Da Bauz's Take

Greetings I am but s simple Christian who has become completely disenchanted with “chasing the ‘almighty’ dollar” thus now pursue knowing The Almighty G-d; Jesus Christ / Yeshua Ha Mashiach; Rabbi Yeshua Bar Yosef. It is my hope that I may present some insightful yet provocative food for thought. I welcome all who read this to ask questions. In fact please do not take anything I write at face value, rather research and verify the facts and form your own opinions. Blessings in Christ, Da Bauz

Monday, 9 November 2015

RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD

Rightly Dividing The Word

Consider TWO (2) Greek Words… #RAD

Greek words

Orthotomeo – (ὀρθοτομέω), pronounced or-thot-om-eh'-o, Strong’s 3718

Meaning - to proceed by straight paths, hold a straight course, equivalent to “to do right”, also - to accurately, as a single unified whole and without being turned aside by false teaching or man-made agendas, approach and understand something. IE G-d’s (Christ’s) Holy Word. And to do so by way of individual passages in context, by Book / Theme and by the totality of the writings (the Bible) as a whole in its entirety.

http://bit.ly/1SDJgsz

Katatomeo – (κατατομή), pronounced kat-at-om-ay', Strong’s 2699

Meaning - to cut down, or cut up into sections. As in separate and distinct ideologies, themes even promises for the so-called Jewish portions and the so-called Church portions of the Word of G-d. Postulating distinct programs even for Israel and the Gentile church, which extends on into eternity.

http://bit.ly/1SDJKin

So then, what does the phrase, “rightly dividing the Word” as found in II Timothy 2:15, verses another phrase such as “beware of the concision” as depicted in Philippians 3:2, both written by Paul mean? Which Greek word was used by Paul, and where?

Let’s first take a look at II Timothy 2:15, the Greek word, “orthotomeo”, as used by Paul here, means to take as a single unified whole, and without being turned aside by false teaching or man-made agendas, the Biblical texts. The reason for the choice of words used by Paul should be reasonable clear, if not blatantly obvious. For Paul to use this specific word, “orthotomeo”, as opposed to “katatomeo” as found in Philippians 3:2 (which means to “cut up into sections, such as ‘Jewish portions’ and ‘Church portions’ ”) renders II Timothy 2:15 as – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, (taking the Word of G-d as a single unified whole, and without being turned aside by false teaching or man-made agendas) rightly dividing the word of truth.” – but to use the Greek word “katatomeo”, to “cut up into sections” would have rendered II Timothy 2:15 as – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, (taking the Word of G-d and cut It up into sections, such as ‘Jewish portions’ and ‘Church portions’) rightly dividing the word of truth.”

The dispensationalists who espouse such divisions, that is to say those who teach to cut the Word of G-d up into sections such as ‘Jewish portions’ and ‘Church portions’, are really no better and ultimately no different than those who espouse “Replacement Theology”. Their teachings are divisive, and are not in keeping with the broader, whole counsel of the Word. Both replacement theology and this cut into pieces dispensationalism run 100% crosswise to Romans chapters nine through eleven. Also, within the confines of this subject of “rightly dividing the Word”, many are adamant in opposing even the ‘religiosity of the “Sinner’s Prayer”. Claiming, among many things that it too is “doing” something (a.k.a. is works based, and as G-d’s (Christ’s) Holy Word in Ephesians 2:8 - 10 makes it clear, we are not “saved” by works, but rather saved by grace, ‘not of works, lest any man should boast’ KJV), that it is formulizing Salvation, and that it basically places G-d (Christ) into this “box” suggesting that if one does not say this lengthy, eloquent “sinner’s prayer”, that one is… well at the very least implying that one is NOT really saved.

The truly sad (more so tragic really) part is that those who oppose these formulae, advocate their own formula (or sorts), in that they emphasize their own ideals (a formula of sorts) that salvation comes from “trusting in G-d (Christ)”, and by trusting in G-d alone. Trusting in G-d (Christ) surely does not sound unbiblical, so why would I call it “another formula”? First let me attempt to explain what I mean by ‘they oppose these formulae’. What I mean is that if they (the dispensationalist) even hear someone suggest anything that in any way can be taken as a “sinner’s prayer”, even something as simple as one saying “Yes Lord” (two simple words!) they will jump all over the perceived “opportunity” to correct the errant “christian” for adhering to an unbiblical formula. And this will be done because said “christian”, or “christian’s” testimony of conversion, does not adhere to their formula (“idea of not using any sort of formulae). In other words, they preach against salvation by formula, by way of using their exclusive, elitist formula, as opposed to someone else’s formulae.

By the way, exclusivity, elitism, and anti-Semitism (Replacement Theologies) are all signs of cults. And I personally happen to agree that teaching that a person is “only saved, IF said person says a lengthy and eloquent structured ‘sinner’s prayer’ ” is very elitist. It smacks of works based salvation, and it potentially gives the reciter of the most flamboyant, lengthy and eloquent “sinner’s prayer” Bragging Rights, as it were, which is in complete violation of Ephesians 2:9! The problem comes in to play, when one opposes the very notion of a ‘sinner’s prayer’ with such ardent enthusiasm, that one creates or “formulates” one’s own, unformulated formula. It remains exclusivity, elitism and likewise potentially grants one Bragging Rights, for ‘not following an unbiblical formula’.

So, what am I suggesting then must happen for one to be saved? If “works” has nothing to do with the process, and “works” can broadly be defined as everything from saying a simple (or complex) ‘sinner’s prayer’, to getting baptised, what then does one have to do (or if not “do”, what then must happen in order for one) to ‘get saved’, ‘gain right standing with G-d (Christ)’, to simply ‘become a Christian’? Well G-d’s (Christ’s) Holy Word very simply says:

The just (saved) shall live by faith!

In very simple terms, a Christian is – One who is known by, and knows, G-d (Christ). And to become a Christian – One must become known by, and get to know G-d (Christ). How does one become known by G-d (Christ), and how does one differentiate between ‘known’ in the context of – “G-d knows every man’s heart, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14, II Corinthians 5:10 and Jeremiah 17:10), and ‘known’ in the context of having been bought with the redemptive power of Christ’s shed Blood (John 10:27)? It begins with trust. Trusting G-d (Christ), trusting in G-d, and ultimately it’s a matter of one’s heart. Whether one’s comes to the place where one ‘knows’, and ‘is known by’ G-d (Christ) by way of a recitation of a loud, flamboyant, eloquent and lengthy ‘sinner’s prayer’, or whether said place is arrived at by way of much, much more subdued means, G-d (Christ) and G-d alone, knowns each man’s (humankind’s) heart.

The just (saved) shall live by faith - Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38

and

I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings - Hosea 6:6; Matthew 9:13; Micah 6:8

and

Rend your heart and not your garments - Joel 2:13; Psalm 51:17; Psalm 34:18; Luke 18:13-14

And I know that many of you will disagree with this… that is ok. Just please, do not take my word for this. Look the words up, pray and ask G-d (Christ) for revelation, and study His Word…

“No Jesus, NO peace” and yet, “Know Jesus, KNOW peace”

How does one get to “know” Jesus? Simple, invite Him into your heart, as Jesus says: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” [Revelation 3:20 NIV] How can we be assured that this Jesus stuff means anything? Well because the Bible tells us so, as the Apostle Paul wrote:

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” [Romans 10:9-10 NIV]

And for those of you who say to me, I can’t be bothered reading the Bible, “it’s confusing” or “it’s a waste of my time”, may I draw your attention to what the Bible says about wisdom: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” [Proverbs 9:10 NIV]

If nothing else, PLEASE read two chapters from the Bible – (don’t own one, sorry NO excuse, if you’re reading this, you can access this: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203:16&version=NIV) John 3 and John 14!

John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

And John 14:6 says: “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

R epent of rejecting Christ

A ccept Christ as your Lord

D evelop your relationship with the Living Almighty God Himself as your personal Lord and Saviour

John 3:16, Revelation 3:20, Romans 10:9 -10, Revelation 21:27, II Corinthians 5:21 and I John 5:13 / John 20:31!

Shalom!

Cited or consulted sources and resources

http://bit.ly/1SDJgsz - “Strong’s 3718”

http://bit.ly/1SDJKin - “Strong’s 2699”

http://bit.ly/1kliLwA - “Bible Hub”

http://bit.ly/1kliTMD - “BibleGateway”

http://bit.ly/1klj4rd - “What Does Paul Mean by 'Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth'?”

By Dr. Paul M. Elliott

Tuesday, 27 October 2015

PRE-DESTINATION / FREE WILL, #RAD even

Pre-Destination / Free Will, #RAD even

Pre-Destination / Free Will (The idea that G-d {Christ} “hates” some, “loves” others and predetermines or pre-destines all to the final destination of His choosing, devoid of “free will” and / or individual choices)

Simple blunt fact, heresy or part of a more multifaceted picture?

Yes, Romans 8:29 & 30 very clearly say - "...he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son...", KJV

But without considering the context of Romans 8:26 thru 8:33, PLUS all of Romans 8, PLUS the context of the entire Book of Romans as well as the broader context of the entire counsel of the Word of G-d (Christ), which includes all 66 Books of the Holy Bible, one could find oneself in the crosshairs of heresy (bastardizing the very Word of G-d he or she purports to be defending).

While Romans 8:29, as a stand-alone verse, does say: 'he also did predestine', the verse in II Peter, Chapter 3 verse 9 very clearly says that '…He is Not *willing* that any should perish...'

To take Romans 8 or II Peter 3, alone, and ignore the other, is akin to 'Adding to (modifying / deviating from) G-d’s (Christ’s) Holy Word'. And this is indeed wise counsel:

Add not to His words...

“⁶ Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” - Proverbs 30:6, KJV Ponder that for a spell

In the mean time I have put together some thoughts on this interesting and rather controversial subject, well the above two points “Pre-Destination” & “Free Will”, plus the ideology that G-d (Christ) “hates”, at least some of, humankind.

First - a look at the use of the English word “hate”, as applied to humankind in the Biblical texts. Over the past couple of weeks I have had several people either inbox me via Facebook PM’s, or challenge my (and other’s) assertions that “G-d (Christ) loves all people” - (John 3:16 & 17) - in public Forums. Two of the most common points of reference are Romans 9:13 and Malachi 1:3, which before even moving on to points of “context”, I feel one must first consider the use of the English word “hate” in conjunction with both the Hebrew and Greek words.

The Hebrew word “sane” (שָׂנֵא), phonetically spelled (saw-nay') ( ¹), and the Greek word “miseó” μισέω, phonetically spelled (mis-eh'-o) ( ²), both traditionally mean to “hate”, “detest”, “love less” and “esteem less”. Thus if one only looks at verses such as Romans 9:13 and Malachi 1:3 as stand-alone verses, taking the word(s) “miseó” μισέω, & “sane” (שָׂנֵא) to mean exclusively to “hate” or “detest”, and not also take into consideration both the broader context of G-d’s (Christ’s) Holy Word and the broader meaning(s) of the word(s) “miseó” μισέω, & “sane” (שָׂנֵא), being to “love less” and even “esteem less”, it is easy to see how people can get things very askew.

Now moving on to context, when one also considers passages such as:

Luke 14:26 and I John 3:15,

Especially in view of the fact that both of these texts use the same Greek word – “miseó” μισέω – one is bound to conclude that the Bible is very contradictory. When the simple fact is that, while the English word “hate”, from the Greek word “miseó” μισέω, is indeed very blunt, harsh and absolute, there are broader (softer) meanings for the Greek word - “love less” even “esteem less”. And even in the Hebrew, the word “sane” (שָׂנֵא) which is used in Leviticus 19:17 in the sense of NOT despising one’s brother, even if they’ve committed a heinous crime – “¹⁷ Do not hate your brother in your heart, but rebuke your neighbor frankly, so that you won’t carry sin because of him.” – CJB.

Quoting – “²⁶ “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be My disciple.” – End Quote, Luke 14:26 HCSB and

Quoting – “¹⁵ Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.” – End Quote, I John 3:15 CJB.

One cannot, in clear conscience, take the English word rendered “hate”, as always to exclusively mean - ‘to despise’.

By the way this is not about making a plea for G-d’s (Christ’s) children to rely on their own human flawed understanding, and decide – ‘well this seems *reasonable* and that does not seem *reasonable*.’ – NOT at all! G-d is sovereign, and G-d’s (Christ’s) Holy Word clearly tells us that – “⁹ His ways are higher than our ways” – Isaiah 55:9, and that “there is a way which seems right to a man, but the end therein is death” – Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 14:12, Proverbs 16:25 and Romans 6:21. Rather this is about something much more akin to the “Great Trilemma” as coined by C.S. Lewis:

G-d (Christ) is either LIAR, LUNATIC or LORD.

Either G-d (Christ) is a raving lunatic, or a pathological liar, to tell His disciples on the one hand (Luke 14:26) to hate your brothers, and then also tell folk that (I John 3:15) if you hate, there is no place for you in Heaven. OR, Christ is Lord, He cannot lie, and that there’s more to this use of the English word ‘hate’ that must be realized from the broader context of the whole of G-d’s (Christ’s) Holy Word, the Bible. And helping us see what is in keeping with the broader context of the FULL counsel of G-d’s (Christ’s) Holy Word is something that the Holy Ghost is here for.

Second - let’s consider Pre-Destination. What does G-d’s (Christ’s) Holy Word have to say about “Pre-Destination”? A great deal actually is said in G-d’s (Christ’s) Holy Word about Pre-Destination. Romans 8:29 & 30 is a pretty clear, and is an oft quoted set of ‘proof’ texts for Pre-Destination. Though there are many texts ( ³ ) that likewise present and even support Pre-Destination, context must always be considered. Context such as Romans 8:26 – 33, as well as the broader context of all 66 Books of the Holy Bible:

“^{26 In the same way the Spirit [comes to us and] helps us in our
weakness. We do not know what prayer to offer or how to offer it as we should,
but the Spirit Himself [knows our need and at the right time] intercedes on our
behalf with sighs and groanings too deep for words. 27 And He who searches the
hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes
[before God] on behalf of [a]God’s people in accordance with God’s will.}

^{28 And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply
concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for
those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew
[and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the
image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that
He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many believers. 30 And those whom He
predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified
[declared free of the guilt of sin]; and those whom He justified, He also
glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity].}

^{31 What then shall we say to all these things? If God is for us, who
can be [successful] against us? 32 He who did not spare [even] His own Son, but gave Him
up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all
things? 33 Who
will bring any charge against God’s elect (His chosen ones)? It is God who
justifies us [declaring us blameless and putting us in a right relationship
with Himself].}” – Romans 8:26 - 8:33, AMP

Thus it can be clearly seen that, Pre-Destination is a biblical doctrine. But is Pre-Destination truly just an exclusive, stand-alone absolute biblical doctrine? Or… is it, at least possible, that there is more - a much more multifaceted - “more” to the obviously biblical doctrine of Pre-Destination? Ponder this now for a spell

Third - let’s take a look at “Free Will” next shall we! We do not see anywhere in the Bible where G-d (Christ) rejects those who turn to Him, seeking Him earnestly. Deuteronomy 4:29 - “…seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him…” - “…if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.” - AMP. We read in II Peter 3:9 that the Lord is - “…not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” Here too II Peter 3:9 is a pretty clear, and is an oft quoted set of ‘proof’ texts for Free Will. And once more though there are many texts ( ⁴ ) that likewise present and even support Free Will, context must always be considered.

“^{6 through which the world at that time was destroyed by being flooded
with water. 7 But
by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, being
kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly people.}

^{8 Nevertheless, do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved,
that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is
like one day. 9
The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about
His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward
you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.}

^{10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens
will vanish with a [mighty and thunderous] roar, and the [material] elements
will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and the works that are on it
will be burned up.}

^{11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what kind of
people ought you to be [in the meantime] in holy behavior [that is, in a
pattern of daily life that sets you apart as a believer] and in godliness
[displaying profound reverence toward our awesome God], 12 [while you earnestly] look
for and await the coming of the day of God. For on this day the heavens will be
destroyed by burning, and the [material] elements will melt with intense heat!}” - II Peter 3:6-12, AMP

Hereto it can be clearly seen that, Free Will is indeed a biblical doctrine. But is Free Will truly just an exclusive, stand-alone absolute biblical doctrine? Or… is it, at least possible, that there is more - a much more multifaceted - “more” to the obviously biblical doctrine of Free Will? Ponder this now for a spell

Again to take Romans 8 or II Peter 3, alone, and ignore the other, is akin to 'Adding to (modifying / deviating from) G-d’s (Christ’s) Holy Word'. Therefore then, if the Bible does say (use the words) - “G-d ‘hated’ Esau” ( ⁵ ) , - but also says (uses the words) - “…everyone who hates his brother… eternal life cannot abide in…” ( ⁶ ). And if the Bible also does say (use the words) - “…He {G-d (Christ)}… predestined …” ( ⁷ ) - but also says (uses the words) - “…not willing that any person would perish…” ( ⁸ ), then we are back to the aforementioned Trilemma, no?

G-d (Christ) must surely seem very fickle to say on the one hand that, He personally hates some and yet He also states that anyone who hates another cannot see heaven. ( ⁹ ) That, if you do not hate your own mother or brother, you’re not fit for heaven and yet He also tells us that anyone who says ‘he is in the light’ while hating his brother, remains in darkness. ( ¹⁰ ) Fickle at least, in the sense that on the surface these things do seem to be contradictory. Are they though?

What does Pre-Destination as an exclusive, stand-alone absolute biblical doctrine mean or imply then? Were Adam & Eve not created to live forever (without sin) in perfect harmony with G-d (Christ) in paradise? If either was created with the sole Pre-Destined purpose to rebel, where does this leave Free Will? If, as Pre-Destination is often preached, Adam and Eve were created with the Pre-Destined purpose to rebel, with the ‘in G-d’s WILL’ purpose to rebel, why would He punish them for fulfilling His perfect Will?

How does Free Will as an exclusive, stand-alone absolute biblical doctrine apply to the Christian walk? What does it mean or imply then? Did Adam & Eve not have the Free Will to choose to either rebel or obey, G-d’s (Christ’s) simple directive ( ¹¹ )?

Many (I think / believe) take the mistaken position that because G-d (Christ) in His infinite foreknowledge ( ¹² ), knew (knows) the end from the beginning ( ¹² ), actually planned, intentionally willed, desired and wholeheartedly WANTED things to be a given way. Consider what we read in Genesis 1:1 ( ¹³ ), as rendered in Ancient Hebrew Pictograph text ( ¹⁵ ), and that even the very FIRST word of TORAH, "Bereishit" as depicted in Ancient Hebrew Pictograph ( ¹⁵ ). This is supported by both I Peter 1:20 and Acts 2:23 ( ¹⁴ ).

Genesis 1:1 says, in almost any English rendering – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” – and as rendered via the Ancient Hebrew Pictographs, it can be translated as saying – “The Son of God, destroyed by the hand of God at the Cross” – see ( ¹⁵ ). The point?

The point is simple – G-d knew even before He created anything, that – humankind would rebel, and rebel in the extreme, such that they (humankind) would be hopelessly lost. So *knowing* that man’s only HOPE would be in the form of Christ’s redemptive shed blood, G-d saw fit to have His message of hope buried in the very first word of the Bible. But does this mean that G-d intended for, actually planned, intentionally willed, desired and wholeheartedly WANTED to send His only Son?

Romans 8 makes it clear that G-d (Christ) has a Pre-Destined plan for us all... and in II Peter 3:9 we read that G-d (Christ) has a WILL for none to be lost. And passages such as Romans 9:13 & Luke 14:26 speak of ‘hating’ (albeit in differing contexts), while I John 3:15 provides an ominous warning against hating!

So, if II Peter 3, Ezekiel 33, I Timothy 2 and others are correct, that G-d's (Christ's) will is for all to come to repentance (which is what He predestined all for)... why are some perishing?

Willful choices to sin. Sin by acts of commission as well as sin by acts of omission. Including heretical (bastardizing the very Word of G-d) teachings like, but not limited only to - teachings that G-d (Christ):

Hates some people

Wills that some go to hell

Etc.

“No Jesus, NO peace” and yet, “Know Jesus, KNOW peace”

John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

And John 14:6 says: “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

R epent of rejecting Christ

A ccept Christ as your Lord

D evelop your relationship with the Living Almighty God Himself as your personal Lord and Saviour

John 3:16, Revelation 3:20, Romans 10:9 -10, Revelation 21:27, II Corinthians 5:21 and I John 5:13 / John 20:31!

Shalom!

Cited or consulted sources and resources

( ¹) - http://bit.ly/1RxDqYp - Strong's Concordance - sane - Hebrew

( ²) - http://bit.ly/1We0a6v - Strong's Concordance - miseó – Greek

( ³ ) - Romans 9:23, Romans 11:2, Ephesians 1:5, Ephesians 1:11, Matthew 24:22, Matthew 24:31, Mark 13:20, Mark 13:27, Romans 8:33, Romans 9:11, Colossians 3:12, 1 Thessalonians 1:4, Timothy 2:10, Titus 1:1, I Peter 1:1 to I Peter 1:2 and II Peter 1:10 to name a few.

( ⁴ ) - Ezekiel 33:11, I Timothy 2:4, Revelation 2:21, Ezekiel 18:32, Acts 3:19, Isaiah 55:7, Ezekiel 18:23, John 3:17, Job 37:23, Romans 11:14, II Peter 3:9, Isaiah 49:18, Romans 5:6, Isaiah 55:6, Jeremiah 3:12, Jeremiah 3:22, Lamentations 3:33, Romans 5:8 & my personal favourite II Chronicles 7:14 to name a few.

( ⁵ ) - Romans 9:13 & Malachi 1:3

( ⁶ ) - 1 John 3:15 & Leviticus 19:17

( ⁷ ) - Romans 8:29 & Ephesians 1:5

( ⁸ ) - II Peter 3:9 & I Timothy 2:4

( ⁹ ) - Romans 9:13 & 1 John 3:15

( ¹⁰ ) - Luke 14:26 & I John 2:9

( ¹¹ ) - Genesis 2:17 & Genesis 3:1, 4-5

( ¹² ) - Isaiah 46:10

( ¹³ ) - Genesis 1:1

( ¹⁴ ) - I Peter 1:20 and Acts 2:23

( ¹⁵ ) - Ancient Hebrew Pictograph & Ancient Hebrew Pictograph

Additional Resources

The website(s) “Got Questions” (predestination) - http://bit.ly/1jGACxL & (Predestination and Election) http://bit.ly/1jGBend & “Hate Esau” (love Jacob and hate Esau) - http://bit.ly/1WdZQEQ & “Free Will” - http://bit.ly/1OVDS5d and “C.A.R.M.” (Predestination) - http://bit.ly/1jGAYV2 & (Predestination and Free will) - http://bit.ly/1jGBiTI & (love Jacob and hate Esau) - http://bit.ly/1WdZWfu & “Free Will” - http://bit.ly/1OVE842 contain some additional information on the biblical concept of “Pre-Destination”, “Free Will” and “G-d (Christ) “hates”.

Thursday, 14 May 2015

Do Not Worry For Anything

As a Christian I am troubled by all the date-setters (not terribly surprised, but troubled). Of late I have been seeing a great deal of increased emphasis placed upon the significance (in terms of New Testament prophecies of signs of Christ's return) of four blood-red moons. Emphasis suggesting that - "The Lord's return, *mark my words* could be within the next few days, certainly will be within the next few weeks, and will not be later than _____. *Mark my words*" - And then guess what, when _______ date comes, and a new day dawns afterward, e're bawdy's all - "Oooo, umm, ah well ah... I am shocked..., oh well on to the next ‘date-setting’ scheme.” (well few folk openly concede it's a "date-setting scheme", but a spade is a spade). These folk talk about how "shocked" they is that 'the Lord's return' did not happen as they predicted.

Why does this seem shocking? The Bible is pretty clear about a few things.

A) Christ is coming back (we can count on that) – “…When everything is ready, then I will come and get you…” – Yochanan 14:3 (John 14:3) – TLB – See also Matthew 16:27; Zechariah 14:5; John 21:22-23; Acts 1:11; Jude 1:14; Revelation 22:12; John 14:28;

B) No one knows the day - “But of that [exact] day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” – Mattityahu 24:36 (Matthew 24:36) – AMP;

C) We are warned that if someone says "look over here, the Christ is here", that we ought to recognize that immediately as a lie. – Mattityahu 24:23 (Matthew 24:23) – paraphrased;

D) That we are to recognize, signs, seasons and times... but with caution, MUCH caution (many people regularly and repeatedly use the 'Recognize The Seasons' teachings as a means to sidestep the clear statements of Christ that “NO ONE knows the day or hour”, and of Paul’s “NO need to have anything written about dates & times” from 1 Thessalonians 5. And they do so to the detriment of both themselves and the body of Christ.); – “But as to… times and the precise seasons and dates,… no necessity for anything being written to you.” – Consider first and foremost the simple exhortation found in Kehillah in Thessalonika I 5:1 (1 Thessalonians 5:1) – But as to the suitable Times and the precise Seasons and Dates, brethren, you have No Necessity for anything Being Written To You. – AMP – See also Matthew 24:36; Jeremiah 8:7; Zechariah 5:9; Matthew 24:8; Song of Solomon 2:12; Isaiah 1:3; Isaiah 27:11; and

E) That we are to NOT be worrying about setting dates! – “…Not to allow your minds to be quickly unsettled or disturbed or kept excited or alarmed…” – Kehillah in Thessalonika II 2:1-2 (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2) – AMP – See also 1 John 4:1; Proverbs 3:6; Matthew 6:25; Matthew 6:27; Matthew 6:28; Matthew 6:31; Matthew 6:34

I think there is sound Scriptural support for each of us to:

i) Expect and even look for His return, not just daily but even throughout each day

ii) Plan as though His return may very well take beyond our individual time on this earth

iii) Share what we know (including the truth that His return could be today, or might not be in our present lifespan), with those who know Him not and encourage all to read their Bibles, get to know God (Christ), and other Christians

I am troubled by the constant date-setters...

“No Jesus, NO peace” and yet, “Know Jesus, KNOW peace”

How does one get to “know” Jesus? Simple, invite Him into your heart, as Jesus says: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” [Revelation 3:20 NIV] How can we be assured that this Jesus stuff means anything, well because the Bible tells us so, as the Apostle Paul wrote:

We can also be vividly assured of our standing with God (Christ), if we have have simply asked Him to be our Lord, as we are promised by John “…so that you may know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have life, yes, eternal life.” [1 John 5:13 AMP] – See also John 20:31; 1 John 2:25

John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

And John 14:6 says: “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Cited or consulted sources and resources:

God’s (Christ’s) Holy Word, The Bible – most common citations from - Living Bible (TLB); Complete Jewish Bible (CJB); New Living Translation (NLT); Amplified Bible (AMP), New International Version (NIV); Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) and the Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)

http://bit.ly/1EI6WTs – “The Folly of Date Setting”

http://bit.ly/1EI7dWp – “66. The Second Coming of Christ”

http://bit.ly/1EI7l8n – “Second Coming of Jesus”

http://bit.ly/1EI7wQQ – “Jesus is Coming Soon!”

Wednesday, 13 May 2015

AM YISRAEL CHAI

Am Yisrael Chai

Please permit me to preface this with this key, vital, central and non-negotiable point: John 14:6 makes it vividly clear that there is NO Salvation, NONE, NOT for anyone, outside of one placing one’s life into the loving, caring, nurturing hands of Jesus Christ / Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Rabbi Yeshua bar Yosef), THE Jewish Messiah, by faith through the very grace of Christ. With that said, from Genesis through Revelation, the Scriptures (that is God’s (Christ’s) Holy Word which is the Holy Bible) make it clear that the Jew is God’s (Christ’s) chosen people. (***again*** NO ONE said the Jew is / Jews are saved, NO ONE).

Devarim 14:2 – “…Adonai your God has chosen you…” – CJB (Deuteronomy 14:2)
Tehillim 135:4 – “…the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself,and Israel for his peculiar treasure.” – KJV (Psalm 135:4)

Yeshayah 41:8 – “…“But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham…” – NIV (Isaiah 41:8)
Amos 3:1-2 ** – “…You only have I known (chosen, sympathized with, and loved) of all the families of the earth; therefore I will visit upon you all your wickedness and punish…” – AMP
Yochanan 4:22 – “…because salvation comes from the Jews.” – CJB (John 4:22)

Mattityahu 5:17 – “…I have come not to abolish but to complete.” – CJB (Matthew 5:17)

Kehillah in Rome 1:16 – “…It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes — The Jew First and also the Gentile.” – NLT (Romans 1:16)

Kehillah in Rome 3:1-2 – “…Much in every way! In the first place, the Jews were entrusted with the very words of God.” – CJB - THE JEWS WERE ENTRUSTED WITH THE VERY WORDS OF GOD (Romans 3:12)

Note even in Amos 3, where it is vividly clear that God (Christ) is indeed very angry with the Jews and the nation of Israel, does He ever say – “you have ceased to be MY chosen people”. So what about the Jews in the 20^th and 21^st centuries, is there / are there sound biblical reasons to believe that God (Christ) is finished with them? Any reason(s) to conclude that God (Christ) no longer deems the Jew – “His Chosen”? How about dwelling where the Jews dwell today, in the ancient land of the Chosen people, promised to the Jews way back in Bereshis 12 (Genesis 12), do the modern day Jews have a right to dwell in their land?

Let’s deal with the first two (2) questions first, Is God (Christ) is finished with the Jews? And Are the Jews no longer “His Chosen”? Let us consider some common misconceptions, shall we. And begin by turning to the New Testament.

Peter preached – “22 “Men of Isra’el! Listen to this! Yeshua from Natzeret was a man demonstrated to you to have been from God by the powerful works, miracles and signs that God performed through him in your presence. You yourselves know this. 23 This man was arrested in accordance with God’s predetermined plan and foreknowledge; and, through the agency of persons not bound by the Torah, you nailed him up on a stake and killed him!” - Gevurot 2:22 - 23 (Acts 2:22 - 23) – CJB

There you have it, right? Even Peter the Apostle very clearly stated, of Israel and the Jews, that they by their wicked hands crucified Jesus Christ / Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Rabbi bar Yosef). Or is it really just that simple? Throughout the past 2,000 years, wicked anti-Semitic men and women calling themselves ‘christian’ have used this passage, along with a few others, to call the Jews Christ-killers and to persecute the Jewish people. SHAME ON YOU!

Again, is this really a valid representation of teachings of the New Testament? No! While it is obviously true that Peter and other apostles did in fact hold the Jews responsible for their part in the crucifixion, it must also be recognized that the responsibility for Christ’s death rests with many others. Re-read the first part of Acts 2:23 again – “This man was arrested in accordance with God’s predetermined plan and foreknowledge...” – GOD’S PREDETERMINED PLAN AND FOREKNOWLEDGE

Under Romans law, the Jews could not have crucified Jesus themselves and this is not all. Check out the prayer of the apostles shortly after Peter’s above proclamation from Acts 2:22 – 23, in Acts 4:24 – 28.

The Apostles said: – “24 When they heard it, they raised their voices to God with singleness of heart. “Master,” they prayed, “You made heaven, earth, the sea and everything in them. 25 By the Ruach HaKodesh, through the mouth of our father David, your servant, you said,

‘Why did the nations rage

and the peoples devise useless plans?

26 The kings of the earth took their stand;

and the rulers assembled together

against Adonai

and against his Messiah.’

27 “This has come true in this city, since Herod and Pontius Pilate, with Goyim and the peoples of Isra’el, all assembled against your holy servant Yeshua, whom you made Messiah, 28 to do what your power and plan had already determined beforehand should happen.” – Gevurot 4:24 - 28 (Acts 4:24 – 28) – CJB – TO DO WHAT YOUR POWER AND PLAN HAD ALREADY DETERMINED BEFOREHAND SHOULD HAPPEN

Did you see that, I mean really SEE that? Sure yes the Jews, the people of Israel, were guilty. But also were the Gentiles, Herod and even Pilate. The whole world is guilty of rejecting Christ Jesus. Yes the world’s sin, your sin, my sin are all part of why Christ was obedient to His Father’s plan from before the very foundation of creation - Kehillah in Ephesus 1:4, Kefa I 1:20

So why then are so many ‘christians’ ready to dismiss Israel, worse condemn Israel even, as evil today?

Next, let’s address the third question from above - Do the modern day Jews have a right to dwell in Yisrael (Israel)?

Pastor Ron Cantor states that – “Even among Christians who on the surface claim to reject Replacement Theology, many insist that God’s promise of this particular piece of land to the Children of Israel and their descendants as a perpetual inheritance is null and void…”

In fact many cite the very obvious fact that the New Testament never reaffirms the covenant between God (Christ) and the Jewish people, and the land of Yisrael as evidence in support of this idea. That is in and of itself and as Pastor Ron points out, really rather baseless –“… the New Testament never reaffirms the concept of tithing, but nearly all Christian pastors and ministers hold that it is still a valid and even necessary practice…” Since when does the absence of a particular promise or concept render it invalid?

Let’s consider again Kehillah in Rome 3:1 & 2, 3 & 4 (Romans 3:1 & 2, 3 & 4) – “…what advantage has the Jew? What is the value of being circumcised? 2 Much in every way! In the first place, the Jews were entrusted with the very words of God… …Does their faithlessness cancel God’s faithfulness? 4 Heaven forbid! God would be true even if everyone were a liar!..” – CJB

what advantage has the Jew MUCH IN EVERY WAY, did you get that? Much in every way! Who is Paul speaking of? The Jews!

And - DOES THEIR FAITHLESSNESS CANCEL GOD’S FAITHFULNESS? 4 HEAVEN FORBID! What’s that O’ spirit of Anti-Christ, Anti-God, Anti-Semitic ‘christian’ and your rants about ‘God being *done* with the Jews, because they broke ranks’? - Heaven forbid!

The one, the very same evil, spiteful, lying, hateful spirit behind Eve’s temptation is the one and the very same spirit behind all this Anti-Christ / Anti-Semitic “Replacement Theology” garbage. So what covenant might it be that Paul is speaking of, as being unbroken? Well as this piece was opened with - John 14:6 -, and as that is the central theme of Christianity that – there is NO Salvation, NONE, NOT for anyone, outside of one placing one’s life into the loving, caring, nurturing hands of Jesus Christ; and as this is a Blood covenant for Salvation made with Christ’s own Blood, well then it should seem obvious that this unbroken covenant is not about salvation or being saved. So what is it about then?

It would seem clear that this unbroken promise, is in fact about the people of Yisrael remaining God’s (Christ’s) chosen, and their promised right to dwell very land of Israel itself. Look up Romans 9:4 “…Israelites, to whom belongs …” - NASB or “…they are Israelites, and to them belong God’s …” AMP. It is interesting that Paul does not write, “belonged” (past tense), but that these promises & covenants belong (present tense) to… To whom? To Israel and the Jews. See also Romans 11:1 and 11:11, Paul here very clearly asks: “…I ask then, has God rejected and deserted his people the Jews? Oh no, not at all…” - Romans 11:1 – TLB, and “…So I ask, Have they stumbled so as to fall [to their utter spiritual ruin, irretrievably]? By no means!..” – AMP – Romans 11:11. According to Romans 11:29 “…the matnat Hashem and the kri’at Hashem are irrevocable.” OJB (“…the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.” – KJV or “…God’s free gifts and his calling are irrevocable.” – CJB)

Consider this, oh yee “Replacement Theology” Anti-Semites, in Acts 1:6 the Disciples asked God (Christ) – “… “Lord, are you at this time going to restore self-rule to Isra’el?”…” – CJB, and Christ answered them by saying – “…It is not for you to become acquainted with and know what time brings [the things and events of time and their definite periods] or fixed years and seasons (their critical niche in time), which the Father has appointed (fixed and reserved) by His own choice and authority…” – AMP again, “…It Is Not For You To Become Acquainted With And Know … The Father Has Appointed (Fixed And Reserved) By His Own Choice And Authority…” Seems pretty clear that God (Christ) did not say, “nah, done with them!” No, He replied when asked about Christ setting up the new Kingdom and other promises of TaNaKh (the Old Testament), the Father’s *promises* STAND!

Continuing on, Zechariah tells us that Christ will come to Jerusalem when the nation of Yisrael is under attack, how does that work, if there’s no Israel? So… Is there a place in the Middle East in the 21^st century for the Jews, and the land of Yisrael, based upon both the Old and New Testaments? YES says the Lord, and it’s in His Word. Let that sink in.

“No Jesus, NO peace” and yet, “Know Jesus, KNOW peace”

How does one get to “know” Jesus? Simple, invite Him into your heart, as Jesus says: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” [Revelation 3:20 NIV] How can we be assured that this Jesus stuff means anything, well because the Bible tells us so, as the Apostle Paul wrote:

John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

And John 14:6 says: “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Cited or consulted sources and resources:

http://bit.ly/1IBqAGb - What the New Testament Says about the Jew

http://bit.ly/1IBrpih - Does New Testament Back Israel's Claim to the Land

Pages

Monday, 9 November 2015

RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD

Tuesday, 27 October 2015

PRE-DESTINATION / FREE WILL, #RAD even

Thursday, 14 May 2015

Do Not Worry For Anything

Wednesday, 13 May 2015

AM YISRAEL CHAI