Bible Lessons/Reminders

Return to your First Love!

Come, let us return to the One Who first loved us. Let us burn our idols, take celebrities down from the pedestals, and put away our fleshy desires. O, Repent! Let us wash our hands, clothe ourselves in righteousness, and ask the Lord to make our sins white as snow.

Come, let us be holy as our Father is holy. Let us love and serve as Christ did. Let us be guided by the Holy Spirit. Let us draw closer to God, abide in Him, and walk in His ways.

Come, let us return to the One Who first loved us.

Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

Revelation 2:5

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Books & Reviews 📚

The Dark Academia Book Tag

Okay, so here’s what I know about dark academia: It’s the latest aesthetic to sweep social media after taking off on platforms such as Tumblr and TikTok. It draws inspiration from the classic Greek writing, architecture, and arts. Good Reads couldn’t have said it better:

Dark Academia is an aesthetic that revolves around classic literature, the pursuit of self-discovery, and a general passion for knowledge and learning.

And the inspired fashion ain’t bad either.

Dark academia | Lookbook

I’m not really into dark academia, but I was looking for a book tag to do, for it’s been a while and when I came across this tag over at Madame Writer, I decided that this tag was going to be the one as there were some pretty interesting questions in-between that caught my attention, so let’s do this!

1. What is your favourite “academia” or “dark” book + movie?

Book: I’ve had my fair share of books in this category including Dorian Gray and Secret History, but I’ll have to go with To Kill A Mockingbird. I’ve read the book twice and up to this day, I still like the book.

Movie: If I were still into movies, I’ll go with Good Will Hunting. When it comes to movies, Dead Poets Society reign supreme for DA enthusiasts.

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2. What dead poet would you like to have a drink with?

The one, the only, King Solomon! His poems are beautifully crafted, timeless, and full of passion. 

3. What is your favourite painting and/or sculpture?

Painting: Claude Monet is my all-time favorite painter and one of my favorite paintings of his is the Garden at Sainte-Adresse. An art category is in the works, so I’ll talk more in depth about him at a later date.

File:Claude Monet - Jardin à Sainte-Adresse.jpg - Wikipedia

Sculpture: My all-time favorite is Auguste Rodin’s Le Penseur (The Thinker). This thinking man is often used as an image to represent philosophy.

4. What is your favourite architectural marvel?

Here’s the thing, I marvel at many structures from both the ancient and modern world. Back then, I really marveled at the Lighthouse of Alexandria, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and yes, the GIGANTIC Colossus of Rhodes. Right now, I’m awed at the Château de Peyrepertuse in Aude, France. I mean, look at it!:

Château de Peyrepertuse - 39 images de qualité en haute définition

5. What Shakespeare play would you want to be the lead in?

Certainly not Juliet! But on a serious note, I have never gotten into Shakespeare, so I can’t answer this question. And I’m just not into plays.

6. How many languages do you speak and which language would you most like to learn?

One, and that is English. I speak little French, but I’m not serious about it. It’s the language I’ll love to learn the most, but I just can’t seem to commit.

writing skills – The Write Nook

7. What is your favourite quote (from poetry, prose, plays, etc.)?

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—for your love is more delightful than wine.

This is single-handedly the greatest opening line of a poem. It’s taken from Song of Solomon 1:1. I could quote other favorite lines, but I’ll just end up quoting the entire book. 

Song of Solomon Quotes from the Bible - AllGreatQuotes

8. Which fictional character’s death is your ideal way to go?

However, the Lord sees fit to take me is the ideal way to go. I’m never shy about death, for its inevitable and when I was younger, I used to say the ideal way to go was in my sleep.

9. What university/college would you most like to attend?

I tend to bore easily in classrooms, but I don’t mind studying at the heritage-rich Université de Paris. Just the building alone is an architectural wonder by itself.

File:Universite de Paris Faculte de droit DSC 1945w.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

10. What is your murder weapon or murder method of choice?

I’ll skip this question for murdering someone should never be on the mind.

11. What mythology would you most like to a part of?

I remember being into Greek mythology and feeling out Norse mythology, but I find Egyptian mythology to be the most interesting.

Ancient Egyptian Creation Myth - GIFs - Imgur

12. If you had to do a PhD what would you choose to do it on?

I’m a history fanatic, so anything to do with history. 

13. Which fictional character would you die for?

No one. I rather die for my loved ones (John 15:13).

John 15:13 | My love, Encouragement, Words

Rapid-Fire: Pick One

1. Leather bound or cloth bound books?

Neither.

2. Dog-earing pages or highlighting pages?

Neither.

3. Sculptures or paintings?

I prefer paintings.

4. Piano or violin?

I’ve always been drawn to piano music, but the violin is wonderful too. So, both. Sides, they make beautiful music together.

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5. Films or theatre?

I wouldn’t have seen TC at a theatre, so films.

6. Poetry or prose?

Both.

7. Museums or bookshops?

Actually, lately, I prefer stationery shops. If I have to choose, I’ll go with bookshops… and I’ve always wanted to work in one.

8. Smell of books or smell of coffee/tea?

I love the smell of new books and strong coffee.

35 new quotes about books, libraries, and reading

9. Fountain pen or typewriter ?

Fountain pens! I used to enjoy using them to improve my writing when I was younger. Mom was actually the one that got me into those pens. 

10. New or used books?

New. Most of the time when I’m done with them, I pass them on that’s why I’m careful not to dog-ear or highlight a book.

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Well, that was something! As I’m snail-likely working on new material, I may as well publish a few filler posts and this one was definitely worth it.

If you’re up to do this challenge, feel free to and don’t forget to check out Madame Writer’s entry here: 

The Dark Academia Book Tag

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Trailer & Filmy Thoughts

The truth about ‘The Good Doctor’ 🩺

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The Good Doctor is the #1 most-watched drama in the world. It stars Freddie Highmore (maybe you remember him from Finding Neverland? Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Or August Rush? Or maybe he’s your favorite actor?) as Shaun Murphy, a young autistic surgical resident with savant syndrome at the fictional San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital. 

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The medical drama is based on the 2013 South Korean series of the same name and it revolves around Dr. Shaun Murphy. Now, I don’t know a lot about the autism spectrum and I’ve been doing some research for a character write-up, but this role is difficult for anyone to play as producers strive for realism. However, I give Freddie his props for taking on this role and becoming it. The character Shaun is not defined by his diagnosis. 

good doctor 1x01 | Tumblr

I think this show is just like every other show on TV where it concerns characters, themes, and current agendas. Take, for example, the 2nd episode of season 2 “Middle Ground” in which Paul, a hospital janitor advises Shaun to lie when the truth is unhelpful. Paul is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is given a year to live, but his wife and adult children encourage him to have risky surgery. Paul doesn’t want to have the surgery, but he wants to please his family, so he has the surgery and dies from a complication. In the event, his family squabbles and Shaun lies, telling them that Paul wanted the surgery, so they’ll stop blaming each other for his death.

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How is that any of Shaun’s business? Also, the Bible makes it clear that we shouldn’t lie; it is one of the 6 things that God loathes (Proverbs 6:16-19). How did the Bible come into this? Simples, as Christians, we’re not here to be entertained. Also, the show – thus do all shows – has religious themes stamped all over it for they need to cater to every religious affiliation. There is also a hardcore feminist and an atheist. 🙄

As for relationships, well, color me disappointed or whatever, but I won’t be getting on the Shaun and Lea bandwagon. 

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Yet, Freddie is actually brilliant in this role as Dr. Murphy.

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And so too is Will Yun Lee as Dr. Alex Park. 💙

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And that’s about it.

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Bible Study

Exodus: a short introduction

Meaning: Exodus is a Greek word meaning “exit”, “departure” or “going out”.

Author: Moses

Penned: 1445-1404 B.C.

Position: the 2nd book of the Bible, Old Testament, and Pentateuch 

Chapters: 40

300 years separate Genesis from Exodus.

In Exodus, we’ll read about the freedom for God’s people from slavery and the beginning of national identity. This book gives us an insight into Hebrew customs and it emphasizes God’s covenant. The deliverance from bondage is a beautiful analogy of the sinner’s redemption from the bondage of sin. God is presented as:

^ The great “I AM”;

^ The One Who controls history;

^ A holy God;

^ The God Who remembers, and

^ The God Who speaks.

Exodus records the 10 Commandments, the 10 plagues, the beginning of the Passover, the parting of the Red Sea and the building of the Tabernacle.

 

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Soon, I’ll be uploading the study for Exodus and I invite you to join me. Until then, study the Word and continue to look heavenward for we need to hold onto God more than ever given the times that we’re living in. The coming of our King draws near.

In case you missed it:

Bible Study Guide 

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Bible Study

Genesis: an origins recap

After completing the study of Genesis last year, I wanted to dive straight into Exodus, but the timing was not right. I’ve since moved on to restudy other books and I’ve discovered so many gems, but they’re not to be shared until the Lord permits me to. So, let’s recap where it all started.

Meaning: Genesis comes from the Greek word meaning “origin”, “source”, “generation” or “beginning”.

Author: Moses

Penned: 1450-1410 B.C.

Position: the 1st book of the Bible, Old Testament, and Pentateuch 

Chapters: 50

The Book of Genesis opens with the story of creation. It is followed by the fall of man, the spread of civilization, the Great Flood, the call of Abraham, promises of salvation through the Messiah and Joseph in Egypt as a type of Christ.

Genesis relates to the beginning of the universe, life, time, mankind, the Sabbath, marriage, sin, death, family, redemption, prophesy, language, and sacrifice. This book covers more time than the remaining books of the Bible combined.

It has 3 sequential geographical settings:

(1) Mesopotamia (chapters 1-22);

(2) The Promised Land (chapters 12-36); and

(3) Egypt (chapters 37-50).

The time frame of these 3 segments are:

(1) Creation to ca 2090 B.C.;

(2) 2090-1897 B.C.; and

(3) 1897-1804 B.C.

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I’ve learned a lot since I’ve restudied Genesis. From creation to redemption plans. However, there is an analogy that stood out for me besides the typification of Christ, and that is when God clothed Adam and Eve. After the couple is banished from the Garden of Eden, God clothed them (3:21; also cross-reference Matthew 6:25-34). This scene typified Christ’s death for in order for God to clothe the pair, He had to sacrifice an animal to create the garments. That means blood had to be shed and in this early scene, we see God’s desire to save mankind, but first, someone had to die for our sins. And in 22:13, a ram is provided for a sacrifice. Christ arrives on the scene later to fulfill every Messianic predictions from Genesis: 

3:15 – Christ is the seed of the woman.

4:25 – From the line of Seth.

9:27 – From the line of Shem.

12:3 – The descendant of Abraham.

21:12 – The descendant of Isaac.

25:23 – The descendant of Jacob

49:10 – From the tribe of Judah

After the fall of man, God could’ve ended mankind and declared the end, but He had us in His heart, and thus, we’re just at the beginning of the greatest love story ever told. Although we grieve Him, He still loves us very much.

Genesis covers more time than any other book in the Bible. It opens with the words: “In the beginning God created” (1:1), and it ends with “in a coffin in Egypt” (50:26). Thus, it covers the whole plight of man, who was created in God’s image to live forever, but because of sin became destined for the grave. The book leaves the reader anxiously anticipating the redemptive intervention of God (via bible-studys.org).

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Have you read this wonderful book where our history begins? What’s your favorite verse or chapter? Which character did you identified with the most? What was your favorite lesson, discovery, or analogy?

In case you missed it:

Bible Study Guide 

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Bible Activity/Discussion

What is the Bible?

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Why is the Bible so complicated to read? Who wrote the Bible? I’ve heard these questions time after time again. Some of us are too lazy to sit down and actually read and study the contents of the Bible, but we rather spend time reading unholy, lustful, over-sexual content that the Word warns about.  

The word “Bible” comes from the Greek and Latin words meaning “book”. 

The Bible is the Word of God, not mythology material. Mythology was inspired by it and not the other way around. It was written by men that were inspired by the Spirit of God and it contains 66 books that were approved by God (2 Peter 1:16). There are books of law, poetry, history, letters, gospel and prophecy. These inspired authors were kings, prophets, priests, farmers, doctors and shepherds. What diversity! 

It was written over 1,500 years ago by about 40 different authors. The Bible was the first known book to be translated and distributed in so many languages.

Although the Bible was complied and written so many years ago, it’s not to be treated as a classic for God’s Word will NEVER pass away (Matthew 24:35). The Bible tells of prophecies (all that was and yet to be fulfilled), salvation through Jesus Christ and of the coming eternal kingdom. 

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The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Proverbs 9:10

The Bible is divided into two main parts: the Old and New Testament. In the OT, we see the establishment of Israel as a nation, and we’re promised salvation through One Man. It sets the stage for the coming Messiah. In the NT, we see that promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ. 

Themes such as hope, redemption and salvation are littered throughout. God created man – and woman – and placed him in Eden, the most perfect environment. He was stress free and worry free, but it didn’t stop him from rebelling against God. Because of this great sin, the Creator had no choice but to place the world under a curse. However, God had planned to restore humanity and creation to its former glory and His beautiful plan set off a chain of events from Genesis to Revelation. Despite what many people may think, the OT was never done away with. Spending time in the Word can help us to become better fruits on branches.

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The Holy Bible is my guide to living in this cruel and corrupted world. I’ll just leave a few things I’ve learned about the Bible while reading/studying the Word:

^ I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

^ Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

^ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:33).

^ Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105).

^ Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

Matthew 3:2) “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand ...

In the comment section below, mention which person you identified with the most from the Bible or your favorite book.

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Bible Activity/Discussion

Who is the Holy Spirit?

So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.

Zechariah 4:6 

Who or what is the Holy Spirit? Is the Spirit a personal Being? A separate entity? A part of God? To you, who or what is this Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit seems to be the least understood of God’s character. The scriptures personify the Holy Spirit at times, just as it also personifies wisdom, sin, and death. In John 16:7-15, the Holy Spirit is referred to as “He” for the Greek word for helper is a masculine noun and according to the Greek grammar rules, it requires a masculine pronoun. 

How to pronounce Paraklētos in Biblical Greek - (παράκλητος ...

250 years after the last of the apostles had died, the Trinity became a thing thanks to Constantinople in AD 381 thus causing division among religions. However, we know how God feels about taking away and adding to His Word (Deuteronomy 4:2; Deuteronomy 12:32; Revelation 22:18). When it comes to the Holy Word, we’ve been led astray by men for we’re too lazy to sit and read/study the Word on our own. Besides, God promises that we’re never alone for we have a Helper to guide us (John 14:16;26)

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 2:4

Throughout the Bible, Jesus speaks of the relationship between God the Father and Himself (Matthew 26:39; John 5:18-22). In visions of God’s throne, we read recordings of the Father and Christ being seen, but not the Holy Spirit (Daniel 7:9-14; Acts 7:55-56; Revelation 7:10). In Revelation 21, we see that “a new heaven and a new earth” is soon going to replace this corrupted earth. Verses 3 and 22 explicitly states that God and Christ will dwell with men, but there is no mention of the Holy Spirit. I believe that this is because we’ll constantly be in His presence. However, I’ll admit that I’ll have to do some more study and research in this area.

The Holy Spirit and Artificial Intelligence - The Singularity

The Holy Spirit is a gift (Acts 10:45), it can be poured out (Acts 2:17, 33) and it can be quenched (1 Thessalonians 5:19). We are baptized with it (Matthew 3:11), we can partake of it (Hebrews 6:4), drink of it (John 7:37-39), and be filled with it (Ephesians 5:18). This Spirit is ONE Spirit for it’s not only the Spirit of God, but also of Christ (Romans 8:9; Philippians 1:19). This is the same Spirit that the Father imparts to true Christians through His Son the Christ (John 14:26; Titus 3:5-6) that enables them to be “partakers of the divine nature” (Peter 1:4). The Holy Spirit is represented by various symbols such as a dove (Matthew 3:16), oil (Psalm 45:7), God’s hands (Psalm 8:3) and wind (Acts 2:2). 

Ics Video Game Mario Bros Vati Run Edition V 1 Vincent Pham Holy ...

The Holy Spirit is God’s active force or divine power and it shouldn’t be misunderstood. The Spirit is there to guide, teach, and comfort us. It has attributes of a Person and IS treated as a Person. I’ll just leave a few things I’ve learned about the Holy Spirit while reading/studying the Word:

^ Jesus began His ministry “in the power of the Spirit” (Luke 4:14-15).

^ We cannot gain a spiritual understanding on our own or through man; it is through God’s spirit within us that we gain spiritual wisdom and insight (John 14:26).

^ Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, the power through which the Father begot Jesus as His Son. In short, the Holy Spirit is God’s divine power (Matthew 1:20).

^ Paul wrote many books, but only in 2 Corinthians 13:14 is the Holy Spirit mentioned along with the Father and Christ.

^ The Holy Spirit is the Source behind the books of the Bible (2 Peter 1:20-21) for ALL scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16).

Matthew 3:2) “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand ...

In the comment section below, leave your favorite scripture or story from the Bible about our Helper/Comforter!

COMING SOON: What is the Bible?

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Who is God

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