Category Archives: Aside

Sodom and Gomorrah

Aside, Bible Study, Rants, Thought, , ,

The “sins of” Sodom and Gomorrah were stated as adultery, pridefulness, and uncharitableness.

The most (mis)quoted verse in the Bible referring to Sodom is Genesis 19:5 … “and they call unto Lot and say to him, ‘Where [are] the men who have come in unto thee to-night? bring them out unto us, and we know them.’” Many claim this is stating homosexual activities are intended.
The Hebrew word for “know” appears over 900 times in the Hebrew Bible, only 1% (13–14 times) of those references are clearly used as a euphemism for realizing sexual intimacy.

Leviticus has chapters with very detailed lists of what is considered sexual immorality.

Most arguments focus on one, Leviticus 18:22. A short line in a very long list of descriptions of “adultery“. This particular item was “And with a male thou dost not lie as one lieth with a woman“.

Let us not forget what the basic parameter is for “adultery” … Sexual intercourse between a married person and someone who is not their spouse.

The Leviticus lists are about adultery .. ALL FORMS of adultery.

Historically, the term “Sodomite” was used to reference a person who was focused on any and all forms of sexual intercourse, natural or unnatural. (Beastiality, sexual intercourse with animals, is included in this description.)

For those who like to use the ONE item, of the LONG list of items, to argue something that is NOT what this passage is about … stop taking things out of context.

Reading the Bible is not about finding scriptures to use to get your way.

Reading the ENTIRE Story … Reading the ENTIRE Passage … Reading the ENTIRE Focus … This is what we are supposed to do. We are to read what God wants us to learn. NOT just read for personal gain.

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Some Facts About Food … And Tariffs

Aside, FOOD, Political, Rants, , ,

For those who think Trump’s tariffs are “smart”… Look at these items that are affected by the tariffs … and thus going up in price.

  • Coffee beans are grown in Central and South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Specifically, countries like Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia are major coffee-producing regions within this area.
  • More than 2/3 of eggs consumed in the US come from outside the US.
  • Vanilla beans are native to tropical regions, particularly in Mexico and parts of Central and South America. It is now cultivated in various locations worldwide, including Madagascar, which produces a significant portion of the world’s vanilla. Most vanilla beans available today are from Madagascar, Mexico and Tahiti.
  • Oregano is native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and Asia.
  • Rosemary is native to the hills along the Mediterranean, Portugal, and northwestern Spain.
  • Parsley is native to the Mediterranean region, specifically Southern Europe and parts of Western Asia.
  • Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is an Italian hard, granular cheese produced from cow’s milk and aged at least 12 months
  • Cocoa, the key ingredient in chocolate, comes from the seeds of the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao). These trees are native to the tropical regions of Central and South America.
  • Wool … China and Australia and New Zealand (in that order) are the leading producers of wool.
  • China … (CATL. Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd.) is the leading global producer of batteries.
  • Panasonic … is headquartered in Kadoma, Osaka, Japan.
  • Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. … is a South Korean multinational major appliance and consumer electronics corporation … headquartered in Yeongtong District, Suwon, South Korea.
  • Lentils … cultivation is widespread, with major producing regions including Canada (particularly Saskatchewan), India, Australia, Turkey, and Nepal.
  • Peas … Canada produces 31%, Russia 19%, China 18%, US 7%.
  • Carrots … The largest producer of carrots globally is China, which accounts for about 45% of the world’s carrot production.
  • Onions … China is the world’s largest producer of onions, accounting for over 25% of global production … India comes in second.
  • Oranges … The largest producer of oranges globally is Brazil (29%) … China (17%), European Union (13%), Mexico (11%).

A Zealot Was

Aside, Bible Study, Rants, Thought

A Zealot was member of a Jewish group noted for their uncompromising opposition to pagan Rome and its polytheism. The Zealots were an aggressive political party who despised even Jews who sought peace with the Roman authorities.

Extremists among the Zealots turned to terrorism & assassination and became known as Sicarii. They carried with themselves, hidden daggers to strike down anyone “friendly to Rome”.

They believed that God would send at military leader who would (figuratively speaking) come charging in on a big horse, swinging swords, and “cleaning house”. In essence, they believed Jesus would be a strong, aggressive, military force.

Remember when Simon Peter drew his sword and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his ear? You know, it is in the Bible (John 18:10-11). Did Jesus condone this action? NOPE. In Fact, Jesus said, “Put your sword away!”

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) … Jesus told us to GO to ALL Nations … disciplining all nations … teaching them. Remember the “famous 12”? you know … the TWELVE DISCIPLES? Disciples follow a teacher/leader. They are not Forced or Coerced. They are Taught and Nurtured. In Schools, do we chain children to their chairs? Do we lock them in rooms until they do what they are taught? Did the Disciples follow willingly or where they forced to follow Jesus? Did Jesus give them a choice?

Did GOD make us mindless creatures with no Free Will? Did GOD send his Son to mock those who did not follow Him? Does scripture mention that Jesus was constantly pointing out the flaws of the people? Do we see any reference to Jesus demanding loyalty to Himself?

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Lighthouse or Bug Zapper

Aside, Charecteristics, Relationships, Thought,

The purpose of lighthouses has long served to warn mariners of dangerous shallows and perilous rocky coasts, and they help guide vessels safely into and out of harbors.

Bug zappers work by emitting a UV light that attracts bugs to the center of the device, where they’re electrocuted. Because of the irresistible lure of their light, bug zappers are incredibly effective at killing bugs.

In scriptures, we are called to be a “light in the world.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

Here is a simple question for you now.

Are you a Lighthouse or a Bug Zapper?

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