On April 30, 2011, Norbert Link will give a report on his trip to Germany, as well as the sermon, titled, “Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, Part 5.”
The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org (12:30 pm Pacific Time; 1:30 pm Mountain Time; 2:30 pm Central Time; 3:30 pm Eastern Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.
Reports from England, Germany, Oregon, California and Colorado concerning the observance of Passover and the First Day of Unleavened Bread were received, and the news was very positive. Further details, especially concerning the visit by Norbert and Johanna Link and family to Germany, will be given following the Days of Unleavened Bread.
In Matthew 26:21, Jesus told the disciples that one of them would betray Him— much to their sorrow (v 22). In verse 25, we read: “Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, ‘Rabbi, is it I?’ He said to him, ‘You have said it.’”
This betrayal was prophesied in Psalm 41:9: “Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me.”
We read of this betrayal in Matthew 26:14-16: “Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?’ And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.”
In Matthew 26:47-49, we read of this betrayal: “And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.’ Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed Him.”
So did he commit the unpardonable sin and miss out on salvation?
In our booklet “Do We Have an Immortal Soul?” the following comments are made on pages 29 & 30:
“From other Scriptures we know that there are at least two ways in which the unpardonable sin can be committed.
“Jesus warns us in Mark 3:28–29, not to ‘blaspheme’ the Holy Spirit, regardless of whether we are converted or not. If we do, we reject the only power that can convert and change us. And if we continue with that course of action of resisting God and refusing to repent, then we might reach a point when it will become impossible for us to repent. We will then have made the final, irrevocable decision never to repent and to change. Such an attitude will lead to actual hate and resentment for God and His way. You see, if we don’t want to repent, God will not grant us repentance. And without repentance, there can be no forgiveness. That is why a sin which we refuse to repent of, will not be forgiven.
“In addition, converted people who have received the gift of God’s Holy Spirit, can commit the unpardonable sin, if and when they later fall away and irrevocably reject God’s way of life (cp. Hebrews 6:4–6; Hebrews 10:26–29).
“As long as we have the desire to go God’s way and to change—as long as we hate the wrong things that we do—as long as we want God’s Holy Spirit to enable us to overcome our sinful carnal nature, we have not committed the unpardonable sin. If, on the other hand, we have received understanding and then begin to reject that understanding and God’s way of life, then we are walking on dangerous ground.
“What is our attitude towards sin? Are we indifferent about it? Does it matter to us whether we sin or not? Do we try to justify sin, or to blame others for sin in our lives? This approach will never grant us favor with God—will never allow us to continue repenting of the wrong in our lives.
“On the other hand, if we love God’s way, if we want to go God’s way, if we want God to help us to get rid of what’s wrong with the way we are, then God will help us—and we don’t need to worry whether or not we have committed the unpardonable sin.
“Christ, in His parable as recorded in Luke 16, portrays a rich man who is totally indifferent to sin and to the pain and suffering of others. Although Christ does not give us many details about the wicked life of the rich man (as He does not give us many details about the righteous life of Lazarus, either), it is clear from the context that the rich man has indeed committed the unpardonable sin—he has reached the final point of no return, as he has become unwilling to repent and to change.”
Based on this understanding, Judas could not have committed the unpardonable sin. He realized that he had committed a grave mistake very soon afterwards, as we read in Matthew 27:3-5: “Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, ‘I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.’ And they said, ‘What is that to us? You see to it!’ Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.”
The record of Judas’ final actions were those not unlike criminals of our day—even those who commit murder and then later on are sorry. However, Judas did not, at that time, repent to God. In fact, Judas killed himself, adding another sin to his previous ones!
In John 20:22, we read the following about Jesus’ actions and His words—all of which happened after His resurrection but before the day of Pentecost: “And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit…’” We note that at this point, Judas Iscariot was already dead, and he was, of course, not among these disciples to whom Jesus promised the giving of the Holy Spirit.
In our Q&A in the Update 217, November 11th 2005, the following was written:
“In John 20:22, we read that Christ, after His resurrection, but before His ascension to heaven and the subsequent Day of Pentecost, breathed upon the disciples and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’ Some erroneously teach that on that occasion, Christ gave His disciples the Holy Spirit (compare Nelson Study Bible and the Ryrie Study Bible, comments to John 20). Others understand correctly that Christ did not give the Holy Spirit to His disciples at that time. The New Bible Commentary: Revised explains: ‘The breathing upon them of the Spirit is understandable since the Greek “pneuma” means both breath and spirit. This would appear to be in anticipation of Pentecost, although some specific assurance of the conveyance of the gift is clearly given here.
”The Bible makes it very clear that Christ’s early apostles and disciples received the Holy Spirit AFTER Christ’s ascension–on the Day of Pentecost, in 31 AD, as recorded in Acts 2. We read in Acts 2:1-4 that they were in Jerusalem (Acts 1:12; 2:5) and that they were filled with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. In Acts 2:16-18, Peter, in quoting from the writings of the prophet Joel, emphasizes that the Holy Spirit was poured on them on the Day of Pentecost. He also explains in verse 33: ‘Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He [Jesus Christ] poured out this what you NOW see and hear.’ They saw and heard a rushing wind, divided tongues as of fire, and the speaking with other tongues or languages.
”After Christ’s resurrection, but before His ascension, Christ told His apostles and disciples: ‘Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem UNTIL you are endued with power from on high’ (Luke 24:49). In Acts 1:4-5, 8, the risen Christ reiterated His promise: ‘And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you SHALL BE baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now… you SHALL receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem…”
”We read in Acts 1:9: ‘Now when He had spoken these things [promising them the receipt of the Holy Spirit IN THE FUTURE], while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.’ When Christ was taken up to heaven, His apostles and disciples had not yet received the Holy Spirit; but they were commanded to wait in Jerusalem (Acts 1:4) for the receipt of the Holy Spirit ‘not many days from now’ (Acts 1:5). And as we saw, it was in Jerusalem, on the Day of Pentecost, when they received the Holy Spirit.
”While still in the flesh, Christ had promised His disciples on several occasions that the Holy Spirit would be given to them in the future (compare John 14:17, 26; 16:13). That actual event, and the fulfillment of that promise, occurred when the New Testament Church came into existence–on the Day of Pentecost–not before then.”
Jesus had previously said in John 16:7 “‘Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send it to you.’” The Helper, the Holy Spirit was not given until the Day of Pentecost which we read about in Acts 2:1-4. “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
In John 6:66, even after all of Jesus’ preaching, teaching and healing, we read: “From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.” And in Acts 1:15, we read that there were only about 120 disciples after the 3½ years ministry of Jesus where He fed 5,000 and did many wonderful things for so many people. None of them had been given the Holy Spirit and, perhaps, were not being called at that time.
Therefore, when Judas betrayed Jesus, the Holy Spirit had not yet been given and he had not received this. Also, the record is that Judas was remorseful when he realized what he had done, but this was human sorrow. It is clear, therefore, that Judas did not commit the unpardonable sin and has not lost his chance for salvation by betraying Jesus. He will be resurrected in the Great White Throne Judgment (the second resurrection) and then will have his opportunity for true godly repentance and for salvation, at that time.
Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)
On April 23, 2011, Robb Harris will give the sermon, titled, “Building a Foundation on Lies.”
The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org (12:30 pm Pacific Time; 1:30 pm Mountain Time; 2:30 pm Central Time; 3:30 pm Eastern Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.
On Monday, April 25, 2011, is the Last Day of Unleavened Bread. Eric Rank will be giving the sermon in the morning, titled, “Seek God Diligently,” and Dave Harris will give the sermon in the afternoon, titled, “This Day.”
The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm Pacific Time, respectively (which is 11:00 am Mountain Time; 12:00 pm Central Time; 1:00 pm Eastern Time for the morning service; and 3:00 pm Mountain Time; 4:00 pm Central Time; 5:00 pm Eastern Time for the afternoon service). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.
A new StandingWatch program was posted on the Web, titled, “How Did Christ Really Die?”
Did Jesus die of a broken heart or exhaustion? Does the Bible explain HOW Christ died on the cross? The Holy Scriptures tell us that He died by shedding His blood, and that He was pierced through for our transgressions. HOW was He pierced through? The answer might surprise you.
A new German AufPostenStehen program was posted on the Web, titled “Wie Starb Christus Wirklich?” (“How Did Christ Really Die?”).
During the coming Spring Festival period, several of the ministers are traveling to meet with brethren: Norbert and Johanna Link (and extended family) are in Germany; Rene and Delia Messier will be in Oregon; and Wray and Jule Zehrung (and family) will be in Ramona, California. Your prayers for their safety and for all of God’s people who will be meeting together to observe these times will be greatly appreciated.
Shana Rank
Sweet music to a Mother’s ears! These simple words hold a lot of power – “please” and “thank you”. These words convey politeness and often foresight and follow through.
I delight when I hear my kids showing their good manners, but as my own Mother so wisely told me, the process of learning takes time. As long as my boys live in my house, I will need to encourage them to say “please” and “thank you.”
The other day, I sat in the kitchen listening to my two boys, Gideon and Nolan, playing in the living room. Giggles, snorts, sputtering, squealing… “Gideon, can I have your car, I’ll give it back in one minute.” After sharing I hear, “thank you,” and they go about their play. The times I need to go in and referee the boys are the times I don’t usually hear them using “please” and “thank you.”
I ask myself why these words work. Developing Godly character, which helps me treat others correctly, requires that I put what I’ve learned into action. When I was a child, I said those words because I was taught to do so, and I am passing that training on to my children. Now as an adult–a wife and a mother–communication that is based on true courtesy still serves me as a most valuable and indispensable skill.
1 John 5:4-8 reads, in context:
“(Verse 4) For whatever is born [better here: begotten] of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. (Verse 5) Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (Verse 6) This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who [better: which] bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. (Verse 7) For there are three that bear witness (in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. (Verse 8) And there are three that bear witness on earth): the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.”
First of all, please note that the words in verses 7 and 8, which are placed in parenthesis, are not in the inspired original text, but they are a very late addition by a copyist who wanted to “prove” that the Trinity was biblical. Today, it has been universally accepted that these words were a fraudulent falsification and must be omitted from the text. Many modern translations do not even contain these words any more, and those which do, normally point out in the margin or in a footnote that they are a very late addition, which are not found in the oldest manuscripts.
We are explaining the following in our free booklet, “Is God a Trinity?”
“1 John 5:7-8 is probably the most frequently quoted text to ‘prove’ that God is a Trinity… most scholars agree that the words in verse 7, ‘in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit, and these three are one,’ were later added by the Catholic Church to ‘prove’ the Trinity, and that these words were not in the original writings. Many Bible translations and commentaries state that this particular phrase, referred to as the ‘Comma Joanneum,’ is ‘not contained in the best authorities and constitutes a late addition in the Latin Text.’ [Pattloch Bible, Appendix, page 85].
“The Zürcher Bible comments in a footnote that ‘this passage was added in the fourth century in the Latin Text, and only in the 15th century in some Greek Texts.’ The NIV [New International Version] adds in a footnote that this particular phrase is only contained ‘in the late manuscripts of the Latin Bible and that it is not found in any Greek manuscripts before the 16th century.’ Other commentaries point out that these words are clearly a falsification and that they have therefore been correctly omitted, even as a footnote, in many modern translations.”
But what is meant with the phrase in verses 7 and 8, that “there are three which bear witness: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and these three agree as one”? Notice that in context, the reference is to Jesus Christ who came by water and blood (verse 6), and the Spirit of truth bears witness to that fact (same verse). Also, John points out that those who have been begotten by the Spirit and believe that Jesus is the Son of God, overcome the world (verses 4 and 5).
In his letter, John emphasizes that Jesus came in the flesh—that He became fully Man. He had changed from a Spirit being into a mortal human being (compare John 1:1-3, 14). The spirit of antichrist denied and denies that fact (1 John 4:1-3). It denied and denies that Jesus had REALLY become a Man. But John makes clear that Christ had to become a Man—fully flesh and blood—in order to be able to die. And so, His blood testifies to the fact that Jesus was and is our Savior (compare also Hebrews 12:24). He DIED, and His death paid the penalty for our sins. That is why John emphasizes twice that Jesus came by water and blood—not just by water, but by water and blood (1 John 5:6).
Before His death, Jesus gave the apostles wine to drink, symbolizing His blood which was to be shed for the forgiveness of their sins (Matthew 26:27-28; Luke 22:20). Christ shed His very blood—“He poured out His soul” or life “unto death” (Isaiah 53:12). In the context of his first letter, John is telling us that we must believe that Jesus was fully Man and that He died, by shedding His precious blood for us (compare 1 Peter 1:18-19; Acts 20:28; compare, too, Leviticus 17:11).
But John is telling us more. He is also emphasizing the fact that Jesus came “by water.”
This reference to water has been the subject of widespread discussion. The Nelson Study Bible states:
“Water and blood have been interpreted in at least four ways: (1) as Jesus’ baptism and death; (2) as His incarnation; (3) as the water and blood that flowed from His side on the Cross; and (4) as the baptism of the believer and the Lord’s Supper…”
The Ryrie Study Bible adds:
“The water refers to the inauguration of Christ’s earthly ministry at His baptism by John (Mark 1:9-11); the blood refers to the close of His earthly life at His crucifixion. Jesus proved Himself to be the Christ (Messiah) at His baptism and by pouring out His soul to death.”
In addition, we might think of Scriptures telling us that at the time of Moses and Israel in the wilderness, water came out of the rock (Numbers 20:10-11). We might perhaps draw an analogy to the spiritual water of the Holy Spirit, flowing from the spiritual Rock—Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 10:1-4). Further, we are told that we are being cleansed with the washing of water by God’s Word (Ephesians 5:26 ); and that the Holy Spirit will flow out of our hearts like rivers of living water (John 7:37-38).
We see, then, that the reference to the blood, the water and the Spirit includes multiple applications.
The fact that Christ came “by water” can be viewed as containing additional proof that Jesus was fully Man. When hanging on the cross or stake, “one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out” (John 19:34). [As an aside, the soldier pierced Christ’s side, when He was still alive, not after He had died. He caused Christ’s death by piercing His side. For a thorough explanation of this little-understood fact, please read our free booklet, “Jesus Christ—A Great Mystery.”].
A Spirit being has no blood, bones or water. The fact that Jesus did, shows that He was a Man—that He came in the flesh. His Incarnation was a change from spirit to flesh—Christ BECAME flesh.
As pointed out in some of the commentaries, as quoted above, John’s reference to water can also be associated with Christ’s water baptism, which He asked John the Baptist to perform. John’s baptism was one of repentance, but Jesus had never sinned, so He had nothing to repent of. That is why John hesitated to baptize Jesus, but Jesus insisted that it had to be done, in order to fulfill all righteousness. He wanted to set an example for us, who did sin, to be baptized, after repentance and faith in our Savior Jesus Christ and His Sacrifice which makes possible the forgiveness of our sins. Christ made it very clear that without water baptism, we cannot enter the Kingdom of God (John 3:5).
Finally, John also stresses in his first letter that Jesus, although fully flesh, had the Spirit of God the Father within Him, and that without measure (compare John 3:34, Authorized Version). It was through the power of the Holy Spirit that God the Father impregnated Mary to bring forth and give birth to Jesus; it was through the fullness of the Holy Spirit in Christ that He could do the mighty works which He did. God, through His Holy Spirit of truth, testifies to us that Jesus came in the flesh—that He had blood and water—and that He “gave up His spirit” and died (John 19:30).
When we repent of our sins and believe in Jesus Christ and His Sacrifice, and are baptized in and under water (with the subsequent laying on of hands), we will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit of truth. Christ compared the Holy Spirit with living water (John 4:10, 14; 7:38-39). And only with God’s Holy Spirit, remaining in us, motivating us to obey the WORD of God, can we enter the Kingdom of God (compare again John 3:5). And so, John is saying that the three—the blood and the water and the Spirit—agree as one—in unified testimony. They testify that Jesus came in the flesh—a human being with blood and water–and that He overcame sin in the flesh by living a sinless life by and through the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in Him.
They also agree that through His death on the cross, salvation was made possible for man. They agree that we—human beings—can receive the Holy Spirit to help us to overcome sin and this sinful world in the flesh, as Christ did. We are to overcome, as Christ overcame (Revelation 3:21). And with the living Christ dwelling in us through the power of the Holy Spirit, we CAN be victorious, as Christ was (Philippians 4:13; Romans 8:37; 1 Corinthians 15:57).
As the Spirit of God testifies that Jesus became a Man and died for us, so it testifies that Jesus lives His life in His disciples today—that is, Jesus Christ is “coming in the flesh” of His disciples (compare 2 John 7). The spirit of antichrist denies this truth as well. But God’s Spirit bears witness that we are children of God (Romans 8:16), as it gave witness to John the Baptist, and later to Peter and other apostles, that Christ was the Son of God (Matthew 3:17; 16:15-17; 17:5). Blood and water bear witness that we—human beings with blood and water—can obtain forgiveness of sin through the shedding of Christ’s blood; and that we can receive God’s Holy Spirit–God’s living waters–after water baptism, as Christ was baptized, to fulfill all righteousness, and to receive special powers to work miracles (compare Acts 10:36-38).
In conclusion, blood, water and the Holy Spirit “witness” and testify in agreement that Christ was a Man; that He died for our sins; that He was resurrected and that He lives His life again in His disciples today; and that we–human beings—are condemned to die because of our sins; but that by our repentance and our belief in Christ’s shed blood, we can obtain forgiveness of our sins. Furthermore, through our “death” in water baptism and our “resurrection” from the dead, when we rise out of our watery grave (Romans 6:1-6), we can receive the gift of God’s Holy Spirit, through which Christ lives His life in us all over again.
Lead Writer: Norbert Link
On April 16, 2011, Dave Harris will give the sermon, titled, “The Promise.”
The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org (12:30 pm Pacific Time; 1:30 pm Mountain Time; 2:30 pm Central Time; 3:30 pm Eastern Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.
On Sunday evening, after sunset, April 17, 2011, is Passover, followed by the Night to Be Much Observed on Monday evening, April 18, 2011, after sunset.
For those of our scattered baptized brethren who need to partake of the Passover at home, we refer to pertinent information, which was published in Update #387 (dated March 26, 2009), under Feasts, and Update #238 for the week ending April 7, 2006.
On Tuesday, April 19, 2011, is the First Day of Unleavened Bread. Rene Messier will be giving the sermon in the morning from Oregon, titled, “The Footsteps of Christ.”
The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm Pacific Time, respectively (which is 11:00 am Mountain Time; 12:00 pm Central Time; 1:00 pm Eastern Time for the morning service; and 3:00 pm Mountain Time; 4:00 pm Central Time; 5:00 pm Eastern Time for the afternoon service). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.
A new StandingWatch program was posted on the Web, titled, “Could Jesus Return Tonight?” A strong minority of Americans believes that we are living in the End Times, while 52 percent disagree. Some believe and teach that Jesus could come back tonight, while others say that He won’t return at all. What does the Bible tell us?
A new German sermon was posted on the Web, titled, “Das Opfer Jesu Christi” (“The Sacrifice of Jesus Christ”).
Our new German booklet, “Jesus Christus—Ein Grosses Geheimnis” (“Jesus Christ—A Great Mystery”), was posted on the Web.
RECIPES FOR DAYS OF UNLEAVENED BREAD
The following sets forth a selection of recipes for the Days of Unleavened Bread:
SOFT UNLEAVENED BREAD
Ingredients:
1-1/2 c. unbleached white flour
1-1/2 c. whole wheat or rye flour
1/4 c. flaxseed meal (optional)
3 eggs
1/2 t. salt
1/3 c. oil
Mix oil and eggs together then add to flour and salt. Add enough water to make it easy to pour.
Pour into well-greased large cookie sheet with edges. Bake in preheated 450 F oven for 15 to 20 min
or until slightly golden brown.
Cut into rectangles when cooled. Good for sandwiches and toast because it is somewhat soft.
ALMOND BREAD
Ingredients:
4 eggs
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter/oil
3 cups flour
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. almond extract
1 small bag almonds, sliced
Mix sugar, eggs and 1 cup flour and butter. Mix well. Add remaining ingredients. Pour (mash) into 2 bread pans (greased and floured). Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Reminds one of a solid brick. Can be cut and toasted.
VANILLA KIPFERL’S
Ingredients:
2 1/8 cups flour
1 1/4 cups ground almonds
1 egg
3/4 cup butter
pinch of salt
3 tsp. granulated sugar
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
Confectioners’ sugar for rolling Kipferls in.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the salt and the flour. Cut in the butter, and mix in with your hands. Add the confectioners’ sugar, the egg, the granulated sugar, and the ground almonds to the flour mixture. Place the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Remove dough from refrigerator, pinch off about an inch and form into a crescent shape. Place the kipferl on a baking tray, leave them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Bake at 400 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes. When done (slightly brown), remove carefully from the tray. While still warm, roll the kipferl in the confectioners’ sugar.
The vanilla kipferls originated in Austria, and they are also very popular in Switzerland and Germany. The kipferl becomes even yummier after 2 to 3 days….but only for those who can resist long enough. If desired, the two ends of the kipferl can be dipped in warm chocolate and then left to cool. Makes 5 dozen (30 servings).
BUTTER FUDGE SQUARES
Base:
½ cup butter
½ cup brown sugar
¼ tsp. salt
1½ cups flour
Mix and pat in square pan.
Topping:
2 eggs, beaten
1cup brown sugar
3 tbs cocoa
¼ cup chopped nuts
1/3 cup coconut
1 tsp. vanilla
Spread over base and bake 15-30 minutes at 350. Ice if desired
CHEESE MARMELADE SQUARES
Ingredients:
2 cups flour
½ cup butter
½ cup soft nippy cheese
½ tsp. salt
Mix until crumbly.
Take more than half and pat into 8×8 greased pan.
Spread with orange marmalade and cover with remaining cheese mixture.
Bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes, until golden brown.
CHEESE DELIGHT
(cheese cake)
Ingredients:
1¼ cup cornflake crumbs
¼ cup sugar
1/3 cup melted butter
Combine cornflakes, sugar, and butter. Pat crumb mixture into 9×13 pan.
Bake 375 F for 8 minutes. COOL
1 cup icing sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
8 oz. pkgs. Cream cheese
Mix well.
4 cups of whipped cream
Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture.
Let set in fridge or freezer till firms from the cold.
Spread on top 1 or 2 tins of canned pie filling, any kind you like.
CRUSTLESS BROCCOLI AND CHEDDAR MINI QUICHES
Ingredients:
1 can ( 12 oz.) evaporated low-fat 2% milk
3 large eggs- beaten
2 tbs flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 cups ( 8 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups chopped frozen broccoli – thawed and drained
1/2 cup chopped red pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Grease and lightly flour 12 ( 2 1/2 inch ) muffin cups
Wisk together evaporated milk, eggs, flour, salt and pepper in medium bowl
Stir in cheese, broccoli, and red pepper
Spoon mixture info muffin cups filling almost to rim
Bake 23-28 minutes. Cool 15 minutes. Run spatula around the inside edges to remove quiches.
CHOCOLATE CHERRY SHORTBREAD COOKIES
Ingredients:
1/2 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup cold butter
12 ounces white chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
In a large bowl, combine flour and sugar. Using a blender, cut in the butter until mixture resembles large crumbs (doesn’t have to be fine). Stir in drained cherries and white chocolate chips. Stir in almond extract. Knead mixture until it forms a smooth ball. Shape dough into 3/4-inch balls. Place balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Using the bottom of a drinking glass dipped in sugar, flatten balls to 1-1/2-inch rounds. Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until centers are set. Cool for 1 minute on cookie sheet. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool. Makes about 50. To store, layer cookies between waxed paper in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
POTATO CHIP COOKIES (tastes like pecan sandies)
Blend together until smooth:
3/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. butter
1 egg
1 t. vanilla
Mix in:
1-1/2 cup flour
1-1/2 c. chopped pecans
3/4 c. finely crushed potato chips
Drop by spoonful onto lightly greased cookie sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork.
Bake at 350 F. for 12-15 min.
CREPES (dessert or main course)
Put the following ingredients in a blender and mix until well blended.
2/3 c. flour
1/2 t. salt
3 eggs
1 c. milk
For each crepe, pour 1/4 c. batter into hot, lightly greased and pre-heated 8-inch skillet or crepe pan, tilting the pan to cover the bottom. Cook over medium heat until lightly browned on both sides, turning once when the crepe begins to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Mix together:
Two 8-ounce pkgs cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. sugar
1 t. vanilla or lemon juice and 1 t. grated lemon rind
Spread cream cheese down the center of each crepe, then roll up like a burrito. Serve warm or cold with fruit compote topping. Can also fill with a savory meat mixture (such as creamy chicken and broccoli or creamy beef and mushrooms to serve warm as a main course. Instead of vanilla or lemon flavoring, use herbs
We read in the New Testament that animal sacrifices did not forgive sin, nor did they clean or purify the ancient Israelites from an evil conscience. That was never the purpose of the animal sacrifices. Forgiveness of sin and the opportunity to inherit eternal life was only made possible through the supreme Sacrifice of Jesus Christ (John 3:14-17).
Hebrews 10:1-4 makes it very clear that animal sacrifices were just reminders of sins, but that they could not take away or forgive sin. They were foreshadowing the death of Christ. We read:
“For the [sacrificial] law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshippers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.”
Hebrews 9:9-10 confirms that the sacrificial system was only of a temporary nature, to be superseded by the death of Jesus Christ:
“It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices were offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience—concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.”
Paul elaborates in the book of Galatians that the sacrificial law was added because of transgression (sin is the transgression of the spiritual law of the Ten Commandments, compare 1 John 3:4, Authorized Version), but only until the Seed—Jesus Christ—would come. We read in Galatians 3:19, 24-25:
“What purpose then does the [sacrificial] law serve? It was added because of transgression [of the spiritual law], till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a meditator [Note that the Ten Commandments were NOT appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator, but they were spoken directly by God Himself]… Therefore the [sacrificial] law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith [but it is an obedient faith, compare Romans 1:5; 16:26]. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor [the sacrificial law].”
Matthew Henry’s Whole Commentary, in his explanations of Leviticus 4:31, points at the temporary meaning and duration of animal sacrifices, and the all-important Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, when stating:
“From all these laws concerning the sin-offerings we may learn, 1. To hate sin, and to watch against it. That is certainly a very bad thing to make atonement for which so many innocent and useful creatures must be slain and mangled thus. 2. To value Christ, the great and true sin-offering, whose blood cleanses from all sin, which it was not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away. Now, if any man sin, Christ is the propitiation (1 Jn. 2:1, 2), not for Jews only, but [also] for Gentiles.”
Matthew Henry’s Whole Commentary, in reference to Leviticus 6:7, points out how the animal sacrifices, as a tutor, foreshadowed the all-encompassing Sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He also shows that the spiritual law of the Ten Commandments and the statutes and judgments, explaining and magnifying the Ten Commandments, were not abolished when the animal sacrifices were superseded by THE Sacrifice of Jesus:
“This trespass-offering could not, of itself, make satisfaction for sin, nor reconciliation between God and the sinner, but as it signified the atonement that was to be made by our Lord Jesus, when he should make his soul an offering of sin, a trespass-offering; it is the same word that is here used, Isa. 53:10. The trespasses here mentioned are trespasses still against the law [of God]… and though now we may have them pardoned without a trespass-offering, yet not without true repentance, [obedience], reformation [that is, a lasting change of our thinking and action], and a humble [obedient] faith in the righteousness of Christ [which we must obtain]: and, if any make the more bold with these sins because they are not now put to the expense of a trespass-offering for them, they turn the grace of God into wantonness, and so bring upon themselves a swift destruction. The Lord is the avenger of all such, 1 Th. 4:6.”
Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible adds the following, regarding Leviticus 6:7:
“And the priest shall make an atonement for him [the sinner] before the Lord,…. By offering the ram he brought, by which a typical, but not real atonement was made; for the blood of bulls and goats, of sheep and rams, could not take away sin; but as they were types of Christ, and led to him, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.”
For a thorough discussion of the sacrificial law, as referred to in the book of Galatians, please read our free booklet, “Paul’s Letter to the Galatians—How to Understand It.”
In light of these clear teachings of the New Testament, how are we to explain passages in the Old Testament, seemingly saying that people who were offering animal sacrifices could thereby obtain forgiveness for their sins? For instance, we read in Leviticus 4:20 that upon the sacrifice of a young bull, the priest was to make atonement for the unintentional sin of the congregation, “and it shall be forgiven them.” Also, verse 26 says that upon the sacrifice of a young male goat, the ruler’s unintentional sin “shall be forgiven him.” Also, in regard to an unintentional sin of a common person, we read that upon the sacrifice of a female kid of the goats, “the priest shall make atonement for him, and it shall be forgiven him” (verses 31, 35).
We need to emphasize that the Bible does not contradict itself (compare John 10:35). We also must understand the Old Testament Scriptures in the light of the New Testament, and not vice versa. As the New Testament clearly teaches that spiritual forgiveness of sin could NOT be obtained through animal sacrifices, what then is the meaning of the above-quoted passages in Leviticus?
The following statements from selected commentaries shed more light on the issue.
Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible states: “…the meaning [of forgiveness through animal sacrifices] is, he shall not be punished for it.”
The Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary concurs, saying this about Leviticus 4:35:
“None of these sacrifices possessed any intrinsic value sufficient to free the conscience of the sinner from the pollution of guilt, or to obtain his pardon from God; but they gave a formal deliverance from a secular penalty (Heb 9:13, 14); and they were figurative representations of the full and perfect sin offering which was to be made by Christ.”
The (above-mentioned) passage in Hebrews 9:13-14 shows indeed what kind of “forgiveness” could be obtained through animal sacrifices. It reads: “For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies [sets aside or apart; that is, allowing a relationship between God and man] for the PURIFYING OF THE FLESH, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”
Animal sacrifices provided a means of permitting the ancient Israelite who had sinned unintentionally, to remain in the community of the nation, under God’s rule, and to be spared from physical punishment. In case of an unintentional sin by the entire congregation, animal sacrifices prevented that God would turn His back on them and forsake them. They did not provide spiritual forgiveness, and later, Israel misused and abused animal sacrifices in a terrible way, so that God had to remind them that He did not desire animal sacrifices, but an upright and humble heart.
Animal sacrifices were a means of maintaining a relationship between God and man, by “forgiving” the physical transgression and allowing the transgressor to remain within the community of Israel. They were never meant to provide spiritual “forgiveness” of sin. They never abolished or superseded the spiritual penalty for sin, which is eternal death (Romans 6:23), nor did they make possible the means of inheriting eternal life. Only the Sacrifice of Christ can bring about such spiritual forgiveness and allow us to continue on our righteous path (1 John 1:8-9; Romans 8:3-4), to ultimately being given eternal life at the time of Christ’s return.
Lead Writer: Norbert Link
