Who's Who in the Bible
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Why The Virgin Birth Matters
The subject of the Virgin Birth is a crucial fundamental issue in modern Christianity because it opens the door to a unique nature for their Christ. Much of today’s Christian dogma is based on the belief that Jesus/Yeshua is born without a human father, and this fundamental tenet of faith most prevalent in the Roman Catholic church spills over into the Protestant church, and continues to spill over into the Messianic community – to include “Hebrew roots”, “Torah-observant” and other such labeled parties, who hold to Jesus/Yeshua as the Christ/Messiah. The problem however, is that the Old Testament is filled with promises made by YHVH to men concerning the fate…
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Misfits Bible Study Session: Hebrews 6:11-20
This week’s text covered: And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly…
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Why Joseph Knew Her Not Till Mary Brought Forth
Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. (Matthew 1:24-25 KJV) People often point to this passage as evidence that Joseph never had relations with his wife, however this statement is made after Mary had already conceived as revealed in verses 18. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as [For] his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost [spirit]. (Matthew 1:18 KJV revisions…
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The Lineage of Luke 3:23-38 – Jesus, the Son of God
The author of Matthew introduces his book with a genealogy of Jesus Christ, specifically calling it a book of the generation (or a book of genesis): The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. (Matthew 1:1 KJV) Whereas, the author of Luke provides a list of names in chapter 3 that appears to be a genealogy of Jesus, except it is never referred to as such. We recognize the names from Adam down to Nathan as being genealogical in nature because we have genealogical records given in the Old Testament to compare it with. But most of the names between Nathan and Joseph…
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Mary, of Whom Was Born Jesus
Many suggest the genealogy given in Matthew 1 is hinting at a Virgin Birth given the unique wording surrounding Mary, of whom was born Jesus. And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. (Matthew 1:16 KJV) The thought is that it was the author’s intent to indicate Jesus was born of Mary, but not begotten of Joseph. But is that really what the author sought to convey?
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To Take Unto Thee Mary Thy Wife
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and…
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I Don’t Believe the Virgin Birth Doctrine
For months now I have been compiling two Biblical Study Guides on “The Birth of Jesus Christ”, one according to Luke-Acts, and the other according to Matthew. The intent of this project has been to encourage others to study the Bible for themselves regarding this subject. But I’ve been chomping at the bit to talk about what I’m personally seeing in the Bible as it relates to this matter. I don’t believe the Virgin Birth Doctrine. So many think the Bible puts forth the notion that Jesus was conceived and born of a virgin, without having been known by a man, but I firmly believe that is not the case…
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Nothing Shall Be Impossible With God
Many in the Virgin Birth Doctrinal claim camp understand the statement, nothing shall be impossible with God in Luke 1:37 is specifically pertaining to Mary and the child she will conceive. But is Mary to whom the messenger was referring? Read Genesis 18:10-14 in the Septuagint: And he said, I will return and come to thee according to this period seasonably, and Sarrha thy wife shall have a son; and Sarrha heard at the door of the tent, being behind him. And Abraam and Sarrha were old, advanced in days, and the custom of women ceased with Sarrha. And Sarrha laughed in herself, saying, The thing has not as yet happened to…
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Before Their Coming Together
So many English translations insist the phrase “before their coming together” in Matthew 1:18 applies to that which comes after it, but the Greek text tells a different story. The application of this phrase to the latter part of this verse is needed to prop up the Virgin Birth Doctrinal notion of Joseph not being the biological father of Jesus. However, an honest look at the Greek text demonstrates this phrase applies to the former part of the verse. See for yourself: http://messyanic.com/before-their-coming-together.pdf So what’s the big deal? Why would the author point this detail out? Doesn’t everyone get betrothed before their coming together?
- Appointed Times of YHVH, Day of Atonement - Yom Kippur, Day of Shouting - Yom Teruah, Encouragement / Advice, Feast of Tabernacles - Sukkot, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Weeks - Shavuot, Jesus / Yeshua, Passover - Pesach, Sabbath Day - Shabbath, YHVH Elohim/God
Free From the Calendar Debate
I’m so glad to be free from the “calendar” debate! Chasing after the sun, moon and stars to determine when to “appear before the LORD” is so last-year for me. No offense is meant to those searching these things out now. Keep searching — don’t settle on doing what everyone else is doing just because everyone else is doing it. Be able to give a sound reason for why you do what you do. I’ve shared some of my notes on my past calendar study for anyone who might be interested in comparing notes with me. From time to time, I go back and make revisions based on newer understanding,…