Tag: Prayer

Navigating Deception in the Age of AI

Navigating Deception in the Age of AI

“Behold, the days are coming,” declares Yahweh Elohim, “When I will send a famine on the land – not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water but of hearing the Words of Yahweh.” Amos 8:11

We are living in a time when wisdom and discernment are lacking. AI technology is advancing at such a rapid rate. The internet is now flooded with AI video’s nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. Unfortunately, a large swath of the population are being fooled into thinking they are real. It doesn’t stop there with advancement in Photoshop and AI people are posting fake social media posts. These posts appear to be real and from a famous person. When in fact it was designed in the basement of someone’s parent’s home or an office of government propaganda. People see the fake post, believe it, and re-post it. This distorts the truth, confuses the masses, and adds fuel to the fire of division.

AI has also entered academia and the professional worlds. Students are using it to write their papers and those seeking work are using it to create resumes. There isn’t a part of society it hasn’t infiltrated. To be transparent even i rely on AI to generate the cover photos for my posts. To say AI is entirely useless, or evil even, only makes one look a fool. However, one revealing fact of AI, it is robbing humanity of its creativity. Which is what makes humanity unique from all other life on earth. Well, besides the fact that we are created in the image of Elohim that is.

The AI phenomena is also making many a pastor lazy. One thing missing in our pulpits and society is a genuine desire to learn from Scripture. Rather, folks are content listening to regurgitated messages that tickle the ears but never challenge the heart. Because of this AI generated sermons are on the surge and they aren’t always biblical. Unfortunately, due to a lack of desire folks are not studying the Word on their own. Which lends to a persons inability to discern whether what they are being taught is true. It sounds good, so then it must be true, right? Wrong.

Deception is all around us and it is up to us to seek out what is true. Either, that or we will be swept away by it. The coming great deception, will fool many even those who may think they are prepared for it. Let’s examine a few passages of Scripture to make this point more clear.

Matthew 24:4 – Here Yahoshua warns the hearer not to be deceived. Don’t be led astray. Many will come in His name but we aren’t to listen to them or follow them. Who are those we aren’t to follow? Those that come in name only, they claim the name but not the lifestyle.

Mark 4 – The majority of this chapter is on parables with one underlying commonality, pay attention. The sower sows the seed. Some of the seed lands on good soil others in the rocks and on the path. It is up to the hearer to be good soil. Study, seek truth, become aware of Yahoshua’s lifestyle so that you can imitate Him. Many are called but few choose to be a part of the chosen.

Luke 8:18 – Living the light of Messiah. For if we do not seek truth, even what we think we might have or know, will be taken. There is coming a day of deception and it is upon us to know which voice to listen to. Which is of the Holy Spirit and which is of the desires of the flesh.

2 Thessalonians 2 – This chapter is entirely on not being deceived. Don’t fall for the lies of the enemy. He is coming, he will be lawless (without Torah) and he will lead many astray. In order to be a part of the remnant you must be aware and ready. Having enough oil in your lamp to get through the night.

The devil isn’t busting on the scene, the red-caped villain, the world thinks him to be. He won’t have the horns or the tail, but he will have charisma. He will come with promises of everything you dreamed of success and happiness. He will come with temptations of the heart and mind, like that of the fruit in the garden. It will be pleasing to the eye and your stomach will crave it. He will come, in fact he is already here and he is deceiving many. He has whispered in the ear of the believer that it is okay to partake in unrighteousness.

2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 – “Therefore, God sends them a strong delusion. So that they may believe what is false. In order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” Many believe this warning is for the unchurched, but it is not. It is a warning even to those who claim to be a member of the church. What is the description, ‘they took pleasure in unrighteousness.’ This is the Greek root word adikia, which is wickedness. Alternatively, it’s opposite is dikaiosynē. Both are descriptive of how one might treat the law of Elohim. One is seeking the Truth, what is Truth? Elohim’s Word is truth.

The interesting thing about the word dikaiosynē, is its definition. Simply, “Things commanded by Elohim to be obeyed by man.” So if we are being unrighteous, we are ‘Not doing the things commanded by Elohim. Can this be said of the modern Church? Well, do they observe the Sabbath? The Sabbath is commanded by Elohim. Do they observe the Feast Days? The Feast Days are commanded by Elohim. The debate comes down to what is Truth?

John 17:17 – “Set them apart for holiness by means of the truth — your Word is Truth.” So if His Word is Truth the question becomes am i being obedient? Think about what Yahoshua said. Matthew 15:8-9 – “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away from me. Their worship of me is useless, because they teach man-made rules as if they were doctrines.” Are we living in deception and can that be classified as unrighteousness? It certainly can if we know what we are doing is wrong. James 4:17. – “So then, anyone who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it is committing a sin.”

Deception is coming, great deception is coming, are you ready? Or are you already living in deception? The man of sin that is coming on the scene will be lawless (Torahless). What law will he be without? The law of Elohim. Which is the Torah, that is to say the instruction of Elohim. The things commanded by Elohim to be obeyed by man. i also lean towards best practice, and being open to correction. The quest is to live righteously. To that end, what is my motivation? It is to live a life pleasing to Elohim. What then is my part?

As Micah 6:8 says, “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly WITH Elohim.” He is walking in His Word, therefore, i want to walk in His Word. So every day the question i ask myself is, ‘How can i do better?’ Why? Because, i want to honor the words of my Messiah as He prayed for me. “I have given them Your Word, and the world hated them. Because they do not belong to the world — just as I myself do not belong to the world. I don’t ask You to take them out of the world, but to protect them from the Evil One. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Set them apart for holiness by means of the truth — Your Word is Truth. Just as You sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. On their behalf I am setting myself apart for holiness. So that they too may be set apart for holiness by means of the Truth.” John 17:14-19

His WORD is TRUTH,
This is the Way of the Rabbi,
You are loved,
cj

Testing Modern Prophets: A Scriptural Approach

Testing Modern Prophets: A Scriptural Approach

An on going email conversation with two Mormon Missionaries. Part 2.

Good Day, 

i want you to know that much prayer and thought go into my responses. As i am sure yours do as well. There is however something to be said of mourning that is important. This may not directly apply to you. As i don’t know if either of you were directly affected by the events in Michigan personally. However, we read of the importance of grieving throughout Scripture. As well, science has proven the process is good for body, mind and soul. Yahoshua said, “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” Yahoshua, himself mourned and wept over friends and humanity. Now enough of that. As i believe we are not arguing this point but simply stating ideas each of us hold to be true. It is good to mourn.

i would raise the question that i am sure you have gotten before. That is to the point of eternal marriage. This will also tie into our later discussion on prophets. 

Yahoshua, confronted on marriage said, “Yahoshua answered them, ’The reason you go astray is that you are ignorant both of the Tanahk and of the power of Elohim. For in the resurrection, neither men nor women will marry; rather, they will be like angels in heaven.’” (Matthew 22:29-30) How do you interpret this statement by Yahoshua?

On the question of Prophets being around now. Certainly, it is within the power of Elohim to call Prophets in our modern day. As He calls Pastors, and Teachers alike. The question isn’t whether Prophets are called but rather how one is determined to be a true prophet of Elohim. Many will say that the Election of such positions by congregants of a particular denomination is sufficient. That it reveals the Will of Elohim. And certainly there is a case to be made here. The example of the election of Matthias in the book of Acts to replace Judas. (Acts 1:16-26) As they casted lots and it fell upon him. Of course they had some prerequisites that each man had to meet, like a job interview. Yet still this is the only time Matthias is mentioned. Later, Saul, would be called as an Apostle and is credited with writing half of the ‘New’ Testament. 

Is election by man a sign enough of a Elohim’s calling? No i don’t believe so. For Scripture provides tests for us on determining not only prophets but teachers as well. We are called to test everything. The Berean’s, also found in the book of Acts (Acts 17:10-12) are called noble for their pursuit of truth. They received with eagerness the word of the Apostles. Then went and study the Tanakh to see if what was being taught was truth. If it cannot be found in Scripture then no amount of feelings should persuade one to void Scripture. Again as we stated Elohim is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

So how does one test the sayings of men who claim to be Prophets of Elohim? By testing everything: 

If they bring a different Gospel, they are not of Elohim. (2 Corinthians 11:3-4). Whether that message is brought by man or angel. If it diverges from the Tanakh it is to be ignored, accursed even. (Galatians 1:8-10) For even Satan masquerades as an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)The Torah tells us of prophets whose prophecy’s do not come to pass. (Deuteronomy 18:20-22)
In light of these passages what tests can we give to men who claim to speak for Elohim?       As to not repeat myself or belabor a point. i will just refer you back to the passage in 2 Timothy 3 from my previous response to you. (See previous post, Navigating Belonging).

Do they preach honoring the Sabbath Day as the 4th commandment states? 
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to YHWH your Elohim. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore YHWH blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” Exodus 20:8-11

“Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep… for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am YHWH who sanctifies you.” (Exodus 31:13). Do they preach honoring the Feast Days as the Torah teaches?        Here i would just refer you to Leviticus 23 in which the Feasts are given in detail. As well, that it is instructed the foreigner within their gates also celebrate them. This is in line with Romans 11 which teaches us that the Gentiles are grafted into Israel. We do not replace them we become one with them.

Do they preach that the gentiles are grafted into Israel and do not replace them?       
Here again as stated in the previous question on the relevance of the Feast Days. Romans 11 is quite clear that we are grafted in. It is in this that we become a light to Israel. In order to draw them back into covenant with Elohim through the Messiah Yahoshua.

Do they preach honoring the Torah in the fullness presented by Yahoshua? 
In Matthew 5 Yahoshua states, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Torah until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:17-19). The word FULFILL does not mean to do away with but rather to bring clarity. A fuller understanding of . . . in Hebrews we read that the New Covenant is not new like a new pair of shoes but new like the New Moon each cycle. Same moon, new emphasis. The Torah went from written on tablets to being written on our hearts and our minds. 

In conclusion anyone, prophet or teacher, teaching anything contrary to the Torah. These are not of Elohim. Therefore, are not to be feared nor listened to but rather cast out from among the Ekklesia. The heart is deceptive and signs are fleeting. He who believes by faith, to him it is counted unto righteousness. Yahoshua, warned against seeking signs, His word is sufficient. 

Clearly i don’t have all the answers, nor do i have full understanding. However, what i do have is sufficient for teaching, rebuking, correction, and training in righteousness. It is sufficient to complete, and to equip for every good work. As Timothy we are called to continue in what we have learned and have firmly believed. Knowing from whom we have learned it . . . Yahoshua the Word made flesh, He is the Way the Truth and the Life. The Torah is known as the Way, the Path, and Instruction. It is known as the Truth, Your Word is Truth. It is known as the Life, for man shall not live by bread alone but by every Word of Elohim. We do not need new revelation, we simply need to understand the sacred writings already provided to us.

It does bring me joy that you found something worthy of reflection in my book. Thank you for the kind words and the connection to your understanding of things. We are all on a journey of faith and we are all at different points of that journey. Yet, the key to that journey remains the same. We are to seek with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, Yahoshua through His Word.

Shema Israel! Shema means to listen and obey. It is a declaration and a prayer. i pray every morning, Shema! YHWH our Elohim is ONE Elohim, love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And the Words commanded in Scripture shall be taught diligently to our children. They are to be talked about in our houses, and as we walk on the way. When we lie down and when we rise. We are to bind them on our hearts and on our minds and write them on the door posts of our houses. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) 
This is the same message over and over, meditate on the Word day and night. It is the Word that confirms to us truth. If it does not align with Torah then it is rubbish. 

Keep Reading, Part Three, 3rd Email Response

This is the Way of the Rabbi,
You are loved,
cj

Yahoshua: The Biblical Model for Living Faithfully

Yahoshua: The Biblical Model for Living Faithfully

If Yahoshua did it, and Paul says, “Imitate me as I imitate Messiah,” what then? What is the excuse to do anything else? The idiom, “May you walk in the dust of your Rabbi.” Means to become like him, that you emulate him, in every way. May you be so close to him that he rubs off on you.

Yahoshua kept the Sabbath. (Matthew 12:1-8)
“At this time Yahoshua went through the grain fields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they questioned Yahoshua. “Look, why do Your disciples do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” From here most skip the full answer and focus only on Yahoshua’s final statement. “For the Son of Man is Master of the Sabbath.” I chose this particular instance of Yahoshua’s Sabbath keeping for a few reasons.

First, what seems to get ignored, is that the accusation was against Yahoshua’s disciples, and not Yahoshua Himself. Second, as He responded to Satan in the wilderness so He responded to the Pharisees. “Have you not read?” Is basically the same as “It is written.” The Pharisees should have known better than to put man’s tradition over Scripture. Here Yahoshua gives two examples from the Scriptures.

Yahoshua, which remember means, Yah’s Salvation or Yah is Salvation. Here at the end of this exchange He quotes from Hosea which the name means, ‘deliverer’. “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of Elohim rather than burnt offerings.” He says, “Had you known the meaning of this Scripture you would not have condemned the guiltless.” All this relates around the idea that Yahoshua, the Living Word of Elohim was with them. And the Pharisees were to wrapped up in their oral tradition to see the Words popping of the parchment.

Yahoshua’s final statement now makes much more sense in light of the context and cultural significance. “For the Son of Man is Master of the Sabbath.” It is not Him assuming the role of the Sabbath Day. It is not Him profaning the Sabbath Day. For had He done so He would not have been sinless and therefore unable to make atonement for sin. It was simply another declaration of His authority, His position, and His command of Scripture. It was not a license to break the Sabbath. It was not a license to go against the Words written by Moses and the Prophets. He wasn’t placing Himself over the Word, He IS THE WORD made flesh, as John describes.

Yahoshua kept the Feast Days.
“Halfway through the Feast of Booths, Yahoshua went up to the temple and started to teach.  Astonished, the Jewish leaders asked, ‘He’s never been taught! How has he mastered the Torah?’” (John 7:14-15).
“The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Yahoshua was coming to Jerusalem.” (John 12:12).
Here we see in John that Yahoshua clearly partook in the Feasts. There is even mention of Him being present for the Festival of Dedication. Which commemorates the re-dedication of the Temple or as we know it today, Hanukkah.
“Three times a year every male among you must appear before the presence of Adonai your Elohim. In the location He will select. At the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Booths.” (Deuteronomy 16:16).
Elohim, is clear about the celebration of His Feast Days. In fact had Yahoshua not celebrated them He would have been in opposition to the Word of Elohim. But, that is impossible because, He is the Word made flesh and He was sinless. Don’t you want to celebrate what Yahoshua celebrated?

Yahoshua forgave.
A recent global broadcast of a memorial service highlighted an important fact. It mentioned that Yahoshua forgave those who put Him to death. “Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.” Forgiveness is the most difficult calling. In some instances it seems unfathomable to do so. Yet, our Messiah, who was beaten beyond recognition, while breathing His last, did so. There is nothing that equals the torture of Messiah. “Father, forgive them.” I read these words and ask myself, would I be able to do the same?

Yahoshua kept the Commandments. (Matthew 5:17-20)
“Don’t think that I have come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Yes indeed! I tell you that until heaven and earth pass away, not even a yud will disappear from the Torah. A stroke will stay as well. — Not until everything that must happen has happened. Anyone who disobeys the least of these commandments will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. This includes those who teach others to do so. But whoever obeys them and so teaches will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. Your righteousness must be far greater than that of the Torah-teachers and Pharisees. Only then will you certainly enter the Kingdom of Heaven!”

First, let’s talk about the word here, fulfill. The word has also been translated as complete. Both are poor choices. Even in the Strong’s Concordance which is popular among western Christians for defining words has the full definition.

G4137 πληρόω – to make full, to fill up, i.e. to fill to the full to cause to abound, to furnish or supply liberally.
to fulfill, i.e. to cause God’s will (as made known in the law) to be obeyed as it should be, and God’s promises (given through the prophets) to receive fulfillment –

Second, the idea of being more righteous than the teachers of Torah and Pharisees. The Scribes and the Pharisees that Yahoshua is referring to were more concerned about the oral traditions. They were self-righteous within their traditions. Yahoshua’s entire ministry was pointing out the right way to live out the commandments of Elohim. He did not slack in any of them. In fact, He brought clearer understanding to them. He said, “If you love Me, you will keep my commands“. Yahoshua is the Word made flesh, He is the walking Torah scroll. Don’t you want to love Him in a way He recognizes?

Yahoshua is the Word made flesh.
“In the beginning was the Word,
    and the Word was with Elohim,
and the Word was Elohim.
    He was with Elohim in the beginning.”
(John 1:1-2)

“The Word became flesh
    and made His home among us.
We have seen his glory,
    glory like that of a Father’s only Son,
        full of grace and truth.”
(John 1:14)

The Word, what was the Word being referenced here by John? Well, when it was written there was not a collection of books known as the ‘New Testament.’ Therefore, we can conclude that the Word being referred to is the Torah, perhaps even the Tanakh. That is Genesis to Deuteronomy, or through Malachi. If Yahoshua is the Word who came ‘to cause Elohim’s Word to be obeyed as it should be.’ Shouldn’t we want to live in obedience to the Word?

Yahoshua is Yah’s Salvation.
Yahoshua, quoting Isaiah in Matthew says, “‘These people honor me with their lips. But their hearts are far away from Me. Their worship of Me is useless, because they teach man-made rules as if they were doctrines.’” How can we say we know someone while using a name that has been poorly transliterated. Poorly, I say, because it is through the Greek and has been altered with the introduction of the letter ‘J’. Just say the name Jesus and then say the name Yahoshua. Do they even sound the same? We’re not talking about the name William and Bill, we are talking about Yah’s Salvation. The Fathers name within the Son’s name proclaiming Salvation to all who call on Him!

Moving on, when the angel Gabriel came to Joseph, he didn’t say name the boy Jesus. He actually said, name the boy Yahoshua. To really get the significance here we need to go back further. Moses, by Elohim’s instruction, appointed Joshua as his successor. However, Joshua wasn’t always Joshua, his name was Hoshea, which means, salvation. If you didn’t already know, names in the Scriptures are important. They have meaning, and purpose, and help drive the narrative of Elohim’s story.

Moses, changes Hoshea to Yahoshua, (Numbers 13:16) or in English, Joshua, which means YAH is SALVATION. Joshua was going to lead Israel into the promise land but it was through YAH (Yahweh). The true meaning of the name Jesus is simply Salvation, like the name Hoshea. Some good pastors and teachers who study have added to the meaning of Jesus, God-Saves or God is Salvation. It’s at least a step in the right direction but why the change? Compromise? We know the real name and its meaning is glorious. Yahoshua, the only begotten Son of Elohim, came to reconcile us to the Father. Through His blood, we are brought into the promise land. Yah truly is salvation. “I and My Father are ONE.” (John 10:30). Wouldn’t you want to call your best friend by their actual name? Shouldn’t we consider calling the Savior of the World by His given name?

Let’s wrap it up.
Simply put we can say we love Yahoshua. We can say we love the Father. We can say we want the Holy Spirit. However, as Yahoshua said, “These people honor Me with their lips but their hearts are far from Me.” He said this because there needs to be genuine heart change. There needs to be sincerity. There needs to be a dying to ourselves and a putting on of the new self. “If you love Me . . .” Let us walk in the dust of the Rabbi.

This is the way of the Rabbi,
You are loved,
cj

Yahoshua vs Jesus: Exploring Name Significance

Yahoshua vs Jesus: Exploring Name Significance

i have thought about this one for some time. How do i share my understanding in a way that leads you, the reader, into curiosity? To inspire a deeper look into Scripture. To light a fire with in you to be like the people of Berea. Who received with joy, the words being taught to them. But then went and searched the Scriptures to see whether or not it was true. There are plenty of posts you can go over in which i will have touched on these ideas presented here. Although, not so succinctly as i will try in this series of posts. i will present the options and then give my ‘why’s’ trying to be fair to both sides in the end. These are the topics i will present over the next few days. Yahoshua or Jesus; Rabbi or Teacher; Adonai Elohim or Lord God; Feast Days or Holidays; Sabbath or Sunday. In the end it will be my goal to have persuaded you to begin to evaluate your ‘why’s’. To ask the question of yourself, “Am I using mans justification or Elohim’s Word, to determine my beliefs?” Let’s begin.

Yahoshua or Jesus:
The first question i usually get is, “Why not Yeshua?” The reason i choose to use the name Yahoshua is rooted in the Torah. A story of victory, and salvation. Taking what was common and presenting it as redeemed. The Name has meaning that is not filtered through transliteration or translations or passed through cultures. It is pure and it teaches, the name alone teaches. It originates with Joshua son of Nun. Well, there isn’t definitive more assumed but it seems historically reasonable. Joshua in Hebrew is Yahoshua. In Numbers 13:16 we read where Moses gives Hoshea the name Yahoshua. Hoshea by itself means Salvation. Yah is a condensed version of Yahweh or Yahovah which we can see in Psalm 68:4. Of course you will need to get a hold of a Bible that at least references the Hebrew names. The 1599 GNV is available online at Bible Gateway (see the footnotes). So Moses was reminding the people through the name of his successor. Yah is Salvation. Yah’s Salvation was leading them to the promised land. The same is true for our Messiah. Yahoshua, Yah’s Anointed One is our Salvation. Through Him alone we enter the Promised Land. Although similar the same argument cannot be made for the name Yeshua. We do not say HalleluYes, we say, HalleluYah, which is Praise Yah!

Jesus is a transliteration of Iesus, which is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Yahoshua. The letter ‘J’ was not introduced into the language until the 17th century. When it was introduced, it had a soft sound. It was used the same way as in Hispanic cultures today, like in the name Juan. In Greek however the sound of the I is literal I E SUUS. It is completely different. If we take the name Juan, the English transliteration is John. This might be fine for the average Joe but we are talking about the Name of Elohim! “You are not to use lightly the name of Adonai your Elohim. Because, Adonai will not leave unpunished someone who uses His name lightly.” Exodus 20:7 tells us. We should be intellectually honest. At minimum, we should call our Messiah by the English version of His Hebrew name, Joshua. Still even greater is honoring His given name, Yahoshua. Even if you choose a different spelling. However, i find my argument pretty compelling for Yahoshua.

For more on this topic you can check out the menu bar, “Why Yahoshua and other names and titles.”

Feel free to leave a comment below or ask a question@thewayoftherabbi.com

This is the Way of the Rabbi,
You are loved,
cj

Preparedness in Faith: Lessons from the Ten Virgins

Preparedness in Faith: Lessons from the Ten Virgins

Throughout Scripture the term “to be sleeping” has meant not necessarily to be asleep. It has meant to be ignorant of a thing or unaware. It has also meant, ‘to be dead’. i recently had a word stand out to me while reading Matthew 25:1-13. This is the parable of the 10 Virgins. i read it, prayed, and read it again, over and over. i just felt that there was something there. This is where it hit me, “They all became drowsy and slept.” They became tired, or bothered, bored perhaps. Then they gave in to neglect, and slept. All of them were asleep until they heard the cry, “Here comes the bridegroom!” It is at this time that we find out that half of the virgins were unprepared. They did not bring enough oil for their lamps. Now oil is symbolic of preparation, anointing, provision, knowledge, understanding and even wealth in some circumstances.

So what can we take from this? First, let us look at the passage in its entirety.
“The Kingdom of Heaven at that time will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the groom. Five of them were foolish and five were sensible. The foolish ones took lamps with them but no oil, whereas the others took flasks of oil with their lamps. Now the bridegroom was late, so they all went to sleep. 6 It was the middle of the night when the cry rang out, ‘The bridegroom is here! Go out to meet him!’ 7 The girls all woke up and prepared their lamps for lighting. The foolish ones said to the sensible ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both you and us. Go to the oil dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ But as they were going off to buy, the bridegroom came. Those who were ready went with him to the wedding feast, and the door was shut. Later, the other bridesmaids came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they cried, ‘Let us in!’ But he answered, ‘Indeed! I tell you, I don’t know you!’ So stay alert, because you know neither the day nor the hour.”

Throughout Scripture Israel, the Hebrew Nation, has been referred to as the Bride. They entered into covenant relationship with Elohim. YHWH, divorces them for their unfaithfulness. Yet, He is constantly wooing them to come home. He even promises to them through Jeremiah restoration. The renewed covenant found in Jeremiah 31, is a beautiful picture of restoration. This restoration reiterates an invitation to the nations, that is, the gentiles. This we read in Paul’s writings, as well, Peter, James and John. Not to be left out we see it in Luke, Mark and Matthew as above. We can also read about this invitation in the Tanakh, it wasn’t a new idea brought by the Messiah. It was simply taught that now is that time, “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” We the gentiles along with those of Israel who know Messiah, form the Ekklesia. We are apart of the New Covenant written of in Hebrews and presented by Messiah Himself. Which means as the ‘Church’ has stated often, we are the bride of Messiah. However, we must enter through the Messiah. So that the fullness of the covenant can now be written on our hearts and minds.

Do you have a hobby? Something you like to do and do regularly? Is there an activity that you do or a group that you like to participate in? Maybe you really enjoy where you work or it is simply spending time with family. In all of these instances, if you begin to tire or take a break from it, neglect can creep in. You can become bothered or even bored with what you are doing. Like marriage for instance. You love your spouse but there are times you want to be alone. In those moments, guard your hearts. Boredom can set in. You might even notice a bothered spirit about things you once didn’t recognize. Soon, neglect, and the once sacred covenant is broken or hanging by a thread. Once one falls asleep they don’t know until they wake up what a mess things have become. Some don’t realize it at all. When they wake up, they expect someone else to provide them with something to make it right. This is an unattainable expectation. It is the scenario five of the virgins found themselves. They wanted the prepared ones to provide for them rather than take responsibility for themselves.

In the parable of the 10 virgins we read that they became drowsy and slept. The term drowsy and slept has many meanings. One of which is neglectful and forgetful. In other words it could be that they began to neglect the covenant. They may have started to forget portions of the fullness of the covenant, thereby falling asleep. The 10 virgins are symbolic of believers in Yahoshua. They are waiting on Him to bring them to the wedding banquet. As time went on and it appeared that He was late the virgins got tired and fell asleep. All of them! Now there was a shout. They awoke as they now knew the time was coming that they would enter the banquet. Five of the virgins had enough oil in their lamps. Remember oil represents preparation, anointing, provision, knowledge, and understanding. Five awoke from their neglectful ways and were ready for the coming Bridegroom. Five awoke from their neglectfulness and were unprepared. They didn’t have the necessary knowledge or understanding and it was too late!

We all have the Word of Elohim. It is available to every single person in every single language now with AI and smartphones. No one will have an excuse for not being prepared. Unfortunately, wolves have crept into the Ekklesia and have brought a teaching of neglect to Elohim’s Word. They preach a different gospel and because most believers have become bored and lazy they do not know any better. They refuse to search out the scriptures to see if what they are being taught is true. Rather they cling to a few passages to justify their lazy neglectful ways. They sit under pastors who know more quotes from their spiritual heroes, than they know of Scripture itself. They know that Yahoshua is the Word made flesh. However, they fail to realize that the Word is the Torah. The Son of Yahweh is the very expression of Elohim, His Word made flesh. If we know Yahoshua, the Word, then we know Elohim. If we love Yahoshua, we will do as He commanded. We will not be neglectful of the covenant.

What lessons can we take away from the 10 Virgins? First, preparation, we must know that we know what we know. We must have the necessary understanding, study to show yourself approved. Listen and Obey, the Word of Elohim. Yahoshua said, “IF you love Me, you WILL OBEY MY COMMANDMENTS.” Yahoshua said, “Be watchful! Don’t let anyone deceive you.” Don’t get caught in the trap of New vs Old. It is one collection of writings, The WORD of Elohim. The Tanakh and the Apostles writes all point to the Torah. Do not get wrapped up in New vs Old Covenant. It is the same covenant but secured in a permanent way through the blood of Messiah Yahoshua. It is no longer simply written on stone, and it no longer requires the works of the Levitical Priesthood. It is in our hearts and minds. We have the seal of the Holy Spirit.

To dig a little deeper into the “Old Covenant” vs the “New Covenant”, you can read more about this topic. Check out this series of posts on Melchizedek titled Every Wind of Doctrine. i go into more detail on Melchizedek in these two posts: Levitical priesthood < Melchizedek (p2) and The Simplicity of Melchizedek’s Priesthood (P3).

This is the Way of the Rabbi,
You are loved,
cj

The Dangers of Success: Lessons from Jeroboam and Aaron

The Dangers of Success: Lessons from Jeroboam and Aaron

What do Moses, Aaron, Gideon, Samson, Solomon, Elijah, David, the Hebrew Nation, cj, and countless others have in common? When successful, at peace in rest and comfort, a relaxed spirit allowed Satan an opening. Success can lead to a sense of self-righteousness and pride. This happens if one is not careful to remember the One Who brought the success. We can say all day long that: “Every good and perfect gift is from above. Coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights. Who does not change like shifting shadows.” But if we allow our own feelings to interfere, and we say, “Look what I have done!” We crack the door open for the devouring lion. There is much to be proud of. We can say, “Look at what Elohim chose to do through me.”

Success has another ugly head, the one that defies Elohim to maintain its power. We can look at many stories in Scripture to find this to be true. Today, I want us to look at Jeroboam. He was the first King of Israel after the Kingdom was split in two. It was taken from Solomon’s son, Rehoboam. In fact modern Israel is only one of the tribes of Israel, Judah. Jeroboam, in a move to keep his new found Kingship made some terrible decisions. 1 Kings 12:25-33 Tells the story, we will look at parts of it here.

“Nevertheless Jeroboam said to himself, “Now the kingship will return to the house of David. For if these people continue going up to offer sacrifices in the house of Adonai in Jerusalem, their hearts will turn back to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah. Then they will kill me.”

Jeroboam found that his success was in jeopardy. He feared an awakening of the heart to Yahweh which would bring about a reunification of the Kingdom. If the people sought Adonai Elohim they would desire His ways over mans. So to establish his rule he made some changes.

“After seeking advice, the king made two calves of gold. He then said to the people, “You have been going up to Jerusalem long enough! Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you out of the land of Egypt!’ He placed one in Beit-El [Bethel] and the other in Dan. The affair became a sin, for the people went to worship before the one [in Beit-El and] all the way to Dan [to worship the other]. He also set up temples on the high places and made priests from among all the people, even though they were not descended from Levi.”

Does this at all ring a bell? Look at what Aaron did at Mt. Sinai while Moses was on the mountain. “When the people saw that Moses was taking a long time to come down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said to him, “Get busy; and make us gods to go ahead of us; because this Moses, the man that brought us up from the land of Egypt — we don’t know what has become of him.” Aaron said to them, “Have your wives, sons and daughters strip off their gold earrings; and bring them to me.” The people stripped off their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron. He received what they gave him, melted it down, and made it into the shape of a calf. They said, “Israel! Here is your god, who brought you up from the land of Egypt!” On seeing this, Aaron built an altar in front of it and proclaimed, “Tomorrow is to be a feast for Adonai.” We are a fickle people.

Coincidentally, Jeroboam, like Aaron instituted his own feast days. “Jeroboam instituted a festival. In the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, similar to the festival held in Jerusalem. He went up to the altar in Beit-El to sacrifice to the calves he had made. He placed in Beit-El the priests he had appointed for the high places. He went up to the altar which he had set up in Beit-El on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, in the month which he had chosen on his own, and instituted a festival for the people of Israel; he went up to the altar to burn incense.”

Sadly mans tradition of creating his own feasts to celebrate and honor Elohim has continued. The church today ignores His appointed feast days. They essentially call Elohim a liar. “Yahweh said, ‘And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and you shall keep [it] a feast to Yahweh throughout your generations; you shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever.’” Apparently, forever means, just until I change My mind, except, He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Or they will argue that the Feasts are for Israel. Yet again they ignore two things. First, that the gentiles are grafted into Israel. Second, that the feasts were to be celebrated by those who would join themselves to Israel. Instead, the church has said, “We will celebrate Christmas and Easter. We will call Sunday holy. God will like it because we said so.”

You know who else has this mindset? Yahoshua talks about this in Matthew 15:9 “And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.” Isaiah wrote something similar, “Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.” Ezekiel writes, “Her priests do violence to My Torah and profane My holy things. They do not distinguish between the holy and the common. They teach that there is no difference between the unclean and the clean. And they shut their eyes to the keeping of My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them.”

What would happen if the church today began to seek Yahweh as His word describes. Isaiah says in 58:13-14 “If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of Yahweh honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly; then you shall take delight in Yahweh, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth, I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken.” Imagine seeking after Elohim as He desires us to, it sounds pretty awesome to me. This is the way of the Rabbi.

Do you think Satan has a hand in the western church? In that he is influencing it to stray just enough off course that they dishonor Elohim. All the while thinking that they are worshiping Him. It’s been done before. Ecclesiastes tells us that there is nothing new under the sun. Paul thought he was doing the will of Yahweh when he was persecuting the followers of Yahoshua. Then he came face to face with Him. He realized then he was fighting the very Elohim he was trying to protect. The Sabbath is important to Elohim. Throughout the Torah and the Prophets He declares it. To the point that Elohim exiled the nation. So why would we think any different today.

Jeremiah writes in chapter 7, 8 Look! You are relying on deceitful words that can’t do you any good. 9 First you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, offer to Ba‘al and go after other gods that you haven’t known. 10 Then you come and stand before Me in this house that bears My name and say, ‘We are saved’ — so that you can go on doing these abominations! 11 Do you regard this house, which bears My name, as a cave for bandits? I can see for Myself what’s going on,” says Adonai.

The western church has been so successful that pride has crept in. No one wants to admit that they are wrong. They have fallen in love with their traditions that they ignore Elohim’s Feast Days. This is a dangerous practice. And we should be asking the questions. What did Yahoshua mean when He said, “If you love Me, OBEY My commandments”? What are we doing? Who are we honoring? What is truth?

This is the way of the Rabbi,
You are loved,
cj

From Israel to the Ekklesia: Embracing Our Holy Identity

History is full. i often look back on my life. i wonder what it would have been like if i had taken a different path. It was my Jr. Year of High School and i wanted to be a history teacher. i have always liked history. i can watch biographies and historical accounts without getting board. I enjoy reading history too. recently I have been studying Antiochus IV, often referred to as Antiochus Epiphanies. Antiochus was the King of Syria and captured Jerusalem in 167 B.C. He set a monument to Zeus in the Temple and slaughtered a pig on it. He persecuted the Jews living in his Kingdom mercilessly. He banned any Torah observance in stead making laws that required the breaking of Torah. In other words, as the Torah taught to honor the Sabbath, Antiochus required everyone to work on the Sabbath. The Torah taught to not eat unclean animals, Antiochus required the eating of pig and other unclean animals. The Torah taught to honor the Feast Days, Antiochus outlawed them. Antiochus banned Torah study, circumcision, and Jewish life essentially. Forcing Hellenization, the assimilation of Greek culture within Judaism.

These events lead to the Maccabean revolt which allowed for the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. It also led to a period of Jewish self-rule. It is the foundation for modern day Hanukkah, known during the time of Yahoshua as the Feast of Dedication. Something mentioned in Scripture recorded by the Apostle John (10:22-23). “Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Yahoshua was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade.”

The purpose of the Torah, is that it serves as the contract of the covenant made with Israel. (Exodus 19:5-6) “Now if you obey Me fully. Keeping My covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is Mine, you will be for Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” The purpose of Israel was to be a nation of Priests to the nations. A light in the world. A set-apart people of Elohim to point the nations to Elohim.

In what we call the New Testament, gentiles are grafted into Israel and as a whole we are called priests. The Apostle Peter writes, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, Elohim’s special possession. That you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of Elohim. Once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” The idea that believers in Yahoshua are now a royal priesthood, a holy nation, should call us to action. Yahoshua said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” What commandments? Yahoshua, is the Word, that is the Torah, made flesh. He is the fullness of the commandments. We are to be like Him. This is the Way of the Rabbi.

Early followers of Yahoshua weren’t called Christians, but Followers of the Way. Although, there is reference to the Ekklesia being called Christians in the book of Acts, it was a derogatory term. A word however used often by the Ekklesia to refer to Followers of the Way is saint. Unfortunately the term has been hijacked and turned into an honor only achievable by the most pious of people. The word derives from the Hebrew word Qodeshim. This is from Qadosh and Qadash. Remember from a couple weeks ago: Qadash means clean, consecrated, dedicated, pure, and sanctified. It also means set apart. For I am (Qadosh) Elohim, Holy-One, Sanctuary. So what does Qodeshim mean? It means ‘The Set-Apart Ones’. This isn’t a pious term this is a sign, a mark, a title.

We are the Qodeshim of Elohim, The Set-Apart Ones. We are called to be set-apart. We are a chosen people, a holy (Qadash) nation. A royal priesthood, Elohim’s special possession. If this is true, why would we want to assimilate into the culture around us. To mimic Greek culture in our worship practices? We are called to workout our own salvation with fear and trembling, take the narrow way. We are to be Qodeshim, set-apart from mans tradition, the Apostle Matthew records in his Gospel. “They worship Me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules, man made traditions.” Why do we want to follow the ways of Antiochus? To follow his decrees and his laws for the Jews of his time. Why do we want to follow the ways of Constantine, who wrote letters following the Nicene council. In which he attempted to separate from Torah. Something the early Ekklesia never did. Peter writes of Paul, “He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand. Which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.“

Paul himself writes, “What shall we say, then? Is the Torah sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the Torah.” He goes on to say, “So then, the Torah is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.” It is in fact the Torah that marks us as being Set Apart, Qodeshim. We are the Ekklesia, the gathering of the saints. The Qadash people of a Qadosh Elohim. We are to be a light to the world around us. “Come out of her My people!” That is to come out of the ways of the world and the mystery religions of the pagan nations. To be holy. To be Set-Apart. To be royal priests. To be a chosen people. To no longer live by the ways of the nations around us but by the way of the Kingdom. “Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” Be Qodeshim, be apart of “The Set-Apart Ones,” of Elohim.

This is the Way of the Rabbi,

You are loved,
cj

Understanding ‘Holy’ Through Scripture: A Deep Dive

Understanding ‘Holy’ Through Scripture: A Deep Dive

2 Timothy 3:16-17
“All Scripture is from the breath of Elohim. Making it a profitable instrument for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness. So that the man of Elohim may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.”

Paul writes to a young pastor in Ephesus. He writes to encourage him. He writes to instruct him. He writes to warn him. The root of this letter for me is found in the passage above. Where Paul writes about the importance of Scripture as the foundation for ministry and life. We in the west are spoiled with the written Word. Most homes have a Bible whether it is read or collecting dust on their coffee table. Still many others have one in a box that they forgot is even there. In Timothy’s time the Word was not as available, not even close. For now we are spoiled. We are so accustomed to having the Word even at our fingertips. In fact, everywhere we go whether, on a computer or a smartphone, or the beautiful crinkle of a turning page. Absolutely, no one can use the excuse that they don’t have a Bible. Everyone has access to the Word.

Paul writes to Timothy and to you this instruction. “But as for you, continue in the things you have learned. In which you firmly believed, since you know from whom you have learned them. From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures. Which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Messiah Yahoshua.” Paul writes this just before the passage above. The Scripture is paramount to instruction, conviction, correction and for training in righteousness. It is for our equipping to carryout the work of Elohim set before us.

Peter writes these words in his letter to the remnant of Jewish believers in Messiah. “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance. But as He who called you is Holy, you also be Holy in all your conduct. Since it is written, ‘You shall be Holy, for I am Holy.‘” (1 Peter 1:16) Where does Paul and Peter get such wild ideas? Well from the Torah! Of course. “And Yahweh spoke to Moses. He said, ‘Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel. Tell them, You shall be holy. For I Yahweh your Elohim am Holy. Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father. You shall keep the Sabbaths. I am Yahweh your Elohim. Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves any gods of cast metal. I am Yahweh your Elohim.‘” This from Leviticus 19:1-4 which isn’t even the more common reference to this quote. Rather Leviticus 11:44-45 is often sited. “For I am Yahweh your Elohim. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy. For I am Holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming thing that crawls on the ground. For I am Yahweh who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your Elohim. You shall therefore be holy for I am holy.”

Do you know what the word holy means? If you look it up in a dictionary you will get definitions like, sacred, revered, purity. These are not wrong definitions but they are not whole either. The word Holy in all of these instances comes from the words Qadash and Qadosh. Qadash and Qadosh are Hebrew and they have similar meanings. However, when used together they present a very powerful message. “Be Qadash, for I am Qadosh.” It means this, Be (Qadash) clean, consecrated, dedicated, pure, sanctified, set apart; for I am (Qadosh) Elohim, Holy-One, Sanctuary.

We set ourselves apart when we follow the Way of the Rabbi. Yahoshua, followed Torah, He was after all sinless. He observed the Sabbath. He ate clean. He honored His earthly parents. This intrigue’s me. Here we have our Messiah following the ways of the Father. Later, Paul writes, “imitate me as I also imitate Messiah.” Yet, so many find ways not to. Loophole after loophole because they have found comfort in their way. Yet very clearly we are taught to look to all of Scripture. We are told to live to a standard of Qadash because we serve Yahweh who is Qadosh! Is there grace? Of course there is. Is there forgiveness? Absolutely! Is there still a standard by which we are called to live? Without a doubt.

Hebrews 8 and Jeremiah 11 tell us of the coming renewed covenant. In which Elohim will write the law on our hearts and minds. So many will say that this is for Israel. They would be right. However, Romans 11 puts this in perspective when we read that we are grafted into Israel. This is not replacement theology it is adoption theology. We are adopted into the people of Elohim as Galatians 3 tells us. “You are all sons of Elohim through faith in Messiah Yahoshua. For all of you who were baptized into Messiah have clothed yourselves with Messiah. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Messiah Yahoshua. And if you belong to Messiah, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.”

What was Israel’s sin? Ezekiel writes, “Her priest have done violence to my Torah. They have profaned My holy things. They have made no distinction between the holy and the common. Neither have they taught the difference between the unclean and the clean. They have disregarded My Sabbaths so that I am profaned among them.” This is on Paul’s heart when he writes to the Romans. “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of Elohim. Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy (Qadash) and acceptable to Elohim. Which is your spiritual act of Worship. Do not be conformed to this WORLD, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. That by testing you may discern what is the will of Elohim. What it is that is good and acceptable and perfect.” Later in the same 12th chapter he writes, “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”

In Isaiah and Ezekiel we read about a time to come and what will be expected. Not just of Israel by blood but also by those grafted into Israel by adoption. Isaiah writes, “If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath. From doing your pleasure on My holy day. Calling the Sabbath a delight and the Holy day of Yahweh honorable. If you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure talking idly. Then you shall take delight in Yahweh and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth. I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken.” (Isaiah 58:13-14) Ezekiel writes in the 44th chapter this (23-24). “They shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common. Showing them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean. In a dispute they shall act as Judges, and they shall judge it according to my judgments. They shall keep My Torah and My statutes and all My appointed feasts, and they shall keep My Sabbaths Holy.”

We are to take on the full counsel of Scripture. The Berean’s were of more noble character. They eagerly received the words of the Apostles. Then, they searched the Scriptures to verify the teachings. This is what we are called to do! What Scriptures are we to search? The same ones that Paul tells Timothy to study. It is the Torah, and the Tanakh. We call it today the Old Testament. It is what Yahoshua quoted from and taught from and lived from. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” What will you do with the words of Yahweh, “Be Holy (Qadash), for I am Holy (Qadosh)?” May you search the Scriptures for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness. So that you, a child of Elohim, may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

This is the Way of the Rabbi,
You are loved,
cj

Finding Hope Through Grace: The Gospel’s Good News

i have known for a long time that the world is unforgiving. Not to mean that one cannot rise from the ashes of their ruined life, but it is ruthless. The world will hold over you your weakness, your wrong, and your sin with relentlessness. It is why many find comfort in bars, gangs, and alleyways. i never have been so low. i have never felt so down on myself that i sought solace in bars or other places. No, i am one who finds solace in the dark of my own thoughts isolated from others. Yet, in life i have always tried to be a safe place for others. A place where they could find comfort or solace. An alternative to bars, gangs, and alleyways. A listening ear, a calming presence, a place to vent frustration. When i stood in the pulpit my goal was always to teach others to do the same. After all it goes with my life verse from Micah 6:8 paraphrased, “Act Justly, Love, Mercy, Walk Humbly.” After falling from grace, so to speak. i made a catastrophic error in judgment that affected others. Speaking only of my grief and brokenness, i never hit the bottom. Nearer than ever before but held up by faith. It is in this time however, metaphorically speaking, i cut out my tongue.

To this, i also played the victim. It was look at me and why is this happening to me? It wasn’t that i blamed others for my mistakes, i didn’t. i blamed myself and in so doing condemned myself. i was my own worst enemy. i was unworthy of forgiveness because the world doesn’t forgive anyway. The Church didn’t forgive either. i can count on one hand the amount of Church leaders who reached out to me. It has been just over 5 years now. i say this all to point out one thing. we must be as an Ekklesia, more full of grace than condemnation, more full of hope than shame. As i wrote last week, when we love our enemies, we present grace and hope. It is here that i would like to say, we are the enemy in someone’s story. So take to heart, “Do to others what you would have them do to you.” We do this by praying for those who persecute us. Whether or not our enemies accept it is not up to us. We are simply planting the seed, or watering a seed that has been planted by someone else. Possibly, even, we are about to reap what has already been sown. Regardless, the passage that refers to heaping burning hot coals is not ours to dump.

In this realization, by way of deep introspection, i have come to conclude that there is hope for me yet. There is light at the end of the tunnel. There is still a calling and a purpose. Perhaps, i will never regain my voice. Although, currently there is no plan to stand in a pulpit again. There is writing and because of that i still have a voice through my fingers. The truth of the gospel doesn’t change because of brokenness, brokenness is changed because of the gospel. Hope is restored because of the gospel. Restoration happens because of the gospel. Reconciliation is possible because of the gospel. It is through the gospel. But what is the gospel?

Gospel, in its simplest form means, “good news.” It signifies the message of salvation and reconciliation through Yahoshua Messiah. It is this reconciliation to Elohim and the renewing of the covenant. The idea of the renewed covenant is found in Jeremiah and Hebrews. The Gospel is the Creator calling His creation back home. Elohim is essentially saying, “Good news! I have provided a way for you to come home. I have provided the atonement necessary, paid the penalty for your sin. Declared victory over both sin and death. I have done this because of My great love for you. Because of My desire to have fellowship with you. For you are My children. All I ask is that you separate yourself from others by wearing this lifestyle of righteousness. I want you to be My Ambassador. To tell others of this life changing possibility. Of the eternal rewards that await all who accept this invitation.”

The sign and seal of the New Covenant is the circumcision of the heart. It is the tenderness and willingness to grow in grace and truth. What is truth? His Word is Truth. Yahoshua is Truth. We put on the wedding garment laid out for us by the Groom. We clothe ourselves in His righteousness. His Word is Righteousness. We place ourselves under the protection of His Commandments. “If you love Me, you will keep My Commandments.” (John 14:15) This is the message of Yahoshua. This is the Way of the Rabbi. Hear again His words:

“Why do you call Me ‘Adonai, Adonai,’ but not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them: He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid his foundation on the rock. When the flood came, the torrent crashed against that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears My words and does not act on them is like a man who built his house on sandy ground without a foundation. The torrent crashed against that house, and immediately it fell—and great was its destruction!” Luke 6:46-49

The thing about the good news of the gospel is this, that wherever you are, whatever you have done, you can always return home. What is needed is a heart of repentance. To turn your life around from sin. Do a complete u-turn. To give all your brokenness to Yahoshua, the author and perfecter of our faith. For He who has begun a good work in you will see it through until completion. We only need to allow Him to do what needs to be done. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. Choose the Way of the Rabbi and receive grace for your soul. This is the good news of the gospel.

This is the Way of the Rabbi,
You are loved,
cj

Finding Favor: The Balance of Faith and Community

“. . . having favor with all the people.” There is something i have heard a few times lately that has pricked my spirit. It’s not that what is being said or taught is wrong, it’s not. In fact an argument can be made that my point here is lacking. The idea is this, if we are going to live for Messiah, we can expect to be hated. In fact, if we aren’t getting push back it is because we are not living out loud enough, for Elohim. After all the Word says, “You will be hated, for My (Yahoshua) names sake.” This isn’t said in passing, it’s essentially a promise. This is what i am trying to talk to . . . “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”

This quote, often attributed to Alexander Hamilton, has been used in a variety of ways. Constructively, it has been said in standing up for our principles and the marginalized. In the case of our principles, we must live by conviction. Otherwise, we will succumb to whichever way the wind blows. For the marginalized, if we do not stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves, what then do we stand for? And, if we are so weak that we can’t stand, then we will fall for anything. However, as of late it seems, at least to my ears, that it has been twisted. Now it is said of the religious as a battle cry against the marginalized. Swept away by the crowd with the torches and pitchforks. Running from crusade to crusade in the name of religion.

The Word of Elohim is clear, there is right and there is wrong. There are the Commands of Elohim and the ways of the world. There is the flesh which is sinful. “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, orgies, and things like these.” It goes on to say, “I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the Kingdom of Elohim.” Contrast that with the fruit of the Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”(Galatians 5:18-23).

The followers of Yahoshua the Nazarene, were taught to walk in the Spirit. Within the body of Yahoshua we hold each other accountable. We call out sin. We rejoice at the repentant heart, and we cast out the unrepentant. However, among the outsiders, we live among them. We live as Ambassadors. We proclaim the honorable day of Adonai. We say, “Today is the day of salvation!” We tell those captive to sin, that there is freedom. We tell those marginalized that there is no partiality in Messiah. We proclaim, repentance from the ways of the flesh and the call to walk in the Spirit. But with the people we must live. The Word teaches us, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Elohim says, vengeance is Mine, I will repay. Therefore, “To the contrary if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink . . . Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This passage is found in Romans 12:18-21, i did leave out one piece. “. . . by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” This is part of the vengeance, the judgment to come. It is not ours to do.

It will be terrible, with weeping and gnashing of teeth. Eternally separated from the very One who our spirits long for. Think about how horrific that will be! To what lengths would you want someone to go to for you to hear the message of hope and salvation? The early believers, shortly after Yahoshua ascended into Heaven, were living in such away that they found favor in the eyes of all the people. Acts tells us this in the second chapter. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together and had all things common and sold their possessions and property and distributed them to everyone, as each one had need. Continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food together with gladness and singleness of heart, praising Elohim and having favor (grace) with all the people. And Adonai added to the congregation {Gr. ekklesia – called out ones} daily such as should be saved.“

At present this place is not our home. We are in fact foreigners. We have the Kingdom with in us, we desire that the Kingdom come and Elohim’s will be done. Yet, the current age reveals many challenges to this idea. We are to share the Gospel, the Good News, until the Day of Adonai. How people respond to the message is not up to us. Some are called to plant, some to water, some to reap. We are to do our part and pray. We are to live as examples of Yahoshua’s love. There is a line in the movie Miracles from Heaven. Anna the girl in which the movie is based, says, “It’s okay, not everyone is going to believe. They will get there when they get there.” This was for me the best line in the movie. It was the purest call to action. “Not everyone is going to believe.” That doesn’t mean we get to stop walking in love.

How do we make the nations jealous? By minimizing segments of the population deemed unclean? How do we proclaim freedom to the captive? If we claim the commandments are bondage? How do we have favor with all the people? If all we do is condemn them?

“It’s okay, not everyone is going to believe. They will get there when they get there.” Anna, Miracles from Heaven.

This is the way of the Rabbi,
You are loved,
cj