Thursday, July 26, 2012

The Ark of the Covenant No More Remembered




And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more.

Jeremiah 3:16


Isaiah 65:17 "Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.

Monday, July 9, 2012

The Covenant Established With The Whole Cosmos at Creation




Taken from: http://www.salvationhistory.com/documents/scripture/LSJ3%20Hahn.pdf



Christ, Kingdom, and Creation: Davidic Christology and Ecclesiology in Luke-Acts
By Dr. Scott Hahn

....

Already in the infancy narratives, Simeon speaks of Jesus



as “a light of revelation to the nations” (2:32). Luke traces his



genealogy back to Adam, the father of all mankind (3:38). As



precedent for his ministry, Jesus cites the healing of Gentiles



by the prophets Elijah and Elisha (4:25–27), and he himself



heals the servant of a Roman (7:1–10), while praising his faith



above that of Israel (7:9). He predicts that “men will come



from east and west, and from north and south” to sit at table



38 Isa. 2:1–4; 56:6–8; 60:3–16; 66:18–21; Jer. 33:11; Ezek. 40–44; Dan. 9:24–27; Joel 3:18; Hag. 2:1–9;



Mic. 4:1–4; Zech. 6:12–14; 8:20–23; 14:16.



39 On the importance of the Temple in Luke 1–2, see Green, Luke, 61–62 and Nicholas Taylor,



“Luke-Acts and the Temple,” in The Unity of Luke-Acts, 709–21, at 709.



40 On the importance of the Temple in Luke-Acts generally, see James B. Chance, Jerusalem, the



Temple, and the New Age in Luke-Acts (Macon, GA: Mercer University, 1988); and Andrew C.



Clark “The Role of the Apostles,” in Witness to the Gospel: The Theology of Acts, eds. I. Howard



Marshall and David Peterson (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1998), 169–90, esp. 175–76.



41 2 Sam. 8:11–12; 10:19; 12:30; 1 Kings 3:1; 4:20–21; 10:15. See Carol Meyers, “The Israelite Empire:



In Defense of King Solomon,” in Backgrounds for the Bible, eds. Michael Patrick O’Connor and



David Noll Freedman (Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 1987), 181–97.



42 See Pss. 2:8; 18:43, 47; 22:27; 47:1, 9; 66:8; 67:2–5; 72:8, 11; 86:9; 89:27; 96:7, 99:1.



43 Isa. 2:3–4; 42:1–6; 49:1–7, 22–26; 51:4–6; 55:3–5; 56:3–8; 60:1–16; 66:18–19; Amos 9:11–12; Mic.



4:2–3; Zech. 14:16–19.



122 Scott Hahn



in the kingdom of God (13:29), and finally and most explicitly,



Jesus teaches the disciples that “forgiveness of sins should be



preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem”



(24:47).



7. Everlasting Rule. The Davidic monarchy was to be everlasting.



Throughout the psalms and historical books identified by



scholars as the work of the Deuteronomist, there is a recurrent



theme: that the Davidic dynasty is to be everlasting (2 Sam.



7:16; 23:5; Ps. 89:35–36). Indeed, not only the dynasty but the



lifespan of the reigning monarch himself was described as



everlasting (Pss. 21:4; 72:5, 110:4).44



In Luke, the angel Gabriel promises to Mary that Jesus “will



reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom



there will be no end.”45 Jesus’ everlasting reign is mentioned



frequently elsewhere in Luke, for example, in passages where



Jesus is the mediator of eternal life (18:18–30).



Thus it is clear that all seven major characteristics of the Davidic monarchy



are manifested in Jesus and his ministry. In Luke, Jesus is the royal son of David



who journeys to the city of David as part of his mission to restore the kingdom of



David. In sum, Luke’s christology is strongly Davidic and royal.



The Davidic Kingdom and the Covenant with Creation



Already in the Old Testament, the Davidic kingdom was viewed as a recapitulation



or renewal of God’s plan for creation. In what follows, I will pursue three lines of



argument which show that certain Old Testament texts understand the Davidic



covenant as a fulfillment of the creation covenant. In the first line of argument,



we will trace the temple concept in the Old Testament in order to show that the



Temple built by Solomon, so closely integrated into the Davidic covenant, was



understood as a microcosm and embodiment of the very creation itself. In the



second line of argument, I will show that Adam is portrayed in biblical texts as



king over all creation, and similar language and imagery is also applied to David.



In the third line of argument, I will show that the Chronicler, by tracing David’s



lineage back to Adam, means to suggest that David and his covenantal kingdom



holds significance for all Adam’s descendants, that is, for all humanity, and indeed



is the climax and fulfillment of God’s purpose in creating humanity.



44 For a discussion of the tension between these texts and others which imply the Davidic covenant



can be or has been broken, see Bruce C. Waltke, “The Phenomenon of Conditionality within



Unconditional Covenants,” in Israel’s Apostasy and Restoration: Essays in Honor of Roland K.



Harrison, ed. Avraham Gileadi (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1988), 123–40.



45 See Bock, Luke 1:1–9:50, 116–17.



Christ, Kingdom, and Creation 123



Many scholars see in the first two chapters of Genesis the description of a



covenant between God and creation, in which the creation itself forms a cosmic



temple.46 However, since neither the term “covenant” nor “temple” is to be found in



Genesis 1 or 2, I must explain the exegetical basis for this view.



The Genesis creation account cannot be fully appreciated without comparison



with several other texts in the Pentateuch which, like Genesis 1, reflect the



priestly traditions of Israel. One such text is Genesis 9, the account of the covenant



between God and Noah. The language of this chapter so obviously reflects the



language of Genesis 1 (“be fruitful and multiply,” “birds of the air, fish of the sea,



and every creeping thing,” etc.) that it is not necessary to demonstrate the point.



God forms a covenant with Noah, and through him with all creation. However,



the Hebrew terms for enacting this covenant are not the usual combination tyrb



trk (literally, “to cut a covenant”) but tyrb myqh (“to confirm a covenant”).



It has often been argued that tyrb trk and tyrb myqh are synonymous



expressions that merely reflect the linguistic preferences of their presumably different



documentary sources (so-called Yahwist and Priestly sources, respectively).



However, William Dumbrell and Jacob Milgrom have both argued independently



of one another that tyrb myqh has a distinct nuance: outside of Genesis 6–9 it



is consistently used in contexts where a preexistent covenant is being confirmed



or, perhaps better, reaffirmed. The clearest examples are Genesis 17 (vv. 7, 19, 21),



where the Abrahamic covenant reaffirmed with his “seed.”47 By contrast, tyrb trk



generally indicates the initiation of a new covenant.



The question arises, how could tyrb myqh function in Genesis 9 to indicate a



confirmation of an existing covenant when no prior covenant is explicitly mentioned



in Genesis? Where could a covenant previously have been established? The heavy



repetition of the very language of Genesis 1 provides the clues and the answer. In



Genesis 9 God is reaffirming and perhaps restoring the covenant established with



the whole cosmos at creation.



Other texts seem to confirm an implicit covenant at creation. For example,



the exposition of the third commandment found in Exodus 31 sheds light on the



creation account:



Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a sabbath of



solemn rest, holy to the Lord; whoever does any work on the



sabbath day shall be put to death. Therefore the people of Israel



46 For a discussion of the relationship between creation and the covenant(s), see Santiago Sanz



Sánchez, La relación entre creación y alianza en la teologia contemporánea: status quaestionis y



reflexiones filosófico-teológicas [The Relation Between Creation and Covenant in Contemporary



Theology: The Status of the Question and Philosophical-Theological Reflections], Dissertationes



Series Theologica 11 (Rome: Edizioni Università della Santa Croce, 2003); William J. Dumbrell,



Covenant and Creation: A Theology of Old Testament Covenants (Nashville: Thomas Nelson,



1984).



47 Compare Lev. 26:9; Deut. 8:18; and Ezek. 16:60, 62.



124 Scott Hahn



shall keep the sabbath, observing the sabbath throughout their



generations, as a perpetual covenant. It is a sign for ever between



me and the people of Israel that in six days the Lord made



heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was



refreshed. (Exod. 31:15–17)



Then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, commented on



this passage vis-à-vis Genesis 1:



To understand the account of creation properly, one has to read



the Sabbath ordinances of the Torah. Then everything becomes



clear. The Sabbath is the sign of the covenant between God and



man; it sums up the inward essence of the covenant. If this is so,



then we can now define the intention of the account of creation



as follows: creation exists to be a place for the covenant that God



wants to make with man. The goal of creation is the covenant,



the love story of God and man. . . . If, then, everything is directed



to the covenant, it is important to see that the covenant



is a relationship: God’s gift of himself to man, but also man’s



response to God. Man’s response to the God who is good to him



is love, and loving God means worshipping him. If creation is



meant to be a space for the covenant, the place where God and



man meet one another, then it must be thought of as a space for



worship.48



The fact that the creation account culminates on the Sabbath—which the



pious Israelite would recognize as the “sign” of the covenant (Ezek. 20:12, 20)—suggests



not only that creation is ordered to covenant, but that the covenant between



God and man is already present at creation.



....

Saturday, July 7, 2012

Gangland to Promised Land




John Pridmore

He was a serious "face" in London's East End. His Jackets were tailored to hold his machete and knuckledusters. His drug deals made him wealthy. Then something extraordinary happened...

John Pridmore spoke at the 2008 World Youth Day and on EWTN about what Christ has done in his life. His powerful story has inspired hundreds of thousands to grow in their faith.

....



Other Recommended Titles:

No Turning Back

No Turning Back

How is a diehard agnostic transformed into a fervent apostle of Christ? Fr. Donald Calloway, a former drug dealer, will have you on the edge of your seat as he candidly shares the amazing story of how he was unexpectedly led into the Catholic Faith and to the priesthood by God's grace and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. His conversion can be compared to that of St. Augustine. Formerly titled: Former Drug Dealer to Catholic Priesthood
 

Awesome!! Every aspect was awesome, riveting at times, especially when he described the Holy Eucharist!Sandra - Wendel, IN


Wednesday, July 4, 2012

The Face of God




Blessed Mother Teresa


Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta is known throughout the world as a woman totally committed to the Gospel. In the first presentation, she explains the infinite value of God's gift of life; in the second presentation, she emphasizes the Eucharist and our call to imitate Christ by loving each other unconditionally. A bonus segment is provided by Dr. Scott Hahn on Understanding the Eucharist.


....

Taken from: http://www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/store/title/the-face-of-god


Other Recommended Titles:Anger and Forgiveness


Anger and Forgiveness Catholic psychotherapist Deacon Dr. Bob McDonald provides a spiritual and psychological prescription for overcoming the sinful anger that poisons the mind of Christ within, causing alienation and division. His practical wisdom shows that only by learning how to forgive can we hope to promote healing and understanding in our relationships and enjoy the blessings of a forgiving heart.

This CD has changed my life! It has given me a clearer understanding of anger and how we can overcome it Dan - Oakdale, CA

Deacon Dr. Bob McDonald

Seven Reasons to be Catholic

Seven Reasons to be Catholic Dr. Peter Kreeft is a world-renowned philosopher and best-selling author of over 35 books. Drawing from the treasured wisdom of such great spiritual thinkers as St. John of the Cross, Thomas Aquinas, C. S. Lewis, and Cardinal Newman, he helps us to understand why truth trumps everything! Listen as he clearly presents seven undisputable reasons why every person should indeed be Catholic.

This CD has re-started the spark I had lost! I am looking forward to listening to the other CDs I purchased! Bob - Fremont, OH

Dr. Peter Kreeft

Mary Handmaid of the Lord

Mary Handmaid of the Lord Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta is known throughout the world as a woman who was totally committed to the Gospel. In this inspiring talk, she shares her insights on the Blessed Virgin Mary as a model of womanhood and perfect discipleship. She shows us that we, too, can do the will of God by saying ?yes? to the Lord in the big and little things in our lives; nothing is too insignificant.

I rate this CD a 10! It gave me more understanding of why Mother Mary must be honored. Luke - Calgary, AB

Blessed Mother Teresa

The Healing Power of Confession

The Healing Power of Confession Dr. Scott Hahn presents the historical and biblical origins of the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation). He provides an important guide for new Catholics, a source of renewal for "old hands", and a challenge to all of us to deepen our relationship with Christ through regular use of the Sacrament of Penance.



This is an outstanding talk on Confession that cuts to the heart of this great Sacrament of Mercy. Father Joseph - Baltic, CT

Dr. Scott Hahn

Finding the Fullness of Faith

Finding the Fullness of Faith Stephen Ray was raised in a devout, loving, Baptist family. In this presentation, he shares his amazing conversion to Catholicism and explains why he is convinced it is the Church founded by Christ over 2000 years ago.



Fantastic!! This is absolutely the one CD everyone should start with ... it is persuasive, informative, and highly valuable in educating Catholics and non-Catholics about Catholicism! I will order many and give them to family and friends. Susan - Land O Lakes, FL

Stephen Ray

Becoming The-Best-Version-of-Yourself

Becoming The-Best-Version-of-Yourself Matthew Kelly possesses a powerful ability to combine the ageless tool of storytelling with a profound understanding of today's culture and the common yearnings of the human heart. He shows us how to see the challenges in our everyday lives in a new light. He will help elevate and energize you to pursue the highest values of the human spirit and become the best version of yourself.

OUTSTANDING!!! This timely presentation was filled with truth & presented in a way that was easy to identify with and understand. Anne - Youngstown, OH

Matthew Kelly

The Virgin Mary Revealed Through Scripture

The Virgin Mary Revealed Through Scripture Once a Protestant minister, Dr. Scott Hahn was a militant opponent of the Catholic Church. Now one of the foremost Catholic theologians in the world, he responds to key misunderstandings about the Virgin Mary. This captivating presentation explains the biblical and historical basis for the Church's teachings that the Virgin Mary is the New Eve and the Queen of Heaven.

I learn more every time I listen to this CD! I really liked the explanations of the Old Testament being fulfilled in the New Testament. Debra - Germantown, WI

Dr. Scott Hahn

Why Is There Hell? What You Should Know About It!

Why Is There Hell? What You Should Know About It! In this moving study on hell, Dr. Scott Hahn shares what scripture teaches about why hell is necessary. What it is like? Who goes there? How can you stay out forever? He explains why Lucifer refused to serve and then responds from a scriptural perspective to the most seductive modern errors about hell. Included are two bonus excerpts from Dr. Hahn's talk, The Healing Power of Confession.

This is a great CD! It gives the theological basis for hell. For me, it also highlighted the need for continued conversion throughout life. Chad - St. Michael, MN

Dr. Scott Hahn

The Seven Levels of Intimacy

The Seven Levels of Intimacy True intimacy means sharing who we really are with another person. We have to move beyond the clichés in conversation and get beneath the surface which involves taking a risk because in doing this, our weaknesses and imperfections will be made known. Matthew teaches practical ways to share ourselves more deeply with those we love and change the way we approach our relationships forever.

This CD really opened my eyes! As a husband of 53 years and father of 6, I was truly impressed by the incredible content in this presentation. Bob - Syracuse, NY

Matthew Kelly

My Spiritual Journey

My Spiritual Journey Matthew Kelly is one of the most sought-after speakers of our time. When he was a young man, a friend helped him to open his heart to God. Since that time, Matthew has helped millions around the world to embrace the Lord's call to live a deeper spiritual life. Listen as he shares both his remarkable personal story and his uniquely inspiring outlook on faith and the adventure of living the Christian life to the fullest.

Awesome! I loved this talk and came away with a fresh inspiration to grow my faith and find joy. This is perfect for all ages. I passed it on to my teenage sons. Cindy - Houston TX

Matthew Kelly


Tuesday, July 3, 2012

The History of Salvation




Monsignor Dan Deutsch


This enlightening talk traces the high adventure of God's Divine Love Story revealed through the seven covenants that span from Eden to Calvary, beginning with Adam and culminating with Jesus. This presentation is the fruit of Monsignor Deutsch's studies during his sabbatical at Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he learned from scholars such as Dr. Scott Hahn and Dr. John Bergsma.

....

Taken from: http://www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/store/title/the-history-of-salvation-1



Other Recommended Titles:The Bible Made Me Do It


The Bible Made Me Do It Tim Staples was raised Baptist and served as an Assembly of God Youth Minister. He used his extensive biblical knowledge to attack the Catholic Church but when he was challenged on his beliefs, a two-year search for truth led him right to Catholicism. Now he uses that same incredible gift to defend the Faith and help others to embrace the beauty and richness of Catholicism.


Humorous, insightful, moving, and motivating! A blockbuster in the making ? I want more of this!! Terry - Plainfield, IL

Tim Staples

Why Go To Mass: The Blood of the New Covenant

Why Go To Mass: The Blood of the New Covenant If you ever feel bored at Mass or think that you don?t get much out of it, this talk is for you. Most Reverend Alexander K. Sample, Bishop of Marquette, provides theological and practical reasons why we need to come to a deeper understanding of the nature of the Mass. By understanding the Mass as a sacrifice and a sacred banquet, we can tap into the transforming power offered whenever we worship.

This is a powerful talk which draws from scripture and the Second Vatican Council to explain the true meaning of the Mass. Pete - Pewaukee, WI

Bishop Alexander Sample

The Lamb's Supper

The Lamb's Supper Based on his best-selling book, Dr. Scott Hahn reveals the early Christians? key to understanding the Mass: the Book of Revelation. With its bizarre imagery, mystic visions of Heaven, and end-times prophecies, it mirrors the sacrifice and celebration of the Holy Eucharist. See the Mass with new eyes, pray the Liturgy with a renewed heart, and enter into the Mass more fully and enthusiastically!

Excellent! It is hard to express the spiritual impact this CD has had on me. I don't believe I will ever celebrate the Eucharist the same way again! Floy - Manchester, KY

Dr. Scott Hahn

Why Is There Hell? What You Should Know About It!

Why Is There Hell? What You Should Know About It! In this moving study on hell, Dr. Scott Hahn shares what scripture teaches about why hell is necessary. What it is like? Who goes there? How can you stay out forever? He explains why Lucifer refused to serve and then responds from a scriptural perspective to the most seductive modern errors about hell. Included are two bonus excerpts from Dr. Hahn's talk, The Healing Power of Confession.

This is a great CD! It gives the theological basis for hell. For me, it also highlighted the need for continued conversion throughout life. Chad - St. Michael, MN

Dr. Scott Hahn

Searching the Scriptures: The Gospel of John

Searching the Scriptures: The Gospel of John Join biblical expert and Catholic apologist Stephen Ray on a personal pilgrimage through the pages of St. John?s Gospel. Stephen draws from his extensive scholarship and his time spent in the Holy Land filming documentaries to bring forth many of the profound theological truths that lie beneath the surface of this gospel, and bring to light the many levels of revelation contained within. This exciting presentation will ignite your heart and soul with a burning passion for Christ and a deep conviction to zealously defend the Faith which has been handed down to us.

After listening to this talk, you will not only be more in love with John's Gospel, but your ability to share that love and the fullness of the Faith will have increased mightily! Brad - Faribault, MN

Stephen Ray

I'm Not Being Fed

I'm Not Being Fed Jeff Cavins explores and responds to some of the reasons why so many people have left the Catholic Church for evangelical Christianity. As he presents the story of his return to Catholicism, Cavins also builds a case for why the Catholic Church is the Church founded by Christ.



A remarkable teaching… I will share this with many people… so full of answers! Lydia – Windham, NH

Jeff Cavins

Abraham Revealing the Historical Roots of our Faith

Abraham Revealing the Historical Roots of our Faith Stephen Ray emphasizes that unless we understand the innate “Jewishness” of Christianity and our Old Testament heritage, we will never fully understand our Faith, the Church, or even salvation itself. These are rooted not only in the early Church but 2000 years before that, in Abraham. With his infectious enthusiasm, Stephen helps us to learn the deep truths of scripture that God taught through Abraham.

Incredible presentation! Steve Ray has really helped me get interested in the Old Testament and excited about studying Sacred Scripture! - Evan, OK

Stephen Ray

The Dead Sea Scrolls

The Dead Sea Scrolls Dr. John Bergsma is an Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville, and was a Protestant pastor for four years before converting to the Catholic Church. In this enlightening talk, Dr. Bergsma shows how our respect for the traditional canon of Scripture, as well as our understanding of the Catholic Faith, can be greatly enhanced by the Dead Sea Scrolls- the greatest archaeological discovery of all time.



CLICK HERE FOR A FREE OUTLINE





Absolutely fascinating! Nancy - Warroad, MN

Dr. John Bergsma

Who Do You Say That I am

Who Do You Say That I am Fr. Barron illuminates with conviction that Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah and revelation of God become man. He shows how Jesus fulfills the four tasks of the Messiah according to the Old and New Testaments and how the living legacy of Christ is proclaimed by the Church.



Fr. Barron gives such a deep, rich presentation on Christ, and brings it home to us in our modern day thinking! Rennie - Spokane, WA

Fr. Robert Barron

Get to Know the Mother of God

Get to Know the Mother of God There’s a little bit about Mary in Scripture. We can glean a bit more from the Tradition of the Church. But where can we go to get the complete picture, to find out about the whole Mary? In an engaging style, Chris Padgett does just that as he walks us through what the Bible has to say about the Mother of God. What has she meant to the Church throughout the centuries, what have the saints told us about her, and most importantly, what we can learn from her ourselves? This CD also includes selections from The Rosary Project, a unique celebration of prayer and song from Chris Padgett.

Simple and powerful... Just like Our Blessed Mother! Elliot - North Aurora, IL

Chris Padgett