FEEL SELF-CONSCIOUS
AND INSECURE KNOWING THAT NO ONE CAN BE
AGAINST ME WHEN GOD IS FOR ME?
(Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things?
If God be for us, who can be against us? )
18. WHY SHOULD I BE CONFUSED
WHEN GOD IS THE AUTHOR OF PEACE AND HE GIVES ME KNOWLEDGE
THROUGH HIS INDWELLING SPIRIT?
(Corinthians I 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion,
but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. )
19 WHY SHOULD I FEEL LIKE A FAILURE
WHEN I AM A CONQUEROR IN ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST?
(Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors
through him that loved us.)
20. WHY SHOULD I BECOME SO ANXIOUS
WHEN I CAN TAKE COURAGE KNOWING THAT
JESUS HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD AND ITS
TRIBULATIONS?
THE FIVE FINGER PRAYER
Pray the Five Finger Prayer
1. Your thumb is nearest to you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C.S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty".
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all. Which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "the least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinky should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.
(author unknown)
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