tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91433208001916077602024-03-08T05:58:05.806-08:00The Ninth GenerationA running collection of articles relating to the novel, The Ninth Generation, and the subject of the mysterious antediluvian earth, by John L OwensJohn L Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798195793439300640noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143320800191607760.post-17664421512250487772010-01-14T20:35:00.000-08:002010-06-23T12:45:45.299-07:00Captivating Novel Transports Reader into Ancient World of the Nephilim<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CADMINI%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1026"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>The cry of a ram’s horn pierces the stillness of a tree village – the terrifying signal that another daughter has vanished from the valley. Suddenly, the reader finds himself facing a fourteen-foot enemy in a world unlike any he has imagined. It’s <i style="">The Ninth Generation</i> from Adam, and the fast-moving suspense of a family caught between a land of giants and the invasion of destructive spiritual forces.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">What was it like living on the eve of global cataclysm as described in the book of Genesis? How incredible it seems that a race called the Nephilim were the offspring of fallen angels and daughters of mankind. Yet the author, John L. Owens, has done his research carefully, finding support in numerous early historical documents, in addition to the Biblical record. “The intent of the novel, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The Ninth Generation</span>,” says Owens, “was to provide a high-stakes adventure that would entertain and reward by imaginatively portraying a world view based on Biblical history.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The antediluvian earth is one of the great mysteries of ancient record, with human inhabitants whose life spans approached the thousand year mark, and creatures as described in the book of Job that terrorized both sea and land. Fossil remains still testify to some of the plants and animals that once existed, so huge as to dwarf today’s varieties. While categorized as historic fiction, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Ninth Generation</span> follows the Genesis scriptural account with insights from early historical records and scientific research.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">For those interested in reading (and learning) more about the world that was, and delving into the mystery of the Nephilim giants along with the faithful remnant – the one family that escaped, this read may be for you. If spiritual warfare intrigues, and romance adds flavor, discover the real story that continued all the way from that first garden. Go to the author’s book site – <a href="http://www.theninthgeneration.com/">www.TheNinthGeneration.com</a> – and see what other readers are saying. Step back into Genesis and get into the first few chapters to see for yourself. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Ninth Generation</span> is recommended reading by <a href="http://www.lamarzulli.net/about_lynn_marzulli.htm">L.A. Marzulli</a> (online and radio), and Cheryl James with <a href="http://www.thenephilimfiles.com/">The Nephilim Files</a>. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> John L Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798195793439300640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143320800191607760.post-52489811078520859622009-09-12T18:30:00.000-07:002009-09-12T18:57:19.604-07:00Should Jack start believing in giants?<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CADMINI%7E1%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Times New \(W1\)"; mso-font-alt:"Times New Roman"; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:536902279 -2147483648 8 0 511 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="1026"> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">
<br /></span>It does not matter that a size-30 shoe was found outside of his window. Jack has gone to school where he has been taught that <u>giants do not exist</u> and does not want to look like a fool climbing a beanstalk.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Like Jack, evolutionists have been confronted with some hard evidence from eastern <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Montana</st1:place></st1:state> – the discovery of soft tissue and flexible blood vessels inside the thigh bone of a Tyrannosaurus Rex*. And like Jack, they have been to school where they were taught that dinosaurs have not existed for seventy million years. It doesn’t matter that the Genesis record of creation can explain such a finding. They do not want to look like a fool by suggesting that their method of dating might be in error.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Responding to fellow evolutionists, one stated, “Finding these tissues in dinosaurs changes the way we think about fossilization, because our theories of how fossils are preserved don’t allow for this.” Imagine Jack saying, “Finding this shoe changes the way we think about the effect of weather on shoes.”</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Jack needs to strongly consider the location of the big shoe. Likewise, evolutionists need to consider the location of this surprising bone – entombed in porous sandstone, hardly a vacuum seal. Realizing that biological material is soon broken down in the presence of ground water, an impartial investigator would quickly rule out the possibility of tissue remaining soft and squeezable after a million years. It has been suggested by the discoverer that more such bones may exist but have not been found because they are not being looked for - preconceived ideas are hindering the search. But now, more soft tissue has been found – in other T-Rex samples and in two Hadrosaurs – all of the “Cretaceous-period”.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Now, Jack we can excuse. After all, it’s just a story. But what about all the “knowledgeable” scientists who stubbornly cling to textbook age-assignments, even when faced with such glaring impossibilities?</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Even <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Darwin</st1:city></st1:place> admitted difficulties with his own theory: “To suppose that the eye with all its (complexities) could have been formed by natural selection, seems, I freely confess, absurd in the highest degree.” (Charles Darwin, <u style=""><span style=";font-family:";" >The Origin of Species</span></u>, P. 75)</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>For the truth-searcher who is open and interested in considering the evidences for creation, there are some great sites to explore, like <a href="http://www.answersingenesis.org/">www.answersingenesis.org</a> and <a href="http://www.icr.org/">www.icr.org</a>. There’s far more than a giant to be found. Of course, if you want to read about the ancient giants of Genesis, see <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.theninthgeneration.com">the novel</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">*<span style="font-size:10;">2005 discovery by Dr. Mary Schweitzer, reported in Science magazine, describes T. Rex bone tissue as “soft,” fibrous,” “flexible,” and “resilient”. MSNBC Science Editor Alan Boyle reported on July 24, 2007, “Today, paleontologists are still stunned – not only to find material that looks like dinosaur cartilage, blood vessels, blood cells and bone cells, but to see the stuff in so many different specimens.” It has come to light that similar findings have been found elsewhere (but not widely reported). Other reports were published in 2007 and 2009 (<i style="">Science</i>). See article, “Dinosaur Soft Tissue Issue Is Here to Stay” (Sept. <i style="">Acts & Facts</i>, ICR).<o:p></o:p></span></p> John L Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798195793439300640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143320800191607760.post-10029162700600262992009-08-10T08:38:00.000-07:002009-08-10T08:59:59.536-07:00Mysterious origin of the Genesis giantsThere is a verse in Genesis Six that some prefer to ignore than try to explain. Even seminary training offers little help here. And the questions do come – from young and old alike – “What happened with the angels? Can angels and humans reproduce? Who were the sons of God?” Irritated with the subject, they reply, “Just stick with the New Testament.” Or, “It can’t be read the way it sounds.” Well, let’s take a closer look:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(Gen 6:4) There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.</span><br /><br />Let’s begin with the assumption that the Bible is God’s written word (through man) to man (2 Peter 1:21, 2 Timothy 3:16). Before I discovered this, I suffered from a faulty foundation – one that was always wobbling based upon the current views of human authorities – and with no real hope. It’s the only Book with all the answers we need.<br /><br />In Genesis 6:4, it’s hard to hide the connection between the sons of God / daughters of men and the resulting giants (or Nephilim). The glue comes with the little words “when” and “same”, which connects the ones that were born with those “mighty men..of renown”. So, whatever was going on definitely ties in with the birth of the giants. However, those who choose not to believe the incredible, generally pick on something else – the meaning of “the sons of God”.<br /><br />The argument is that this term refers to the godly lineage of Seth that married into the ungodly lineage of Cain. But the term is not “daughters of Cain”- as if the union between a believer and non-believer produces giants. And when the original language is examined for the phrase, “sons of God” (bene elohim), quite disturbingly to some it is also found in Job 1:6, 2:1, 38:7, and Daniel 3:25 as an unquestionable reference to “angels”. See also Psalm 29:1 and 89:7. But let’s not try to pretend to know the original Hebrew writing. Let’s look to those who did – the Jews. After all, in Romans 3:2 we are told “…unto them were committed the oracles of God.” Within The Torah, by The Jewish Publication Society of America, we find their translation of Genesis 6:4:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">It was then, and later too, that the Nephilim appeared on earth – when the <span style="font-style: italic;">divine beings</span> cohabited with the daughters of men, who bore them offspring. They were the heroes of old, the men of renown.</span> (The official interpretation of bene elohim has been italicized for emphasis. Interesting how Jewish scholars see it.)<br /><br />Let’s go back to those who prefer to stay in The New Testament. Here we are confronted with at least two references to a serious angelic God-problem:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(2Pe 2:4) For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;<br /><br />(Jud 1:6) And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.</span><br /><br />At first glance it may be thought that this angelic sin was simply leaving heaven for planet earth – following Lucifer in his rebellion. But when the context of Jude 1:6-7 is examined, something far more is found:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(Jud 1:7) Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after <span style="font-style: italic;">strange flesh</span>, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.<br /></span><br />First notice the connecting words, “even as”, which links the angelic sin with what follows. Then notice the description of Sodom and Gomorrha’s sin – the words, “strange flesh” is italicized for emphasis. Isn’t it awesome how the Bible itself explains stuff that few people teach? Are we getting closer to seeing what really happened?<br /><br />Now it’s time to hear from an ancient man who walked with God…and one day “was not; for God took him” (Genesis 5:24) His name was Enoch and some of his writings are found in The New Testament. This particular quote is not part of our Bible, so some may choose to ignore it – but there are some branches of Christianity that do recognize and include all the writings of Enoch as authoritative. Personally, I have read them and found them to be very edifying and helpful in understanding more of God’s Word (without conflict). As an antediluvian on-scene reporter, Enoch should be able to give us the scoop:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">And it came to pass when the children of men had multiplied that in those days were born unto them beautiful and comely daughters. And the angels, the children of the heaven, saw and lusted after them, and said to one another: 'Come, let us choose us wives from among the children of men and beget us children.' And Semjaza, who was their leader, said unto them: 'I fear ye will not indeed agree to do this deed, and I alone shall have to pay the penalty of a great sin.' And they all answered him and said: 'Let us all swear an oath, and all bind ourselves by mutual imprecations not to abandon this plan but to do this thing.' Then sware they all together and bound themselves by mutual imprecations upon it. And they were in all two hundred; who descended in the days of Jared on the summit of Mount Hermon, and they called it Mount Hermon, because they had sworn<br />and bound themselves by mutual imprecations upon it. </span>(Enoch 6:1-7)<br /><br />Another ancient historical record is the Book of Jubilees, included in some Bibles:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">And it came to pass when the children of men began to multiply on the face of the earth and daughters were born unto them, that the angels of God saw them on a certain year of this jubilee, that they were beautiful to look upon; and they took themselves wives of all whom they chose, and they bare unto them sons and they were giants. </span>(Jubilees 5:1)<br /><br />As you can see, the Biblical and early historical records are quite persuasive. It seems that some angels and some human women found a way to make giants. As for the reference in the Bible to angels in heaven not marrying, that apparently means in heaven. Hopefully, it won’t happen again on earth (though some say it will – a good subject for a later article).John L Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798195793439300640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143320800191607760.post-4775543613325883842009-05-13T11:11:00.000-07:002009-05-13T11:21:10.727-07:00The Missing Movie on Fallen Angels and DemonsWe’ve been hearing about angels and demons quite a bit lately thanks to the popularity of the movie and book by Dan Brown. The author is adept at dramatizing religious mysteries as seen also with the Da Vinci Code – and yet another, The Lost Symbol. If you’re into conspiracy theories or simply love a fast-paced mystery bordering on the supernatural, Brown’s novels are sure to entertain.<br /><br />However, a far greater mystery – one which I am amazed has not yet manifested in film – is the ancient revelation of fallen angels and women that resulted in a race of giants. It is found in the early verses of Genesis, chapter six.<br /><br />This shadowy controversial passage of the Old Testament has caused irreconcilable concern for generations of readers, and produced pages of commentaries with alternative meanings. Yet, a straight-forward reading from most any translation is still an eye-raising experience and it will be surprising to many how strong the historic support is for such a bizarre angelic-human happening. All this makes it even more perplexing that no movie company has attempted to capitalize on this deeply embedded religious mystery.<br /><br />To help clarify the passage (Gen. 6:4), let us draw upon Hebrew / Jewish understanding of these ancient writings, as published in The Torah: “It was then, and later too, that the Nephilim appeared on earth – when the divine beings cohabited with the daughters of men, who bore them offspring. They were the heroes of old, the men of renown.” [Nephilim is translated as giants, and the Hebrew words translated as divine beings are translated as angels in other versions of the Bible] Other passages in Jude (6-7) and 2 Peter (2:4) may well point to this event.<br /><br />Based upon these early documents, the deep dark secret little discussed in the church does exist as a strong possibility. Why then is it being ignored…because it happened too long ago to leave any lab evidence? Or is it that the idea is too disturbing to accept? I’ll quickly admit that such a thing as angels and humans producing giant offspring is extremely disturbing, outside of a movie – although demonic play (deceptive) with humans is gaining acceptance within our twisted culture.<br /><br />What are demons, anyway? Are they as some teach, fallen angels, and should we look outside of the Bible for answers? It may be of interest that the writings of Enoch are quoted from in the Bible and were read by the early church. For some reason the governing council decided not to include them in the later canon (approved collection of books). But it is within these writings that much revelation emerges not only on the subject of demonic spirits but also about the Nephilim.<br /><br />My own faith (and future expectation) does not spring from the book of Enoch, but neither is it weakened by it. In ages past it was the prophets like Enoch, who walked with God, that were used to communicate special truths to mankind. So we would do well to at least consider the content of his writings while searching for keys to these ancient mysteries.<br /><br />In brief, what does he say? If accurate, a copy of Enoch’s writings reveals that there were a number of angels, sometimes referred to as watchers, which transgressed their God-given domain and used their powers to charm and take for themselves women. Their offspring became the giant heroes of the land, the Nephilim, with characteristics of both angels and humans. Upon death their spirits were consigned to earth thus becoming evil spirits seeking other bodies to inhabit and control. As giants they became cannibals and as spirits they sought human destruction – apparent vengeance for their reduced state of being.<br /><br />Think on this. If the earth before the flood of Noah’s day had become a land of encroaching giants, how narrowly did a remnant of humanity manage to survive? Does the name of Noah’s father, Lameck – which means “conqueror” – relate to their survival? How else would life have been affected by the great creatures like Leviathan and Behemoth that reportedly once existed upon this earth? Perhaps it all seems too extraordinary to consider – understandable if one is not aware of the detailed prophecies fulfilled hundreds of years after they were written. God’s written Word is one witness. His Holy Spirit is a second witness to an even far greater event that transpired in the fullness of time – the Seed long ago promised to Adam and Eve in the garden finally manifested as the Son of God, Jesus Christ, to destroy the works of the devil and to shed His blood for the salvation of all those who turn to Him in repentance.<br /><br />Such things as the Nephilim I had never heard discussed in Sunday-school class (or even in seminary), perhaps for good reason – too little Scripture on the subject and too much imagination required. But I am still looking forward to seeing the movie, one day – maybe helped by the novel I finally managed to publish after five years of research and writing. But then again, who would ever invest such money to create a scene showing Leviathan rising from the Pison River to consume a Cainite apprentice priest in 3,017 BC? Would people even come to see a movie about a world that no longer exists?<br /><br /><br />If curious about the book, you can go to <a href="http://www.theninthgeneration.com">www.TheNinthGeneration.com</a>John L Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798195793439300640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143320800191607760.post-66572258833200441862008-12-15T09:12:00.000-08:002018-07-27T08:54:00.682-07:00The Meaning of 9, and Future PredictionsNine out of ten diners open their fortune cookies. Some people read their horoscopes. And more than a few look to tarot cards in hopes of gaining hidden knowledge about the future. As numbers go, nine is reportedly held in great reverence by all who study the occult sciences - I am not one of those, nor do I make any prophetic claims of my own (not wanting to be stoned by those still following Mosaic rules). But for the serious inquirer as well as the simply curious, I offer some findings that I hope will be not only revealing but helpful in the year 2009 and beyond.<br /><br />So, what qualifies me to write on such a topic as number nine and the future? A fair question. It is not the traditional schooling, which may have helped. But I believe that it is the bent I have taken as a historic novelist, and the five years of research and writing required for a story set in the ancient earth, <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.theninthgeneration.com">The Ninth Generation</a><span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span>. Granted, a book does not make an expert in a field, but it does usually suggest some investigation into the subject. And in this case, the past sheds light on the future. Fortunately the way has been blazed by Ethelbert W. Bullinger in his classic 1894 reference, <span style="font-weight:bold;">Number in Scripture<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span>. To him I am indebted for much of this material.<br /><br />Let us begin with the fascinating properties of the last of the digits – <span style="font-style:italic;">nine<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span>. Mathematically, its uniqueness is found in no other number. The sum of the digits which form its multiples are themselves always a multiple of nine; e.g., 2 x 9 = 18 (1 + 8 = 9); 3 x 9 = 27 (2 + 7 = 9); 4 x 9 = 36 (3 + 6 = 9); Etc. And even so with larger numbers: 52843 x 9 = 475587 (4 + 7 + 5 + 5 + 8 + 7 = 36 (and 3 + 6 = 9).<br /><br />Some scholars have attached numerical values to the letters of the Hebrew and Greek alphabet, a science known as <span style="font-style:italic;">Gematria</span>. In analyzing the ancient books of Moses (The Torah), they have discovered that verses pertaining to judgment – as the judgment of Sodom – are characterized by values that are multiples of nine. The sieges of Jerusalem also happen to number twenty-seven (9 x 3). According to Bullinger, it is the number signifying finality or judgment. For those wishing to study this in more detail, Bullinger’s work is recommended.<br /><br />Within the field of Biblical Hermeneutics (the study of Scriptural interpretation) there is a rule called “the law of first mention”. It is the principle that requires one to go to that place in the Scriptures where a specific term or doctrine in found for the very first time, and to study that first occurrence in order to obtain the fundamental inherent meaning. The word “nine” is first mentioned in Genesis 5:5 – <span style="font-style:italic;">“And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.”</span> To the casual reader, 930 years may seem a glorious longevity depicting a grandiose era. But in the context of Genesis history, death of man had been a tragic revelation. The thousand-year mark was never reached, based upon the genealogical records. And at one point, in the beginning, there had been at least a possibility that man might have lived indefinitely. So, in this occurrence, the number nine is associated with the short-fall of man and resulting judgment – separation and death.<br /><br />The subhead of the recently published novel, <span style="font-style:italic;">The Ninth Generation: <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.theninthgeneration.com">Surviving the Giants of the pre-flood Earth</a></span></span>, speaks of a race of beings described in ancient history who were ultimately destroyed. I will leave the method of destruction up to the reader’s imagination. But the fact of their once fearful size is strongly supported by the manuscript evidence of Deuteronomy 3:11 – <span style="font-style:italic;">“For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead of iron; is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? Nine cubits was the length thereof…”</span> Based on the length of a cubit, Og must have stood at least thirteen feet high. Was the recorded length of the ancient giant’s bed – nine cubits – a Scriptural connection with judgment? That I am not sure, but they were ultimately removed from this earth. Whether they will ever reappear is the subject of other novels on the Nephilim.<br /><br />Bullinger states that nine… “marks the end and issue of all things as to man – the judgment of man and all his works.” If one ventures to the top of any major mountain range on earth, they can find evidence of fossilized sea life. The legends of every race also testify to that ancient universal judgment. Of course there will be those who deny that this world was ever completely covered with water. Such people were predicted long ago by the same Scriptures that record the flood: <span style="font-style:italic;">“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers…ignorant of…the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished…” </span>(2 Peter 3:3-6). The consideration of such a truth is so unsettling that many are driven to concoct theories to explain away the obvious worldwide evidence. And even fewer care to think about the following verses which speak of the earth that now exists... <span style="font-style:italic;">“being kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.”</span> (vs. 7). It is interesting that verse nine gives the reason that we are still living in our present condition: <span style="font-style:italic;">“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”</span> (vs. 9). Bullinger concludes, “the significance of the number nine is judgment, especially divine judgment.” A God with the power and will to judge is a scary thought, especially when the cross (man’s only God-given escape) is ignored.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">“As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be…”<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> (Luke 17: 26) Sobering words delivered by Jesus concerning the condition of the last generation just prior to his final spectacular return. Can we glean anything from those who were alive in the days of Noah – the generation that existed just before the watery judgment? In my research for the novel, <span style="font-style:italic;">The Ninth Generation<a href="http://www.theninthgeneration.com"></a></span>, I discovered that the ninth patriarch in Seth’s lineage from Adam was Lameck, Noah’s father. Biblical names conveyed meanings and his meant “conqueror” according to some sources. This was of special interest that such a title would be conferred on the eve of judgment and plays a prominent part in the story leading up to the ark. I believe that it also has a meaning for the church in the last days. <br /><br />Nine is also most noticeably a transitional number, being the last of the digits. Prophetically, as such, it may mark the end of an era. It is of interest that in the popular and political news today that so much of what we hear has to do with change. And I agree that change is needed, but I doubt that we will see the types of changes that will be truly beneficial to mankind without a change in heart toward the God who created us.<br /><br />In the Gospel of Luke (17:11-19), there is an account of ten lepers who were healed by Jesus. They had all cried out for mercy, but only one turned back to worship Him – giving Him thanks and glory to God. <span style="font-style:italic;">“Where are the nine?”</span> asks Jesus. Does this nine represent the multitudes who continue through the “wide gate” to destruction? (Matthew 7:13) Those who think they are well? (Matthew 9:12-13) In the last days, just before the revealing of the ultimate <span style="font-style:italic;">“man of sin”</span> (2 Thessalonians 2:3), the Scriptures predict a massive <span style="font-style:italic;">“falling away”</span> with <span style="font-style:italic;">“great deception”</span> (vs. 9). With worsening economic conditions, the faith of many will be sorely tested. The love of many will grow cold and evil will continue to increase (Matthew 24:12). However there is a positive aspect to the number nine.<br /><br />Nine is the square of three. And three represents Divine perfection – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The manifestation of God through His Spirit is expressed in the quantity of nine: <span style="font-style:italic;">The gifts of the Spirit</span> (1 Corinthians 12:8-10) are 1-The word of wisdom, 2-The word of knowledge, 3-Faith, 4-Healing, 5-The working of miracles, 6-Prophecy, 7-Discerning of spirits, 8-Divers kinds of tongues, 9-The interpretation of tongues. <span style="font-style:italic;">The fruit of the Spirit </span>(Galatians 5:22-23) are 1-Love, 2-Joy, 3-Peace, 4- Longsuffering, 5-Gentleness, 6-Goodness, 7-Faith, 8-Meekness, 9-Temperance. Both the gifts and the fruit are nine in number, a great blessing to be imparted through the believers.<br /><br /> In Genesis, Chapter Nine, Verse Nine, God speaks: <span style="font-style:italic;">“And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you.”</span> – this covenant is based upon the greatest judgment in all of history. In the New Testament the meaning is given – All those who trust in Jesus Christ’s death as payment for their sins will also be raised to eternal life. The plan that God had for man from the beginning is now realized and made perfect through His Son. <span style="font-style:italic;">“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” <span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span>(Hebrews 2:9)<br /><br />Like the number nine, this world is not in its place of rest. It is like a woman with birth pangs. It is painful and at times agonizing. But based upon a Book whose prophecies have never failed, we can look ahead to a new creation. And that is far better than a fortune cookie. It is a Scriptural promise found in Revelation 21 [the Divine (3) times the Perfect (7)].<br /><br />In conclusion, I think we can all agree that change is coming. But the best change for now is the new creation that takes place inside the believer from the moment that he places his faith in Jesus Christ – <span style="font-style:italic;">“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is <span style="font-weight:bold;">a new creature</span>: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” </span>(2 Corinthians 5:17) This is the only place of hope for the coming year(s).<br /><br /><br />For a fascinating glimpse into the ancient mysteries of the pre-flood world (in novel form), go to <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.theninthgeneration.com">www.TheNinthGeneration.com</a></span>John L Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798195793439300640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143320800191607760.post-25799163597223091012008-11-15T13:41:00.000-08:002008-11-15T15:51:12.553-08:00Mysteries of the Ancient WorldThree marvelous mysteries spark the imagination concerning world wonders of the ancient time.<br /> (1) The centennial ages recorded of early man<br /> (2) Legends and fossils of giants<br /> (3) Strange descriptions of creatures<br /><br />Over five years were spent in research and discovery before planning the novel, <a href="http://www.theninthgeneration.com"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Ninth Generation</span></a>, which led to further study, questions and speculation as to what it might have been like living in such a mysterious and dark time of history.<br /><br />Found in the fourth and fifth chapters of Genesis are the best documented records of how long the early patriarchs lived, averaging above nine-hundred years before the birth of Noah - His father, Lameck, was still youthful at 56 when his great-great-great-great-great-great grandfather, Adam, died at 930 years-of-age. What unique and fascinating family reunions must have occurred with seven grandfathers all alive together with their multitudinous offspring. What wisdom and experiences must have been shared over the near millennium.<br /><br />Besides the Hebrew historical records, the fossil remains also testify to a lush semi-tropical environment and the presence of giants, both among the animal and plant world. Two-legged giants are an interesting discussion, but dinosaurs, as they now are called, were earlier referred to as dragons and are widely described in ancient records of many nations - even in cave drawings. There is no shortage of bones and literature describing these creatures. Even soft, squeezable blood vessels have been discovered in an unearthed T-Rex, challenging the conventional age-dating methods.<br /><br />Among the plants, horsetail reeds that today grow five feet high in the past reached heights of fifty feet. Dragonflies once had wingspans of almost three feet - their fossil impressions are in the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. And cockroaches grew up to a foot long - What a messy stomp.<br /><br />Evidence exists that the entire earthly climate was far more pleasurable in the ancient past. Fossils of palm fronds have been found on northern Vancouver Island in Canada. Within the arctic circle, fossilized fruit trees - with the fruit - have been uncovered in the Spitzbergen Islands. And remains of redwood forests have been found buried beneath masssive ice deposits at the South Polar region.<br /><br />All of this may be of interest and perhaps already known by many, but another much different type of discovery caused this author reason to suspect that the ancients may have had to make their homes high within the trees for their own safety. Herein begins the tension for the novel - historical fiction, yet potential reality.<br /><br />While reading a parallel version of Genesis from <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Torah</span> - a Jewish translation in English - my eyes were opened to verse four of chapter six: <span style="font-style: italic;"> "It was then, and later too, that the Nephilim (giants) appeared on earth - when the divine beings cohabited with the daughters of men, who bore them offspring. They were the heroes of old..."</span><br /><br />Further research in ancient writings, including the Book of Enoch, revealed the specter of canabilism within this race of giants - a growing threat to a civilization already besieged by other forms of evil. More than once, the possibility arose that this antediluvian world may have provided the foundation for many of the later mythologies - the dawn of legends.<br /><br />One especially interesting example is found in a Penguin Classic, Pausanias Guide to Greece. Pausanius was a doctor from Asia Minor who lived in the second century A.D., and spent years exploring and documenting details of the Greek cities. At one point (page 350) he describes a creature that had been preserved by pickling among the wonders of Rome: <span style="font-style: italic;">"Certainly a sight; the hair on their heads...its froggy color...sleek...bodies bristling with very fine scales...gills behind the ears and a human nose, but a very big mouth and the teeth of a wild beast...eyes were greenish-grey...hands and fingers and fingernails crusted like sea-shells. From the breast and belly down they have a dolphin's tail instead of feet."</span><br /><br />Were these things the result of genetic manipulation - a deliberate sabatoge of the created order by the "divine beings", along with the Nephilim giants? For the interested reader who is willing to walk the thin line between fantasy and reality, herein is an invitation to step back into Genesis and an epic time-frame of history. Walk among the behemoths and face Leviathan in a preflood world of unspoiled beauty. Wake up in a tree home to the sound of a ram's horn - the signal of another daughter missing from the valley. There's enough adrenalin packed in this thriller adventure to launch any adventure lover into a world of wonder.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=the+ninth+generation&x=14&y=18"><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Ninth Generation: Conquering the Giants<span style="font-style:italic;"></span></span> / ISBN 978-1-60477-656-0</a>John L Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798195793439300640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143320800191607760.post-3520275136229514702008-08-07T16:17:00.000-07:002008-08-07T16:24:01.260-07:00Dawn of LegendsThroughout history, every tribe and nation has been drawn to its legends…ancient stories, passed down in varied forms from generation to generation, incredible sounding to us today in our “evolved”, techno-insulated modern society. Some feed the imagination, involving half-human giants and fire-breathing dragons. Others stir the emotions, describing battles between good and evil, valiant rescues and kingdoms of eternal happiness. Sometimes we wonder how so many of these often-similar accounts might have arisen. Could there have been a beginning point…a place of truth, for what has become known as “myth”…a dawning of legends?<br /><br /> Beside the legends—deep within the human heart there is a yearning for a place of unspoiled beauty, long life and abundant provision. If the ultimate environment could ever enter the imagination, Rodinia or Pangaea, as it is called by some, would have been such a place. According to estimates by scientists who have examined the evidence in light of the Biblical record, this super-continent may have come into being within thousands, rather than many millions of years ago, following a unique galactic occurrence referred to by believers as “the beginning”. Those who lived in this earliest of civilizations, endowed with unusually long life-spans, perished, many in a global cataclysm, along with their cities and accomplishments. Global flooding combined with geologic upheavals, earthquakes and meteoric bombardment altered earth’s landscape to such a massive extent that today’s geography offers little clue to its pristine perfection. Even the atmosphere of early earth has changed, verified by laboratory analysis of air bubbles trapped in amber. Fortunately, such rapid burial has provided millions of fossils for study. Archeologists have unearthed the fossilized remains of huge people, gigantic beasts, lush foliage and towering forests, which testify to a past that was once an environmentally balanced, semi-tropical creation. Several ancient records in stone have been discovered, along with early manuscripts and records of a family that survived this disaster…all which together confirm the reality of this ancient and fascinating land…a place like none other we have ever seen. It is from the evidence of this age and the biblical record that this account of Adam’s sons emerges.<br /><br />The story for <a href="http://www.theninthgeneration.com">The Ninth Generation</a> is set in the nine-hundred and eighty-seventh year of recorded human history. The average life span was nine-hundred and twelve. Eve, the mother of the human race, had given birth to thirty-three sons and twenty-three daughters (according to Jewish teachings), who intermarried and continued to produce sons and daughters over their near-millennial life-times. There must have been multitudes of Adam’s descendents living upon this early earth, along with the Nephilim (Genesis 6:4). Most of Cain’s descendents, and perhaps most of the population, lived in and around the cities which were fathered by Cain. However, with great violence and evil upon the earth, the godly remnant of Sethites, out of which Noah’s family would come, separated themselves in order to preserve their righteousness and protection with Elohim. The nine patriarchs, Adam through Lamech, who fathered Noah’s family that produced the later nations, were all still alive at this time in history, except for Adam, who died at the age of nine-hundred and thirty. The genetic information within every life form was complete and designed to perpetuate its kind, with diversity and beauty. The climate was ideal in this lush semi-tropical paradise, with no storms or polar ice. The fountains below and the waters above maintained a perfect balance of moisture and temperature…but all of this would change.<br /><br />Although the specific account is fictional, the setting and many of the characters names and ages—along with the creatures—are based upon the Biblical record and writings believed to have originated with Enoch, as well as resources from the field of Creation-Science. Other factual resources were used to gain additional insight into this unique time period. This writer has invested years of research into the subject of creation and the early earth and believes that the story in all its details fits a conservative Biblical time-line and interpretation of Genesis.John L Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798195793439300640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143320800191607760.post-38992891376503900312008-07-28T11:02:00.000-07:002008-07-28T11:05:06.215-07:00Author's notes on The Ninth GenerationIn the writing of The Ninth Generation, while taking the reader on a mysterious and unique adventure, one of my purposes was to explore an area of the Bible, the understanding of which has become clouded by unprovable scientific assumptions - the beginnings (Genesis). The pre-flood earth has also held a strong fascination to me personally as to its appearance and inhabitants.<br /><br />Research was difficult, especially for the time period before the great flood. While I recognized the need to call it fiction up-front, I still aspired that everything be anchored in truth and within the realm of possibility. Henry Morris’s The Genesis Record was invaluable, both thorough and well-documented. The Book of Enoch, though outside the canon of Scripture, was of some help and had been quoted in part within the Bible (Jude). And in Mayer’s, The First Fossil Hunters, some of the strange creatures, thought as mythological, were at least allowed the possibility of reality. Other resources were used, many from the internet.<br /><br />Perhaps the area of greatest controversy was that of the sons of God in Genesis 6, the ones that took wives from the daughters of men. There were several interpretations that required exploring and on which much has been written. Conservative commentaries and resources were consulted in an attempt to avoid doctrinal error. Though some will disagree, my conclusion is that the Hebrew language, “bene elohim”, translated “sons of God”, strongly supports the angelic view. Most objections seem to center on the comment by Jesus that angels in heaven do not marry and are spirit beings, thus could not physically reproduce with human women. However, in context, Jesus was referring to heaven, not earth; and the angels mentioned in Jude had left their proper abode, their transgression compared to the Sodomites that went after “strange flesh”, for which they were bound in chains. Furthermore, wherever angels are mentioned in the Bible, they always seem to be males, with powers to take on human characteristics. Writings of the early fathers support this view. Lengthier study may be pursued by those interested.<br /><br />Some readers may take objection that early man does not seem primitive enough, in keeping with evolutionary theories. If I had found evidence of such a state, then perhaps my characters would have sounded and appeared differently; however, the best historical record of ancient life, the Bible, portrays man as a separate and complete creation from the animals, in the likeness of God, and able to operate at full God-given potential. Every attempt by evolutionists to show that man descended from ape-like beings has, in time, resulted in a scientific embarrassment, and often found to be an outright fraud. Rather than advancing, it seems that man is in a state of decline, mentally and morally.<br /><br />Another questionable area may be the coexistence of man with dinosaurs. Rather than getting into the discoveries that show archeological links of both within the same strata, I prefer to point to Scripture, especially the Book of Job, chapters 40 and 41, animals referred to as Behemoth and Leviathan. The descriptions reveal gigantic creatures that no longer exist, apparently placed on the earth as a sign of the Creator’s power. The ability to breath fire finds scant evidence today except within the insect world, where the bombardier beetle displays the unique feature of a chemically-explosive, defensive discharge.<br /><br />Curiosity being part of our nature, I would expect that some readers will want to explore creation science, and the Biblical record for themselves, to see if these things are so. A topical Bible dictionary, or concordance may help. Others - small groups - may want to use the chapters of The Ninth Generation as launching points for discussion. But the most important issue for today is our spiritual readiness for the return of Y’Shua (Jesus). For there is no fiction in the fact that the Son of God came to earth to save man. Truly, “there is no other name under heaven (than Jesus), given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) He alone is our ark of refuge and has promised to carry the believer safely through, having borne the waves of judgment.John L Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798195793439300640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143320800191607760.post-17291114585853408292008-07-18T17:36:00.000-07:002018-07-27T08:57:26.224-07:00Is Leviathan merely a metaphor?The name, <span style="font-style:italic;">Leviathan</span>, can be used to describe a huge oceangoing ship, or a totalitarian state having a vast bureaucracy… such usages have become common-place to illustrate anything large and formidable. But how did the word originate and is it merely a metaphor?<br /><br />Webster defines it as, “…a sea monster represented as an adversary defeated by Yahweh in various Scriptural accounts.” The earliest historical writing that describes Leviathan in detail is found in the Biblical book of Job, chapter 41-<br /><br />“Canst thou draw out leviathan with a hook?...Lay thine hand upon him, remember the battle, do no more…Who can open the doors of his face? His teeth are terrible…Out of his nostrils goeth smoke…His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth…When he raiseth up himself, the mighty are afraid…He esteemeth iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood…Darts are counted as stubble: he laugheth at the shaking of a spear…He maketh the deep to boil like a pot…a path to shine after him…Upon earth there is not his like, who is made without fear.”<br /><br />In the Revised Version of the Bible, and also in The Torah, the creation account in Genesis, chapter one, verse 21, reads: “…God created the great sea monsters…” Was this meant to be taken figuratively? This question is asked with respect toward the inspired Word of God, those Holy Scriptures that accurately foretell the future from the past. Unless one is prepared to place himself as judge over the Bible, there is no justification in dismissing this account, or twisting its meaning as some have done with the Behemoth in Job, Chapter 40, supposing that an elephant could have a tail like a cedar tree.<br /><br />The reality of Leviathan becomes clear when the writings of Job are better understood. Up until the final chapters, God had been allowing the testing of Job’s faith and was bringing him out of a condition of pride – that which Leviathan illustrated. Toward the end of the book, God was examining Job, comparing Himself with the things that He created, Leviathan being the last and most awe-inspiring of His earthly feats. <br /><br />To say, then, that God was comparing His greatness with a metaphor does not consider the context in its rightful way. The great sea creature, Leviathan, had to exist in order for Job to finally admit, in chapter 42, “…I know that thou canst do everything…I have heard of thee…but now mine eye seeth thee…I repent…” The reasoning being that if the creation is awe-inspiring then how much greater must be the One who made it. If men knew it was crazy to stir up Leviathan, “…who then is able to stand before Me?” (41:10)<br /><br />In the novel, The Ninth Generation, Leviathan is part of the ancient adventure. For those wondering what it might have been like to have lived in such a time of history, step back into Genesis and see. A description of the dreadful creature is found about halfway through the book as the heathen priests await its approach to their river sacrifice platform:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">“The rolling movement on the surface of the Pison could be seen in the distance. A serpentine path was being traced from the inlet by the turbulent force beneath, sending swells splashing against the bank…As it neared, the long twisting shadow parted the water with a snort of smoke…a chilling roar erupted from below. The platform shook…a scream and collective gasp broke the silence…Leviathan’s head and long neck had risen to the height of the platform. Eyes like the morning sun were fixed on the basket, still swinging, and upon the apprentice, whose hand had dropped from the wooden cross member…huddled on his knees. The jaws had been shut, but suddenly they opened like iron gates. Rows of swords sent shivers through the high priest’s body. Then sparks of light within ignited a burst of flame. Jathron turned, clutching the rail with both arms. The blast of heat could be felt against his back and legs. Behind him there was a shriek, then a splintering jolt… followed by the crashing rush of water from below. Jathron slowly turned his head and looked. A jagged blackened edge was all that remained of the river side of the platform. Trembling, he returned to the temple.”</span><br /><br />Merely a metaphor, or figure of speech? This author is one who is comforted to read in Psalm 74:13-14, speaking of God, “…thou brakest the heads of the dragons in the waters. Thou brakest the heads of leviathan in pieces, and gavest him to be meat to the people inhabiting the wilderness.” Apparently, it took the power of God to deal with such a creature in the past and it seems to have been a real historical event which resulted in the distribution of leviathan burgers. The prophet Isaiah (27:1) also states, “In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.” Has “that day” happened? Hopefully…but we would be wise to consider that spiritual counterpart – Satan, man’s adversary. From him, we all need the protection of the LORD Jesus, man’s sacrificial substitute and advocate.<br /><br />Visit the Novel Discovery Site for The Ninth Generation: Surviving the Giants of the pre-flood Earth, at <a href="http://www.theninthgeneration.com">www.TheNinthGeneration.com</a>.John L Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798195793439300640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143320800191607760.post-90483615673515775142008-07-05T18:29:00.000-07:002008-07-05T18:32:22.812-07:00Curiosity can be a blastI’ll never forget the experience – it had to be the dumbest thing I ever did while growing up. As a teenager I enjoyed taking things apart – mostly electronics – exploring the tubes, capacitors and resisters, then soldering any loose connections. A chemistry kit also was fun, creating a lot of smoke and once firing a homemade rocket a few feet off the ground. A long extension cord was used for ignition with a small strand of copper wire across the ends, which glowed red hot and once blew a fuse in our home. I also enjoyed shooting with either a bow and arrow or a 22. The nearby woods offered plenty of targets. <br /><br />I never owned a shotgun. The shells were out of my budget and it was not the kind of gun that a kid would normally have, at least in our area. But one day, at the shooting range, I found a red 12-gauge shotgun shell lying in the dirt – it had not yet been fired. I remember rolling it in my hand with fascination, considering the power and danger that was contained within the shiny wrapper. The more I studied it, the more I wondered what it looked like inside…<br /><br />Soon I was standing at dad’s workbench, slowly tightening the small vice around the red cylinder. Very carefully, with a knife, I pried open the crimped end and removed a piece of padding. I tapped the shell lightly and watched the tiny beads of shot roll out. Peering inside I could see nothing. It appeared empty. I knew there was powder, so I prodded at the inside eventually loosening a second pad. Again I tapped the side and out came a small pile of powder. Now it was empty for sure.<br /><br />I stared at the metal cap on the end of the shell – the part that the firing pin would contact to make the explosion – which was undented. I looked at the shot and the powder which had been emptied out on the bench and figured that I had done a thorough job. There was nothing left to explode…just one small cap.<br /><br />Alongside my dad’s screwdrivers was an ice-pick. Still focusing on the shiny round cap, I lifted the pick and positioned the point like a firing pin against it. With my right hand I held the hammer. It was a small work room with one window and I had closed the door to keep the experiment private. So far, everything had gone well, and I had no reason to suspect any problem with disarming the little cap. I had played with paper caps, striking them with the same hammer on the cement floor. No big deal.<br /><br />Very lightly at first, I tapped the pick handle…nothing… perhaps it had gotten wet, I thought, or would not work without the powder.” …but before giving up, I lined up the point again – right on the center – and, with the hammer, gave it a good whack!<br /><br />I had never thought about the benefit of normal hearing until that moment, when suddenly such a loud blast came that everything else was utterly blocked out. My ears not only rang but experienced deep penetrating pain. The only comparison I could make was a cherry bomb – one of the most powerful firecrackers we could buy – exploding two feet away, something that had never before happened. This had to be worse. It was much later in the day before my hearing returned, and I began to meditate upon my stupidity.<br /><br />Now that I’m a little older, I’ve learned how to avoid some of the dangers that I used to flirt with, but I still retain my curiosity about how things work. That can be a good thing as long as we’re careful – and get some good advice before looking into anything new. Every now and then my ears still ring, which I guess is a reminder.<br /><br />Enjoy wisdom, and if you like a good adventure, check out my recently published novel, <a href="http://www.theninthgeneration.com">The Ninth Generation</a>. It just may satisfy your deepest curiosity.John L Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798195793439300640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143320800191607760.post-69418706778697855382008-06-23T20:09:00.000-07:002008-06-23T20:17:36.281-07:00Researching a preflood novelResearch for The Ninth Generation was a challenging task which proved interesting.<br /><br />In addition to the Biblical record – without getting into occult literature – there are writings purportedly by Enoch and early Jewish historians. There are also some fascinating documents of ancient Greek investigators which seem to carry some reliability.<br /><br />Two early sources indicate that Adam had 33 sons and either 23 or 33 daughters. I’ll go with 33 / 23 (Jewish tradition). There’s also good evidence to indicate that Seth may have been the first astronomer and that God had intended for man to receive revelation of truth through signs in the starry heavens. This may well have been later distorted through astrological misuse. <br /><br />The events of creation and the fall were very likely recorded by Adam and passed along (or transcriptions made) to Seth’s lineage. Some think it was only verbal, but there is no compelling evidence that Adam was unable or disinclined to write. Other revelation, such as what the signs in the stars really mean, the meaning of sacrifice, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, and other prophetic writings such as quoted from Enoch (in Jude), may have all played a part in maintaining the faith of a few. <br /><br />If conservative population statistics can be relied upon, there were at least a billion people on earth in the days of Noah, and if the majority lived in and around cities, figuring ten million per city would be about a hundred. One source said there were 99 cities. It seems likely that the godly lineage would live apart from the city, which would also help with better upbringing than might be possible in the midst of corrupt influence of city life. Would Seth’s line need some physical defense and protection against attacks from the ungodly as conditions worsened? Might they have joined forces and volunteered some of their sons as defenders? Would they have their own walled city(ies), or some other form of separation? Distance helps reduce the need for defense. It seems that the godly would have tried to avoid the use of weapons against those they knew were the offspring of their own living first father. But, if there were other kinds of beings…products of angelic and human (maybe even animal) genetic mixing, God might have revealed to the godly, as He did later to Israel, that this kind should be killed…There was no salvation intended for these. So, weaponry may have been so justified.<br /><br />Writing down such mental ramblings actually helps to prevent including things in the novel that might be strangely outside of any real historical reference. Before writing, I like to ponder the possible. Just because it is called “historical fiction” doesn’t mean that it has to be the product of only a giant imagination – something I have been reported as having. There is plenty of room for that within the researched framework. <br /><br />The saying that truth is stranger than fiction may well apply to the preflood years, especially when the ancient legends of Greece and Rome are considered – more to say on that later.John L Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798195793439300640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143320800191607760.post-8537375629167792452008-06-15T13:45:00.000-07:002008-06-15T13:45:00.400-07:00Thoughts on the ancient patriarchsWhy is it necessary in the novel to bring in the nearly thousand-year age spans - a controversial and possible stumbling point for some readers? Or to mention that Adam was alive at the same time as Noah’s father, Lameck? It is a challenge to my natural way of thinking to even write about their ages, yet I must be honest in holding to the Biblical record. I simply cannot alter the truth of God’s Word to fit our times. Compromise is deadly poison to anyone seeking to walk with God, then or now. The strange fact is that Adam was alive along with nine later generations – What a family reunion they must have had. <br /><br />How does this help with my goals in writing? For the drama, the presence and wisdom of his first father must have given Lameck a handle on truth like few others would be able to claim. We all know how much power a father can have in shaping our lives. How significant is it when we receive the attention of our grandfather? What about a great-grandfather? Is the significance intensifying or lessening? I think the further back we may connect, the more treasured the moment, realizing that any day it may be lost to our experience. What if we could meet Adam and speak with him tomorrow…Of course, he has multitudes of family - more than just us to consider - and a finite mind…but, wow…just think, here is the first ever man, out of whose loins I came. What was it like in the garden …walking and conversing with God, the Creator and Supreme Lover of his soul…or waking up to Eve, his created helpmeet and mother of the human race? Was God number one in his life or did Adam allow his own spiritual life to decline? What a testimony Adam would speak to later generations. <br /><br />Longer life-spans were certainly no guarantee of godliness. It probably even contributed to the evil influence of the antediluvians. As years pass, there is a human tendency to think in a uniformitarian mindset, that things have always been the same and will probably stay the same. If God doesn’t intervene during our lifetimes, we have trouble believing that He ever will…and so with past civilizations.<br /><br />But without faith it is impossible to please God. Abraham had faith and lived before Christ. Why is an abstract thing like faith important in the story? Because it’s important to life and has always been an essential ingredient for the one who walks with God. Did Adam have faith or ever need it? He was able to see God, in a way unlike everyone after him. But after the fall, Adam had to have faith in the faithfulness of God to be both just and merciful to his family…and to fulfill the promise God had made in the garden regarding the “seed” of the woman and the “serpent”. <br /><br />Sacrifices were also offered to God in those days and people were able to call upon the Lord. Why would sacrifices have been necessary? The ageless law was decreed by the Creator – “Without the shedding of blood (innocent), there is no remission of sins”. The sacrifices helped to maintain that faith connection and also pre-figure Jesus Christ as the “Lamb of God” and coming “Seed”.John L Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798195793439300640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143320800191607760.post-4963067110914002532008-05-31T08:16:00.000-07:002008-05-31T08:17:01.738-07:00Imagining the novel3Just as in real life, the flow of events within the novel – to be interesting – must contain at least three major surprises and setbacks to seriously threaten the realization and goal of the protagonist (Lameck).The first - the mysterious murder of his betrothed. The second - the spiritual possession of Lameck by one of the Nephilim that threatens to destroy his family. Only through the intervention of Enoch and the small voice of faith can he be set free. He then must journey into the heart of evil, through places of great danger – a sacrificial temple, a mysterious island on which the giants are born, and a river inhabited by that great water serpent, Leviathan - in order to rescue his loved ones, and to save the human race from genetic destruction. Enoch vanishes in the process. The story ends with the restoration of a godly wife for Lameck, one he meets during his adventure, who proves her worth as a covenant companion to a conqueror. Their future son, Noah, is named.<br /> <br />What am I hoping to accomplish? Here was a time of intense corruption and evil, when men’s thoughts were on evil continually. Yet, a godly remnant somehow managed to maintain their walk with God and give birth to the only righteous family on the face of the earth. How did they do it in the midst of such worldwide corruption and ungodly pressure? There is a secret, yet not really a secret, for us today who would be overcomers. There is also encouragement to those who would walk with God to hang in there despite what is seen around us. Of course I prayerfully hope to produce a read that will be intriguing and well done. But, I sense that a higher goal than entertainment is God’s calling on my time and all that I do. This is to His glory and I anticipate that He will use it to bring a warning to those outside of His ark - an urging to enter - and encouragement for the believer to reach out to others and be strong in the faith. So, in a way, it’s a vicarious adventure but, of eternal importance, it’s a faith-builder. Maybe it will cause some to pick up the Bible and see for themselves what’s in it.John L Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798195793439300640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143320800191607760.post-43028722582556514532008-05-16T21:03:00.000-07:002008-05-16T21:14:50.473-07:00Imagining the novel2The main character / protagonist is Lamech, Noah’s father. Noah would be too late. My interest is in exploring the time period before the flood, before man’s longevity began to decline, and when all the evil was so escalated that God saw no other way than to wipe it all out. To maintain historical (biblical) accuracy, Lamech is the last of the “good guys” (Seth’s lineage) and able to actually meet and talk with Adam, while he was still alive. Nine generations, Adam through Lamech, all still alive and able to compare notes and pass down wisdom and knowledge. The thought of such a gathering / family reunion is intriguing. Their life-spans were phenomenal, close to a thousand years. Lamech’s name means “conqueror”. He is not yet married even though 112 years-of-age.<br /><br />There are giants also living on the earth at this time, products of strange unions of fallen angels and the daughters of man. That interpretation of Genesis 6:4 is supported by many conservative Biblical scholars, as well as in The Torah – where the “sons of God” are referred to as “Divine beings”. The fallen angels somehow selected and took those they wanted. Maybe they looked through the eyes of pterodactyls or other creatures to spot them – as Lucifer was able to enter the serpent - or simply noticed the daughters of men themselves. Angels are usually invisible to humans, so they could have done their own search and procurement, unless protective “good” angels stood in their way. However it happened, they marked certain particularly attractive women. Did they send a hunting party to surprise and seize them, or ploy them personally through their supernatural charms? Perhaps the descendants of Cain were more willing to cooperate than the daughters of Seth / the godly line. But would that not make the forbidden fruit / less available ladies seem sweeter to the “gods”? <br /><br />How many seizures will it take before Lamech is righteously moved to go after them? Enoch – the one who walked with God – would certainly align his abilities and intercessions to help his grandson. Their warfare has to be different than employed by the Nephilim / giant angelic-human offspring, to come against spiritual forces. They have the guidance of Enoch’s prophetic voice and the power of the blood / prefigured through the animals, which strikes paralyzing fear into the demonic fallen spiritual beings. <br /><br />Like a puzzle, bit by bit the pieces start to fit together; but a year of research and plotting would take place before story writing began.John L Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798195793439300640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9143320800191607760.post-21840252572727575702008-05-01T14:07:00.000-07:002008-05-01T14:18:47.434-07:00Imagining the novel<p class="MsoNormal">This is one of the most fascinating periods of time that I could attempt to comprehend…the earth before Noah. What would it have been like to live at the same time and on the same interconnected land-mass as the dinosaurs (assuming a literal understanding of Genesis)? Would they stay in their places? As part of a “very good” creation, they should not be a menace to man and probably were territorial, maybe testing their perceived boundaries at times. The animals’ fear of man had not been implanted until after the flood. But with the fall of man and the curse, could the animals already have been affected? Maybe some of them were becoming predatory...like the T-Rex and saber tooth tiger. I’m also fascinated with tree houses. What an opportunity to live in one, with all the clever gadgets, passage-ways and stair-ladders. There is also the practical value of living above-ground, where who-knows-what might roam at night, not to mention the gorgeous view. And let’s be within sight of the coast and that mystical sea, where Leviathan dwells. Everything grew to giant size back then…the same basic forms of animals we have today along with many more. Some were genetic composites of the varieties we have today, like a horse/mule with zebra stripes. Some could have been small. But, generally, things were much larger, even insects. How would that have affected family life? Foot-long roaches...How would you go after one in the house? If meal clean-up wasn’t thorough, they would be attracted, along with sizable rats.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span><br />This all may be interesting, but where is the compelling story and what am I trying to accomplish?...more to come…This begins the journal of thoughts which resulted in the publication of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ninth-Generation-Conquering-Giants/dp/1604776560/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209676268&sr=1-1">The Ninth Generation</a>, an adventure novel rooted in Biblical history. What value is there in such a journal? It helped me to identify my passion in writing a book and prevented writer’s block (by way of review). After spending decades writing ad copy to promote other’s products and services, I wanted to express something for my own satisfaction, and hopefully for the benefit of the readers as well. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>John L Owenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12798195793439300640noreply@blogger.com0