A Precious Gem Part VII

We have nearly completed our study into the meaning behind the different gemstones found throughout scripture. In this study, we have been using the root word as well as the scriptural context to determine the meanings. Today, we will be looking at three more gems: jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst.

First, we will look at jacinth. In some translations, this stone is identified as a ligure. However, when you look at the root word, H3958, you see that it is a jacinth, which is a yellow-red to red-brown colored gem, and is first mentioned in Exodus 28:19 as the first stone in the third row of the priest's garments. Due to its color, the biblical symbolism associated with jacinth is fire, judgment, and divine glory. Based on its presence in the High Priest’s garments and the foundations of New Jerusalem found in Revelation 21:20, it suggests divine authority and the eternal covenant between God and His people.

The second stone we will look at today is the agate. The word for agate used in Exodus 28 is H7618, which means “from an unused root (probably identical with that of H7617 through the idea of subdivision into flashes or streamers meaning to flame; a gem (from its sparkle), probably the agate.” Since H7618 stems from H7617, we need to look at this meaning as well. H7617 means, “A primitive root; to transport into captivity:-(bring {away}{carry} carry {away} {lead} lead{away} take) captive({s}) drive (take) away.” In biblical symbolism, agate is associated with strength, stability, and protection.

Finally, we will look at the amethyst. The root word for this gem comes from H2492, which means “a primitive root; properly to bind {firmly}that {is}(by implication) to be (causatively to make) plump; also (through the figurative sense of dumbness) to dream: (cause to) dream ({-er}) be in good {liking} recover.” When looking at the definition of this stone, it is hard to believe that it could possess good qualities; however, since it is included in the High Priest’s garments, there would have to be qualities that God wanted. This is why we also must consider the Biblical symbolism and look at other uses of H2492 in scripture. The earliest use of H2492 is found in Genesis 28:12.

“12 Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.”

Genesis 28 describes God giving a promise to Jacob that his descendants will be numerous and blessed. The next several times that H2492 is used in scripture all focus on Joseph and his dreams. It is through passages such as these that I believe we can find the meaning behind the amethyst, and that is clarity of thought and insight.

These three stones are each unique and possess qualities that can deepen our understanding of God’s characteristics and His promises. Next week, we will look at the fourth and last row of the stones found in the High Priest’s garments.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A STUDY IN GENESIS

Chapter 17 has already provided us a remarkable and rather amazing truth that God comes to us, and we cannot come to Him unless He calls us. The first verse also sets the stage for something that is impossible. We are called to live perfect lives. However, God provides. Verses two and forward are God’s answer to the calling in verse one set up by Himself.

Genesis 17:2-8 “And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: 4 “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. 5 “No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 “I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. 7 “And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. 8 “Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”

The reader might be tempted to just read and continue on, however, they would miss the magnitude of what God is doing here. God is making declarations that are going to shape world history. Let’s start reviewing each of them and see what is being brought to us.

First declaration, God is making a covenant with Abram and Himself. We know from Malachi 3:6 that God does not change, so if He makes a promise, He will keep it. God intends to multiply Abram’s descendants. What is ironic is that at this point, there is only Ishmael. The son of the slave woman, Hagar. As we have already discussed Hagar and the situation that led to Ishmael, I will not digress. Yet, we would be missing a valuable point if we did not identify that Ishmael’s descendants are also part of the blessing that is from God to Abram. Abram means “Exalted Father,” and the descendants of Abram through Ishmael are able to see how their father Abram was indeed loved and blessed by Abram’s Heavenly Father. Some have seen this, but I believe one day many more will.

Yet, we have more. Abraham and Sarah would have a son, and his name will be Isaac. This is the son of Abraham which means the “The Father of Many Nations.” What I find rather remarkable is that Abraham has several children; nevertheless, it is Ishmael and Isaac that the issues are most focused on. It is without question solved by the time you get to the end of Genesis. There is no debate, God chose the free woman and Abraham. The Jewish people come from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God promises nations and kings from Abraham’s lineage. This lineage is indeed filled with nations and kings, but not as important as one of them. The King of Kings, Jesus the Messiah, would come from Abraham. For the believer in Jesus, we are a new creation, He being our Heavenly father, and in so our spiritual ancestor, in a sense, is Abraham. Some might find it strange that I am phrasing it in such a manner, but this, ironically, is a unique argument through the flesh to argue for something rather spiritual in nature. You see, those that are born again are related to Christ. His ancestry is now ours. This does not mean you as Gentiles (myself included) are now Jews, but rather something else. We are Children of God. God in His sovereignty designed it to be done through the flesh of Abraham. I must admit, this is something I still struggle to understand and recognize as a stumbling block for many who wish to replace Israel. May it never be, the promises to Israel are for Israel and not the Church. Did you know that there are promises to the Church that are not for Israel? Your homework is to go find those promises.

Nevertheless, the final act that we need to recognize is that these promises are forever, and that includes verse 8. The land is for Israel. Enough said on this, Christians who do not understand God’s word will argue for a Palestine; however, what they do not understand is that the land is not up for debate. Christians need to recognize that Israel is God’s land to the people of Israel, the Jewish people. I understand the nation of Israel has persecuted the Church, yet I do not care. My love for the Lord is built on Him, He says love and bless Israel so we love and bless Israel. This does not mean they get a free pass from God’s judgment. This means we are to be about His work, telling them the good news of Jesus Christ, as anyone else. We are all saved by the same faith, but the promises to the Nation of Israel are still present with God today.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

The beginning of our study on the book of James! Read it HERE!

Understanding Thanksgiving

For our American readers, tomorrow is a day that we will gather with our friends and family and reflect upon this past year and what we are thankful for. To be honest, I have always liked Thanksgiving, but it wasn’t until our current study on the meaning behind the gems have I truely considered what it means to be thankful.

As we have seen in our current study, it is important to understand the root word. The first time that the word “thanksgiving” is used is in Leviticus 7:12, “12 If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer, with the sacrifice of thanksgiving, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers anointed with oil, or cakes of blended flour mixed with oil.” This passage of scripture dictates the law of peace offerings and the word for “thanksgiving” is H8426, “properly an extension of the {hand} that is (by implication) {avowal} or (usually) adoration; specifically a choir or worshippers:- {confession} (sacrifice of) {praise} thanks ({-giving} offering).”

However, H8426 also comes from H3034, “a primitive root; used only as a denominative from H3027; literally to use (that {is} hold out) the hand; physically to throw (a{stone} an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively to bemoan (by wringing the hands): _ cast (out) (make) confess({-ion}) {praise} {shoot} (give) thank({-ful} {s} -sgiving).”

And now H3027, “a primitive word; a hand (the open one (indicating {power} means 6{direction} {etc.})…{consecrate}.”

So what can we learn when we look at the root words of thanksgiving? We can see that it is an extension of an open hand, to revere or worship, to praise, and to confess. So today, I ask you, is this the attitude that you have towards God? Are you completely beside yourself, wringing your hands so to speak, in praise and confession of your sin? This is how we should come before the Lord, in recognition of His free gift of peace and salvation. So as we all sit around the table and express what we are thankful for, I hope that you look towards the meaning of thankfulness and seek to follow Him.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A STUDY IN GENESIS

Today, we examine chapter 17 of Genesis. This chapter has rich depth that we will be in for a few weeks. Nevertheless, we should start with the basics that many people miss. Verse one identifies something rather remarkable that the human race tends to miss.

Genesis 17:1 “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I [am] Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.”

We see that God came to Abram. This typology is the same for you and I. We cannot save ourselves even though we might try. We need Jesus Christ to come and rescue us. We can say, thankfully, that He has provided salvation for those who would accept Him. We can be rest assured in that God does what He says He will do. His actions prove just that. Time and time again, God comes to man, man cannot come to God. But verse one is not done here. Examine what God says to Abram.

The New King James translation states “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I [am] Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.” While the New American Standard states, “Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; Walk before Me, and be blameless.” The Christian Standard Bible translates it this way, “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him, saying, “I am God Almighty. Live in my presence and be blameless.” And finally, the King James Version translates it this way, “And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I [am] the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.”

Now why am I showing you the translations? It is not to have a scholarly discussion regarding the translations, but rather to identify the true meaning of what God is saying here. We can be sure that God is saying that He is God. And next God is telling Abram to be without sin. I believe all these translations are correct. God is calling Abram to a life of perfection, God is calling Abram at that moment to be perfect in His presence. We know from Genesis 15 God saw Abram as a saved individual. Genesis 15:6 “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” It was not the law that saved him, that would come 430+ years later. This was faith in a coming Messiah. This was faith in God coming to man.

What does this mean to us today? As previously stated, it means that God must come and save us, but after salvation we are called to live a life of perfection and righteousness. We all know we fail due to our natural state, however God’s actions on the cross and resurrection identify us in the eyes of God as perfect. So when God says, “be perfect” we can say, “we will try” and we should give it our all, but we can be rest assured in His work is what will finish the job. This is why chapter 17 does not end here but continues. Next week we will continue in the chapter and see what God is promising to Abram.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

Understanding who our heavenly advocate is. Read it HERE!

A Precious Gem Part VI

We are now six weeks into our study on the different gems and their significance in Scripture. So far, we have covered all the gems found in the first row of the breast piece of judgment worn by the priests. Today, we are going to look at the next row and determine what these stones significance could be.

“18 the second row shall be a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond;”

Exodus 28:18

Out of the three stones found in the second row, we have already discussed the significance of sapphire. Due to it being used in Exodus 24:9-10, we have determined that the meaning behind the sapphire is that of promise. This leaves us with just two stones to discuss today.

First, we will look at the turquoise. The root word for turquoise here is H5306, which is defined as “from an unused root meaning to glisten; shining; a (gem) probably the garnet:-emerald” and is only used four times in scripture; Exodus 28:18, Exodus 39:11, Ezekiel 27:16, and Ezekiel 28:13. When you look at these verses, you see that it is listed as a trade good or a gem that is used as adornments. This is why this gem is typically associated with beauty, wealth, and divine favor. However, based on its use in scripture, I believe that the meaning behind the gem is that of authority.

Now we will look at the diamond. The root word used here is H3095, meaning “(in the sense of hardness), a precious (stone)”. However, this stems from another word, H1986, which means “A primitive root; to strike down; by implication to (hammer) stamp, conquer, disband-beat (down) break (down) (overcome) smite (with a hammer)”. So already we can see that the stone described is an exceptionally hard one, much like the diamond that we would think of today. Based on the root word, we can determine that the meaning associated with diamonds is strength.

As we continue to study these incredible symbols of God’s design, let’s not take for granted His word that helps us understand His intentions. God intended this to be a part of the priestly ornaments. This is done so that we can see the deeper message that God is trying to teach us. The natural design of these stones and God’s use of them exemplifies His complete control over the minor details. We have an incredible God who loves His children, let us be thankful in this time to see how much thought He has put into providing lessons for us.

Next week, we will take a look at the third row of stones found in the priestly garments.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

Requesting Prayer for Our Team

Today, we are going to take a break from our study in Genesis and ask for something we periodically ask of our readers. We are asking for your prayers! God is doing incredibly mighty things in the lives of the staff, and we cherish your prayers. The power of prayer is a real thing and is wholly under-sought in the body of Christ. Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” While many will not know the specifics of what we are praying for, we ask that you take time this coming week and pray for His will and for a quick answer for our staff. God is good, and we know that He will understand your prayers. As Paul writes in Romans 8:26, “Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”

God knows your heart and knows that your prayers for us are incredible and something we take very seriously and with all joy.

Thank you from Mill House Ministries Staff!

Re-Post Friday

Understanding the importance of the Old Testament. Read it HERE!

A Precious Gem Part V

We are continuing to make our way through the different gems that are mentioned in scripture. Today, we are going to continue to look at the first place in scripture that truly lists the different gems, and that is Exodus 28, which depicts the garments of the priests of Israel, and we are going to finish the first row of gems described. The gems that we are going to be looking at today are the topaz and emerald gems.

Unlike with the ruby gemstone, there is no argument about if what we recognize today as the topaz gemstone is the one depicted in scripture, common topaz in its natural state is colorless, although trace element impurities can make it pale blue or golden-brown to yellow-orange. Like all the other gemstones, topaz was highly prized, and it is thought to represent beauty, value, and divine favor. It is mentioned in Job 28:19 in a lament for wisdom, in Ezekiel 28:13 symbolizing beauty and splendor, and in Revelation 21:20.

The final gem that is mentioned in the first row of the priest’s breastplate is the emerald. When looking at what this stone is, the Hebrew word for it comes from H1299, which means to “lighten-cast forth”. Based on the green color, emerald is often associated with renewal and restoration. The verse that I believe shows this is actually found in Revelation 21. In this passage, we see the new heaven and earth. God is creating something new just as He established something new with the priests in Exodus 28.

Now does this mean for us today? God would not have provided this much specificity if not for a reason. This is why we must study, examine, and evaluate every single word found in God’s Word. By doing this, we will find the riches and insight that God wants us to understand. Coming up next, we will continue in the study and recognize the meanings of the different stones.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A STUDY IN GENESIS

We now enter a time in the book of Genesis that an ancient conflict has its roots in. We now come to the issue that was created due to Abram and Sarai’s weakness. This is not a salvation issue, but rather a failure to have faith in the promise of God. The result would be catastrophic!

Genesis 16:1-4 “Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no [children.] And she had an Egyptian maidservant whose name was Hagar. 2 So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the LORD has restrained me from bearing [children.] Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai. 3 Then Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar her maid, the Egyptian, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan. 4 So he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress became despised in her eyes.”

Instead of listening to the Lord and holding fast to that promise, they decided to “orchestrate” God’s plan. They didnt want to wait anymore, so they went with their own idea hoping to jump start God’s idea. How often do we do this in our own lives? When we do, we not only hurt ourselves but we can also hurt others. In the case of Abram and Sarai, they did just that. Hagar is the victim in all of this. And yet, God reveals His love and mercy to her. When Sarai grows angry and Abram fails to be a strong leader we see God having to step in.

Genesis 16:5-10 “Then Sarai said to Abram, “My wrong [be] upon you! I gave my maid into your embrace; and when she saw that she had conceived, I became despised in her eyes. The LORD judge between you and me.” 6 So Abram said to Sarai, “Indeed your maid [is] in your hand; do to her as you please.” And when Sarai dealt harshly with her, she fled from her presence. 7 Now the Angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur. 8 And He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from, and where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai.” 9 The Angel of the LORD said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hand.” 10 Then the Angel of the LORD said to her, “I will multiply your descendants exceedingly, so that they shall not be counted for multitude.”

Now right here, people fail to recognize something that God is doing. He is keeping His promise, not to just Abram, but also to Hagar. We see promises being made and God providing the sign of that promise. God promises a son to Hagar.

Genesis 16:11 “And the Angel of the LORD said to her: “Behold, you [are] with child, And you shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, Because the LORD has heard your affliction.”

Now this next scene, many fail to recognize the magnitude of what this would have on today’s geopolitics and the issues and arguments that proceed from this one prophetic observation from the Lord. God is not blessing Ishmael, but rather identifying how he would act. Ishmael and his descendants would be a group of people that fight all others, and are always seeking a way to subvert the promise of God that comes from Isaac. God made Hagar’s son have everything that God promised to her. But it was never intended to replace the promise that would come from Sarai.

Genesis 16:12-16 “He shall be a wild man; His hand [shall be] against every man, And every man’s hand against him. And he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.” 13 Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, You-Are-the-God-Who-Sees; for she said, “Have I also here seen Him who sees me?” 14 Therefore the well was called Beer Lahai Roi; observe, [it is] between Kadesh and Bered. 15 So Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram named his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. 16 Abram [was] eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.”

Now what does this mean to you and I? It is very simple. First, we can route through the genealogy to Jesus, we can examine that God’s promises are perfect and unfaltering and that He means what He says. It also means that there is a promise for the descendants of Ishmael. Let’s not forget that God is a God of more than just Israel, but of the nations as well. Through Israel we gain salvation and Immanuel. And yet, God has orchestrated through other nations the rise and fall of many who would help orchestrate the agenda of what He would have done. Let us be vigilant in keeping on watch to be instruments of His will.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

How can we understand God’s veiw on infinite? Read it HERE!

A Precious Gem Part IV

In this study on the meaning behind the gemstones mentioned in Scripture, there are two big sections that need to be discussed, as I believe that they hold important meaning. These two scriptures are Exodus 28:17-21 and Revelation 21:19-21. Both of these verses describe a list of the different gemstones, and I believe that the meaning behind the stones, as well as the order in which they are listed, can give us deeper insight into God’s word. Especially since the gems found in Exodus correlate with the twelve tribes, but not all these stones are mentioned in Revelation 21. In fact, there are a few new stones included in Revelation.

Today, we are discussing the ruby stone, and it is probably the one that gave me the biggest headache in this study, but it proved one thing: we must take scripture down to its root word to understand the meaning. Why do I say this? When you look at the root word for ruby found in Exodus 28, you will find that it is not the same root word as in Proverbs 31:10, even though some translations identify them as the same stone.

“17 And you shall mount on it four rows of stones; the first row shall be a row of ruby, topaz, and emerald;”

Exodus 28:17

“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”

Proverbs 31:10

If you were to just look at these two verses, you would think that they are talking about the same stone, but that is not the case. The root word for ruby in Exodus 28:17 comes from H119 and is identified as “to show blood (in the {face}) that is flush or turn rosy:-be (dyed) made red; ruddy”. While the ruby in Proverbs comes from the root word H6443, which is “probably a pearl (as round)”. This is why we must look behind the meanings of words; if we don’t, we end up missing things. This is not to say that there are mistakes in God’s word, it simply means that we must be focused on the Scripture and look at the meaning behind the words so we get a clearer picture.

Now, to discuss the meaning behind the ruby, also identified as a sardius, gemstone. Based on its color, the sardius stone is often connected to imagery of blood, and because of this, it is often associated with sacrifice, redemption, and divine love. With these themes, it is only fitting that it would appear on the High Priest’s breastplate and signifies the role of mediation between God and His people, which comes from the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.. It is also mentioned in Revelation 4:3, which represents the splendor and holiness of God and the fulfillment of His promises.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A STUDY IN GENESIS

Today, we continue in chapter 15 of Genesis and we have a valuable moment in the workings of Christ and the foreshadowing of a principle with salvation and with Israel. Abram and God are making a covenant together and we see something rather outside of our modern day understanding.

Genesis 15:8-21 “And he said, “Lord GOD, how shall I know that I will inherit it?” 9 So He said to him, “Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” 10 Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, down the middle, and placed each piece opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. 11 And when the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. 12 Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror [and] great darkness fell upon him. 13 Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land [that is] not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. 14 “And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. 15 “Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age. 16 “But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites [is] not yet complete.” 17 And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces. 18 On the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying: “To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates-- 19 “the Kenites, the Kenezzites, the Kadmonites, 20 “the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, 21 “the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.”

In the time of Abram when a covenant was made, there was a certain ceremonial aspect to represent the seriousness of the promise that was being placed. They would take specific animals, such as mentioned in verse nine, and they would kill them and cut them down the middle. Then both parties would walk through them. This would signify that if one side didn’t keep their promise, this would happen to them. When God tells Abram to bring the animals we see that in verse 10, Abram immediately starts cutting them up for the ceremony. This was common practice for mankind to do, and yet this had never been done by God with man.

Many people would skip past verse 11 and go right to the next part. However, if it is in the Bible we need to take it seriously. Now many might try to dig deeper into this then what is being said, and I might not have caught a deeper meaning which is more symbolic or prolific to what is being said here, but I believe there are two points that verse 11 identifies. First, that God will use us as He sees fit. Abram was tasked to chase birds away, so he did what was commanded. Second, vultures is commonly identified as bad, Abram’s seed would deal with the bad. Let us not lose sight on the bigger picture, but we should not skip the simplicity that is God’s Word at times.

In verse twelve, we see a sleep come over Abram, this is not natural but supernatural. God is identifying to Abram that this covenant cannot be done through Abram, but God Himself only. God further identifies that Abram’s descendants will live in land not of their own for four hundred years. We can identify their exodus from Egypt captured in the book of Moses commonly known as the book of Exodus.

Now we see something rather remarkable that the world does not recognize. God’s ability to give the land He created to whomever He chooses. From the Nile to the Euphrates is Israel’s land. Look at the small scrap of land that they are fighting over! God has given so much more and yet, due to unbelief, they are currently cursed to struggle and have strife until they come corporately and full fill Matthew 23:37-39 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under [her] wings, but you were not willing! 38 “See! Your house is left to you desolate; 39 “for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed [is] He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ ” While some call this advance Bible study, God intended to connect salvation to this very cause of Israel. Through Israel, and the land, salvation would come. We can take God’s Word seriously due to what He has done for the Jewish people. Nevertheless, we have wolves in sheep’s clothing tearing down institutions that once stood strong for the cause of Jesus’ blood kinsmen as we are commanded. Let us once again be about that work.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

Prayer is never ending, read the message HERE!

A Busy Time

Over the next few weeks, the end of the year is going to ramp up. Soon the crisp fall air with have the sting of winter, Thanksgiving will give way to Christmas, which in turn will give way to a brand new year. It is easy during this time to let things get pushed to the side. Today, I want to encourage our readers to remember that we do not and should not do this. While things will get crazy and there is much uncertainty ahead, we need to remember the following.

First, prioritize your time with God. If that means getting up early to start your day with a Bible study then do so. If it means that when your mind is restless thinking of all that was or wasn’t accomplished during the day, read His word before bed. When you prioritize Him, you will be amazed to find how much energy, peace, and how much more you are able to get done,

Second, don’t let relationships fall to the side. In the midst of all the holiday ahead, we need to remember that we are apart of the body of Christ. This means that we must check in on those who are quiet during this time of year. Make sure that those who are facing new challenges know that they are remembered and are being prayed for.

Third, rest in God. The last few months of the year are hectic, but there is no better time then now to lean on Him. God knows our days and know what is in store for us. All we need to do is rest in the knowledge that He has it under control and continue to do the work that He has us doing.

So as we enter this busy time of year, I hope that you keep these thoughts in mind. Pray for those around you, pray for your church leadership, those in governmental roles, family, friends, those who have not accepted God’s free gift of salvation. Keep these staff at Millhouse Ministries in prayer as we pray for all our readers.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

A STUDY IN GENESIS

Let’s set the record straight once and for all! The land of Israel belongs to one group of people, the Jewish people. Clear and simple. For those who believe it is someone else’s, they are denying verse seven of Genesis 15.

“Then He said to him, “I [am] the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to inherit it.”

The word inherit is the Hebrew word, YARAS which means “to seize and take possession off, and to establish an heir.” God gave them that land for Abram and a particular bloodline through Isaac and Jacob. It is critical we understand this blood lineage and how it comes about. It is through the three that the Jewish people come about. Not any other way, the promises are to them and no one else. For those who claim it is not, they deny the sovereign will and control of God over all that He has created. He alone can give a piece of land, He alone can define the decrees and measurements that bring about what we know.

For the unbeliever this might be hard to understand or even laughable, however for the believer this should be a comforting thing to know that God is in control and when He says something He means it. For if He does away with His promises to Israel and the land, for their actions, what does that mean about you? For King David was promised an heir to sit on the throne, which the Angel Gabriel identified would be Jesus Christ. This has not happened. But if the Jews have failed to live up to God, and He has moved onto a new group of people, what says that Jesus will not do that to you and I? I thank the Lord that He is a God who takes His own word seriously for I am but a whisp in the air to His all knowing, all powerful, and all present self.

This is why God is not done with Israel, this is why the land is no one’s but the Jews and this is why there must be a seven year tribulation where they identify Jesus as the Son of God and their King and Messiah. For those who disagree, they can take it up with Jesus who says in, Malachi 3:6 “For I [am] the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.” We can take this very verse and place our names in it; He does not change, therefore, those who are His and fail to uphold what God is doing in our life are not consumed. Next week we will jump into this very theme and see how Abram asked God for a sign and how God had to make the covenant through His own authority and power due to man’s lack of ability to do so.

Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,

JL

Re-Post Friday

A look back at our study in 1 John! Read it HERE!

A Precious Gem Part III

Today we continue our study in the meanings behind the different gemstones mentioned throughout Scripture. As mentioned last week, there are many discussions behind the meaning of the stones, which is why for the purpose of our study we are looking at the different scripture verses that a stone is mentioned to distinguish its meaning. Today, we will be discussing the onyx stone.

The first thing that I want to point out here, that the onyx mentioned in scripture is not the onyx stone that you and I may be envisioning. Today, when you think of an onyx stone, you would most likely think of a dark, black, shiny stone. However, when you look at the Hebrew word used in Genesis 2:12, the first mention of onyx found, you see that it comes from the word shoham which means “to blanch”. Many scholars today actually believe that the onyx stone described in scripture is similar to looking at the flesh of you finger through your fingernail.

Why does the color matter? I believe that it is due, Exodus 28.

9 “Then you shall take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel:”

Exodus 28:9

This is the third time that onyx is mentioned, the second being in Exodus 25, but this is the first time that we have a designated use for it. This stone is one that the Jews were instructed to carve the names of the different tribes on, which we then see the completion in Exodus 29:12.

“12 And you shall put the two stones on the shoulders of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. So Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders as a memorial.”

The high priest is meant to place these engraved stones upon his shoulders as a memorial. Based on its placement, there is the belief that the onyx stone represents strength and endurance. The high priest carried the tribes names upon his shoulders reminding God of his covenant with them while also reminding the Jews that the covenant between them and God is not carried by them but by God’s sustaining power.

Seek the truth and encourage one another,

Alex

Exciting News!

We at Mill House Ministries are always dedicated to sharing God’s truth and proclaiming the soon return of Jesus Christ. Our primary mission is to bring Bible discussion and encouragement to the believer and to the unsaved, the good news of Jesus Christ. We recognize that many people do not read blogs, and we want to reach that audience as well. Starting soon, we will have the Last Vigil, a podcast sponsored by Mill House Ministries dedicated to reaching those who would rather listen than read. What we ask of you all is the following. Keep us in prayer as we finish the logistics of the podcast. Secondly, tell as many people who would rather listen than read! We are so excited to bring the gospel message through the Last Vigil!

Details coming shortly.

Now, with that said, I wanted to bring to light why the Last Vigil is coming about.

Matthew 24:45-51 “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. 46 If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. 47 I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. 48 But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ 49 and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? 50 The master will return unannounced and unexpected, 51 and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Here we see a scenario very much applicable to today. Those who claim to be believers and those who are believers. True believers will be about the Lord’s Work, even the thief on the cross in his short believing lifespan was, in fact, declaring truths that we today are still hearing. In Matthew 24, we see two individuals, the first is the sensible servant. We at Mill House Ministries want to be this servant. We want Him to return and find us doing a good job. For us, there is nothing greater than following our Lord Jesus Christ. This makes Mill House Ministries’ mission very simple. We see in today’s world many so-called believers stating almost verbatim the following: “My master won’t be back for a while.” The signs are too clear; we are living in the last days. Jesus Christ is coming for His Church soon, and we need to be about the work He has given us. This is why the Last Vigil is coming about. This is why Mill House Ministries will continue our weekly blogs and doing whatever it takes to bring God the glory and to herald the King’s soon return. We welcome your prayers and ask that you take a moment to read God’s Word and see what a loving Savior you can have. If you are saved, dig into His word and see how faithful and rich this adventure He is bringing you and I on really is.

From Mill House Ministries Staff!