A book based on sound research, the Concordant Literal New Testament (which uses for source, the most ancient Greek scriptures) - that would be before the church made numerous changes. We have, additionally, the holy spirit. I assume you (the reader) have felt it a mistake not to capitalize "holy spirit," so let me clarify. The oldest Greek scriptures tell us that in the beginning was the Word - the Word was toward God - and God was the Word. Consequently, Jesus is the Word made flesh, He is toward God, and God is Jesus (because He has the Spirit of God, only!) Jesus had the Spirit without measure, because He was the Word, without measure (not the holy spirit). We have the holy spirit when the Word of God is wedded to your soul, so we have the Spirit, limited by our own desires (contrary to God). How much Spirit we have is directly related to how much we know (and live) the Word. It isn't capitalized because we are part of it - and we are, shall we say, less than perfect. This book helps individuals to understand just what "sin" is! I know many have wondered how a sin, that seems minor, and doesn't hurt anyone, can be equivalent to murder? Because sin is "putting ourselves above God." We do what we want, we feel we know better. We are ruled by our flesh. All these other definitions of sin would not occur if we didn't rebel against God. Therefore, God has given us His teachings to help us adapt different punishments for differing offenses, enabling mankind to govern themselves properly. We all sin a great deal more than we realize. When the Messiah taught that if you look at someone with lust, your are guilty in your heart, of sin already. It isn't a case of "I lust, but I won't." You have already put yourself above God! If you knew all God's teachings, and lived them, you wouldn't let, even the thought of sin, be entering your thinking. How wonderful it is that the Messiah allows his living crucifixion to occur, for each of us, every day, and moment of our lives. The term "Living Scriptures," means to let the Word of God live through you, as your life. They are also living, as both the OT and NT are "Now" scriptures. Everything in them relates to who we really are. They are pictures of our souls if we use them as a mirror. The Torah has always been, is now, and forever. The remainder of the Bible is history, prophesy, and fulfillment in the New Testament. Together, the Old and New Testaments are one book, about "The Covenant of Promise (OT)," and "The Covenant of Fulfillment (NT)."
I recall, living near an airfield, in the 1940's, and the roar of bombers as they prepared for take off. I remember visiting the airfield, where Mom worked. She allowed airmen to lift me into the belly of a bomber once. I failed first grade, repeated it, then failed the second grade. Summer school resulted. After that, I managed to at least slide by. At twelve years of age, I became very fat. A doctor diagnosed "under- active thyroid." I didn't become thin until after a stint in the US Air Force. Fortunately, I secured good jobs, however, I squandered all in a misguided life. Had I invested, instead, I might have been a multimillionaire. There is an upside! All the curses, I bought into my life, kilned me in the fires of life, into a servant of God. Though, in good health, but overweight again, I have discovered that if you are old, people forgive your being fat. I have taken one course with Long Ridge Writers Group. My teacher was excellent, though I felt, at times, as if I were going to get a rap on the knuckles. Also, I felt I offended him a little, in my writing, as he seemed (to my perception) to be thin skinned in some areas. I spare no one a little "dig", now and then, you see? In 1985 I became a Messianic Jew, with a wonderful Pastor, who taught me much. I undertook to put his teachings to paper. After a number of successes, I undertook self-studies of my own; to prove there were no differences between Old and New Testaments. The result was unbelievable growth in knowledge, and understanding. Consequently, Tate Publishing has published "Hidden Manna - Revelation," for me. Two books are currently in the process of being "self" published: "Hidden Manna - Matthew," and "Answers to Questions People Never Ask, But Should." Both will be out by October of 2012, or before. My interest, other than religion, includes drama and science fiction. My favorite science fiction submission, in short stories was, "The Anemic Vampire." In drama, it was "The Chicken and the foxes," and "DNA Skidoo." Now 72 years old, going through the normal processes of life. Tragedies, whether death, illness, or other misfortune, served to temper the steel of life. I abhor the way I had lived my life, but feel blessed in the end result. While it is wonderful how God will forgive all, the curses of how we affected others, will follow us to the grave. America, bless God!
