In The Beginning.....Became Void & Without Form (tohu va-bohu)

I posted the other day on the Figures Of Speech and aside from misunderstandings resulting from those, one of the biggest issues in reading the Scriptures is folks forgetting how to read....Meaning, read the Bible just as you would anything else and follow the subject and object and then there will be no misunderstanding it.  God's simplicity is as great as is His Truth.

There is much debate over "the beginning" and how it all came about, how old the earth is if you believe one way or the other, etc.  The truly great thing about taking the Word back to the original languages and reading with understanding the subject and object of everything written...and not taking anything out of context...is that God's Word absolutely aligns with true and validated science without the need for "making" anything fit where it doesn't, or inventing science that isn't science (theory that hasn't been proven isn't science, it's a belief system).  Evolution is just as much a belief system as those who believe in God the Creator and Creationism.  The confusion for those on both sides of these belief systems lies in the misunderstanding of those first two simply stated verses in Genesis.  No need for conflict, just understanding....

Genesis 1:1-2  In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.  And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.

Let me get this part out of the way and then we will delve into the w-h-a-t of it all.  There are three earth and heaven ages:  that which was in the beginning and was destroyed, that which is now in the present, and that which is yet to come in the eternity.  The earth/heaven age that was, that first age, is what is spoken of in those first two verses.  The earth/heaven age that is now, that second age, is what is covered in the rest of Genesis on the recreation of the earth.  The earth/heaven age that is to come, that third and final age, is what is covered in the Scriptures of prophecy about the eternity after the Millennium and Judgment Day.

Peter, Jeremiah, and Proverbs all also speak of the 1st Earth Age.  Note that the flood mentioned in II Peter 3:5-6 is not Noah's flood as God did not destroy the whole earth during that flood, just the wicked population (more on that in a future post).  What is spoken of in II Peter 3:5-13 is the total destruction of that 1st Earth Age as well as the end of the 2nd Earth Age and the beginning of the new 3rd Earth Age to come. 

II Peter 3:5-13 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.  But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.  The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?  Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Jeremiah 4:22-26 For My people is foolish, they have not known Me: they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.  I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light.

In this verse, just as in the verses above in Genesis, it is speaking of that 1st Earth Age.  Jeremiah goes on in that chapter discussing God's anger and the total destruction of that first age.  The word in Genesis 1:2 "was" should have been translated properly as "became" and "without form" as "waste" from the Manuscripts and would therefore read: the earth BECAME WASTE, and void.  The earth that then was became nothing and then God decided to rebuild it, hence the subsequent chapters on just that.  In Jeremiah 4:23 the words "without form, and void" is the very same from Genesis and in the Hebrew is tohu va-bohu.  The earth that then was became void and without form, everything about that age was destroyed (unlike Noah's flood....again another post discussion). [For there to be something that "became void and without form", then logic dictates there was something prior to be voided.]   God destroyed that first age as a result of Satan's fall (the katabole) and chose to rebuild the second age for His children to have free will choice without prior knowledge of that first age (more on this in a later post).  It is the choices we make in this second age that determine our time in the third age.

Hebrews 12:25-29 See that ye refuse not Him That speaketh.  For if they escaped not who refused Him That spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from Him That speaketh from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now He hath promised saying, "Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven." 

 God shook the earth once (Satan's fall and the end of the 1st Earth Age) and He will shake it again (just prior to the 3rd Earth Age).  Some resulting science from the destruction of the 1st Earth Age:  Magnetic north (pole) is 90 miles off from true north.  I believe that the Continental Drift theory can be proven with the shaking of the earth at that time as well as the sudden destruction and fossilization of the dinosaurs.  The scientific, determined age of this earth in opposition to the age of this 2nd Earth Age from its creation in Genesis 1:3-31 are resolved in the knowledge of a 1st Earth Age which in its destruction has also provided our fossil fuels, etc. 

The next posts in this "in the beginning" series of studies will cover Satan's overthrow, the 6th and 8th day man, the seedline to Christ and how Satan tried to impede it, Noah's flood, and probably more.....stay tuned! 

Figures of Speech

Excerpt from Bullinger's King James Version Companion Bible Appendix 6:

It is most important to notice these [figures of speech].  It is absolutely necessary for true interpretation.  God's Word is made up of "words which the Holy Ghost teacheth" (I Cor 2:13, I Thess 2:13, II Tim 3:16, II Pet 1:21, etc.). 

A "Figure of speech" relates to the form in which the words are used.  It consists in the fact that a word or words are used out of their ordinary sense, or place, or manner, for the purpose of attracting our attention to what is thus said.  A Figure of speech is a designed and legitimate departure from the laws of language, in order to emphasise what is said.  Hence in such Figures we have the Holy Spirit's own marking, so to speak, of His own words.

This peculiar form or unusual  manner may not be true, or so true, to the literal meaning of the words; but it is more true to their real sense, and truer to truth.

Figures are never used but for the sake of emphasis.  They can never, therefore, be ignored.  Ignorance of Figures of speech has led to the grossest errors, which have been caused either from taking literally what is figurative, or from taking figuratively what is literal.

The Greeks and Romans named some hundreds of such figures.  The only work on Biblical Figures of speech in the English language is by Dr. Bullinger, from which we have taken the whole of the information given here as well as in the marginal notes [of the Bullinger's KJV Companion Bible].  He has classified some 217 separate figures (some of them with many varieties or subdivisions), and has given over 8,000 illustrations.

Why do I mention any of this?  If you are not already aware of it, then now you are...and if you do not realize the enormity this plays in so many misunderstandings from the manuscripts then you soon will.  As we go along in our studies, I will point out these Figures of Speech and their meanings. 

Tribulations And Defeat

Just a follow up with my Post from 1/28/13 on VeryEffectiveFitness.com where each Monday I post something from Scripture or something Inspirational.  Next Post on this site will get back on track with study information.

Tribulations And Defeat

If you are struggling, feeling defeated, overwhelmed, and/or hopeless....You are not alone! These past months (and for some, years) have been a struggle for so many including myself. Life can be that way at times, but it is how we exist in those struggles that make us who we are. The past few weeks have been especially rough for me and in moments, I have not shined the way I would like to have, nor was I as strong as I'd like to have been.....the difference in my shining strong moments and my very weak moments completely depend on my focus in God's Word. Sounds silly to some who have not tried it, but this I can absolutely guarantee! Put your trust, faith, and study in God and He will absolutely guide you through whatever storm you find yourself!!!

{The Apocrypha} The First Book of Maccabees 3:18-19 And Judas {Maccabeus} said, "It is easy for many to be inclosed in the hands of a few, and there is no difference in the sight of heaven between saving through many or through few, for victory in war does not depend upon the size of the force, but strength comes from heaven...."

Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Psalms 91:2 I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in Him will I trust."

Deuteronomy 4:29-31 But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find Him, if thou seek Him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto His voice. (For the Lord thy God is a merciful God). He will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which He sware unto them.

Hebrews 13:5-6,8 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.” So that we may boldly say, “The Lord is my Helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” … Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

Proverbs 16:9 A man's heart deviseth his way: But the Lord directeth his steps.

Whether you are facing financial, medical, spiritual, family, whatever trouble it is or however many troubles it is, God is there for you to ask HELP, GUIDANCE, DIRECTION, UNDERSTANDING, HEALING, SAVING....but you have to ask Him and know that how He answers is always perfect whether it is fully understood in the moment or not. Understanding might come later, but always trust in His Will being best for you. A child might ask for a venomous snake as a pet but you denying that request and giving him a puppy instead does not mean anything less than your protection and balance of his needs/wants/desires/and best interest....God is no different in our lives! It sometimes takes years for me to come to full understanding and acceptance of paths in my life, but regardless of the thorns in the way or the redirection, it has always been in my best interest.

Isaiah 43:25-26 I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Put Me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.

Remind God of His promise which documents that you studied His Word to know of His promises.

I John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us: And if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.

Key words here: HIS WILL….

Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthenth me.

Luke 12:6-7 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

II Corinthians 9:6-8 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.

If things are not working in your life, assess how you are going about life. In that we are given no more than we can handle this is to also include blessings. Make sure you are doing your best and the best for all concerned before wallowing in what is not working in your life.

James 1:13-16 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren.

God does not tempt us anymore than He tempted Job … Satan on the other hand … When we pull away from God and our focus is more in the flesh, it is much easier for temptations to snare us in the wrong direction.

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and unbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Proverbs 4:7-8 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

~for other Monday Posts from VeryEffectiveFitness.com be sure and visit:

Inspiration & Encouragement

Surviving the Holidays and Everyday Stress
Time Labors Where?
Amen! (2)
Needs Met....Always!
Love & Comfort
Things To Remember
In All You Do....The Golden Rule!
Brotherly Love Equally
Study = Knowledge
Why Bible Challenge On Fitness Site?
Thankful For Problems
Tribulations And Defeat
Better Time Spent
Gifts & Correction
The More You Know
The Refiner
Forgive To Be Forgiven
The Touch Of God
Renewed
It Was Only A Quarter

Been A Long Time Gone....

My goal is to not post a lot of "personal posts/thoughts", but rather true Study/Fact/Info on/from God's Word, The Bible.  From time to time; however, I will interject the occasional personal tidbit.  This being one such post ;-) 

I haven't posted in the past few weeks for several reasons with the two main reasons being: 1) A long time boundaryless relationship with a couple of self-absorbed and judgmental individuals with no room for other's opinions in their blindness to God's Word.  They firmly place their loyalty to church institution before God and their resulting celebrations of Man's Traditions of Easter Bunny/Eggs before Christ's Sacrifice and God's Word.  The situations stemming from the one-side dynamic of this relationship caused me to pause, reflect, and pray before moving forward.  I neither want to confuse or become a stumbling block for anyone, so before posting anything further, I wanted to make sure my direction is clear and the guidance is from above.  What anyone does in their walk with God is their business...it becomes my business when they continually insert their views in my life when asked to refrain.  &  2) An extreme 3 week allergic reaction followed by a 3 week post-op infection as a result of surgical staff's disregard to my known/listed and verbally stated allergies :-( rough road, but such is life!

Before I continue: Note that I fully realize the tone of this post and I do not intend to adversely ruffle feathers as it were, but sometimes a little bluntness is necessary just as salt is necessary for savor.  We are all responsible for our actions and thoughts and ultimately we all answer for ourselves and the choices we made, the actions we did or did not take, and whether we took God's Word or man's word as the directions we followed.  Only God is the judge of any of this and any one....walk your walk and I'll walk mine.  I am not judging anyone for what they do in their own lives, but I also won't accept forced judgment on my walk from anyone either!

Colossians 4:2-6 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds; that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

To those like the couple mentioned above, if you read all of my previous posts on Passover/Easter and misconstrued that I believe and celebrate each year the first passover when the Israelites escaped Egypt, then reread the posts as that is not the case.  The 2nd passover, the one in which Christ died on the Cross and became our end all, be all Savior and Passover is the one in which I and my family celebrate and rejoice in each year!  We are Christians!  I believe in Christ.  I follow Christ and God's Word before anything fallible man has created or constructed or deemed a part and diluted form of said remembrance of His Great Sacrifice for our Sins!  Period and end of story!  If, like the parables that Christ spoke while on the earth in the flesh is beyond your eyes to see and ears to hear at this time, ask God for guidance and direction as He will always provide!  James 1:5

True, man has created several representations that the churches put forth as to why eggs represent Christ's empty tomb, etc., but here is the thing....it's neither Scriptural nor is it historical.  Historically, both the eggs and the bunnies are pagan and have nothing what-so-ever to do with Christ's Sacrifice on the Cross.  True, I personally could overlook all of this and just "go along to get along" and not cause any waves for folks...after all, most have no clue about the history of all of this nor the many Scriptures of God speaking against these very same pagan rituals....and are in their hearts celebrating Christ's Sacrifice, however misinformed and misguided.  The problem lies in the fact that I do know the history and the Scriptures.  If you know better, you are supposed to do better.  I can explain it like this:  If I had a bowl of candy on the kitchen table and told my youngest child that under no circumstances is she to touch or eat any of that candy until I give her some after dinner, but had not instructed my oldest child of such since he was in school.  Then later that afternoon both of my children are in the kitchen eating fist fulls of the candy.  Who am I going to be most upset with?  Yes, my youngest because she knew and understood better.  I will still be upset and disappointed with my oldest because he does know to ask first, but I won't be as upset with him as I will my youngest who was just that afternoon instructed otherwise.  God our Father is no different in that He has provided us His Word as His instruction to us.  It is both His love letter to us as is His rule book as is His direction for us to follow.  Us being too busy to read and follow it is not something I as a parent would accept from my children nor as God's child do I want to use as a reason when I face Him on Judgment Day.

It seems folks can get so tied to their church denominations that they forget they are supposed to be Christians first and foremost.  We are supposed to be founded in God's Word, not man's word and traditions.  In fact Paul taught in Corinthians against the forming of denominations.  Certainly, I believe such man made divisions and derisions from God's Word would be more than frowned upon as they are practiced these days....albeit there is nothing "new under the sun" and these times and practices are repeats of the same in Judges, Kings, Chronicles, etc., all documented for our instruction.

I Corinthians 1:9-20 God is faithful, by Whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, "I am Paul"; and "I of Apollos"; and "I of Cephas"; and "I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.  And I baptized also the household of  Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.  For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent."  Where is the wise?  where is the scribe?  where is the disputer of this world?  hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 

And then there is this:  Forgive To Be Forgiven 

Moving on to the misfortunes that happen to us in the flesh here and there as we are on this earth.  Usually when I hunker down in Bible Study or planting seeds or spreading the Volume of the Book, I also tend to have a little misfortune fall upon me.  We all have power over Satan and his evildoers and the flesh through Jesus Christ.  We just have to remember to use it!  Whether it's a big or little tribulation, through Christ we can overcome anything!

Luke 10:17-20 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, "Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through Thy name."  And He said unto them, "I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.  Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.  Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven."

May God Bless You In Study and Practice!