Pentecost

The return of the light

/ Bob Goodnough / Leave a comment

Flatlander Faith

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The Israelites had light when the Egyptians were in darkness. The light went with them to show the way when the waters stood aside to let them cross the Red Sea. The light stayed with them for forty years through the wilderness, then led them through the Jordan into the promised land, while the waters once again stood aside to let then pass.

The light stood over their place of worship for generations until the Israelites forgot what a wondrous thing it was. Then Nebuchadnezzar came with his army, destroyed the temple, and the light disappeared.

In Babylon, once more in captivity, they remembered the promise given to Isaiah that the light would one day return:

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall…

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Introduction to the New Testament -2

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Acts of the Apostles - This is the second half of Luke’s history, the first part being the Gospel which bears his name. Again we see a meticulous historian at work, telling the history of the beginning of the church in chronological order and anchoring it all to places and people in the secular world. … Continue reading Introduction to the New Testament -2

Light and Land, conclusion

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God did not just create light, He is the light. Those who follow where God leads are in the light, those who reject God are in darkness, whee all manner of evil spirits dwell. This was symbolized at the time of the Exodus when God allowed darkness to fall over the whole lad of Egypt … Continue reading Light and Land, conclusion

Would God that all the LORD’s people were prophets

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The words of the title are taken from the eleventh chapter of Numbers. Moses had complained that he was not able to bear the load of leading and caring for all the people who were with him in the wilderness. God instructed him to bring seventy elders of the people to the tabernacle and there … Continue reading Would God that all the LORD’s people were prophets

And certain women

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"And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, and certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, and Joanna the … Continue reading And certain women

Further thoughts on Pentecost

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I used to think that the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in visible form as tongues of fire while they were gathered in the upper room.  This impression may have come from a Bible story book, a Sunday School lesson or some other illustration.  It seems a common impression. I now have serious doubts … Continue reading Further thoughts on Pentecost

Pentecost

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This is Pentecost Sunday.  What is it all about?  The conception among non-Christians is that this day commemorates the day when the original disciples began making incoherent noises and blamed it on the Holy Spirit. Before we get into what really happened on that day, let’s look at the historic background.  It begins with that … Continue reading Pentecost