God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Numbers 23:19

The dimensions of the Ark of the Covenant, as described in the Bible, can be found in Exodus 25:10-22. According to these verses, God instructed Moses to have the Ark made with the following specifications: Length: 2.5 cubits (approximately 45 inches or 114.3 centimeters) Width: 1.5 cubits (approximately 27 inches or 68.58 centimeters) Height: 1.5 cubits (approximately 27 inches or 68.58 centimeters) The Ark was to be constructed out of acacia wood and overlaid inside and out with pure gold, with a molding of gold around it. It was to be carried using poles of acacia wood, also overlaid with gold, which were inserted into rings on the sides of the Ark. The cover of the Ark, known as the mercy seat, was made of pure gold and featured two cherubim of gold at each end, facing each other and the mercy seat. This sacred chest was designed to hold the tablets of the Law, which were given to Moses at Mount Sinai.

During Jesus Christ's ministry he spent a great deal of time in the Jewish Temples. We have archeological and historical evidence that the temples and alters were ornate and decorated with solid gold. During the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah's reign, Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah. In response to the Assyrian threat, Hezekiah sent a message to Sennacherib at Lachish, saying, "I have done wrong. Withdraw from me, and whatever you impose on me I will bear." The king of Assyria then demanded a payment of three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold from Hezekiah. To meet this demand, Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the temple of the Lord and in the treasuries of the royal palace. Hezekiah also stripped off the gold with which he had covered the doors and doorposts of the temple of the Lord and gave it to the king of Assyria. This act was one of desperation, as Hezekiah sought to protect Jerusalem from siege and destruction by the powerful Assyrian army.

The Bible was written by the early church fathers, disciples and apostles. The Seventh Ecumenical Council, also known as the Second Council of Nicaea, dealt with the issue of icons. It took place in 787 AD and was convened to address the Iconoclast Controversy, which was a dispute over the use and veneration of icons (religious images) within the Christian Church. The controversy had divided the Christian community in the Byzantine Empire during the 8th and 9th centuries. The council ultimately upheld the veneration of icons, stating that icons could be honored but not worshipped in the same manner as God Himself. This decision was a rejection of the iconoclastic policies that had been promoted by several Byzantine emperors, which included the destruction of religious images and persecution of their supporters. The Second Council of Nicaea affirmed that icons were to be used as representations of the divine and the saints, serving as tools for teaching and aiding the faithful in their devotion. The issue regarding icons was resolved a long time ago. They are not idols. Its unfortunate that many christians focus entirely on the Bible and do not study the additional writing, notes and events that the early church fathers were involved in. In biblical times, many people were illiterate, there was no printing press and they relied on verbal and liturgies to understand what later became the New Testiment. The "Icons" during that time period and also today in our "Orthodox Faith" represent different scenes during the life of Jesus Christ. We as Orthodox Christian's venerate and pray to what the icon represents not a piece of wood any more than having a picture of a relative that passed away on your wall. We pray for intercessions of the saints and Mother of God "Theotokos", not to the saints themselves.

The Qur`an is not a reliable source for events that took place 500 years earlier. Its a reliable source to learn about the life of Muhammad but not Jesus Christ and his Mother Mary. I do want to visit Southern Turkey some day, specifically Cappadocia. The early churches in Cappadocia, a historical region in central Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), are renowned for their unique architectural and religious significance, dating back to the early Christian period. These churches were often carved into the region's distinctive soft volcanic rock formations, creating an extensive network of chapels, monasteries, and living quarters directly within the landscape's caves and cliffs. This practice started around the 4th century and continued through the Byzantine era, reflecting the early Christian community's need for seclusion and protection due to Roman persecution. Cappadocia's isolated and rugged terrain offered an ideal refuge for early Christians. The caves provided natural defense mechanisms, allowing the community to practice their faith in relative secrecy. Over time, these spaces were elaborately decorated with frescoes, which depicted scenes from the Bible, the life of Jesus Christ, and images of saints. These artworks are notable for their vibrant colors and iconography, serving both a devotional and didactic purpose for the faithful. The region became a significant spiritual center during the Byzantine period, with the establishment of numerous monastic communities. One of the most notable figures associated with the Cappadocian Fathers is Saint Basil the Great, who was influential in formalizing monastic life and played a key role in the theological development of early Christianity. The unique combination of natural landscape and human creativity makes the early churches of Cappadocia a remarkable testimony to the endurance and adaptability of early Christian communities. Today, these ancient religious sites are recognized as part of UNESCO's World Heritage, attracting scholars, pilgrims, and tourists interested in the history of Christianity and Byzantine art.@@Hakankirbas

Our pleasure!

I absolutely agree. God has BIG plans for these videos!!

Thanks for watching!

Same here. Deaf as well.

As a deaf person here, sign language is like any other language except it’s just with hands for deaf and blind. We don’t consider it “special” It’s just like other languages and should be treated as such. We’re no different than others and would like to be treated equally. Thanks for sharing though.

As a hearing person I suspect she was giving a complement to your language. Many will refer to a language in this way in that it sounds pretty or melodic. Each language has a rhythm and a tone. They all sound different. Each one is like a different type of fabric. Some are smooth and soothing and others are rough and harsh. In the case of asl I agree that it is a beautiful language but I would and have said it of many different languages.

Look at the context of the graven images being referred to during the time of Moses and within other passages of the Old Testament. I will post the information for your benefit but I encourage you to do your own research on the early church fathers, apostles and disciples archeological evidence. The Bible was written by the early church fathers, disciples and apostles. The Seventh Ecumenical Council, also known as the Second Council of Nicaea, dealt with the issue of icons. It took place in 787 AD and was convened to address the Iconoclast Controversy, which was a dispute over the use and veneration of icons (religious images) within the Christian Church. The controversy had divided the Christian community in the Byzantine Empire during the 8th and 9th centuries. The council ultimately upheld the veneration of icons, stating that icons could be honored but not worshipped in the same manner as God Himself. This decision was a rejection of the iconoclastic policies that had been promoted by several Byzantine emperors, which included the destruction of religious images and persecution of their supporters. The Second Council of Nicaea affirmed that icons were to be used as representations of the divine and the saints, serving as tools for teaching and aiding the faithful in their devotion. The issue regarding icons was resolved a long time ago. They are not idols. Its unfortunate that many christians focus entirely on the Bible and do not study the additional writing, notes and events that the early church fathers were involved in. In biblical times, many people were illiterate, there was no printing press and they relied on verbal and liturgies to understand what later became the New Testiment. The "Icons" during that time period and also today in our "Orthodox Faith" represent different scenes during the life of Jesus Christ. We as Orthodox Christian's venerate and pray to what the icon represents not a piece of wood any more than having a picture of a relative that passed away on your wall. We pray for intercessions of the saints and Mother of God "Theotokos", not to the saints themselves. Father Robinson explains it pretty well in the video below. I hope all this information helps. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qOChdcpy0pytp4E.html

I agree! I went to the Garden Tomb and didn’t even realize there were any other options, I felt so much peace there and appreciation for His sacrifice. You can see Golgotha (Skull Hill) from the Garden Tomb, the Catholic locations were set up as worship sites (they have the market on idolatry).

My pleasure!

So cool!

You are so welcome

Its sad that many Christian's have this negative perspective on iconography as being idolatry. I posted some information below. Also look at my posts above to Piedmonte. The Bible was written by the early church fathers, disciples and apostles. The Seventh Ecumenical Council, also known as the Second Council of Nicaea, dealt with the issue of icons. It took place in 787 AD and was convened to address the Iconoclast Controversy, which was a dispute over the use and veneration of icons (religious images) within the Christian Church. The controversy had divided the Christian community in the Byzantine Empire during the 8th and 9th centuries. The council ultimately upheld the veneration of icons, stating that icons could be honored but not worshipped in the same manner as God Himself. This decision was a rejection of the iconoclastic policies that had been promoted by several Byzantine emperors, which included the destruction of religious images and persecution of their supporters. The Second Council of Nicaea affirmed that icons were to be used as representations of the divine and the saints, serving as tools for teaching and aiding the faithful in their devotion. The issue regarding icons was resolved a long time ago. They are not idols. Its unfortunate that many christians focus entirely on the Bible and do not study the additional writing, notes and events that the early church fathers were involved in. In biblical times, many people were illiterate, there was no printing press and they relied on verbal and liturgies to understand what later became the New Testiment. The "Icons" during that time period and also today in our "Orthodox Faith" represent different scenes during the life of Jesus Christ. We as Orthodox Christian's venerate and pray to what the icon represents not a piece of wood any more than having a picture of a relative that passed away on your wall. We pray for intercessions of the saints and Mother of God "Theotokos", not to the saints themselves. Father Robinson explains it pretty well in the video below. I hope all this information helps. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qOChdcpy0pytp4E.html

I am taking my Family in a few months. I have a 9 year old son and a 7 year old daughter. The tickets are cheap right now, you can stay in the Old City Jerusalem so you can walk to many of the Holy Sites. Normally there are big crowds, so one of the upsides is no crowds and a more peaceful and revarent experience. We are thinking about getting a private tour guide to take us to Bethlahem as well. Overall our entire trip for 4 people is around 5k.

@@SaintGmedia 5k may be cheap for the trip but 100k is considered cheap for a Ferrari it’s a matter of perspective. I don’t have 5k or 100k

That is for 4 people. Basically $1000 for round trip airframe per person. Plus Hotel + we might do a 1 day private tour so we get over to Bethlehem in a safe way,@@Fullsendfilosophy

This might be the best time to go. No crowds. Most of the conflict is away from the Holy Sites in Jerusalem. For Bethlehem you probably need a Christian Tour Guide since its in the West Bank. I am taking my Family of 4 in a few months. It probably cost half the price to go now vs. last year.

That is great. I am taking my family in a few months and we are planning to attend the Orthodox Service at the Holy Sepulchre during the Sunday of our visit. I am certain it will be an amazing experience.

The first splinter away from the Orthodox Faith is what caused an avalanche of splinters afterwards and now we have 20,000 denominations. The only way forward, I believe, is to go back to the way it was in the early church without all of the innovations that were added over the years. At the same time it does say in the Bible that the doorway is narrow so maybe its intended to be this way. I suppose the challenge will be to find out which of those 20,000 denominations and expressions of faith is the right one. I don't claim to know the answer and I don't think any of us know for sure. I feel that the most reliable expression of faith is the one that has not changed since the first century AD, and has over 30+ million Christian Orthodox martyrs killed for expressing their faith in Ukraine, Soviet Union, Modern Day Russia, Armenia, Greece , Turkey, Syria and the Holy Land. What did they know that caused them to die for Christ vs. convert to Islam or denounce their faith for communism. How many of us today are willing stand in shackles and watch our family get butchered in front of us vs. denouncing our faith in Jesus Christ. Reading the lives of the Saints and the writings of the early church fathers alongside the Bible enhanced my understanding beyond anything I could have ever imagined.

Our pleasure!

Maybe one day!

Gospel of John, Chapter 8, verses 1-11. This story is known as the Pericope Adulterae or the story of the woman caught in adultery. In this passage, Jesus is confronted by the scribes and Pharisees with a woman who has been caught in the act of adultery. They ask Jesus if she should be stoned, trying to trap Him into saying something they could use against Him, as the Law of Moses commanded stoning for such an act. Jesus responds to their challenge with wisdom and compassion, saying, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." Convicted by their own consciences, one by one, the accusers leave, starting with the eldest until only Jesus and the woman are left. Jesus then asks her if anyone has condemned her. When she replies no one, Lord, He says, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more." I don't see those people worshiping in the video as using Jesus as an accessory. They are worshiping in the same manner as the early Christians did in the first century, in the underground caves with the walls covered with icons. These early cave churches were found at archeological sites in Southern Turkey. Why were they underground you might ask. Because the roman empire outlawed Christianity until the era of Constantine where he made it the official faith of the roman empire. Those early Christians were butchered by the thousands and later on by the Ottoman empire which killed many of my Greek Ancestors. We have it easy in this day and age compared to what the early Christians had to go through. Its sad that many Christians hold this view towards traditional Orthodox Christianity. This animosity I believe is a direct result of the Roman Catholic church which separated from the Orthodox faith in 1000AD and proceeded to add all of the additions and innovations over the past 1000 years. A combination of all of these innovations and futher innovations by more splinter expressions of faith is why we have 20,000 denominations. How do we know which one is correct ? I put my trust in the early church. There is a great deal of wisdom that can be found by studying the early church fathers and the councils leading up to the great schism.

Its not a cultural thing actually. Its a representation of the early church during the era of Jesus Christ's ministry. The Jewish temples during that time were ornate and beautiful and the early church fathers, apostles and disciples carried that forward in the early churches that were built. The early churches in Cappadocia, a historical region in central Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), are renowned for their unique architectural and religious significance, dating back to the early Christian period. These churches were often carved into the region's distinctive soft volcanic rock formations, creating an extensive network of chapels, monasteries, and living quarters directly within the landscape's caves and cliffs. This practice started around the 4th century and continued through the Byzantine era, reflecting the early Christian community's need for seclusion and protection due to Roman persecution. Cappadocia's isolated and rugged terrain offered an ideal refuge for early Christians. The caves provided natural defense mechanisms, allowing the community to practice their faith in relative secrecy. Over time, these spaces were elaborately decorated with frescoes, which depicted scenes from the Bible, the life of Jesus Christ, and images of saints. These artworks are notable for their vibrant colors and iconography, serving both a devotional and didactic purpose for the faithful. The region became a significant spiritual center during the Byzantine period, with the establishment of numerous monastic communities. One of the most notable figures associated with the Cappadocian Fathers is Saint Basil the Great, who was influential in formalizing monastic life and played a key role in the theological development of early Christianity. The unique combination of natural landscape and human creativity makes the early churches of Cappadocia a remarkable testimony to the endurance and adaptability of early Christian communities. Today, these ancient religious sites are recognized as part of UNESCO's World Heritage, attracting scholars, pilgrims, and tourists interested in the history of Christianity and Byzantine art.

I can only speak for what I know which is Eastern Orthodox Christianity. I live in Utah around mostly Mormons. When we see people praying in front of an Icon, or lighting a candle or prostrating on their knees and praying, these are expressions of faith that date back to the first century AD. For someone to stand near by and assume they can read another Christian's heart and mind and conclude that they are worshiping a piece of wood or an inanimate object is absurd. The priest in the video link below explains it pretty well. If you spend time with Orthodox Christians in eastern Europe, Ukraine, Russia and the MIddle East what seems to be taboo here is widely accepted in those areas. I think the anti-icon sentament in the US originated during the reformation in the 1500s as a back lash against the Roman Catholic Church. That resentment has carried forward into a modernistic view of icons and ornate churches as being something to be avoided when the opposite is true. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qOChdcpy0pytp4E.html@@r.h.4567

The question regarding icons, crosses and other representations of biblical events was resolved in 787 AD. I provided the information below. Why on earth would we rely on the reformers which came along in the 1500s, which include Joseph Smith by the way, about these types of questions over the early church fathers that had apostolic succession and disciples dating back to the first 12 apostles. The Second Council of Nicaea, held in 787 AD, was the Seventh Ecumenical Council and resolved the Iconoclast Controversy, which concerned the use and veneration of icons (religious images) in the Christian Church. This controversy had caused significant division within the Byzantine Empire, with Iconoclasts (those opposed to icons) destroying religious images and persecuting their veneration, arguing that such practices constituted idolatry. The council was convened by Empress Irene of Byzantium, aiming to restore the veneration of icons, which had been suppressed under previous iconoclast emperors. The council declared that icons could be venerated but not worshipped, distinguishing veneration from the worship due only to God. It supported the use of icons in churches, homes, and public spaces, stating that icons served as a means to honor and remember the figures they represented, such as Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the saints, and to uplift the faithful's minds to the divine. The Second Council of Nicaea affirmed the theological basis for the use of icons, which was rooted in the Incarnation of Christ-God becoming visible in human form made it permissible to depict Him in images. The decision of the council played a crucial role in shaping Christian worship and aesthetics, particularly within the Byzantine and Eastern Orthodox traditions, where icons have remained central to religious life and devotion.