Dear Friends of String Theory Bible Study:
We have decided to remove our Prayer Request page from the blog. Obviously there is STILL a need for much prayer for the Body of Messiah, but it appears that most of our audience is already a part of a local prayer networks. As a result of that inactivity, we have made the decision to remove that portion from our blog.
However, we would still encourage our readers to check out the rest of our pages - and post any comments you wish to share. That being said, we would like to end our Prayer Request page with these words: 'Thank you Father for all that You have given us, we ask for Your continued strength, wisdom and guidance to be good stewards over all that You have put into our hands. Amen!'
Monday, April 23, 2012
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Fasts, Feasts and Festivals
On Tuesday, July 19 2011 (the 17th day of Tammuz) - is what's known as the Fast of Tammuz. This fast, from sunrise to sunset, is to commemorate the day that the Walls of Jerusalem were first breached by Nebuchadnezzar and his armies which ultimately led to the destruction of the Temple in 586 BC.
The Fast of Tammuz falls 40 days after Shavuot (Gr. 'Pentecost') and, if Shavuot was the day that the two tablets were given to Moshe, then 40 days later would be the day he came down from Mt. Sinai and broke them when he saw the merriment being made over the golden calf. The Fast of Tammuz also begins a time known as Bein HaMetzarim (Heb. 'between the straits - from Lam. 1:3), a 3 week period of mourning which culminates on the 9th of Av, marking the date when the Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians.
Bein HaMetzarim does not only marks the 3 weeks from the 17th of Tammuz to the 9th of Av, it is a time of reflection - to peer into our own souls and see the ferocity with which man has inflicted man for thousands of years...all during this period of summer. From the destruction of the First and Second Temples, right up to the only time in history that atomic weapons were used during wartime - August 6th and 9th, 1945 also took place during this period of Bein HaMetzarim. During the period of Bein HaMetzarim, the Book of Lamentations should be carefully considered, as it will be read on Tish B'Av - the 9th of Av.
The 9th of Av (Tuesday, August 9 2011) is the saddest day on the Hebrew calendar - so much so that even Torah study is prohibited since it is a source of joy and gladness. Tradition states that not only was Solomon's Temple destroyed on this date, but on the SAME DAY in 70 AD Titus and the Roman army destroyed the Second Temple...over 600 years later. It is a fast which begins at sundown on the 8th (Monday, August 8 2011) and ends at sundown on the 9th. There are many additional prohibitions which have been added to mark the solemnity of the day - but the important thing is to remember WHY we are commemorating the 9th of Av, the destruction of the Temple and of Jerusalem...TWICE!
On a final note - while these two fasts may not be commanded in the Bible, they are BOTH recorded as already being observed by the time of the Prophet Zechariah (Zech. 8:19)...the 17th of Tammuz is the 'fast of the fourth month' and the 9th of Av is the 'fast of the fifth month.'
May the Temple be rebuilt speedily in our days!
The Fast of Tammuz falls 40 days after Shavuot (Gr. 'Pentecost') and, if Shavuot was the day that the two tablets were given to Moshe, then 40 days later would be the day he came down from Mt. Sinai and broke them when he saw the merriment being made over the golden calf. The Fast of Tammuz also begins a time known as Bein HaMetzarim (Heb. 'between the straits - from Lam. 1:3), a 3 week period of mourning which culminates on the 9th of Av, marking the date when the Temple was destroyed by the Babylonians.
Bein HaMetzarim does not only marks the 3 weeks from the 17th of Tammuz to the 9th of Av, it is a time of reflection - to peer into our own souls and see the ferocity with which man has inflicted man for thousands of years...all during this period of summer. From the destruction of the First and Second Temples, right up to the only time in history that atomic weapons were used during wartime - August 6th and 9th, 1945 also took place during this period of Bein HaMetzarim. During the period of Bein HaMetzarim, the Book of Lamentations should be carefully considered, as it will be read on Tish B'Av - the 9th of Av.
The 9th of Av (Tuesday, August 9 2011) is the saddest day on the Hebrew calendar - so much so that even Torah study is prohibited since it is a source of joy and gladness. Tradition states that not only was Solomon's Temple destroyed on this date, but on the SAME DAY in 70 AD Titus and the Roman army destroyed the Second Temple...over 600 years later. It is a fast which begins at sundown on the 8th (Monday, August 8 2011) and ends at sundown on the 9th. There are many additional prohibitions which have been added to mark the solemnity of the day - but the important thing is to remember WHY we are commemorating the 9th of Av, the destruction of the Temple and of Jerusalem...TWICE!
On a final note - while these two fasts may not be commanded in the Bible, they are BOTH recorded as already being observed by the time of the Prophet Zechariah (Zech. 8:19)...the 17th of Tammuz is the 'fast of the fourth month' and the 9th of Av is the 'fast of the fifth month.'
May the Temple be rebuilt speedily in our days!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Those who have gone before us.....
Yesterday, here in America, was Memorial Day - a day to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of the freedoms we all enjoy everyday. But how many of us remember our fallen heroes today...the day AFTER Memorial Day? And how many of us take a moment out of our busy lives to honor, or even KNOW ABOUT those who have gone before us in the Name of Yeshua?
Beginning today, I would like to personally encourage each and everyone who reads this blog - to do 2 things: 1) when you see someone wearing the uniform of your country, say 'THANK YOU', maybe even buy them a meal, or even just a cup of coffee; (a small token for the enormous sacrifices they make on our behalf) and, 2) if you know a leader of a congregation - church, synagogue or even a home group - who humbly and gently walks out what they say they believe, say 'THANK YOU' to them also, and offer a hand, a kind word of encouragement; a little goes a LONG way.
Had it not been for the brave men and women who proudly wear the uniform of our country, or had it not been for the many saints who have gone before us to show us the paths of righteousness...where would we be?
Beginning today, I would like to personally encourage each and everyone who reads this blog - to do 2 things: 1) when you see someone wearing the uniform of your country, say 'THANK YOU', maybe even buy them a meal, or even just a cup of coffee; (a small token for the enormous sacrifices they make on our behalf) and, 2) if you know a leader of a congregation - church, synagogue or even a home group - who humbly and gently walks out what they say they believe, say 'THANK YOU' to them also, and offer a hand, a kind word of encouragement; a little goes a LONG way.
Had it not been for the brave men and women who proudly wear the uniform of our country, or had it not been for the many saints who have gone before us to show us the paths of righteousness...where would we be?
Friday, May 27, 2011
Humbled
As I look at all the Brothers and Sisters from the four corners of the globe; some areas openly hostile to followers of Yeshua, other areas are perhaps more friendly - but I am humbled that you took time out of your day to check us out. And as I pray now for the people around the world which, in most cases - maybe terribly far away from family and loved ones.
Hang in there my dear Brothers and Sisters - the race is NOT over yet, and as we longingly look for Messiah to return speedily in our days. Until that day, while we keep waiting, praying and seeking G-d's wisdom and counsel we pray for the needs of churches around the world.
Be strong and of good courage!
Hang in there my dear Brothers and Sisters - the race is NOT over yet, and as we longingly look for Messiah to return speedily in our days. Until that day, while we keep waiting, praying and seeking G-d's wisdom and counsel we pray for the needs of churches around the world.
Be strong and of good courage!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
New Page
We have now included a Prayer Request page - we will continually monitor all comments/requests and will add them to the page ASAP so that we can stand together as we offer our petitions before the L-rd.
Shalom!
Shalom!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Breaking News....May 19 2011
Below is a portion of the text of a speech given today by U.S. President Barack Obama. The section included here relates specifically to Israel and the Presidents' new 'demand' that Israel leave Gaza and the West Bank and withdraw to the pre-1967 borders.
As you will see, I have taken the liberty of underlining a few sections of the speech, these deal with the following:
1) A pre-1967 Israel, which will mean the dividing of Jerusalem. For anyone who thinks this is a GOOD idea, I would respectfully refer you to Zechariah 14.
2) a 'contigious' palestinian state....contiguous meaning adjoined - this was not even the case BEFORE 1967
3) Israel is now expected to defend herself 'by herself' - this means 7.2 million Israelis vs. 100 million arabs.
These are the days when all seems hopeless, and yet these are the days when G-d has promised to restore Israel....may He do so speedily in our days.
On with the speech....
"Let me conclude by talking about another cornerstone of our approach to the region, and that relates to the pursuit of peace.
For decades, the conflict between Israelis and Arabs has cast a shadow over the region. For Israelis, it has meant living with the fear that their children could be blown up on a bus or by rockets fired at their homes, as well as the pain of knowing that other children in the region are taught to hate them. For Palestinians, it has meant suffering the humiliation of occupation, and never living in a nation of their own. Moreover, this conflict has come with a larger cost to the Middle East, as it impedes partnerships that could bring greater security and prosperity and empowerment to ordinary people.
For over two years, my administration has worked with the parties and the international community to end this conflict, building on decades of work by previous administrations. Yet expectations have gone unmet. Israeli settlement activity continues. Palestinians have walked away from talks. The world looks at a conflict that has grinded on and on and on, and sees nothing but stalemate. Indeed, there are those who argue that with all the change and uncertainty in the region, it is simply not possible to move forward now.
I disagree. At a time when the people of the Middle East and North Africa are casting off the burdens of the past, the drive for a lasting peace that ends the conflict and resolves all claims is more urgent than ever. That's certainly true for the two parties involved.
For the Palestinians, efforts to delegitimize Israel will end in failure. Symbolic actions to isolate Israel at the United Nations in September won't create an independent state. Palestinian leaders will not achieve peace or prosperity if Hamas insists on a path of terror and rejection. And Palestinians will never realize their independence by denying the right of Israel to exist.
As for Israel, our friendship is rooted deeply in a shared history and shared values. Our commitment to Israel's security is unshakeable. And we will stand against attempts to single it out for criticism in international forums. But precisely because of our friendship, it's important that we tell the truth: The status quo is unsustainable, and Israel too must act boldly to advance a lasting peace.
The fact is, a growing number of Palestinians live west of the Jordan River. Technology will make it harder for Israel to defend itself. A region undergoing profound change will lead to populism in which millions of people -– not just one or two leaders -- must believe peace is possible. The international community is tired of an endless process that never produces an outcome. The dream of a Jewish and democratic state cannot be fulfilled with permanent occupation.
Now, ultimately, it is up to the Israelis and Palestinians to take action. No peace can be imposed upon them -- not by the United States; not by anybody else. But endless delay won't make the problem go away. What America and the international community can do is to state frankly what everyone knows -- a lasting peace will involve two states for two peoples: Israel as a Jewish state and the homeland for the Jewish people, and the state of Palestine as the homeland for the Palestinian people, each state enjoying self-determination, mutual recognition, and peace.
So while the core issues of the conflict must be negotiated, the basis of those negotiations is clear: a viable Palestine, a secure Israel. The United States believes that negotiations should result in two states, with permanent Palestinian borders with Israel, Jordan, and Egypt, and permanent Israeli borders with Palestine.
We believe the borders of Israel and Palestine should be based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps, so that secure and recognized borders are established for both states. The Palestinian people must have the right to govern themselves, and reach their full potential, in a sovereign and contiguous state.
As for security, every state has the right to self-defense, and Israel must be able to defend itself -– by itself -– against any threat. Provisions must also be robust enough to prevent a resurgence of terrorism, to stop the infiltration of weapons, and to provide effective border security. The full and phased withdrawal of Israeli military forces should be coordinated with the assumption of Palestinian security responsibility in a sovereign, non-militarized state. And the duration of this transition period must be agreed, and the effectiveness of security arrangements must be demonstrated."
If anyone does not believe we are fast approaching the return of Messiah Yeshua - I would again refer you to the above qoutes, and the time when Jerusalem is divided in Zechariah 14. May G-d show mercy and restraint as He comes against ALL those who come against Jerusalem, His Holy Mountain.
As you will see, I have taken the liberty of underlining a few sections of the speech, these deal with the following:
1) A pre-1967 Israel, which will mean the dividing of Jerusalem. For anyone who thinks this is a GOOD idea, I would respectfully refer you to Zechariah 14.
2) a 'contigious' palestinian state....contiguous meaning adjoined - this was not even the case BEFORE 1967
3) Israel is now expected to defend herself 'by herself' - this means 7.2 million Israelis vs. 100 million arabs.
These are the days when all seems hopeless, and yet these are the days when G-d has promised to restore Israel....may He do so speedily in our days.
On with the speech....
"Let me conclude by talking about another cornerstone of our approach to the region, and that relates to the pursuit of peace.
For decades, the conflict between Israelis and Arabs has cast a shadow over the region. For Israelis, it has meant living with the fear that their children could be blown up on a bus or by rockets fired at their homes, as well as the pain of knowing that other children in the region are taught to hate them. For Palestinians, it has meant suffering the humiliation of occupation, and never living in a nation of their own. Moreover, this conflict has come with a larger cost to the Middle East, as it impedes partnerships that could bring greater security and prosperity and empowerment to ordinary people.
For over two years, my administration has worked with the parties and the international community to end this conflict, building on decades of work by previous administrations. Yet expectations have gone unmet. Israeli settlement activity continues. Palestinians have walked away from talks. The world looks at a conflict that has grinded on and on and on, and sees nothing but stalemate. Indeed, there are those who argue that with all the change and uncertainty in the region, it is simply not possible to move forward now.
I disagree. At a time when the people of the Middle East and North Africa are casting off the burdens of the past, the drive for a lasting peace that ends the conflict and resolves all claims is more urgent than ever. That's certainly true for the two parties involved.
For the Palestinians, efforts to delegitimize Israel will end in failure. Symbolic actions to isolate Israel at the United Nations in September won't create an independent state. Palestinian leaders will not achieve peace or prosperity if Hamas insists on a path of terror and rejection. And Palestinians will never realize their independence by denying the right of Israel to exist.
As for Israel, our friendship is rooted deeply in a shared history and shared values. Our commitment to Israel's security is unshakeable. And we will stand against attempts to single it out for criticism in international forums. But precisely because of our friendship, it's important that we tell the truth: The status quo is unsustainable, and Israel too must act boldly to advance a lasting peace.
The fact is, a growing number of Palestinians live west of the Jordan River. Technology will make it harder for Israel to defend itself. A region undergoing profound change will lead to populism in which millions of people -– not just one or two leaders -- must believe peace is possible. The international community is tired of an endless process that never produces an outcome. The dream of a Jewish and democratic state cannot be fulfilled with permanent occupation.
Now, ultimately, it is up to the Israelis and Palestinians to take action. No peace can be imposed upon them -- not by the United States; not by anybody else. But endless delay won't make the problem go away. What America and the international community can do is to state frankly what everyone knows -- a lasting peace will involve two states for two peoples: Israel as a Jewish state and the homeland for the Jewish people, and the state of Palestine as the homeland for the Palestinian people, each state enjoying self-determination, mutual recognition, and peace.
So while the core issues of the conflict must be negotiated, the basis of those negotiations is clear: a viable Palestine, a secure Israel. The United States believes that negotiations should result in two states, with permanent Palestinian borders with Israel, Jordan, and Egypt, and permanent Israeli borders with Palestine.
We believe the borders of Israel and Palestine should be based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps, so that secure and recognized borders are established for both states. The Palestinian people must have the right to govern themselves, and reach their full potential, in a sovereign and contiguous state.
As for security, every state has the right to self-defense, and Israel must be able to defend itself -– by itself -– against any threat. Provisions must also be robust enough to prevent a resurgence of terrorism, to stop the infiltration of weapons, and to provide effective border security. The full and phased withdrawal of Israeli military forces should be coordinated with the assumption of Palestinian security responsibility in a sovereign, non-militarized state. And the duration of this transition period must be agreed, and the effectiveness of security arrangements must be demonstrated."
If anyone does not believe we are fast approaching the return of Messiah Yeshua - I would again refer you to the above qoutes, and the time when Jerusalem is divided in Zechariah 14. May G-d show mercy and restraint as He comes against ALL those who come against Jerusalem, His Holy Mountain.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Pesach Sheni - Passover Two
What is Pesach Sheni?
A day of second chances
Pesach Sheni, literally translated out of the Hebrew means Passover Two. We find the first mention of it in Numbers 9:5-13, when some of the sons of Israel Israel
In 2 Chronicles 30:1-5, we see a decree issued by King Hezekiah to Israel and Judah
Today, May 18 is Pesach Sheni - a time of second chances. Of all the feasts, festivals and appointed times on the calendar that G-d Himself instituted, only ONE has a second chance. Why is this? Because the Most High G-d of Heaven is VERY serious about redemption and freedom from bondage - be it from Egypt, or from sin. Perhaps the reason G-d is SO emphatic about us remembering our freedom is because of the price that it took to GAIN that freedom; from Egypt it took the death of the firstborn, and from sin it took the death of Messiah Yeshua.
Pesach Sheni is only regarded as a 'minor festival' on most modern Hebrew calendars, in no small part because we lack the personal accountability to say during Passover itself - WE ARE UNCLEAN and cannot make our offerings before the L-rd as He has required. The men who went in to Moshe (Moses) in Numbers 9:5-13 were honest with themselves AND with G-d about being unclean, because they did not wish to bring dishonor to G-d OR to themselves.
This year at Pesach Sheni we not only have a second chance to 'get it right'....but a second chance to be forgiven, to set our hearts in order so that we have an earnest desire TO correct our behavior and set our feet back on the SOLID ground of the commandments of G-d.
In Messiah Yeshua....
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