Nephilim: Who were they?

Genesis 6:1-7
1 When men began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them, 2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. 3 Then the LORD said, "My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal ; his days will be a hundred and twenty years." 4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of men and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown." NIV


Wow...that's some few lines. Don't you hate it when the Bible drops some bomb on you like this but fails to elaborate further!

So, who WERE the Nephilim?

This is a very interesting question which deserves much study and discussion. Too much so to adequately do here! In short, the Nephilim were the offspring between the spirit sons of God and the daughters of men. They were Hybrids much larger than average men. Apparently they begot sons of their own and started the tribes of giants often times found written in the Bible and other ancient writings such as Gilgamesh, the book of Enoch and last but not least, the Book of Giants (found with the Dead Sea scrolls).

Giants in the Bible after the flood?

Yes, when reading the Genesis account of the Nephilim, you will read that they existed in those days and afterwords. Many scholars suggest that the Canaanites and Amorites the Israelites encountered were the offspring of these giant races of hybrids. In fact, Moses called Og, an Amorite king, "of the last of the remnant of Rephaites ("giants" in the King James version), whose bed was 13 feet long (Deuteronomy 3:11).

Could the nephilim have been the offspring of Cain and Seth's decedents?

There are modern understandings of these versus that have nothing to do with fallen angels. Some believe that the union described here is one between the offspring of Cain (daughters of men) and Seth (sons of God). You see this is a perfect example of how we tend to read into older writings what fits best for us in our time. We so often neglect the meaning that the original authors gave to their own writings! The theory that the 'sons of God' were referring to the sons of Seth is not what the original authors were trying to convey when they wrote those words.

Considering that we are looking into the meaning of old Jewish writings lets see what the Jews say about it:

http://jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=24&letter=F

In addition, the 1st century Jewish historian Josephus clearly states in his 'Antiquities of the Jews' book 1 section 99 that the Nephilim were products of angles and woman. Read it for yourself here:

http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/.

A screenshot of this page can be found here. Notice the footnote that states, "This notion, that the fallen angels were, in some sense, the fathers of the old giants, was the constant opinion of antiquity."

This should leave no doubt that the people who actually wrote down these stories, clearly believed that the angles of God fathered these giants. Now, to modern people this sounds crazy, and maybe it is -- This would explain why some modern preachers have tried to change the meaning. But the facts remain, the people who originally told these stories (and wrote them down) were quite clear as to what they thought.

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Does the Bible ask for blind obedience?

I have been bothered by a question that keeps itself lodged in my mind, demanding an answer! This question is: Does the Bible ask for blind obedience, and if so, isn't this dangerous? Many people don't have the time, resources or mental capacity to do real research and study...how can we be sure we wont end up drinking kool-aid?


There are many issues here to consider. For one, I feel impelled to mention the topic of 'doubting Thomas'. Was it really wrong for Thomas not to believe something (which for all intents and purposes is impossible) without actually seeing it. [In order to stay on topic I am neglecting the philosophical aspect of why we believe what we see or is what we see even real]

Just have faith...
People say a lot of things. They make mistakes, lie and misunderstand on a daily basis. My question is, to whom or what are we supposed to have faith in? Man? Not likely! Some will say, have faith in God or the Bible. I have to tell you, I want to. I want to talk to God like he is a "father" and live right. But, there is only one problem, God doesn't talk to me. I have no idea who he is. I am sure he exists, and that is about all.

The Bible mentions those that will be misguided and led astray
So here we are in the last days, critical times, deceitful spirits, wicked men and false Christs trying to mislead men. Most people simply do not seem to posses much in terms of intellectual abilities. I am not trying to be condescending, I am just stating a fact as I see it. It seems as if people have a tendency to believe what they are told. How can we all find the truth...And if we found it, how do we know?

Too many "truths" out there!
Everyone has their idea of how things operate. Most people can admit that their ideas are simply that. But there are a good number of folks who really truly believe that their interpretation is the one true interpretation. This leads me to believe that there is NO one true interpretation, and if there is, God isn't talking.

Don't drink the Kool-Aid
Now most of this is harmless enough...You go to your church and I go to mine. "They're all different roads leading to the same place.", so I've been told. But, blind obedience can come at a serious cost. Take Jim Jones for example or Waco, or even Heavens gate etc...

I just think that if God actually talked to people and told them the truth (not via an ancient book written by men which is subject to misinterpretation and denial etc...), then more people would get on board. At least those who wanted to know what is going on would have the opportunity to do so. This wouldn't have to be some booming voice from above that addresses the whole world at once. Just simply answer when I (and others) pray! And if you are too busy and need to delegate that work out then make it so.

This never ending silent treatment isn't very endearing.
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Mayan Prophecy: Is 2012 the end?

I am surprised to see the History channel give so much airtime to the Mayan Calendar and related prophecies. I am not as surprised to see how they manipulate the facts as to make the show support ideas that aren't backed by facts.

2012: The End? There certainly is no end to date setting. Even the Maya did it, but not like we think or have been told.

So what are the facts about December 21 2012?

Well, there is apparently more than one topic that converges with this time frame but as for the Mayan Calendar specifically, this is simply the ending of an age or era and this will be followed by the beginning of a new era. That may be slightly loaded language...I will give you a basic analogy we can all relate to:

Our calendar is similar to the Mayans in some respects, for instance the cyclic nature. Example, we have days within weeks within months. These can be considered short counts, or short cycles. Our year would be the long count. Now, what do we do when our year (long count) is up Dec 31? What happens then, how do we adapt to this change? We simply start over with a new calendar. The Maya did the same.

So bottom line is, the world is not going to end according to the Mayan Calendar on December 21st 2012. They would simply start over at "Jan 1". A new era! Don't we also consider these turning points to be a time of change? How many of us have made new years resolutions? A new year and a new start.

If you believe that 2012 is fulfilling prophecy I would like to hear why?



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Fema Camps: Reason For Concern?

I have had a number of people email me with very disturbing information. Let me start this post by stating that when it comes to matters such as this, so often the old saying: "believe none of what you hear and half of what you see" may or may not apply...


I have received some very concerned emails from awake citizens and I can not dismiss their claims. When looking at information it is good to take in to account that information falls into two categories (1) Reports and (2) Commentary. A report is simply a (supposed) fact that is broadcast to others without any opinion attached to it. Commentary on the other hand is when the reporter goes on to tell you an opinion about the previously reported fact.

Don't always buy into the hype!

It is vital that you not buy into the hype and look into matters for yourself. In doing so there are a few official sources that do seem to warrant some further questioning:

• HR.645: This is the bill that was introduced into Congress. This bill states that no less than six facilities are to be built in the U.S. for purpose of emergencies. This in itself is not a bad thing...remember Katrina? Hey, disasters can/do happen. We should be prepared. But then why is it denied by officials and media? The public in general has NO IDEA.
  
  http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-645
  


• The Army Civilian Inmate Labor Program: I haven't been able to obtain any official answer as to what exactly this is referring to. This file is still hosted on the official Army.mil site.
  
  http://www.army.mil/usapa/epubs/pdf/r210_35.pdf
  


• The CDC (centers for disease control) is hosting a file that seems to be a form relating to placing people in quarantine camps if they refuse vaccination. This file/form is hosted on the CDC.gov site.
  
  http://www2a.cdc.gov/phlp/docs/Facility%20Quarantine%20Order%20novelflu%20filled%20in%204-30-09.pdf
  


• Army Internment Specialist: This could in fact be for actions on foreign soil. So I wouldn't worry about it. What is a bit unnerving is that the National Guard was posting the same type of recruitment offer on their site (which has recently been removed).
  
  http://www.goarmy.com/JobDetail.do?id=292
  


• Geoff Metcalf interviews globalism expert and author Ted Flynn:
  
  I found it significant when Rep. Henry Gonzalez, D-Texas, clarified the question of the existence of civilian detention camps. In an interview a few years ago, he said, "the truth is yes -- you do have these standby provisions, and the plans are here ... whereby you could, in the name of stopping terrorism ... evoke the military and arrest Americans and put them in detention camps." They do exist.
  
  The entire interview can be read here.
  

So the bottom line is, there are questions that need to be answered. But it's important not to jump to conclusions.
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Planet X: Should we be worried?

I have been hearing a lot of buzz about planet X again. I am surprised that the public is so quick to re-embrace an already debunked Conspiracy! So just what is Planet X?

I recently wrote a small post at Beyond Astronomy: Planet X: Should we be worried?.

If you are interested in learning more about the topic I would start there. Then visit some serious astronomy forums and ask real astronomers.

 Astronomy.com
 Space Spot
 Bad Astronomy

Do you believe in Planet X? If so, drop me a line and tell me why...Thanks.
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What happens to animals after death?

I recently lost my pet rottweiler and my wife lost her pet cockatiel. When one suffers such a loss it is a natural question to wonder..."what happens to them?" Most of us have some sort of belief as to what happens to us when we die, but what happens to the little critters?


I asked some Christians about this and was told animals have no soul and don't get to enjoy eternal life (be-it on earth or in heaven).

This to me seems quite problematic. For instance, if God created Eden and all was good. Then at what point did death come to the animals? If death came to the animals after the fall from grace then originally, Gods plan was for animals not to experience death. On the other hand, if animals were not meant to live forever then it is God who actually created and implemented death. You see, if God (who has power to create the physical laws and orders any way He sees fit) made animals in a way that they ultimately die...then God created death. I fully understand our current natural cycles and I see the current need for animals to eat other animals (food chain) etc...But this is no excuse to allow death. If God has the power to make the universe anyway He wanted...why make it so the natural biological cycles depend on the death of creatures?


Other interesting thoughts about animals and the Bible (and other Jewish writings) view of their spiritual state:

In Job 12:7-10 Job states that all animals are aware of who was their creator. It is also plainly stated that all animals also have souls and that their souls are in God’s care.

“Even birds and animals have much they could teach you; ask the creatures of the earth and sea for their wisdom. ALL OF THEM KNOW THAT YAHWEH’S HAND MADE THEM. In His hand are the SOULS of all His creatures and the breath of all humanity.”


***


Revelation 5:13 we are plainly told that all creatures of the universe actually are capable of praising God with a rational mind:

“Then I heard every creature that is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and in the sea offer praise. Together, all of them were saying, Praise, honour, glory, and strength for ever and ever to the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb.”


***


In Isaiah 43:20 we read:

“Even the wild animals will honour Me.”


***


Genesis 9:5 also alludes to the fact that animals will also be held responsible for their evil deeds:

“And for your lifeblood I will demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting FROM EVERY ANIMAL and from each man too.”


***

In Ecclesiastes 3:18-20 we read:

“I said in my heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that THEY THEMSELVES ARE BEASTS. For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, THEY HAVE ALL ONE BREATH; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the SPIRIT OF THE BEAST that goeth downward to the earth?”


***


Jubilees 3:28 we read:

“On that day the mouth of all the beasts and cattle and birds and whatever walked or moved was stopped from SPEAKING because all of them USED TO SPEAK with one another with one speech and language.”


***

Gen 3:17: Cursed is the GROUND [Earth] because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.


***

Numbers 22:28-30

28 And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
29 And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.
30 And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.

***


Enoch 58:7 we read:

“And as every soul of man is according to number, similarly beasts will not perish, nor all SOULS OF BEASTS which the Lord created, till the great judgement, and they will accuse man, if he feed them ill.”

***

The very word "animal" is from the Latin word animalis, meaning "living" or anima, meaning "soul."


An interesting Final note:

Koko the gorilla. She speaks in sign language, and has an extensive vocabulary. Koko has invented words for objects that she did not know the sign for, evidence that she is actually using language, not just mimicry or conditioned response. For example, Koko once called a "ring", a "finger-bracelet", because she had never seen a ring before. Similarly, a stale biscuit was signed "cookie-rock"!

Koko has much meaningful dialog with researchers, about "good" and "bad", and obviously interprets this in light of obedience of her human keepers. She also has an awareness of the finality of death, as evidenced by conversations with her about her pet kitten, when it died. (Yes, Koko, an animal, kept a PET)

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