Are you dull?

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Make not of the TORAH a crown wherewith to aggrandize yourself, nor a spade wherewith to dig.

DON'T GROW DULL
"For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them." [Matthew 13. 15] "Hear, indeed, but do not understand; see, indeed, but do not grasp. Dull that people's mind, stop its ears, and seal its eyes – lest, seeing with its eyes and hearing with their ears, it also grasp with their mind, and repent and be saved." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 6. 9 – 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

In HIS early ministry, MESSIAH YESHUA ran into stubborn opposition from the Scribes and Pharisees. Therefore, HE told the people about heavenly truths in parables so only the believers would understand. "It has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given." [Matthew 13. 11] Parables also fulfill prophecy, "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, 'I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world." [Matthew 13. 35]

This explains the progressive nature of OMNISCIENT GOD'S revelation to man, knowledge should be used to grow in grace and apply it in their life. However, if their hearing grows dull and they turn knowledge off willfully, it becomes a vehicle of condemnation, their perception is lost and discernment is gone because "they did not like to retain GOD in their knowledge, GOD gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting." [Romans 1. 28]

Our prayers for you are "that the GOD of our MESSIAH JESUS, the FATHER of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of HIM" [Ephesians 1. 17] as He washes your hearts from all wickedness.

GOD ALMIGHTY our LORD & Saviour desires "all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." [1 Timothy 2. 4] "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are HIS judgments and HIS ways past finding out!" [Romans 11. 33] "Great is the LORD and much acclaimed; HIS greatness cannot be fathomed." [Psalms (Tehillym) 145. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim] To God be the glory forever. Amen.


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel !
Almighty God chooses what we go through; we choose how we go through it. Choose carefully!

America, Stand up

Gentle Reader,

I am not a prophet, or psyche, or a seer or even some bigwig prophecy expert like Nostradamus.

I am for the most part just like you, trying to get through the day without messing up to much with either my wife or dogs or bird. And perhaps like you (or not) depending where your head is, trying to make some sort of contribution to the "Late great planet earth"!

I see two planes that which we call the physical (where you can see , touch, feel, taste (where we all live, most of the time) and then another plane the invisible, (where things are not so plain to see) areas of mind (we all have the ability, but not all use this area) where the unseen are seen in the minds eye. Am I too esoteric for you?

{In Western, English-speaking societies today, the term "esotericism" has come to informally mean any knowledge that is difficult to understand or remember, such as theoretical physics, or that which pertains to the minutiae of a particular discipline, such as "esoteric" baseball statistics. The term "esoteric" does not necessarily refer to "esotericism" per se in the sense of "inner" knowledge, disciplines, or practices.}

Anyway what I see in the esoteric tells me that I should stand up for what you see in the physical. That is to say. America has been sold out by their government, what you will see in the future is a European like union which I will refer to as MexAmeriCanada, Big Corporations, are outsourcing all jobs they can to countries when children as young as 9-10 are forced to work 16-18 hours a day for no pay. The Government wants to charge the country of Turkey with Genocide in the first World War! But refuses to acknowledge the genocide in America by killing millions of unborn babies! Congress refuses to enforce its laws and state Governors are making illegal people legal w/o the right of citizenship! To make matters worse 25 states are now considering seceding from the United States because Government won't do what it is sworn to do. "Protect We the people"

That's what I see Gentle Reader, and so I don't leave out any group I see the Churches trying to run along and join themselves to the "world' rather than speak out! Preachers, Rabbis and Priest step up on Saturday and Sunday and allow others to silence them about moral corruption in the pulpit and in the pew! Pedophiles run rampant and children are being killed in your schools! Now what is America doing about these things ?

What are you doing? Gentle Reader? Unless you are ready to learn Arabic or Farsi (I am ahead of you on the languages thing) but I suggest that you take a stand and start screaming from the house top to your government officials and every company that your buy goods from [from the Wal-Mart to the car dealer and tell that you want American products , no more cheap labor knock offs or toys with lead for our children and you will boycott all products that come from outside our country] and tell them that you have had IT! I intend to write until someone listens . . . Unless your too busy watching "dancing with the Stars" to bother to take a stand for the freedoms you value.

I am just saying... take a stand America!

Denis

Redemption

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .The wise reside in the "Tent of Learning."

THE FINAL REDEMPTION"For a CHILD has been born to us, a SON has been given to us; and authority has settled on His shoulders. He has been named WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, THE MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER, PRINCE OF PEACE." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 9. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
The TANAKH (OLD COVENANT) tells that the hopes of Israel are centered on two great events - the coming of GOD's Kingdom and the coming of the MAN, WHO would bring this Kingdom to pass. According to the TALMUD (a JEWISH COMMENTARY), Jews expected two MESSIAHS: MESSIAH ben'Yosef and Messiah ben'David. The name of the Messiah was formed before the creation of the world: "Seven things were formed before the creation of the world: "The Law, Repentance, Paradise, Sheol, the Throne of Glory, the Temple, and the Name of the MESSIAH." [TALMUD, P'Sachim, fol. 54, col. 1]
This MAN would please ALMIGHTY GOD and would bring HIS people to rest and deliverance from their enemies. Thirty six prophets made predictions concerning the coming MESSIAH either about HIS birth, HIS SPIRIT, HIS miracles, HIS relationship with other peoples, HIS death, HIS resurrection, or about some other phase of HIS Life. This MAN, WHO fulfills the visions and hopes of the Prophets and the Psalmist is MESSIAH JESUS OF NAZARETH (MESSIAH means "ANOINTED ONE"). The LORD YESHUA comes from the line of David, the line of Abraham, the line of Isaac, and the line of Jacob. It was prophesied that the Messiah would come from: The Human Family of Adam - "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her SEED; HE shall crush your head, and you will strike at HIS Heel." [Genesis (Bereshith) 3. 15 Tanakh, Torah]
The Race in the Line of Shem - "Blessed be the LORD, ELOHEY of Shem; let Canaan be a slave to them." [Genesis (Bereshith) 9. 25 Tanakh, Torah; see 9. 25 - 27]
The Patriarch Line of Abraham - "Abraham shall surely become a great, populous and mighty nation and all the nations of the earth are to be blessed in him." [Genesis (Bereshith) 18. 18 Tanakh, Torah]
The True Heir in the Lineage of Isaac - "I will bestow MY blessing upon you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars of heaven and the sands on the seashore; and your descendants shall seize the gates of their foes. All the nations of the earth shall bless themselves by your descendants, because you have obeyed MY command." [Genesis (Bereshith) 22. 18 - 19 Tanakh, Torah]
The National Line of Jacob - "I am the LORD, the GOD of your father Abraham and the GOD of Isaac, the ground on which you are lying I will assign to you and to your offspring. Your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All the families of the earth shall bless themselves by you and your descendants." [Genesis (Bereshith) 28. 13 - 14 Tanakh, Torah]
The Tribal Lineage of Judah - "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a ruler's staff from between his feet, until SHILOH (MESSIAH YESHUA --Shiloh means “Peace & Security” which will be realized to the fullest when He Who is the Exact Image of God) comes and tribute is to HIM; and the obedience of the people shall be HIS." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 10 Tanakh, Torah]
The Kingly Line of David - "The LORD swore to David a firm oath that He will not renounce, 'One of your own issue I will set upon your throne." [Psalms (Tehillym) 132. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
Many Jews, upon first arriving in the Promised Holy Land, go to the Western Wall (the Kotel) to pray and lament. They have yearned for the coming of ONE WHO would deliver them from their countless enemies and set up HIS EVERLASTING KINGDOM; only to be disappointed throughout the years, for false prophets have laid claim to the title of "THE ANOINTED ONE."
However, in searching HOLY SCRIPTURE, there can be no doubt as to WHOM MESSIAH is! From studying the GOSPELS we see that the HEBREW SCRIPTURES are often quoted by the PIERCED MESSIAH describing HIMSELF in every detail! "And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, HE expounded to them in all the SCRIPTURES the things concerning HIMSELF." [Luke 24. 27] "Then HE said to them, 'These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the TORAH (LAW OF MOSES) and the NEVI'IM (PROPHETS) and the KETHUVIM (PSALMS\WRITINGS) concerning ME." [Luke 24. 44]
IF only a person would honestly look into HIS wonderfully amazing "Love Letter (THE HOLY BIBLE)" to us, they would find the riches in the LORD MESSIAH JESUS for their own lives and understand our GREAT, PRECIOUS & LOVELY REDEEMING LORD GOD personally.
Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!Stay alert for such a time as this. . . keep watching and praying.

Truth for today

"God our Saviour ... will have all men to be saved, and (He also desires that all SAVED MEN) to come unto the knowledge of The Truth." 1 Tim. 2:3,4

In our own feeble way we are doing what we can to help other men reach this end, to come "unto" the knowledge of The Truth for Today. We also greatly desire to help other saints to learn the art of 'Dividing The Word of Truth' - RIGHTLY.
Some have used the English words 'cutting straight' to translate the Greek word orthotomeo"(#3718). We cut with a view to "dividing" one word of truth from another word of truth, with straight implying doing it rightly.
Now our purpose is to have at our service the right words of God - His Truth For Today. We do not do this by making a straight cut, but rather by making a Precise or Exact, Perfect, Flawless, and Accurate Designating Separation of one word of truth from another - for two truths mixed together may become far less than Truth. And more importantly, the actions called for by the mixing may be very displeasing and disobedient unto our Lord.
Now, a general separation must be made between the 7 epistles of Paul, written in Acts Times concerning God's earthly purpose with that one chosen people of Israel, and the few Gentiles that became a grafted in part of that people and their hope. Namely, in the order written, Galatians, 1 & 2 Thess., 1 & 2 Corinthians, Romans, and Hebrews, all of which was an offer of "The Day of The Lords PAROUSIA" - His Personal Presence in His Kingdom on Earth. These 7 epistles MUST be kept separate from The Seven Mystery Epistles of Paul which were, and could only be, written after he received the divine revelation of The Dispensation of The Mystery also in the order written (as I see it) Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon, from Paul's own hired house in Rome. Also 1 Timothy and Titus when he was free, and 2 Timothy from prison the last time.
After having established this very vital line of separation which is absolutely essential to a true understanding of OUR HOPE and CALLING today, we now need to learn and more fully appreciate the more precise lines and designating separations that must be made within each of these post-Acts epistles.
When the "lo-ammi" judgment of Acts 28:28 came on the nation of Israel, all the Hopes and Callings enjoined on that people were also put on "hold" or set in "abeyance". All of the saints of God in Christ Jesus that held the hope of His "Parousia" in their hearts must now make a very major decision, to stay with that earthy hope of "The Kingdom", or to believe and cast their lot with the now imprisoned Apostle Paul, and this new message of a "heavenly" out calling.
The reactions and decision-making of the saints are, as always, varied. Most will not believe this new message of Paul's. It is so "radically different", it is impossible for most to accept. All know that the Earth is for man, and Heaven belongs to God and the Angels. Paul has just gone too far this time. We see in Phil. 3:13-17; Titus 1: 9-16; 2 Timothy 1:13-15, 2:16-21, 3:6:9, and 4:9-18 that the truth is rejected by most.
And today some would discount all but the Ephesians and Colossians epistles as having been given to "the Out-Called Body of Christ". Because some of what we read in the other five post-Acts epistles, sound far too church-like. We do acknowledge that there are some things we might have questions about. But as we have learned to more fully appreciate the immediate circumstances in those local churches, and sundry mind sets of those folks, we have become more artful in our task of "dividing the Word of Truth".
And yet I have uncovered nothing that I have been called upon to do, or have a part in, that would be found unworthy of my own "position" as a joint-member of that great Out-Called Body. Paul could not have written what he did in Philippians 3:10-21 before he received the Revelation of The Mystery, and our position in "The Heavenlies far above". In view of what Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 7:17-40, before The Kingdom Hope was withdrawn, and what he wrote in 1 Tim. 5:14 concerning marriage and "the present distress", we are sure a great dispensational change had taken place.
In Acts times, just a few days before the judgment of Acts 28:28, many were healed at the hand of Paul but as we read what he told Timothy to do in 1 Tim. 5:21-25, we are convinced it was written after Acts times and under the influence of new dispensational institutions. In Titus 1:2 we have the divine promise of life that was made "before" age times, which came before the promises given to Abraham or any of his seed. Also in 2:13, we have the glorious "Epiphaneia" of the Great God, and Saviour of Us, Christ Jesus.
Now the same critics that would discard the five post-Acts epistles because of church-like statements, also find fault because each one does not give a full discourse of The Mystery. However, when we see all "seven" epistles as ONE, seven chapters of ONE book, we need not that all address all points of truth.

The Word of Truth

THE WORD OF TRUTH - FOR TODAY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH


"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Tim. 2:15
Well over ninety-nine out of a hundred people that contact us here at Scripture Institute are Saints in Christ Jesus. Most are seeking a better understanding of the Word of Truth For Today, and most of these already have some knowledge of the Divine Law of Right Division. However, a good number of others who write us have very little or no understanding of this most vital truth. One can fully expect this from young Christians in other parts of the globe, but many seasoned saints, both here and abroad, are also in the dark concerning this divine study principle.
I cannot help but ask why? And who is at fault? Or perhaps I should ask, where do we direct the credit? I am sure most of our readers will say, "hell, of course, Satan himself is behind it" and no one will try to dismiss that. But how is he doing it? Who is doing his beguiling and defrauding work for him? Who is it that keeps the saints in darkness? "MEN" in high places - that is who, and that is how. Self deceived men who stand above, or higher, in their own view, than the saints of God. High minded man who find it to their personal advantage to keep folks in the dark concerning Right Division.
For when the truth of this divine law comes into view, and is faithfully honored, the deep dark clouds of religious observance, fleshly tradition, and imposed ordinances can and will, dissipate as the light of God's Word of Truth is made known. And that is only made possible when the Word of Truth is Divided Rightly.
One of the most effective weapons against truth, is to just "ignore" it, to react to it by not reacting to it. Have you not read some word of truth that pricked your conscience and you almost wished you had not read it, or you wished that you could forget it, and while you were trying to forget it you kept ignoring it as best you could? This is the way of men, the way of the flesh.
But when we just can't forget it, and the troubled conscience persists, then we try to somehow change what we think it is saying, or twist it just enough to free our self from the truth of it, but of course the truth, if and when reworked, is then man's lie. And so the sad reality is that those who find it too difficult to totally "ignore" a word of truth, will most often find a way to adjust or alter it to suit their needs.
But in the end, perhaps the most difficult folks to help are the ones who have fully recognized this divine law and have been working at dividing it, perhaps for years, but have been making their incision in the wrong part of the body of truth. I, for one, sympathize with these dear saints, for I, also, for some years did my own dividing wrongly, but never with intent to deceive anyone. I was sure I was right at the time, and I am sure I am right now, but I could be wrong. And I am still open to and seeking "The Truth" - for I am resolved to remain a "Learner" of Divine Truth. For we have also seen that when a man takes on the mind-set of "teacher" that he is most likely to stop being a learner.
An inflated ego, and an exaggerated self esteem, is the fertile soil of Satan' s workings. And a teacher who has closed his mind to the truth, especially that truth which comes as the result of one's faithfulness to "Right Division", is a spiritual danger to any and all under his influence.
I know we have caused "not a few" raised eyebrows and some outright scorn as we have used the term "The Divine Law of Right Division". Some feel that is just too strong and that we discourage and alienate others. However, we do need to fully realize that this whole matter does hold in view eternal consequences. And we reject the idea that these words are a suggestion on God's part, or a mere part of a set of guide lines to help Timothy and others to do a better job of analyzing, and more skillfully handling and teaching the whole Bible.
Some of the other translations listed below miss entirely, or severely distort, the clear Word of Truth. "Do your best, properly presenting - the truth." "No need to be ashamed of the way you handle the word of truth." "Cutting a straight path for the message of the truth." "Driving a straight furrow -in your proclamation of the truth." "Rightly laying out the word of truth." "Correctly analyzing the message of truth." "Accurate in delivering the word of truth." "Declaring the word of truth without distortion."
Now I feel every one of these translators have "distorted" this Word of Truth to some degree, and we see this last one as an insult to the honesty and integrity of Paul's right hand man, and beloved son in the faith, Timothy.

Hell!

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .Death is also a door.


GATES of HELL"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build MY church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." [Matthew 16. 18]
Many take this verse to teach security, that although ha'Satan and his henchmen are attacking, the church and the CHRISTians are safe within their fortress. In fact, many translators understand GATES metaphorically, feeling that since gates are strong and important, they can be viewed as synonymous with power. . .implying that the "power of hell" is assembled against the church of LORD JESUS CHRIST.
However, it never appears, in any case, to be understood to mean "power" - it always means "gates" - - either literal gates in a literal wall or a figurative entryway. The text is not talking about the Power of Hell, but the Gates of Hell. It pictures CHRISTians on the attack, not of ha'Satan endeavoring to destroy CHRIST-like-ones. The forces of evil are the wretched hopeless ones crouched within their stronghold, while the CHURCH is battering down their gates!
For the promises in the OLD COVENANT are still true, our HEAVENLY CONQUEROR unceasingly fights for HIS saints today. "The LORD shall go forth like a MIGHTY WARRIOR; HE whips up HIS rage like a man of war. HE shall cry out, yes, roars aloud; HE charges and shall prevail upon HIS enemies." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 42. 13 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Though the enemy be as "a fortified bronze wall they shall not overcome you, for I am with you to deliver and save you - says the LORD. I will save you from the hands of the wicked and rescue you from the clutches of the violent" says the LORD GOD OF ISRAEL. [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 15. 20 - 21 Tanakh, Nevi'im]
"The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through GOD to the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of GOD, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of CHRIST JESUS." [2 Corinthians 10. 4 - 5] These verses sound the battle cry, and the battleground is the minds of men. We are commanded to cast down (Hebrew: shachach - literally meaning demolish) improper reasoning and arrogant philosophy, capturing every thought (mind) for MESSIAH YESHUA, thereby destroying the entrenchment's of evil.
There is a time for defense, but let us never forget, we as followers and joint-heirs of CHRIST are to be on the offensive as well. The CONQUERING VICTORIOUS MESSIAH, WHO leads us into the battle, will certainly lead us to a glorious victory! Praise to our ETERNALLY MAGNIFICENT KING JESUS forever, the battle is triumphantly won.

A small matter of Respect

A Small matter of respect


Gentle Reader,
This month is Pastor appreciation month and all over Pastors are being told that they are appreciated. I mean how many professionals do you know that still make house calls? I do! And many others serve without pay, work long hours (I mean 10-12-14 hours a day every day) Not just a couple hours on Sunday as is portrayed in the comics.
These pastors, much of the time are considered less than professional despite the fact that many spend more hours in the study of the Bible and ancient languages (like Hebrew, Greek, Coptic, Sumerian, Babylonian, Egyptian, Aramaic) To name just a few.
Now keep that in mind while I tell you two stories both true and each with it’s own message if your are a thinker (if your not you have entered the wrong blog and want the Brittany Spears blog which you can find 3 blogs over and take the next road to the left).
The first story you can find in the Bible in the Book of First Kings around Chapter 16 where we find a King of Israel named Ahab(whose name means "fathers brother" he was in the sight of God evil! And He takes a wife called Jezebel (whose name means "Baal exalts" or Baal is a husband to") Baal was the supreme male divinity of the Phoenicians or Canaanite.
And enter the man of God called Elijah (whose name means "My God is Jehovah") Now you have more or less the complete cast of characters.
The story is rather simple and takes you into a moral dilemma which will lead into our next story. The dilemma is this an evil Mam in God’s sight marries an equally evil woman who takes it upon herself to kill 1000's of God prophets (we would say today God’s people) those who speak rightghtenous on behalf of God. And we have a conflict between Ahab and Elijah over who the people should follow. God (the Living creator or Baal a man made idol . Rather like following the idols of today, materialism, secularism fill in the blank_____) So this is way to exciting for me to recount you have to read it for yourself Chapter 18 of 1st Kings and on... The end is the destruction of the prophets of Baal and the end of Jezebel.... You need to read or in some of your cases reread the account. (Which BTW is history,)
The moral well read on Gentle Reader. Now for the next story. At our little complex tonight they are having a Pastors appreciation jubilee. I was invited (Nice huh?) But another pastor who also lives here was not! Why? Maybe they didn’t like him or maybe it was because he was black! When I ask why I was told well he doesn’t do anything (or words to that effect). I then ask why the invitations read Pastor so and so and Pastor so and so and Mr. Callaghan. I again was told well we thought that since we know you so well that it would be ok to invite you that way "To which I replied "I am a rev. or a pastor or a Dr. when pastor are being singled out for appreciation" To use the title Mr. It is not appropriate, nor is it to allow other pastors to be recognized and to not invite another simply because he "doesn’t do anything" or because he is black!
I told the committee that I would not attend. If God has called a man (regardless of your opinion whether you like him or her) he/she should always be treated with respect.
So Gentle Reader, what do you think? Did I overreact? Or what would you do?
Personally I don’t need the accolades of men when God has given His approval.
Romans 11:29
"For the gifts and CALLING of God are without repentance."

Respect one another, Gentle Reader, or not...
Denis

Truth or Consequences

This blog!

"And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none." Ezekiel 22:30

Dear Gentle reader,

Imagine that you are a Christian. You have just moved to a new city, and are looking for a place of fellowship. Would you choose a Methodist Church socially liberal or conservative, or perhaps an Episcopalian or Angliacan , do you prefer an high church or a low church? Should it be a Bible-preaching or a teaching church? What about a political active or a spiritually focused one? Should it have a social ministry or an active youth group. Should it be seeker sensitive or purpose driven fellowship? Active outreach program? And questions like this go on and on for those who are concern about such things.

Now then Imagine you are a 1^st century Christian. Which is better the Ebonite (Christians who would be Jews) church or the Marcionite (Christians who spur all things Jewish), Gnostic or pre-orthodox. A church that believes in one God or more than one, A church that accepts the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Or perhaps the Gospels of Thomas, Barnabas, Mary or Nicodemus. Or perhaps you prefer the Book of Enoch or the acts of Peter and Paul.

Where do you look for your guidance if your a Christian? In America there are as many different and differing opinions as there churches on the street corners. Now understand what you see around you is what I would call a falling away from the reason. Which is where Christianity grew in the first place. Christians are believers of the book in which we believe we have the inspired Word of the living God. But some where folks have so gotten mixed up in their understanding that now Now one knows what they believe (or worse-why they believe) "Someone told me" Or the worst reason of all "Well that what the church teaches. No wander so many people (Christians op-out) or go some where they can feel good and not have to think.

I recently was approached by a large church for a position, but when we got to more specifics I discovered that I would be expected either to lie outright to get this cushy job or (for me ) worse to put my mind and understanding on hold, just to please some officious person with a ego-complex Three issues were directed to me as deal breakers. the first was over the subject of Baptism (I thought this was settled in the first century (but not in this group or perhaps in the church where you live.

Here then is a complete presentation of what baptism is and isn't (more or less) and the reason why I am still here rather that taking a job where understanding has been shelved for good.

{the following may be a wee bit long but you need to understand why people jump on a bandwagon and stop thinking for themselves.}

The question of baptism has long troubled Christianity in that there are many differing opinions on what the Bible teaches on this important subject. We as students of the Rightly Divided Word of Truth must not be swayed by the traditions and teachings of men but always look to the Scripture as our rule book of faith and practise.

Among the words written near the time of the beginning of Christianity the new Hebrew believers were exhorted "to leave" not "lay again", laws and ordinances including "the doctrine of baptisms" Heb. 6:2, these being among the elements that were to be left behind as the believer pressed on unto perfection

The N.T. teaching concerning baptism is distributed thus:

1. John the Baptist. This baptism falls under two headings:
(a) It was a baptism unto repentance, in view of the near approach of the kingdom of heaven
Matt/ 3:1-2
(b) It was the work of John as the forerunner prophesied of by Isaiah in the fortieth chapter of his prophecy.
(c) It was concerned only with Israel or with those who joined themselves to Israel, as the words "Comfort ye" of Isaiah 40 were concerned.
(d) It was a baptism in water, that spoke of a future baptism with Holy Ghost and with fire.
(e) It was specifically designed to make manifest to Israel the One Who was sent to be their Messiah John 1:30-34

2. The baptism with the Holy Ghost promised by John was fulfilled at Pentecost Acts 1:5.

3. During the Acts, water baptism and the baptism of the Spirit went together Acts 2:38, 10:47

4. During the first ministry of the Apostle Paul, baptism by water was practised I Cor. 1:16, but baptism never held the place in Paul's commission I Cor. 1:17 that it did in that of Peter (Acts 2:38) . Peter could never have said: "Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" as Paul did.

Baptism during the early ministry of Paul:
(a) united the believer by burial with the death of Christ Rom. 7 6-4
(b) united Jew and Gentile making them "all one in Christ and Abraham's seed" But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.';"(Gal. 4: 27-29) .
(c) baptizing these believers into one body, with particular reference to the exercise of spiritual gifts 1 Cor. 12:13

5. After Acts 28, and the revelation of the Mystery we enter into a calling where shadows give place to the reality of the fullness of Christ Col. 2:17.

Baptism in the epistles of the Mystery is either that which unites the believer with the death and Resurrection of Christ Col. 2:12 or by which the believer becomes a member of the Church which is His body Eph. 4:5.

Owing to the failure on the part of expositors and teachers to discern the change of dispensation consequent upon the setting aside of Israel at Acts 28, there has been a failure to discern the extreme difference that exists between baptism as taught in the earliest part of the N.T. or even in the earlier epistles of Paul and as it is taught in the epistles of the Mystery.

Galatians 3:19 asks a question: "Wherefore then serveth the law?" and the answer is: "It was superadded" (prostithemi). The Galatians were turning back to the weak and beggarly elements of the ceremonial law. " Sound familiar Gentle Reader? Now this law was not promulgated in the first instance to the Jewish people, but was a superaddition to the antecedent moral law is a matter of universal notoriety. It is well-known (says Whitby) that all these ancient fathers were of the opinion, that God gave the Jews only the Decalogue, till they made the golden calf, and afterwards He laid the yoke of ceremonies upon them." "The law was superadded in behalf of transgressions being ordained in the hand of a mediator".

The Christian Church has fixed its attention so much upon these superadded carnal ordinances and have modelled their doctrine of baptism so much upon these things which were imposed until the time of reformation that they have given little or no place to the one great baptism, which was not added because of transgressions but was an integral part of the Redemption of the nation, namely the baptism of the whole nation unto Moses at the Red Sea. That is the type that remains for us today, all others are carnal ordinances that have no place in the present economy of pure grace.

The baptism of Colossians two is not likened to anything that was introduced into the Aaronic priesthood or tabernacle service, it is likened to the initiatory rite of circumcision. Now in Colossians two this circumcision is the spiritual equivalent of that practised by the Jew, it is explicitly said to be "the circumcision made without hands", and repudiates "the body of the flesh" (sin is not in question, the revised text omits the words "of the sins"), and this is accomplished "by the circumcision of Christ". Now until it can be proved that the circumcision here emphasized is the literal carnal ordinance, the consequential burial by baptism will have to be understood of the spiritual equivalent too, and finds its type, not in the many baptisms of the ceremonial law, but in the one baptism of the whole nation at the crossing of the Red Sea. This "one baptism" forms an integral part of the Unity of the Spirit, which those who are blessed under the terms of the Mystery are enjoined to keep. The seven parts of this unity are so disposed, as to throw into correspondence the One Baptism in the One Spirit, thus:

One Lord
One Hope One Faith
One Spirit One Baptism
One Body One God and Father

This sevenfold unity is composed of seven units-and to tamper with the repeated word "one" is to deny inspiration and to destroy the Apostle's insistence. We can no more believe that "one" baptism means two, i.e., "water and spirit" than we can import plurality into the realm of faith, hope or the Lordship of Christ. It is the custom of those companies of Christians who stress baptism in water, to call themselves "baptized believers". It is also, unfortunately the habit of many who see the spiritual nature of baptism in Colossians and Ephesians to allow this claim, but such are wrong. Members of the One Body are "baptized believers" for without this one-baptism membership of the One Body is impossible. To speak otherwise is to magnify the carnal ordinance that pertains to the ceremonial act, above the spiritual reality. The truth is that no company in the N.T. has ever known what true baptism really is, except that Church where baptism in water is absent and unknown.

While much more could be said, we are necessarily limited, but we believe every essential feature has been considered so that the reader can pursue the matter in detail with every hope of attaining unto fuller light.

Wow makes your eyes bleed Gentle Reader? Well thatis why I don't just accept some old piece of paper called a church doctrinal statement.

To be a real believer means much understanding must be unlearned and the right and accurate handling of Scripture be emphasized. Why? Because I want to be found faithful to my Lord and Saviour.

All of that to say this. Some say they believe every word in the Bible, same say "The bible teaches so and so..." But when you find a fellowship where the full time job is the study of scripture. You will indeed have found peace, joy and where Grace is not just an expression but a way of life.

I'm done!

Love,

Denis

Hebrew lesson

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
It takes less time to do a thing right than to explain why you did it wrong.

GOD'S SON
"WHO has ascended heaven or come down? WHO has gathered up the wind in the hollow of HIS hand? WHO has wrapped the waters in HIS garment? WHO has established all the extremities of the earth? What is HIS NAME, and what is HIS SON'S NAME, if you know it?" [Proverbs (Mishle) 30. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

We know the answer to this first question, it is ALMIGHTY GOD, MASTER CREATOR of everything. But "WHO" has ascended up into heaven or descended from there? In these verses, HE is called GOD'S SON! There is only ONE WHO came down to this earth from heaven and WHO has ascended back into heaven! This was foretold by GOD ALMIGHTY through HIS prophets as coming again. As is written the SON OF GOD is THE ONE WHO will be returning from heaven.

"As I looked on in the night vision, ONE like the SON OF MAN came with the clouds of heaven! ...and to HIM was presented dominion, glory and kingship; that all peoples, and nations of every language must serve HIM. HIS dominion is an EVERLASTING DOMINION that shall not pass away, and HIS KINGDOM, one that shall not be destroyed." [Daniel (Danyel) 7. 13 - 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The EVERLASTING KING-MESSIAH is called "THE SON OF MAN." HE had been on earth as a part of humanity, yet here HE is in heaven and returning to earth to receive an EVERLASTING KINGDOM!

Two thousand years ago there was an announcement by the angel to the shepherds keeping watch over their flock at night. The great and wonderful day had arrived for fulfillment of THE INCARNATION as the HOLY ONE had foretold through HIS prophets: "For there is born to you this day in the City of David a SAVIOUR, WHO is CHRIST THE LORD." [Luke 2. 11]

The angel was declaring that THIS CHILD WHO was born in Bethlehem, the City of David, is the promised SON OF GOD, THE SON OF MAN, IMMANU'EL, GOD-with-us, ALMIGHTY GOD manifest in the flesh! This CHILD was born as a human being, yet HE is called "THE MESSIAH & LORD" by the angel who announced HIS birth to the shepherds. OMNIPOTENT CREATOR GOD came to earth and was manifested in flesh to dwell among HIS people, Israel, just as HE had promised!

The HOLY ONE, GOD HIMSELF, blessed be HE, declared it and we are saved IF we believe it!



Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel !
Man is given the choice how he will act in this world; but the junctions and highways have been set in place by the Creator. We have an AWESOME GOD, and HE is on HIS Throne ruling over the affairs of men. HE is worthy of all our praise and worship, even in difficult times.

To Marti

Denis and Marti ( Ireland) in  better times

 

Gentle Reader,
 I want to tell you about the person who is I  believe sent from God to help me along life's journey. Marti (my wife) she is 5' foot nothing and is bed fast She has an incurable illness that Doctors here in America know very little about. It's called Chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS or CFS for short) Now I understand when I begin a new paragraph many will leave (I rather expect that!) Most have little or no attention span [chalk that up to running out to the fridge for a snack during commercial times]

This CFIDS is a progressive illness that started when she was in college and left her at this point bed fast. Imagine the worst illness you can think of: terminal cancer or aids and that you only have weeks to live. Now add every thing that allows you to get around, energy, zest of living. Imagine using up all your energy just trying to brush you teeth [which leaves you sick and unable to lift your head off the pillow for weeks on end. Or that just sitting up hurts so bad that you cry out in pain. Get the picture, Gentle Reader? 

 Now understand that there is no cure... no medicine... no help...  no doctors...no family... no friends... no one to comfort, to encourage you.  All your family and friends have forgotten all about you like a old half eaten spam sandwich that nobody wants! No insurance... no help from the safety net that we call government... Just nothing!!! Stress can bring on a flare up or excitement, or light or extremes of heat or cold. You body is at the mercy of this devastating disease.

 That's what Marti wakes up to every day( and me with two wonderful dogs Paddy and Miss Chievous with Duffy the Sun Conure). All she has they provide, a sense of normalcy to an upside down world. Now I am not by any means a Saint (I am just a man) but God has given me this wonderful person to teach me about Grace. Even when she is in so much pain that tears run down her cheeks she encourages me. She can talk on the phone and does so to those who need encouragement. {where does this spirit come from Gentle Reader? )[IMHO] only could come from above!

There are over one million people just like Marti in this country. Who suffer similar condition [some not a severe ] check out this site for more information www.cfids.org

 The point is and the real story is that in spite of her condition, Marti prays for each of you each day... that you might come to realise your connection with one another within this grand blue ball that we call the "late great planet earth" She reminds me what a privilege we all have to care for one another to love each other and to be kind! Don't feel sorry for Marti just reach out and be kind to one another, have compassion for each other, and don't forget that   You are appreciated, you are valued, and you are loved.

Denis and Marti 

A gentle reminder that the most precious things are before you: your family, your faith, your love, your good health and your friends.

25 things

No catches. Just the peace in knowing that you were able to share God's love and wisdom to all those you have contact with and even bless someone you don't know. Have a blessed day!

1. Give God what's right -- not what's left.

2. Man's way leads to a hopeless end! -- God's way leads to an endless hope.

3. A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.

4. He who kneels before God can stand before anyone.

5. In the sentence of life, the devil may be a comma--bu t never let him be the period.

6. Don't put a question mark where God puts a period.

7. Are you wrinkled with burden? Come to the church for a face-lift.

8. When praying, don't give God instructions - just report for duty.

9. Don't wait for six strong men to take you to church.

10. We don't change God's message -- His message changes us.

11. The church is prayer-conditioned.

12. When God ordains, He sustains.

13. WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning.

14. Plan ahead -- It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.

15. Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory position.

16. Suffering from truth decay? Brush up on your Bible.

17. Exercise daily -- walk with the Lord.

18. Never give the devil a ride -- he will always want to drive.

19. Nothing else ruins the truth like stretching it.

20. Compassion is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back.

21. He who angers you controls you.

22. Worry is the darkroom in which negatives can develop.

23. Give Satan an inch & he'll be a ruler.

24. Be ye fishers of men -- you catch them & He'll clean them..

25. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

Now take 60 seconds and give this a shot! All you do is:
1. Simply say a small prayer for the person who sent you this, e.g. LORD God, bless this person in whatever it is that you know he or she may be needing this day....)
2. Then forward to whomever you choose.

SPIRIT, SOUL, BODY

Chi= energy or the breath of life
A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Love goes beyond logic…and prevails.

SPIRIT, SOUL, BODY
"The LORD GOD (Yehowah Elohiym) formed man (’adam) from the dust of the earth (’adamah). HE blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being." [Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 7 Tanakh, Torah]

The Hebrew word for soul is "nephesh" meaning "a living creature." It comes from the primary root "naphash" which means "to breathe." In traditional Jewish understanding, the soul is considered to be a "heavenly spark housed in an earthly container." It is the "candle of the Lord" - - "The light of the candle flickers and waves in harmony with the Light of Torah." [Proverbs (Mishle) 20. 27 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Thus giving sufficient understand for the Jewish custom of "bobbing or waving of the body" in prayer.

"Nephesh" appears over 755 times in Hebrew Scripture and over 100 of these make reference in the first person, "my soul or naphesh." In the New COVENANT, there is explicit distinguishing between the soul, the spirit and the body. "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." [1 Thessalonians 5. 23] GOD OMNIPOTENT created man in HIS OWN IMAGE, therefore man is triune in nature. Each of us, being only one person, have three parts: spirit, soul, and body.

The innermost part of a person is the spirit. The spirit (Hebrw: ruwach - breath) is set within the soul (Hebrew: nephesh – seat or organ of mental acts) and the soul is set within the body (Hebrew: geviyah/body or basar/flesh). The spirit is the very core of a person; it is the part that is made in GOD’S Image. Our capacity to commune with GOD is found in our spirit, the seat of our God-consciousness; the soul of our self-consciousness; the body is our world-consciousness. God dwells in our spirit; our self dwells in the soul; and senses in the body.

When Adam sinned, all men suffered the consequences. The spirit of man became dead toward God, communication broken, separated from the GIVER OF LIFE. Because of sin, the HOLY GOD OF HEAVEN does not dwell in every person’s spirit. However, when we receive Yeshua ha’MASHIACH, our spirit is quickened, made alive. That is why the phrase "born anew" or "born again" is used. We were dead in trespasses and sin [Ephesians 2.1] until we met THE ONE WHO is THE LIFE, we were a "living soul (Hebrew: nephesh chayya)" with a dead spirit. Messiah Jesus, as the SON OF MAN, has come "to seek and to save that which was lost" - Lost Souls [Luke 19. 10] Now, we are alive to God in JESUS our Lord.



Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
"Chag Sameyach" - a joyous Sukkoth (Feast of Booths) to you and yours, may they be extraordinary and richly blessed!

"Christianity Lite"

NOT!

 

Gentle Reader,

What I had expected to take a couple of sessions has taken me (counting this one) 4 Will this be my last part on the role of women in the church (we’ll see).

Last time I pointed out that fact that were women in positions of leadership in the church. Not only as deacons but in fact (take this home and show your pastor/Bible teacher...you may not be popular after you do.) Apostles!

But something happened (even in the best of organizations) Men interfered (remember it should have taken only 40 days to cross the desert but took instead 40 years. (Men never ask directions! ) "But Denis," you may say "Pastor says... [fill in the blank] " Remember what I said earlier about "Everyone wants to be right especially when it comes to our belief system] well pastors for the most part teach what they have been taught in [Cemetery sorry Seminary] some never do anything but read a few book and get a sermon off the Internet and run off to a business meeting (Sorry guys, Pastors [but if (the Greek prepositional if ...and it could be true) you have been called by God they you job is 2 fold to "teach and to preach" and to do that you have to do 2 things "Study and pray"!] If your doing anything else then your working for yourself and not for God and you are "cheating those in your church who count on you!

Sorry Gentle Reader, but someone needs to set the record straight And since your best friend won’t tell you...

Now what happened is that somewhere in the 1^st century through the 4^th century men began to see that they had the power to influence people and control men and women the "clergy so called" so what your about to read can be checked out and if you find something different let me know (because I’ll want to check you out!) We are told that women as ministers were seen as characteristic of heretical groups. No one wants to be called a heretic!. Women were vehemently opposed and suppressed! We have evidence that some women served as heads of widows’ ministries ans even as deacons, bishops, and elders. But these roles steadily were diminished.

• The Council of Nicea, in 325 C.E., decreed that woman were no longer to be ordained along with the clergy for leadership roles but were to remain among the laity.
• The council of Laodicea, in 352 forbade women from the priesthood and presiding over churches. The council also barred women from approaching the altar.
• The Fourth Synod of Carthage, in 398 said woman may not teach men in assembly and may not baptize.
• The Council of Chalcedon, in 451, ruled that no women under 40 years of age could be ordained a deacon, and then only close scrutiny.

The secular world Gentle Reader, is ready (for the most part) to give women equal rights. So I have to ask my male counterparts will we do the same? Will God’s own people prevent it? As some quote "proof texts" written in the 1^st Century to people living in the 21^st century, do we not sound like the southern forbears who tried to stop the abolitionist movement (and later the civil rights movement) by quoting the Bible . Is that not the "blind" leading the "blind"?

The time has expired for men to lord authority over women , whether inside or outside the church. Instead, we should be working together as equals, for in God sight we are "There is neither JEW nor GREEK, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

In light of the fact that 90% of the work in most churches is done by women I have a question. Ladies, have you considered a strike?

Love, Denis

10 things

Church men or mice?

If you expect me to be quiet as a ___ think again!

 

Gentle Reader,

What I find within Christianity is the desire after becoming Christian is to sit back and watch the life around them (the Christians) to go by with out so much as a "by your leave"

It is not only a shame but to my way of thinking to accept a "gift" and then put away and never even look at it.

The "Gift I am speaking about is not merely Salvation, or grace (important as they are) but the opportunity to "really, really" (2 reallys -Really important stuff to follow) get to know our heavenly Father. Paul prayed in Philippians Chapter 3 and verse 10...

"That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death"

written almost 30 years after Paul meet the risen Christ on the Damascus road! You see Gentle Reader even after all that time Paul’s supreme desire was "To know Him"

The story goes that a little girl was sick in bed and at the foot of the bed was a mirror at the head of the bed was a picture of Jesus. When she felt so ill that all she could do was lift her little head to look in the mirror, she called out to her mother "I can see Jesus!" But when she felt better and could crawl down to the foot of her bed to look at Jesus reflected in the mirror, she exclaimed "I can’t see Jesus any more" Some times Gentle Reader, we see ourselves so big that we don’t see Jesus any more or for that matter what he is trying to do in us and for us.

Now to those verses that some (many) use to deny the Lord His place and what He wants for the body of Christ. "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body." (Ephesians 5:21-23)

Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. (1 Timothy 2:11-12)

How can you understand these verses with the verses in Corinthians? Verses where Paul makes provisions for women to prophesy (i.e. preach) in the church . In the book of Romans Paul sends greetings to his friend Phoebe, a deacon. And throughout his ministry he works with women who he mentions by name (Euodia and Priscilla). The respect didn’t start with Paul but Jesus! {For those who really want to "know Him" read Romans the 16^th Chapter where Paul speaks of a woman apostle (overlooked by so many in the church today)

"Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me." Verse 7 Chapter 16 of Romans.

No, Gentle Reader, Paul was not giving the "church" license to dominate women. Nor was he telling women in the 21^st century that they are second-class citizens who must bow and scrape to the whim of their husbands. Paul’s ultimate hope was for both men and women was that as he put it "We have the mind of Christ" that as God see each of us there is no distinction! He said this in no uncertain terms in the book of Galatians, Chapter 3 and verse 28

"There is neither JEW nor GREEK, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." Now that Gentle Reader, is radical stuff! That is the way God sees you and me.

The fact is that the "Church which is the body of Christ" was years ahead of the time in its treatment of women. While society was keeping women enslaved, the church was appointing them to positions of responsibility and leadership. Female deacons and apostles were prominent in the early church, their qualifications for office being set down in 1 Timothy 3:11. (Note: the Greek word often translated as "wives" would be better translated as "women").

Female preachers were also commonplace . Despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary some Christians still maintain that woman cannot adequately serve as ministers. The problem is that God cannot be locked into the culture of the 1^st century whether we like it or not. If God exist (I use the Greek prepositional "if" if and it is true) He is alive today and revealing Himself and continuing to reveal Himself to those who truly want to "know Him".

Next time we look at evidence how men (good? Perhaps! Misinformed? Definitely! Not well taught, unlearned? Certainly!!!!) Have veered from what God wanted and For those of you who intend to preach this message in your Assemblies I’ll give you facts that are irrefutable that you can check me out! How’s that?

Well it’s dog feeding time for me. See you next time.

Love,

Denis       

A Hebrew Word

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Since the Exodus, "Freedom" is spoken with a Hebrew accent.



SUCCOTH - FEAST of BOOTHS
"You shall dwell in booths for seven days; all who are native Israelites shall live in booths, in order that future generations may know that I made the Israelite people live in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, I am the LORD your GOD." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 23. 42 - 43 Tanakh, Torah]

"Succoth" - Hebrew for the Festival of the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as "Chag ha-Asif" (Feast of Ingathering). It is the Season of our Rejoicing for the Torah commandment to rejoice is mentioned more often in connection with the holy day of Succos then for any other. It is a national holiday that memorializes the journey from the land of slavery to the Promised Land. It is the custom to dwell in a Succah (booths, huts) decorated with various kinds of fruits and flowers. This symbolizes the house where you and the Almighty Creator will dwell together.

There are nine traditional fruits that are hung in the Succah, symbolizing nine characteristics and attributes of the Holy ONE that He wants us to have in our lives. The nine fruits or vegetables include pomegranates, figs, dates, oranges, apples, grapes, pumpkins, etrog (citron, lemon) and the fruit from locust tree (a chocolate-type fruit). The nine FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT are symbolized by the nine fruits hanging in the Succos. "The FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." [Galatians 5. 22 - 23] There is a correlation between the two.

Succos is indeed a time of rejoicing, following closely after Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement (forgiveness). Succos begins on the fifteenth day of Tishri, at the time of the ingathering of the crops - a further cause for rejoicing, as one looks with a sense of humbleness knowing the Almighty One, blessed be He, has prospered and blessed the fruits of one's labour of the previous months.

The seven-day celebration of Succoth is one of the three Festivals of the LORD, when all Jewish males over the age of thirteen were commanded to come to Jerusalem to celebrate. This is called "Sholosh Regolim" – the other two Feasts are Pesach (Passover) and Shavuoth (Pentecost). Women and children joined these pilgrimages whenever possible.

Succos is celebrated for 7 days. The 8th day which follows is a Solemn Assembly known as "Shemini Atzeres" (holding back); which is also a Sabbath and a complete holiday in its own right. This speaks of the future earthly MESSIANIC KINGDOM when peace and righteousness shall rule and GOD's people will be observing the Seventh Day Sabbath during that time they are "resting in GOD" and "GOD resting in His people." Then follows the new day, the New Beginning . . . the first day of Eternity, a Sabbath forever!



Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
"Chag Sameyach" - a joyous Sukkoth (Festival of Booths) to you and yours, may they be extraordinary and richly blessed! Rabbi Del n' Rifkah

Jonah

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
A man's service to Almighty GOD is sincere when he wants no publicity for it.

PARALLELISMS OF JONAH
The Book of Jonah is read during Yom Kippur in order to teach us that the compassion of Almighty GOD extends over all that He has created. Jonah was angry with the Creator for not destroying Nineveh. Jonah confused GOD's hatred of evil in people for GOD's abhorrence of the evil person. Omnipotent GOD's mercy and compassion for the people of Nineveh is available to us today. The Holy ONE does not think we are beyond hope. The Eternal does not condemn us without an Avenue of Repentance open to all who will receive Him: "For GOD so loved the world that He gave HIS ONE and ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal and everlasting life. For GOD did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world, through Him, might be saved." [John 3. 16 - 17]

Jonah is called. . . Jonah was in the light; Nineveh in darkness. Likewise, Israel and the nations. Israel was called to show forth the Lord to the nations.
Jonah is disobedient. . . Israel became apostate and turned merchant. Israel became a curse to the world as did Jonah to the sailors.
Jonah is in trouble. . . It is thus with the Jews, trouble has come upon us; and they are tossed about by the sea of nations.
Jonah doesn't deny GOD or his nationality. . . So with the Jews; we still believe in ONE GOD, and confess ourselves as Jews.
Jonah is cast overboard. . . So Israel is cast away in part for a time, as at present.
Sailors conversion. . . So the Gentiles turned to GOD on the fall of Israel.
Jonah is miraculously preserved. . . So is Israel among the nations - - nationally dead, yet preserved by GOD Almighty.
Jonah wasn't digested by big fish. . . The Jew is not digested by the nations, he is still a Jew. Assimilation fails!
Jonah is restored. . . So will Israel. "Salvation (our deliverance) is of the LORD. Selah" [Psalms/Tehillym 68. 20]
Jonah is commissioned the second time and he obeyed. . . So will Israel!
Nineveh is spared. . . So will the world be spared who repent at the preaching of restored Israel.

When Israel's eyes are opened to behold their Messiah, Yeshua of Nazareth, all the world will be glad and rejoice with the "SHIMCAS of the TORAH (Joy of the LAW)." We offer thanks to You, Living & Eternal King for You have mercifully restored our soul within us, Your faithfulness is immeasurable!




Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel.

pray like your life...

depends on it
Gentle Reader I need to...

Pray
Prayer for myself as a communicator of God’s Word
That God will cleanse me, fill me, send me and use me.
That my preaching will be anointed by the Holy Spirit, so that a genuine movement of God can / will take place.
That I would discern the leading of God with unmistakable clarity, and that the words I say would be chosen by God.
That my voice remains strong and clear.
That with God’s help, I would communicate His truth to the best of my ability.
Evangelistic praying
Pray that God will draw people to Himself.
Pray by name for specific unsaved people.
Pray that God would remove spiritual blindness.
Pray that people would hunger for the true God.
Pray that people will understand and believe the Scriptures.
That as I preach, the Holy Spirit would touch the intellect, emotion and will of every listener, drawing them to Himself.
Pray that any one present who needs to be born again would believe on Christ as Savior.
Pray that people would not just become converts, but would be disciples.
Revival praying
Pray that in churches everywhere, God would bring thorough and long-lasting revival.
Pray that the Holy Spirit would move Christians to consistent, honest and faithful prayer.
Pray that Christians will focus more on “who they are,” rather than merely on “what they do”
Pray that God will arouse believers who may otherwise be content with things as they are.
Pray that Christians will have an insatiable thirst for the Word of God.
Pray that Bible study would be a priority for all believers.
Pray that God would call Christians into all types of ministries.
Pray that, from among teens and young adults, God would raise up Christian leaders.
Pray that Christians would not have “ought against each other” (Matthew 5:23-24).
Pray that believers would not harbor grudges and unforgiveness among themselves.
Pray that Christians would be the same in private that they are in public. Pray that the words and actions of believers would “match up.”
Pray that Christians will be consumed with a desire for God to be worshipped and for people to be saved.
Pray that God would bring repentance, cleansing, and the Holy Spirit’s filling to the Body of Christ.
Prayer - the most potent resource of all
Throughout the centuries, Christian leaders have testified to the power of sincere, specific prayer. Given the fact that all ministers need God’s hand on their lives as they prepare and deliver their messages and in light of the testimonies presented here, I believe that the role of prayer in preaching cannot be overstated. Samuel Chadwick (1860-1932) summed up well the need for those in ministry to keep prayer a priority: “The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying, The devil fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, prayerless religion. The devil laughs at our toil, mocks our wisdom, but Satan trembles when we pray.”
________________
Chadwick, Samuel. Cited in The New Encyclopedia of Christian Quotations (Hampshire, UK: John Hunt Publishing, 2000), p. 783.

God’s Eternal Purpose


The Bible is abundantly clear that God works…

"According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ our Lord."

The words "eternal purpose" are not that easy to understand. The Greek words for "eternal" mean "of the ages." The Greek for "purpose" refers to the design, intention or goal. We find that the "eternal purpose" of God was active in the ancient history of Israel and its neighboring nations. It is further learned that nothing could restrain or interrupt the "divine intention."

"Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand… for the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disable it? And His hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?"

Later, the apostle Paul spoke of God working His ancient purpose through the Messiah, Jesus.

"Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began."

We see in Bible history that the purpose of God reached forward, into two distinct areas, the "earth below" and "heaven above." And we get a glimpse of it in the prayer petition that the Lord taught His disciples.

"Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."

We also learn from the apostle Paul that God’s purpose in earth and heaven was to…

"…gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in Him."

This joined those on earth and those in heaven into "a new creation" called "one new man." These separated groups in heaven and earth were situated and formed into union with the Christ, seated at the Father’s Right Hand. For those "in Christ" to live according to their new position, God indwells them, guiding them and opening their understanding to His Will. John, the Revelator made mention of this as he wrote of hearing an awesome voice out of heaven saying:

"Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

As "former things," in Judaism were passing away, "all things" were becoming "new," as to quality. For, He that sat upon the throne said,

"I make all things new."

Throughout the history of redemption, angels attended God’s ambition and purpose. However, in this present age, it is a new day. We are now associated with "things new." And we are void of helpful angelic manifestations. This is due to the fact that now, as in no other age, the Father Himself indwells us and we are aided by His powerful presence and leading, which is more constant, vital, and exalting than former angelic visitations could possibly have ever been. This new way was achieved by Christ Jesus dying, rising and ascending to His Father in heaven to become Lord over all so…

"…that God may be all (things) in all (places)."

Since then, God began to dwell in people, He no longer dwelt in tent or brick/mortar buildings. Therefore, it is reasonable that first century believers never met in religious structures. That's what made the new life "in Christ" different from other religions in the Egyptian, Roman, Greek and Persian cultures -- it had no holy buildings. When Paul visited synagogues, it was to take the gospel to the Jews, not gather "brothers & sisters" together for worship. The message of the gospel did not encourage assembles to divide into ethnic groups for worship. That would deny what the gospel stood for. Believers from all backgrounds met together in a home of that city. Race barriers were removed by the gospel of Christ.

Today, when a religious building is erected, men appear in the forefront to lead the congregation into identity and growth. In light of Jesus' teaching, these brethren should function together without titles like Rabbi, Rev., Pastor, etc. The clergy/laity distinction is only fed by titles that elevate the few believers above others. It is difficult to learn that the ground at the foot of the cross is level.

In determining to minister, is it possible to step back and evaluate the wisdom of huge expenditures on construction of buildings? The first century church prospered spiritually and advanced powerfully without building buildings. Why do we feel compelled to invest so heavily into sacred structures, in which to meet God? That contradicts the truth of His Temple or true dwelling place? People are His building and this was something very NEW to ancient religions. The people of God became a "new creation" for God to dwell in. People are His temple. No wonder the apostle prayed:

"Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out. For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been His counselor? Or who hath first given to Him and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom is glory forever."

The Divine power that definitely changes the life of any individual is the new indwelling presence of God. Open your heart to him and His loving presence will fill your life with purpose and you will understand true Love and Forgiveness, that is found only in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Let's fight!

Gentle reader,
Please find a article that will get your blood pressure up (maybe, or not) In any case this issue needs to be addressed Where do you stand on leadership for women?

Is There Such a Thing as a Complegalitarian?
Mark L. Strauss
Bethel Seminary, San Diego

One of the most divisive issues in the evangelical church over the past few decades has been the discussion surrounding the role of women and men in the church and the home. This debate pits “complementarians,” who believe that men and women have distinct God-given roles in the church and the home, against “egalitarians,” who believe that the new age of salvation in Christ means full equality of gifts, calling and church office. Complementarians point especially to 1 Timothy 2:11-15, where Paul tells Timothy that he does not allow women to teach or exercise authority over men. Egalitarians point to Galatians 3:28, where Paul says that former divisions based on ethnicity (Jew and Gentile), social status (slave and free), and gender (male and female) have been overcome “in Christ.”

This brief essay is not an attempt to solve the issue. Not even close. If you are interested in pursuing it, there are many excellent books that argue convincingly for one side or the other. See especially the “manifestos” for both positions: Discovering Biblical Equality (eds. Pierce and Groothuis; egalitarian) and Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (eds. Piper and Grudem; complementarian). If you can’t afford these, get both views in one handy volume with the excellent Two Views on Women in Ministry (eds. Beck and Blomberg).

So what are we to do with this issue? I am in print and on record as a complementarian. I remain in this camp because it seems to me that God has made women and men to be different. Men naturally gravitate more toward assertive leadership roles, while women tend toward more supportive and nurturing ones. This tendency seems to me confirmed not only biblically, but also biologically. Social-scientific studies, as well as a mountain of anecdotal evidence, indicate that men and women are different in the way they think and interact with others. And different gifts and skills translate naturally into different social roles.

Although I remain a complementarian, I have been accused on more than one occasion of being a “closet” egalitarian. I’m not unhappy with that description. One of my colleagues calls himself a “complegalitarian.” That’s not bad. If you asked the women I work with if I am supportive of their gifts and calling, I’m pretty sure they would say “yes.” If you asked them whether they feel their opinions and perspectives are highly valued and respected, I think you’d get the same answer. I have never told a woman she should not teach, or that she should not fulfill a pastoral role, or that she should not become ordained or move into a position of leadership. I believe that is between her and God. When it comes to using people for his purpose, it doesn’t seem to me God ever limits his options. If God could speak to Balaam through a donkey, if God could deliver Israel through a whiner like Moses, if God could turn the world upside down with a bunch of faith-challenged disciples, indeed, if God can use me with all my failings, then it would be pretty arrogant to say that God can’t use anyone he chooses.

Although I believe God usually calls men to leadership roles, there have been many exceptions both biblically and historically. Take Deborah for example (Judg. 4-5). I have heard complementarians claim that Deborah was really just a counselor, giving private advice to those who came to her (move over Dr. Laura). This seems to me special pleading. The judges in Israel were leaders, and Deborah clearly exercised political as well as judicial leadership. Or take Priscilla, a gifted New Testament teacher who is usually named ahead of her husband Aquila. This is likely because of her more prominent teaching and leadership role. The claim by some that she only privately instructed Apollos while under the authority of her husband seems to me a desperate attempt to deny that God ever uses women in leadership roles. Or take Phoebe (Rom. 16:1), or Junia (Rom. 16:7) or the thousands of women who have served throughout history in leadership and teaching roles in the church and on the mission field.

How do I square this perspective with 1 Timothy 2:11-15 and the (few) other texts that deal with this issue? First Timothy, like all New Testament letters, is situational and was written to address a specific situation in the church in Ephesus. If Paul’s statements here were absolute, why would we find apparent exceptions elsewhere in the New Testament, and especially throughout history? It seems Paul is applying a general principle —men should lead and teach—to a specific historical situation. Paul wants men to lead in the church, because churches are dysfunctional if they don’t have strong male leadership. Does that mean that there can be no female leadership? This is where I would differ from many of my complementarian friends.

The women’s movement—both in secular society and in the church—did not arise in a vacuum. It arose in contexts where women’s voices were not heard or respected. It arose in churches where gifts and callings were ignored or demeaned. It arose in places where women who were gifted in leadership and teaching were told to sit down, shut up, and defer to their (sometimes much less gifted) male counterparts. We need to address these issues first, before we start telling women what they can and cannot do.

As a seminary professor, I preach in a lot of churches and work with a lot of pastors. I also see many churches in crisis, often losing staff and sometimes splitting. But I have never seen a church in crisis because a woman was trying to assert her authority over a man. Rather, the causes are always the same: pride, self-centeredness, desire for control, an inability to get along with others. And in almost every case, males are the primary offenders. The greatest danger to our churches is not creeping feminism, it is human sin and our inability to humbly submit in love to one another. When we start valuing and loving one another like Christ loved the church, I am convinced that these struggles over church leadership will disappear. I don’t see women clamoring to take over the church. I see them looking for the opportunity to exercise their gifts and calling as equals in the body of Christ.

As you face this difficult issue in your church, ask yourself these questions: "Do the women in this congregation feel their gifts and calling are ignored or neglected? Do they feel their voices and opinions are not heard or valued? Do they ever feel like second-class citizens? If you get even a hint of a “yes” to these questions, it’s time to examine the style of leadership that is modeled in your church body. In the radical new leadership paradigm Jesus proposed, the last become first, and to lead you must serve, “for even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

trust

It's true that this road I travel,

Sometimes takes me places I don't want to go...

It's true that I'm sometimes reluctant,

And really don't want others to know...



But in His Word I was reminded

That if I refuse to do His will

That not only will the poor sinner die,

But I'd be held accountable still!



The Lord called me to an awesome task,

I'm afraid, and doubt sometimes slows my way;

But that doesn't mean God changed His mind,

And so he convicts me each and every day!



It's an intense struggle that's within,

It burdens me right to my very soul;

To feel that I am outside of God's will

Desperately trying to figure out what will make me whole!



He has called me --- Or at least that's what it "seems"

But at this point, I don't really know;

So the ONLY thing I know to do

Is to try, and see if I'll be accepted to go...



Where He leads me, I will follow;

Even though my faith at best is poor;

And although it is a struggle;

I'm learning to trust him more and more!