I use NKJV or NASB translations; if may be helpful to know that.
Good Morning Class: If you will all turn to Genesis 2. We will bounce around a bit, I will try and preserve as much context as possible (as opposed to what is needed; see religious fascist)
The context from v.8-24; v.9 "the Lord made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
My comment: The Bible has now established two types of tree growing. One that is pleasant to the sight, one that is good for food. Now everyone here is aware that some trees and shrubs cannot be eaten, the ones that can are consumed. We have all seen trees and shrubs that we have fallen in love with. I personally like to watch the grass in my backyard grow. This verse SINGLES OUT two trees growing, as well.
v. 16 identifies the only fruit that can bring death. (Pre-fallen state) We do not live this life in a Pre-fallen state. We live it in a resurrected state through life in Jesus.
Ch. 3: v.1 The serpent hung around the tree but was confined to the fields, not just the tree. Now lets think about how large those fields were? Also keep in mind that a liar can be spotted by his ability to take apart and reconstruct sentences using the same words; (see religious fascist). v.3 is the reason why you always ask a woman for directions, how else would Eve know the exact location of the tree? She is deceived and v. 5 comes to pass. Now I personally have never eaten a fruit or vegetable that has filled me up indefinitely, and there is no difference at this tree either, in order to continue to know the knowledge of Good and Evil you would have to return for more fruit. This is one of the trees that was BOTH pleasant to the eyes and good for food, and a tree desirable to make one wise. Does anyone know if MJ produces a fruit? Has anyone grown it that long? (maybe like an olive tree’s life span?) v.7-10 is why newcomers are SO PARANOIDDDD! Remember, they had just eaten for the first time. Also keep in mind that When GOD gets his dander up he destroys; people, things, etc. He is not yelling or calling down fire from heaven, he is trying to get to the bottom of this transgression of his command. v. 14-19 God hands around what he sees as a fair judgment then turns and helps the man and woman make clothes. v.22 is commentary with the Triune Nature of himself where HE acknowledges that the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. It is the first State of Mind man knows about the Lord God, after the Fall. Then HE removes the tree of life by placing a flaming sword which turned every way; NO creature living or resurrected in this life will access this tree. Only the fully resurrected man with Christ will see and that at the Lord’s time. This is something to look forward to, as well, because this Fruit packs some punch. The Bible reports that Adam lived 930 years, having children well past 130 years. All of Adam’s descendants lived to see there 500th birthday (exception for Abel) with Methuselah dying and ripe old age of 969 years. Keep in mind that ADAM and EVE were the only two who have ever eaten from the tree of life, however, even after it is gone their physical beings reap the benefit for almost one thousand years.
Now, let’s wrap this tight so we can visit with our favorite religious fascist next time he comes door knockin’ Go to ACTS 10:9-16 If there are any complaints about the Bible’s stand on eating meat, God says to remember them and bring them to the White Throne Hearings, He will set your appointment time and contact you directly. But here is where All THINGS COMMON OR UNCLEAN HAVE BEEN CLEANSED. Keep in mind He has to address the eating of meat here, as well. Herbs and vegetables, while not directly addressing the issue by name, does re-inforce vegetables as being clean in Daniel 1:8-21. Eating and partaking of all things plant is the best way to keep from defiling yourself with that which the religious fascist worships. And look at v. 20; the king is so impressed with these men that he brings them before all the religious leaders in the kingdom and sets Daniel at the #3 seat in the Land. (he came up with the idea, maybe he had a few seeds with him for his travels from Jerusalem to Babylon?)
So there you have it, our struggles will land us in the White House! Incidently, the tree of knowledge is still around, that is why I think it is MJ. I do believe someone may try to disguise the tree of knowledge of good and evil for the tree of life. Regardless, I think what we have just read through shows that it is necessary to partake of the tree as often as possible because it is the best defense for cutting a straight path to the TRUTH. It is hard to fool when your eyes are open.
And remember we live in a resurrected state through Christ. (If not, See Words of Jesus; Luke 13:1-5)We are still mortal, thus we still have access to the garden. IF the Lord did not want us to have access to the tree of knowledge of Good and Evil, He would have set the flaming sword to it, as well.
There endeth the lesson.
Have a wonderful day at church and a Very Good Week!