What if you encounter Christians who claim that the earth is flat?
I viewed a well-known deaf Christian vlogger who believes that the earth is flat. Remember, Chris Columbus who was headed for North America instead of India? While rejecting the reliability of the Bible, a few Christians claim that the Bible describes a flat earth. They just question the validity of the scientific evidence and argue that the earth is indeed flat.
Based on the Bible:
All these verses refer to the “ends” of the earth. Does that mean the earth is flat? The answer is no. The Bible doesn’t say about the shape of the earth nor that the earth explicitly is flat.
Based on Revelation 7.1: I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth. Apostle John wrote to refer “four corners of the earth” to every far distance location. The basic analog is when we had global leaders like the G-20 summits from all over the world to come for discussing the political issues. The book of Revelation is difficult to interpret accurately due to non-literal and symbolic language. If we interpret these passages in the book into literal (direct), then it will make no sense. John stated that at a time during the tribulation, God will stop all wind…. from the four corners referring to north, south, east, west. The Bible does not mention on the physical flatness of the earth.
Next verse, Psalm 75.3: When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm. It sounds like earth’s pillars, but we should not take it as literal. That book is filled with many songs such as poetry to compare like a metaphorical message instead of literal. The main point is not that the earth is flat, but the earth is owned by God who constructed it and stabilize it as the pillars will not move.
Now what about the “ends of the earth” in Deuteronomy? Clearly, the term ‘ends” of the earth educate that the earth is not flat, but just the passages. The “four corners of the earth” is idiomatic instead of literal like mapping the earth. Actually, “ends of the earth” was mentioned 28 times in the KJV meaning the most far distance in the world.
Ultimately, the Biblical passages pertaining to the “ends of the earth” and “the four corners of the earth” are just symbolical.
~ Pastor Andy
I viewed a well-known deaf Christian vlogger who believes that the earth is flat. Remember, Chris Columbus who was headed for North America instead of India? While rejecting the reliability of the Bible, a few Christians claim that the Bible describes a flat earth. They just question the validity of the scientific evidence and argue that the earth is indeed flat.
Based on the Bible:
- Revelation 7.1: four angels standing at the four corners of the earth.
- Psalm 75:3: which says God holds “the pillars” of the earth firm.
- Deuteronomy 13.7: of the gods of the peoples who are around you, near you, or far from you, from one end of the earth to the other end).
All these verses refer to the “ends” of the earth. Does that mean the earth is flat? The answer is no. The Bible doesn’t say about the shape of the earth nor that the earth explicitly is flat.
Based on Revelation 7.1: I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth. Apostle John wrote to refer “four corners of the earth” to every far distance location. The basic analog is when we had global leaders like the G-20 summits from all over the world to come for discussing the political issues. The book of Revelation is difficult to interpret accurately due to non-literal and symbolic language. If we interpret these passages in the book into literal (direct), then it will make no sense. John stated that at a time during the tribulation, God will stop all wind…. from the four corners referring to north, south, east, west. The Bible does not mention on the physical flatness of the earth.
Next verse, Psalm 75.3: When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm. It sounds like earth’s pillars, but we should not take it as literal. That book is filled with many songs such as poetry to compare like a metaphorical message instead of literal. The main point is not that the earth is flat, but the earth is owned by God who constructed it and stabilize it as the pillars will not move.
Now what about the “ends of the earth” in Deuteronomy? Clearly, the term ‘ends” of the earth educate that the earth is not flat, but just the passages. The “four corners of the earth” is idiomatic instead of literal like mapping the earth. Actually, “ends of the earth” was mentioned 28 times in the KJV meaning the most far distance in the world.
Ultimately, the Biblical passages pertaining to the “ends of the earth” and “the four corners of the earth” are just symbolical.
~ Pastor Andy
Suggested by one congregation members, I am going to offer fun matching quotes.
Match the following quotes. Hint: Find answers in the Bible – Matthew 5:3-10.
Match the following quotes. Hint: Find answers in the Bible – Matthew 5:3-10.
| A. For they shall inherit the earth. B. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. C. For they shall obtain mercy. D. For they shall be called sons of God. E. For they shall be comforted. F. For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. G. For they shall see God. H. For they shall be filled. |
Letters From Prison (part 4)
In our previous study we looked at a short letter that Paul wrote from prison to his friend Philemon, asking him to accept back Philemon’s runaway slave, Onesimus – “no longer as a slave, but as a brother in Christ.” Since Onesimus and Paul’s helper, Tychicus, were making that long trip to deliver that letter to Philemon in Colossae, Paul took advantage of the opportunity to also write a letter to the church that met in Philemon’s house.
Paul’s letter to the Colossians is only four chapters long, but it is a powerful letter of faith and encouragement. Paul directs our attention to Jesus and all that Jesus did to save us. Paul also reminds us of our position in Him:
In our previous study we looked at a short letter that Paul wrote from prison to his friend Philemon, asking him to accept back Philemon’s runaway slave, Onesimus – “no longer as a slave, but as a brother in Christ.” Since Onesimus and Paul’s helper, Tychicus, were making that long trip to deliver that letter to Philemon in Colossae, Paul took advantage of the opportunity to also write a letter to the church that met in Philemon’s house.
Paul’s letter to the Colossians is only four chapters long, but it is a powerful letter of faith and encouragement. Paul directs our attention to Jesus and all that Jesus did to save us. Paul also reminds us of our position in Him:
“You have been raised up with Christ. So think about things that are in heaven. That is where Christ is. He is sitting at God’s right hand. Think about things that are in heaven. Don’t think about things that are only on earth. You died. Now your life is hidden with Christ in God. Christ is your life. When he appears again, you also will appear with him in heaven’s glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)
In this letter Paul explains how our life in Christ changes the way we think and act, and changes the way we live in our families and work with our business relations.
At the end of this letter Paul gives important information about people on his team. Here we learn:
• Mark is a cousin of Barnabas
• Luke was a medical doctor
• Luke was Gentile, not Jewish
• Names of the leaders of the Colossian church and other people on Paul’s team
When you read this letter to the Colossian Christians, you also will receive a boost to your faith.
At the end of this letter Paul gives important information about people on his team. Here we learn:
• Mark is a cousin of Barnabas
• Luke was a medical doctor
• Luke was Gentile, not Jewish
• Names of the leaders of the Colossian church and other people on Paul’s team
When you read this letter to the Colossian Christians, you also will receive a boost to your faith.
Remember those who are in prison
as if you were in prison with them.
Hebrews 13:3
as if you were in prison with them.
Hebrews 13:3
Christ and the Passover
(part 2)
In part 1 of this study we saw that the history of Israel’s exodus from Egypt has important connections to the life of Jesus:
- Mary & Joseph’s sacrifice on His behalf when he was a one-month old baby (Luke 2:21-24)
- Their escape to Egypt and return to Israel (Matthew 2:13-14)
- When Jesus was 12 years old, visiting the temple (Luke 2:41-51)
- His baptism (Matthew 3:13-17)
Connection #5 – The Temptation of Jesus
Immediately after His baptism, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness, just as God led the people of Israel from the Red Sea into the desert, where they wandered 40 years. God tested them and let the experience hunger so He could miraculously provide for them. Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness and the devil tempted Him. Jesus answered each of the devil’s temptations by quoting a verse from the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy – Moses’ final message to Israel, just before he died. (See Matthew 4:1-11)
Immediately after His baptism, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness, just as God led the people of Israel from the Red Sea into the desert, where they wandered 40 years. God tested them and let the experience hunger so He could miraculously provide for them. Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness and the devil tempted Him. Jesus answered each of the devil’s temptations by quoting a verse from the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy – Moses’ final message to Israel, just before he died. (See Matthew 4:1-11)
Connection #6 – The Last Supper
God gave Moses detailed instructions for the first Passover (Exodus 12). It is now clear that our Lord designed that event to point to the day of His crucifixion.
In Jewish life, the annual celebration of the Passover is a time when the community tells again the story about how God saved Israel from slavery in Egypt and made them His covenant people. When Jesus me with His 12 Disciples for His last Passover meal with them, He turned that meal into the Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion, which tells the story about how God saves us from slavery to sin, death, and hell. The unleavened bread of the Passover – Jesus said, “This is My body…” The cup of wine – He said, “This is my blood, the blood of the New Covenant, shed for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
God gave Moses detailed instructions for the first Passover (Exodus 12). It is now clear that our Lord designed that event to point to the day of His crucifixion.
In Jewish life, the annual celebration of the Passover is a time when the community tells again the story about how God saved Israel from slavery in Egypt and made them His covenant people. When Jesus me with His 12 Disciples for His last Passover meal with them, He turned that meal into the Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion, which tells the story about how God saves us from slavery to sin, death, and hell. The unleavened bread of the Passover – Jesus said, “This is My body…” The cup of wine – He said, “This is my blood, the blood of the New Covenant, shed for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
Connection #7 – The Lamb, the Blood, the Cross
In first Passover in Egypt, each family must choose a lamb without any defect, a perfect lamb, kill it and cook it for their final meal. They must also use the blood of that lamb to paint the outside doorframe of the house – the top and side panels. When the meal was finished, the whole family went through that doorframe, painted as a cross in blood, as the left their house of slavery into freedom.
By Jesus’ death on the cross during the Passover celebration, He became our perfect Passover lamb. As in the first Passover when the Jewish people ate the meat of the lamb, when we eat the bread in the Lord’s Supper, we eat the body of the Lamb of God. And it is through His blood shed for us on the cross, we pass from eternal death into eternal life.
In first Passover in Egypt, each family must choose a lamb without any defect, a perfect lamb, kill it and cook it for their final meal. They must also use the blood of that lamb to paint the outside doorframe of the house – the top and side panels. When the meal was finished, the whole family went through that doorframe, painted as a cross in blood, as the left their house of slavery into freedom.
By Jesus’ death on the cross during the Passover celebration, He became our perfect Passover lamb. As in the first Passover when the Jewish people ate the meat of the lamb, when we eat the bread in the Lord’s Supper, we eat the body of the Lamb of God. And it is through His blood shed for us on the cross, we pass from eternal death into eternal life.
Connection #8 – The Promised Land: Heaven
Israel, at the end of their 40 years of wandering, entered the homeland that God had promised to them. We also wait for our entry into the homeland that God has promised to us – Heaven.
Israel, at the end of their 40 years of wandering, entered the homeland that God had promised to them. We also wait for our entry into the homeland that God has promised to us – Heaven.
Deaf Culture, Past and Future
Maryland
Families Have Stories
Organizations Have History
Senior Citizens Have Memories
Welcome to ours
Maryland
Families Have Stories
Organizations Have History
Senior Citizens Have Memories
Welcome to ours
Albert Rose, 1922photo credit: Library of Congress
Albert J. Rose was a proud member of the Gallaudet Athletic Hall of Fame. His image hangs on the wall of the Hall of Fame in the Fieldhouse – the only one of many in the wall of Fame with multi-sport honors!
Willie Moers, the eldest of four children and the son of Betty and Jerome Moers, never forgot Albert, his maternal grandfather.
Albert along with his wife Ruth lived with the family in Wheaton, MD for three years from 1964 to 1967.
All family members are Deaf, including Willie's sister Diana, and two brothers Cliff and Rex. All graduated from Deaf schools. And only one of them, Ruth never attended Gallaudet.
Willie said he always enjoyed listening to Albert’s experience of the past. He also never forgot his grandfather patiently teaching him when he was around six years old about the difference between a penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and even silver dollar. Albert had Willie doing math computations to ensure that he understood and became able to delineate the differences. Willie said this was one of his best memories of Albert.
Willie, now 66 years old, still sees images of Albert floating across his mind now and then.
Willie Moers, the eldest of four children and the son of Betty and Jerome Moers, never forgot Albert, his maternal grandfather.
Albert along with his wife Ruth lived with the family in Wheaton, MD for three years from 1964 to 1967.
All family members are Deaf, including Willie's sister Diana, and two brothers Cliff and Rex. All graduated from Deaf schools. And only one of them, Ruth never attended Gallaudet.
Willie said he always enjoyed listening to Albert’s experience of the past. He also never forgot his grandfather patiently teaching him when he was around six years old about the difference between a penny, nickel, dime, quarter, and even silver dollar. Albert had Willie doing math computations to ensure that he understood and became able to delineate the differences. Willie said this was one of his best memories of Albert.
Willie, now 66 years old, still sees images of Albert floating across his mind now and then.
March 13 - April 15
National Deaf History Month
National Deaf History Month
March 13 is the day to celebrate the anniversary of Deaf President Now (1988).
April 8 is the day to celebrate the anniversary of the US President Abraham Lincoln signing the charter. Now Gallaudet University (1864).
April 15 is the day to celebrate the anniversary of the opening of the first state school for the Deaf in America’s history of public education (1817).
April 8 is the day to celebrate the anniversary of the US President Abraham Lincoln signing the charter. Now Gallaudet University (1864).
April 15 is the day to celebrate the anniversary of the opening of the first state school for the Deaf in America’s history of public education (1817).
Looking ahead to the next issue – May - June 2025
- Joseph Rose, second child, the son of Albert and Ruth, and uncle of Willie. Past president of Maryland Deaf Seniors (MDSC).
- Memories of the 20th century with Agnes Dunn Sutcliffe, a member of our church.
Printed with permission, by Alice L. Hagemeyer, FOLDA.
(Friends of Libraries for Deaf Action) 2025
www.foldadeaf.net
(Friends of Libraries for Deaf Action) 2025
www.foldadeaf.net
