The Messiah's Birth Foretold 700 Years Prior

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

- Isaiah 9:6-7

The Account of the Messiah

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about : His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

- Matthew 1:18-25

Mary Sings Praise to GOD

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me---holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

- Luke 1:46b-55

Parallel to Psalm 98

MAP of LIFE Celebrates 10 Years!

The MAP of LIFE: The Bible blog celebrates 10 years this month! I've learned a lot and I hope those who visited have as well. "All Scripture is GOD-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16.
Here is the link to the first passage of this blog.

May GOD bless you!

Perseverance - Book of James Series

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

- James 1:2-3 & 12

Every Good and Perfect Gift - Book of James Series

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
- James 1:17-18

Anger - Book of James Series

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
- James 1:19-20

The Word in Action - Book of James Series

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
- James 1:22-24

Pure Religion - Book of James Series

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
- James 1:26-27

Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment - Book of James Series

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
- James 2:12-13

Faith Without Action Is Dead - Book of James Series

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
- James 2:14-17

Careful Words - Book of James Series

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
- James 3:3-10

Two Types of Wisdom - Book of James Series

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
- James 3:13-18

Humility, and Tomorrow - Book of James Series

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them.

- James 4:10, 13-17

Patience - Book of James Series

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. Don't grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
- James 5:7-9

Power of Prayer - Book of James Series

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
- James 5:13-16

The Beginning of Wisdom - Wisdom Series

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. - Proverbs 1:7

Wisdom Cries Out! - Wisdom Series

Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech ...
- Proverbs 1:20-21

Understanding the Fear of GOD - Wisdom Series

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding --indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
- Proverbs 2:1-5

Trust in the LORD - Wisdom Series

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
- Proverbs 3:5-6

More Profitable Than Silver and Gold - Wisdom Series

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.
– Proverbs 3:13-14

Tree of Life - Wisdom Series

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.
- Proverbs 3:13-14, 18

Foundation of the Universe - Wisdom Series

By wisdom the Lord laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.
- Proverbs 3:19-20

Foundation for Life - Wisdom Series

Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
- Proverbs 4:5-6

Light and Dark - Wisdom Series

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.
- Proverbs 4:18-19

Forsaking All Others - Wisdom Series

Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well. Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares? Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers. May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer---may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.
- Proverbs 5:15-19

A Message to the Lazy - Wisdom Series

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest -- and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.
- Proverbs 6:6-11

Wisdom Versus the Adulterous Woman - Wisdom Series

My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and to insight, “You are my relative.” They will keep you from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words. 

Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.
- Proverbs 7:1-5, 24-27

The Call of Understanding - Wisdom Series

Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? 

“Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.”
- Proverbs 8:1, 32-36

The Mocker and the Wise - Wisdom Series

Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
- Proverbs 9:7-9

The Beginning of Wisdom - Wisdom Series

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.
- Proverbs 9:10-12

Integrity - Wisdom Series

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
- Proverbs 10:9

Hate and Love - Wisdom Series

Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.
- Proverbs 10:12

The Fear of the Lord - Wisdom Series

The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
- Proverbs 10:27

Misplaced Hope - Wisdom Series

Hopes placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of their power comes to nothing. 
Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed.
- Proverbs 11:7, 11

Trustworthy - Wisdom Series

A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.
- Proverbs 11:13

A Wife of Noble Character - Wisdom Series

A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.
- Proverbs 12:4

Genuine - Wisdom Series

Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food.
- Proverbs 12:9

Overlook an Insult - Wisdom Series

Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.
- Proverbs 12:16

Sincerity - Wisdom Series

One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
- Proverbs 13:7

Walk Upright - Wisdom Series

Whoever fears the Lord walks uprightly, but those who despise him are devious in their ways.
- Proverbs 14:2

Avoid Being Hot-headed - Wisdom Series

The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hot-headed and yet feels secure.
- Proverbs 14:16

Do Not Despise Your Neighbor - Wisdom Series

It is a sin to despise one's neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.
- Proverbs 14:21

The Omnipresent GOD - Wisdom Series

The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
- Proverbs 15:3

The Attention of GOD - Wisdom Series

The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
- Proverbs 15:29

Good News - Wisdom Series

Light in a messenger's eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
- Proverbs 15:30

Plans - Wisdom Series

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
- Proverbs 16:3

Pride - Wisdom Series

The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
- Proverbs 16:5

Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit - Wisdom Series

Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.
- Proverbs 16:19

Consider the Source - Wisdom Series

Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.
- Proverbs 16:20

Avoid a Quarrel - Wisdom Series

Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
- Proverbs 17:14

Knowledge and Understanding - Wisdom Series

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.
- Proverbs 17:27

Seek Understanding - Wisdom Series

Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.
- Proverbs 18:2

Be a Good Listener - Wisdom Series

To answer before listening -- that is folly and shame.
- Proverbs 18:13

A Crushed Spirit - Wisdom Series

The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?
- Proverbs 18:14

Regarding Lawsuits - Wisdom Series

In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.
- Proverbs 18:17

Friends - Wisdom Series

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
- Proverbs 18:24

Wisdom Yields Patience - Wisdom Series

A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense.
- Proverbs 19:11

A Prudent Wife - Wisdom Series

Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.
- Proverbs 19:14

A Corrupt Witness - Wisdom Series

A corrupt witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.
- Proverbs 19:28

Be Cautious of Alcohol - Wisdom Series

Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
- Proverbs 20:1

Avoid Strife - Wisdom Series

It is to one's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
- Proverbs 20:3

Unfailing Love - Wisdom Series

Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?
- Proverbs 20:6

The Lord Weighs the Heart - Wisdom Series

A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.
- Proverbs 21:2

Avoid Nagging - Wisdom Series

Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.
- Proverbs 21:19

Conversation Filter - Wisdom Series

Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.
- Proverbs 21:23

A Good Name - Wisdom Series

A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.
- Proverbs 22:1-2

Knowledge and the Unfaithful - Wisdom Series

The eyes of the Lord keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful.
- Proverbs 22:12

Avoid the Adulterous Woman - Wisdom Series

The mouth of an adulterous woman is a deep pit; a man who is under the Lord's wrath falls into it.
- Proverbs 24:14

Avoid the Hot-Tempered - Wisdom Series

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.
- Proverbs 22:24-25

Riches and Cleverness - Wisdom Series

Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.
- Proverbs 23:4-5

Discipline Your Child - Wisdom Series

Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish them with the rod, they will not die. Punish them with the rod and save them from death.
- Proverbs 23:13-14

Right Focus - Wisdom Series

Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
- Proverbs 23:17-18

Wisdom is Sweet - Wisdom Series

Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste. Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
- Proverbs 24:13-14

Right Attitude Toward an Enemy - Wisdom Series

Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them.
- Proverbs 24:17-18

Do Not Fret - Wisdom Series

Do not fret because of evildoers or be envious of the wicked, for the evildoer has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.
- Proverbs 24:19-20

To the Nations - Wisdom Series

Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel; remove wicked officials from the king's presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness.
- Proverbs 25:4-5

Contrary Thought Regarding Your Enemy - Wisdom Series

If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.  In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
- Proverbs 25:21-22

The Opposite of Respect - Wisdom Series

Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.
- Proverbs 25:24

Practical Jokes - Wisdom Series

Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death is one who deceives their neighbor and says, “I was only joking!”
- Proverbs 26:18-19

Keep It Humble - Wisdom Series

Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.
- Proverbs 27:2

A Quarrelsome Wife - Wisdom Series

A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm; restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand.
- Proverbs 27:15-16

Quality Character - Wisdom Series

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17

Reflections of the Heart - Wisdom Series

As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart. Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are human eyes.
Proverbs 27:19-20

To a Head of State - Wisdom Series

When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.
Proverbs 28:2

Blameless is Better - Wisdom Series

Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.
- Proverbs 28:6

Importance of GOD's Instruction - Wisdom Series

If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.
Proverbs 28:9

To the Powers that Be - Wisdom Series

When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.
Proverbs 28:12

To the Rulers - Wisdom Series

A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.
- Proverbs 28:16

No Prejudice - Wisdom Series

To show partiality is not good---yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.
Proverbs 28:21

Courage in Friendship - Wisdom Series

Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.
Proverbs 28:23

Position and the People - Wisdom Series

When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.
- Proverbs 28:28

Governments - Wisdom Series

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.
Proverbs 29:2

Keep Calm - Wisdom Series

Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
- Proverbs 29:11

Discipline Children - Wisdom Series

A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother. ... Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.
Proverbs 29:15, 17

Speaking With Patience - Wisdom Series

Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.
-Proverbs 29:20

The Lowly in Spirit - Wisdom Series

Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.
- Proverbs 29:23

In GOD We Trust - Wisdom Series

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
- Proverbs 29:25

Every Word of GOD - Wisdom Series

Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.
- Proverbs 30:5-6

Two Things I Ask - Wisdom Series

Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, "Who is the Lord?" Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
- Proverbs 30:7-9

A Proverb About Justice - Wisdom Series

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
- Proverbs 31:8-9

A Woman to Be Praised - Wisdom Series

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
- Proverbs 31:30

"Trust No One" or "Test All Things"

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
- 1 John 4:1

Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good,  reject every kind of evil.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22

But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them---bringing swift destruction on themselves.
- 2 Peter 2:1

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
- James 3:1

Omniscient GOD

 In light of Genesis 6 when God regrets creating mankind and Genesis 18 where Abraham prays and his pleading "changes God's mind", and other similar stories in the Bible, it's important to balance them with:

As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.
-- Psalm 18:30

Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.
-- Psalm 147:5

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
-- Isaiah 40:28

Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, "My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please."
-- Isaiah 46:9-10

If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.
-- I John 3:20

(Italics added.)

I believe GOD provides us a method of communication, as seen in Genesis 6 and 18, so as to relate to us. GOD doesn't make mistakes, or fail, nor do we "change His mind."  Like a good parent who relates to their child on the child's level, GOD relates to us; yet there is still mystery as to GOD's nature (Isaiah 55:8-9). Praying in His name is praying in "His nature", as Oswald Chambers states. It's in His nature to have a relationship with us; and one way He accomplishes that is by interacting with us in a way we can understand.
GOD is not Superman with one weakness. The aforementioned scripture referenced in Psalms, Isaiah and I John support that GOD is ALL-knowing, ALL-powerful, He is the Almighty GOD! He is the great I AM.

Meet Adam and Eve

Adam and Eve. Myth, or actual and historical? I believe in the former. 

So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. -- 1 Corinthians 15:45

For Adam was formed first, then Eve. -- 1 Timothy 2:13

The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven. -- 1 Corinthians 15:47

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.
For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.
-- Romans 5:12, 17 and 18

Commentary

In the original Hebrew (see Genesis 1-2), Adam means "man, human being or mankind" which references the individual; and Adamah references the ground, the earth, from which originates the individual -- the man. The Book of Corinthians calls Adam the first man -- "a living being" -- actual and singular. The Book of Timothy also supports that Adam was first -- "formed first"; Eve was formed second.

Genesis 12-50 are considered to be written with historical language, unlike chapters 1-11. Although God used the hand of Moses to write this book in this manner -- using the myths of the ancient world to speak to the audience of the time -- consider the opening phrase in chapter two, "This is the account ...", which indicates historical language. In addition, subsequent chapters within 1-11 provide genealogy, which is clearly historical language. The account of Noah is included in 1-11, and theologians consider that historical, so why wouldn't Adam and Eve be also?

If Adam solely refers to "mankind", and God created many men and women prior to the Fall (see Genesis 3 regarding the Fall), then it must be asked, what was the outcome of the lives who did not take of the forbidden fruit? The Book of Romans states in chapter three that "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God". Therefore, the premise of Adam as mankind, the plural, a mythical metaphor for all mankind is untrue. This premise would cause doctrinal issues in that the need for redemption through Jesus Christ was not for the "all" as referenced in Romans 5.

If this story is allegorical or symbolic, then it must be asked why Jesus the Messiah is called the "second man", the second Adam? This reference of Jesus recalls an actual man, the first man in the first Temple -- the Garden. And, Jesus the second Adam, who is presently restoring His Temple through His Spirit, will complete it upon His bodily return. Myth only diminishes the connection of the first Temple and the second Temple, which also referenced as Jesus Himself. 

Lastly, if the account of Adam and Eve is merely mythical, then the writings of the Apostle Paul are false. In Romans 5: 12-18, Paul specifically connects "the 'one man' through whom sin came and the 'all' to whom it was spread. If sin really didn't come in through the 'one' -- Adam -- and spread to the 'all' --  you and me -- how do we take seriously Paul's further declaration that 'one man's act of righteousness [Jesus] leads to justification and life for all'?" (Theologian Richard Gaffin, the author of "No Adam, No Gospel: Adam and the History of Redemption", see article "Did Adam Really Exist?" from Bible.org). Since "all scripture is inspired by God ...", both Genesis and Romans, it's easy to conclude Paul is correct in asserting the reality of Adam and Eve.

With Fear and Honor

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. ... “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”

- Isaiah 6:1, 5


His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

- Psalm 147:10-11


A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man.

- I Corinthians 11:7


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Commentary: As a cyclist, GOD isn't impressed with how fast or strong I am; He delights in whether I fear Him and place my hope in Jesus the Messiah. May I reflect that onto others, so He may be seen.
In a U.S. courtroom, it is requested to remove a hat from a man's head, unless for religious reasons, as a sign of respect for the judge. Even more so is it true for the Judge of creation -- to honor GOD when entering His house.  These are only two of many ways to fear and honor GOD. I pray not to be too casual with my approach to GOD. He is my good shepherd, but He is also the GOD of the Universe.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

- Psalm 23

The Purpose of The Church: Equip, Mature & Grow; Make Disciples & Teach

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

-- Ephesians 4:11-16 

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Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

-- Matthew 28:18-20 

Jesus is Lord!

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”

-- Romans 10:9-11

Celebrate the Heart

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
-- 1 Samuel 16:7 

Commentary:

Is it possible to celebrate achievement without mentioning race, gender, disability, or any kind of physical appearance? Is it possible to celebrate the heart? It could be one step of many to ending prejudice.

Out of this World

"I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ." -- The Apostle Paul

-- Galations 1:11-12 NIV

GOD Never Fails

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
- Psalm 9:10

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
- Hebrews 13:5

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Commentary:
Not "yet", at present, and not ever!