We speak the names of the gods on a daily basis and most people do not even realize it. Every day of the week, religious and non-religious people alike follow the old pagan tradition of giving thanks to the gods of old. Many do so unknowingly.

While careful attention has been given over many centuries to make certain that the Hebrew God and names associated with the Bible are not used, evidence clearly shows that pagans have ‘tagged’ everything they can with the names of their false gods. This was not a coincidence.

In ancient Mesopotamia, astrologers assigned each day of the week the name of a god. In a culture where days were consumed by religion, it is unsurprising that the days of the week were made in homage to the gods believed to rule the lives of mortals.

Many centuries later, the Romans, upon beginning to use the seven day week, adopted the names of the week to fit their own gods. These were then adopted by Germanic people who also adjusted the names according to their gods. It is predominantly these Germanic and Norse gods that have lived on today in the days of the week, which are outlined below.

Pagan names of the weekdays

Sunday, as you may be able to guess, is the “Sun’s Day” – the name of a pagan Roman holiday. In many folklore traditions, Sunday was believed to be a lucky day for babies born. Many societies have worshiped the sun and sun-gods. Perhaps the most famous is the Egyptian Sun-god Ra, who was the lord of time.

Monday comes from the Anglo-Saxon ‘monandaeg’ which is the “Moon’s Day”. On this day people gave homage to the goddess of the moon. It was believed by ancients that there were three Mondays during the year that were considered to be unlucky: first Monday in April, second in August and last in December.

Tuesday is the first to be named after a Germanic god – Tiu (or Twia) – a god of war and the sky and associated with the Norse god Tyr, who was a defender god in Viking mythology. Tiu is associated with Mars. He is usually shown with only one hand. In the most famous myth about Týr he placed his hand between the jaws of the wolf Fenrir as a mark of good faith while the other gods, pretending to play, bound the wolf. When Fenrir realised he had been tricked he bit off Tyr’s hand.

Wednesday means “Woden’s Day” (in Norse, ‘Odin’), the Old Norse’s equivalent to Mercury, who was the messenger to the gods and the Roman god of commerce, travel and science. He was considered the chief god and leader of the wild hunt in Anglo-Saxon mythology, but the name directly translated means “violently insane headship” – not exactly the name of a loving and kind god! Woden was the ruler of Asgard, the hoe of the gods, and is able to shift and change into different forms.

Thursday was “Thor’s Day”, named after the Norse god of thunder and lightning and is the Old Norse equivalent to Jupiter. Thor is often depicted holding a giant hammer and during the 10 th and 11 th centuries when Christians tried to convert the Scandinavians, many wore emblems of Thor’s hammer as a symbol of defiance against the new religion.

Friday is associated with Freya, the wife of Woden and the Norse goddess of love, marriage and fertility, who is equivalent to Venus, the Roman goddess of love.

Lastly, Saturday derives from “Saturn’s Day”, a Roman god associated with wealth, plenty and time. It is the only English week-day still associated with a Roman god, Saturn. The Hebrews called Saturday the “Sabbath”, meaning, day of rest. The Bible identifies Saturday as the last day of the week.

The seven-day week originates with in ancient Babylon prior to 600 BC, when time was marked with the lunar cycle, which experienced different seven-day cycles. A millennium later, Emperor Constantine converted Rome to Christianity and standardised the seven-day week across the Empire. Rome may initially have acquired the seven-day week from the mystical beliefs of Babylonian astrologers. But it was the biblical story of creation, God making the Heavens and Earth and resting on the seventh day that will have led the first Christian emperor of Rome to make sure it endured to this day.

But how did this planetary week come to be so commonly used in the professing Christian world?
Hutton Webster, in his book Rest Days, provides the answer: “The early Christians had at first adopted the Jewish seven-day week with its numbered weekdays, but by the close of the third century AD this began to give way to the planetary week. . . . The use of planetary names by Christians attests the growing influence of astrological speculations introduced by converts from paganism. . . . Thus, gradually a pagan institution was engrafted on Christianity”.

This planetary week with its days named after pagan deities is not of God. God Almighty did create the week with seven days, but He merely numbered the days one through seven (Genesis 1:3—2:3). The only day He named was the seventh day, calling it the “Sabbath” (Exodus 16:22-26; 20:8-11).

Pagan origin of the names of the months

A few names of the month were derived from Roman deities( not human). Four came from the numbers of the months. In two cases in honor of Roman emperors who were regarded as deities ( Pontifus Maximus).

January
Named after the Roman god of beginnings and endings Janus (the month Januarius).

February
The name comes either from the old-Italian god Februus or else from februa, signifying the festivals of purification celebrated in Rome during this month.

March
This is the first month of the Roman year. It is named after the Roman god of war, Mars.

April
Called Aprilis, from aperire, “to open”. Possibly because it is the month in which the buds begin to open.

May
The third month of the Roman calendar. The name probably comes from Maiesta, the Roman goddess of honor and reverence.

June
The fourth month was named in honor of Juno. However, the name might also come from iuniores (young men; juniors) as opposed to maiores (grown men; majors) for May, the two months being dedicated to young and old men.

July
It was the month in which Julius Caesar was born, and named Julius in his honor in 44 BCE, the year of his assassination. Also called Quintilis (fifth month).

August
Originally this month was called Sextilis (from Sextus, “six”), but the name was later changed in honor of the first of the Roman emperors, Augustus (because several fortunate events of his life occurred during this month).

The remaining four month’s name are based on prefixes derived from latin numbers:

September
The name comes from septem, “seven”.

October
The name comes from octo, “eight”

November
The name comes from novem, “nine”.

December
The name comes from decem, “ten”.

The Hebrew months were originally numbered, but over time names were given to them. For instance, Abib, the first month of spring, means “green [ears of barley]” (this month is also called Nisan, meaning “their flight [out of Egypt]”). Later, the apostate Jews borrowed Babylonian names for many of their months, some of which (e.g., Tammuz) refer to pagan deities.

Pagan origin of the names of the planets (except Earth)

The official names of planets and their moons are governed by an organization called the International Astronomical Union (IAU). The IAU was established in 1919. Its mission is “to promote and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation”…..and obviously to promote false worship.

Most of the objects in our solar system received names long ago based on Greek or Roman mythology. The IAU has therefore adopted this tradition in its rules for naming certain types of objects in the solar system.

With the exception of Earth, all of the planets in our solar system have names from Greek or Roman mythology. This tradition was continued when Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto were discovered in more modern times.

Mercury is the god of commerce, travel and thievery in Roman mythology. The planet probably received this name because it moves so quickly across the sky.

Venus is the Roman goddess of love and beauty. The planet is aptly named since it makes a beautiful sight in the sky, with only the Sun and the Moon being brighter.

Mars is the Roman god of War. The planet probably got this name due to its red color.

Jupiter was the King of the Gods in Roman mythology, making the name a good choice for what is by far the largest planet in our solar system.

Pluto is the Roman god of the underworld in Roman mythology. Perhaps the planet received this name because it’s so far from the Sun that it is in perpetual darkness.

Unknowingly everyday throughout the world, pagan gods are glorified when we use their names to identify the days of the week, the months of the years, and when we make reference to planetary bodies.

Back to top

Flee to The City of Refuge!

Refuge Is In Jesus

The cities of refuge were a provision under the Law of Moses that provided safe haven for the unintentional man-slayer. There were six major cities designated; although recorded history indicates that there were a total of 48 cities that served as cities of refuge. The map below displays their locations:

Map Levitical Cities Refuge

The first mention of the establishment of such places was recorded in Scripture in the Book of Exodus in chapter 21 and verse 13. From the New International Translation (NIV) of the Holy Bible we read beginning with verse 12:

12 “Anyone who strikes a person with a fatal blow is to be put to death. 13 However, if it is not done intentionally, but God lets it happen, they are to flee to a “place” I will designate. 14 But if anyone schemes and kills someone deliberately, that person is to be taken from my altar and put to death.”

That these “places” were to be cities, is clearly explained by Almighty God himself when he spoke to Joshua. Joshua 18:1-6 reads:

“The Lord also spake unto Joshua, saying, Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses: that the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood. And when he that doth flee unto one of those cities shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his hand; because he smote his neighbor unwittingly, and hated him not before time. And he shall dwell in that city, until he stand before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: then shall the slayer return, and come unto his own city, and unto his own house, unto the city from whence he fled.” (Josh. 20:1-6).” King James Version (KJV)

God Almighty had established laws or statues in order that the Israelites would maintain a righteous standing before Him. He gave Laws that governed how they were to respond to both deliberate murder and cases in which someone unintentionally caused the death of a fellow human being.

As we examine Scripture, we will look at the practical wisdom in the application of this provision of His justice system. This provision is a pattern of a more grand Heavenly provision that God has establish in order that we may escape bloodguilt in these all important “last days”. Today is the paramount time in human history in which to seek refuge as the fear inspiring Day of Jehovah approaches.

This provision was created with a specific circumstance in mind that would require a person to flee and seek asylum. Could the issue of unintentional manslaughter in a spiritual sense exist upon an individual or group of individuals today?

This article will highlight the parallels that should concern any Jehovah’s Witness who by ignorance and blindness have aided in teaching false and misleading doctrines. Though they have done this with no malice of forethought, a very similar situation still exist as it did with the unintentional man-slayer back in the days of Joshua. In order to escape Divine Judgement from God, they must seek the one and only City of Refuge available in these final days before Jehovah’s Day of accountability.

God’s Holy Avenger is in pursuit!!

“Clear the Way“

Since the city of refuge was the only safe haven for the unintentional manslayer, it was imperative that the roads to them be visible and unobstructed. The cities that served as these safe-havens would have been of no value if they were inaccessible or if their locations were unknown. Therefore, guidelines were created in order to ensure that the guilty party could indeed successfully reach them. According to Mishneh Torah, Laws Regarding Murder and the Preservation of Life 8:5, “The court is obligated to straighten the roads to the cities of refuge, to repair them and broaden them. They must remove all impediments and obstacles. . . . Bridges should be built (over all natural barriers) so as not to delay one who is fleeing to [the city of refuge]. The width of a road to a city of refuge should not be less than thirty-two cubits” (approximately 42 feet).

At each city served men who acted as a Court. The Court was to weigh the evidence in each case to determine whether or not it was a case of murder or manslaughter. It was also the Court’s responsibility to straighten the roads and broaden them where necessary. The Court of elders’ were obligated to post signs reading “Refuge, Refuge” along the way at all crossroads. However, it was the responsibility of the communities along the road to make sure there were no obstacles in the road that would be an impediment to travel. There are accounts that state that individual citizens would often shout out to the fleeing person, “City of refuge!” and point the way toward safe-haven as well.

Although Jehovah’s Witnesses were mentioned earlier in particular; all humans on Earth who seek to survive the coming Judgment need to get into the modern-day City of Refuge. Because of the sin of the first humans Adam and Eve, all their future children also came under condemnation to death from God as they did. Thus, all humanity after them fell into need of redemption.

The Messiah, Jesus Christ said of himself, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If YOU men had known me, YOU would have known my Father also; from this moment on YOU know him and have seen him.” John 14:6,7. (NWT) The only salvation held out before humankind is offered through Lord Jesus Christ. Only by accepting him and following his commands can we reach the safety of God’s Divine covering. He is the only mediator between God and humankind. He alone is the channel of God. His arrival on the earthly scene and his life was just as clearly marked as those ancient roads to refuge. And as Christ followers our teaching and preaching of the Good News of the Kingdom should be just as clear. We as Christians have a personal obligation before our Lord and our God to clear any obstructions that would prevent someone from reaching the refuge that Jehovah God has offered by means of His son Jesus Christ.

Sad to say that has not been the case anywhere in the world of organized religion. They have all failed, including Jehovah’s Witnesses. How have Jehovah’s Witnesses failed in this sense?It is by preaching and teaching a concoction that is a mixture of truth and lies in the name of Jehovah God. By doing so, they have not cleared the way but rather have obstructed it. By doing so, they have misdirected millions off the Way and led them away from the asylum that the true City of Refuge will provide. They have turned aside those who have come to them earnestly seeking God by misrepresenting Him and His name. They have also shut the ears of those of mankind they attempt to witness to because those people have enough Biblical understanding to know that much of what they teach is contrary to true Christian faith.

Stumbling blocks along the road

When the Watchtower teaches that its Governing Body is the exclusive source of Divine instruction they usurp Christ authority. They call the Watchtower Society; “God’s spirit directed organization”. Do you notice the complete omission of Jesus Christ in that statement? Reconsider Jesus’ words in John 14:6,7. They effectively stand at the “crossroads” and beckon would be seekers of refuge to take some course that is tangent to the correct course. Imagine unscrupulous people along the roads to the cities of refuge deliberately misguiding runners off the road! This is what the Watchtower and all false Christianity has done and is doing. How well Jesus’ word recorded in Matthew’s gospel applies to them. Matthew 23:13 states:

13 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.” (NIV)

The Messiah warned of the grave consequences to all who set stumbling blocks before his sheep. These are his words from Matthew 18:6:

6 “but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” English Standard Version (ESV)

There were no doubt consequences as a result of suchlike behavior meted out to anyone who misled and impeded the passage of those fleeing on the roads to the cities of refuge. Perhaps these inferences drawn from Scripture will help you see that teaching false and misleading doctrine is no light matter in Jesus Christ eyes. Some have convinced themselves that it will all be okay and God will overlook the matter. They may think to themselves, “Surely the Lord will forgive us! After all look at all the good we have done in his name!”

But, cannot that same claim be made by all the so-called Christian denominations? Many are involved in charitable works and the like. And most of their followers have found some benefit by being associated with them. Remember that Satan is very artful at deceiving by obscuring wicked intent with a little dose of truth or good works. William Shakespeare put it well when he said, “The devil can cite scripture for his own purpose! An evil soul producing holy witness is like a villain with a smiling cheek.” [Merchant Of Venice]. Apparently, Shakespeare had more spiritual awareness on this subject than current adherents to the Watchtower Society.

Lord Jesus said such “fake” Christians would be present in the last days.

Matthew 7:15-23

15 “Be on your guard against false prophets; they come to you looking like sheep on the outside, but on the inside they are really like wild wolves. 16 You will know them by what they do. Thorn bushes do not bear grapes, and briers do not bear figs. 17 A healthy tree bears good fruit, but a poor tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a poor tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 And any tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown in the fire. 20 So then, you will know the false prophets by what they do.

“I Never Knew You”

21 “Not everyone who calls me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only those who do what my Father in heaven wants them to do. 22 When the Judgment Day comes, many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord! In your name we spoke God’s message, by your name we drove out many demons and performed many miracles!’ 23 Then I will say to them, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you wicked people!”
Good News Translation (GNT)

Soon the Son of Man will return and completely reveal and destroy these workers of lawlessness. We for our part, must be involved in the work of exposing these “stumbling blocks” and these “jagged rocks” as Jude calls them.

Jude 1:12

12 “These people are like jagged rocks just below the surface of the water waiting to snag you when they join your love feasts. They feast with you without reverence. They care only for themselves. They are waterless clouds carried along by the winds; fruitless autumn trees, twice dead, uprooted; 13 wild waves of the sea foaming up their own shame; wandering stars for whom the darkness of the underworld is reserved forever.”
Common English Bible (CEB)

Christian imposters inspired by the Devil seek to shipwreck the faith of those seeking the mercy Jehovah God has extended to mankind; true refuge in Jesus Christ. He is the ‘Road’ and the ‘City’ of salvation. And now we will consider his other role.

The Avenger Of Almighty God—–Run for your life!

Colossians 1:16-18 tells us:

16 “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities– all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.…”
New English Translation (NET)

The verses cited above are so very, very true and are demonstrated by the lessons we glean from the ancient City of Refuge provision instituted at God’s command.

The following text from The Jewish Encyclopedia offers insight into the avenger of blood and who among the family served this role when needed: (Note: The name of the Divine One is shown accurately as the tetragrammaton was written-HWHY. For the purposes of languages that are read from left to right, such as English, the letters would appear as YHWH)

THE AVENGER OF BLOOD (Hebrew go’el)

1906 The Jewish Encyclopedia

(Hebrew “go’el”): The Hebrew name for the clansman, “next of kin,” upon whom devolved the duties: (1) of avenging, on the person of the murderer, the blood of a murdered kinsman—in this capacity the more specific term “go’el ha-dam” (blood-avenger) was generally used—and (2) of redeeming the property or the person of a relative that had fallen into debt.

Among Primitive Peoples

(1) Among primitive people of low political development—such as the ancient Greeks, Germans, and Slavs, some North American tribes, the modern Sicilians, Corsicans, and Arabs—the clan or family had to assume the right to protect itself. One of the most important clan duties then was plainly for the nearest of kin to hunt down and carry out the death-penalty on a person that had slain a member of the sept or family. That this idea of family retribution—which even today is by no means extinct in some comparatively civilized communities—was also current among the ancient Hebrews may be seen from Gen. xxvii. 45, where the existence of the custom is clearly taken for granted. It appears, furthermore, from Josh. vii. 24, and II Kings ix. 26, that, in the most primitive period, such a vendetta was extended to the entire family of the murderer, as is still the custom among the desert Bedouins. The Hebrew religious justification for the system of family blood-revenge was undoubtedly the firm belief that God, in order to insure the sacredness of human life, had Himself fixed the death penalty for murder (Gen. ix. 5 et seq.; Lev. xxiv. 17). In the earliest times blood-money was not accepted either for murder or for excusable homicide. Such a payment would have made the land “polluted by blood” (Num. xxxv. 31 et seq.). Unavenged blood “cried out” for vengeance to God (Gen. iv. 10; Isa. xxvi. 21; Ezek. xxiv. 7 et seq.; Job xvi. 18). The Avenger of Blood, then, was regarded as the representative, not only of the murdered man’s family, but of HWHY Himself, who was the highest avenger (Ps. ix. 13 [A. V. 12]).

The Family Executioner

In a case in which the verdict against the slayer was one of willful murder, the murderer incurred the blood-revenge without any restrictions. If he were already in a city of refuge, the elders of his own city were obliged to fetch him thence by force if necessary, and to deliver him formally to the Avenger of Blood, who thus became little more than a family executioner (Deut. xix. 11 et seq.).

Two very important restrictions should here be noticed: (a) Although the entire family or gens to which the murdered man belonged were theoretically entitled to demand the blood-revenge (II Sam. xiv. 7), still, in the practise of later times, only one member—for example, the next of kin, who was also legal heir—might assume the duty of carrying it out. According to the later Jewish tradition, when there was no heir, the court had the right to assume the position of the “go’el.” (b) The law expressly states that the blood-revenge was applicable only to the person of the guilty man and not to the members of his family as well (Deut. xxiv. 16; compare II Kings xiv. 6). This is a most significant advance on the primitive savage custom that involved two gentes in a ceaseless feud. Anent this advance, it is interesting to note that, in the time of the kings, the king himself, as the highest judicial authority, was entitled to control the course of the blood-revenge (II Sam. xiv. 8 et seq.).

Redeemer of His Kinsmen

(2) As indicated above, the term “go’el” had also a secondary meaning. From the idea of one carrying out the sentence of justice in the case of blood-shed, the word came to denote the kinsman whose duty it was to redeem the property and person of a relative who, having fallen into debt, was compelled to sell either his land or himself as a slave to satisfy his creditors (compare Lev. xxv. 25, 47-49). It would appear from Jer. xxxii. 8-12 that the “go’el” had the right to the refusal of such property before it was put up for public sale, and also the right to redeem it after it had been sold (see Ruth).

From the Book of Ruth (iv. 5) it would appear that the duty of the nearest of kin to marry the widow of his relative in case of the latter’s dying without issue was included in the obligations resting upon the “go’el”; but inasmuch as the term is not used in the passage in Deut. (xxv. 8-10) in which this institution is referred to—the obligation resting upon the brother to marry his deceased brother’s widow—the testimony of so late a production as Ruth cannot be pressed. The usage in the book may not be legally accurate.

From this idea of the human “go’el” as a redeemer of his kinsmen in their troubles, there are to be found many allusions to HWHY as the Divine Go’el, redeeming His people from their woes (compare Ex. vi. 6, xv. 13; Ps. lxxiv. 2), and of the people themselves becoming the “redeemed” ones of HWHY (Ps. cvii. 2; Isa. lxii. 12). The reference to God as the “go’el” and as the one who would “redeem” His people was applicable to the relationship between HWHY and Israel in the exilic period, when the people actually looked to their God to restore their land for them, as the impoverished individual looked to his kinsman to secure a restoration of his patrimony.

Hence, of thirty-three passages in which “go’el” (as a noun or verb) is applied to God, nineteen occur in the exilic (and post-exilic) sections of Isaiah—the preacher par excellence of “restoration”—for example, in xlviii. 20, xlix. 26, lii. 9, lxii. 12, etc. See Asylum; Cities of Refuge; Job; Murder.

Bibliography:
A. H. Post, Studien zur Entwicklungsgeschichte des Familienrechts, 1890, pp. 113-137;
W. R. Smith, Kinship and Marriage in Early Arabia, pp. 22 et seq., 38, 47, 52 et seq.;
idem, Religion of the Semites, 2d ed., pp. 32 et seq., 272 et seq., 420;
Nowack, Lehrbuch der Hebr. Archäologie, i., ch. ii., 1894;
Kohler, Zur Lehre von dèr Blutrache, 1885;
Bissell, The Law of Asylum in Israel, 1884;
Jastrow, Avenger, Kinsman, and Redeemer in the O. T., in The Independent, Aug. 27, 1896;
Benzinger, Hebräische Archäologie, p. 335.

end of comments

Jesus Christ as the Avenger of Blood

When the angel now known as the Devil and Satan rebelled against Almighty God and then proceeded to induce the first human couple into sinning against Jehovah God, he became a murderer. His actions were the result of no accident; they were intentional. Satan knew what Law God had given to Adam and Eve and what the result of disobedience would be. The question he posed to Eve is proof of that.

Scripture tells us in John 8:44:

“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” (KJV)

There was no refuge available to him any more than there was for the intentional man-slayer. Therefore, Jehovah God called upon the “next of kin” to perform the duties of the family executioner. Jesus is God’s only begotten son and the “firstborn of all creation”. So it is only fitting that he serve in this role. According to the Jewish Encyclopedia, the avenger of blood was in most cases the legal heir. This facet also applies aptly to Jesus Christ.

There are many Scriptures that portray God’s only begotten son as His appointed Avenger of Blood.

Below, we read from the Book of Revelation that the Great Justice, Jehovah God has judged what is described as the “great prostitute”, “Babylon the Great”, and “that woman Jezebel” for the spilling of the innocent blood of His servants.

Revelation 19:2

“For his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”

2 Kings 9:7

“And you shall strike down the house of Ahab your master, so that I may avenge on Jezebel (see Revelation 2:20) the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the Lord.”

Revelation 6:10

“They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”

Revelation 18:21-24

21 And a strong angel lifted up a stone like a great millstone and hurled it into the sea, saying: “Thus with a swift pitch will Babylon the great city be hurled down, and she will never be found again. 22 And the sound of singers who accompany themselves on the harp and of musicians and of flutist and of trumpeters will never be heard in you again, and no craftsman of any trade will ever be found in you again, and no sound of a millstone will ever be heard in you again, 23 and no light of a lamp will ever shine in you again, and no voice of a bridegroom and of a bride will ever be heard in you again; because your traveling merchants were the top-ranking men of the earth, for by your spiritistic practice all the nations were misled. 24 Yes, in her was found the blood of prophets and of holy ones and of all those who have been slaughtered on the earth.” (NWT)

Psalm 9:12

“For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.”

We see from the Scriptures above that Jehovah God has throughout human history called for an accounting from those shedding innocent blood and that prophecy reveals He will call for an accounting in these “last days”.

Redeemer of Mankind

The Apostle Paul’s words in his letter to the congregations in Ephesus, speak to Christ Jesus’ role as “Redeemer” of all humans.

Ephesians 1:6-7

6 “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”
King James Version (KJV)

Once again we see the pattern God set long ago.

Identifying the City of Refuge

There are many that believe that the modern-day City of Refuge is found in application to human religious organizations. Is that accurate? Well, if we ponder on the specific duties performed in the ancient cities of refuge, we will have to admit that this conclusion could not be correct.

The Court of elders in these cities sat in judgement. They deliberated over the evidence in each particular case to come to a decision as to an individual’s guilt or innocence. They presided over a matter concerning life and death. That authority rest in the Heavenly Supreme Court and a Heavenly Judge has been appointed to this responsibility. Note what 2 Corinthians 5:10 states very clearly:

10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (NIV)

Now, we should really be able to appreciate the words of the Apostle Paul at Colossians 1:16-18:

16 “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” (NKJV)

Seek Refuge in Christ While There is Still Time

It should be clear that Jesus Christ himself is the City of Refuge. He is the Way or Road to refuge and salvation. Lord Jesus is Almighty God’s next of kin, rightful heir, and so justly is the pursuing AAvenger of Blood.

Let us take up our responsibility before Jehovah God and His son Lord Christ Jesus as citizens of the Christian Nation. Let us clear the path from the obstacles that the Devil and his minions have set as stumbling block by preaching the pure Gospel of the good news. Let us shout a warning to all seeker of salvation and point them in the only direction that they can find any salvation; to only Savior and Lord Christ Jesus.

If we do not, they will be caught by the Avenger outside the City of Refuge in these Final Days and face eternal destruction.

Back to top
hteousness2.jpg?w=300″ alt=”seekGodsrighteousness2″ width=”300″ height=”285″ />

Back to top

Who really is the faithful and wise steward?

Who Really Is the Faithful and Wise Servant?” Matthew 24:45

Thus far only the Lord Jesus Christ has been rewarded by God for proving himself as a wise and faithful servant.

Undoubtedly there have been those who, during their lifetimes, have likewise proven faithful. But they lay in death waiting to be rewarded. Christ is the only one who has measured up to the required standard so far. He was judged and approved by his Father upon his resurrection.

When Jesus made the statement recorded at Matthew 24:45, was he speaking of himself and his example?

It seems reasonable to conclude so because it was only Christ whom God appointed over “ALL” of His belongings.

His brothers who would be called to follow the path he set would also have to prove themselves dedicated, competent, and completely faithful.

What is required of a faithful house servant of God?

This servant or ‘steward’ can only be approved (confirmed) after being both trained in priestly service and then thoroughly tested. Jesus has said approval will occur when he returns.

While it is possible to be born in a priestly lineage, one cannot be born a ‘priest’ of God.

To become a priest, a man would have been subjected to thorough instruction and rigorous training by the High Priest.

He must learn and understand the purpose and function of the priesthood, the duties of a priest, and how to carry them out precisely according to directives given by the High Priest.

All Temple priest underwent such training when God established the priesthood in ancient Israel. That Temple arrangement is but a pattern of the one in Heaven. Hebrews 8:25

That all cannot happen in a short period of time. It takes many years of growth and development; development especially of character. It takes many years for a human to become disciplined to strictly adhere to what is required and not be self-willed or arbitrary.

During their training, there is ongoing testing to identify strengths as well as areas in which that priest in training needs to exert more effort.

God does not test with evil. But He did permit Jesus to be exposed to the devil’s test. So too for those who follow.

That is how they are proven “faithful and true” as Jesus was declared at the end of his earthly life.

Since a priest can be called on at any time to perform any of the services in the house, he must be acquainted with all the duties and all of their requirements.

As you consider the question Jesus’ question quoted at Matthew 24, imagine working in a large mansion with many floors, each floor with many rooms.

Ask yourself, to the master of this house who among his servants would be of greatest value in service to him?

It would be the servant who has become the most familiar with the house. The one who knew what should be and what should not be present in the house, exactly where is was located, the various task, and how the various systems function. The most valued house servant is the one most versatile and useful to his master.

Clearly the servant who began his service at the lowest level perhaps even sweeping the basement floor and then over time successively moving up floor by floor while taking on more responsibilities would be of most value.

This servant would have obtained a comprehensive, thorough knowledge and would be more versatile and useful to his master. This one shows proof that they have lent themselves to the masters training and preparation program. They will have also exhibited due diligence and reliability….that they can be trusted.

This servant would have obtained a comprehensive, thorough knowledge and would be more versatile and useful to his master.

No one wants a leader who has never done the job! This kind of leader speaks about what he does not know by experience. Granted, there are many of such so-called leaders in this world. They are not leaders; they are mere taskmasters pushing someone else to do labor.

This is not the example Christ set. There are no such positions in Heaven.

Everyone works in Heaven because our Father and our Lord are workers who continue to keep working and the rest of the House follows their example.

Shaking someone else like a tree and then gathering their fruit is not an offering of your own. We must bear fruit of our own and bring it forth as an offering. We must produce.

Even Christ was not a ‘born’ leader. His father felt it good that He should groom and prepare him to be the Leader of all creation. His role as High Priest is the most critical to the house of God.

High Priest is the Chief Steward of God’s House.

Jesus stressed, “He, who would be greatest in the house of God, would least”, or would be ‘lessor’ before. Luke 9:46-49

At the time of Passover just hours before he was crucified, the Bible states, “He then took a towel, wrapped it around his waist and took a lowly position washing his disciple’s feet”, here setting an example of what he meant. John 13:3-8

Jesus Christ is God’s only approved ‘Faithful and Wise Servant’ who has been consecrated up to this moment and as Head of House he has set this example for any who will to be approved in His Order

He came from the highest possible station under God of his own free will to assume a role in the lowest order of intelligent beings…human and die.

It was a dirty task in the worst of conditions and there was no possibility of coming home alive.

He humbled himself in honor of his father willingly.

His ‘house servants’ that follow must show the same love for God and His house. Jesus said, “If you want to be my disciple, you must disown yourself and pick up your cross and follow me. Remember, that that earthly journey ended at Calvary in death.

As Jesus was fulfilling his earthly ministry, he was attentive as well as patient and did not deviate from faithfully following the course God mapped out for him to follow.

He withstood torment from the devil himself and yet he maintained his integrity even to death. His servants also have been being tested by the devil who attempts to break their integrity and they as well may have to die doing so.

It was only after Jesus had completed his earthly ministry and after he had been resurrected that he received the full value of the stewardship God entrusted upon him.

While it is true that he has been blessed with God’s holy spirit from his begetting and he was again at his water baptism. Yet he had to go through a training and confirmation process created and arranged God.

Who really is the “faithful steward” to whom God as entrusted ALL of his belongings?

That is Jesus Christ, for whom God made ALL things as a gift of inheritance and has given him authority over ALL things.

No one lesser than Christ has been given all-encompassing authority over Creation (all of God’s possessions).

The priestly under class of priest who will serve Christ in Heaven will have had to meet the same requirements, be thoroughly tested out over his or her lifetime, and await until after his death on Earth for confirmation as occurred with Jesus our High Priest.

Proof of God’s Existence

The levels of required proof

Proof

Romans 1:20-21 King James Version (KJV)

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Most Bible studiers are very familiar with the words of Scriptural text above. We often observe natural creation around us and clearly see evidence that is all must have had a Maker, a Creator. We see an order that simply could not have arisen of or by itself. That is what the verses quoted above are in essence saying.

Proof of that designed order can be seen at even a deeper level of physical existence. This article will reveal that pattern of order in a way that until recent times could not be fully appreciated.

The two objects to be considered could not be compared until modern technology allowed them to be. And yet, there is a third proof to be added to these two.

From The Macro To The Micro

Above is a pictorial illustration recognizable to be the known pattern of order of the “solar system of planets that the Earth is embedded in.

It has some key distinct features that are also recognizable.

We know that at its center lies the Sun. We know that each planet has a fixed orbit that has been thus far continuous. That each orbit has but one planetary body in it.

As illustrated below, these planetary bodies have sub-planetary bodies that act in conjunction with the planets by orbiting around them.

And a closer looks reveals other physical phenomena; comets, asteroids, and gas clouds that are interwoven into the solar system of planets that act in harmony with its workings and preservation.

It is hard to believe that all of this order came from a chaotic, uncontrolled diffusion of matter.

`Order` is a controlled `Effect` that has to have a controlling Causation. Stated simply, `Order`begets `Order`.

Stated simply, `Order`begets `Order`.

There had to be a PRIME MOVER

Those who believe in an uncontrolled ‘big bang’ creation are left to answer, “What or Whom was the prime mover?”. The concept of ‘Order‘ resulting from ‘Random Choas‘ is foreign to real science.

The Solar System is the first “object” of our comparison. And now the second.

Bohr model of the atomic structure at top and bottom. Rutherford model, center

At the left, is what is known as the bohr model of the atom (Rutherford model also shown). As with the Solar System of the Sun, it too has some key distinct features that are also recognizable.

First, the nucleus exactly like the Sun is the center mass that the electrons orbit in distinct valence bands. Two planets cannot share the same orbit around the Sun and the same is true of electrons as they orbit the single nucleus.

With the invention of powerful ‘Super Colliders’ like the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) near Geneva, Switzerland (below), gives humans the capability to examine the atom and atomic behavior at an incredible level. Research has revealed much more activity than has been presumed. Atoms are made not only of electrons, protons, and neutrons; but, they are also made of other smaller particles that act in conjunction with or upon the larger ones.

The Solar System and the atomic structure compare in ways that could not be the result of a coincidence. One from our vantage point is huge and the other is infinitesimally small. Yet they are the same basic pattern in design.

While explorers have located celestial bodies orbiting other celestial bodies in other regions of the universe, nothing like the highly complex solar system of the Sun has been found. In that regard, it remains totally unique.

This certainly does not fit with what is known about the ‘random drift’ or ‘splay’ of general uncontrolled diffussion. If you were to spray water from your water spray bottle forever, you would not see this phenomena.

There is no rational explanation other than these creations are the result of intelligent creation by a PRIME MOVER.
The Prime Mover who created all things is the One and Only, Almighty God.

And a third proof of fixed order in the universe rather than chaotic diffusion of matter is the fix order of the constellations.

If the universe is the result of some unprovoked mass ejection of matter in a great uncontrolled path of diffusion, then what explains the fact that the constellations, although complex in order, maintain that established order without flying away from one another in varying directions (non pattern-splay)?

Once again, this does not agree with what is known about the behavior of diffusion from a mass uncontrolled ejection of matter into space.

What controls them and what causes them to be bound together?

The Holy Bible points to the only reasonable answer to these questions in Job 38:31-33.:

Job 38:31-32 Good News Translation (GNT);

31 Can you tie the Pleiades together
or loosen the bonds that hold Orion?

32 Can you guide the stars season by season
and direct the Big and the Little Dipper?

33 Do you know the laws that govern the skies,
and can you make them apply to the earth?

Another thing translation expresses it this way:

Job 38:31-32 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

31 Can you fasten the chains of the Pleiades
or loosen the belt of Orion?

32 Can you bring out the constellations[a] in their season
and lead the Bear[b] and her cubs?

33 Do you know the laws of heaven?
Can you impose its authority on earth?

These are the words of the Creator Himself, as He reasons with His servant Job. In fact the entire chapter is Almighty God pointing to proof that there must be a Prime Controller and a Prime Mover of all things. And that is He.

Much of humankind has stubbornly rejected the clear proof of God’s existence for the very reasons stated in the Book of Romans in chapter 1 and verses 21 and 22.

Romans 1:21-22 Good News Translation (GNT)

21 They know God, but they do not give him the honor that belongs to him, nor do they thank him. Instead, their thoughts have become complete nonsense, and their empty minds are filled with darkness.

They say they are wise, but they are fools; (GNT)

The similarity between the pattern of the construction of our solar system and that of the tiny atom, as well as the fixed, unchanging order of the constellations gives ample testimony to the existence of God.

Give Him the honor and praise He deserves.

PART TWO

I was taught in public school in 1960 that the solar system is an atomic structure and why.

I was shown diagrams of the solar system and the Bohr model of basic atomic structure side by side as I show in the article ‘Proof’ in an illustration. I was shown diagrams of the solar system and the Bohr model of basic atomic structure side by side as I show in the article ‘Proof’ in an illustration.

Since that time, teaching this truth has disappeared from curriculums and isn’t mentioned anywhere.

It is to cover up flaws in a big bang accidental universe. It cannot explain this order as a result of random diffusion.
The big bang was the only explanation they could think of to explain how the cosmic material got dispersed. But explosion collapse eventually. Evidence indicates the opposite is happening to the universe.

Basic physics never entered their minds.

What does physics 101 teach?

“A ball a rest when put in motion”…This is the beginning to understand the concept of how potential energy gets transformed or converted into kinetic energy.

That happens if the ball at rest is set in motion down a potential gradient slope. It falls some distance or height or potential drop.

So, instead of the initial mass at rest exploding, it was send down such a gradient carving it’s own path due to it’s enormous mass and momentum. Imagine a bullet being fired into a wall; a channel is made from motion and mass.

As it traveled down the slope, the friction caused from resistance to it’s forward momentum created a tremendously super-heated plasma cone that separated nuclear bonds and dispersed materials from the mass into it’s wake..the materials that make the physical universe. We are actually following the ball in what it is leaving behind as it continues it’s path forward.

This model explains why the cosmos shows signs of growth the not collapse. It is because the process is ongoing and has no reason to collapse.

The creation was orderly and it produced order. That’s why we behold order.

The big bang was all they could think of. They had a confirmation bias that excluded a truly objective search for truth. Things that disprove it are squelched and covered up.

The ‘Firmament’ and ‘Space’

Hebrew concept of the firmament above creation

Firmament is a descriptive word of Hebrew origin.

The Hebrew word for this is raqia (pronounced ra-KEE-ah). Biblical scholars understand the raqia to be a solid dome-like structure.

The Big Bang theory offers no explanation for how the space was created for an explosion to occur. How was the space produced and what is it contained within? According to the big bang approach, there is endless open space out there.

But remember, before anything occured the great mass sat at rest. It must have rested on a platform of greater strength of material in order for its weight to rest upon it. Therefore, not all is empty space. There must be a firmament above.

Examining a natural physics approach, the initial mass set in motion down a gradient would create a firmament, a substrate in a semi-softer material (similar to carbon or graphite but extremely densely dark matter) and leave substantial residual dust and debris from the carving.

That dust and debris are both heavy and they effect the disposition and placement of materials along the slope.

As it falls it creates a cascading carpet effect with internal eddies, vortexes, and depressions creating an internal ‘ripple’ effect down slope.

Motion is the ‘start up’ to energy conversion as physics 101 teaches us. And yet, it never entered the minds of scientist to put ‘motion’ into their calculus. Perhaps because ‘initial motion’ necessitates a ‘Prime Mover’ or Master Controller.

Albert Einstein’s theory regarding a “time/space continuum in operation in the universe involves a constant, (k) which is equal to ‘the angle of some fixed slope’.

Fluid dynamics play a key role in the perpetual motion of the cosmos making a time/space continuum possible.

The cascading residual dust plus the angle of slope are key how the universe is laid out like a carpet and provides a stream and direction for “time/space” to flow. It is the same principle of a stream water running continuously down a mountain side.

The Big Bang theory offers no fixed slope for a time/space continuum to exist. The explosion would propel materials in all possible directions. There would be no fixed slope and yet their diagrams mysteriously create one. Also an explosion will separate physical structures but will not separate atomic bonds or structures.

The Big Bang theory offers no fixed slope for a time/space continuum to exist. The explosion would propel materials in all possible directions. There would be no fixed slope and yet their diagrams mysteriously create one. Also an explosion will separate physical structures but will not separate atomic bonds or structures.

Back to top

The following is a brief article that explains the origin of the cross/crown symbol. It is not a consideration of the ‘cross’ nor of ‘crowns’; but of this particular symbol depicting a gold prince’s crown hung over a cross (red in particular)

Many have quickly embraced these symbols only seeing a cross and a crown and assumed that these must be in honor of Christ. Many who desire to be identified as Christian disciples use these symbols as depicted in the illustration as a cover photo on their Facebook pages without fully knowing their origin.

MASONIC AND EASTERN STAR SYMBOLS by Ray Denslow

One Masonic symbol that appears to be Christian is the cross and the crown emblem. However, this is not the case.

Masonic author, Ray Denslow, reveals:

KNIGHTS TEMPLAR

“The Cross and Crown may be said to be confined almost exclusively to the historical degrees in Masonry as exemplified in the various orders of knighthood of York and Scottish rites. In Gaul we find the cross to have been a solar symbol when it had equal arms and angles; to the Phoenicians it was an instrument of sacrifice to their God, Baal; and to the Egyptians, the crux ansata was his symbol of eternal life.”’

In The Masonic Report we find more about this emblem:

“Question: What does Masonry’s emblem of the ’Cross and Crown’ actually symbolize?

“Answer: The ’Cross’ of Freemasonry is a philosophic- al cross, according to Albert Pike, ’Morals and Dogma,’ p. 771. It is philosophical in the sense that it represents the generating fecundating principle by the perpendicular shaft, and the matrix or womb of nature, the female producing principle. by the horizontal shaft. The philosophy of the Masonic cross is totally phallic.

“The ’Crown’ of this Masonic emblems is also phallic, it being the first emanation of the Cabalistic Sephiroth….”

A former Mason also explains:

“The other York Rite jewelry you may see is the Templar symbol….It is a large Maltese cross with a circle in the center. Inside the circle is a red Latin cross within a crown. Around the arms of the cross is the Commandery motto, ’In Hoc Signo Vinces.’ (In this sign, conquer!)

“Although this may seem harmless enough, the motto is originally attributed to the emperor Constantine, who used it in conjunction with a supposedly heavenly vision to begin the subversion and politicization of Biblical Christianity into the false, apostate Alexandrian cult….

“A similar shell game is played with the word ’sign.’… The sign Constantine referred to was NOT a Christian cross, but a kind of ’X’ which had both Christian and pagan associations. In modern magic, it is the sign of the slain and risen Egyptian god, Osiris (another version of the ’slain and risen’ Hiram Abif).

Again Masonry has downgraded Jesus and replaced Him with its own ‘christ’.”

Two other groups (both with Masonic connections) use the cross and crown. Charles Taze Russell was a Mason who started the Jehovah Witnesses. He used the red cross and other distinctive features of the Knights Templar logo.’”

He also used the Masonic symbol of the winged sun-disk with snakes and he is ”buried near a pyramid with masonic symbols on its capstone.”

The other group that uses the cross and crown emblem is Christian Science. This group was founded by Mary Baker Eddy in Massachusetts but Mason Henry Steele Olcott, who was co- founder of the Theosophical Society with Helena Petrovna Blavatsky,’” was an associate of Mary Baker Eddy.’”

Some Eddy Brothers held seances and it was at these seances that Blavatsky met Col. Henry Steele Olcott.’” Mary Baker Eddy herself had married a Mason and this was the only secret society which she allowed other Christian Science members to join.’” She even had some of her material published in the Freemason’s Monthly Magazine.  Several people connected with Christian Science such as directors and board members and a number of the editors of The Christian Science Monitor were Masons.’” Even the presidents of the Mother Church in 1922-23 and 1923-24 were Masons.’”

Reference:

http://www.despatch.cth.com.au/Misc/LahayMasonic.htm

Jesus forwarned:

“False messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” Matthew 24:24

As was stated previously, some have used this symbol unwittingly while others have deliberately introduced this symbol in order to subvert and politicize Biblical Christianity into the false, apostate worship.

Back to top

Have you noticed that many who have claimed that they are disciples of Christ and Christian messengers never even mention Jesus Christ let alone bear witness concerning him? Such absence is telltale and indicative that something is wrong.

Jesus himself counseled:

“You will tell a tree by the fruit it bears.”

If the “tree” is devoid of fruit should tell you something as well.

Some of these even claim to be part of the bride class and yet never mention the bridegroom.

They teach only about the older prophets prior to Christ and skip the Christ himself and what he said ; the one whom they claim they serve and belong to eternally.

Why?

Jesus gave this command before departing the Earth:

“Go therefore and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit teaching them ALL OF THE THINGS I HAVE COMMANDED YOU…” Matthew 28.

How can one meet this basic command without mentioning Jesus or mentioning what he himself said?

Did he command, “Go therefore and make disciples of Elijah or Isaiah or Daniel teaching them what these prior prophets said”? No. And while teaching what these prior prophets of God said is a very good thing, it cannot substitute for bearing witness to Jesus Christ.

These are aiding in suppressing and hiding the name and the teachings of Jesus Christ, which pleases his enemies and not him.

Back to top