I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. - John 15:5
And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. - Mark 4:35
...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. - Psalms 30:5b
...strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. - Matthew 7:14
...And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. - Genesis 1:2b
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. - Psalms 23:1-2
Welcome to Adam2.org!
Thank you for visiting ADAM2.ORG and your interest in our studies and resources. We are currently going through a growth
phase and editing and expanding to include other features and writings. We hope you check back often for updates, especially in our Studies' Section.
About Us ▼
Adam2.org was established by our founder, Ken Livingston, in July 1999.
Having grown into an international organization consisting of thousands of members and visitors from over 50
countries, we are not affiliated with any group,
denomination, church or other controlling entity or otherwise, with the exception of... Read more...►
Studies ▼
Thank you for your visit. We hope you benefit from our resources and ask you to
recommend us to a friend.
If you aren't sure what your state of life will be when this one is over, we encourage you to seriously
consider this while you have opportunity. Nothing in this life you will do will be as important!
Likely, you have made every preparation for your present life.
You owe it to your self to prepare for what comes next. It won't cost you a thing! Continue reading...►
Excerpts From Studies' Area ▼
Excerpt from: In His Presence.
"A self surrendered in the silence of His presence is a soul at peace in Him who reclaimed it! The earth and its burdens no
longer bind you and you are free to walk the stars, revel in His glory, bathed in His love. Time affects only the earthly,
but your spirit is free to soar the heavenlies -- and the hours pass quickly, while In His Presence!
To journey where no mortal may go: This Is Prayer!"
Excerpt from: Proofs of Growing In Grace. 1. Less temptation to focus on troubles or talk about them to others... 2. Less temptation to resent and retaliate when insulted or abused... 3. Joy under crosses, disappointment, and severe pain...
Each month a featured writing from different authors will be posted below as a main feature in our center section.
The nature of these writings will vary from devotional, to inspirational, topical and informative for the current
state of our Christian culture. You may access this full feature with the link below. ▼
Opportunities for Service ▼
Each day a host of members and visitors from around the world visit our site and use our online resources, all at no cost. We plan to continue doing so. As we have grown, so too have our needs. We would like to extend an invitation for you to become an integral part of our efforts in helping others. Read more... ►
For those who would like to contribute to our Online ministry, we welcome your donation. Some of you have been looking for a way to give towards an international effort in helping others. Your contribution will not only go a long way in meeting our current and future challenges in maintaining and improving our capacity to aid others, but will place you within His channel of blessing to you for having done so. Your bread upon the waters will not go unnoticed by Him (Hebrews 6:10). Read more... ►
Shocking Finding: Two-thirds (67%) of pre-teen parents claim to be Christian, but only 2% of all pre-teen parents actually possess a biblical worldview...
American Values Personal Survey
Poll: American Majority Wants Congress to Pass Pro-Life Protections
Downward Trend Who Say Same-Sex Relations Morally Acceptable
Satan, The Father Of Lies
Battle For America's Soul
Ligonier Ministries' Biennial Study of The State Of American Theology
Among the Shocking findings are -
1. "31% of adults say it is very important for their religious faith to influence every dimension of their life."
2. "49% accept reincarnation as a possibility after they die."
Just one question: If, if this is true then why do our politicians and those who do their bidding in the media possess the spirit of antichrist—an anti-Christian spirit that treats others with such hostility, disrespect and mean-spirited? Why is the state of our country so godless and in an advanced state of decay and decline?
Something is grossly immoral and amiss!
Consider this from 3 of our founding fathers:
Benjamin Franklin - Man will ultimately be governed by God or by tyrants.
Jedidiah Morse - Whenever the pillars of Christianity shall be overthrown, our present republican forms of government - and all blessings which flow from them - must fall with them.
John Adams - Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
This may help to answer some of your questions as to our current national state of affairs. The honest student of history knows this to be true. Also read:
With a supply chain already near collapse, this is only a portent of things to come. People are going to starve. We might as well accept this chilling fact. It is time for America to throw off the divisive merchants and come together to help one another.
If you have not placed your faith in Jesus Christ and are troubled by the events of our recent times and seem to be without hope, let me encourage you to read this... If you already are a Christian and still troubled, "Let not your heart be troubled... John 14. Have hope. Have courage. There is nothing to fear! Jesus is the giver of peace. He will not let you down! As He calmed the storms, He will calm your heart.
The End Times - In The Words Of Jesus (Length: 1 hr.)
Beautiful Song Warning To Prepare
The following is taken from the Book, Adam2: A Guide For The Walk Home, written by our founder.
It is A Commentary On The Gospel Of John, complete with a background look at the contemporary Jewish groups active in Jesus' day.
It includes a summary of each chapter, a redacted study of each disciple, a brief study of Gnosticism of the time, pertinent timelines,
and much more. Each chapter of study includes extensive Biblical references to the notes on the chapter.
A chronological excerpt of each section will be posted here at the beginning of each month. You can access free of charge at any time
a complete online digital version
for your further study. In addition, a link will be provided to purchase the book on CD to install on
your own computer for convenience of study and print. All we ask is that you observe the stated copyrights as with any book you buy over
the counter, limiting your print to only one hard copy for your own personal use. If further hard copies are necessary,
please contact us for an additional nominal fee. Thank you for your interest in this study. Our hope and prayer is that
through the work of the Holy Spirit as you study you will be blessed by it, and if so, recommend it to a friend.
This month we will look at the Sadducees from the book: Adam2.
I. MAJOR JEWISH GROUPS IN JESUS' DAY.
C. SADDUCEES.
Sadducee in Hebrew is, Tzedokim, and in Greek, Saddoukaion, or more commonly, Sadouk, meaning,
"just or righteous one." The title, and hence its meaning, is derived from the Hebrew name, Zadok.
Young separately identifies nine in the Old Testament, with Zadok, the loyal High Priest in David's time,
being the most prominent
(
II Sam.8:17;
I Ki.1:25-26;
2:26-27,35).
Though many scholars believe him to be the one preferred by the Sadducees as the origin of their party, still,
some identify a priestly descendant also called Zadok, or Sadok, who appeared ca. 300 B.C.,
as being the father of their movement. Whichever the case, these followers (and evolving party within the Judean religion)
were subsequently called, Zadokites, or Sadokites in Hebrew, or Sadducees in Greek.
Though the origin of the Sadducee is not as clear as that of the Pharisee, they appear on the scene during the
3rd century B.C., and become quite strong prior to the outset of the Maccabaean period
(See Appendix, Inter-Testament Timeline), even controlling the Great Assembly, or the then evolved,
Council of the Seventy Elders. It must be said that the exact nature of the Great Assembly prior to its
evolution into the ruling body of the Seventy Elders is not quite certain. As discussed above under
"Pharisees," it is believed to have its roots in the priestly scribes of the Levite tribe returning
from the Babylonian captivity, who are seen in Nehemiah reading and teaching the Torah to the congregation,
with Ezra himself being their leader (Neh.8). Whether they evolved into a legislative body between
their return and the beginning of Greek rule, or simply identified in each of those generations collectively
as the Great Assembly (Knesset Gedolah), it is not known; however, to these had been given the
responsibility of copying and preserving scripture. As a result of their familiarity with scripture,
disputes and perceived contradictions over specific texts were brought to them for their resolution, hence,
we can see how their authority began to evolve. (See above discussion on the Scribes.)
As Jewish life in Palestine began to settle into daily routine after the rebuilding of their
Temple (515 B.C.), and without the ruling monarchy
of the previous Solomonic Temple times (now no longer a nation), the question of what direction, both politically
and religiously, the Hebrew people should advance under the then ruling Persian empire became a serious subject of debate.
From this debate, differing opinions developed and polarization of views evolved into several distinct groups or sects.
The first, we have previously discussed, was the Pharisee and their scribes who saw the need for clarification
and adaptation of Mosaic law to the changing culture of their times. Consequently, additional interpretations
were catalogued and codified for strict observance for Jewish ceremonial life to remain separate from other
nations and their cultures. (These traditional interpretations and writings eventually evolved into what was
first known as the Mishnah, and even later giving rise to the well known, Talmud.)
Unlike these Separates (Pharisees), the Sadducees, being conservative in their views, i.e., holding a limited
view and interpretation toward scripture, did not hold to these new interpretations and traditions evolving
under the Pharisees for control of the people. Their view was that only Scripture (the Mosaic law itself)
held sole authority over the people in both their religious and daily life. Therefore, a major tenet of their
beliefs was the absolute freedom of the individual's will toward good and evil. A person's destiny lay within
each's own control and the fortunes or misfortunes of life were of their own making. Thus, greater discretion
was left to the individual as to how they would assimilate into their environment in changing times,
first under Persian rule, but more particularly, the Greek culture (Hellenism) after Greece came to power
under Alexander the Great (331 B.C.). (This also helps one to understand why they were less
merciful toward one who had fallen upon hard times or at odds with the law of the day.) It is easy to see then,
with this view, how the Sadducee took to the Greek's culture and philosophy of reason when they came upon the scene.
A considerable merger of Judean theology and Greek philosophy began to occur and its influence can be seen even within
Christian theology and Jewish thought today. (See "Gnosticism.")
Temple sacrifice had resumed following Palestinian resettlement. Since the Sadducees were of the priestly order
(usually wealthy and more the aristocrat than the Pharisee, though some Pharisees were priests), and since the
Temple was controlled by the High Priest, they naturally concerned themselves primarily with the administration
and duties of its institution. When the Greeks came to power, it is obvious that there would occur a clash between
the Pharisee and Greek culture, but not so much so with the Sadducee. Therefore, the Sadducees, who were more willing
to conform and assimilate to their culture, were shown more favor. Close connections developed between the priestly
Temple rulers and the occupying foreign powers and continued until the time
of the Maccabaeans who revolted at Modin in 167 B.C. (Josephus).
The following is the fourth article to date addressing the changes being seen with alarming detail in modern churches.
As with the previous, it is more practical in nature in response to this common dilemma occurring in more and more churches today.
The upcoming fifth and final article will deal more with specific facts and provide information as to what is behind this movement of the
megachurch, or, what is called by them: the new emerging or emergent church. Another term you hear alternately is the
seeker church, or, seeker friendly church.
Having looked at some symptoms and tell-tale signs of a new manifesto being introduced within a growing number of churches spanning
across denominational lines, we turn now to more practical matters in general for application. Although not intended, what follows will be controversial.
But many who read will find in these words a common thread of what is already being sensed within their own hearts. All I ask is that
the reader be open minded and, if haven't already, begin their own search, study and examination of this topic.
The consequences of the magnitude of such a broad scale world-wide implementation of a "new church model" cannot be ignored. It must
be examined by the serious Bible student and Christian! It must be looked at in light of Bible prophecy. We must heed the warnings of
both Jesus' own words when He walked the earth and those inspired by the Holy Spirit written later for our advantage in alertness of end-time
events and trends. Not to do so would be perilous. So, I prayerfully write the following and ask for your prayerful consideration...
Recently, I had a visit from a close family member serving in the ministry. I had visited in his home a couple of years back on a trip to Atlanta.
While in L.A., he and his wife spent several days in our home. We had much to catch up on, especially on a topic that has become of great
concern to both of us in recent years. That concern continues to grow with sadness. It increases day by day as we cannot help but see and
hear what is happening in every big city and most small towns throughout the country, and being
exported abroad. After catching up on more
personal matters and a time of joy in sharing, the second night he and I sat up in serious conversation until 2am—hearts deeply
spiritually burdened for the state of the church and body of Christ as it is changing outwardly. As we shared we both came to learn we
were on the same page and note in an understanding of the time we now live within—in stark contrast to previous times we both have served,
a time much different when both our fathers served as well who now have entered into their rest.
In that discussion, we talked about the history of the church, how it has had its seasons of renewal and
decline over the past 2,000 years, much as Israel in Old Testament times. We both agreed it has become apparent we now have entered, for
the lack of a better term or word, an inter-time if you will, a time between what once was in stark contrast to what is now different and
developing that is, I believe most likely, setting the stage for the next period in history—the drawing to conclusion of the
Gentile era. In this time, keeping in mind the apostate church prophesied to arise in end times, two things are already happening
at an alarming rate...
The following is taken from the Book of Old Testament Summaries.
Chapter
(595/592 B.C.?)
Ezekiel (age 30?) receives visions in captivity in Babylon, by the River Chebar, in the 5th year of king Jehoiachin's captivity,
taken in the second group, 597 B.C. Vision of the whirlwind with four creatures,
each like a man with four faces: a man, lion, ox, and eagle. They move in unison, without turning—going forward,
backwards, and in all directions. Lightning emanates from them. A vision of four wheels under them, moving in unison,
with the spirit seen in the wheels. Their wings make sounds as the roar of the sea, or the voice of God.
A crystal firmament is seen above their heads, with a throne and a Manpresent in it, a rainbow-like glow,
or halo surrounding it. God's glory is evident; Ezekiel falls to the ground face down in awe!
The Voice speaks, commanding Ezekiel to stand. Being lifted by the spirit, he listens. God converses with Ezekiel
concerning Israel's continued rebellious nature. He is not to be afraid of them when he prophesies to them, nor is
he to be hesitant in speaking. Receives a vision of a scroll written on both sides, displayed before him, containing
lamentations, mournings, and woes, with instructions for its eating.
Before speaking its words to Israel, though a stranger will better listen, ordered to eat the scroll in its entirety.
Tasted as sweet as honey. He is to receive all God's words to his own heart before speaking them to others.
He is given a look of authority to face his audiences. Now lifted up from the Earth by the spirit, upheld by the hand of God,
transported to Telabib by Chebar, in the place of a colony's captivity, likely his own, sitting among them astonished for
the first seven days. God finally speaks, instructing him to warn the wicked and personally held accountable if he fails.
A warning so given to both the wicked and righteous! Now commanded to go into the plain to meet God for further instructions.
Sees Him as before, falling to his face, lifted up, receiving orders to be bound for a season for a sign, silent in his own house.
His first words given to say when ended: Listen if you will, don't if you won't!
[The following 4 Chapters detail Israel and Jerusalem's condition and judgment.]
Instructions for the construction of
a tile model of the besiegement of Jerusalem as a sign for their judgment. Instructed to lie on his side as a sign for 390 days
(LXX records 190) for Israel's long captivity, the other side 40 days for Judah's remaining, prophesying all the while
toward Jerusalem (1 day = 1 year). Bound by God on each side while doing so. His diet also specified as a sign.
Ezekiel objects to the unclean fire material; God compromises. This done as a sign of famine to come to Jerusalem.
They will know their sins are responsible.
(594 B.C.?)
[Signs of Jerusalem's siege continues.]
Ezekiel is instructed to shave his head and beard, with specific details for disposal:
1/3 to burn, 1/3 to cut up, and 1/3 to scatter to the wind, with a few saved. Jerusalem is condemned for changing His judgments
into wickedness, failing to walk in His statutes. God Himself will be their judge, delivering a severe judgment such as never before seen,
nor to be repeated. They will resort to eating their own flesh and blood! A 3-fold judgment: 1/3 to die by famine, 1/3 by the sword,
and 1/3 scattered; then they shall know God is serious about His business! To be a reproach to all nations. Four great terrors will be
sent upon them: (1) famine, (2) wild beasts, (3) pestilence, and (4) the sword.
[Prophecy against Israel.]
Her high places, idols, and altars are condemned. Their land will be made desolate, then they will
know just who is God! A remnant among the nations will remember Him. He tires of their whorish ways therefore judgment will
come upon all, both far and near, just as they had been told in His Word since the days of Moses. Men shall fall in the
act of their idolatrous worship. Then they will know just who is God!
[Israel's prophecy continues.]
Her time is come, with no compassion from God in their judgment. Disaster after disaster.
Injustice and pride their downfall. The sinner will not escape. Make no plans for tomorrow; judgment is now upon them.
Fear replaces strength, their money useless. Their idols He will pollute and His face will be turned from them.
Heathens will possess their houses and a chain made to lead them captive. Peace departs, visions perish, and the land is
lawless. Then they shall know that He meant business!
[The following 4 Chapters detail Ezekiel's visionary trip to Jerusalem.]
At home, in exile in Babylon, in the 6th year,
the vision begins (ending at 11:25). Transported to Jerusalem to the inner gate. Shown a major idol God utterly abhors
with great jealously. Scene at the north gate, gate of the Altar, an image also of jealousy. Scene inside the Temple:
a hole in the wall, going in sees 70 elders secretly offering incense to strange idols, believing that God doesn't see them,
having forsaken the Earth. [See
Isa.29:15;
Je.22:24.]
Scene at the gate again: women weeping for Tammuz, god of fertility—dead. Scene in the inner court: 25 sun-worshipers.
God is provoked with the thumbing of their noses at Him and polluting the land. His fury will have no pity.
Their cry will not be heard!
[Vision of the idolaters' judgment.]
God summons 6 men for judgment on the Temple. They arrive by way of the higher gate.
They receive their instructions. Those with His mark now placed upon their foreheads, who mourn at the sight of sin,
are to be spared, all others killed, beginning with the elders in the Temple. A great slaughter ensues. Ezekiel appeals
for mercy. God answers with recompense upon their iniquity. The man of ink, who earlier marked the righteous,
reports his mission accomplished.
God's glory now seen and heard in the Holy of Holies. Recognizes now the creatures under God to be the cherubims seen in his first vision
(1:8). Coals of fire are to be taken from between them and scattered upon the city, marking His judgment that is now come to Jerusalem.
God's glory lifts from the Temple. (See 43:4.)
Listen to this young German Christian artist create, in the moment, the composition he later entitiled, "Prayer". (We love his T-shirt. Take a close look. Expand and freeze frame.)
WEF Official Calls for AI to Re-Write the Bible 'Correctly'
"In a few years, there might be religions that are actually correct … just think about a religion whose holy book is written by an AI. That could be a reality in a few years," states WEF advisor Yuval Noah Harari, "a homosexual, Israeli author and historian who holds mostly to atheistic beliefs in spirituality," - Charismamag.com.
Transgender Lutheran pastor on the Bible's clear line of male & female: "It's hard to relate it to modern-day times b/c it wasn't written for 2024. It was written for then. When we read in the scripture that God created man and woman, yes, and god created everyone else, as well." pic.twitter.com/rFIKhlv7OW
To the cast down and disheartened, stop and remember the joy of the beginning of your new birth. Remember, there is no battle you face that He has not already fought and overcome. The victory is yours. Embrace it.
Featured Sermon
The Harvest of the Earth - 1/6/1963
Revelation 14:14-20: And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
When Praying, Do Not See Time And Eternity, Earth And Heaven, Being Divided By So Great A Chasm That Cannot Be Bridged By The Holy Spirit Who Lives Within The Heart Ready To Make Intercession For The Sincere Believer!... Read More
As a child, our world was so close we could not yet see in our minds afar; so He seemed so near. But as we grow older our world
expands, our minds stretch, and He, at times to some, seems so distant that we often hear one say, "God, if you are out there or
up there, and if you can hear me...?", as if to say He is just too far away our words may not be able to reach Him. Could this be
one reason Jesus said unless you come as a little child you cannot see the Kingdom of Heaven?
(Mk.10:15;
Lk.18:17;
17:20-21;
John 3:3,5)
THIS IS PRAYER!
His Kingdom On Earth! God, Not There, But Here, In My Heart As I Pray: "Thy Kingdom Come." This, I Must Believe When I Pray!
AND SO PRAY:
"Forgive me, Heavenly Father, when I doubt whether you hear when I pray. And may I always pray in such a way that reveals a
childlike faith in a close and Intimate Father."
"Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn."
Downcast and troubled Christian, come and glean to-day in the broad field of promise. Here are abundance of precious promises, which exactly meet thy wants. Take this one: 'He will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax.'... Read More
Doth not that suit thy case? A reed, helpless, insignificant, and weak, a bruised reed, out of which no music can come; weaker than weakness itself; a reed, and that reed bruised, yet, He will not break thee; but on the contrary, will restore and strengthen thee. Thou art like the smoking flax: no light, no warmth, can come from thee; but He will not quench thee; He will blow with His sweet breath of mercy till He fans thee to a flame. Wouldst thou glean another ear? 'Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.' What soft words! Thy heart is tender, and the Master knows it, and therefore He speaketh so gently to thee. Wilt thou not obey Him, and come to Him even now? Take another ear of corn: 'Fear not, thou worm Jacob, I will help thee, saith the Lord and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.' How canst thou fear with such a wonderful assurance as this? Thou mayest gather ten thousand such golden ears as these! 'I have blotted out thy sins like a cloud, and like a thick cloud thy transgressions.' Or this, 'Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.' Or this, 'The Spirit and the Bride say, Come, and let him that is athirst come, and whosoever will let him take the water of life freely.'
Our Master's field is very rich; behold the handfuls. See, there they lie before thee, poor timid believer! Gather them up, make them thine own, for Jesus bids thee take them. Be not afraid, only believe! Grasp these sweet promises, thresh them out by meditation and feed on them with joy.
When many people hear talk of building a "biblical"
or a "Christian" nation, they equate this idea with a civil government run by the Church. When non-Christians hear us
talk about gaining political influence, they are afraid. Liberals fear the Church taking over government because they
correctly understand that a nation run by a particular church or religion could lead us to tyranny.... Read More
Liberals are more likely to think of a "theocracy" as a state run by the Church, than as a Christian Republic, the form of government the founders of our nation intended. They do not understand that our goal is not a state run by the Church, but a nation that accepts and honors Biblical Law. Therefore, liberals (and especially the liberal media) are likely to misrepresent our goals when we speak of building a Christian nation. ...
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for ... reproof ... correction ... instruction..."
Often in life, I am asked two very serious questions relating to one's spiritual welfare: (1) How can I tell if I really am a Christian, or,
(2) How can I know of my spiritual condition and level of growth as a Christian?... Read More
Scripture teaches that when one becomes Christ's and He dwells within them and they abide within Him, His nature, as evidenced while on earth that
hungered and thirsted after His Father and His righteousness, will be duplicated within that Christian...
The consequences of the magnitude of such a broad scale world-wide implementation of a "new church model" cannot be ignored. It must be examined by the serious Bible student and Christian! It must be looked at in light of Bible prophecy. We must heed the warnings of both Jesus' own words when He walked the earth and those inspired by the Holy Spirit written later for our advantage in alertness of end-time events and trends. Not to do so would be perilous. So, I have prayerfully written 5 articles on this demonic phenonemonen with hopes they will help you to understand how serious this modern attack is on the true church of Christ - Articles on the Modern Church.
3 Unexpected Trends In Religion
The 21st century began with three major unexpected trends in relation to the world's religions. First, despite the prognostications of leading academics in the mid-20th century, the world is becoming increasingly religious. In 2020, 88.7% of people worldwide profess a religion — up from 80.8% in 1970...Read entire article
Welcome to Adam2.org!
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. - John 15:5
And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. - Mark 4:35
...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. - Psalms 30:5b
...strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. - Matthew 7:14
...And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. - Genesis 1:2b
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. - Psalms 23:1-2
Read More
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The Broad Field Of Promise
Ruth 2:2
Is It Possible To Build A Christian Nation?
12 Questions for Self-Examination
