Thursday, January 30, 2020

Feasts of Israel - Redemption Celebrated Essay Example for Free

Feasts of Israel Redemption Celebrated Essay The Feasts of Israel written by Victor Buksbazen describes the reverent and celebratory tenets, which encompass the Jewish faith. A most interesting aspect of this book is how Buksbazen compares and contrasts Jewish feasts with Christianity. Not only does The Feasts of Israel describe the significance of each feast, it also proves the divinity of Christ in a plain comprehensible way. For example, in his introduction Mr. Bukzaben explains the logistical relationship between Christianity and Judaism in one sentence. When he said, Biblical Christianity is not a continuation of Judaism, but it is the logical outgrowth and consequence of adherence to Moses and the prophets (ii). Bukzabens first example of Christian / Judean reconciliation is apparent in his discussion of the Passover. Of course, many of us know what this feast symbolizes for the Jewish people, but how many of us realize the Christian aspect of it? To avoid the death angel, we know that the Israelites were told to prepare a lamb sacrifice, and then paint the doorposts and lentils with the blood. Those who followed this instruction are spared, their faith is proven, and they are worthy to be taken out from under the bondage of Egypt. Similarly, Christians are released from bondage and delivered to glory through faith in Jesus Christ the Lord. And, as the Lamb of God, Jesus blood pays the debt for those who believe in Him. Moreover, Bukzaben says, The deliverance of Israel from Egypt is the central point in Jewish history and worship, even as Calvary is the central point in the Christian faith (2). I found the Feast of Weeks especially interesting in how it is identified by differing titles and too, how each title was derived. Until reading this book, I didnt realize the significance of the Greek word Pentecost or that it meant fifty. According to Bukzaben, It was so designated because it was observed on the fiftieth day after the Passover Sabbath (14). Again, Bukzaben makes clear the relationship of Judaism and Christianity with this feast. This feast is also called Pentecost, because it was observed fifty days after the Passover. As Christians, we too celebrate the great feast of Pentecost, although, we can celebrate ours every Sunday. Pentecost for Christians began 50 days after Jesus resurrection, when God stamped his Commandments in the heart of each Christian with the power of His Holy Spirit. Jewish Pentecost celebrates the reception of Gods Law, and Christian Pentecost celebrates the provisional gift of knowing Jesus Christ. In short, Pentecost is the official beginning of the Church of Christ (Act.2, Joel 2:28-32, Jer.31: 33-34, Heb.8: 8-12). Therefore, as Christians, we too celebrate Pentecost; as believers we are baptized in the Holy Spirit, and it can speak to us directlyHe resides within us. Buksbazen makes further discovery of Pentecost in regard to the historical bond between Judaism and Christianity. With Ruth, he points out the ancestral connection she has to our Lord Jesus Christ. Moreover, Buksbazen explains just how reverently the Jewish people consider Ruth to be. On the Day of Pentecost the Jews even until the present day read the book of Ruth (18). Likewise, Christians love Ruth, her example of kindness, compassion, and love is a model of how we hope to fashion our lives. This mutual aspect is yet another binding feature between Jews and Christians. According to Buksbazen, They look to the day when Jew and Gentile shall worship God together through the kinsman Redeemer, Christ, typified by Boaz, the friend and husband of Ruth, his Gentile bride (19). As Christians we maintain hope that someday all of Gods children will come together as one to worship Him, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The book of Ruth and the example she shows to both Jews and Christians gives us this hope. Probably the most familiar of all Jewish feasts is Hanukkah. I have been aware of this Jewish feast for most of my life; however, not until reading Mr. Buksbazens commentary did I realize the richness of this tradition. The story behind this feast fascinated me, and praise God that the Israelites overcame their Greek attackers. For example, the candelabrum burning continuously for eight days, which may be regarded as a miracle, evidences God. More importantly, had the Greeks been allowed to defeat the Israelites, there wouldnt have been Jewish Apostles to bring the good news of our Messiah to us, the Gentiles. For that matter, we might not even have a New Testament or Christianity in the purest biblical sense of the word. Sure, the blessed traditions of Hanukkah and Christmas brighten our winter, but the significance is much greater than that. For me this feast represents the difference between life and death. Appropriately, Mr. Baksbazen titles the final topic with a discussion of Sabbath The Queen. For Christians, and Jews alike the Sabbath is probably the most comprehensive of all feasts. According to Buksbazen, The Sabbath is exclusively Israels heritage, given under the law to the people of the law (79). Moreover, a weekly Sabbath of worship is vital for both religions. Not only is Sabbath necessary for spiritual renewal, but it also lends to the survival of each respective religion. Mr. Baksbazen makes clear the distinctions between the Jewish Sabbath and the Lords day. For Jews the Sabbath is a memorial of their Exodus from Egypt. In general, Baksbazen explains that for Jews the observance of the Sabbath is law, but the Genesis story (Genesis 2:1-3) and the fourth commandment by God Himself (Exodus 20:11) show us that the Sabbath is a memorial to creation. Baksbazen summarizes the difference between these two religious aspects nicely. He states, The Sabbath is the crowning day of the week which rewards man for his toil. The Lords Day emphasizes what God has done for man through His only begotten Son (92). This means, if I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior I most certainly would worship Him. However, just like accepting Him, worshiping Him is a choice I make voluntarily. In addressing the first Christians and the Sabbath question, Mr. Bukszaben explains what must have been heart wrenching for Jewish Christians back then. For that matter this situation exists even today. I see two tragedys occurring here, a split amongst one people, and a separation from God for non-believers. This is implied in Bukszabens introductory sentence, At first Jewish believers apparently continued for some time in the voluntary observance of the Sabbath, not because they felt their salvation rested upon this, but rather out of regard for the sensibilities of their own people (95). This practice during the early days of the church is evidenced in scripture (Acts 2:1; 3:1; 15:5; 21:20). I couldnt help but imagine the pain and sorrow new Jewish Christians must feel. Those who know the truth are torn between a steeped history of dogmatic law and worship toward the one true Lord. Mr. Bakszaben properly explains this situation, but it should be noted that Jesus himself did not break the Jewish Sabbath. Jesus activity may have broken Pharisaic rules, but not the law of God. Moreover, since Jesus was born under the law He lived under the old covenant requirements (Gal 4:4; Heb 4:15). In summary, the feasts are a representation of things to come, and Victor Buksbazens scriptural references provide the proof. I was enlightened, even surprised to see how the most important events in Jewish and Christian history commingled, and what the corresponding feast was originally a sign of. In addition, the way Buksbazen treated each topic (feast) with respect and contrasting each aspect with truth was refreshing. What I take away from this assignment is newfound knowledge and a better understanding of how Jewish people think. Finally, Buksbazen shows by example how we should be compassionate and loving toward nonbelievers. He treats each Jewish tradition with respect, but makes clear the true meaning of Salvation. We see this in the last few sentences of his book where Buksbazen writes, The Law of Moses has led us by the hand to Christ. Only one who has lived under the Law and has come to know the liberating power of grace, may sing (102).

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Causes of the Industrial Revolution :: essays research papers

England was the first country to experience the advantages and disadvantages of the Industrial Revolution, as it was the very first country in which the event happened, primarily because England was such a good source of coal and iron, arguably the most important resources needed by a country during the Industrial Revolution. Although England also experienced the Industrial Revolution because England was bountiful in lead, copper, tin, limestone and fast water supplies, overall, England was probably the most ideal place for the Industrial Revolution to be staged in the first place. A major cause for the Industrial Revolution was the enormous spurt of population growth in England. Along side the fast growth in population, medical systems had also improved, thus there was a reduction in the number of epidemics that spread resulting in less of a death toll through lack of medical knowledge. From this, the percentage of children who lived through childhood also began to increase, thus the future workforce would be even large than previously. The increase in population meant that there were more people in surplus from agricultural jobs and they had to find work in industrial factories, which was the basis of the Industrial Revolution. One of the darker causes for the Industrial Revolution was the slave trade with overseas colonies at the time. For many merchants who saw the easy money to be made from the voyages, the merchants became extremely rich – and as it is in human nature – these rich merchants wanted to become even more rich, the seemingly best way to do this was to invest profits from the slave trade into the new factories that were arising, this is called â€Å"Commercial Revolution†. Britain was one of the few countries that was able to bring in profits from other countries and keep profits in their country, aiding them into being the first country to Revolutionise Industrially. The new invention of steam power was one of the great motives for the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, steam was used to power many of the machines, thus with the invention of steam power, the Industrial Revolution was powered onwards. The duo of inventors, Thomas Savery and Thomas Newcomen were both based in Britain, thus, this was the place where the inventions were first used giving Britain the time advantage over other countries.

Tuesday, January 14, 2020

Applying the Systems Development Life Cycle Essay

Procedure In a short paper (approximately one page), summarize how the work you have done in the previous project assignments can be integrated into the SDLC. Submission To submit this assignment, please go to the Grade Book. In the column in the Grade Book for this particular assignment, a â€Å"submit† button is available. Click on this button to be directed to your Personal Workspace where you will be able to upload and then submit this assignment. Please make sure you are submitting the final version of the assignment. The submit feature will be unavailable after submitting the assignment. Please do not post this assignment as an attachment in the Forum*. It must be submitted through the submit feature in the Grade Book. For more detailed directions and assistance for submitting assignments, please utilize the â€Å"help† feature located in the left hand navigation bar. Once at the â€Å"help† screen, choose the â€Å"How do I submit an assignment in the Grade Book† link from the â€Å"Courses† section. *Some assignments require the sharing and/or peer review of written work. In these cases, your instructor may also require you to post your assignment in a public message (i.e., to the entire class) in the Forum. Evaluation This assignment is worth 75 points. This assignment will be evaluated on the following criteria: †¢Completeness — Addresses each step/component/element required by project assignments with no obvious omissions. †¢Timeliness — Completed within specified timeframe. †¢Synthesis — Applies and/or synthesizes course content, required readings, independent research, and original thought into project as appropriate. †¢Clarity and Concision — Project composition isstructured logically, focused, well organized, and flows well. Conveys ideas clearly and concisely. †¢Language Conventions — Project consistently employs conventional English spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, and paragraph construction. †¢Application of Technology — Demonstrates application of technology to the project that is realistic and appropriate for the selected professional context.