Second Best
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 NASB
To the Jew first – Paul was not ashamed, but don’t cut his sentence short. He was not ashamed of the good news. Nor was he ashamed that the good news came to the Jew first. Paul wasn’t ashamed but apparently the Church is. Since 150 AD the Church has done all it could to be ashamed of the Jew. Abraham Heschel sounds the warning:
“A Christian ought to ponder seriously the tremendous implications of a process begun in early Christian history. I mean the conscious or unconscious dejudaization of Christianity, affecting the Church’s way of thinking, its inner life as well as its relationship to the past and present reality of Israel – the father and mother of the very being of Christianity. The children did not arise to call the mother blessed; instead, they called this mother blind. Some theologians continue to act as if they did not know the meaning of ‘honor your father and mother’; others, anxious to prove the superiority of the church, speak as if they suffered from a spiritual Oedipus complex. A Christian ought to realize that a world without Israel will be a world without the God of Israel.”[1]
Heschel is just as critical of the decline of Jewish piety. “We have helped to extinguish the light that our fathers had kindled. We have bartered holiness for convenience, loyalty for success, wisdom for information, prayers for sermons, tradition for fashion.”[2]
Perhaps we who wish to re-establish the vital connection between the father and mother and our current devotion to YHWH Eloheynu must ask ourselves how we have participated in the dishonoring of our spiritual heritage. Perhaps we need to ask if our religious practice has not bartered with the purity of El Shaddai. Perhaps we aren’t quite as zealous as we imagine.
I would weep for my contribution to the degradation of God’s people and the revelation of His word through their trials and tribulations. They paid so that I might receive this treasure. I would weep, but there are no more tears. There is only horror for the part I played without knowing it, for the years I taught doctrines of superiority, heresies of supersession. I would weep but it is too late. Hundreds were affected by my ignorance. I cannot recover them. I cannot call them back. What can I do now, Lord? What can I do? Would that I could have trod the road to Babylon, could have hidden in caves with David, could have heard the cry of Amos when there was time to repent. Would that I could have paid some of the price for my own freedom. But God had other plans. I was lifted up on the broken backs of the prophets, the devastation of the temple and the wailing of the captives. God spared me for something else, yet to be understood. But I know that I need to repay. To the Jew first.
Topical Index: Jew, first, Heschel, Romans 1:16, ashamed
[1] Abraham Heschel, I Asked for Wonder, pp. 144-145.
[2] Ibid., p. 141.
I identify with what you have written. Two weeks from today I leave for Israel. May my mind be open to learn, my spirit receptive to understanding, my eyes to see beyond the superficial, my ears to hear the still small voice above the tumult. May I feel the compassion of the almighty for all His children. May I come home refreshed, invigorated, with a new vision and a new sense of involvement.
“Since 150 AD the Church has done all it could to be ashamed of the Jew.” Perhaps a little general in your comment here? In fact in my part of the ‘Church’ that would be considered an unfortunate slur. What do you mean by ‘Church’. Do you mean some medieval hybrid or do you include the present body of Christ on earth? Do you think the ‘Church’ continues with some sort of institutionalised pogrom against the Jewish people? I hope not. So I presume here we are talking about past history? And even the church of Rome has moved on [ wonders will never cease].
In my corner of the church we pay due respect to the Jewishness of our faith without carrying some sort of guilt burden for past sins. I don’t know any Christian or have read anywhere of any Christian who is ashamed of 1/ Jews, and 2/ the Jewish heritage to their faith.
My 0.02c worth,
Peter R
Below is a direct quote from the catholic church. To me it suggests there are still those that disown the Jewish people and believe they have been replaced. According to them one must now become like the replacement in order to be acceptable to G-d. (In the tradition of Augustine and Luther etc)
“Catholics believe that the Old Testament was an engagement. The marriage between God and his people is consummated in the New Testament, and we believe the Church became the new Israel, God had finally entered into a marriage with his people.”
I spent years in the catholic church and my heart is broken for this attitude toward the Chosen People. It is also well documented in the protestant church that there is still many that would agree with this replacement.
I am encouraged to hear that your corner of the Church, as you put it, recognizes the essential role of Israel and the Jew. That is, unfortunately, not the norm. Any brief review of the Church (Christianity) will reveal a serious anti-Semitic bias, including diatribes by the Church Fathers, Luther, Calvin and many contemporary theologians. I refer you to the work of Todd Bennett and N. Kendall Soulen (as starters), plus Heschel, of course. The present body of the Christian Church as an organized religion continues to espouse a replacement theology. In fact, every major denomination considers the “Church” as the “new Israel” and does not generally recognize that “Christians” are believers in YHWH only insofar as they are grafted into the commonwealth of Israel. While the contemporary Church no longer burns Jewish synagogues and calls for the “Christ killers” to be sent straight to Hell, you might ask why Christians continue to act as though Jews must be “converted” rather than asking themselves if they live a Torah-obedient life so that Jews will be provoked to jealousy. To be ashamed does not mean to feel current guilt or to experience humiliation. It means to act as though the 80% of the Bible which reveals the God of Israel no longer has immediate and eternal application of our way of being in the world.
As a Jew I found this word today moving. Last night I attended a talk in which the speakers basic premise was that ‘christians need to really pray that the Jews are delivered from their darkness into Christianity’! My spirit cried all the way home. Many people including some friends are steeped in this replacement theology and it makes me weep. When I was challenged many years ago about this theology I immediatlely sought to find the truth – why would I want to live contrary to God’s way? But I am viewed as ‘weird’ for walking the Torah way by most of my friends and family. Yet when I was in Ethiopia their hearts were so open and some of them are the most religious people in the world but they have a hunger for truth and to know the living God’s ways. I understand Skip’s experience very well and its one of the reasons I cant wait to return.
I dont know about the US but the UK and much of Europe’s western mind set and bias against the Jew, Israel or anything hebraic is growing at an alarming pace. But blessed be YHWH for there are those who seek the ancient paths dotted here and there. As we know…there is always Tikvah!
We need to listen again to the Prophets warnings and such warnings are aptly cited in Abraham J Heschel’s The Prophets p. 117 ‘ A factual description of the state of religion in the time of Isaiah (and now) based upon the data cited in his accusation, would speak of disregard and deviation, of disobedience and evasion. yet Isaiah speaks of rebelion, rejection and disdain. (sadly the latter part of that statement has been my experience over and over)
“Ah sinful nation
A people laden with iniquity,
Offspring of evildoers.
Sons who deal corruptly!
They have foresaken the Lord,
They have despised the Holy One of Israel
They are utterly estranged….
They have despised the Torah of the Lord of hosts,
They have contemned the word of the Holy One of Israel. ” Isaiah 1:4, 5:24
‘There is no contrition, no compunction, no regret. Instead there is pride, conceit, and complacency’
May Yah put a burning desire in us to cry out against error and by example in word and deed pray that many will stop. Re -think what they learn, are learning and have learned. People like Heschel are a flame for Truth. I love his skill as a writer and his insight of God and man. If you havent read his book on the Sabbath….its a delight!
Christine
I am the least in knowledge of how to walk in the footsteps of Yeshua and to honor all that the Torah commands. I am sloooowly learning. At my church, where I dearly love the people and the heart, I hear replacement theology a lot, and it makes me sad to think that SO many people believe that the Church (Christianity) has replaced the true Bride of Yeshua, the Hebrew/Jewish people. Skip wrote a post a while back about this topic. It’s stuck with me ever since – how would the groom feel to find another woman has stepped into the place of His bride? Imagine how Jacob felt when he lifted the veil to find Leah instead of His love!
Yes, we are adopted into His family. We are now His children, and He loves us. But we do not take the place of Israel. It makes me sick to think of this administration’s policies against Israel, and it made me smile when Israel’s president gave his speech to congress (did you notice how our vice prsident didn’t clap when everyone else was?). I pray for our President and his administration because God has allowed them power, but they would do well to look at the fate of those who have turned their backs on Israel in the past…
Anyway, I am grateful to be included into the family of Abraham. I long to understand that more fully and live it more closely. God is SO patient with me (us). May we return to the Root of Israel and may our eyes be opened to YHWH’s Truth.
Amanda,
Thank you for mentioning The Speech! It was a breath of fresh air! I have tried not to worry about our nation’s treatment of Israel, and just trust the LORD about that, but the appearance of things has truly been worrisome to me. As Mr. Netanyahu spoke, my spirit came alive, and I thought, “Thank you, LORD! This is what needs to be said!” I suddenly realized that it was being said, not by a representative of the U.S., but by the nation that ‘could have’ taken offense at our being lukewarm in our statements of support for them. I felt that this momentous event was the Grace of God, poured out for us, once again. It lifted everyone’s spirits, and the unexpected source was a detail that was not lost on me! God’s amazing love to us!
Gayle – can you provide us with the link to the speech???
Ms Jan
Here are the links to both parts:
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crl88knc4eA&feature=related
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KUYhLCfSx4&feature=related
“Since 150 AD the Church has done all it could to be ashamed of the Jew.”
May I take exception to this statement? It is such a radical, blanketing and so “all-encompassing” presentation. Is it to make “the church” appear as the enemy of the Jew? Not so, not so at all.
No, no and no. Totally unacceptable. Have there been those in the church who were enemies of the Jew? Yes, absolutely. Are there today, those who are in the church that are enemies of the Jew? If that be the case, then they are not “members” of His church at all. For who can deny the Jews are the chosen ones of YHWH? These are the ones who deny the very word of G-d! How can they be members of His body and believe this way? They cannot. Salvation (as the scriptures say) is to the Jew first. Always has been and always will be. Israel remains the apple of His eye. G-d is far from through with the Jew. Anyone who believes differently has not read G-d’s book and errs in not knowing “what saith the Scriptures?”
May all the children of Israel who read these words know, the man writing this loves Israel and looks forward to the day when we all (Gentile and Jew) will “bow the knee” together proclaiming “worthy is the Lamb who was slain.” Oh, may that day come quickly and may that day be today! This Goy will proclaim it as one who has been adopted into all the covenant promises of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob- “The LORD- He is G-d!”
Now, once again.. “I am not ashamed of the gospel (good news) of Christ (the Annointed ONE). Yeshua HaMashiach is (both) Savior and LORD. LORD of the living. LORD of the dead. LORD of time and LORD of eternity. LORD of the telescopic and LORD of the microscopic. Nail the sign above His head for all the world to read in every language: “This is Jesus, King of the Jews.” If only it were engraved in stone. If only it were engraved upon every heart. King of kings, LORD of lords- the LORD -He is G-d.
How may we repay? We may return. Return unto the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We (all who are called by His Name- Jew AND Gentile) worship, serve and love the very same G-d. There is, dear ones, One LORD, One faith, and one baptism. This “ONE” is Christ. – The ground is level and the foot of the cross. The veil of the temple was ripped in two from top to the bottom. Why?- Because we now have access (all- whosoever will!) to the very throne and heart of YHWH. Through the atoning, covering blood of the Son of G-d, His blood sprinkled upon the mercy seat for the sins of Adam and every one since, we not only have forgiveness and cleansing, but so “much more!” Read the book!- Find out what you have “in Christ.” Become as a child unwrapping the present as the gift of G-d! “Take my yoke upon you and learn of me”- the waters are so shallow a little child may wade in safety and the waters are so deep we will never find the bottom. “Enter ye in.”
“If today, you are a “whosoever”- you are eminently qualified. “Salvation/deliverance”- is to the Jew first AND (praise G-d!) also the the Greek. Hallelu Yah for this “AND.” For when our LORD said “whosoever”- He included me!
While I certainly agree the many believers in the Messiah (both Jews and Christians) were not ashamed of their Hebraic ancestry, I am afraid that the official “Church”, the religion of Christianity (not all the people) had an official and unofficial anti-Semitic view, a view that lead directly to Christian pogroms against Jews (which no historian can deny). It is the official Church that took a decidedly anti-Jewish perspective, lead by many of the early Church fathers. This also cannot be denied. The historical record speaks for itself. We who see Yeshua for who He is may now attempt to overcome this dismal history, but a visit to Yad Vashem will convince you beyond any doubt that Christianity played a part in that horror.
I always have had trouble with “blanket statements.” Words such as “you always” or “you never.” Oh? Really? How about this “statement.” All politicians are_____. All black people are _____. All democrats are ______. All Christians are _____. All Jews are blind- right? No, -wrong. “Blindness in part has happened to Israel …” “in part.” Not all of Israel are blind- there are a few who “see clearly.” G-d always (praise His name) has a “remnant.” A rag-tag “motley crew!” lol!
Please, no “lumping together,” the clean and the unclean. The exception? The exception being the clear and concise words of G-d. Abraham Heschel is a very wise man. You don’t become a Jewish Rabbi without much study and sacrifice. Skip Moen, with multiple degrees carries much weight with his words. Solomon was (according to the scriptures) the wisest man who ever lived. But again, (according to the scriptures) a “greater than Solomon is here.” (Luke 11.31) Should our focus not be on what is wrong, but rather on “what do the scriptures (the words of G-d) say?” Enough of the “color commentary”. Yeshua, our Messiah, said “the words I speak unto you- they are spirit (breath) and they are life.” Should not our focus then be upon His words? If I want an opinion I do not have to travel far to find one. If I want truth, where should I turn? “Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth.” (John 17.17)
“If any man be in Christ” (Jew, Gentile,male, female, Episcopalean, Vegetarian) he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5.17)
For we are of G-d’s making, created in union with the Messiah Yeshua for a life of good actions already prepared by G-d for us to do. Therefore, remember your former state: you Gentiles by birth – called the Uncircumcised by those who, merely because of an operation on their flesh, are called the Circumcised – at that time had no Messiah. You were estranged from the national life of Isra’el. You were foreigners to the covenants embodying G-d’s promise. You were in this world without hope and without God. But now, you who were once far off have been brought near through the shedding of the Messiah’s blood. For He Himself is our shalom – He has made us both one and has broken down the m’chitzah which divided us by destroying in His own body the enmity occasioned by the Torah, with its commands set forth in the form of ordinances. He did this in order to create in union with Himself from the two groups a single new humanity and thus make shalom, and in order to reconcile to G-d both in a single body by being executed on a stake as a criminal and thus in Himself killing that enmity. Also, when He came, He announced as Good News shalom to you far off and shalom to those nearby, news that through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers. On the contrary, you are fellow-citizens with G-d’s people and members of G-d’s family. You have been built on the foundation of the emissaries and the prophets, with the cornerstone being Yeshua the Messiah himself. In union with Him the whole building is held together, and it is growing into a holy temple in union with ADONAI. Yes, in union with Him, you yourselves are being built together into a spiritual dwelling-place for G-d! (from Ephesians 2)
Do you really have troube with blanket statements? How bout this one, “woe to you scribes and pharisees…” do you think Jesus knew there were a number of “Nicodemus'” in there, or was He offending on purpose? Sometimesd we have to offend to accomplish a goal (and not just on the ungodly). It comes down to the right time to do it. I have as much “right” to be offended as any other christian, as one who has been in “the church” all my life. I, however, chose to cast aside any offense knowing that the truth hurts only those who are not aligned with it, other than that, it only builds up. Personally, statements such as these make me turn up the power on the microscope of God’s word, to see where I may be in error. Am I “echad” or not, that is the question!!?
Robert, were these words perhaps “overlooked?” –“The exception? The exception being the clear and concise words of G-d.”
Yes, when G-d says “all” there is no room for doubt or discussion- He really (really) means “all.” No argument at all with the authority of the words of G-d, but as Yeshua (Himself) said to the Pharisees: “you do err not knowing the scriptures nor the power of G-d.” Every egregious error (and there have been quite a few) of the “church” over the centuries has been due to (A) either ignorance of the Word of G-d (this includes “willful ignorance!) or (B) out and out rebellion and refusal to submit to the authority of the scriptures. I must confess, I also have done this myself and to some degree I am still guilty! I may easily say- “Carl, you do err not knowing the scriptures nor the power of G-d!” and this, my friends would be a true confession! That is why I’m here, to learn! Not only from Skip, but from all who contribute to this website and especially as we together “uncover” the scriptures.
Our focus ever needs to be on truth. We have neither the time nor the energy to chase the many rabbits of error. Neither should we waste our day “pointing the finger of blame!” (As we all know- it’s George Bush’s fault!) I don’t care what it is- it’s your fault, -no it’s his!- Please,- “little children..” Calm down. I often think of the cacophony inside of Noah’s ark from all the critters. -Don’t you know Noah sure was a happy camper when those forty days were over! Ah.. “fresh air!” lol!
“Some theologians continue to act as if they did not know the meaning of ‘honor your father and mother’; others, anxious to prove the superiority of the church, speak as if they suffered from a
spiritual Oedipus complex.”
Hmmm
I was a little surprised to see Abraham Heschel use a Freudian metaphor; but then the older I get, the more I tend to see the “philosophies” of Freud and Marx as forms of the Hebrew worldview.
My first encounter with the Hebrew worldview came in the mid-sixties when I first read Eros and Civilization by Herbert Marcuse.
It made a VERY big impact on me.
When I first saw Herbert Marcuse at UCSD a few years later, I said to myself, knowing absolutely nothing about Judaism or the Prophets: “that’s what Moses must have looked and sounded like.”
This Memorial weekend I’m grateful for Israel. God chose them to bring salvation to all nations. Had it not be for the faithful Jews I would not know redemption. They have suffered, sacrificed, and sought to save the Way of the LORD for all generations.
I agree and offer up thanksgiving with you Mr. Logan!
Without generalizations, communication is burdensome — nothing but a string of caveats and exceptions. Your generalization can hardly be argued against. By and large there are still too many things that are considered “too Jewish” by the Christian church.
Repentance itself has become too Jewish/”legalistic”, unless it includes the accepted vocabulary and list of sins. If I want to repent of drinking, smoking, gambling, and SOME forms of lust — I would be supported in my church. But if I want to abstain from unclean foods, or from buying or selling on the Sabbath — I am now a “Pharisee”.
A great observation
“You Samaritans know very little about the one you worship, while we Jews know all about Him, for salvation comes through the Jews.” (John 4.22)
I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12.3)
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. (Matthew 1.1)
These are the days of Elijah
Declaring the word of the Lord
And these are the days of his servant Moses
Righteousness being restored
And though these are days of great trials
Of famine and darkness and sword
Still we are the voice in the desert
Crying, prepare ye the way of the Lord
Behold He comes
Riding on the clouds
Shining like the sun
At the trumpet’s call
So lift your voice
It’s the year of Jubilee
For out of Zion’s Hill salvation comes
And these are the days of Ezekiel
The dry bones becoming as flesh
And these are the days of your servant David
Rebuilding a temple of praise
And these are the days of the harvest
The fields are as white in your world
Still we are the labourers in your vineyard
Declaring the word of the Lord
There’s no G-d like Jehovah!
There’s no G-d like Jehovah!
For out of Zion’s Hill salvation comes
For out of Zion’s Hill salvation comes
“to the Jew first and also to the Greek” “Whosoever will may come” (Joel 2.32) Does this include the Jew? Yes. Does this include the Gentile? Yes. The ground is level at the foot of the cross. Anyone care to spin “whosoever?”
Yeah, I’ll “spin it”. Cain’s sacrifice was rejected, although he came. What he neglected was to come on God’s terms. Then got bent out of shape because his offering wasn’t accepted. They have to “come” to Jesus, to come as an unrepentant sinner is not to come at all, whoever you are. God will meet you where your at, but he certainly isn’t going to leave you there. Knowledge brings responsibility. That’s probably why most “christians” refuse truth as defined by God, they want the blessings but not the responsiblity. We forget (knowingly or not!!?) that the responsibility goes for a refusal as well as acceptance. Thank God for His mercy in dealing with us! I’d have given up on me a long time ago, Jesus never has, even when it seemed otherwise. It’s a beautiful thing, that whatever direction we chose to run from God, leads us right back to Him.
Robert- that’s not spin, that rock solid “gospel truth!” lol! and I’ll “stand” by you on that!
The following is a quote from an “online” source:
“The main thing about being a Christian is to see that the main thing remains the main thing. That is what Paul is saying. The main thing is that at the heart and center of your life is the simplicity that is in Christ, a simple thing. I have noticed over many years of observation that when religion becomes complicated, it is always a sign that it is drifting away from the realities and centralities of faith. The world around us is getting increasingly complex, and it is because it is drifting farther and farther from God. Look around at the world of nature, and you can see the simplicity of God’s design everywhere. He builds the year around four seasons that repeat themselves and never fail. Yet that simple pattern of four seasons contains within it all the possible variations of weather. Look at a flower and see how simple the pattern of its makeup is and yet what an infinite variety God produces in a field of flowers. You can see this everywhere. God basically is simple. When religion becomes complex, it is a sign that it is departing from Christ.”
“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3 KJV).
What an interesting and engaging dialogue has emerged from this topic. Hopefully we will all actually do something about it rather than just let it be words on the page. I know that it isn’t possible for me to continue with the prior Christian understanding of Yeshua, an understanding I gained from 12 years of graduate theological studies. I am not able to ask a Jew to convert when I know that I am in need of Torah obedience. Something happened in the second and third centuries that sent Christianity in a direction away from its Jewish roots. Until we understand what happened and why it happened, our personal opinions will have little effect on the trajectory.
Brother Skip- you are on the right track and you are headed in the right direction. We (the Christian and the Jew) worship, pray to, love and serve the very same G-d. We (the Christians) are not asking the Jews to “convert” to Christianity, we just want the same thing Rabbi Sha’ul wanted for his people, that “they” (as well as “we”) should all come to know Him, whom to know is life everlasting. We are not looking for “converted” Jews- we are looking for “completed” Jews- ‘Jews for Jesus.” We (all of us) need to preach, proclaim and practice “Christ.” We (the Christians) know full well, we are the adopted ones. We (through the blood of the cross and the regenerative power of the Ruach HaKodesh) are the ones grafted into vine, the family of Israel. The church is not the “new” Israel. There is no such thing as “the new Israel.” G-d’s plan of redemption has not changed from day one. G-d is calling out a people unto Himself from every nation, tribe, kindred and tongue. The “good news” of the Annointed ONE is to everyone who draws breath. “What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision?” (Romans 3.1) I’m glad you asked…- “Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of G-d.” (Romans 3.2) -Aren’t you glad this is an “open Book?” lol!
What is the “church?” Is is an orgnization? or is it and organism? What saith the scriptures? “So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of G-d’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.” (hello brothers!) built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. (Ephesians 2.19,20) I would have like to have been there when “Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone’?” (Luke 20:17)
Yeshua HaMashiach is in the process of building a bride for Himself. “Both the groom and the bride were perfectly pictured for us in the book of Ruth. “Boaz” our Kinsman-Redeemer and Ruth (not a Jew, not a Gentile, but a mix of both). “Ruth r us.” We is Ruth. (honestly).
“Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of G-d, which He has purchased with His own blood.” (Acts 20.28) If we were to feed the church of G-d (which He purchased with His own blood)- what would we feed them? “He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.” (Psalm 81.16)
Skip- “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of G-d’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to G-d.” (2 Corinthians 9:12) We do need to learn the Hebrew roots of our faith. “The Bible is a gold mine when you learn to dig with a Hebrew shovel.” When our Bible says “search the scriptures”- the N.T. wasn’t even written!
Ahh- but then “the rest of the story..” “Someone” appeared on the scene once again.. This time it was in the incarnation of the Logos. No more looking forward. Now we are looking right straight at Him. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.. and listen to His invitation!- “Come unto me..” -His name is Wonderful!
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32
I am somewhat concerned by the Christian churches who say they are “friends” of Israel yet in their preaching continually refer to them as a group that YHWH has shunned until an appointed time, in favor of Christianity. In this way, Israel is treated as the red-headed step-child rather than the first born. I find this to be somewhat disturbing and although I understand that some Jewish people consider themselves “better than” Gentiles due to heritage, this division does not cut it in the Kingdom. ONE..together, complete, living in harmony…same Law, same YHWH, same Yeshua, expressing our love, not robotically, but obediently.
Is it good enough to claim friendship with Israel, without declaring kinship? Don’t children, natural and adopted, having One Father, live according to that Father’s house rules? Or do the rooms in the mansion give us opportunity to live in the same house and do our own thing?
Mary, heresy is rampant in today’s society. There is so much ‘error’-(read garbage) proclaimed from the pulpit (in the name of Christ). This has gone on for centuries. It is false religion. My pastor has said, when you look for satan do not fail to look for him in the pulpit-he longs to be worshiped. Always has,always will- and he wants to be #1. It is this ‘spirit’ of “Me-first” which is anti-Christ.
A song we used to sing (back when the earth’s crust was still warm) had the lyrics: “Jesus, then others, then you, what a wonderful way to spell joy.” As we (now) know, our G-d is the G-d of order (not chaos)’ “let all things be done decently and in order”, and this ‘right’ order or right relationship is Jesus (Yeshua-for those who ‘rankle’ at the name Jesus)- others, then you. We are dead last. -(Or “supposed to be” anyway.) This exaltation of “self” or “I” is running rampant in today’s society and we don’t have to look very far to ‘see’ this. I call this “me-ism.” Listen to the tone: “it’s all about me babe!” “What can you do for me?” (ta-dah…). -What do the scriptures say? “He must increase, but “I” must decrease.” “He must become greater, “I” must become less. (John 3.30) We have covered this ground before.. (one more trip around the mountain, anyone?)- EGO- Edge G-d Out. Our enemies are external, internal, and infernal. (No wonder I don’t feel so good- lol!) Or as the scriptures state: the world,the flesh and the devil. The pressure is “on” from all sides. -“Yet” (oh how I love the “yets” and the “buts” of the Bible!) we are (according to the word of G-d) “more than conquerors” through Him who loved us. Brother Skip- this “more-than-conquerors” is worth investigating. Christ is the Victor. (the last ONE standing)- and He (Hallelu Yah) reigns. Not only will He reign (in totality) in His future kingdom, but we (who are His) know He also reigns Sovereignly as the Unseen but present ONE today.
“For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty G-d, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.” (1 Timothy 6.15) (1 Corinthians 13.9) says this: “Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture!” We today, in all of our combined “ken” or limited knowledge know (according to G-d’s design) only a part of the ‘big picture.’ There is much of the ‘iceberg’ below what we can see. Maybe this is why we are enjoined to ‘walk by faith and not by sight.’ (lol!) – Too much ‘sight-seeing’ and not enuf ‘faith-walking?’
Mary, -why do I write these words? Because all of us are in this together and we are “in it to win it!” We do not pray for victory- we pray from victory. We have read the end of the book and we know how the story ends! In His own words: (1 Corinthians 15:57) -“but thanks be to G-d, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” What do I have to add to this, but another “amen!” (and another Hallelu Yah!)