As human beings our lives are largely consumed by those things that we think are important at any given time. In reality, however, often those things we think are so important are of fleeting significance, and will soon be forgotten. Those things that truly are important, however, and that are of lasting significance, are commonly given scant attention. The true destiny God desires for human beings is not only a subject about which most people know virtually nothing, but it’s also a subject to which most people give little thought or concern.
Author Archives: Rod Reynolds
Why Do We Keep the Passover?
It’s widely acknowledged among Biblical scholars and historians that Jesus and the early Apostles kept the Passover — as the historical and Biblical evidence clearly shows. Is there any reason for Christians to keep the Passover today? YES! Find out why!
Love God
Jesus was asked the question, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” (Matthew 22:36). Jesus answer, as recorded in Matthew 22:37-38, was, “’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.”
We see then that the first and greatest requirement for a Christian is that we love God. And not just that we love God, but that we love him totally, with all our heart, mind and being. This means that we must love God above anything or anyone else. “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me” [Matthew 10:37; cf. similar scripture in Luke 14:26; the Greek word μισεω (miseō) in this context does not mean to hate but means to love less by comparison (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance)].
But how do you love God? Have you ever thought about it? I hope so. It is something we should give a great deal of thought and attention to. Let’s examine this subject of loving God and some specific ways we can go about fulfilling this greatest of all commandments.
Fulfilled Prophecy a Proof of God and the Bible
How do we really know God exists? How do we really know that God answers prayers and keeps his word? How do we really know even what his word is?
Many people, in reality the vast majority, live their lives with little or no knowledge of or regard for the true God. There are many who scoff at the idea that God actually intervenes in a decisive way in the affairs of men and nations (2 Peter 3:3-4).
Fulfilled prophecy is one of the primary proofs not only that God exists, but of his identity as the God of the Bible, and of the Bible’s authority as the Word of God (Isaiah 40:18, 22-25; 41:21-23; 45:21-22).
Where Was the Passover Sacrificed?
Was the Temple in Jerusalem the only Jewish temple in ancient times? Was it acceptable to sacrifice the Passover lambs just anywhere? Was the Passover a “home sacrifice,” as some contend? Correct answers to these questions can help us have a more complete understanding of the history of the Passover institution and how it was administered under the Old Covenant.
The Temple in Samaria
During the latter days of Solomon’s reign, the kingdom of Israel was led into idolatry, as Solomon built “high places” (places of worship) for foreign gods of his wives, and his heart was turned from faith in the true Creator God of Israel, to the worship of false gods. As a result God pronounced that the kingdom would be divided, with ten of the tribes of Israel being given to Solomon’s servant Jeroboam, who became the first king of the northern kingdom (I Kings 11:1-39). The division occurred shortly after the death of Solomon (c. 930 B.C.). Its capital was eventually established in the city of Samaria, built by a later king, Omri (c. 879 B.C.; I Kings 16:23-24). The northern kingdom established under Jeroboam retained the name “kingdom of Israel.” The southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin, and most of the Levites, remained as the kingdom of Judah, under Solomon’s son Rehoboam, and his successors, with its capital in Jerusalem.
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