God's Word Is Closer Than You Think.

So why are questions so useful? Questions themselves are relatively innocent. By asking a question, the asker is displaying interest in the person they are asking the question as well as gaining information. The Columbo tactic allows a person to go on the “offensive in an inoffensive way by using carefully selected questions to productively advance the conversation”

Ask Question such as:

What do you mean by that?” – When you hear a statement such as the one above, the first thing you should ask is “What do you mean by that?

How did you come to that conclusion?” – Once a person explains what they meant by his or her statement, ask them why they believe it. At this point, people will begin to look stunned. As Christians, we are usually the ones who have the burden of proof. Those who challenge the Christian faith are most likely unaccustomed to answering for their own beliefs.

Point out the flaws – After you have heard a person’s explanation, do your best to point out where their argument falls short. And continue using only questions; they are still an inoffensive way to be on the offensive! A good way to point out a flaw is to tell the person something they already know.

Here is an example:

Tony:     I’m a Jew. I believe in God and I’m doing my best to live a moral life, but why do you think I need Jesus? Fred:      Well, let me ask you a question. Do you think people who commit moral crimes should be punished? Tony:     Yes. Of course. Fred:      Good. Now, another question. Have you ever committed any moral crimes? Tony:     Well… Yes I guess I have. Fred:      And so have I. So we both believe that people who commit moral crimes should be punished and we both admit to committing moral crimes. That’s bad news for the both of us! That is why we need Jesus. We need Him to save us from the punishment we both deserve.

Notice here that Fred gave Tony no new information. He only reminded Tony of things he already knew. All Fred did to help Tony realize this was connect the dots between ideas Tony already knew were true.

Most people believe in something because of their upbringing and that is know as a Gen tic Fallacy. Genetic fallacy" as they are basing their opinion on the origin of the belief (their upbringing) rather than the content of the belief itself.

When reading Scripture we need to understand what is the difference between Exegesis and Eisegesis.

Exegesis is what we do when we interpret, especially Scripture, well. The word literally means, "to draw out." There's meaning in the text, you see, and we want to "draw out" that meaning.

Eisegesis means to pull out a text out of context or another words to "stuff in" 😁, meaning we humans have a tendency to stuff our own meanings into things where they don't belong. If you've ever had someone intentionally misunderstand what you're saying, that's "eisegesis.

I always say that when we pull text out of context it becomes pretext to what we want it to say, just like the girl in the video talking about how we are all gods.

So now we are going to used the correct method when reading scripture today and lets get into Deuteronomy and break it down for what the meaning really is and how one can apply it to there lives.

Birth and Childhood: Moses was born around 1391 BC in Egypt during a time when the Israelites were enslaved by the Pharaoh. His parents, Amram and Jochebed, were from the tribe of Levi. According to Exodus 2:2-10, when Moses was born, his mother hid him for three months to protect him from Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew baby boys. She then placed him in a waterproof basket and sent him down the Nile river. The basket was discovered by Pharaoh's daughter, who was bathing in the river, and she decided to adopt Moses as her own son.

As Moses grew into adulthood, he began to empathize with the plight of his people, and upon witnessing an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave, Moses intervened and killed the Egyptian. In another incident, Moses attempted to intervene in a dispute between two Hebrews, but one of the Hebrews rebuked Moses and sarcastically commented, “Are you going to kill me as you did the Egyptian?” (Exodus 2:14). Realizing that his criminal act was made known, Moses fled to the land of Midian where he again intervened—this time rescuing the daughters of Jethro from some bandits. In gratitude, Jethro (also called Reuel) granted his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage (Exodus 2:15–21). Moses lived in Midian for about forty years.

Legacy and Significance: Moses is remembered as a great prophet, leader, and lawgiver in both the Jewish and Christian faiths. He is considered the greatest of all the Old Testament prophets and is credited with freeing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and laying the foundation for the nation of Israel. His life and teachings continue to be studied and revered today as a significant part of the Abrahamic religions.

Historical and Cultural Context: The Book of Deuteronomy was written by Moses to the Israelites as they were about to enter the Promised Land. This chapter comes at the end of Moses' farewell address, in which he reminds the people of God's commandments and their covenant with Him. The Israelites had been wandering in the wilderness for 40 years and were on the brink of receiving God's promise of a land flowing with milk and honey. However, Moses knew that the Israelites were prone to disobedience and warned them about the consequences that would come if they strayed from God's commandments. In this passage, Moses is also prophesying about a time when the people of Israel would be exiled for their disobedience, but ultimately, God would restore them.

One might ask is there evidence for the existing of Moses and the short answer is yes! There is archaeological evidence supporting the events of the Exodus. The evidence includes the Ipuwer Papyrus, which speaks of plagues such as famine, blood, fire, and insects. It includes archaeological findings in a town called Kahun of a large slave population and a rapid evacuation. Evidence connected to the Pharaohs and events of that time also harmonizes with the biblical account.

Attempting to narrowly date ancient events is difficult. However, biblical scholars typically place the exodus from Egypt somewhere between 1446 and 1225 BC. Within that period, there is ample archaeological evidence to reinforce the account of Scripture. For example: • Pyramids built of mud-and-straw bricks (Exodus 5:7–8) and both written and physical evidence that Asiatic people were enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:13–14). • Skeletons of infants of three months old and younger, usually several in one box, buried under homes in a slave town called Kahun (Exodus 1:16), corresponding to Pharaoh’s slaughter of Hebrew infants. • Masses of houses and shops in Kahun, abandoned so quickly that tools, household implements, and other possessions were left behind. The findings suggest the abandonment was total, hasty, and done on short notice (Exodus 12:30–34, 39), consistent with the Israelites’ sudden exit from Egypt in the wake of Passover. • Court advisors used rods that look like snakes (Exodus 7:10–12). This partly corroborates the magical opposition against Moses performed by Pharaoh’s advisors. • The Ipuwer Papyrus, a work of poetry stating, in part, “Plague stalks through the land and blood is everywhere. . . . Nay, but the river is blood . . . gates, columns and walls are consumed with fire . . . the son of the high-born man is no longer to be recognized. . . . The stranger people from outside are come into Egypt. . . . Nay, but corn has perished everywhere.” It was discovered in Egypt in the early 1800’s called the Ipuwer Papyrus. It is in the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden, Netherlands. • The Amarna letters and tablets, ancient correspondence between Egyptian and Middle Eastern rulers, blame significant unrest on a people group labeled as Habiru or ‘Apiru (Exodus 9:1). • Discoveries also include evidence of cities such as Jericho being conquered during that timeframe.

Textual Variants: in Deuteronomy 30:1-10. These variants do not significantly affect the meaning of the passage but are worth noting. Verse 1: - The first textual variant is in the phrase "covenant and mercy" (διαθήκην καὶ ἔλεος). Some manuscripts have the word "mercy" (ἔλεος) while others have "faithfulness" (πίστις). This is a minor difference, and the overall meaning of the phrase remains the same. - The second variant is in the phrase "will open your heart to obey" (νὸῦν ἀνοίξας πρὸς τό ὑπακοῦσαι). Some manuscripts have "will circumcise your heart" (ἀπεκτομετρήσει τὴν καρδίαν σου) instead of "will open your heart." This is a significant difference, but the general idea of the passage remains the same – God will enable His people to obey His commands. Verse 2: - The textual variant in verse 2 is the phrase "come back" (ἀποστρέψεις). Some manuscripts have "return" (ἀναστρέψεις) instead. This does not significantly change the meaning of the passage but may affect the nuance slightly. Verse 3: - In verse 3, the textual variant is in the phrase "he will also have compassion" (κἀκεῖνος ἐλεήσει). Some manuscripts have "he will also again have compassion" (κἀκεῖνος ἐλεήσει ἔτι). This change adds the word "again" but does not alter the overall meaning of the verse. Verse 5: - The only textual variant in verse 5 is the word "fathers" (πατέρας). Some manuscripts have "fathers and grandfathers" (πατέρας καὶ παππούς). This may provide additional emphasis on the idea of ancestral heritage, but it does not significantly change the meaning of the verse. Verse 6: - The phrase "with all your heart and with all your soul" (ἐξ ὅλης τῆς καρδίας σου καὶ ἐξ ὅλης τῆς ψυχῆς σου) has a textual variant in some manuscripts where the word "mind" (διανοίᾳ) is added after "heart." This emphasizes a deeper level of commitment and devotion. Verse 9: - The final textual variant is in verse 9, where some manuscripts have "he will make you exceedingly prosperous" (σε περισσοῦν ἐν παντὶ ἔργῳ) instead of "he will make you prosper" (πλουτήσει σε). This difference does not significantly alter the meaning of the verse. Overall, these textual variants do not greatly affect the meaning of the passage, but they provide added insights into the different manuscript traditions and the copying process of the biblical text.

So now let’s get into Scripture and read

Deuteronomy 30:1–20 (NIV)

When all these blessings and curses I have set before you come on you and you take them to heart wherever the Lord your God disperses you among the nations, and when you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you. Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you and bring you back. He will bring you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will take possession of it. He will make you more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors. The Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. The Lord your God will put all these curses on your enemies who hate and persecute you. You will again obey the Lord and follow all his commands I am giving you today. Then the Lord your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your land. The Lord will again delight in you and make you prosperous, just as he delighted in your ancestors, if you obey the Lord your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in this Book of the Law and turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, “Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, “Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.

See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.

This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

You see in verses 1 and 2 is that God has given us the freedom to choose, but with that freedom comes the responsibility to choose wisely. He desires for us to choose life, which can only be found in following His ways. However, He also gives us the choice to turn away from Him and face the consequences. As we see with the Israelites, God is just and faithful to keep His promises, both in blessings and curses. Illustration: Imagine you are standing at a crossroad, with two paths before you. One leads to a beautiful, flourishing city full of life and blessings, while the other leads to a desolate and dark land full of pain and suffering. The signposts read "Life" and "Death." Which path will you choose?

In verses 3, This verse speaks of the restoration of the Israelites. Their current situation of being scattered among different nations was a consequence of their disobedience. However, God promises to have mercy on them and gather them back together. Illustration: It's like a parent who disciplines their child for disobedience but still shows love and mercy by helping them clean up the mess and bringing them back home.

Verse 4: This emphasizes the extent of God's power and love. Even if the Israelites are scattered to the farthest corners of the earth, God will still gather them together and bring them back to their land. Illustration: It's like a lost sheep that the Good Shepherd will leave the 99 to find and bring back to the fold.

Verse 5: Here, God promises to bring the Israelites back to their promised land, the land that their ancestors possessed. Not only that, but He also promises to make them more prosperous and numerous than their ancestors. Illustration: It's like a child who has lost his inheritance but is being restored to receive even more than what he originally had. Application: This promise of restoration is not just for the Israelites, but it also applies to us as believers. We too, like the Israelites, have wandered away from God because of our sin. But God's promise of restoration is still true for us today.

Verse 6: In this verse, we see that it is God who will circumcise our hearts, making them pure and obedient. The circumcision of the heart is a spiritual cleansing and transformation that only God can do. It is a heart that is devoted to loving and obeying God with our whole being. Verse 7: God is not only promising blessings to His obedient children but also protection and vengeance against their enemies. This shows that when we have a heart of obedience towards God, He will not only bless us but also fight for us. Verse 8: This verse speaks of a renewed commitment to obeying God's commands. It is not just a one-time act, but a continual process of surrendering our will to God's will. Verse 9: When we obediently follow God's commands, He promises to bless the works of our hands and provide for our needs. This is a reminder that when we put God first, He will take care of us. Verse 10: God's delight and blessing are directly tied to our obedience. Just as He took delight in the Israelites, He will also take delight in us if we obey His commands and turn to Him with all our heart and soul. Explanation: This passage clearly emphasizes the importance of having a heart of obedience towards God. It is not just about following rules and regulations, but it is a reflection of our love for Him. Obedience is not always easy, but when we trust and follow God's commands, He promises to bless us and fight for us. Illustration: Imagine you are a parent with a child who constantly disobeys your instructions. How would that make you feel? On the other hand, imagine having a child who willingly and joyfully obeys you. Which child would bring you more delight? Similarly, God delights in us when we willingly obey Him out of our love and reverence for Him.

Application: So how do we cultivate a heart of obedience towards God? It starts by recognizing and accepting that God is in control and knows what is best for us. We must also be willing to surrender our will and desires to His will. This can be a daily practice of prayer and reading His word, meditating on His commands and seeking His guidance in all areas of our lives

Verse 11: In this verse, Moses reassures the Israelites that God's commandments are not too difficult or impossible to follow. The guidance and laws given by God are meant to be achievable and within reach for all of His people.

Verse 12: Moses makes it clear that following God's commandments is not a task reserved for a select few. It is not something that only the wise or the strong can achieve. God's word is accessible to all, and we don't have to look to the heavens or beyond the sea to understand it. Verse 13: This verse restates the previous one, emphasizing that God's commandments are not out of reach for anyone. No matter where we are or what our circumstances may be, we can access and follow God's word.

Verse 14: Here, Moses reminds the Israelites that God's word is not just something to be heard or read, but also lived out. It should be a part of us, in our hearts and on our lips, so that we may live in obedience to it. Verse 15: Moses presents the Israelites with a choice: life or death, prosperity or destruction. This choice is tied to their obedience to God's commands. It serves as a warning that choosing to disobey God will lead to negative consequences. Verse 16: Finally, Moses reiterates the importance of following God's commandments by stating that it is God's command to love Him, obey Him, and keep His laws. This is the key to experiencing true life and the blessings of God in the land they were about to possess. Explanation: Moses is reminding the Israelites that following God's commandments is not an impossible task, but a necessary one. God's word is accessible to all and should not be seen as something distant or unattainable. We are called to incorporate God's word into our daily lives and to make a conscious choice to obey Him and experience His blessings. Illustration: Imagine you are hiking in a new terrain and come across a path that is marked with signs and arrows. These signs are not placed to confuse or hinder you, but to guide you and keep you on the right track. In the same way, God's commandments serve as signs and guides for us in our journey of life. They are not meant to be burdensome, but to help us stay on the right path and experience the blessings of living in obedience to God.

Verse 17: The Lord states that if the Israelites turn away from Him and worship other gods, they will face destruction. This was a common temptation for the Israelites, as they were surrounded by neighboring nations with different gods and beliefs. But God makes it clear that there is no room for compromise or tolerance when it comes to worshipping Him alone. Verse 18: God sets before them two choices: life or death, blessings or curses. He calls heaven and earth as witnesses to this covenant, emphasizing the seriousness and importance of this decision. God desires for His people to choose life and blessings, but the choice ultimately rests on them. Verse 19: The Lord pleads with the Israelites to choose life, not only for themselves but also for their children. He wants them to love Him, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. This shows that obedience and devotion to God is not just about following a set of rules but having a personal relationship with Him. Verse 20: God reveals the reason behind why He wants them to choose life and follow Him – He is their life. Our lives are only complete and fulfilled when we are in a relationship with God. He also promises to give them many years in the land, a reminder of His faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promise to their forefathers. Explanation: This passage highlights the importance of obedience to God and the consequences of disobedience. By reminding the Israelites of His covenant, God wants them to understand that their choices matter and have consequences. He wants them to choose life and blessings by remaining faithful to Him and not be lured away by the false gods of their neighbors. Illustration: Just like the Israelites, we too face choices every day – to follow God or the temptations of the world. If we choose to obey God and remain faithful to Him, we will experience His blessings and life in abundance. But if we choose to go our own way and disobey Him, we will face destruction and curses. The story of the Israelites serves as a cautionary tale for us as we navigate our own journey of faith. Application: As Christians, we are also called to choose between life and death, blessings and curses. We have the free will to make our own choices, but we must remember that every decision has consequences. Let us always choose to follow and obey God, even when it is difficult, for He is the source of our life and blessings.