A Church doctrine does not define me. It is Jesus Christ the son of God who defines me.
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Pure or Impure | Truth & Knowledge | Trey Knowles
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Monday, February 26, 2024
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I like to apologize for my video background in the video if anybody got the wrong interpretation of what my background image is saying. What I am trying to say is that I am sacrificing by denying myself, allowing the spirit of God to kill my flesh. Meaning, I allow the Spirit to kill my flesh.
“Pure or Impure” by Trey Knowles is a thought-provoking exploration. In the context of spirituality and self-reflection, it draws inspiration from 2 Corinthians 6:16, which questions the alignment between the temple of God and idols. The verse emphasizes that we are the living temple of God, and we must cast away all forms of impurity.
The dichotomy between purity and impurity resonates deeply. Just as substances can be classified as pure or impure, our hearts and intentions also fall along this spectrum. Let’s delve into the metaphor:
1. Pure Substances:
o In chemistry, pure substances consist of a single element or compound. They exhibit homogeneity and specific properties. Examples include oxygen, water, and carbon dioxide.
o Similarly, spiritual purity involves unwavering devotion, authenticity, and alignment with divine principles. It’s the absence of conflicting influences.
2. Impure Substances:
o Impure substances are mixtures of multiple elements or compounds. Air, seawater, and paint exemplify this category. Their properties vary over a range.
o Spiritually, impurity arises from conflicting desires, attachments, and distractions. It blurs our connection to the divine.
Truth & Knowledge, as explored by Trey Knowles, guides us toward discernment. Just as we identify pure and impure substances, we must evaluate our thoughts, actions, and intentions. Shedding impurities allows us to embody the temple of the living God, walking in grace and truth.
It is written in 2 Corinthians 6:16, What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.
In this episode of Truth & Knowledge, we will learn that we have to put off all kinds of wrongs. It is said in James 1:21. So put out of your life every evil thing and every kind of wrong. Then in gentleness accept God’s teaching that is planted in your hearts, which can save you.
In Matthew 8:28-34 Jesus Restores Two Demon-Possessed Men.
When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”
Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.”
He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.
Pure or Impure
by Trey Knowles
Truth & Knowledge Episode 51.3
Trey Knowles Quote: Color and Culture
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Sunday, February 25, 2024
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Color does not matter. Culture matters, right or wrong what place do you dwell in?
What Jesus Did for Me | Truth & Knowledge | Trey Knowles
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Friday, February 23, 2024
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I know that Jesus Christ loves me because He brought me out of sin and into light. He gave me salvation and gave me new life. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ Jesus. His grace took my place of death and gave me his righteousness and spirit. I am telling you I will always walk in the ways of the Lord and He is my light and shield. I love the Lord with all my heart and my being and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Thanks be to God the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ who brings life to us all.
What Jesus Did for Me
by Trey Knowles
Truth & Knowledge Episode 51.2
Trey Knowles: What is a Shepherd?
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A shepherd is a person who takes care of sheep. Shepherds tend, herd, feed, or guard sheep. The word "shepherd" comes from the Old English words sceap (sheep) and hierde (herder).
Shepherds lead a manageable number of sheep from the front of the flock. The sheep follow because they know and trust the shepherd.
"Shepherd" can also be used as a verb to mean to move and care for sheep, or to lead people somewhere. For example, "Shepherded the student through algebra".
"Shepherd" can also mean to protect, guide, or watch over a person or group of people. For example, "watch over like a shepherd, as a teacher of her pupils".
Trey Knowles: Green Pastures
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A shepherd purposely chooses a green pasture where his sheep can gather to feed, a place where his sheep can lie down without any fear or disturbance, a place necessary for the well-being of his sheep. Likewise, biblical green pastures represent the same thing to us and that is spiritual food.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Psalms 23:1-4
Trey Knowles: Facts About Esau Everyone Should Know
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Wednesday, February 21, 2024
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He Was the Son of Isaac
Isaac, the son of Abraham, was married to Rebecca for many years before being blessed with children. Finally, after 20 years of marriage, they were blessed with twin boys, Jacob and Esau.
Read: Esau’s Autobiography
He Had Three Names
When Esau was born, he was fully formed and had hair across his body like a full-grown man. This prompted all those present to give him the name Esau (Esav in Hebrew), which translates as made or formed.
At the age of 15, Esau was given a second name, Edom, Hebrew for red. The impetus for this name was his foolhardy decision to sell his birthright to Jacob in turn for a pot of red lentil soup (see below) This name was also associated with the reddish complexion of his skin, which symbolized his propensity for violence.
Some say that Seir, Esau’s residence (see below), was yet a third name of his, after his hairy appearance (hair is se’ar in Hebrew).
He Was the Eldest
Esau was the older twin. Scripture relates that when leaving their mother’s womb, Jacob grasped Esau’s heel, as if to delay his birth.
The Midrash relates that Jacob was actually created from the first drop of semen, while Esau was created from the second. Similar to two spheres in a tube, in which the one inserted last exits first, Esau exited Rebecca’s womb first, and Jacob exited second. From this perspective, Jacob was essentially the firstborn. This is why he tried to delay his brother’s birth, so that he would be born first just as he was created first.5
Read: Jacob and Esau
He Was a Hunter
While Jacob was an ardent student, Esau was more inclined to spend his days in the fields, hunting animals and birds.6 It is told that Nimrod, a master hunter himself, was in possession of a cloak that had been passed down from Adam, which attracted wildlife when worn, facilitating his hunting abilities. Esau strongly desired this cloak, to the extent that he plotted against Nimrod, murdering him and securing the cloak for his personal use.7
His Father Loved Him
While Rebecca favored Jacob, Isaac showed a preference to Esau, as Esau would prepare him delicious meals.8 The Midrash adds that Esau tricked his father by leading him to believe that he was pious. One way he did this was by asking Isaac detailed questions involving Jewish law, such as whether it was necessary to separate tithes from salt and straw.9
Read: Why Did Isaac Love Esau?
He Sold His Birthright
One day, 15-year-old Esau returned home after a long day of hunting. (Our Sages add that it was the day he had murdered Nimrod—see above.) Weary and hungry, he encountered his brother cooking a pot of red lentils. Jacob was planning to give the dish to his father, who was mourning his father Abraham, who had passed away that very day.
When Esau asked Jacob for a portion of stew, Jacob stipulated that he would only share it with him if Esau would sell him his birthright. Knowing the special status Judaism accorded the firstborn, he did not want it to be bestowed upon a wicked person like Esau. Esau agreed. He sold his birthright and was duly given a lavish meal of bread and lentil soup.10
Read: Beans and Birthrights
He Married at 40
At the age of 40, Esau married two Canaanite women: Adah, daughter of Elon the Hittite; and Ahalivamah, daughter of Tzivon the Hivite.11 His wives made his parents miserable, blatantly sacrificing incense to pagan deities.
Twenty-three years later, he married a third wife—his first cousin, Basmat, daughter of his uncle Ishmael.
Read: Esau and His Wives
Jacob “Stole” His Blessings
The friction between the two brothers escalated one spring day, when the elderly, blind Isaac instructed Esau to hunt some game and prepare it for him, after which he would bless him. Wanting Jacob to receive the blessings, Rebecca prepared a dish of goat meat and instructed Jacob to masquerade as Esau. Jacob did as he was instructed, and indeed received his father’s blessings.
When Esau discovered what had happened, he was furious at Jacob and wanted to kill him, forcing his brother to flee the home. Jacob spent 20 years at the home of his uncle Laban in Haran, who also became his father-in-law when Jacob married his daughters Leah and Rachel.14
Read: Was Jacob Right to Take the Blessings?
He Later Made Peace With Jacob
After many long years, Jacob finally made his way home, only to be told that his brother was marching towards him with a large army. Alarmed, Jacob prepared for war, prayed to God, and sent gifts to appease Esau. When they finally met, Esau fell on his brother’s neck and kissed him, and finally, the brothers were at peace—or at least so it seemed.
There are various opinions among the Sages as to what truly happened. Some say that he was overcome with compassion—at least temporarily—and kissed Jacob wholeheartedly, while others say that the kiss was half-hearted. Yet others say that his real intent was to bite him at the neck, but G‑d miraculously thwarted his plans by causing Jacob’s neck to become stiff like marble.16
Read: Why Does Esau Hate Jacob?
He Lived on Mount Seir
While Jacob was in Haran, Esau acquired an estate in the land of Seir, then inhabited by the Horites. After his brother’s return, he decided to employ more drastic measures. Taking his family with him, he returned to Seir and waged battle against the Horites, conquering their land. From then on, Mt. Seir became the homeland of Esau’s descendants, known as the nation of Edom.
On their way from Egypt, the Israelites wanted to cross Mt. Seir on their way to the Promised Land, but the Edomites stubbornly refused, forcing the Jews to take a circular route.
His Head Is Buried Near Jacob
The fates of Esau and Jacob merged even at death. Jacob passed on in Egypt, and his body was taken by his sons to be buried in the Cave of Machpelah in the Land of Canaan. To their consternation, however, there was Esau, laying dubious claims to the last remaining plot in the cave. While the quick-running Naftali was dispatched to retrieve the bill of deed, Hushim, the hard-of-hearing son of Dan, inquired as to the cause of the delay. When he was informed that it had to do with his uncle Esau, he dealt him a mighty blow that brought about his demise.
Midrashic sources further state that Esau’s head (severed from the blow) rolled into the Cave of Machpelah until it reached the bosom of his father Isaac, and was buried there.20
Read: The Beheading of Esau
He Is Considered the Progenitor of Rome
Esau’s offspring split into various groups, each one led by a chieftain. One of these groups was named Magdiel, which is identified as Rome. Indeed, there is a longstanding tradition that the Romans were descendants of Esau, and as such, Jewish literature refers to the Roman Empire as the Kingdom of Edom.
Obadiah Compared Him and His Brother to Straw and Fire
Esau was Jacob’s antithesis even while still in their mother’s womb. Experiencing a difficult pregnancy, Rebecca consulted Shem son of Noah, who conveyed to her the word of God.
Two nations are in your womb, and two kingdoms will separate from your stomach. One nation will [alternatingly] be stronger than the next, but [ultimately] the older one will serve the younger one.
The friction between the brothers continued with their descendants for millennia. The prophet Obadiah foretells how this twin-brother drama will conclude:
The house of Jacob will be likened to fire; the house of Joseph, to a flame; and the house of Esau, to straw. They will ignite them and consume them…. Saviors will ascend the mountain of Zion to judge the mountain of Esau, and sovereignty will be to God.
He Had Deep Spiritual Potential
Chassidic thought gives deeper insight into Esau’s personality and Isaac’s seemingly misled favoritism. Isaac was aware of Esau’s true character, but he also knew that he possessed deep spiritual powers waiting to be unleashed in a positive way. This is also why he planned to bless Esau, hoping this would draw out his hidden potential.
Although the time was not yet ripe, in later generations, Esau’s lofty spiritual source would come to fruition. A number of famous converts traced their lineage to him, among them the prophet Obadiah, Onkelos, and Rabbi Meir. (In fact, Esau himself had the status of a Jew, albeit one who rebelled against God, Moreover, Kabbalistic texts teach that in the Era of Moshiach, Esau and his descendants will be transformed and embrace goodness and holiness.
Trey Knowles: Remove The Ways of Cain
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Sunday, February 18, 2024
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The word Cain means: Possessions. Cain ground keeper
The word Abel means: Breath: Abel was the keeper of sheep
Cain was one of the sons of Adam and Eve. His birth is the first one recorded in Scripture, leading us to believe that Cain was Adam and Eve’s firstborn: “Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, ‘With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man’” (Genesis 4:1). The name Cain is based on the Hebrew root word qanah, which means “possession.” Cain was a rebellious man who rejected God’s plan, ignored God’s warnings, and received God’s judgment.
Cain is most infamous for being the world’s first murderer. When his sacrifice was rejected by God while his brother Abel’s was accepted, Cain grew angry (Genesis 4:4–5). God warned Cain against further sin, but Cain spurned God’s warning and killed his brother Abel in a field (verses 6–8). God punished Cain by increasing his hardship and banishing him from society (verse 10–12). But God also marked Cain in some way to protect him from being killed by revenge-seekers (verse 15). Cain settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden, married a sister (or cousin or niece), and had descendants that are listed in the Bible to the sixth generation. Cain built a city (verse 17), and his descendants included nomadic herdsmen, musicians, and smiths (verses 20–22).
Cain’s descendants, some of whom are listed in Genesis 4, grew more and more wicked. Lamech, the fifth from Cain, was a polygamist and a murderer, and he boasted of his sin (Genesis 4:23). All of Cain’s seed were probably wiped out in the flood. Genesis 5 follows the more godly line of Seth, one of Cain’s younger brothers. Seth’s descendants included Enoch, Methuselah, and Noah.
The tragic story of Cain illustrates the damaging effects of anger and jealousy. The willfulness and disobedience of Cain are alluded to in Scripture as a caution to others who might follow in his steps. First John 3:12 warns us against a lack of brotherly love: “Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous.” Those who welcome evil into their hearts have a natural hatred for those who are righteous.
Hebrews 11:4 gives us a clue as to why Cain’s offering was rejected: “By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did.” Abel had faith, and, by inference, Cain did not. Cain did not receive the approval of God because his heart was not right with God. “Without faith, it is impossible to please God” (verse 6).
Finally, Jude speaks against ungodly men “who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:4). These hypocrites within the church face certain judgment: “Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain” (verse 11). Like Cain, they have rejected God’s will; like Cain, they proudly continue to ignore God’s warnings; and, like Cain, they will be judged in the end.
Trey Knowles: Firmament
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Saturday, February 17, 2024
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The definition of the Firmament can be essentially summarized as the arch or vault over the earth and sky that separates the earthly realm from what is beyond.
Arch- a curved symmetrical structure spanning an opening and typically supporting the weight of a bridge, roof, or wall above it.
the firmament as “the vault or arch of the sky; heavens.”
Then God said, "Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters." Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven..." (Genesis 1:6-8 NKJV).
