Old Time Religion

 Proverbs 22: 6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. ---------------------------------------------------------

 Landmarks as Boundary Markers:

• Deuteronomy 19:14: "Thou shalt not remove thy neighbour's landmark, which the men of old time have set in thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the land that the LORD thy God is giving thee to possess it."
• Proverbs 22:28: "Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set."
• Job 24:2: "They remove the landmarks; They seize and devour flocks."

Landmarks as Symbols of Faithfulness:

• Joshua 24:26: "And Joshua took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak that was by the place of the sanctuary of the LORD. And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the LORD which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God."
• Psalm 78:54: "He brought them to the borders of his holy land, even to the mountain which his right hand had purchased."
• Isaiah 14:25: "Yet I will break Assyria in my land, and tread him under my feet upon my mountains: and I will lift up his rod from off them, and take his yoke from off their necks."

Landmarks as Places of Covenant:

• Genesis 12:7: "And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and he builded an altar there to the LORD, which appeared unto him."
• Deuteronomy 27:17: "Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour's landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen."
• Hosea 5:10: "The princes of Judah shall be like a firebrand among the stubble, and shall devour the meadows round about. Their root shall be rotten, and their blossom shall fall off, their conception shall wither in the hot places, and a dry wind shall steal them away."

Landmarks as Prophetic Symbols:

• Ezekiel 40:2: "In the vision of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and set me upon a very high mountain, by the way where the city of Shalam was to be built: and it was full of buildings, and on every side thereof fields full of corn."
• Revelation 21:10: "And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God."
• Zechariah 8:3: "Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts shall be called an holy mountain."
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 The hymn you're referring to, "Give Me That Old Time Religion", isn't actually part of any formal hymnal like the Presbyterian Hymnal. It's considered a traditional gospel song with a fascinating history rooted in African-American spirituals.

Lyrics:

• Verse 1: "Give me that old time religion, / It's good enough for me. / It was good for our mothers, / It's good enough for me."
• Verse 2: It emphasizes the power of faith through biblical figures like Prophet Daniel, the Hebrew children, and Paul and Silas who faced fiery trials and emerged stronger.
• Chorus: "It makes me love everybody, / It makes me love everybody, / It makes me love everybody, / It's good enough for me."
• Second Chorus: This part often references personal experiences of finding peace and joy through faith.

History:

• Origins: Exact origins are unclear, but it likely emerged in the 19th century among African-American communities. Some scholars trace its melody back to English folk traditions.
• Documentation: The earliest written record comes from an 1873 collection of Jubilee songs, songs sung by formerly enslaved people.
• Evolution: Charles Davis Tillman, a white minister, transcribed the song in 1889 and helped introduce it to wider audiences, leading to its spread through Southern gospel traditions.

The history of landmarks

Landmarks, those enduring physical markers of history and culture, have been captivating humanity for millennia. Their stories, woven into the fabric of time, whisper of ancient civilizations, momentous events, and the triumphs and struggles of our collective past.

Early Beginnings:

The earliest landmarks were often natural wonders, like towering mountains or majestic rivers, serving as navigational aids and gathering points for communities. Think of Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia, revered by indigenous groups for over 60,000 years, or the mighty Mississippi River, a vital transportation and cultural artery for centuries.

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en.wikipedia.org

Uluru (Ayers Rock) Australia

Monuments to Power and Faith:

As civilizations rose, so did the desire to leave a permanent mark. Grand structures, often religious or governmental in nature, became testaments to power and devotion. The Pyramids of Giza, marvels of ancient Egyptian engineering, stand as tombs for pharaohs and symbols of their divine connection. The Great Wall of China, a snaking dragon of stone and earth, both defended the empire and embodied its unity.

Marks of Progress and Innovation:

Landmarks also chronicle humanity's journey of innovation and progress. The Colosseum, a Roman amphitheater, hosted gladiatorial combats and public spectacles, while the Eiffel Tower, a marvel of 19th-century engineering, revolutionized architecture and became a symbol of modern France.

Symbols of Change and Identity:

Landmarks can also bear witness to pivotal moments in history, becoming poignant reminders of struggle and resilience. The Statue of Liberty, a beacon of hope for immigrants arriving in America, embodies the nation's ideals of freedom and opportunity. The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, once a symbol of division, now stands reunified, a testament to the city's tumultuous past and hopeful future.

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Summarize the theology of Biblical landmarks

Biblical landmarks hold immense theological significance, serving as tangible reminders of God's presence, action, and promises throughout history. Their stories weave a rich tapestry of creation, covenant, redemption, and ultimately, hope. Here's a brief summary of some key themes:

1. Creation and God's Presence:

• Eden: The Garden of Eden symbolizes the perfection of God's creation and humanity's original state of communion with God.
• Mountains: Sinai, Zion, and Nebo, among others, represent God's dwelling place, often sites of revelation and covenant-making.
• Natural Wonders: Rivers, seas, and deserts showcase God's creative power and serve as metaphors for life's journeys and challenges.

2. Covenant and God's Faithfulness:

• Land of Israel: Promised to Abraham and his descendants, it symbolizes God's faithfulness to his covenant and the hope for God's kingdom on earth.
• Jerusalem and the Temple: Represent the center of God's worship and covenant relationship with his people.
• Pilgrimage Routes: Journeys to sacred sites like Bethlehem and Hebron reinforce the concept of seeking God and remembering his promises.

3. Redemption and God's Grace:

• Calvary: The site of Jesus' crucifixion symbolizes ultimate sacrifice and the triumph of God's love over sin and death.
• Empty Tomb: Represents the reality of Jesus' resurrection and the promise of hope and eternal life for believers.
• Baptismal Sites: Jordan River, Bethesda Pool, etc., signify spiritual renewal and cleansing through God's grace.

4. Eschatology and Future Hope:

• Garden of Eden: Seen as a foreshadowing of the restored earth in the future kingdom of God.
• New Jerusalem: Described in Revelation, symbolizes the ultimate perfection and eternal dwelling place for God's people.
• Land of Milk and Honey: Represents the future abundance and blessings promised to the faithful.

Ultimately, Biblical landmarks transcend physical locations, becoming powerful symbols of God's character, promises, and redemptive work. They invite us to engage with sacred history, deepen our faith, and anticipate the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan in the future.

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The word "ebenezer" appears in the King James Version (KJV) Bible only once, in 1 Samuel 7:12 :

"Then Samuel took a stone, and set it up between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us."

The Hebrew word "ebenezer" means "stone of help". In this verse, Samuel is commemorating a decisive victory the Israelites had just won over their enemies, the Philistines. He sets up a stone as a marker and names it "Ebenezer" to remind everyone of God's help in their victory.

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Here are some key points about the meaning and significance of "ebenezer":

• Gratitude: It is an expression of gratitude to God for his help and protection.
• Remembrance: It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in the past, even during difficult times.
• Hope: It gives hope and encouragement for the future, knowing that God will continue to be with us.

While "raise an ebenezer" is not a direct phrase used in the Bible, it can be understood as a metaphor for acknowledging God's help and expressing our gratitude. We can "raise an ebenezer" in our own lives by:

• Reflecting on the times we have experienced God's help and provision.
• Expressing our gratitude to God through prayer and thanksgiving.
• Living our lives in a way that honors God and reflects his faithfulness.

Here are some additional verses from the KJV Bible that express similar themes of gratitude and dependence on God:

• Psalm 121:1-2: "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth."
• Psalm 118:21: "I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation."
• Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."