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Category: Through the Bible Page 43 of 46

Biblical Binomial Nomenclature

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On May 20, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

The formal system of naming living things is referred to as binomial nomenclature. It is attributed to Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus, who is credited to have introduced this method of naming living things, in his work entitled Species Plantarum in the mid 1700s. Carl Linnaeus is often referred to as the “Father of classification”. But from the Bible, we can see that the ‘first’ father of classification is God’s first human, the man (or Adam), for God brought to Adam (the man) all the living creatures that he had formed to see what Adam would call them and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof (Genesis 2:19).

The Bible teaches us that all those who believe in Jesus Christ, though they are dead, yet shall they live – meaning that they are living beings (John 11:25). The Bible also teaches us that those who do the will of God the father belong to the family of God as Jesus’ brothers, sisters and mothers (Matthew 12:50).

Points to ponder:
Ever wonder why God did not just name the creatures he formed and then bring it to the man, Adam. God could have just told the man then what every living creature was to be called. From reading this text, we learn that God wanted to see what the first Adam would name his living creatures. Note, the reference here is only to living creatures, which included all creatures formed by God, for death had not yet entered the world. We can extrapolate this account, to God bringing each one of us, to Jesus, the last Adam, in whom we are made alive when we believe in him, to see what Jesus would call us. Will we be called the children of God? (1 John 3:1; Hebrews 2:10) Will Jesus call us “his” – as one of his family – a brother or a sister or a mother (Hebrews 2:11; Matthew 12:50)? In other words, are we doing the will of God for the last Adam to include us as part of his binomial nomenclature to be called by his name – as one in his family i.e., God’s family.

Genesis 2:19-20 (KJV)
19 And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.
20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.

John 11:25 (KJV)
25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

Matthew 12:48-50 (KJV)
48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Hebrews 2:9-11 (KJV)
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

Suitable/’Meet’ Help

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On May 17, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

The latter half of Genesis 2:18 reads of God saying “I will make him an help meet for him.“, with him here, referring to “the man.” Taken literally, this would mean, that the woman who was created for man, was made as one who would be a suitable (meet) helper for the man. When explaining this to our beloved seven year old son, Reuben, he paused for a moment and then asked the question – If Eve was made for Adam as his helper, why did she end up hurting him? I had to explain as to how the woman was deceived by Satan, even though she was fully aware of the commandment of God and out of her own desires, willingly chose to ignore God’s commandment.

Points to ponder:
God has remade those who have believed in his Son (Jesus Christ) to be a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17), with the intent of us being a suitable (meet) help for Jesus Christ, The Man in heaven (1 Timothy 2:5). Not that Jesus needs our help, but we are commissioned to be his ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20), as we await his glorious return. As the bride of Christ Jesus, the bridegroom, are we working for him like someone who is a suitable help for him or are we being deceived by Satan to gratify our own selfish desires? At the end of our time, let God be able to say of each one of us, “He/She was a help meet for my beloved Son.”

Genesis 2:18 (KJV)
18 And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

“Not good” says God

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On May 14, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

The first time that is recorded of God saying “not good” is given in the second chapter in the book of Genesis, when God says, “It is not good that the man should be alone.” Have you ever wondered as to why God would feel this way? The creator and the creature were friends (Genesis 3:8); God was man’s friend and man was God’s friend – so how could man be alone? God would never leave nor forsake his people, correct?

I believe, that in the omniscience of God, God knew that just as his charming and wisest created angel, Lucifer, selfishly disobeyed God seeking his own (Ezekiel 28:2-4, 14-15), man, the apex of God’s creation (not the ex-ape of evolution) would selfishly follow his own desires and follow suit as well. This is why the scripture records that the Lamb of God (Jesus Christ) was slain before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8), as the only means of restoring man, back into the friendly relationship he had with God (Romans 5:11).

To disobey God and sin brings about a separation from God, making us lonely (to be alone). It is our own selfishness (Romans 8:3) that separates us from God and makes us single. With divorce growing at an exponential rate and plaguing our world today, many are lonely – in a state that is “not good” (according to God). Under the dirty covers of many divorce situations, one would find that the root cause for divorce is not incompatibility but selfishness, where one partner thinks of gratifying only their own selfish desires, whether it is in the area of fidelity or in the area of forgiveness. Such selfishness brings about singleness and the Bible records that God hates divorces (Malachi 2:16), for God does not want any of us to be alone.

Points to ponder:
It is true that God will never leave us nor forsake us to be alone; but that does not mean that man will not leave nor forsake God and get lonely! God does not want you and me to be alone – for that is not good. Are you and I a friend of God? In other words, are we selfish gratifying our own selfish desires or are we selfless and willing to obey him in all things? Let God not have to say of you and me, “Not good”.

Genesis 2:18 (KJV)
18 And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

Malachi 2:16 (NLT)
16 “For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.”

The condition of life and death

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On May 10, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

In the second chapter of the book of Genesis, the Bible records that the Lord God commanded the man, to not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, but before the commandment was given, the Lord God told the man that of every tree of the garden, man may freely eat. If man chose to disobey God, the the condition that was stipulated was the man would “surely” die. In other words, the cost to obey God and enjoy all of God’s provisions was nothing (it was free), but the cost of disobeying God was certain (sure) and severe – it would cost man everything (life itself).

Points to ponder:
From this text we can learn that God provides for those whom he commands. So the next time, you think of what God has commanded you to do, make sure to hear the provisions he gives you along with that commandment. Then recognize to obey God is to choose life, but to disobey God is to reject life and choose death. The condition of life and death is in our choice to obey or not obey God. What is your condition? Are you alive? or Are you dead?

Genesis 2:16-17 (KJV)
16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:
17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

River of Life (in Genesis and Revelation)

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On May 6, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 2:10-14 records of ‘a‘ river that went out of Eden to water the garden and it parted into four. The first was named Pison, the second Gihon, the third Hiddekel (or Tigris) and the fourth Euphrates. Although the location of these rivers is mostly conjecture, and the meaning of the names of the rivers inconsequential, what is important to note is the the source of these four rivers was The One river of water that went out of Eden (garden/Paradise) (Genesis 2:10).  Symbolically the number four could mean the four directions of the world (Revelation 7:1) implying that the single river went out to all the corners of the earth. But what was the source of this river? The Psalmist records of a river whose streams make glad the city of God (Psalm 46:4). Revelation 22:1 tells us of a river that proceeds out of the throne of God and the Lamb (Jesus Christ) – a river that is pure with the water of life. Jesus said that whoever believes in Him, out of him will flow rivers of living water, speaking of the Holy Spirit (John 7:38-39).

From these verses we can extrapolate that the river in Genesis is symbolically the Holy Spirit that flowed to all the parts of the sinless world for it is only by the Holy Spirit can the city of God be glad. The city of God is made up of God and his people, i.e., those who believe in Jesus, into whom and from whom, the river of life (Holy Spirit) of God flows, are the only ones who are allowed into the city of God. The Holy Spirit of God flows from the throne of God and the Lamb (Jesus Christ) and is pure (Holy) who gives Life.

Points to ponder:
Have you been watered by the River of Life? In other words, have you received the Holy Spirit of God?  If not, I beseech you to believe in the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, today, so that the Holy Spirit of God can be given to you.
And if you have, is the river of living water flowing from you? If not, why not?

Genesis 2:10-14 (KJV)
10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
11 The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
12 And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.
13 And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia.
14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.

Revelation 22:1-3 (KJV)
1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

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.
39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Knowledge of good and evil – a test of …

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On May 3, 2013

In Christian, Genesis, Through the Bible

Genesis 2:9 states that in the garden of Eden, God made to grow, the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Now, many have questioned “Why did God place the tree of knowledge of good and evil and place man in the same garden in the east (Eden) and then explicitly forbid him from eating of that tree?” The usual response that is given is the answer of “free will” explaining that “God is not a puppeteer and did not want his prized creation (man) to be a puppet (or in today’s language – a robot) but gave him free will to choose.” I do not disagree with this notion for even Jesus, being God himself (Philippians 2:6),  had to choose willingly (freely) to submit to God’s will (john 10:18; Luke 22:42), and man who is created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) should have the nature of God.

But is there more we can learn from the scripture?
Close scrutiny of God’s infallible word reveals a few other things of note:

1. The placement of the tree of knowledge of good and evil was a test – a test of God’s authority. God is sovereign and he does what pleases him in heaven and in earth (Psalm 115:3), and while it is not wrong to question God with a genuine seeking heart (as Mary, the handmaid of the Lord, did and believed  – Luke 1:24, 38), questioning him with doubt/disbelief (as Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist did – Luke 1:18) and/or defiance (as did some scribes against God’s authority – Mark 2:1-12) displeases him and can have consequences. Questioning God with the wrong attitude of disbelief, in an attempt to make him dumb (as if he cannot give an answer) can in turn backfire and make us dumb (Luke 1:20). It is our disbelief that makes us dumb. God is Sovereign and we are not.
2. The placement of the tree of knowledge of good and evil was a test – a test of man’s love for God. Adam (and Eve), had been given, ALL the other trees of the garden to eat from. In fact, every other tree that God made to grow out of the ground was beautiful (pleasing to the eye) and good for food, and still Adam (and Eve) wanted more – more than what God had given him (just as we do many times). Jesus said, if you love me, [you will] keep (obey) my commandments (John 14:15). True Love cannot be forced and is a choice – we choose to love someone or we choose not to. True Love is expressed in action – by doing what pleases the one we love; their will not ours.

Points to ponder:
The first Adam was made in the likeness of God with the ability to choose for himself. He chose to not love God more than himself. He chose to disobey and he chose for himself.
The last Adam (Jesus Christ), who being God, had the ability to choose for himself.  He chose to Love God the Father. He chose to obey and he chose you over himself.
Have you/I submitted to God’s authority and accepted his sovereignty?
Do you love God? Do I love God? Do we Truly Love God?
Let us not fail this test of Love!

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.

John 14:15 (KJV)
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

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.

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