To understand the principle of the Virgin Mary is to understand the Christian religion. In part, this is because an understanding of the principle of the Virgin Mary depends upon some understanding of other aspects of Christian practice.
What the Catholic Christian faith believes about Virgin Mary is based on what it believes about Christ Jesus, and what it teaches about Virgin Mary illuminates in turn its faith in Christ Jesus. - CCC 487 -
Saint Cyril of Alexandria understanding of the significance of the title Theotokos ( Mother of God ) is given succinctly in his Third Letter to Nestorius which is included in the documents of the ecumenical Council of Ephesus. In the passage quoted below, Saint Cyril's explains that the title indicates Virgin Mary's status as the one who conceived and bore the Word of God incarnate, in consequence of which all human life has the possibility of being sanctified from the moment of conception.
Therefore, because the holy virgin bore in the flesh God who has united hypostatically with the flesh, for that reason we call her Mother of God ( Theotokos ) not as though the nature of the Word had the beginning of its existence from the flesh:
In the beginning was the Word:
the Word was with God
and the Word was God. - John 1:1 -
He made the ages and is co-eternal with the Father and craftsman of all things, but because, as we have said, He united to Himself hypostatically the human and underwent a birth according to the flesh from her womb. This was not as though He needed necessarily or for his own nature a birth in time and in the last times of this age, but in order that He might bless the beginning of our existence, in order that seeing that it was a woman that had given birth to Him, united to the flesh, the curse against the whole race should therefore cease, which was consigning all our earthly bodies to death, and in order that the removal through Him of the curse, - Gen. 3:16 - should demonstrate the truth of the words of the prophets, - 1 Cor. 15:54; Is. 25:8; Rev. 7:17, 21:4 - and again, it is for this cause that we say that in His economy He blessed marriage and, when invited, went down to Cana in Galilee with His holy apostles. - John 2:1-11 -
To the woman God said;
'I will multiply your pains in child bearing,
you shall give birth to your children in pain,
Your yearning shall be for your husband,
yet he will lord it over you.' - Gen. 3:16 -
He will destroy Death for ever,
The Lord Yahweh will wipe away
the tears from every cheek;
he will take away his people's shame
everywhere on earth,
for Yahweh has said so. - Is. 25:8 -
When this perishable nature has put on imperishability, and when this mortal nature has put on immortality, then, the words of scripture will come true: Death is swallowed up in victory. Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting? - 1 Cor. 15:54 -
They will never hunger or thirst again; neither the sun nor scorching wind will ever plague them, because the Lamb who is at the throne will be their shepherd and will lead them to springs of living water; and God will wipe away all tears from their eyes. - Rev. 7:17 -
He will wipe away all tears from their eyes; their will be no more death, and no more mourning or sadness. The world of the past has gone. - Rev. 21:4 -
Three days later there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee. The mother of Jesus was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited. When they ran out of wine, since the wine provided for the wedding was all finished, the mother of Jesus said to him, 'They have no wine.' Jesus said, 'Woman, why turn to me? My hour has not come yet.' His mother said to the servants,'Do whatever he tells you.' There were six stone water jars standing there, meant for the ablution that are customary among the Jews: each could hold twenty or thirty gallons.
Jesus said to the servants, 'Fill the jars with water' and they filled them to the brim. 'Draw some out now' he told them 'and take it to the steward.' They did this; the steward tasted the water, and it had turned into wine. Having no idea where it came from - only the servants who had drawn the water knew - the steward called the bridegroom and said, 'People generally serve the best wine first, and keep the cheaper sort till the guests have had plenty to drink; but you have kept the best wine till now.'
This was the first of the signs given by Jesus: it was given at Cana in Galilee. He let his glory be seen, and his disciples believed in him. After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and the brothers, but they stayed there only a few days. - John 2:1-12 -
Page 1
Faith . Hope . Love - Welcome donation. Thank You. God bless.
By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!
I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.
HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -
Saturday, July 16, 2016
Monday, July 11, 2016
The practice of laying hands on someone or something occurs frequently in the Old Testament - particularly the laying of hands on the head of an animal intended for sacrifice. In the account of the ritual of the 'Day Of Atonement' the priest laid his hands on the Scapegoat. This probably symbolized the transferral of the sins and guilt to the people to the goat which was taken away into the wilderness.
The act of laying on of hands in the Old Testament was also associated with blessings, installation to office [ serves as a form of ordination ] and the setting apart of Levi. These passages indicated the transferral of authority and quality, symbolizes God's sovereign power. The hand of God, [ laying on of hands ] a prominent Jewish symbol and later, 'the laying on of hands' was promulgated and perpetuated by the Christians.
Joseph saw that his father was laying his right hand on the head of Ephraim, and this upset him. He took his father's hand and tried to shift it from the head of Ephraim to the head of Manasseh. Joseph protested to his father, 'Not like that, father! This one is the elder; put your right hand on his head.' - Gen. 48:17-18 - Deut. 34:9 - Num. 8:10-11 -
In the New Testament, the placing of hands upon a person by a body of believers [ The Church ] in ceremonial fashion to symbolize that person's authority or his appointment to a special task. The Lord Jesus Christ laid his hands on children and on the sick when He healed them. In the early Church the laying on of hands was also associated with healing, the reception of the Holy Spirit, the setting apart of persons to particular offices and work in the Church, the commissioning of apostle Barnabas and apostle Paul as missionaries, and the setting apart of apostle Timothy. The ritual was accompanied by prayer.
When Jesus was speaking to them, up came one of the officials who bowed low in front of him and said, 'My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her and her life will be saved.' Jesus rose and, with his disciples, followed him. - Matt. 9:19-19 -
People brought little children to Jesus, for him to lay his hands on them and say a prayer. The disciples turned them away, but Jesus said, 'Let the little children alone, and do not stop them coming to me; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.' Then Jesus laid his hands on them and went on his way. - Matt. 19:13-15 - Mark 5:21-24 - Mark 1:31 -
One Sabbath day Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who for eighteen years had been possessed by a spirit that left her enfeebled; she was bent double and quite unable to stand upright. When Jesus saw her he called her over and said, 'Woman, you are rid of your infirmity' and Jesus laid his hands on her. And at once she straightened up, and she glorified God. - Luke 13:10-13 -
The whole assembly approved of this proposal and elected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, together with Phillip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolaus of Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these to the apostles who prayed and laid their hands on them. - Acts. 6:5-6 -
The Lord replied, 'You must go all the same because this man is my chosen instrument to bring my name before pagans and pagan kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show how much he himself must suffer for my name. Then Ananias went. He entered the house, and at once laid his hands on Saul and said, 'Brother Saul, I have been sent by the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on your way here so that you may recover your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' Immediately it was as though scales fell away from Saul's eyes and he could see again. So he was baptized there and then, and after taking some food he regained his strength. - Acts 9:15-19 - Acts 19:6 -
Make use of the time until I arrive by reading to the people, preaching and teaching. You have in you a spiritual gift which was given to you when the prophets spoke and the body of elders laid their hands on you; do not let it lie unused. - 1 Tim. 4:13-14 -
That is why I am reminding you now to fan into a flame the gift that God gave you when I laid my hands on you. God's gift was not a spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of power, and love, and self-control. - 2 Tim. 1:6-7 -
Let us leave behind us then all the elementary teaching about Christ and concentrate on its completion, without going over the fundamental doctrines again: the turning away from dead actions and towards faith in God; the teaching about baptisms and the laying on of hands; the teaching about the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. This, God willing, is what we propose to do. - Heb. 6:1-3 -
Page 1
Faith . Hope . Love - Welcome donation. Thank You. God bless.
By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!
I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.
HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -
The act of laying on of hands in the Old Testament was also associated with blessings, installation to office [ serves as a form of ordination ] and the setting apart of Levi. These passages indicated the transferral of authority and quality, symbolizes God's sovereign power. The hand of God, [ laying on of hands ] a prominent Jewish symbol and later, 'the laying on of hands' was promulgated and perpetuated by the Christians.
Joseph saw that his father was laying his right hand on the head of Ephraim, and this upset him. He took his father's hand and tried to shift it from the head of Ephraim to the head of Manasseh. Joseph protested to his father, 'Not like that, father! This one is the elder; put your right hand on his head.' - Gen. 48:17-18 - Deut. 34:9 - Num. 8:10-11 -
In the New Testament, the placing of hands upon a person by a body of believers [ The Church ] in ceremonial fashion to symbolize that person's authority or his appointment to a special task. The Lord Jesus Christ laid his hands on children and on the sick when He healed them. In the early Church the laying on of hands was also associated with healing, the reception of the Holy Spirit, the setting apart of persons to particular offices and work in the Church, the commissioning of apostle Barnabas and apostle Paul as missionaries, and the setting apart of apostle Timothy. The ritual was accompanied by prayer.
When Jesus was speaking to them, up came one of the officials who bowed low in front of him and said, 'My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her and her life will be saved.' Jesus rose and, with his disciples, followed him. - Matt. 9:19-19 -
People brought little children to Jesus, for him to lay his hands on them and say a prayer. The disciples turned them away, but Jesus said, 'Let the little children alone, and do not stop them coming to me; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.' Then Jesus laid his hands on them and went on his way. - Matt. 19:13-15 - Mark 5:21-24 - Mark 1:31 -
One Sabbath day Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who for eighteen years had been possessed by a spirit that left her enfeebled; she was bent double and quite unable to stand upright. When Jesus saw her he called her over and said, 'Woman, you are rid of your infirmity' and Jesus laid his hands on her. And at once she straightened up, and she glorified God. - Luke 13:10-13 -
The whole assembly approved of this proposal and elected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, together with Phillip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolaus of Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these to the apostles who prayed and laid their hands on them. - Acts. 6:5-6 -
The Lord replied, 'You must go all the same because this man is my chosen instrument to bring my name before pagans and pagan kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show how much he himself must suffer for my name. Then Ananias went. He entered the house, and at once laid his hands on Saul and said, 'Brother Saul, I have been sent by the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on your way here so that you may recover your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' Immediately it was as though scales fell away from Saul's eyes and he could see again. So he was baptized there and then, and after taking some food he regained his strength. - Acts 9:15-19 - Acts 19:6 -
Make use of the time until I arrive by reading to the people, preaching and teaching. You have in you a spiritual gift which was given to you when the prophets spoke and the body of elders laid their hands on you; do not let it lie unused. - 1 Tim. 4:13-14 -
That is why I am reminding you now to fan into a flame the gift that God gave you when I laid my hands on you. God's gift was not a spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of power, and love, and self-control. - 2 Tim. 1:6-7 -
Let us leave behind us then all the elementary teaching about Christ and concentrate on its completion, without going over the fundamental doctrines again: the turning away from dead actions and towards faith in God; the teaching about baptisms and the laying on of hands; the teaching about the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. This, God willing, is what we propose to do. - Heb. 6:1-3 -
Page 1
Faith . Hope . Love - Welcome donation. Thank You. God bless.
By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!
I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.
HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -
Friday, July 8, 2016
The two historical 'Books of Chronicles' of the Old Testament which may characterized as "Books of Hope." In broad selective strokes, these books trace the history of the nation of Israel [ Jacob ] from Adam to the 'Captivity and Restoration.' Almost all of this material is a repetition of that found in the books of '1 and 2 Samuel' and '1 and 2 Kings.'
The author/writer of 1 and 2 Chronicles apparently wrote his history to encourage the exiles who had returned to Jerusalem after more than 50 years of captivity in Babylon. In fact, this selective history reminded them of Israel's glorious days from the past and gave them 'Hope' for the future as they pondered God's promises to "His Covenant People."
The Books Of 1 and 2 Chronicles were written originally as one unbroken book. In later translations of the Sacred Scripture/Holy Bible, however, this ling narrative was divided into two shorter books. Each of these books falls naturally into two major divisions.
For instance, the nine chapters of 1 Chronicles contain long genealogies, or family histories, that are composed of information from the earliest historical books of the Sacred Scripture/Holy Bible. These genealogies take every reader from the descendants of Adam up through the ancestors of king David.
Apparently, special attention is given to the families of ordained priests and Levites. - chapter 6; 9:1-34 - Israel's first king Saul's family, and particularly to the family of David. - chapter 2 to 3 - The second major section of the book ( chapters 10 to 29 ) focuses on the reign of king David. This long account begin with the death of Saul - chapter 10 - omitting the historical facts that preceded this event. Saul's death is reported to establish the fact that he was unqualified for office and that David was God's choice for this responsibility.
Saul died because he had shown himself unfaithful to Yahweh: he had not kept the word of Yahweh; he had even questioned and consulted a necromancer. He had not consulted Yahweh, who therefore put him to death and transferred the monarch to David son of Jesse. - 1 Chr. 10:13-14 -
The account of David's reign is presented in a positive light, with all the details about David's great sin omitted. First Chronicles also lists the names of all those associated with him as mighty men - chapters 11 to 12 - and records his great victories. - chapters 14, 18 to 20 - This section of the book also lists the names of the Levites, priests, and musicians in David's administration - chapters 23 to 26 - as well as other state officials. - chapter 27 - King David's work is included, in establishing Jerusalem as his capital city and as the center of worship. - 11:4-9, chapters 13,15,16,22,28,29 -
The Book Of 2 Chronicles also contains two major sections. Chapters 1 to 9 focus on the rule of king Solomon, whose greatest accomplishment was the building of the 'Temple' in Jerusalem and included is correspondence between Solomon and Hiram, king of Tyre, about building materials - chapter 2 - as well as a full account of the dedication service when the Temple was completed. - chapters 5 to 7 -
The second major section chapters 10 to 36 is a highly selective account of the kings of Judah - from Rehoboam - chapters 10 to 12 - until the time of the 'Captivity' - chapter 36 - Kings given prominence in this narrative include Abijah - chapter 13 - Asa - chapters 14 to 16 - Jehoshaphat - chapters 17 to 20 - Joash - chapters 23 to 24 - Amaziah - chapter 25 - Uzziah or Azariah - chapter 26 - Hezekiah - chapters 29 to 32 - and Josiah - chapters 34 to 35 - The book ends with the proclamation of king Cyrus of Persia allowing the return of the Jews to rebuild their Temple in Jerusalem. - 36:22-23 -
On particularly interesting fact about the Book Of 2 Chronicles is that it comprises little information about the kings of the northern kingdom, Israel. And the facts which it gives about the kings of Judah are mostly positive. This indicates the author/writer was interested in tracing the line of David and showing that Judah was the nation which remained faithful to the 'Covenant' between God and His people. This fact would have been encouraging to the exiles who returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. They felt they were continuing the forms and traditions which set them apart as the true worshipers of God and gave them a sense of identity as "God's Covenant People."
The author/writer of the Books Of 1 and 2 Chronicles is unknown, although Ezra, the priest and scribe seems the most likely possibility. As in 1 and 2 Chronicles, the Book Of Ezra and Nehemiah were written originally as one unbroken book in the Hebrew language. And the last two verses of 2 Chronicles are repeated in the first three verses of the Book Of Ezra, probably indicating they went together in the original version.
The Books Of 1 and 2 Chronicles cover several centuries of the history of 'God's Covenant People' from the founders of the nation until the end of their captivity in Babylon and Persia about 538 B.C. But the books were written with a specific purpose in mind - to give 'comfort and hope' to those who returned to Jerusalem.
The Books Of 1 and 2 Chronicles tie the entire sweep of the Old Testament together into one great affirmation of hope. These books should not only be read as histories, but for their insights into how God has kept faith with His Covenant People across the centuries. By selecting events that show how God has kept His promises, the author/writer presents a beautiful doctrine of hope that begins with Adam - 1 Chr. 1:1 - and stretches to the end of the Captivity of God's people thousands of years later - 2 Chr. 36:22-23 -
The clear implication for Christians today is that He is still a God of hope whose ultimate purpose will prevail in the world and in lives of His people.
How rich are the depths of God - how deep his wisdom and knowledge - and how impossible to penetrate his motives or understand his methods! Who could ever know the mind of the Lord? Who could ever be his counsellor? Who could ever give him anything or lend him anything? All that exists comes from him; all is by him and for him. To him be glory for ever! Amen. - Rom. 11:33-36 -
Page 1
Faith . Hope . Love - Welcome donation. Thank You. God bless.
By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!
I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.
HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -
The author/writer of 1 and 2 Chronicles apparently wrote his history to encourage the exiles who had returned to Jerusalem after more than 50 years of captivity in Babylon. In fact, this selective history reminded them of Israel's glorious days from the past and gave them 'Hope' for the future as they pondered God's promises to "His Covenant People."
The Books Of 1 and 2 Chronicles were written originally as one unbroken book. In later translations of the Sacred Scripture/Holy Bible, however, this ling narrative was divided into two shorter books. Each of these books falls naturally into two major divisions.
For instance, the nine chapters of 1 Chronicles contain long genealogies, or family histories, that are composed of information from the earliest historical books of the Sacred Scripture/Holy Bible. These genealogies take every reader from the descendants of Adam up through the ancestors of king David.
Apparently, special attention is given to the families of ordained priests and Levites. - chapter 6; 9:1-34 - Israel's first king Saul's family, and particularly to the family of David. - chapter 2 to 3 - The second major section of the book ( chapters 10 to 29 ) focuses on the reign of king David. This long account begin with the death of Saul - chapter 10 - omitting the historical facts that preceded this event. Saul's death is reported to establish the fact that he was unqualified for office and that David was God's choice for this responsibility.
Saul died because he had shown himself unfaithful to Yahweh: he had not kept the word of Yahweh; he had even questioned and consulted a necromancer. He had not consulted Yahweh, who therefore put him to death and transferred the monarch to David son of Jesse. - 1 Chr. 10:13-14 -
The account of David's reign is presented in a positive light, with all the details about David's great sin omitted. First Chronicles also lists the names of all those associated with him as mighty men - chapters 11 to 12 - and records his great victories. - chapters 14, 18 to 20 - This section of the book also lists the names of the Levites, priests, and musicians in David's administration - chapters 23 to 26 - as well as other state officials. - chapter 27 - King David's work is included, in establishing Jerusalem as his capital city and as the center of worship. - 11:4-9, chapters 13,15,16,22,28,29 -
The Book Of 2 Chronicles also contains two major sections. Chapters 1 to 9 focus on the rule of king Solomon, whose greatest accomplishment was the building of the 'Temple' in Jerusalem and included is correspondence between Solomon and Hiram, king of Tyre, about building materials - chapter 2 - as well as a full account of the dedication service when the Temple was completed. - chapters 5 to 7 -
The second major section chapters 10 to 36 is a highly selective account of the kings of Judah - from Rehoboam - chapters 10 to 12 - until the time of the 'Captivity' - chapter 36 - Kings given prominence in this narrative include Abijah - chapter 13 - Asa - chapters 14 to 16 - Jehoshaphat - chapters 17 to 20 - Joash - chapters 23 to 24 - Amaziah - chapter 25 - Uzziah or Azariah - chapter 26 - Hezekiah - chapters 29 to 32 - and Josiah - chapters 34 to 35 - The book ends with the proclamation of king Cyrus of Persia allowing the return of the Jews to rebuild their Temple in Jerusalem. - 36:22-23 -
On particularly interesting fact about the Book Of 2 Chronicles is that it comprises little information about the kings of the northern kingdom, Israel. And the facts which it gives about the kings of Judah are mostly positive. This indicates the author/writer was interested in tracing the line of David and showing that Judah was the nation which remained faithful to the 'Covenant' between God and His people. This fact would have been encouraging to the exiles who returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. They felt they were continuing the forms and traditions which set them apart as the true worshipers of God and gave them a sense of identity as "God's Covenant People."
The author/writer of the Books Of 1 and 2 Chronicles is unknown, although Ezra, the priest and scribe seems the most likely possibility. As in 1 and 2 Chronicles, the Book Of Ezra and Nehemiah were written originally as one unbroken book in the Hebrew language. And the last two verses of 2 Chronicles are repeated in the first three verses of the Book Of Ezra, probably indicating they went together in the original version.
The Books Of 1 and 2 Chronicles cover several centuries of the history of 'God's Covenant People' from the founders of the nation until the end of their captivity in Babylon and Persia about 538 B.C. But the books were written with a specific purpose in mind - to give 'comfort and hope' to those who returned to Jerusalem.
The Books Of 1 and 2 Chronicles tie the entire sweep of the Old Testament together into one great affirmation of hope. These books should not only be read as histories, but for their insights into how God has kept faith with His Covenant People across the centuries. By selecting events that show how God has kept His promises, the author/writer presents a beautiful doctrine of hope that begins with Adam - 1 Chr. 1:1 - and stretches to the end of the Captivity of God's people thousands of years later - 2 Chr. 36:22-23 -
The clear implication for Christians today is that He is still a God of hope whose ultimate purpose will prevail in the world and in lives of His people.
How rich are the depths of God - how deep his wisdom and knowledge - and how impossible to penetrate his motives or understand his methods! Who could ever know the mind of the Lord? Who could ever be his counsellor? Who could ever give him anything or lend him anything? All that exists comes from him; all is by him and for him. To him be glory for ever! Amen. - Rom. 11:33-36 -
Page 1
Faith . Hope . Love - Welcome donation. Thank You. God bless.
By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!
I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.
HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -
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