I have questions, as many others do, about things in the Bible and about faith. Did you know that life was very different back when Christ was alive? Even back in the days of Abram and Sarai (Abraham and Sarah) there were things considered very commonplace that we do not recommend today. Consider this:
After Terah was 70 years old, he became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran Gen 11:26 NLT
Abraham replied, “I thought, ‘This is a godless place. They will want my wife and will kill me to get her.’ And she really is my sister, for we both have the same father, but different mothers. And I married her. When God called me to leave my father’s home and to travel from place to place, I told her, ‘Do me a favor. Wherever we go, tell the people that I am your brother.’” Gen 20:11-13 NLT
Now, in no way do I want anyone to think that I am condoning or supporting anyone marrying their sibling but, in those days, it was not out of the ordinary. Science has proven that relationships with those way too close in the family lineage can cause health issues, back then, there was no such proof. As time went along, this practice was discarded and today, the law in Canada states that “A person may not marry their grandparent, parent, child, grandchild, or sibling (brother or sister).”
Do you like bacon? Did you know that eating pork in days gone by was forbidden? Eating bacon and eggs with a couple pieces of toast, hash browns and a slice of orange on the side is one of my favorite ways to break the evening fast and start off the day right but in Leviticus 11 there is a list of things you cannot eat.
The pig has evenly split hooves but does not chew the cud, so it is unclean. You may not eat the meat of these animals or even touch their carcasses. They are ceremonially unclean for you. Lev 11:7-8 NLT
Why? What is the reasoning behind this? Well, in those days they did not have refrigeration, and they probably did not prepare pork properly to destroy the parasite that causes trichinosis, so it was declared unclean. There were also many other animals that were declared unclean in that chapter because of a variety of reasons (bottom feeders, garbage guts, carrion eaters, etc.)
About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”
“Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”
The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” Acts 10:9-15 NLT
There are so many preferences that have infiltrated the church and have become “Law” but if you take a close look at the Truth, take the time to research the reasons for the rules and even attempt to understand them in context, you may be amazed at some of the wonderful messages and truths that are revealed. Did you know Jesus loves you? The bible tells you so.
This week, Pastor Todd is back and will be starting a mini series on “Did You Know”, a look at little known facts in the Scriptures and how they still relate to our lives today. Please plan to join us either in person or online at 10:30 AM this Sunday. The service will be broadcast online on our website (https://www.mainavefellowship.ca/socialplatforms ), or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB.
Blessings,
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