Until now

INTRODUCTION

If you do not believe in God or Jesus Christ, I can understand that and feel for you. I believe you are really missing out on some wonderful experiences.

We live in a world of confusion. Some cry, "this is the thing we should do." others teach just as convincingly, "no, this is what we should do." There seems to be no end to it; confusion reigns supreme. We are bombarded with this type of delivery in the newspapers. We have it on the TV and radio news. We have it in all forms of politics. We have it in most forms of religion and there are over two thousand “Christian” religions registered throughout the world. Is it any wonder you are baffled? I feel for you.

A believable, well presented person convinces us that, what he or she is presenting is the truth, and another equally believable person convinces us the exact opposite is of God. With our limited understanding or knowledge, how can we know who is correct?

If we are to know what to do or make a decision on what course to take, there are few who can help us feel confident that we are making the right decision.

Many people do not make choices for that very reason. They struggle along allowing the winds of change to flow over them and they attempt to adjust to the circumstances. Some give up and rely on their own resources, the arm of the flesh, or their own understanding. They chase after worldly possessions and other attractive things, instead of the beauty of Eternal Spiritual truths with the promised vision of Eternal life. I am not saying it is wrong to seek the attractive worldly possessions but the Scriptures tell us clearly that we should seek First, the Kingdom of God and His righteousness ……..

We should be able to turn to Jesus Christ for the answer. Only every different group says, ‘He is in another direction’, and they are the only ones who know where he is; but when sought, He is not to be found there. Some say we are all climbing a hill by different routes and we will all arrive at the same destination at the top, because that is where we are heading.

Others strenuously oppose this axiom and quote Scriptures stating, ‘because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it’. [ Matthew 7: 14.]

Note the way strait is spelt. It is spelt the same as a geographical location, and has the same meaning. It means a difficult, restricted, and narrow passageway.

A great number of books are written about this man called the Christ and few of them agree totally. All have some similarity, but in the very essence, the important stuff, they seem to differ markedly. So much so, that as I read, it is easy to get the impression, they have set out to destroy what little faith people have in God and this Jesus the Christ.

Most religions claim to have their source in the Bible, but if so, why then are there so many [over two thousand] Churches which dispute with each other about the teachings of this one person, Jesus the Christ? [The title, Christ, is Greek, means the anointed one.]

True, there are some groups who are attempting to find some middle ground on which they can agree so they can become united. Will they really succeed? Even if they succeed, will they then be teaching the truth according to Jesus the Christ in the Bible? Was Jesus one for consensus? I do not get that impression.

To find the truth we need to go to the Bible, it is true, but will we find anything different, and if we do, how will we know what we have found is the correct information on which to base our decision?

Students agree, the bible, though generally translated correctly, has quite a lot of errors, misinterpretations and some things or parts have been added or are missing.

Many religions have set out to correct this by producing their own version and yet they still disagree. We now have a "Politically correct" version and a "women’s movement." version that greatly adds to the confusion. So what is true? Every Group or Church is based upon some or many truths yet, I think, they ignore some very important sections of the Gospel as taught by Jesus Christ and His Apostles so, where do we go to learn of Him?

Theological colleges, set up by the different churches and organisations, only perpetuate the interpretations and any mistakes, in that group’s ‘belief.’ They overcome this by saying, "He didn’t mean it the way it reads, He meant, their interpretation." It certainly rationalises their beliefs, though in some cases it does not compare with the patterns in the Scriptures.

Some ignore the difficult parts of the Bible and escape with something like, "that’s one of the mysteries which will be made known to us one day."

They deny the principle of Revelation, which is required to open our understanding though some religions are beginning to consider the principle of Revelation and what it means to them. If they get around to accepting the principle of Revelation will it then, make them the true Church that Jesus will use to prepare the world for His second coming?

Some try to make Jesus out to be just an ordinary man who became a martyr for God. Some churches even deny that Lucifer or Satan, the devil, is real. They say he is some unknown opposition. If they believe God has no body parts or passions and is just a blob, then this kind of belief in the devil would be easy to believe for them.

Can we actually find, the real Jesus Christ, in the Bible?

The answer is yes! But how will we know when we have found Him?

If we are seeking with real intent and not out of curiosity, The Holy Spirit will let us know.

How will we recognise the difference between the feelings of our own mind or desires of our heart and being touched by the Holy Spirit?

That can be a problem!

If you are sincere in your search then He will grant your request but the Holy Spirit will answer your petition in your own unique way and not necessarily in the manner anyone else may think. Some of us will feel a wonderful feeling in our bosom; others will feel good all over. Yet again, some may feel shivers up and down their spine as they read or hear some doctrines taught. Others become excited and or shivery. Then again, others may feel as though the hair on the back of their neck is standing up. A general feeling of well being is the experience of some.

Whatever way you feel the prompting of the Holy Spirit it will be unique. You will know it is not from your mind. You will realise you are having some special unique experience, which is telling you that what you are reading or hearing, is true.

If you are seriously searching for the truth and are prepared to do something about it when you find it, the Holy Spirit will reveal to you what is true, after you have pondered and studied it in your mind.

It is a truth; everyone must make a decision about this Jesus. Everyone consciously or unconsciously must either accept or reject Him. By doing nothing, we reject Him, there can be no sitting on the fence or keeping a foot in both camps.

Many attempt to ignore Him but He is too important to be disregarded and anyone with a little intelligence and sincerity can see why.

Before any of us can even gain a glimpse of what this Jesus is all about, we must have an understanding of the history of God’s covenant people and the part within that History, this Jesus plays.

It is my desire to take you through the history of the Lord’s dealings with His people. By doing this I hope to give you a brief overview of how and where this Jesus, the Christ fits into the overall plan of Salvation which has been organised for every man, woman and child born onto this planet.

What we have in our Old Testament concerning the time prior to Moses being taught by Jehovah at the burning bush is Revelation recorded by Moses. As Moses was raised as a prince in Egypt , maybe it was first recorded in Egyptian. Since that time it has been recorded by Scribes who were learned enough to write in the manner of the language of that time. Since then it has been translated by many different people from the language of Moses into Hebrew then into Greek, sometimes into Latin, and also into English and many different interpretations of the English translations exist. It is easy to understand how mistakes crept in.

This Old Testament is a collection of history, sayings and writings of Prophets of God and has come down to us through the ages by word of mouth and the written word as it developed. Many, many scribes rewrote them as the written word and their meanings changed and of course, like today, human error and prejudices caused many mistakes.

The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls has certainly helped confirm or correct much in the latter part of the Old Testament. Among other things, the Scrolls cleared up, was the debate over the book of Isaiah and whether it is the history of one or two men or written by more than one person. The Bible is correct. Many sections of the Scrolls cover the period between Isaiah and the birth of this man Jesus.

I believe the old King James Version of the Bible is the most independent among the lot written in English. That is why I use it. Even so we need to be careful, because English is a living language and the meanings of many words have changed over the years.

For instance, take the word jealous; one of the Ten Commandments says that God is a jealous God. Surely if God is perfect then He would not have that weakness. The meaning of that word has changed through common usage.

Jealous in those times meant to be very strict in doing what was said had to be done. In some dictionaries today the meaning can still be found, like ‘solicitous or vigilant in maintaining or guarding something’.

Those who translated this Bible under the direction of the then King, James , did not have any axe to grind. Their brief was to get the then Bible to the people of that day so they could read and understand it. They had no philosophy of creed to teach. It was a straight translation. Translation mistakes contained therein were also included because the errors were already in their original master copy; much had been added or left out prior to that English translation. We will discuss some of these later, as we come to them

In our walk through History, I do not intend to dwell on all of the acts and statements of important individuals and Prophets. Except, where, I think, it adds to our understanding of God’s purposes, plans and dealings with His children; where it helps us comprehend where this person Jesus fits in to the overall family and how that will have an effect on everyone born on this earth.

As you read this book, you will find Scripture references, in two fonts. The references given in small font are written for your convenience. You are urged to check all the Scriptures, in your Bible, particularly those that are provided as only a Chapter number and verse.

Reading the whole passage would be helpful in understanding the full context and meaning of each reference. You will be able to notice the context in which that particular Scripture was given. That will help you understand its meaning and to judge if I have taken it out of context.

If you are not using the King James Version, the reference, in most cases, will not be exactly the same in your Bible. You will find the citation nearby, mostly on the same page, sometimes on the next page, to where the reference quoted is recorded in my King James version.

As you read this publication, please do not ignore the comma. I use the comma to highlight a break in the flow of the conversation or to make a statement or explanation. As you read, pause at the comma. It will help you understand what I am trying to communicate.

It was my desire to keep "religion" out of this book and keep it neutral. But with God, we can never be neutral. Every time I write my thoughts and belief, I am making a "religious" statement. This is a form of religion.

I hope you will look past this and check out the truth of what is said. Try to envision how it fits in with past, present and future patterns and doctrines shown and taught in your Bible.

Basically, all Scripture forms a network of gospel concepts. I mean that though all events stand independent of others, all the truths and principles support each other across all events, throughout the whole Testament. God is not contradictory! He, His teachings and acts are consistent to all His children in similar circumstances. If you come across any inconsistencies, you can guarantee it is an addition by someone to make it lean towards their line of thinking, to make someone in the story look good or something has been left out.

Only honest, earnest and diligent study of these Scriptures can bring to light the basic truths. The more you read the Scriptures, the more you will become familiar with the language used by the Scribes and Prophets.

If someone was to mention “the wise virgins,” to one who has been reading the Scriptures regularly, instantly, their minds would recall something about that teaching in the New Testament. Once we have become familiar with these concepts and as we read the Scriptures again, the Holy Spirit teaches us. We can see how everything fits together and the Scriptures open like a new flower before us and we wonder why we did not understand or see that as clearly, when we read it previously.

Some say they read the Scriptures and cannot remember what they have read. My message to them is, you remember quite clearly but your power of recall is letting you down. Having read the Scriptures regularly, there will be times when you hear or read about principles or doctrines and you will know if it is the truth. You may not know Chapter, verse and passage but you will know of the truth, because the Spirit will bring to your remembrance and understanding, what you have previously read. [John 14: 26} Your study and readings will help prevent you being led astray if you are strong enough to stay with your feelings.

One thing stands out consistently and clearly, God is invariable and constant in all His dealings with mankind and He loves all His children equally.

He is exactly the same today and will remain so to the end of this world. I have a conviction of this. This can give us great confidence in His promises about our future and His love.

CHAPTER ONE.
ABRAM
GENESIS Chap. 10.

I f you are genealogically minded, this is where you would begin. This is where the family line from Noah begins. Genesis Chapter 11:26. . And Terah lived seventy years and begat Abram, Nahor and Haran .

When Abram matured, he married Sarai and she was, then, unable to have children. This was a very stressful situation for them both. An important part of the culture of that time and for many centuries afterwards, was the production of an heir as early as possible, in the marriage.

While we are on the subject of their culture and environment let us look briefly at Abram's situation. To get an understanding of what it was like, we always compare it with what we are familiar. But as we try to picture these events in our mind, we need to be careful we do not impose our culture and thinking upon the people who lived several thousand years ago..

We live in a community loosely called "Christian,” but are surrounded with people who, generally, do not recognise God and His way of life until they get into trouble. Many live a pagan like existence and there are some, who actually seek after or worship the Devil and "false gods.”

In Abram's day it was similar, only much worse. Paganism actually was part of almost every family, with few exceptions. Yet there were some, just like today, who were Spiritual to some degree and attempted to live as "good" a life as they could under the circumstances, though one or more individuals within the family may not be fully supportive. It was like this in Abram's father's family.

Abram's father moved his family from Ur of the Chaldees, to Haran . We are not told why the family decided to move.

After they had been at Haran some time, the Lord advised Abram, to move his family away from his father and relatives, to an unknown destination. Genesis 12: 1. Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee :

We can read a great deal into this and we need to be careful not to speculate too much. It could be, Abram's father became more deeply involved in pagan worship, and the Lord did not want Abram to become contaminated.

Abram may have prayed requesting help in these matters. We do not know. What is very important is the nature of the man Abram.

For Abram to take such a drastic step, [being with extended family was a very important part of their culture] as removing his family to an unknown destination at the direction of God, infers this was not the first personal dealing he had with Jehovah. He must have learnt from previous experience, and faithfully believed the Lord’s word or direction would benefit him, if he obeyed. He certainly exercised the gift of faith.

At the same time Abram received a promise of great blessings.

Gen. 12: 2&3. And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

3. And I wilt bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

Abram packed up his family and left. He became an itinerant shepherd and goat herder. His nephew, Lot , and his family left with him. At this point in time it is not clear why. They passed through the land of Canaan and arrived at a place called the plain of Moreah.

The Canaanites, who lived here, were distant family of Abram. It was only a couple of generations away from the flood. They had, through their pagan living and worship, corrupted themselves away from a godly lifestyle. They had become very wicked and were idolatrous. The Lord told Abram, his descendants would be given this land.

We do not know how long he settled at Moreh but he finally moved his family and all who were with him to the mountains and kept grazing his flocks’ southwards.

Because of a famine in the land he went as far south as Egypt and remained there, for quite some time.

By the time Abram left Egypt he had become very rich in the things which were important at that time because of all the gifts the Egyptian prince gave him. Also the flocks of both Abram and Lot , his nephew, had become very large. They were difficult to keep apart and the management of grazing and water, caused many arguments, and friction developed between the servants of the two families. They decided to split and go their own way. Lot chose to go on the plains of Jordan and grazed his flocks there while he and his family lived in the city of Sodom nearby.

After Lot had moved to the plains, the Lord told Abram, his descendants would be given all the land he could see and travel through and that his descendants would number more than the grains of dust on the Earth. [Chap. 13:14-18]

All of these promised blessings must have confused Abram because Sarai was barren. When the opportunity arose, Abram asked the Lord how all this was to be? He was told that he would father an heir.

It was around this time give or take a few years, Abram was told, his descendants would live as strangers in a land which was not theirs and they would live there and serve the people of that land four hundred years. Gen. 15: 13 – 16. And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;

14. And also that nation whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterwards shall they come out with great abundance.

15. And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.

16. But in the fourth generation they shalt come-hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

He was receiving a prophecy from God about what was going to happen to his descendents, the Hebrews, in Egypt a couple of generations before it happened. Abram was also told of their escape and of the Promised Land to which they would be led.

The custom of that day being, if Abram could not raise an heir, the first son of the chief servant would inherit all Abram had. In an attempt to prevent this, Sarai suggested to Abram that he should take her head maid, Hagar, to wife and produce an heir. This he did and a son was born. This was in keeping with their culture.

As we will discover soon, the son promised him in the Revelation given previously, was Isaac, born from Sarai. This seems to have not been understood by them so they followed the custom of their day.

This son was called Ishmael. [He was to become the ‘father' of some of our present day Arabs. They are also descendants of Abram but they were not included within these covenants made to Abram.]

One of the major covenants the Lord made with Abram is recorded in Chapter 17. Because of this covenant, Abram’s name was changed to reflect the true meaning of that covenant.

The new name given to him by the Lord was Abraham, which is said to mean ‘a father of many nations.’ This covenant was to be repeatedly established with each generation. Gen. 17:7. And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

This covenant was to set them apart from all other nations on the Earth.

Sarai’s name was also changed at this time, to Sarah, meaning princess or mother of many nations. Though critics say otherwise, in those early times, God did recognize the role women play in the great plan of His people.

It is often quoted; Abraham is the father of the faithful. There is little recorded, but quite a lot inferred; Sarah stood by him, in all his experiences, as a fine example of a woman of faith.

Peter , in the New Testament suggests, all righteous women can be called daughters of Sarah , in the same way as Abraham is the father of the faithful. 1 Peter 3:1-6, especially verses 5 & 6.

Finally, Abraham and Sarah were blessed with the birth of their own son whom they named Isaac. Ishmael was probably an early teenager by this time.

Now that a direct line heir was born Ishmael was no longer the lawful heir. Just imagine how he must have felt, particularly his mother, who was a proud woman, as earlier chapters in the Bible show. Ishmael would have been a teenager by now. The Lord had previously told Abraham, Ishmael was going to be blessed.

After Hagar and Ishmael left the family of Abraham, the Lord told Hagar about the great blessing of Ishmael becoming a father of a nation. [the Arabs]

I following articles let us stay with Abraham and his son Isaac, for the lineage of this Jesus the Christ now stays with him.

To be continued