Sunday, March 23, 2008

THE PAGAN WORSHIP OF EASTER

THE PAGAN WORSHIP OF EASTER

Reading from Compton's Pictured Encyclopedia, 1948, Volume 4, page 140, we find that
Easter is the Greatest Festival of the Christian Church, which commemorates
the resurrection of Jesus Christ which festival was named after the ancient
Anglo Saxon Goddess of Spring!

EASTER. The greatest festival of the Christian church commemorates the
Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a movable feast, that is, it is not always held on
the same date. The church council of Nicea (a.d. 325) decided that Easter should be
celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the vernal equinox
(March 21). Easter can come as early as March 22 or as late as April 25.

The name Easter comes from the ancient Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring,
Eostre or Ostara, in whose honor an annual spring festival was held. Some of
our Easter customs have come from this and other pre-Christian spring
festivals. Others come from the Passover feast of the Jews, observed in memory of
their deliverance from Egypt (see Passover). The word ''paschal,'' meaning
''pertaining to Easter,'' like the French word for Easter, Pâques, comes through the
Latin from the Hebrew name of the Passover.

Unger's Bible Dictionary, by Merrill F. Unger, 1957, page 283, goes on to
corroborate this fact, saying:

Easter (Gr. pascha, from Heb. pesah), the Passover, and so translated in
every passage excepting ''intending after Easter to bring him forth to the
people'' (Acts 12:4). In the earlier English versions Easter had been
frequently used as the translation of pascha. At the last revision Passover was
substituted in all passages but this. See Passover.

The word Easter is of Saxon origin, Eastra, the goddess of spring, in whose honor
sacrifices were offered about Passover time each year. By the 8th century
Anglo-Saxons had adopted the name to designate the celebration of Christ's
resurrection.

It is a fully documented historical fact that the day which was chosen by the
Christian Church to celebrate this resurrection, was a day which had been
celebrated by pagans from antiquity! Yes, the only difference between these
two celebrations, is the fact that its name was changed to veneer it with
Christian Respectability!

It is simply no secret that EASTER originated with the WORSHIP OF A PAGAN GODDESS!
This fact is presented almost every time one researches the word Easter.

Compton's Encyclopedia, 1956, Volume 4, says this about Easter:

''Many Easter customs come from the Old World...colored eggs and rabbits have
come from pagan antiquity as symbols of new life...our name 'Easter' comes from
'Eostre', an ancient Anglo Saxon goddess, originally of the dawn. In pagan
times an annual spring festival was held in her honor. Some Easter customs have
come from this and other pre-christian spring festivals.''

Reading about this Pre-Christian spring festival from Funk & Wagnall's Standard Reference Encyclopedia, 1962, Volume 8, page 2940, we learn:

Although Easter is a Christian festival, it embodies traditions of an ancient time
antedating the rise of Christianity. The origin of its name is lost in the dim
past; some scholars believe it probably is derived from Eastre, Anglo-Saxon name
of a Teutonic goddess of spring and fertility, to whom was dedicated Eastre
monath, corresponding to April. Her festival was celebrated on the day of the
vernal equinox, and traditions associated with the festival survive in the
familiar Easter bunny, symbol of the fertile rabbit, and in the equally familiar
colored Easter eggs originally painted with gay hues to represent the sunlight
of spring.

Such festivals, and the myths and legends which explain their origin, abounded in
ancient religions. The Greek myth of the return of the earth-goddess Demeter from the
underworld to the light of day, symbolizing the resurrection of life in the spring
after the long hibernation of winter, had its counterpart, among many others, in the
Latin legend of Ceres and Persephone. The Phrygians believed that their all-powerful
deity went to sleep at the time of the winter solstice, and they performed ceremonies
at the spring equinox to awaken him with music and dancing. The universality of such
festivals and myths among ancient peoples has led some scholars to interpret the
resurrection of Christ as a mystical and exalted variant of fertility myths.

The Dictionary of Mythology, Folklore, and Symbols, Part 1, page 487 tells us
more about this Spring Festival:

''It incorporates some of the ancient Spring Equinox ceremonies of sun worship
in which there were phallic rites and spring fires, and in which the deity or offering to
the deity was eaten...The festival is symbolized by an ascension Lily...a chick breaking
its shell, the colors white and green, the egg, spring flowers, and the Rabbit. The
name is related to Astarte, Ashtoreth, Eostre and Ishtar, goddess who visited
and rose from the underworld. Easter yields 'Enduring Eos'... 'Enduring Dawn'.''

Part of this spring festival centered around Phallic Rites. Collier's Encyclopedia, 1980, Volume 9, page 622, tells us of the Babylonian Ishtar Festival Phallic Rites:

The Ishtar Festivals were symbolical of Ishtar as the goddess of love or generation.
As the daughter of Sin, the moon god, she was the Mother Goddess who presided
over child birth; and women, in her honor, sacrificed their virginity on the feast day or
became temple prostitutes, their earnings being a source of revenue for the temple
priests and servants.

We learn about these Temple Prostitutes from The Interpreter's Dictionary of The Bible,
Volume 3, pages 933-934:

a. The roll of the sacred prostitute in the fertility cult. The prostitute who was an
official of the cult in ancient Palestine and nearby lands of biblical times exercised an
important function. This religion was predicated upon the belief that the processes of
nature were controlled by the relations between gods and goddesses. Projecting
their understanding of their own sexual activities, the worshipers of these
deities, through the use of imitative magic, engaged in sexual intercourse with
devotees of the shrine, in the belief that this would encourage the gods and
goddesses to do likewise. Only by sexual relations among the deities could
man's desire for increase in herds and fields, as well as in his own family, be
realized. In Palestine the gods Baal and Asherah were especially prominent (see
BAAL; ASHERAH; FERTILITY CULTS). These competed with Yahweh the God
of Israel and, in some cases, may have produced hybrid Yahweh-Baal cults. Attached
to the shrines of these cults were priests as well as prostitutes, both male and female.
Their chief service was sexual in nature, the offering of their bodies for ritual
purposes.

Sexual relations for ritual purposes was the ceremony for the Fertility Cults. The Interpreter's Dictionary, Volume 2, page 265 says:

FERTILITY CULTS. The oldest common feature of the religions of the
ancient Near East was the worship of a great mother-goddess, the
personification of fertility. Associated with her, usually as a consort, was a
young god who died and came to life again, like the vegetation which quickly
withers but blooms again. The manner of the young god's demise was variously
conceived in the myths: he was slain by another god, by wild animals, by reapers, by
self-emasculation, by burning, by drowning. In some variations of the theme, he simply
absconded. His absence produced infertility of the earth, of man, and of beast.
His consort mourned and searched for him. His return brought renewed
fertility and rejoicing.

In Mesopotamia the divine couple appear as Ishtar and Tammuz, in Egypt as Isis
and Osiris. Later in Asia Minor, the Magna Mater is Cybele and her young lover
is Attis. In Syria in the second millennium b.c., as seen in the Ugaritic myths, the
dying and rising god is Baal-Hadad, who is slain by Mot (Death) and mourned and
avenged by his sister/consort, the violent virgin Anath. In the Ugaritic myths there is
some confusion in the roles of the goddesses. The great mother-goddess Asherah,
the wife of the senescent chief god El, seems on the way to becoming the consort
of the rising young god Baal, with whom we find her associated in the O.T.
Ashtarte also appears in the Ugaritic myths, but she has a minor and undistinguished
role.

The O.T. furnishes abundant evidence as to the character of the religion of the land
into which the Israelites came. Fertility rites were practiced at the numerous shrines
which dotted the land, as well as at the major sanctuaries. The Israelites absorbed the
Canaanite ways and learned to identify their god with Baal, whose rains brought
fertility to the land. A characteristic feature of the fertility cult was sacral sexual
intercourse by priests and priestesses and other specially consecrated
persons, sacred prostitutes of both sexes, intended to emulate and stimulate
the deities who bestowed fertility.

The agricultural cult stressed the sacrifice or common meal in which the gods,
priests, and people partook. Wine was consumed in great quantity in thanksgiving
to Baal for the fertility of the vineyards. The wine also helped induce ecstatic frenzy,
which was climaxed by self-laceration, and sometimes even by self-emasculation.
Child-sacrifice was also a feature of the rites. It was not simply a cult of wine,
women, and song, but a matter of life and death in which the dearest things of life,
and life itself, were offered to ensure the
ongoing of life.

Reading on page 103 of The Two Babylons, by Alexander Hislop, 1959, we find that Easter and Ishtar are the same:

Then look at Easter. What means the term Easter itself? It bears its Chaldean origin
on its very forehead. Easter is nothing else than ''Astarte'', one of the titles of
Beltis, ''The Queen of Heaven'' whose name, as ''pronounced'' by the people of
Nineveh, was evidently identical with that now in common use in this country.
That 'name', as found by Layard on the Assyrian monuments, is ''Ishtar''.

The Two Babylons by Alexander Hislop tells us of the doctrines of Semiramis:

''She (Semiramis) taught that he (Nimrod the Babe) was a god-child; that he was
Nimrod, their leader reborn; that she and her child were divine. This story was
widely known in ancient Babylon and developed into a well established
worship. The Worship of The Mother and Child!

Numerous monuments of Babylon show the Goddess Mother Semiramis with her
child Tammuz in her arms.''

ISHTAR (pronounced EASTER) of Assyria was worshiped in Pagan Antiquity during her spring
festival! Collier's Encyclopedia, 1980, Volume 15, page 748, gives us this information:

Ishtar, goddess of love and war, the most important goddess of the
Sumero-Akkadian pantheon. Her name in Sumerian is Inanna (lady of heaven). She
was sister of the sun god Shamash and daughter of the moon god Sin. Ishtar was
equated with the planet Venus. Her symbol was a star inscribed in a circle. As
goddess of war, she was often represented sitting upon a lion. As goddess of
physical love, she was patron of the temple prostitutes. She was also considered
the merciful mother who intercedes with the gods on behalf of her worshipers.
Throughout Mesopotamian history she was worshiped under various names in many
cities; one of the chief centers of her cult was Uruk.

Astarte of Phoenicia was the offshoot of Ishtar of Assyria. To the Hebrews,
this abomination was known as Ashtoreth / Ashtoroth.
From Collier's Encyclopedia, Volume 3, page 13, we read:

ASHTAROTH [Æ(terath] the plural of the Hebrew 'Ashto-reth, the
Phoenician-Canaanite goddess Astarte, deity of fertility, reproduction, and war.

The use of the plural form probably indicates a general designation for the collective
female deities of the Canaanites, just as the plural Baalim refer to the male deities.

Watson's Biblical and Archaeological Dictionary, 1833, tells us more about this
mother goddess, Ashtaroth:

ASHTAROTH, or ASTARTE, a goddess of the Zidonians. The word Ashtaroth
properly signifies flocks of sheep, or goats; and sometimes the grove, or woods,
because she was goddess of woods, and groves were her temples. In groves
consecrated to her, such lasciviousness was committed as rendered her worship
infamous. She was also called the queen of heaven; and sometimes her worship
is said to be that of ''the host of heaven.'' She was certainly represented in the
same manner as Isis, with cow's horns on her head, to denote the increase and
decrease of the moon. Cicero calls her the fourth Venus of the Syrians. She is
almost always joined with Baal, and is called a god, the scriptures having no particular
word to express a goddess.

It is believed that the moon was adored in this idol. Her temples generally
accompanied those of the sun; and while bloody sacrifices or human victims were
offered to Baal, bread, liquors, and perfumes were presented to Astarte. For her,
tables were prepared upon the flat terrace-roofs of houses, near gates, in porches,
and at crossways, on the first day of every month; and this was called by the Greeks,
Hecate's supper. Solomon, seduced by his foreign wives, introduced the worship of
Ashtaroth into Israel; but Jezebel, daughter of the king of Tyre, and wife to Ahab,
principally established her worship. She caused altars to be erected to this idol in
every part of Israel; and at one time four hundred priests attended the worship of
Ashtaroth, I Kings xviii. 7.

The Interpreter's Dictionary, Volume 3, page 975, tells us of Ishtar's role as The
Queen of Heaven:

Ishtar, the goddess of love and fertility, who was identified with the Venus Star
and is actually entitled ''Mistress of Heaven'' in the Amarna tablets. The difficulty is
that the Venus Star was regarded in Palestine as a male deity (see DAY STAR),
though the cult of the goddess Ishtar may have been introduced from Mesopotamia
under Manasseh. It is possible that Astarte, or ASHTORETH, the Canaanite
fertility-goddess, whose cult was well established in Palestine, had preserved more
traces of her astral character as the female counterpart of Athtar than the evidence of
the O.T. or the Ras Shamra texts indicates. The title ''Queen of Heaven'' is applied in
an Egyptian inscription from the Nineteenth Dynasty at Beth-shan to ''Antit,'' the
Canaanite fertility-goddess Anat, who is termed ''Queen of Heaven and Mistress
of the Gods.'' This is the most active goddess in the Ras Shamra Texts, but in
Palestine her functions seem to have been taken over largely by Ashtoreth.

We find this information about Ashtoreth from The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, 1979, Volume 1, pages 319-320:

ASHTORETH ash'te-reth [Heb. 'astoret. pl. 'astarôt; Gk. Astarte]. A goddess
of Canaan and Phoenicia whose name and cult were derived from Babylonia,
where Ishtar represented the evening and morning stars and was accordingly
androgynous in origin. Under Semitic influence, however, she became solely female,
although retaining a trace of her original character by standing on equal footing with
the male divinities. From Babylonia the worship of the goddess was carried to the
Semites of the West, and in most instances the feminine suffix was attached to her
name; where this was not the case the deity was regarded as a male. On the Moabite
Stone, for example, 'Ashtar is identified with Chemosh, and in the inscriptions of
southern Arabia 'Athtar is a god. On the other hand, in the name Atargatis (2 Macc.
12:26), 'Atar, without the feminine suffix, is identified with the goddess 'Athah or
'Athi (Gk. Gatis). The cult of the Greek Aphrodite in Cyprus was borrowed
from that of Ashtoreth; that the Greek name also is a modification of Ashtoreth is
doubtful. It is maintained, however, that the vowels of Heb. 'astoret were borrowed
from boset (''shame'') in order to indicate the abhorrence the Hebrew scribes felt
toward paganism and idolatry.

In Babylonia and Assyria Ishtar was the goddess of love and war. An old
Babylonian legend relates how the descent of Ishtar into Hades in search of her
dead husband Tammuz was followed by the cessation of marriage and birth in
both earth and heaven; and the temples of the goddess at Nineveh and Arbela,
around which the two cities afterward grew, were dedicated to her as the goddess of
war. As such she appeared to one of Ashurbanipal's seers and encouraged the
Assyrian king to march against Elam. The other goddesses of Babylonia, who were
little more than reflections of a god, tended to merge into Ishtar, who thus became a
type of the female divinity, a personification of the productive principle in nature,
and more especially the mother and creatress of mankind.

In Babylonia Ishtar was identified with Venus. Like Venus, Ishtar was the goddess
of erotic love and fertility. Her chief seat of worship was Uruk (Erech), where
prostitution was practiced in her name and she was served with immoral rites
by bands of men and women. In Assyria, where the warlike side of the goddess
was predominant, no such rites seem to have been practiced, and instead
prophetesses to whom she delivered oracles were attached to her temples.

From various Egyptian sources it appears that Astarte or Ashtoreth was highly
regarded in the Late Bronze Age.

Reading on pages 412-413 of Unger's Bible Dictionary, we find this information about
Ashtoreth-Astarte:

Ash'toreth (ash'to-reth), Astarte, a Canaanite goddess. In south Arabic the name is
found as 'Athtar (apparently from 'athara, to be fertile, to irrigate), a god identified
with the planet Venus. The name is cognate with Babylonian Ishtar, the goddess of
sensual love, maternity and fertility. Licentious worship was conducted in honor of her.
As Asherah and Anat of Ras Shamra she was the patroness of war as well as sex and
is sometimes identified with these goddesses. The Amarna Letters present Ashtoreth
as Ashtartu. In the Ras Shamra Tablets are found both the masculine form 'Athtar and
the feminine 'Athtart. Ashtoreth worship was early entrenched at Sidon (I Kings 11:5,
33; II Kings 23:13). Her polluting cult even presented a danger to early Israel (Judg.
2:13; 10:6). Solomon succumbed to her voluptuous worship (I Kings 11:5; II Kings
23:13). The peculiar vocalization Ashtoreth instead of the more primitive Ashtaroth is
evidently a deliberate alteration by the Hebrews to express their abhorrence for her
cult by giving her the vowels of their word for ''shame'' (bosheth). M. F. U.

The Interpreter's Dictionary, Volume 1, page 252 says:

The antipathy toward the Asherah on the part of the Hebrew leaders was due to the
fact that the goddess and the cult object of the same name were associated with
the fertility religion of a foreign people and as such involved a mythology and
a cultus which were obnoxious to the champions of Yahweh.

Unger's Bible Dictionary, page 412, gives us this information about Asherah:

Asherah (a-she'ra), plural, Asherim, a pagan goddess, who is found in the Ras
Shamra epic religious texts discovered at Ugarit in North Syria (1929-1937), as
Asherat, ''Lady of the Sea'' and consort of El. She was the chief goddess of Tyre in
the 15th century b.c. with the appellation Qudshu, ''holiness.'' In the Old Testament
Asherah appears as a goddess by the side of Baal, whose consort she evidently came
to be, at least among the Canaanites of the South. However, most Biblical references
to the name point clearly to some cult object of wood, which might be worshiped or
cut down and burned, and which was certainly the goddess' image (I Kings 15:13;
II Kings 21:7). Her prophets are mentioned (I Kings l8:19) and the vessels
used in her service referred to (II Kings 23:4).

Her cult object, whatever it was, was utterly detestable to faithful worshipers
of Yahweh (I Kings 15:13) and was set up on the high places beside the ''altars
of incense'' (hammanim) and the stone pillars (masseboth). Indeed, the stone pillars
seem to have represented the male god Baal (cf. Judg. 6:28), while the cult object of Ashera, probably a tree or pole, constituted a symbol of this goddess (See W. L. Reed's The Asherah in the Old Testament, Texas Christian University Press). But Asherah was
only one manifestation of a chief goddess of Western Asia, regarded now as the
wife, now as the sister of the principal Canaanite god El. Other names of this
deity were Ashtoreth (Astarte) and Anath. Frequently represented as a nude woman
bestride a lion with a lily in one hand and a serpent in the other, and styled
Qudshu ''the Holiness,'' that is, ''the Holy One'' in a perverted moral sense, she was
a divine courtesan. In the same sense the male prostitutes consecrated to the cult of
the Qudshu and prostituting themselves to her honor were styled qedishim,
''sodomites'' (Deut. 23:18; 1 Kings 14:24; 15:12; 22:46). Characteristically
Canaanite the lily symbolizes grace and sex appeal and the serpent fecundity
(W. F. Albright, Archaeology and the Religion of Israel, Baltimore, John Hopkins
Press, 1942, pages 68-94). At Byblos (Biblical Gebal) on the Mediterranean, north
of Sidon, a center dedicated to this goddess has been excavated. She and her
colleagues specialized in sex and war and her shrines were temples of legalized vice.
Her degraded cult offered a perpetual danger of pollution to Israel and must have
sunk to sordid depths as lust and murder were glamorized in Canaanite religion.

On page 413 of Unger's Bible Dictionary, we have found that Astarte is the Greek
name for the Hebrew Ashtoreth. From Collier's Encyclopedia, Volume 3, page 97,
we find that Astarte-Ashtaroth is merely the Semitic Ishtar, which we have already learned
is pronounced Easter:

ASTARTE [aesta'rti], the Phoenician goddess of fertility and erotic love. The Greek
name, ''Astarte'' was derived from Semitic, ''Ishtar,'' ''Ashtoreth.''
Astarte was regarded in Classical antiquity as a moon goddess, perhaps in confusion with some other Semitic deity. In accordance with the literary traditions of the
Greco-Romans, Astarte was identified with Selene and Artemis, and more often with
Aphrodite. Among the Canaanites, Astarte, like her peer Anath, performed a major
function as goddess of fertility.

Egyptian iconography, however, portrayed Astarte in her role as a warlike goddess
massacring mankind, young and old. She is represented on plaques (dated
1700-1100 b.c.) as naked, in striking contrast to the modestly garbed Egyptian
goddesses. Edward J. Jurji

In Ephesus from primitive times, this MOTHER GODDESS had been called DIANA,
who was worshiped as the Goddess of Virginity and Motherhood. She was said to
represent the generative powers of nature, and so was pictured with many breasts.
A tower shaped crown, symbolizing the Tower of Babylon, adorned her head:

Reading from Bible Manners And Customs, by James M. Freeman, 1972, page 451,
we learn these facts about the Mother of all things:

''The circle round her head denotes the nimbus (sin circle) of her glory, the griffins
inside of which express its brilliancy. In her breasts are the twelve signs of the zodiac,
of which those seen in front are the ram, bull, twins, crab, and lion; they are divided by
the hours. Her necklace is composed of acorns, the primeval food of man. Lions are
on her arms to denote her power, and her hands are stretched out to show that she is
ready to receive all who come to her. Her body is covered with various breasts
and monsters, as sirens, sphinxes, and griffins, to show that she is the source of
nature, the mother of all things. Her head, hands, and feet are of bronze while the
rest of the statue is of alabaster to denote the ever-varying light and shade of the
moon's figure... Like Rhea, she was crowned with turrets, to denote her
dominion over terrestrial objects.''



Source: http://www.conspiration.cc/sujets/religion/easter_ishtar.html (Last Article)

REBIRTH AND RESSURRECTION: THE 0RIGINS OF EASTER TRADITIONS

Rebirth and Resurrection: The Origins Of Easter Traditions

posted Sunday, 23 March 2008

In his De temporum ratione the Venerable Bede wrote that the month Eostremonat (Eosturmonath) (April) was so named because of a goddess, Eostre, who had formerly been worshipped in that month. In recent years some scholars have suggested that a lack of supporting documentation for this goddess might indicate that Bede assumed her existence based on the name of the month. Others note that Bede's status as "the Father of English History," having been the author of the first substantial history of England ever written, might make the lack of additional mention for a goddess whose worship had already died out by Bede's time unsurprising. The debate receives considerable attention because the name 'Easter' is derived from Eostremonat (Eosturmonath), and thus, according to Bede, from the pagan goddess Eostre, though this etymology is disputed.

Jakob Grimm took up the question of Eostre in his Deutsche Mythologie of 1835, noting that Ostaramanoth was etymologically related to Eostremonat (Eosturmonath) and writing of various landmarks and customs which he believed to be related to a putative goddess he named Ostara in Germany. Critics suggest that Grimm took Bede's mention of a goddess Eostre at face value and constructed the parallel goddess Ostara around existing Germanic customs, noting the absence of any direct evidence for a goddess of this name. Amongst other traditions, Grimm attempted to connect the 'Osterhase' (Easter Bunny) and Easter Eggs to the putative goddess Ostara/Eostre. He also cites various place names in Germany as being possible evidence of Ostara, but critics observe that the words for 'east' and 'dawn' are similar in their roots, which could mean that these place names simply referred to either of those two things rather than a goddess.

However, the giving of eggs at spring festivals was not restricted to Germanic peoples and could be found among the Persians, Romans, Jews and the Armenians. They were a widespread symbol of rebirth and resurrection and thus might have been adopted from any number of sources.



easter eggs decorated

An old superstition said to wear something new on Easter. A new garment worn on this day would bring good luck through the coming year. The birds would punish those who wore old attire by dropping decorations on them from the air.

The Easter Parade grew out of the old beliefs about dressing up in new clothing. This grand event provided a chance to be seen wearing the latest fashions and fads. The elegant ritual reinforced social hierarchies through conspicuous displays of wealth and taste.

Easter has deep roots in the mythic past. Long before it was imported into the Christian tradition, the Spring festival honored the goddess Eostre or Eastre. The name is pronounced Easter. She was the ancient Anglo Saxon goddess of the dawn and the Vernal Equinox. Her name venerates the sun rising in the east. Easter Sunday sunrise services continue the sun-worship aspect of the holiday. The equinox is when the days begin growing into the long sunlight that will be Summer. This increase of daylight makes crops possible, hence the theme of fertility.

The annual event in honor of Eastre celebrated new life and renewal. The superstition about wearing new clothes came later, but echoed the commemoration of the new. Eastre is in the lineage of Ishtar, the Babylonian goddess of love and fertility. Other names for this archetype include Inanna, Aphrodite, Diana, Isis, Venus, Astarte, Demeter, Esther, and Freya. Freya is specifically honored on Good Friday, the day named for her.

hare

The Easter Bunny is a continuation of the reverence shown during the spring rites to the rabbit as a symbol of abundance. The honoring of such emblems of fertility extended to eggs. The egg serves as a representation of new life. It stands for the renewing power of nature and, by extension, agriculture. The egg can also symbolize regeneration in a spiritual or psychological sense. The ritual of coloring Easter eggs stems from the tradition of painting eggs in bright colors to represent the sunlight of spring.

Hot cross buns have long been associated with Good Friday and Easter. They were originally cakes for the Queen of Heaven. The markings indicating the four phases of the moon. The crescent moon is a goddess emblem. It is sometimes seen as the horns of a bull or ox. The word bun is derives from the classical Greek for ox.

psanky

Insights from the Images of Easter

Taking the superstitions and rituals of the spring festivals as psychological symbols, we can appreciate the importance of personal renewal. Putting on new clothing could represent the possibility of developing a new aspect of identity or finding a fresh sense purpose. Forever clinging to old ways of seeing ourselves can end up feeling like life is pooping on us, and few appreciate adornments bestowed by birds. Birds as symbols, might suggest that our relationship with the transcendent is less than flourishing. This is about accepting change. There are times to let go of the familiar and enter a new phase of the journey. This can involve accepting a new self-image. Spring might well be the appropriate moment to don new clothes, in a figurative sense, and claim an underused side of ourselves.

This might also be a good time to find the inner Easter Bunny. Both rabbits and eggs suggest the possibility of renewal. We might consider re-connecting with our natural fertility. The long inner winter we have just come through might not have been the most creative season. We are naturally creative creatures. There are occasions when embracing the idea of abundance is fitting and useful. A personal ritual for this month could be deciding what crops we want to develop in our lives so that we have a flourishing summer ahead.

Spring A personal sunrise service might be adding morning exercise to our schedules. It is amazing how beneficial it is to absorb the energizing light of the sun on a regular basis. The simplest treatment for mild depression is a twenty minute walk every morning. Appreciating the gift of energy in general, and using it thoughtfully, is a meditation in its own right.

We would all do well to honor the goddess. In psychological terms, this could include respecting the areas of mystery within. The unconscious has treasures for us if we can be receptive to its still small voice. Collecting the wisdom of the moon can come through reflecting on dreams. There are vast landscapes within waiting for our exploration. Finding personal ways to celebrate the subtle themes of Easter can take rituals that have been mere superstitions and give them lasting meaning.


A Russian Easter by Nicolas Roerich...

A Russian Easter by Nicholas Roerich


P.S. Bolds and highlights added for emphasis. Blogman.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

EASTER IN SPAIN DURING THE HOLY WEEK

Easter in Spain During the Holy Week


Easter in Spain During the Holy Week (Reuters/Anton Meres)

Medinacell y Maria Santisima de la Esperanza,' in Algeciras, southern Spain, April 6, 2004.

Hundreds of easter processions take place in Spain during the Holy Week around the clock drawing thousands of visitors.

About Easter in Spain (Semana Santa)

Easter in Spain (Semana Santa)Easter week is a Catholic celebration. It is the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is considered a one-week holiday for schools, and a two-day holiday for workers. It is celebrated all over Spain, but it is most important in the South. Even though it is a Catholic celebration, everybody enjoys it. Years ago, it was just a religious feeling. Women wore black clothing, men always wore dark suits with a black tie, and everybody was so serious. Today people who enjoy it think more about having fun than celebrating.

On those days, religious images are displayed in the streets, and people follow them. These images, called tronos, are pieces of art. They are made of gold and silver and fine fabrics. They are decorated with a lot of fresh flowers. They are so beautiful. Forty or fifty men hold each trono on their shoulders all the way, which used to be between four or five hours, always at night.

Many visitors from all over the world come to Spain this week and enjoy this celebration.

The religious traditions that dominate the culture of Spain are never more evident than during the week of Semana Santa when there are thousands of processions throughout Spain. While every city or town has its own traditions, some of the most famous Holy Week events take place in Valencia, Cuenca, Valladolid, Murcia, Zamora, Cardoba and Sevilla. Sevilla is known as the "cradle" of these processions and is by far the most spectacular example of Holy Week in Spain.

The history of the present day traditions of Holy Week in Sevilla has its origins as early as 1248 when King Fernando III reclaimed Sevilla from the Moors. Hermandades had been formed during the reconquest to rescue injured soldiers from the battlefields and to bury the dead. The hermandades were organized according to the professions and jobs of the times. As the years passed and the Catholic Church reestablished its dominance throughout Spain, Sevilla's organized brotherhoods of Catholic believers also grew. By the 16th century, Sevilla had established the tradition of processions to symbolize the journey of Christ to Calvary.

Semana Santa in Sevilla is arranged into eight days of processions beginning with Palm Sunday and going through Easter Sunday. Two separate schedules are observed for Good Friday, one beginning at dawn and the other later in the afternoon. Sevilla has a total of 52 hermandades that take to the streets in an organized procession called a cofradia. The cofradia begins with the Cruz de Gula and is followed by two rows of nazarenos carrying candles, banners, the book containing the rules by which the hermandad is governed and various religious relics of the church. These members of 'the confraternity 'Precede two pasos or floats, one representing a scene from the Pass;.on of Christ, and one representing the Sorrow of the Virgin Mary, A Paso Virgen weighs about 15qp kilos and a Paso Cristo weighs about 2000 kilos. Many members often are the carriers of the floats themselves but professional costaleros are also used. A marching band, consisting primarily of trumpets and drums, follows playing the traditional processional music. The images on the floats are mostly carved in wood by the great 17th-century Andalusian religious sculptors. Crowds line the streets and plazas as the cofradias pass by-some jovially, handing candies out to children, others in complete silence reminding us of the significance of their journey. They make their way from their home church to the Carrera Official-. the route from the Plaza de la Campana along the infamous tiled street, Calle Sierpes, by the Town Hall and finally passing th ' rough the immense Gothic cathedral to return home. As a procession enters its church after the long symbolic journey, a hush falls over the crowd as a lone man on a balcony sings an emotional saeta. In a throng of thousands one can hear a coin drop as tired costaleros sometimes scoot on their knees to carry enormous floats through small doors and to their resting place until the next year.

It is customary to wear new clothes on. Palm Sunday. On El Jueves y El Viemes San women dress in the traje de mantilia, all in black, representing the state of mourning begun by Christ's death on Good Friday. Carnations are the traditional flowers used to decorate the floats. The favorite pastries for Semana Santa are torrijas and pestihos.

Semana Santa in Sevilla is an experience that one will never forget. Even for the non Christian, it is a sobering experience that draws us all to reflect on our own culture and the history of humanity. Amazingly, eight days pass with almost no sleep. A city of over a million people i united with their past and reaffirm their present. Amidst the confusing smells of orange trees i bloom, incense in the air, melted wax caked on the streets, and with the resounding beat of drum in the distance, one can begin to understand what it means to be "Sevillano".

The considerable variants of the Holy Week are determined by the historical evolution of religious fiestas and, above all, by folk traditions which determine individuality and character. Malaga and Seville are the two Andaluz cities where the festivities are perhaps the best known for the sheer sense of spectacle and size. But there are differences, as noted hereafter.

Cadiz: Here like the rest of Andalucia, Holy Week is a religious event, which is, above all, festive and where a series of elements blend together to create a wonderful event. The most famous fraternity in Cadiz is that of Nazareno (nicknamed the "Grenuo") whish is supposedly derived from the miraculous cure of various epidemics suffered by the local people. Easter Saturday's parade features the fraternity of "Santo Entierro" which is the only one which is on wheels, steered by fourteen men.

Cordoba: A highly traditional week with a seriousness and depth which distinguishes it from other provinces, although, to tell the truth, it is becoming more and more boisterous. It has lost a great deal of its traditions and customs, like that of installing altars in the houses or the ringing of the church bells to announce the resurrection. In the houses the women used to play "almiretes" (bells) and pound on all types of utensils. However, the tradition of the brotherhood has been reborn and new fraternities are emerging.

Jaen: This city has a strong folk influence but is not so well know as some of the others. The most important day is Maundy Thursday when the best loved image is paraded that of the "abuelo" (grandfather) a full body sculpture ofa "nazareno". During the procession the crowning momeent is the joining up of Nuestro Padre Nazareno (our Nazareno Father) and the "Virgen de Los Dolores" (Virgin of Pain). As well as the aforementioned "saeta", there is a typical chant called the "tracto" which is particularly poignant and unique and just one of the reasons why Jaen is so special during Holy Week.

Malaga: One of the most spectacular features of the Holy Week in Malaga is that the floats are simply monumental and can weigh up to six tons. They are made to house velvet and gold drapes which reach up to some nine metres and cover the "dolorasa" (statues). The sheer size of the floats means that they cannot enter through the churches and therefore have to be assembled in the street. More than a hundred young men support each one. The "Virgen de las Penas" (Virgen of Sorrow) is not dressed in the traditional velvet robe but instead clad with natural flowers comprising more than twenty thousand carnations.

Seville: This city has some fifty five fraternities that parade with a total of one hundred and five floats. The images are mainly of the master sculptors, such as Juan de Mena, Martinez Montaner and J. Antonio Illanes. The night of Maundy Thursday is Seville's main fiesta when their favourite Virgin "La Marcarena" and those of "Triana" and "El Gran Poder" emerge into the crown lined streets.

Easter in non-Christian Traditions

Easter is a time of springtime festivals. In Christian countries Easter is celebrated as the religious holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But the celebrations of Easter have many customs and legends that are pagan in origin and have nothing to do with Christianity

Scholars, accepting the derivation proposed by the 8th-century English scholar St. Bede, believe the name Easter is thought to come from the Scandinavian "Ostra" and the Teutonic "Ostern" or "Eastre," both Goddesses of mythology signifying spring and fertility whose festival was celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox

Traditions associated with the festival survive in the Easter rabbit, a symbol of fertility, and in colored easter eggs, originally painted with bright colors to represent the sunlight of spring, and used in Easter-egg rolling contests or given as gifts

The Christian celebration of Easter embodies a number of converging traditions with emphasis on the relation of Easter to the Jewish festival of Passover, or Pesach, from which is derived Pasch, another name used by Europeans for Easter. Passover is an important feast in the Jewish calendar which is celebrated for 8 days and commemorates the flight and freedom of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt

The early Christians, many of whom were of Jewish origin, were brought up in the Hebrew tradition and regarded Easter as a new feature of the Passover festival, a commemoration of the advent of the Messiah as foretold by the prophets. (For more information please visit our Passover celebration - Passover on the Net

Easter is observed by the churches of the West on the first Sunday following the full moon that occurs on or following the spring equinox (March 2I). So Easter became a "movable" feast which can occur as early as March 22 or as late as April 25

Christian churches in the East which were closer to the birthplace of the new religion and in which old traditions were strong, observe Easter according to the date of the Passover festival

Easter is at the end of the Lenten season, which covers a forty-six-day period that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends with Easter. The Lenten season itself comprises forty days, as the six Sundays in Lent are not actually a part of Lent. Sundays are considered a commemoration of Easter Sunday and have always been excluded from the Lenten fast. The Lenten season is a period of penitence in preparation for the highest festival of the church year, Easter

Holy Week, the last week of Lent, begins its with the observance of Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday takes its name from Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem where the crowds laid palms at his feet. Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, which was held the evening before the Crucifixion. Friday in Holy Week is the anniversary of the Crufixion, the day that Christ was crucified and died on the cross

Holy week and the Lenten season end with Easter Sunday, the day of resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Source: www.topics-mag.com, www.auburn.edu/~jfdrake, http://www.holidays.net/

Source: www.dismalworld.com/world_tour/easter_in_spai...

SAFE IN THE ARMS OF JESUS

Safe in the Arms of Jesus

Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on His gentle breast;
There by His love o’ershaded,
Sweetly my soul shall rest.
Hark! ’tis the voice of angels
Borne in a song to me,
Over the fields of glory,
Over the jasper sea.

Refrain:

Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on His gentle breast;
There by His love o’ershaded,
Sweetly my soul shall rest.

Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe from corroding care,
Safe from the world’s temptations;
Sin cannot harm me there.
Free from the blight of sorrow,
Free from my doubts and fears;
Only a few more trials,
Only a few more tears!

Jesus, my heart’s dear Refuge,
Jesus has died for me;
Firm on the Rock of Ages
Ever my trust shall be.
Here let me wait with patience,
Wait till the night is o’er;
Wait till I see the morning
Break on the golden shore.

Frances J. Crosby, 1868

Copyright: Public Domain

Main subject: Refuge

Scripture: Deuteronomy 33:27

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Source: http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Safe_in_the_Arms_of_Jesus/

IDOLATRY AT SINAI (EXCERPT)



If Aaron had had courage to stand for the right, irrespective of consequences, he could have prevented that apostasy. If he had unswervingly maintained his own allegiance to God, if he had cited the people to the perils of Sinai, and had reminded them of their solemn covenant with God to obey His law, the evil would have been checked. But his compliance with the desires of the people and the calm assurance with which he proceeded to carry out their plans, emboldened them to go to greater lengths in sin than had before entered their minds. {PP 323.1}

When Moses, on returning to the camp, confronted the rebels, his severe rebukes and the indignation he displayed in breaking the sacred tables of the law were contrasted by the people with his brother's pleasant speech and dignified demeanor, and their sympathies were with Aaron. To justify himself, Aaron endeavored to make the people responsible for his weakness in yielding to their demand; but notwithstanding this, they were filled with admiration of his gentleness and patience. But God seeth not as man sees. Aaron's yielding spirit and his desire to please had blinded his eyes to the enormity of the crime he was sanctioning. His course in giving his influence to sin in Israel cost the life of thousands. In what contrast with this was the course of Moses, who, while faithfully executing God's judgments, showed that the welfare of Israel was dearer to him than prosperity or honor or life. {PP 323.2}

Of all the sins that God will punish, none are more grievous in His sight than those that encourage others to do evil. God
324
would have His servants prove their loyalty by faithfully rebuking transgression, however painful the act may be. Those who are honored with a divine commission are not to be weak, pliant time-servers. They are not to aim at self-exaltation, or to shun disagreeable duties, but to perform God's work with unswerving fidelity.
{PP 323.3}

Though God had granted the prayer of Moses in sparing Israel from destruction, their apostasy was to be signally punished. The lawlessness and insubordination into which Aaron had permitted them to fall, if not speedily crushed, would run riot in wickedness, and would involve the nation in irretrievable ruin. By terrible severity the evil must be put away. Standing in the gate of the camp, Moses called to the people, "Who is on the Lord's side? let him come unto me." Those who had not joined in the apostasy were to take their position at the right of Moses; those who were guilty but repentant, at the left. The command was obeyed. It was found that the tribe of Levi had taken no part in the idolatrous worship. From among other tribes there were great numbers who, although they had sinned, now signified their repentance. But a large company, mostly of the mixed multitude that instigated the making of the calf, stubbornly persisted in their rebellion. In the name of "the Lord God of Israel," Moses now commanded those upon his right hand, who had kept themselves clear of idolatry, to gird on their swords and slay all who persisted in rebellion. "And there fell of the people that day about three thousand men." Without regard to position, kindred, or friendship, the ringleaders in wickedness were cut off; but all who repented and humbled themselves were spared. {PP 324.1}

Those who performed this terrible work of judgment were acting by divine authority, executing the sentence of the King of heaven. Men are to beware how they, in their human blindness, judge and condemn their fellow men; but when God commands them to execute His sentence upon iniquity, He is to be obeyed. Those who performed this painful act, thus manifested their abhorrence of rebellion and idolatry, and consecrated themselves more fully to the service of the true God. The Lord honored their faithfulness by bestowing special distinction upon the tribe of Levi. {PP 324.2}

Patriarchs and Prophets, Ellen G. White, pp.323 -324

P.S. Bolds added for emphasis. Blogman.

JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH AND ISRAEL OF GOD


Justification by Faith and the Israel of God


    For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. Gal. 6:15,16.

What is the New Testament view of the Israel of God? What determines whether a man is a real son of Abraham?
To the Jew it was most important that he could prove he was a son of Abraham, for "to Abraham and his seed were the promises made." Gal. 3:16. The Pharisees were certain of being part of the Israel of God because they could trace their physical descent back to Abraham. John the Baptist declared that they were resting on a false confidence. ". . . think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father," he warned them, "for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham." Matt. 3:9. Mere physical descent would give them no claim on God and no right to be included in the Israel of God.

Again, the Pharisees said to Jesus, "Abraham is our father." John 8:39. But Jesus denied their confident claim, saying, "It ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham." John 8:39. Jesus categorically denied that they were children of Abraham.


When Zaccheus showed by his works that he had the faith of Abraham, Jesus declared, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham." Luke 19:9, R.S.V. Jesus was not saying that Zaccheus was saved because he was a physical descendant of Abraham—for there were many Jews in Palestine who were not saved. Jesus was saying that Zaccheus' faith constituted him a real son of Abraham. The Lord could have said to him, as he said to the repentant woman, "Thy faith hath saved thee . . ." Luke 7:50.

Again, Jesus greeted Nathanael with the salutation, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" John 1:47. The word "indeed" signifies a true, or real, Israelite. Jesus therefore declared that a real Israelite is a man "in whom is no guile." According to Psalm 32, the guileless man is not a sinless man but the man who honestly continues to confess his sinfulness and who finds forgiveness at the hand of a merciful God. St. Paul cites Psalm 32 and shows that this guileless man (the Israelite "indeed") is the man who is justified by faith (see Rom. 4:1-8).

The clear teaching of Jesus about the real Israel of God is found also in the Epistles of His great apostle. Could words be clearer than the following?


    For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly: and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. Rom. 2:28, 29.

    Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed by called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. Rom. 9:7, 8.

    . . . even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. Gal. 3:6,7.

    And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Gal. 3:29.


For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. Gal. 6:15,16.



Christ the Seed of Abraham

God made promises to the seed of Abraham. The Jews are still waiting for God to carry out His promises to them, and more amazing, many Christians are now waiting for God to carry out His promises to the Jewish nation as the seed of Abraham. This is what happens when people read the Old Testament without the light and interpretation of the New Testament.

Now let us get two simple facts straight once and for all:

1. God made promises to Abraham's seed (Gal. 3:19).

2. Christ is the Seed of Abraham. ("Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of One, And to thy Seed, which is Christ.") This is why Christ is called the Mediator of the covenant. It is only by Him, in Him and through Him that God carries out any of His promises to Abraham.

The Seed of Abraham is Jesus Christ. It includes all who are in Christ and excludes all outside of Christ. So the apostle affirms, ". . . if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Gal. 3:29.

When the apostle declares, "And so all Israel shall be saved . . . " (Rom. 11:26), he is certainly not teaching us that every member of the Jewish race will be saved. But the seed of Israel shall be saved — that is to say, all those who are in Jesus Christ — and not one shall be lost.

Neither Jesus nor Paul are speaking in mere allegories when they tell us who are the children of Abraham. They are telling us who are real children of Abraham. Abraham was justified by faith and therefore became the father of Israel. All who are justified by faith are real children of Abraham (Gal. 3:8). The Seed of Israel is Jesus Christ. He is also the "King of the Jews." If a man is related to Jesus Christ, who can deny that he is a real Jew according to the Scriptures? For those who believe in Jesus Christ are born again (1 John 5:1), and they actually partake of the nature of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:4).

The Gentile Church Not a Separate Identity

The Judaizers at Galatia were contending that the Gentiles had to become children of Abraham by means of certain changes in their flesh. The apostle Paul did not dispute the necessity of Gentiles becoming part of the Israel of God. Indeed, "all Israel shall be saved," and only Israel — for as Jesus said, "salvation is of the Jews." John 4:22. The apostle refuted the wrong method of trying to incorporate the Gentiles into the Israel of God. His message was clear: Abraham was justified by faith, and every Gentile who is justified by faith becomes a son of Abraham (Gal. 3:8). The promises were made to the seed of Abraham, and Christ is that Seed. Therefore, all who are truly baptized into Christ are in Christ and are part of Abraham's seed (Gal. 3:28, 29). Those who have become new creatures by faith in Jesus and walk according to the rule of faith are "the Israel of God." Gal. 6:15,16.

Gentiles who believe the gospel become "fellow heirs" with the faithful Jews. They do not make up a separate body, but they become "fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel ..." Eph. 3:6. The Gentiles, "being a wild olive tree, were graffed in among them [the Jews], and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree . . . " Rom. 11:17. Once "aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise," the Gentiles are "made nigh by the blood of Christ." Eph. 2:12, 13. Being now children of Abraham, part of the commonwealth of Israel and partakers of God's promises to Israel, believing Gentiles make up "the house of Israel" to whom the new covenant promise is given:

    For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put My laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people . . . Heb. 8:10.
The Israel of God are all those who are in Jesus Christ, the Seed of Abraham, the King of the Jews, the One to whom the promises were made. And in Jesus Christ all national distinctions are broken down. ". . . there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek . . ." Rom. 10:12."... ye are all one in Christ Jesus." Gal. 3:28. "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism . . ." Eph 4:4,5. Therefore, in the things of the gospel any national distinctions deny the reality of the atonement of Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:14-17) and are a Judaizing perversion of the New Testament message.

There are some who take pride in their literal interpretation of the things of prophecy, especially Old Testament prophecy. No sound Bible scholar will deny that the Bible should be read in its historical-grammatical sense or that "literal wherever possible" is a good rule. But many prophecies of the Old Testament cannot be taken with strict literalness. The stone of stumbling to both houses of Israel was not a literal stone but Jesus Christ. Malachi's Elijah was not literally Elijah but John the Baptist. Many more examples could be given, but our point is this: How would we know the true interpretation without the New Testament? Does not the gospel determine our use of the Old Testament?

Besides, a crass literalness is in keeping with the method of interpretation employed by the Pharisees. When Jesus gave a nonliteral application to the Messianic prophecy about delivering the captives, they were angry. They refused to have anything to do with His spiritual kingdom, which could be seen and entered only by those who were born again. When Jesus spoke of destroying the temple and raising it up again, they insisted on giving His words a literal meaning. Jesus even had to rebuke his disciples for taking literally his warning, " . . . beware of the leaven of the Pharisees . . . " Matt. 16:11. Because they thought Jesus spoke about literal bread, He asked, "Do ye not yet understand . . .?" Matt. 16:9.

The New Israel

Just as the Bible presents an old covenant and a new covenant, so it presents an old Israel and a new Israel. The old Israel was constituted under the twelve tribes named after the twelve sons of Jacob. When Jesus chose twelve apostles, He was taking steps to constitute the Christian church. Yet why did he deliberately choose twelve apostles? And why did the apostle James1 address the church as "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad"? James 1:1. It was because the New Testament church, comprised of Jews and Gentiles, constituted the new Israel of God.

When Christ died on the cross, national distinctions were ended. The old national religious economy was as extinct as the old covenant. Henceforth the Christian church, founded on the teachings of the twelve apostles, would be the new Israel, the inheritor of all the promises and responsibilities of Israel of the Old Testament.


The following chart illustrates how the New Testament church has become the new Israel:

Old Israel
New Israel
Holy nation — Ex. 19:5,6
Holy nation — 1 Peter 2:9; Matt.21:43
Kingdom of priests — Ex. 19:5,6
Kingdom of priests — 1 Peter 2:5, 9; Rev. 1:6;Rev.4:4;5:10
A peculiar treasure — Ex. 19:5,6
A peculiar treasure — 1 Peter 2:9
God's people — Hosea 1:9,10; Rom. 9:6-8
God's people — 1 Peter 2:9
A holy people — Deut. 7:6
A holy people — 1 Peter 1:15,16
A people of inheritance — Deut. 4:20
A people of inheritance — Eph. 1:18
God's tabernacle among Israel — Lev. 26:11
God's tabernacle among Israel — John 1:14
God walked among them — Lev. 26:12
God walks among His people — 2 Cor. 6:16-18
Twelve sons of Jacob
Twelve apostles
Twelve tribes
Twelve tribes scattered abroad — James 1:1
Christ married to His people — Isa. 54:5; Jer. 3:14; Hosea 2:19; Jer. 6:2; 31:32
Christ married to the church — James 4:4; Eph. 5:23-33; 2 Cor. 11:2


Conclusion

Abraham was justified by faith (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:3). Just as Abraham had two sons — Ishmael and Isaac — so there were always two classes of Jews. Not all were true sons of Abraham. The prophets frequently referred to the faithful remnant, who were the real children of Abraham.

Finally, at the time of the apostles there was a saved "remnant according to the election of grace" (Rom. 9:27; 11:5). This remnant were those who welcomed their Messiah and were justified by faith in Jesus. God's word had not failed (Rom. 9:6). These alone were the lineage of Isaac, and the rest were counted as Ishmaelites — illegitimate children. All Israel — that is, all who were justified by faith — would be saved according to God's promise, which could never fail (Rom. 11:26). And all from among the Gentiles who would believe on Christ and be justified by faith would become children of Abraham. There is one way of salvation, one body, one faith, one baptism. Christ is the Seed of Abraham. The promises of God are by Him, to Him, through Him and in Him. He is the Elect One (Isa. 42:1), and the chosen people are those who are chosen in Him (Eph. 1:4).


    For all the promises of God in Him are "yea", and in him "Amen", unto the glory of God by us. 2 Cor. 1:20.

——————————————————

Footnotes:

1 From ancient times the Epistle of James was classified as one of the "catholic epistles" — meaning that it was written to the church in general and not to a particular segment of believers.

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Source: http://www.presenttruthmag.com/archive/XIV/14-8.htm

PATIENCE & READINESS FOR JESUS' RETURN

1 Thessalonians 5

1But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

4But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

5Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

6Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

7For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

8But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

9For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

10Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

11Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

12And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

13And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

16Rejoice evermore.

17Pray without ceasing.

18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

19Quench not the Spirit.

20Despise not prophesyings.

21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

22Abstain from all appearance of evil.

23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

25Brethren, pray for us.

26Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

27I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

A SIGN THAT DISTINGUISHES GOD'S PEOPLE


A Sign that Distinguishes God's People


Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them. Eze. 20:12.


As the Sabbath was the sign that distinguished Israel when they came out of Egypt to enter the earthly Canaan, so it is the sign that now distinguishes God's people as they come out from the world to enter the heavenly rest. {Mar 244.1}



The observance of the Sabbath is the means ordained by God of preserving a knowledge of Himself and of distinguishing between His loyal subjects and the transgressors of His law. {Mar 244.2}



It [the Sabbath] belongs to Christ. . . . Since He made all things, He made the Sabbath. By Him it was set apart as a memorial of the work of creation. It points to Him as both the Creator and the Sanctifier. It declares that He who created all things in heaven and in earth, and by whom all things hold together, is the head of the church, and that by His power we are reconciled to God. For, speaking of Israel, He said, "I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them"--make them holy. Then the Sabbath is a sign of Christ's power to make us holy. And it is given to all whom Christ makes holy. As a sign of His sanctifying power, the Sabbath is given to all who through Christ become a part of the Israel of God. . . . {Mar 244.3}



To all who receive the Sabbath as a sign of Christ's creative and redeeming power, it will be a delight. Seeing Christ in it, they delight themselves in Him. The Sabbath points them to the works of creation as an evidence of His mighty power in redemption. While it calls to mind the lost peace of Eden, it tells of peace restored through the Saviour. And every object in nature repeats His invitation, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28. {Mar 244.4}



The Sabbath is a golden clasp that unites God and His people. {Mar 244.5}



Maranatha, Ellen G. White, p.244.

Friday, March 21, 2008

'NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN'



The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.............Eclesiastes 1:9







FBI USING CELL PHONE MIKES TO EAVESDROP


FBI using cell phone microphones to eavesdrop

By Eric Bangeman Published: December 03, 2006 - 11:15PM CT

Cell phones are capable of providing more information about us and our whereabouts than we usually realize. We familiar with the ability of cell phones to be used to track users' locations, but now the FBI has begun using them for eavesdropping—even when they are turned off.

The FBI's activities came to light in the course of the prosecution of two alleged members of the Genovese crime family. John Ardito and Peter Peluso had their Sprint Nextel phones tapped by the FBI in the course of their investigations, which itself is not unusual. The government went a step further in their case: not only were their phone calls recordded, but so were all conversations carried out in the presence of the defendants' cell phones.

US District Judge Lewis Kaplan ruled last week that such "roving bugs" were legal under US wiretap laws. Investigators had asked for judicial approval for a roving bug during their investigation because the meetings allegedly conducted by the defendants took place in 12 different restaurants, in automobiles, on a boat, and a number of other places. Given the degree of difficulty involved in bugging the numerous locations, another federal judge overseeing the case approved the roving bug.

In his memorandum opinion, Judge Kaplan described the roving bug as a "listening device" installed in the defendants' cellular phones that functioned regardless of whether the phone was powered on. Many models of cellular phones, however, can have their microphones remotely activated via a download—even without the knowledge of the owners. That could be what happened with Ardito and Peluso's cell phones. It is also possible that the FBI installed a bug directly on the phones.

We have known for some time that anyone carrying a powered-on cell phone can have their physical location easily tracked. Last year, a federal judge ruled that the government could use that ability to track US residents with minimal judicial oversight. Now we are reminded that carrying a cell phone enables the government—and others—to listen to your conversations, even when you're not using your phone.

Source: http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20061203-8343.html

'COMCAST' TO START WATCHING YOU?

Comcast Cameras to Start Watching You?

If you have some tinfoil handy, now might be a good time to fashion a hat. At the Digital Living Room conference today, Gerard Kunkel, Comcast’s senior VP of user experience, told me the cable company is experimenting with different camera technologies built into devices so it can know who’s in your living room.

The idea being that if you turn on your cable box, it recognizes you and pulls up shows already in your profile or makes recommendations. If parents are watching TV with their children, for example, parental controls could appear to block certain content from appearing on the screen. Kunkel also said this type of monitoring is the “holy grail” because it could help serve up specifically tailored ads. Yikes.

Kunkel said the system wouldn’t be based on facial recognition, so there wouldn’t be a picture of you on file (we hope). Instead, it would distinguish between different members of your household by recognizing body forms. He stressed that the system is still in the experimental phase, that there hasn’t been consumer testing, and that any rollout “must add value” to the viewing experience beyond serving ads.

Perhaps I’ve seen Enemy of the State too many times, or perhaps I’m just naive about the depths to which Comcast currently tracks my every move. I can’t trust Comcast with BitTorrent, so why should I trust them with my must-be-kept-secret, DVR-clogging addiction to Keeping Up with the Kardashians?

Kunkel also spoke on camera with me about fixing bad Comcast user experiences, the ongoing BitTorrent battle and VOD. But he mostly towed the corporate line on these issues (the monitoring your living room came up after my camera was put away).

Source: http://newteevee.com/2008/03/18/comcast-cameras-to-start-watching-you/

CBS LOCAL NEWS TRUMPED BY MARCH MADNESS



THIS NOON THE LOCAL TAMPA (channel 10) CBS AFILLIATE PREMPTED THEIR NOON NEWSCAST TO MAKE WAY FOR MORE MARCH MADNESS. THEY, COVERED A LOCAL MURDER INVESTIGATION, THEN RAMBLED THROUGH THE WEATHER FORECAST, THEN ZIP.

THE GUMBLE BROTHER GUY, CAME ON TO ANNOUNCE AN AFTERNOON CHUCK FULL OF BASKETBALL, MARCH MADNESS.

WHAT? AGAIN, WHAT??? THE MEDIA IS OUT TO LUNCH. IF WE HAVE AN ELUSIVE, AND SPORADIC 'TERRORIST' NAMED BIN LADIN ON THE RUN;
WHY IS THE NEWS ON VACATION?
TAKING TIME OFF FOR GOOD FRIDAY?
THIS IS REALLY A SHAM. OR, AS WOODY ALLEN WOULD SAY: "A TRAVESTY OF LAW". INSTEAD OF PROVIDING THE NEWS;
MAYBE, THE MEDIA IS PLAYING WHERE'S WALDO, OR WATCHING GEORGETOWN PLAY GONZAGA?

blogman.

p.s. This same channel constanly mentions that their Digital High Definition bradcast signal is brought to you by Brighthouse, a cable TV provider. Wait, a cable company broacasting TV programming for a Television Station? That's kinda, sorta backwards? The cable companies are now in the business of broadcasting? Another odd fact is that an additional Tampa area TV station, 'channel 9 '; Has also advertised their partnership with BRIGHTHOUSE (cable, broadband, etc). If I'm not mistaken here, this appears to be the dawning of the age of the cable company monopolies manipulating the airwaves. The Airwaves is something that should belong to the consumers. What does the FCC have to say about this? -----------------------------------------------

"THE BLIND LEADING THE BLIND"



Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
Matthew 15:14.
*
Now, that the Lieutenant Governor of N.Y. State has become Governor. David Patterson, has since revealed that also he has had illicit extramarital affairs.

PREDATORY LENDER'S PARTNER IN CRIME

Predatory Lenders' Partner in Crime

How the Bush Administration Stopped the States From Stepping In to Help Consumers


By Eliot Spitzer
Thursday, February 14, 2008; Page A25

Several years ago, state attorneys general and others involved in consumer protection began to notice a marked increase in a range of predatory lending practices by mortgage lenders. Some were misrepresenting the terms of loans, making loans without regard to consumers' ability to repay, making loans with deceptive "teaser" rates that later ballooned astronomically, packing loans with undisclosed charges and fees, or even paying illegal kickbacks. These and other practices, we noticed, were having a devastating effect on home buyers. In addition, the widespread nature of these practices, if left unchecked, threatened our financial markets.

Even though predatory lending was becoming a national problem, the Bush administration looked the other way and did nothing to protect American homeowners. In fact, the government chose instead to align itself with the banks that were victimizing consumers.

Predatory lending was widely understood to present a looming national crisis. This threat was so clear that as New York attorney general, I joined with colleagues in the other 49 states in attempting to fill the void left by the federal government. Individually, and together, state attorneys general of both parties brought litigation or entered into settlements with many subprime lenders that were engaged in predatory lending practices. Several state legislatures, including New York's, enacted laws aimed at curbing such practices.

What did the Bush administration do in response? Did it reverse course and decide to take action to halt this burgeoning scourge? As Americans are now painfully aware, with hundreds of thousands of homeowners facing foreclosure and our markets reeling, the answer is a resounding no.

Not only did the Bush administration do nothing to protect consumers, it embarked on an aggressive and unprecedented campaign to prevent states from protecting their residents from the very problems to which the federal government was turning a blind eye.

Let me explain: The administration accomplished this feat through an obscure federal agency called the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). The OCC has been in existence since the Civil War. Its mission is to ensure the fiscal soundness of national banks. For 140 years, the OCC examined the books of national banks to make sure they were balanced, an important but uncontroversial function. But a few years ago, for the first time in its history, the OCC was used as a tool against consumers.

In 2003, during the height of the predatory lending crisis, the OCC invoked a clause from the 1863 National Bank Act to issue formal opinions preempting all state predatory lending laws, thereby rendering them inoperative. The OCC also promulgated new rules that prevented states from enforcing any of their own consumer protection laws against national banks. The federal government's actions were so egregious and so unprecedented that all 50 state attorneys general, and all 50 state banking superintendents, actively fought the new rules.

But the unanimous opposition of the 50 states did not deter, or even slow, the Bush administration in its goal of protecting the banks. In fact, when my office opened an investigation of possible discrimination in mortgage lending by a number of banks, the OCC filed a federal lawsuit to stop the investigation.

Throughout our battles with the OCC and the banks, the mantra of the banks and their defenders was that efforts to curb predatory lending would deny access to credit to the very consumers the states were trying to protect. But the curbs we sought on predatory and unfair lending would have in no way jeopardized access to the legitimate credit market for appropriately priced loans. Instead, they would have stopped the scourge of predatory lending practices that have resulted in countless thousands of consumers losing their homes and put our economy in a precarious position.

When history tells the story of the subprime lending crisis and recounts its devastating effects on the lives of so many innocent homeowners, the Bush administration will not be judged favorably. The tale is still unfolding, but when the dust settles, it will be judged as a willing accomplice to the lenders who went to any lengths in their quest for profits. So willing, in fact, that it used the power of the federal government in an unprecedented assault on state legislatures, as well as on state attorneys general and anyone else on the side of consumers.

The writer is governor of New York.

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/13/AR2008021302783.html

Article appeared in the Washington Post / Editorial Section on Thursday, February, 14, 2008.

P.S. Thank you, The Power Hour!

After this revealing expose of an article; A damaging scandal of illicit sex and money involving Gov. Spitzer, was unearthed which eventually caused him to resign as Governor of New York State. Tit for Tat? Quid pro Quo?

Arsenio