Ron’s Trianonreport

We wish to report a measure of success in out recent Trianon meeting held in Bonita Springs Florida on Saturday evening, October 25, 2008. There were numerous first time attenders, and all agreed to return to our next scheduled meeting.

We enjoyed some music with keyboard, guitar, and group singing. Our sound technician said that all present, seemed very eager to hear and responded well, as the message went forth. There was also an effort made to stream the program live to the internet, which I understand proved successful, as well as filming the entire presentation.

I spent considerable time on the subject restoring Jesus. The subject was about giving Jesus back his Hebrew name, his language, his gospel of the kingdom according to the 4 gospel evangelists, and his religion, culture and customs.
We were looking at the subject material through Hebrew eyes and thought.

I was able to present as far as Jesus’ gospel of the kingdom according to the 4 gospel evangelists. Various verses were given from the Christian Bible to substantiate my presentation. We prayed some Hebrew prayers and explained other Hebrew verses, pertaining to Jesus name, and his language. I showed that the Greek Testament terms and spelling for Aramaic and for Hebrew, proved that Hebrew does not mean Aramaic.

At times, excitement oozed as zeal flowed from both speaker and hearers, and the gathering was blessed with joy and unity. Everyone present said they would return to the next scheduled meeting at the Trianon. Near the end of the meeting, prayer was made for the sick and needy, and at the close, cookies and coffee were provided for those present. People surrounded us, asking many questions, some of which we were able to answer, and others which were beyond a rapid answer.

So, I am announcing the next scheduled meeting at the Trianon Hotel in Bonita Springs Florida, on Saturday, November 25, at 7:00 p.m. The location is Highway 41 at the intersection of Bay Commons Drive (3401 Bay commons Drive). Please come and bring a friend, as others have mentioned they would also invite friends. Hope to see you there.

Announcement...upcoming event

Announcement...upcoming event

On Saturday evening October 25, 2008, at 7:00 p.m., I will be holding a meeting at the Trianon Hotel in Bonita Springs, Florida. Everyone is invited to attend. The location of the Trianon, is 3401 Bay Commons Drive, where it intersects Highway forty one (41).

The Meeting begins at 7:00 p.m., and is sponsored by the Light House of Jesus Christ, a 501-C3 non profit corporation, and in unity with Yad-El Ministries, a Florida not for profit corporation. Both corporations are part of a program designed to assist and enable charitable outreach, and to promote understanding of the Jewish roots of Jesus, as shown in the Gospel accounts. Some emphasis will be placed on the Hebrew language, as it relates to Greek Testament manuscripts and Jesus' Jewish roots.

As time permits there will be prayers offered for the sick, and I will bring some interesting teaching observations about Jesus and his earliest gospel form, as it relates to the Kingdom of God.

Please come and hear about the matters dearest to the heart of Jesus and his people.
Mark it down as a calendar date now, so you won’t miss the meeting. I hope to see you there: remember its on Saturday, October 25, 2008, at the Trianon. Its in Bonita Springs, Florida, on 3401 Bay Commons Drive, and Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail).

blog #26

blog# 26,... Jesus and his bible version

Have you ever stopped to consider; what bible Jesus read? Given the sense of urgency placed upon bible reading by many fundamental Christians, and the emphasis placed on particular English language versions, it might help to know which bible Jesus would have read. Of course you realize by now, that I’ve presented a loaded question, which is designed to make one think. The truth is, no matter what you or I think, the man Jesus has never read any Christian Bible Version.

We must recognize that all he learned or knew from boyhood to manhood, was learned from study and meditation upon the words of his Heavenly Father, combined with the instruction of parents and teachers, and interaction with other knowledgeable Jews.

It is common knowledge in the Jewish community about the memorization capacity of sages and scholars. Some of them had memorized every verse in the 5 Torah books, and could have written by memory alone, an entire Pentateuch Scroll. But that was forbidden, since each scribe was to have a Torah copy before him to look at for precision, when making a new Torah scroll. Nothing was left to chance, and every copy must be made according to very rigid rules, which assured accuracy and sanctification regarding the Divine Name.

I recall reading about the Vilna Gaon, (Elijah Ben Solomon), who as a child prodigy had memorized every letter and word in the Talmud. When one realizes the vast and broad scope of Talmudic material, it’s remarkable indeed that a thirteen year old was able to commit it all to memory. Especially when one considers that the 5 books of Torah, with all its words contain 304, 805 letters. Comparing that detail about the Talmud and the 63 tractates therein, we can appreciate the work and effort required to memorize both the Tanakh and the Talmud.

The explanations of the Oral Torah had been memorized over all of 1,500 years, before it was finally permitted to be written down. And, much biblical information was also committed to memory by Godly parents, who passed it down to children. Surely, Jesus had learned many things through his own studious efforts, as well as what was passed down by sages and family. Today, it is known that the Babylonian Talmud contains 20 volumes.

Even during times of extreme testing and confrontation, he often cited the phrase, “it is written.” Those references were to verses written by Moses. Before and during the times of Jesus, generations of students, had memorized, studied, and passed down volumes of information from the Torah (law), the prophets, and the writings. How could he have possibly known what was written if he never read it?

Jewish tradition has a very interesting way of making reference to the Hebrew Bible. By defining the 3 sections (divisions), of the Hebrew scrolls, and giving them their Hebrew names, a new name is gained which represents the Jewish body of sacred scripture which we call “bible.” The first word is TORAH, which specifies the first five books of Moses. Torah is generally rendered law, teaching, or instruction. That word begins with the letter T. So, we set aside the “ T,” to help form the new word, and soon add the next letter from another section of Jesus’ bible.

The second section of the Jewish Bible is called NAVIIM, and means prophets. So lets add that letter to the letter “ T.” Now with TN, we have 2 Hebrew consonant letters which represent 2 sections of the Jewish writings, Torah and Naviim (law and prophets). In a moment by taking the first three letters of the Hebrew names for 3 sections of scripture, we will have a new name for the Jewish scripture which Jews everywhere understand.

The third section is called Ketuvim, which means “writings.” The three sections of the Jewish bible then, are law, prophets, and writings. Now, let’s put each first letter of each Hebrew word on the same line and form the representative term for the Jewish bible; TNK.

When our Jewish friends refer to the Hebrew Bible, or what Christians claim is the Old Testament, they use the 3 letters which represent the Hebrew names of the 3 sections of their bible; TNK. It is vocalized by means of various spellings: Tenach, Tanakh, Tanach.

Jesus referred to the Tanakh in Luke 24:44, which wrote in part: “that all things might be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and in the Psalms concerning me.” The Psalms are part of the section considered “writings.”

At this point in our lesson, it is necessary to inform Christian readers that among Jewish educators, the section called the TORAH, has been considered given a higher position of honor and greater inspiration then the other 2 sections of the inspired Hebrew scriptures.

Where is authority for this? It’s based on verses in Deuteronomy 34:10-11, with Divine revelation and confirmation granted him by the Lord: “And there never arose a prophet again in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, for all the signs and wonders, which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and his servants, and to all his land.”

Those verses, when compared to Numbers 12:6-8, show that Moses was not inferior in any way to any prophet, seer, visionary, or dreamer. Whether awake or asleep, Moses could speak to God face to face (panim el panim), or mouth to mouth (peh el peh). He didn’t need a dream or vision or trance. I suggest it was possible, because of his extreme humility as noted in Numbers 12:3.

It has a nagging oddity about it, that one section has a higher degree of inspiration, but after all, if Moses was the greatest of all prophets ever to rise in Israel, it makes sense that since Torah wrote this about Moses, those teachings come from a man who did not see or prophesy in part, and are complete.

I have wondered at times why Christians don’t attach more honor to the words of Jesus in theology. The 4 Gospels contain all that he said and done, and he personally stated: “heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35). Yet, it seems on many matters, that the letters and epistles to churches are held in higher esteem then the words of the one whom Christians have called “Lord.” Perhaps, many theological hangups would have been avoided, if the words of Jesus had been given priority. After all, why call we him Lord, Lord, and do not the things which he said?

Jesus emphasized the law of Moses, and always upheld it. That is why he could say heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. He knew that scripture could not be broken. He knew that Gods word was forever established in the heavens. As best I know, Jesus never tried to change or refute anything that Moses taught. However, in certain circumstances he openly disagreed with some Pharisaic INTERPRETATIONS of the words of Moses.

We can be assured that Jesus knew the entire Tanakh (from Genesis to Malachi). The gospel narratives show him often quoting or referencing verses from those sources. But, we also recognize after much study and comparisons, that Jesus seemed to be quite familiar with all the oral explanations of the Hebrew Bible, and evidently was able to discuss it intelligently with experts at the Temple, when he was only 12 years old (see Luke 2:42-52).

blog# 25, Bible Translation Versions

Ron’s notes, Sept. 4, 2008
Bible Translation Versions

Due to years of experience as a Christian pastor, I have naturally developed some insight about the Christian Bible. My investigation into Hebrew and Greek Bible languages enabled me to make excellent comparative analysis with English understanding of my old King James Bible Version. After all, my primary job involved preaching and teaching the bible to the people, so since new English Bible Versions were constantly being promoted and introduced to the public,
I knew I would be in a good position to explain any questionable verses or wording.

In a modern world, that is consistently changing and evolving, because of application of more technology, information, and scientific accuracy, its also good to know that some things are never to be changed, and certain basic foundational truths will always apply. I say that in regard to the Christian Bible. The basis for all bible versions is not the version itself, rather the basis of every version is the Manuscript Copy. Any, and every version should be compared to the Hebrew or Greek Text, from which it is alleged to have been translated.

A growing concern to me, had not only been the few complaints, that the older King James Version of the bible was hard to understand, but the congregation all seemed to have a different bible version they were reading from. I recognized that ever so swiftly and silently, the normal pattern of having a responsive reading for group participation, was no longer possible. Everyone was reading from a different bible. The old saying about getting everybody on the “same page,” had been trashed by different version use. The nearly 400 year old style of the English version, that kept us all verbally together, had been automatically replaced by every persons desire to have a different English translation version.

It was time to grasp the words of 1Corinthians 1:10: ...“that ye all speak the same thing, and there be no divisions among you.” That verse portion was a reference to unity in the Corinthian Church and applies to Christian doctrine as delivered by Paul to churches he founded. But, if understood in a literal sense as applicable to the Christian Bible Version in use in any congregation, it would quickly minimize any variations of wordings or interpretation of actual texts.

There must be one standard for the word of God. I came to this conclusion for several reasons. That standard is the Manuscript Copies. Pastors who can expound and explain and link to the manuscript copies, can detail any or all needed explanations. Such a plan would enable everyone to use the same bible version all the time. In cases where the pastor or teacher is not able to work with biblical languages, then he should request his hearers to all use the same Version that he employs. Again, it puts everyone in unity.

The manuscript copies never change, only translation versions change. The word of God never changes. Thus, when the bible in use is the same version for each congregation, people are able to actually memorize and quote what everyone else is reading. It’s embarrassing to hear some one quote from a little known version, a verse which nobody can identify with, because of uncertain and new wording. The abundance of English versions discourages group memorization.

A particular verse in Deuteronomy 4:2, sheds huge insight into theology and transmission of texts. “You shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.”

That verse also is a reference to the detailed commands given of God to Moses, and to Israel. But it goes beyond the commands and back to the very basis of what was first written. To rewrite anything that God said, or had written, must be written exactly and precisely. We may not add verbiage or detract from what God commanded Moses to write.

Numerous times I have heard public readings from Translation Versions, which included much verbiage not supported by Manuscript Texts. Since at times, I was a little familiar with those manuscript sources, I was quite shocked that any translator should take it upon himself to render into English, something that God did not truly say. First of all, Deuteronomy 4:2, is adopted by Christians into their Bible from the Jews. And because we say, it’s the word of God, it is not to be misrepresented. When a person understands Orthodox Judaism, then they know that JEWS believe that God DICTATED the entire Pentateuch to Moses, who wrote what he was told.

Secondly, Jesus said: “ one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled (observed).” Jots and tittles are tiny strokes used on Hebrew Alphabet letters. We, may not change the tiniest letter of the Hebrew or Greek alphabet as it relates to what God has spoken to be written. The Greek text has used the word “iota,” the smallest Greek alphabet letter.

The final book in the Christian Bible, the Revelation (apokalupsis), even goes so far as to name a curse on anyone who adds unto its prophecy, the plagues written in this book (Rev. 22:18-19).

Logically, the correct interpretation, does not mean rendering the words from Greek into good English. God wants us to hear His word in our language. But when translators take the liberty of adding or detracting words unsupported by manuscript texts, they are on very dangerous ground.

It becomes a matter of choosing our wisdom above the wisdom of God. When we think we know how God should have said something, and go so far as to actually change what He had spoken, for the prophets to write, we have made ourselves in the place of God. God forbid!

The need for the “common standard” among the Christian community is more pressing than ever. In a next generation every special interest group will have their own bible, and nobody will be able to specifically define what is an accurate translation which is true as possible to the manuscript copies. Each special interest group will love their own version, because it appeals to themselves, but added verbiage and interpretative translating will cause more segmentation of the church, and endless confusion for congregations.

Then, I suppose, the only people who will really appreciate the word of God, will be those fortunate enough to have a leader who is capable of looking at, and examining the Hebrew and Greek Bible texts for precise clarification. After all, the Biblical language copies NEVER change. Pastors or teachers who are not trained in biblical languages, are not left out. They can find numerous bibles containing a numbering system coded to any particular bible version, and the Hebrew and Greek text.

I know that some people prefer English Translation Versions which consistently supply descriptive and elaborate terms, which they say, help explain what God intended to be known. The argument is, that it enhances understanding. But, why have humans ADDED explanatory words unsupported by the Manuscript copies? If it’s fair to deviate from what God literally said in any case, why is it not fair to write entirely what is desired, into the text of what God caused to be written? Matter of fact, that is what is ongoing, in some new modern English Versions.

I recall in my studies about an English Version Bible, which had many notes in the margins, and those notes were claimed on some occasions, to have entered from the margins into the actual texts. That particular bible version was soon replaced by a new version which did not take that liberty. It seems to me, that no matter how we try to make God’s word easier to understand, the only way to defeat the maze of translation differences, which in the end make things even more confusing, is to encourage people to study the Bible, and compare every concern with a good Hebrew or Greek Concordance.

Didn’t Jesus say; “search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39). We are told to “search,” and not just to read what some translator had added to the word of God via verbiage. Perhaps nothing destroys the initiative to “study” more than reading a new bible translation. Why do the work, when a stranger has done it for you? When we study to show ourselves approved by God, the satisfaction of learning by careful examination of the word of God, is far superior to interaction with those who do not fear or tremble enough before the Lord. That lack of respect is shown by the willingness to change what God has plainly spoken and written.

As time progresses, there could be so many varying Christian Bible Versions, that the new convert could easily become confounded, having become familiar with the fact that wording differs from one English version to another. The natural response would be; which one of these bibles is right? I have actually seen people in bible book stores ask a salesperson that same question. The response many times was; it depends on what you are looking for in a translation.

Why should anyone have to look for anything in a translation, except a good English rendering of what the manuscripts have revealed? Talk of dynamic equivalents and modern English renderings may be all right for the experts of parables, allegories, and secrets, but the average person simply wants to know what God has spoken, minus all the additions of man.

Christians have often been critical of Jews, saying that it’s not possible to keep 613 of God’s laws, as written in the Torah. All to often, it’s forgotten that Americans must keep thousands of city, county, state and federal laws. Thousands, of which have not have been nailed to the cross. So many of our laws are unknown to the average person, and its amazing when we learn that we are in violation. I say that for a reason.

The bible is not only a brief synopsis about God and creation, its about a nation of people who He taught and made holy, as they chose to obey His voice. He made that people guardians of His words, which eventually became known among us as the “bible.” When we read the bible, we learn where we fit in, and what is expected of us by the Lord. We learn that His word is holy and pure and not to be tampered with. We learn that morality, integrity, and honesty are given within our humanity. His word, plain and simple, has been written for all to understand. Why would anybody tamper with what God had written, except to make it simply plain, and readable?

The knowledge of what God expected from Israel and the Jews, is written by his faithful prophets. If the number of His commands to them was 613, so be it. Possibility exists that it can be done. The Christian Bible says of Zacharias and Elizabeth in Luke 1:6: “And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” Wow! Who ever said, that nobody could possibly keep all the law???

God gave all the details/ordinances, and they are in the book called the “bible.” Somebody said once, “the devil is in the details.” Whoever originated that phrase, must not have read much bible, because in the bible God gives details galore about every aspect of human life and worship. That’s why we should not mess with the text. It involves details which we need to know, and details known only to the Lord.

If God is involved in the details of life, then it only makes sense that we should learn where those details are found. The Christian Bible provides information under the everlasting and adoptive covenants.

I am not saying any particular English version is perfect above all others. Martin Luther is reported to have said; there is no substitute for reading the bible in its original languages.

I do agree with that comment. My favorite bible version has always been the K.J.Version. But in many cases it does not clearly align to the Greek manuscript. I have always told the congregation when I run across such matters. They were shocked at times when learning that words like Lucifer, Calvary, Jesus, Easter, and Devils, do not even align the Greek and Hebrew texts, and should never appear in an English version bible. But the traditions developed from such versions, have actually become stronger than the Greek text itself.

I encouraged the people to get a Strong’s concordance and check me out when I preached. This, some did, while others trusted my word. But in any case, nobody was ever able to come to me and say, your explanations were not aligned with the manuscripts.

So this message is like the shofar blast of Rosh Hashanah. It’s designed to alert and awaken the conscience of the sleeper. Hopefully, it will not take a hundred blasts of the rams horn, to alert the people to revere the Lord, and tremble at His word.

blog# 24, Jesus...and prayer

blog #24, Jesus... and “prayer,” in the gospels

The Hebrew word for prayer is tefilah, and its English form “prayer,” is located 114 times in the King James Version. In Hebrew and Christian thought, prayer consists of 2 elements. First, it involves supplication or petition, and secondly, it involves thanksgiving or praise. There are also forms of corporate (group), and individual prayer. Jesus made reference to individual prayer in Matthew 6:6, and used the word “secret” to define that individual form of prayer. He also used the terms “closet” and “door” in regard to secret prayer. It may be that this was an allusion to prayer made under the prayer shawl.

The first *recorded prayer I found in the bible with an answer, was Abraham’s prayer for Abimelech and his house in Genesis 20:7, and Genesis 20:17. It resulted in “healing.”

Elements of prayer are shown in verses like Nehemiah 1:6, which indicate that confession of known individual sins, or group sins of believers, are part of corporate or individual prayers. The wording of Psalm 39:12, hints that prayers mixed with tears (godly sorrow), can bring quick response. Psalm 65:3 relates that eventually “all flesh” will pray to God. According to Proverbs 15:8, God delights in the prayer of the upright, and then in Proverbs 15:29, He heareth the prayer of the righteous.

I have no memory of reading any verses in the 4 Gospels, where Jesus ever told his disciples to pray to himself. I often have heard Christians pray to Jesus, and have even heard media religious leaders use that same manner of petition and praise to Jesus. I know that people approached Jesus according to Gospel accounts, and made many requests, for healing, deliverance, and help. But, his method of theology was very much aligned with Judaism. He always said and did things to direct people toward Father God, rather than himself.

What then did he actually teach about prayer and worship? Did he tell people to pray to idols, images, angels or deceased and holy people? Or did he teach them to pray to the God of Israel, his Father?

The Christian Bible gives abundance of verses, which indicate exactly what Jesus explained. Your Father which seeth in secret shall reward you openly ( Matthew 6:4). And to whom did he teach men should pray? Pray to thy Father which is in secret (Matthew 6:6). And what manner of address? Our Father which art in heaven (Matthew 6:9).

Jesus mentioned that men should pray to the One in heaven, saying: One is your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 23:9). He further informed his immediate followers about prayer agreements; saying, anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven (Matthew 18:19).

That statement when correctly interpreted, must take into account, the words of 1John 5:14-15, “that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”

Because Christians embrace the doctrine of a Triune God, or a Trinity of separate god persons, maybe it makes some sense to them, that separateness and equality, are features of each person, and it matters not to them to whom they pray. But Jesus always taught in harmony with Jewish thought and tradition. His manner was always about the Heavenly Father, and himself being a servant empowered by God. The same view was projected among his followers.

In one example about prayer, the following observation is noted about accusations of idolatry among Christians, by Jews who pray only to One. “Some authorities also distinguish between Catholic and Protestant forms of Christianity, the latter being considered as less idolatrous” (Encyclopedia of the Jewish Religion). When prayers are made to Jesus, and statues or images are employed, it is not hard at all to understand why Jews would conclude that idolatry.

The subject is vast, but for practical purposes, here is a simple outline to help people know some things about prayer.

Places to effectively pray-God’s House- the assembly, a most likely place to pray
(1Kings 8:29, Isaiah 56:7). At Gods altar -Solomon made prayer and supplication kneeling before the altar of the Lord (1Kings 8:54), in trouble or some unlikely
places (Jonah 2:7-8, belly of hell), on a mountain (Mark 6:46), in a solitary spot
(Mark 1:35).

Have a time to pray, morning prayer (Psalm 5:3), hour of prayer (Acts 3:1),
pray without ceasing (1Thessalonians 5:17), This means be instantly ready to pray in any situation, when possible to do so in a sensible and safe manner.

Reasons to pray, spiritual communication and talks with God (1Corin. 14:4, and Jude 1:20), watchfulness for church leaders and holy people (Ephesians 6:18), prayer for necessary “things” (Mark 11:24), prayer with faith and anointing for healing the sick (James 5:14-15), prayer for Israel and the Jews (Psalm 122:8), prayer for governmental leaders and nations (1Timothy 2:12).

But what about unanswered prayers?
Not praying according to God’s specific will (see 1John 5:14 and 1John 3:22).
Praying wrongly regarding someone whom God is chastising for sins, or whom the heavenly Father is busy correcting (see Jeremiah 7:16 and Jer. 11:14). When
faith is being tested on a matter and patience is needed (Hebrews 10:35-36)

An example of how Jesus prayed.
Hebrews 5:7: “who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto Him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.”

* There may be earlier biblical hints of “prayer,” such as, men walking with God, or men beginning to call on the name of the Lord, or men building altars unto the Lord, or Abraham falling on his face before the Lord, or Abraham pleading for the righteous of Sodom. But the account of Abraham praying for Abimelech and his entire household, specifically mentions the word “pray” and “prayer,” and also shows the answer to that prayer (see Genesis 20:7 and Genesis 20:17)

Jesus ...his kingdom perspective on wealth

blog#23, Jesus... his kingdom perspective on wealth
(From an original blog made on Tuesday, September 16, 2008, edited, and spell checked on Thursday October 3, 2008, in this corrected blog.)

In Matthew 6:29, Jesus made reference to Solomon: “And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these”... In a previous verse he had commented; “consider the lilies of the field, they toil not, neither do they spin”. The reason he had mentioned Solomon’s wealth and glory, was his concern about treasure, wealth, or money, becoming the driving force behind everyday life and existence, among the people of God..

In Matthew 6:19-34 (15 verses), Jesus emphasized that God would provide for every necessity, of his children. He focused on teachings his students, to NOT allow mammon to become the master of life. He said; “You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). The term “mammon,” is a Chaldean loan word incorporated into Hebrew, and is yet in use today. It means “money.” In pursuit of the regular necessities for life (food, drink, shelter, clothing), Jesus had warned, no man can serve two masters. Keep every priority in order, is a true spiritual mantra.

He alluded to Solomon and all his glory with his kingly raiment. At the same time, without negating sensible preparation and planning, he asserted; “consider the lilies.” His comparative analysis of flowers of the fields with Solomon’s raiment, and glory, showed a concern of God even for nature itself. His words; “take therefore no thought for the morrow,” made in regard to eating, drinking or clothing; is reference to anxiousness, and not to sensible preparation. Jesus taught people to trust God and not to worry. If God clothed the grass of the fields in natural beauty, why would He not clothe the children of faith, who are far more important than fading flowers?

That formula is not inconsistent with the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible). It was written in Proverbs 23:4, “Labor not to be rich; cease from thine own wisdom.” One’s total energies should be well concentrated to serve God first, and things can fall into place. But, as in everything else, we must have balance in our ambitions. Maybe that’s why the Tanakh also wrote in Ecclesiastes 10:19: “a feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry, but MONEY answereth all [things].” When people have money, it can be used to have a feast, throw a party, and thereby produce temporary joy and happiness. Proper use of money, does provide answers to some problems.

Folks often have said, that money is the root of all evil. That’s a falsehood! The Christian Bible wrote, “the love of money is the root of all evil” (1Timothy 6:10). To covet money is a form of idolatry. So, loving God with all the heart, soul, and strength, is the balance and understanding for how to apply the use and desire for money.

The author of Epistole Yakov (epistle of Jakob/James), in his letter to the twelve tribes scattered abroad, wrote: “Go to now you rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you”... (James 1:1 and James 5:1). He stressed that the long time wealth of the wicked (gold and silver), was accumulated by evil practices; fraud, dishonesty, and slaughter (Yakov 5:1-6). He reminds Christians who have been similarly oppressed by evil and rich masters, to be patient, and recall that the prophets had austerity and suffering heaped upon them, and to follow their example of enduring patience.


The example used in reference to Solomon and his glory, is not the only time Jesus alluded to him. In Matthew 12:42, Jesus shares his knowledge about Solomon, and the Queen of Sheba.

She came from the utmost part of the earth to investigate the rumored wisdom of Solomon. Thus, Jesus pointed to the glory of Solomon and the wisdom of Solomon. The biblical account of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba is given in 1Kings 10:1-9. The Tanakh wrote, that in the same year when the Queen of Sheba visited Solomon, his wealth was increased by 666 talents of gold, among other valued items. The Queen of Sheba gifted Solomon with 120 talents of gold herself. Now, 666 talents of gold, if weighing 113 pounds and 10 ounces per talent, equates 75, 324.6 pounds of gold. In today’s market value, we guestimate $700.00 per ounce: that represents 52 million, 727 thousand, and 220 dollars (52, 727, 220.00 ). Wowee! Only one year of personal wealth?

The wisdom of Solomon given by God, brought revenue beyond belief to the king. We can only imagine the value and purchasing power of such gold three thousand years ago. Mind boggling indeed.

The Queen of Sheba came to Israel to investigate the rumored wisdom of Solomon. She was more than pleased when discovering the reports were true. The great woman was happy to hear, see, and learn from Solomon. So happy, that she gave him 120 talents of gold, and other valuable items. Her journey from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon was mentioned in Matthew 12:42, where Jesus contrasted it to a lack of Israeli interest by his generation, in his ministry and message of the kingdom of God.

His comments and comparisons were strikingly bold: “behold, a greater than Solomon is here.” He had also said; “the Queen of the South shall rise up in the judgment with this generation; and shall condemn it.” Was it proper for Jesus to view himself greater than Solomon? Was Jesus an egotist as a Rabbi friend once told me? Was it appropriate to say, that this generation would be condemned in the judgment? Or was he on a Divine mission, knowing who he was, and who had sent him to the Israelis?

It should be noted that in Matthew 12:24-39, Jesus’ detractors were present, and had became so verbally abusive and vociferous they had accused him of practicing demonic matters. Jesus considered them blasphemers, since they did not credit the finger of God with healing and deliverance in his ministry. Rather, those Pharisees accused him of demonic activity. Maybe that’s why Jesus reacted so strongly against what he considered a generation of hypocritical Pharisee’s. He felt that denial of God’s work among His people, and attribution of such to Satan, was indeed blasphemy. Whenever religious people attribute healing, deliverance, and miracles, among the people of God, to the work of demons, it is a very serious charge, and is not to be taken lightly. Jesus labelled such vocal hypocrisy to blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:32).

Jesus also dealt somewhat with the subject of “riches” in his parable or proverb about the “rich man” in Luke 12:16, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man, brought forth plentifully:

And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do , because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, this will I do: I will pull down my barns; and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and all my goods. And I will say unto my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?”

Jesus assesses his own parable with certain and clear comprehension, saying; “so is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21). Riches cannot detract from those who are “rich” toward God. Thus, ignoring soul preparation while in pursuit of wealth is unwise.

In other gospel verses Jesus advises followers to, “sell that you have and give alms; provide for yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Because Jesus knew that some people would allow money or riches to master them, he warned sternly against riches; saying in Mark 10:23: “How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!” A similar warning is given in Mark 10:24: “Children, how hard it is for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God.” In other passages Jesus refers to the deceitfulness of riches which choke the word of God in ones life (Matthew 13:22).

Then in Luke 16:11, he says; “If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” Those words imply that people who handle money properly in worldly matters, can also be trusted with accounting for spiritual matters.

I firmly believe that God desires his children to be blessed and happy. He wants every necessity of life to be provided for them. And, the biblical concept of working for pay when possible, so that one may enjoy the fruits of his labors, is a certain principle.