MEM

What are ‘Signs’ in Scripture? Can we trust these signs? And what is your view of the Sabbath? Is it still one of the ten commandments as given from Mount Sinai? Did the Sabbath change? Is the Sabbath one of Yeshua’s commands? If so it is a sign of the Almighty’s authority and His desire for a relationship with us.

We have just gone through a series of messages from 1John (a letter to the churches). In this letter John writes:

1John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. (NAS unless indicated, all bolding is by the MEM)

What are His commandments? Just those given in the New Testament? Maybe part of the Old Testament? Or the whole Bible? The whole Bible is the Word of Elohim (God). It has been given for our teaching and instruction; it reveals the Creator and is valid for us today. Therefore we believe in the clear instructions of our Creator that we may come to know Him.

2Tim 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Exodus 31:12 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 13 "But as for you, speak to the sons of Israel, saying, 'You shall surely observe My Sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you. 14 Therefore you are to observe the Sabbath, for it is holy to you… 15 For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the LORD… 16 So the sons of Israel shall observe the Sabbath, to celebrate the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant.' 17 "It is a sign between Me and the sons of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day He ceased from labor, and was refreshed."

If we take to heart this command of YHVH (The LORD) along with what Yeshua (Jesus) said:

Matt 5:17 "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.

Yet, you might say, "That commandment was given to Israel." Yes, but, let us examine the Scriptures.

We are considered the offspring of Abraham:

Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.

This means what was promised Abraham and what YHVH told Israel (sons of Jacob, son of Isaac son of Abraham) applies to us also - and He called them His people, a holy nation and a kingdom of priest:

Exodus 19:5 'Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; 6 and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel."

No surprise when what the apostle Peter tells us, sounds like what YHVH said to Israel

1Pet 2:5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1Pet 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Gen 2:2 And by the seventh day God completed His work which He had done; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

Exodus 20:8 " Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day and made it holy.

The Sabbath is a ‘Sign’ (Exodus 31:12-17); What is a sign?

Webster 1828 (edited for length)

SIGN, n. [L. signum; Gr. deicnumt.]

1. A token; something by which another thing is shown or represented; any visible thing, any motion, appearance or event which indicates the existence or approach of something else. Thus we speak of signs of fair weather or of a storm, and of external marks which are signs of a good constitution.

2. A motion, action, nod or gesture indicating a wish or command.

3. A wonder; a miracle; a prodigy; a remarkable transaction, event or phenomenon.

Through mighty signs and wonders. Rom 15. Luke 11.

4. Some visible transaction, event or appearance intended as proof or evidence of something else; hence; proof; evidence by sight. Show me a sign that thou talkest with me. Judges 6.

6. A memorial or monument; something to preserve the memory of a thing.

What time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men, and they became a sign. Num 16.

7. Visible mark or representation; as an outward sign of an inward and spiritual grace.

8. A mark of distinction.

ISBE - Sign (For more helpful information see section titled ‘Sign’)

… A mark by which persons or things are distinguished and made known. In Scripture used generally of an address to the senses to attest the existence of supersensible and therefore divine power.

…the Sabbath is an oft-recurring proclamation of God's gracious thought for the well-being of man

Sign - Strong’s H226 (edited)

- Transliteration: 'owth - Phonetic: oth

- Definition:

• ensign • mark • miracles • sign • token

TWOT (for more information see section titled ‘Sign’)

41 III, sign, mark, describe with a mark.

41a (’ôt) sign, mark, token, ensign, standard, miracle, miraculous sign, proof, warning.

’ôt. This is the general word for "sign," and it covers the entire range of the English term and the Greek word sēmeion. On the pedestrian end of the scale it includes what amounts to a “signboard” or “standard” (Num 2:2). It also includes such important concepts as the rainbow “sign” to Noah (Gen 9:12-13, 17).

- Strong's: Of Hebrew origin; the Sabbath (that is Shabbath) or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself)…

Surely the Sabbath is more than the seventh day of the week. It is more than a memorial of the Creation. It is more than a rest from one’s labors. It is truly a wonder, a miracle, and a gift from the Creator to mankind.

Yeshua (Jesus) did not change the day of the Sabbath

Matt 12:8 "For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."

Mark 2:27 And He was saying to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.

Hebrews 4:9 There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God.

The Sabbath is a Blessing and a Sign that we are the Creator’s people That we might know Him - Amen

Proverbs 8:29 When He set for the sea its boundary, So that the water should not transgress His command, When He marked out the foundations of the earth;

Proverbs 1:23 "Turn to my reproof, Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.

Theodore Roosevelt

We too can be like our Creator in our work - We also are to rest even as He did - it is His Sign

Sign ('oth "a sign" "mark" mopheth, "wonder"' semeion, "a sign," "signal," "mark"): A mark by which persons or things are distinguished and made known. In Scripture used generally of an address to the senses to attest the existence of supersensible and therefore divine power. Thus the plagues of Egypt were "signs" of divine displeasure against the Egyptians (Exod 4:8; Josh 24:17, and often); and the miracles of Jesus were "signs" to attest His unique relationship with God (Matt 12:38; John 2:18; Acts 2:22). Naturally, therefore, both in the Old Testament and the New Testament, "signs" are assimilated to the miraculous, and prevailingly associated with immediate divine interference. The popular belief in this manner of communication between the visible and the invisible worlds has always been, and is now, widespread. So-called "natural" explanations, however ingenious or cogent, fail with the great majority of people to explain anything. Wesley and Spurgeon were as firm believers in the validity of such methods of intercourse between man and God as were Moses and Gideon, Peter and John.

The faith that walks by signs is not by any means to be lightly esteemed. It has been allied with the highest nobility of character and with the most signal achievement. Moses accepted the leadership of his people in response to a succession of signs: e.g. the burning bush, the rod which became a serpent, the leprous hand, etc. so, too, did Gideon, who was not above making proof of God in the sign of the fleece of wool (Jud 6:36-40). In the training of the Twelve, Jesus did not disdain the use of signs (Lu 5:1-11, and often); and the visions by which Peter and Paul were led to the evangelization of the Gentiles were interpreted by them as signs of the divine purpose.

The sacramental use of the sign dates from the earliest period, and the character of the sign is as diverse as the occasion. The rainbow furnishes radiant suggestion of God's overarching love and assurance that the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy the earth (Ge 9:13; compare Ge 4:15); the Feast of Unleavened Bread is a reminder of God's care in bringing His people out of bondage (Ex 13:3); the Sabbath is an oft-recurring proclamation of God's gracious thought for the well-being of man (Exod 31:13; Ezek 20:12); the brazen serpent, an early foreshadowing of the cross, perpetuates the imperishable promise of forgiveness and redemption (Nu 21:9); circumcision is made the seal of the special covenant under which Israel became a people set apart (Ge 17:11); baptism, the Christian equivalent of circumcision, becomes the sign and seal of the dedicated life and the mark of those avowedly seeking to share in the blessedness of the Kingdom of God (Luke 3:12-14; Acts 2:41, and often); bread and wine, a symbol of the spiritual manna by which soul and body are preserved unto everlasting life, is the hallowed memorial of the Lord's death until His coming again (Luke 22:14-20; 1Cor 11:23-28). Most common of all were the local altars and mounds consecrated in simple and sincere fashion to a belief in God's ruling and overruling providence (Jos 4:1-10).

Signs were offered in proof of the divine commission of prophet (Isa 20:3) and apostle (2Co 12:12), and of the Messiah Himself (John 20:30; Acts 2:22); and they were submitted in demonstration of the divine character of their message (2Kgs 20:9; Isa 38:1; Acts 3:1-16). By anticipation the child to be born of a young woman (Isa 7:10-16; compare Lu 2:12) is to certify the prophet's pledge of a deliverer for a captive people.

… "signs," in the sense of displays of miraculous powers, are to accompany the faith of believers (Mr 16:17 f), usher in and forthwith characterize the dispensation of the Holy Spirit, and mark the consummation of the ages (Re 15:1). Charles M. Stuart

[ 1,,G4592, semeion ]

a sign, mark, indication, token," is used (a) of that which distinguished a person or thing from others, e.g., Matt 26:48; Luke 2:12; Rom 4:11; 2Cor 12:12 (1st part); 2Thess 3:17, "token," i.e., his autograph attesting the authenticity of his letters; (b) of a "sign" as a warning or admonition, e.g., Matt 12:39, "the sign of (i.e., consisting of) the prophet Jonas;" Matt 16:4; Luke 2:34; Luke 11:29-Luke 11:30; (c) of miraculous acts (1) as tokens of Divine authority and power, e.g., Matt 12:38-Matt 12:39 (1st part); John 2:11, RV, "signs;" John 3:2 (ditto); John 4:54, "(the second) sign," RV; John 10:41 (ditto); John 20:30; in 1Cor 1:22, "the Jews ask for signs," RV, indicates that the Apostles were met with the same demand from Jews as Christ had been: "signs were vouchsafed in plenty, signs of God's power and love, but these were not the signs which they sought ... They wanted signs of an outward Messianic Kingdom, of temporal triumph, of material greatness for the chosen people. ... With such cravings the Gospel of a 'crucified Messiah' was to them a stumbling block indeed" (Lightfoot); 1Cor 14:22; (2) by demons, Rev 16:14; (3) by false teachers or prophets, indications of assumed authority, e.g., Matt 24:24; Mark 13:22; (4) by Satan through his special agents, 2Thess 2:9; Rev 13:13-Rev 13:14; Rev 19:20; (d) of tokens portending future events, e.g., Matt 24:3, where "the sign of the Son of Man" signifies, subjectively, that the Son of Man is Himself the "sign" of what He is about to do; Mark 13:4; Luke 21:7, Luke 21:11, Luke 21:25; Acts 2:19; Rev 12:1, RV; Rev 12:3, RV; Rev 15:1.

"Signs" confirmatory of what God had accomplished in the atoning sacrifice of Christ, His resurrection and ascension, and of the sending of the Holy Spirit, were given to the Jews for their recognition, as at Pentecost, and supernatural acts by apostolic ministry, as well as by the supernatural operations in the churches, such as the gift of tongues and prophesyings…

41 III, sign, mark, describe with a mark.

41a (’ôt) sign, mark, token, ensign, standard, miracle, miraculous sign, proof, warning.

’ôt. This is the general word for "sign," and it covers the entire range of the English term and the Greek word sēmeion. On the pedestrian end of the scale it includes what amounts to a “signboard” or “standard” (Num 2:2). It also includes such important concepts as the rainbow “sign” to Noah (Gen 9:12-13, 17).

1. ’ôt first occurs in Gen 1:14, where it refers to the luminaries serving as "signs" to distinguish the seasons. In Jer 10:2 it has a similar meaning.

2. According to Gen 4:15, the Lord set a "mark" on Cain. The meaning of this word is uncertain.

3. A third use of the word is illustrated by Gen 9:12-13, 17, according to which the rainbow is a "sign" of the covenant. Circumcision is the "sign" in Gen 17:11. Also, the Sabbath is to be a "sign," according to Ex 31:13, 17 and Ezk 20:12. It is this use of "sign" that is meant when Christians refer to the ordinances as outward "signs" of inward grace.

4. Most of the eighty occurrences of ’ôt refer to "miraculous signs." All the plagues on the Egyptians are called "signs." In these contexts the complementary word môpēt (q.v.) meaning "wonders" often occurs (Ex 7:3; Deut 4:34; 6:22; 7:19; 26:8; Neh 9:10; Isa 20:3; et al.). This word ’ôt is used in Isaiah’s famous prophecy to Ahaz (7:11, 14). The shadow’s advance on the palace steps was a "sign" for the ailing king Hezekiah (II Kgs 20:9; Isa 38:7). Likewise God showed Gideon a "sign" by igniting the offered food (Jud 6:17).

5. The word ’ôt sometimes means "token." For example, Aaron’s rod was to be a "warning to the rebellious" (Num 17:25 nab and Heb, v. 10 in other English versions). In the same category are the stones in the Jordan (Josh 4:6), the hammered plates on the altar (Num 16:38), and the witness pillar in Egypt (Isa 19:20).

6. A dreamer or a prophet, true or false, could produce "signs" according to Deut 13:1ff. The fulfillment of Jeremiah’s threat of punishment was a true "sign" (Jer 44:29), while Isaiah speaks of "signs" of liars (44:25).

Naturally, these categories are artificial and overlap. The simple fact that one Hebrew word covers them all is proof of that. The word "sign" either signifies the unusual event itself or in someway points to that unusual event. Or it may point backward to a historical event such as the stones in the Jordan (Josh 4:6), or even forward to such a promise as a thornless future world (Isa 55:13).

R.L.A.

How does God feel about issues we face today?

God’s word speaks of signs and wonders, and promises that they will follow those who present His message. Have you seen such signs? Have any of them followed you? Every day you see signs on the roads that provide direction to destinations. Spiritual signs serve the same purpose. They serve to direct people to the Father. Road signs provide useful information, but you do not have a sense of fascination about them. In like manner you should not regard spiritual signs with fixation, but only as they point to the Creator. They are superior to road signs because they point to a superior destination. He will provide more of them to follow your service to Him if you keep them in proper perspective.

You know that observers are those who watch. This has the connotation of someone who does only that and is not directly involved. Yet this term has a stronger definition as well. To observe the speed limit it is not enough to watch the sign as you drive past it. In this case observation also requires obedience. Scientists pride themselves on being detached and dispassionate observers, but this is not a desirable choice for you. You will choose to obey or disregard God’s commandments. Don't turn away and slide into a bad choice by default. Choose this day to observe all that I have commanded you.

On July 11, 1804, Vice President Aaron Burr challenged Alexander Hamilton (who served as the first secretary of the U.S. Treasury under President George Washington) to a duel.

The pair had long been political rivals - in fact, when Hamilton launched an attack against Burr during his successful 1803 campaign for vice president alongside presidential candidate Thomas Jefferson, Hamilton went so far as to say "I feel it is a religious duty to oppose his career."

You may recognize Alexander Hamilton from
the popular

Hamilton campaigned ferociously against Burr during his 1804 bid for governor of New York, and Burr ultimately lost the race. In an attempt to repair his reputation, Burr challenged Hamilton to an "affair of honor" - aka, a duel.

The two Wogdon pistols used in the duel reside at JPMorgan Chase & Co. headquarters in New York City

The pair met in the early morning near Weehawken, New Jersey. Although reports varied as to whether or not Hamilton missed on purpose, one thing was certain - Burr did not. His bullet hit Hamilton in the stomach, and he died from his injury the following day.

Although dueling was commonplace at the time, Vice President Burr was charged with murder. He returned to Washington, D.C. (where he was immune from prosecution), and finished his term. However, the charges damaged Burr's political career and it never recovered. He was arrested for treason in 1807 following an attempt to seize land in the Louisiana Territory. Even though he was acquitted, Burr never again held public office.

Most seniors never get enough exercise. I wonder if God, in His wisdom decreed that seniors become forgetful so they would have to search for their glasses, keys and other things thus doing more walking.

I wonder if God saw there was another need. In His wisdom He made seniors lose coordination so they would drop things requiring them to bend, reach & stretch.

Then I wonder if God considered the function of bladders and decided seniors would have additional calls of nature requiring more trips to the bathroom, thus providing more exercise. 

So if you find as you age, you are getting up and down more, I wonder if it's God's will. It may be all in your best interest even though you mutter under your breath.

Important Facts To Remember As We Grow Older:

#8 Death is the number 1 killer in the world.

#7 Life is sexually transmitted.

#6 Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die.

#5 Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day. Teach a person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks, months, maybe years unless you give them your email address.

#4 Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in the hospital, dying of nothing.

#3 All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.

#2 In the 60's, people took LSD to make the world weird. Now the world is weird, and people take Prozac to make it normal.

#1 Life is like a jar of jalapeno peppers. What you do today may be a burning issue tomorrow.
Please share this wisdom with others while I go to the bathroom.

Psalm 65:8 And they who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Thy signs; Thou dost make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.

Psalm 86:17 Show me a sign for good, That those who hate me may see it, and be ashamed, Because Thou, O LORD, hast helped me and comforted me.

Exodus 31:13 "… 'You shall surely observe My Sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the LORD who sanctifies you.

Blessed be YHVH (Genesis 14:20 And blessed be God Most High…)