Hidden (Krypto) Treasures

To get pearls, one must dive deep!

Month: April 2013 Page 1 of 2

The Tree of Life i.e., The Cross of Christ

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On April 30, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 2:9 states  … “And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow evert tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.”

Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). The Bible says that Jesus was hung on a tree (referring to the cross) (Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39; Acts 13:29; 1 Peter 2:24) as one who was cursed (Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 21:22-23).

The Cross (Tree) of Christ (Life) was positioned in between (the midst of) two other crosses, between the crosses of knowledge of good and evil; one which hung the repentant (good) sinner and the other which hung the rebellious (evil) sinner.

Points to ponder:
Jesus is the tree of life and he hung on a tree to give us life – eternal life, if only we believe in him. Our belief in him imputes on us his righteousness, as the sinful robes we wear are washed by his blood, and he clothes us with righteousness when we believe. Only to those who believe is given the privilege to take and eat from the tree of life, implying that only those who believe in Jesus can have eternal life (Revelation 22:14). Jesus’ Cross beckons us as we are juxtaposed between our good side and our evil side; our good side which chooses to yield to his Lordship, and to repent and believe in him, and our evil side which rebels against submitting to his Lordship.

I pray that we are all like the repentant sinner who requested of Jesus “Lord, remember me, when you come into your kingdom” and was assured by Jesus, “Today, shalt thou be with me in paradise (garden) wherein is THE Tree of Life – Jesus Christ.”

Which side of the tree of life are you on? Which side of the Cross of Christ are you on?

Beautiful and Fruitful (Tree)

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On April 29, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 2:9 states that the Lord God made every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food to grow out of the ground. In other words, this verse describes that the Lord God made beautiful (pleasant to see) and fruitful (good for food) trees to grow out of the ground. Literally taken, this means that all that God planted was beautiful and needed for the sustenance of life.

Points to ponder:
The Bible counsels us to taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8). In other words, the Lord is pleasant to see and good for communion, just like the beautiful and food bearing trees, God planted. The Bible also teaches us that man shall not live by bread (physical food) alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). Jesus is THE Word of God who became flesh and dwelled amongst men (John 1:1, 14). Jesus is pleasant to all who seek to see him with eyes of faith and is the Word of God, good for communion (food) and necessary for the sustenance of life – eternal life with God (John 3:16). Have you seen (experienced) Jesus? Do you have communion with God?

Genesis 2:9 (KJV)
9 And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

God planted; So must we

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On April 26, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 2:8 indicates that the Lord God planted a garden in Eden on the east side and he put the man, whom he had formed, there. What is interesting to note is that God planted a garden and from these words and the words of Jesus, we can learn that God the Father is the gardener (John 15:1). We know from the creation account that God, like a gardener, got his hands dirty in the dust of the ground (from where he fashioned his creation).

The Bible teaches us that the word of God is a seed that needs to be sowed (planted) so that it can take root and bring forth fruit  (Luke 8:11). It also advises that those who sow sparingly shall reap sparingly and those who sow bountifully shall reap bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6). God planted and so must we (plant bountifully). The Apostle Paul said that he “planted” and Apollos watered, but it was God who gave the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).

Points to ponder:
Our job is to plant and to water (nourish) but it is God who gives the increase, but he cannot do so, unless we plant. God is the gardener; Are you one? Am I one?

Genesis 2:8 (KJV)
8 And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
9 And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

Are you dead or alive?

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On April 25, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 2:7 states “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”  This verse indicates that until the breath of life (Holy Spirit) of God was breathed into man, man had a physically lifeless body. It is the presence of the Holy Spirit of God in us that makes us come alive.

Points to ponder:
Are you dead or alive? In other words, do you have the Holy Spirit of God in you? Receive the promise of the Holy Spirit of God through faith (Galatians 3:14) and through faith believe and confess that Jesus is the Son of God, sent to be the Savior of mankind, so that God (the Holy Spirit) can dwell in you (1 John 4:13-15). Only when we do, are we made alive – otherwise we are lifeless! Are you dead or alive?

Genesis 4:7 (KJV)
7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

1 John 4:13-15 (KJV)
13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

Galatians 3:14 (KJV)
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Formed to Conform

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On April 24, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 2:7 states that the Lord (Jesus) God (Father) formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Holy Spirit); and man became a living soul. The Trinity of God was involved in man’s creation, and man was formed of the world (dust of the ground) but was formed to be a living soul and to conform to the image of God and not to the world.

Apostle Paul beseeched the church in Rome to not be conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of their mind (Romans 12:2). Our minds need to be renewed to be like the humble and obedient mind of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5).

Points to ponder:
We were formed to conform to God’s image. We are not to be conformed to this world.
What are you and I conforming to – to God or to the world? Remember, friendship with the world is enmity with God. Am I a friend of God? Are you a friend of God?

Genesis 2:7 (KJV)
7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Romans 12:2 (KJV)
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Philippians 2:5 (KJV)
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

James 4:4 (KJV)
4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

(Holy) breath of life (-giving Spirit)

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On April 23, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 2:7, states “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” In the book of Job, the Bible records “The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.” (Job 33:4). After resurrection, when Jesus assured his disciples peace and commissioned them to go out as apostles, he breathed on them and said “Receive ye the Holy Ghost” (John 20:22). In the end times it is prophesied that after the two witnesses of God are killed and laid on the streets for three and a half days, the Bible records that the spirit of life entered into them and they came back to life and heard a great voice from heaven saying “come up hither” and they ascended to heaven (Revelation 11:11).

From these verses, we can understand that the breath of life (Genesis 2:7), the breath of the Almighty (Job 33:4), the breath of Jesus, who was made a quickening (life-giving) spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45) on the disciples (John 20:22) refers to the spirit of God, the Holy Ghost/Spirit. This gives us the evidence that the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit God was actively involved in the creation of mankind.

Points to ponder:
When the Holy Spirit of God is breathed of a lifeless body, man becomes a living soul. The Holy Spirit of God is evident in creation. The Holy Spirit of Father God and of Jesus (who are one – John 10:30) is a life-giving Spirit, and a body without the Spirit of God is dead (James 2:26). Are you a dead body or a living soul? The Holy Spirit (who gives eternal life) is promised to all who believe in God the Father who sent Jesus and in Jesus who was sent (John 17:3). The Holy Spirit of God is evident in the recreation of man when we believe in Jesus for anyone who is Christ is a new creation (remade). Do you feel the breath of life, the breath of the Almighty, on you today and do you hear his voice “Receive ye the Holy Ghost” who is a life-giving (quickening) Spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45)? Only after the Holy breath of life (-giving) Spirit enters us, can we ascend into the presence of God in heaven. Believe in the Lord Jesus today and receive ye the Holy Ghost!

Genesis 2:7 (KJV)
7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Job 33:4 (KJV)
4 The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.

John 20:22 (KJV)
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

Revelation 11:11 (KJV)
11 And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

Refreshing mist from within

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On April 22, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 2:6, states that “But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.” This verse ties up with verses 6 and 7 recorded in Genesis 1, which states that God separated the waters from the waters and there was waters above and waters below. Since the previous verse (Genesis 2:5) states that the Lord had not caused it to rain on the earth, and this verse begins with the word ‘but’, one can deduce that it had not rained and the mist from below was a provision made by God to water the earth in lieu of rain from above. This makes me appreciate that before man’s disobedience and death entering the world, God’s infinite wisdom had planned for the earth (soil) to be refreshed and watered so that every plant (not thorns or thistles) could grow and be fruitful.

Points to ponder:
Jesus is the source of living water and he said that whoever believes in him shall never thirst again (John 4:14), and out of him will flow rivers of living water (John 7:38), which is his Holy Spirit (John 7:39). Jesus is a life-giving Spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45), like a mist that goes up, refreshing and watering the soil (ground), on which the seeds of his gospel is sown. Do you have the refreshing mist of the Holy Spirit (Acts 3:19) go up from within you to bring life to the hearts that hear the gospel of Jesus? In other words, have you believed in Jesus?

Genesis 2:6 (KJV)
6 But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.

John 7:38-39 (KJV)
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

Acts 3:19-21 (KJV)
19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

To till (toil) or not to till (toil)

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On April 18, 2013

In Christian, Genesis

Genesis 2:5, states that “there was not a man to till the ground” yet all the flora grew. This implies that God’s creation was designed to grow, irrespective of man’s work/action, for every herb of the field, that was given to man to eat (Genesis 3:18) grew, until man disobeyed and brought a curse on the ground and the need to till the ground and toil (sweat) for it to bear fruit/yield (Genesis 3:19).

In order to reverse this mishap, Jesus had to come and toil (work) for our Salvation (as creation itself groaned in sin and in error pinned (Romans 8:22)). He finished the work (John 19:30). The ground yielded thorns and thistles as a result of man’s disobedience (Genesis 3:18). A crown of thorns was placed on Jesus’ head as a result of his obedience (Philippians 2:8) and by being pierced, Jesus annulled the curse on mankind. Now, anyone who abides [is planted/rooted] in Jesus Christ, shall bring forth much fruit (John 15:5), by God’s doing, for he gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:7), and without him, we can do nothing (John 15:5).

Points to ponder:
Without Jesus, we need to till and toil. In Jesus, we need not till and toil.
He said, “Come unto me, all of you, who till (labor) and are heavy laden (toil) and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Do you need to till (toil) or not to till (toil)? In other words, Are you without Christ or are you in Christ Jesus?

Genesis 2:5 (KJV)
5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.

Matthew 11:28 (KJV)
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Bringer of Rain (Not Spartacus nor Elijah)

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On April 17, 2013

In Christian, Genesis

When reading Genesis 2:5, one cannot help but notice the phrase, “for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth“. Later on, during the time of Noah, we will learn that God says, that he will cause rain to fall upon the earth for a period of forty days and forty nights (Genesis 7:4).

Spartacus, a Thracian slave turned gladiator, who led an insurrection against Rome in the 1st century is attributed to be the bringer of rain, but it is not Spartacus, who is the bringer of rain. While the meterologist may predict the possibility of rain or its lack thereof, the only One who can open the windows of heaven (Genesis 7:11-12), and bring rain upon the earth, is the LORD God. When prophet Elijah prayed to the LORD, the LORD God caused it to rain abundantly/greatly (1 Kings 18:41-46). It is important to recognize that it was not Elijah who was the bringer of rain, but the LORD God.

Points to ponder:
Our God is a God of the elements. We can seek his showers of blessings and if it comes, praise be to God, but if it doesn’t, praise be to God as well, for he is a Sovereign God and does what he chooses and wills, in and for our life, for he alone is the bringer of abundant rain (blessings).

Genesis 2:5 (KJV)
5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.

Supernatural Growth (of the field)

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On April 16, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 2:5 states “And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.” Notice the words, “of the field” and “grew” in the text. Every plant of the field before it was in the earth and every herb of the field before it grew“. Why is it important to notice these words?

Jesus used these same words “of the field” and “grow“, when he was encouraging his followers to live by faith seeking God’s kingdom first. He said, consider the lilies of the field and the ephemeral grass of the field which don’t toil and yet grow (Matthew 6:28, 30).

Points to ponder:
The world we live in teaches us that growth comes from work. Those who work hard get the increase. While I don’t discount the importance and the need to work, it is important to recognize that blessings come from the LORD God and not our work (or for that matter hard work/toil). It is important for us to work but we need not worry about our work. Interestingly immediately before and after talking about seeking God’s kingdom first (Matthew 6:33), Jesus talks about being not captive to worry (Matthew 6:25,34).
Those who are of the field (of God) need not worry for all the things that are needed for the sustenance and increase of life (eat, drink, and clothes) shall be added unto them. They shall live by faith for those who are justified (made righteous through the blood of Jesus for having believed in Jesus) shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4).

Since the harvest (of the field) is plentiful and the workers are few, we ought to work for God in his field. Yet we must recognize that though we work for God, in his field, by being his ambassadors, witnesses and spokespersons, it is God, Only God, who gives the increase, of his field/kingdom (1 Corinthians 3:7). Such growth is not of man’s doing but of God and hence not natural but supernatural.

Let us live by faith (in action) so God can give the supernatural growth (increase) of his field (kingdom).

Genesis 2:5 (KJV)
5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.

Matthew 6:28-33 (KJV)
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

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