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vineri, 26 noiembrie 2010

Jesus Our King: Priest Forever After The Order Of Melchizedek

Much confusion surrounds the person of one "Melchizedek" found in the book of Genesis, mentioned only briefly in the Psalms, and expounded upon enough to raise many more questions in the New Testament book of Hebrews. It is my hope that this brief exposition will help clear the air on this very important topic. For Christians need to know about Melchizedek, as the Bible ties Him to the very important biblical teaching of the resurrection from the dead, as we shall see.

First, let us go upon a brief fact-collecting mission by examining the OT and then NT texts that tell us what we wish to know. First we turn to the Older Testament.

Genesis 14:17-20 reads:

And the king of Sodom went out to meet him [Abram] after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale. And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he [Melchizedek] blessed him [Abram], and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he [Abram] gave him [Melchizedek] tithes of all.

Here, we glean the following helps:

1. Melchizedek is king of Salem, which city later inherits the name "Jerusalem."

2. He was "Priest of the Most High God."

3. He blessed Abram [or later "Abraham"].

4. He brought out to Abram "bread and wine."

5. He named Abram "possessor of heaven and earth."

6. Melchizedek bears a Gentile, or non-Hebrew name.

7. He Blessed Abram at just the moment when Abram showed himself a conqueror of kings.

Now onto the book of Psalms. Psalm 110:1-4 reads:

The LORD said unto my Lord [Messiah], Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion [Jerusalem]: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou [Messiah] art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

Here we learn that God will swear an oath establishing the Messiah as a priest after the priestly order of Melchizedek. David, the king of Jerusalem could only have meant to point out the Messiah in this Psalm, since David had no earthly superior or "lord." We can understand the phrase "after the order of Melchizedek" better by asking "as opposed to what?" The answer comes back quickly, "And not after the order of Aaron and Levi established in the day of Moses under the Older Covenant." This contrast between the two different priesthoods comes from the book of Hebrews.

When God would establish the Messiah in the New priestly order, the Messiah would sit at the right hand of the Lord, and rule in the midst of His [The Christ's] enemies, sending from Jerusalem "the rod of His strength," thereby progressively subduing His enemies until God had completely brought them "under his feet," treating them as a footstool. So the question then becomes WHEN did God swear this oath to Messiah, establishing Him as the head of a new priesthood?

Hebrews 5:4-6 reads, "And no man taketh this honour [of becoming a priest] unto himself, but he that is called of God [becomes priest], as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee [Psalm 2]. As he saith also in another place [Psalm 110], Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

Thus, we learn from the book Hebrews that God the Father installed Jesus Christ as High Priest after the order of Melchizedek with these two sayings. He said the one when he said the other. Paul tells us more specifically about the timing of this installation. He gives us the answer plainly in Acts 13:32-34, saying,

"And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee. And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David."

When God raised the Lord Jesus from the dead, He swore an oath to Christ, establishing Him forever as King of kings, and Great High Priest: Head of the Church and Head of every state. But we could have known of the timing of this oath even if Paul had not told us. The first indicator we have from Melchizedek Himself -- for He bears a Gentile name, and reigns over a Gentile city. And second, note the blessing issued to Abraham by way of bread and wine -- which comprise the appointed elements of New Covenant sacrament of the Lord's supper.

This shows that God intended by grace to bless the Gentiles [from Jerusalem] through Abraham and his Seed. And Paul names the Lord Jesus as "the seed of Abraham" (Gal. 3). Jesus died in Jerusalem with the titulus over his head which read, "The King of the Jews." And he was raised to life as King over the Gentile nations also, when God said to Him, "Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee," and again, He said to Christ, "Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." From there (Jerusalem) the Lord Christ, upon ascending the throne of God to begin reigning in the midst of his enemies, poured out His Holy Spirit upon the apostles and prophets, and began conquering the known world by the rod of his strength -- His Word and Spirit.

The bread and wine instituted by Christ signified His once for all sacrifice, which would forever replace the sacrifices of the Temple complex. The glory of God that had indwelt the Temple now inhabited Christ's people -- both Jew and Gentile alike, without respect to their ethnicity -- showing that they are the New Temple and the New Jerusalem -- a global city and an international Temple. As they grow in number, Christ rules in the midst of His enemies and shows Himself "Possessor of Heaven and earth."

For in His resurrection, the Lord Jesus commanded His Church: ".... saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

But a priesthood consists of many priests (by definition) and not one priest only. So, apart from Jesus, the High Priest, where are the other priests? 1 Peter 2: 9-10 reads, "But ye [Christians] are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy."

A royal priesthood means a priesthood of kings, or as the book of revelation puts it, "... kings and priests to our God" (Rev. 1:8). Every true believer in Jesus will reign as a king over his inheritance (in the resurrection) as well as serve God as a priest, a priest not after the order of Aaron, but after the order of Melchizedek. Right now, Christians remain "kings and priests in training." But we are nevertheless "kings and priests," a royal priesthood and an holy nation, because the Lord Jesus has purchased men by His Blood and given to us "every spiritual blessing" (Ephesians 1:3). This is why Paul said to the Corinthians (chidingly): "Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you." (1 Cor. 4:8).

Now readers have a better understanding of Paul's saying: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." For those who cling to Christ and keep the commandments of God, this will be the verdict on judgment day, "The Lord hath sworn and will not repent, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."

If the above details alone do not suffice to clinch the point in the reader's mind, then suffice it to say that, given Melchizedek's circumstances and biographical details, He could not be any other than a pre-incarnate revelation of the Messiah. I shall then leave off with this very interesting point. Although very few have understood this, the central theme of the book of Revelation rests upon the doctrine of the resurrection of the saints, and their reigning -- as kings and priests after the order of Melchizedek -- on the earth for a thousand years. How's that for a literary exit!

How Distance and Open Learning has Changed my Life

When I was approached to write a piece on open and distance learning education, I came up with this piece. After reading it through, I have come to the conclusion that my life has changed completely because of it. I didn't realise how much until I wrote about it, and got half way through proof reading it. This is what I wrote:

'When I got married I quit my job in the legal profession. Eighteen years on, and three children later, I decided that there had to be more for my future. I had the time to spend on anything I wanted, but I didn't know what I wanted to do. I looked through the courses that Oxford College ODL offered by open and distance learning, and realised that this mode of education was a very good place to start. I had picked out the characteristics of education that I didn't want to bother with, and there were quite a few! Examples of these were not sitting in a classroom with younger students that would show me up, stringent rules and class times that had to be adhered to, and cramming for and worrying about exams that were taken in large halls full of these again, young students. Oxford College ODL through their distance learning and open learning courses was offering me what I wanted, all that was left to do was to choose where I wanted to start.

I decided to start with two courses that were completely different, so I enrolled in one that I thought would help me understand the world around me, and one that would help me with confidence and my relations with my children. The first came in the form of a sociology diploma, and the second in a diploma in life coaching. I knew I was taking a lot on, but this was just for me, and I could take five years to complete them! It hasn't taken me anywhere near that long to complete them both. I have completed my diploma in sociology with distinction, and I am on my penultimate assignment for my life coaching diploma. I have been able to put a lot of time into my studies, but it has only been shy of two years now and I have accomplished more than I thought I would have been able to.

My plans are to move onto a diploma in psychology next which my background in sociology has given me a deep interest in, and for myself rather selfishly, I am going to enrol on the English Literature program which I believe will give me the confidence to enjoy the writings and works of those that spent their lives composing pure and quality entertainment. I couldn�t have done all this if it wasn�t for the distance learning and open learning courses offered.

Through me, my children have gained confidence. My education in life coaching has given me the ability to support my children without interfering which gives them confidence. My son has since started his own business with my support, and my daughter is studying through distance learning as I am, whilst she trains in distance running. She has realised, as I have, that there are many ways to get a quality education, and it doesn't have to get in the way of other ambitions.'

Distance learning and open learning have changed our lives greatly, and there are many reasons to study this way. I have come to learn that education is not something to be scared of, it is something for everybody, and it is something that you should be able to take at your own pace. Distance learning has done this for us along with show us that education is not just there for those who want to further their job prospects, but it is also there for people to simply gain knowledge in subjects that they are interested in and through this it is impossible to describe the feeling of confidence that is achieved. I had always thought that further education was for those that had to make more money to support themselves and it was just a tool to further their job prospects. It is much more than that and has opened my eyes to a whole new way of life. It is for me, it is for my children, and it is for everyone. Distance learning doesn't discriminate. It is a gift.

A Guide To Online Accredited Degrees

While many people dream of getting some kind of degree, it is often impossible to interrupt your career to go to school. Most people have a job, and the hours and classes of a regular university or college often do not fit into their schedule. Or they have a family to support and can�t take the time to attend a university. Non-traditional students are becoming the norm instead of the exception, and many colleges and universities are recognizing this fact and responding to it by providing online instruction.

One great option for this type of person is to earn an online accredited degree. This is a degree from a college or university that has accreditation, which means it meets established criteria for each degree it offers.

The programs at these online colleges vary. It is a good idea to learn as much as you can about each one before making your decision about which one to attend. Request information and study it closely to make sure they offer the degree of your choice. For whatever kind of degree you want to earn, there is probably an online college that offers it. You can get Associates, Bachelor�s or Master�s degree, a post-graduate degree or simply a certification that is needed to get a better job. Many of these online programs offer financial aid, as well.

There are so many advantages to getting an online degree. You do not have to commute at all. You can arrange your classes to fit into your life, not the other way around. Distance learning saves you time and money by being able to do it at your convenience around your life. The flexibility is one of the greatest assets of the online degree. You also get the added benefits of meeting and interacting with other teachers and students, and having a degree usually means having a better job and an increased salary.

However, it is important to make sure that your program is accredited. It does you no good to earn a degree from a fly-by-night program that leaves you with a degree or certification that no one will recognize and is only as valuable as the paper it is printed on. Your education is the key to your future, so you need to make sure that it is a good education.

If you were every considering getting a degree to get a different or better job, now is the time to do it. Online accredited degrees are receiving a lot of attention, and before long, they will be considered similar to degrees that are earned in the traditional way. Whether you sit in a classroom or sit at your computer, the same academic standards are applied to these degree programs. Get yours!

Distance Learning Online

People are busier than ever, but still have the desire to improve their lifestyle with a better job. Many times the only way to get a better job is to begin or continue with education in order to learn essential skills and often a degree in order to be of value in a new position. Finding the time to attend classes at local schools or universities is almost impossible for most people. Not only that, but tuition fees can be incredibly expensive and not affordable for many. With such a huge market of individuals looking to complete higher education levels, a market has emerged offering busy people affordable classes that can be completed at home with distance learning online.

There are hundreds of schools that offer distance learning online options available to anyone interested in advancing in education. However, not all schools that offer distance learning online are accredited and will not be recognized when applying for a new job. It is important to verify that any schools that offer distance learning online can offer proof that they are accredited and are recognized by the appropriate educational institutions to make it a genuine educational institution.

Each individual considering completing school by distance learning online will need to assess their commitment and organizational skills in order to see if they can truly commit to a self-guided learning experience. Much of what is learned through distance learning online is done independently and discipline is an important part of successfully completing distance learning online.

People who commit to distance learning online find that they often do as well if not better than people who are attending a traditional classroom environment do. Motivation and setting personal goals is an essential part of their learning experience and that is all of the support that they need. Students who use distance learning online are so disciplined that they rarely find that they put off assignments. Completing an assignment without the pressure of attending a set class time as well as the motivation to complete their education as soon as possible tends to be a constructive learning environment for many.

Students of distance learning online tend to have one skill in particular in common and that is excellent reading and understanding skills. These students don�t need or often like to listen to lectures or even video. The written word is the best way that information is taken in by distance learners. With adequate reading comprehension skills, completing college level courses without the immediate guidance of an instructor is easily done.

Distance learners are unique in the fact that they are often not afraid to use the word �no�. Distractions can become overwhelming with the telephone, television, spouses, children, pets and so many other things that attempt to draw attention away from learning. Students completing distance learning online know that they have to disconnect the phone, turn off the television, let the dog out, send the kids out to play or simply just tell everyone that there are to be no interruptions during specified times in order to complete school work.

When choosing distance learning online, a person recognizes that they are not focused on the support from other students or social interaction. They are focused on the completion of their education and make that their priority. Distance learning online is not the right choice for everyone, but those who have just a few of the conditioned qualities mentioned above might want to consider distance learning online as a realistic educational option.

joi, 25 noiembrie 2010

College Weight Gain

Students today are faced with the serious reality of unwanted weight gain as they enter college. A recent study by Cornell University found that on average, college freshman gain about 0.5 pounds a week. This is almost 11 times more than the average weight gain among 17-and 18-year olds and almost 20 times more than the average weight gain among American adults! In the face of such staggering statistics two obvious questions arise: 1) Why are college students gaining weight at such an alarming rate? and 2) How can college weight gain be avoided?

Q: Why are college students gaining weight at such an alarming rate?

A: There are many different specifics that lead the student to gain weight in college, but they can be summed up into three main categories.

1. Increase in Calories
College life encourages an increase in the caloric intake of students. College is filled with social events and social events usually equal FOOD! Most college cafeterias serve their food buffet style, and when given access to unlimited amounts of food most people automatically overeat. Fast food, while laden with calories, is cheap so it appeals to the budget of a college student. Studying for long hours often leads to snacking for hours. Blended coffee drinks and smoothies are often staples in a college student�s diet even though these items often pack more calories than a regular meal.

2. Decrease in Activity
When students enter college most of them leave organized sports behind them. These students that were used to practicing five or more times a week for hours at a time are now left with no accountability to be active. Couple this with the hectic schedule that most college students deal with, and it begins to make sense why most incoming freshmen don�t even make time to find the campus gym, let alone visit it regularly!

3. Metabolism Killers
College students are notorious for crashing their metabolism by poorly managing their diets. This occurs when a student eats too few meals, and ends up eating extra large meals once or twice a day instead of proportioned meals throughout the day. A common metabolism killer of college students is skipping breakfast, the most important meal of the day as it starts one�s metabolism up in the morning. Eating late at night is another classic metabolism killer of college students.

Q: How can college weight gain be avoided?

A: The first step in avoiding weight gain is to be aware of the things that cause it. Couple that with the following three suggestions of proven ways to avoid weight gain, and you are looking at a plan of success!



1. Set a Goal
The best way to ensure that you don�t become the next college weight gain statistic is to make it your goal not to gain the weight. Be aware of the changes to your lifestyle once you enter college, and make a conscious effort to only allow healthy changes to occur. Post your goal where you can view it every day and periodically check your progress by weighing yourself.

2. Practice Nutritious Eating
Be aware of the pitfalls of college eating habits and concentrate on eating nutritious well-balanced meals. Avoid fried foods and foods high in calories. Eat as many fresh vegetables and fruits as you can, and practice portion control while roaming the cafeteria.

3. Join an Exercise Program
Whether you join an intramural sports team, enroll in PE, or attend an aerobics class the bottom line is that you need to be active in order to ward off the freshman fifteen. Find an activity that you enjoy and consistently do it. You should be exercising a minimum of half an hour three times each week. A great way to keep consistent is to build accountability with a friend.

Armed with an informed game plan and some effort, any college student can avoid weight gain. For more information on college weight gain, and for your own game plan visit www.AvoidTheFreshman15.com. You don�t have to settle for depressing weight gain as you navigate through the most exciting time of your life! You deserve the body of your dreams.

No Time For The Gym?

As you have undoubtedly heard, college students around the country are gaining weight at a rapid rate. A recent study by Cornell University found that on average, college freshman gain about 0.5 pounds a week, which is almost 11 times more than the average weight gain among 17-and 18-year olds and almost 20 times more than the average weight gain among American adults.
Exercise is a great way to ward off extra pounds, but what college student really has time to visit a gym multiple times each week? Hectic, stressful schedules are almost always partially to blame for the extra weight gain in the first place! A great solution is to find exercises that you can perform right in your dorm room.
Try out the following Dorm Room Exercise Routine right in your own room! Please remember to consult your physician before beginning an exercise program.
Lunges
Equipment: Optional Dumbbells or Barbell � This can be done simply with bodyweight.

Starting Position: Stand with your feet together and a barbell across your shoulders, or, if using bodyweight, hands on your hips. Take a large step forward and bend your knees down into a lunge position.

Movement: Exhale as you press yourself back up to a standing position, or continue through with your step into another lunge.

Push Ups
Equipment: Optional Exercise Matt

Starting Position Beginner: Get on all fours on the matt with your hands directly under your shoulders. Walk your knees back until your upper body is stretched out and your back is flat.
Starting Position Advanced: From the all fours position, walk your feet back until your body is stretched out and your back is flat.

Movement: Inhale as you slowly lower your body down towards the matt. Be sure to keep your back straight and to not allow it to sag in the middle. Exhale as you press yourself back up to the starting position.

Crunches
Equipment: Optional Exercise matt

Starting Position: Lie on your back on the matt with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Support your head by placing your hands behind it, and keep your eyes turned up towards the ceiling throughout the entire movement.

Movement: Exhale as you raise your upper body up a few inches off of the matt by contracting your abs. Be sure to keep your back straight and avoid pulling yourself up with your hands. Hold yourself in this contracted position for a moment before slowly lowering yourself back down to the starting position.

Couple the above exercises with regular walks or jogs around campus, and you will be well on your way to combating college weight gain. For more information on dorm room exercises and avoiding college weight gain visit www.AvoidTheFreshman15.com. You don�t have to be stuck with unwanted weight gain just because you are a busy college student!

Home Study: What Life-enhancing Skill do You Learn?

Home Study: What Life-enhancing Skill do You Learn?

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You're already doing unofficial home study when you research a project online. Study in class has its place, but...

Up to date I've done many courses in classrooms but only two were very useful. I've learned most of the useful stuff from books or the Internet.

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What will help you most in life?

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The most valuable thing you learn at school is to write an essay. Essays help you organise your thoughts. An essay helps you convince people. Your
feedback in a home study course will mostly be essays. This will encourage you to write a good essay.

Many years ago I read about Electronics, and took a correspondence course on the subject, and made electronic gadgets for where I worked.

Then I decided to study Electronics at college. Unfortunately the nearest I could get to it was Physics with Electronics as the main subject, so I qualified in Physics.

The lecturers were shockingly out of date. One of my classmates and I spent a lot of time instructing the lecturers. We'd learned modern stuff from books and practical use.

It has been said "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." What this means is that lecturers sat through lectures and passed exams. They go on to teach what they learned in these lectures - which is already out of date. That's the first benefit of home study.

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Three advantages of classroom study

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1. You can get recognised certificates when you
pass exams

2. You can get a useful plan for what to study

3. Facilities for practical work

You'll have noticed that although I learned more from my home study course, I still did a four-year course at college. I couldn't get recognised exam certificates from correspondence courses. That was the main benefit.

If you want to study genetics and you don't even know what a gene is, you obviously don't know enough to plan a syllabus for your home study.

You get a useful skeleton outline from your lectures. Using my book about exams you will learn how to improve on the skeleton, but you need one
to improve on!

At home you don't have a chemistry laboratory or a machine shop or volunteers to practice dentistry.

Apprenticeships let you learn about real life from an employer. Schools and colleges have labs and workshops for you to do your practical work.

Lecturers don't know as much about practical work as an employer would. I hated doing chemical titrations because they took such a long time.

Then I noticed that one of my classmates took about a quarter of the time, with greater accuracy. He worked during his holidays at a chemistry lab. He showed me the tricks and I was soon flying through my titrations too.

Even if you do have a machine shop at home, you'll be taught safe working procedure in a conventional course. That could save you from being a cripple for the rest of your life.

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Instant Feedback

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When I was about to hold a chunk of metal with a rag wrapped round my hand to give me extra grip, my lecturer yelled a warning. That probably kept me from losing my hand.

Even if you're learning something safe like oil painting, you can learn faster with instant feedback from a lecturer strolling around behind the students.

Oh, you could take a digital photograph of your oil painting and shoot it down the line to an instructor, but she could be having a meal, or even be asleep if she is on the other side of the world. So you still won't have instant feedback.

Writing essays works fine.

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Conventional courses for abilities

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It seems that conventional courses win out when you want to develop an ability, unless your parents already have that ability to pass on to you.

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Knowledge courses

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Of course, there are knowledge courses such as English, Philosophy, History, Anthropology where you don't have a practical syllabus. These are
ideal for home study, and perfect for using an essay as a tool.

More and more Universities offer online courses. You can get recognised certificates with home study. You just need to be good at writing an essay (see my free report) and a few other exam techniques to succeed.

Even technical courses have lots of theory. University extension courses allow you to study the theory online. Then you just go to college for your practical work.

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Distractions

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A friend of mine refused to be distracted by girls or parties or sport until he completed his degree as a dentist.

I don't think I could have overcome these distractions. If you do home study you don't have any distractions.

Conclusion:
I prefer home study any time that it is available. However you can't learn to sing, or karate, or dentistry without a teacher, so conventional study is often needed to supplement home study. Essay writing is particularly useful in home study.