tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48019635512297176042024-03-21T05:05:23.561-07:00A Daily WordBarry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.comBlogger764125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-9414381974312515352013-07-19T09:52:00.001-07:002013-07-19T09:52:28.630-07:00The Sanctification of Samuel BrengleThe following is courtesy of Rev. Duane Maxey and Holiness Data Ministries:<br />
<br />
SAMUEL LOGAN BRENGLE<br />
(Salvation Army Commissioner)<br />
<br />
In seeking to be sanctified wholly, Samuel Logan Brengle saw the contrast between himself in his carnal condition and the Lord in His immaculate purity:<br />
<br />
"I saw the humility of Jesus, and my pride; the meekness of Jesus, and my temper; the lowliness of Jesus, and my ambition; the purity of Jesus, and my unclean heart; the faithfulness of Jesus, and the deceitfulness of my heart; the unselfishness of Jesus, and my selfishness; the trust and faith of Jesus, and my doubts and unbelief; the holiness of Jesus, and my unholiness. I got my eyes off every body but Jesus and myself, and I came to loathe myself."<br />
<br />
Brengle had to die to his carnal ambition to be a great, eloquent preacher, a powerful orator. He was Divinely humbled before he was Divinely empowered: "I was willing to appear a big blunder and a complete failure if only He would cleanse me and dwell in me!"<br />
<br />
When the humbling process was complete, the Spirit applied First John 1:9 to his heart: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." He became personally conscious of being cleansed from all unrighteousness, and the Divinely wrought change registered noticeably on his countenance. Twenty minutes after this personal experience, a fellow student looked upon him and remarked: ""Sam what is the matter? You look so different!" Two mornings later, the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ filled and flooded his soul:<br />
<br />
"I awoke that morning hungering and thirsting just to live this life of fellowship with God, never again to sin in thought or word or deed against Him, with an unmeasurable desire to be a holy man, acceptable unto God. Getting out of bed about six o'clock with that desire, I opened my Bible and, while reading some of the words of Jesus, He gave me such a blessing as I never had dreamed a man could have this side of heaven. It was an unutterable revelation. It was a heaven of love that came into my heart. My soul melted like wax before fire. I sobbed and sobbed. I loathed myself that I had ever sinned against Him or doubted Him or lived for myself and not for His glory. Every ambition for self was now gone. The pure flame of love burned it like a blazing fire would burn a moth."<br />
<br />
Believers today need an experience of personal holiness. I am involved with several churches and Bible studies. Excuses for sin abounds in some of these groups. People try to justify their sin by diminishing it in the eyes of God. They cry, "Grace, grace, and more grace." Yes, we are saved by grace; however, we need an appropriate response to grace. That response is obedience and living a life of personal holiness. A phrase to remember: "Where death leaves you, judgment will find you and eternity will hold you." Where will death leave you if you died today?Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-8454099323700783922013-07-18T07:31:00.000-07:002013-07-18T07:31:53.606-07:00The Need for HolinessThe following is from Martin Wells Knapp's "The Double Cure" and courtesy of Rev. Duane Maxey and Holiness Data Ministries:<br />
<br />
THE DOUBLE WORK<br />
<br />
Sin is a double disease. It pollutes the soul and also poisons the outer life. It converts the heart into a den of vile passions and the exterior life into a panorama of dark deeds. It's twofold nature is clearly declared in God's word. (See Ps. 51; Zech. 13:1; 1 John 1:9, and kindred Scriptures.)<br />
<br />
On these and like texts we base the following diagram which shows the light of the Word on the subject at a glance:<br />
<br />
THE DOUBLE DISEASE -- <br />
I. Actual transgressions. Rom. 3:23. Wrong deeds. Rom. 3:10-18. Wrong life. Gal. 6:8. Bad fruits. Rom. 7:5; Gal. 5:19-21. Evil waters. Jas. 3:10, 11. Guilt. Rom. 3:19. Death. Rom. 5:12. Eternal punishment. Matt. 25:46.<br />
<br />
II. Inbred sin. Rom. 6:6, and 7:19-24. Wrong tempers. 1 Cor. 3:1- 4. Wrong state. 1 Cor. 2:14. Bad tree. Matt. 3:10; 7:18. Evil fountain. James 3:12; Matt. 5:19. Pollution. Ps. 51:5; 2 Cor. 7:1. Sickness. Isa. 1:5; Luke 5:31. Debars from heaven. Heb. 12:14; Rev. 21:27.<br />
<br />
THE DOUBLE CURE. -- <br />
I. Conversion. Matt. 18:3. Pardon. Isa. 55:7. Adoption. 2 Cor. 6:17, 18. Life. John 3:36. Witness. Rom. 8:16.<br />
<br />
II. Entire sanctification. 1 Thess. 5:23. Complete cleansing. 1 John 1:9. Perfect love. 1 John 4:18. Witness. Heb. 10:14, 15.<br />
<br />
THE DOUBLE CONDITIONS:-- <br />
I. Repentance. Luke 13:3. Sorrow for sin. Matt. 5:4. Giving up sin. Isa. 1:16. Confession. Prov. 28:13. Appropriating faith. John 3:16.<br />
<br />
II. Consecration. Rom. 12:1. Death to sin. Rom. 6:6. Yielding to God. Rom. 6:13. Appropriating faith. Heb. 4 3.<br />
<br />
In the above and like Scriptures actual transgressions and soul defilement are treated as two distinct phases of man's fall.<br />
<br />
The first refers to what men do, the second to what they are.<br />
<br />
The first to outward acts, the second to an inner state. The first life defilement, the second heart defilement. The first a result of the second, the second the cause of the first.<br />
<br />
The first is like eruptions on the outside, the second the scrofulous soul disease, deeper than muscles, bones, marrow, or nerves, in the very center of the soul life.<br />
<br />
The cure and conditions are mentioned here in connection with the disease, and will be more fully noticed in future chapters.<br />
<br />
The twofold nature of the disease makes the Double Cure an imperative necessity.<br />
The sinner is like a drowning leper. The leper needs a double work:<br />
<br />
(1) To be rescued from a Watery grave; <br />
(2) To be cured of his disease. When a life preserver will cure the leprosy it will be time to discard the double disease, the double conditions, and the Double Cure.<br />
<br />
The sinner is like a diseased criminal about to be hung for his crime -- he needs the Double Cure of pardon and healing.<br />
<br />
When a governor's reprieve will cure the consumption, or doctor's prescription secure a pardon, it will be time to overlook this double work of grace. Until then with the sacred bard shall we not continue to sing:<br />
<br />
"Be of sin the Double Cure,<br />
Save from guilt and make us pure."<br />
Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-47951439157426749112013-05-16T11:24:00.001-07:002013-05-16T11:24:35.432-07:00A Pentecostal QuestionPenetecost Sunday is this weekend which is a Christian holiday. However, the Bibilcal feast of Shauvot began Tuesday night May 14Th. Christians believe that they are part of the New Covenant as revealed in the New Testament. That New Covenant is first explained in Jeremiah 31:31-33: "Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people." (KJV) Now on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), the Holy Spirit descended and filled the believers in the upper room and they all spoke with tongues. This is considered the birth of the church. Shauvot is a remembrance of the time when G-d gave the law to Moses. At the first Shauvot after the resurrection of Yeshua, the law was written on the hearts of man as opposed to tablets of stone. Now some believe that this occurs at "salvation" while others believe it occurs in a subsequent experience known by a variety of names, e.g. Baptism of the Holy Spirit, entire sanctification, Christian perfection, etc. Whenever you think it occurs, the uncontradicted fact is that the Torah is what is written on the hearts of men. <br />
<br />
Now here is the question: if the law has been written on the heart of believers, why don't Christians obey the law of G-d, all of it? Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-38427150598608659282013-04-30T07:46:00.003-07:002013-04-30T07:46:42.738-07:00Are You Holy (set part)?J.C. Ryle wrote the following in his work entitled Holiness:<br />
<br />
"Holiness, without which no man shall see the Yahweh" (Hebrews 12:14).<br />
The text which heads this page opens up a subject of deep importance. That subject is practical holiness. It suggests a question which demands the attention of all professing Christians: are we holy, i.e set apart? Shall we see the Yahweh?<br />
That question can never be out of season. The wise man tells us, "There is . . . a time to weep, and a time to laugh, . . . a time to keep silence, and a time to speak" (Ecclesiastes 3:4, 7); but there is no time, no, not a day, in which a man ought not to be holy. Are we?<br />
That question concerns all ranks and conditions of men. Some are rich and some are poor, some learned and some unlearned, some masters and some servants; but there is no rank or condition in life in which a man ought not to be holy. Are we?<br />
I ask to be heard today about this question. How stands the account between our souls and Yahweh? In this hurrying, bustling world, let us stand still for a few minutes and consider the matter of holiness. I believe I might have chosen a subject more popular and pleasant. I am sure I might have found one more easy to handle. But I feel deeply I could not have chosen one more seasonable and more profitable to our souls. It is a solemn thing to hear the Word of Elohim saying, "Without holiness no man shall see the Yahweh" (Hebrews 12:14).<br />
<br />
Friend, I ask the same question today: are you holy? If you are not, I ask you by what hope you intend to see Yahweh in eternity as Savior? If you claim to be holy, I ask you by what merit you are holy? Any answer other than by the blood of Yeshua is a false answer that dooms you to an eternity away from His loving Presence. Be holy because He is holy and has commanded our holiness. This is for our entire life and not just a segment. Holiness is not piecemeal; it is all or nothing. May you find truth through the sanctifying power of Yeshua today! Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-55252692225203577342013-03-28T09:34:00.003-07:002013-03-28T09:36:28.264-07:00Repost: Ham on EasterThis was too perfect not to post. Our local newspaper, The Virginian-Pilot had the following in the paper some time ago:<br />
<br />
"It's Easter Sunday. But before you dig into that succulent pig (remember Yeshua didn't eat pork added by BLJ), did you ever stop to wonder if more folks eat ham on Easter or Christmas (the answer is Christmas added by BLJ)?<br />
<br />
Ishtar, also known as Semiramis, bore a son Tammuz, a hunter who was killed by a wild pig. In honor of Tammuz, Ishtar decreed a 40-day period each year during which no meat could be eaten. It concluded with a celebration on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox. Ishtar commanded that a pig be eaten then to remember the killer of her son."<br />
<br />
Does that sound like Lent?<br />
<br />
It is a real shame that a secular newspaper has more truth than most churches. Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-16968514674918419732013-03-28T09:31:00.002-07:002013-03-28T09:31:37.316-07:00Repost: The Pagan Origin of EasterEaster is this weekend. Churches are preparing for one of their biggest attendance days of the year. Activities are being planned for the children, choir rehearsals for special music, and pastors are preparing special messages celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, is Easter appropriate for followers of YHWH and His son Yeshua to celebrate? The short answer is, "No." Easter is a conspiracy plot against the true faith. This may be difficult to accept, but the truth must be told.<br />
<br />
The first thing to be understood is that professing believers were not the only ones who celebrated a festival called "Easter.""Ishtar", which is pronounced "Easter" was a day that commemorated the resurrection of one of the pagan gods called "Tammuz", who was believed to be the only begotten son of the moon-goddess and the sun-god. In those ancient times, there was a man named Nimrod, who was the grandson of one of Noah's sons named Ham. Ham had a son named Cush who married a woman named Semiramis. Cush and Semiramis then had a son named him "Nimrod." After the death of his father, Nimrod married his own mother and became a powerful King. The Bible speaks of this man, Nimrod, in Genesis 10:8-10 as follows: "And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter before YHWH: wherefore it is said, even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before YHWH. And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad,and Calneh, in the land of Shinar." Nimrod became a god-man to the people and Semiramis, his wife and mother, became the powerful Queen of ancient Babylon. Nimrod was eventually killed by an enemy, and his body was cut in pieces and sent to various parts of his kingdom. Semiramis had all of the parts gathered, except for one part that could not be found. That missing part was his reproductive organ. Semiramis claimed that Nimrod could not come back to life without it and told the people of Babylon that Nimrod had ascended to the sun and was now to be called "Baal", the sun god. Queen Semiramis also proclaimed that Baal would be present on earth in the form of a flame, whether candle or lamp, when used in worship. Semiramis was creating a mystery religion, and with the help of Satan, she set herself up as a goddess. Semiramis claimed that she was immaculately conceived. She taught that the moon was a goddess that went through a 28 day cycle and ovulated when full. She further claimed that she came down from the moon in a giant moon egg that fell into the Euphrates River. This was to have happened at the time of the first full moon after the spring equinox. Semiramis became known as "Ishtar" which is pronounced "Easter", and her moon egg became known as "Ishtar's" egg." Ishtar soon became pregnant and claimed that it was the rays of the sun-god Baal that caused her to conceive. The son that she brought forth was named Tammuz. Tammuz was noted to be especially fond of rabbits, and they became sacred in the ancient religion, because Tammuz was believed to be the son of the sun-god, Baal. Tammuz, like his supposed father, became a hunter. The day came when Tammuz was killed by a wild pig. Queen Ishtar told the people that Tammuz was now ascended to his father, Baal, and that the two of them would be with the worshippers in the sacred candle or lamp flame as Father, Son and Spirit. Ishtar, who was now worshipped as the "Mother of God and Queen of Heaven", continued to build her mystery religion. The queen told the worshippers that when Tammuz was killed by the wild pig, some of his blood fell on the stump of an evergreen tree, and the stump grew into a full new tree overnight. This made the evergreen tree sacred by the blood of Tammuz. She also proclaimed a forty day period of time of sorrow each year prior to the anniversary of the death of Tammuz (Does this not sound like "Lent"?). During this time, no meat was to be eaten. Worshippers were to meditate upon the sacred mysteries of Baal and Tammuz, and to make the sign of the "T" in front of their hearts as they worshipped. They also ate sacred cakes with the marking of a "T" or cross on the top. Every year, on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox, a celebration was made. It was Ishtar's Sunday and was celebrated with rabbits and eggs. Ishtar also proclaimed that because Tammuz was killed by a pig, that a pig must be eaten on that Sunday (Did you ever wonder why the traditional Easter meal for "Christians" is ham when Yeshua would never have eaten swine?). By now, the connection between Easter and paganism should be clear. Paganism has infiltrated the contemporary "Christian" churches. The truth is that Easter has nothing whatsoever to do with the resurrection of our Yeshua. <br />
<br />
You can easily research the truth of the above. I have taken a majority of the facts from a tract found on line. The real issue is, "What are you going to celebrate?" Will be Easter? Or, will you do what Yeshua always did and celebrate the Passover? Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-7361818914250906452013-03-28T06:55:00.000-07:002013-03-28T06:55:13.089-07:00Lord, God, or YahwehThe way the sacred Name of Yahweh has been handled throughout the centuries was prophesied in such passages as Jeremiah 23:27, which states: "Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbor, <b>as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal</b>." (KJV) Baal means "Lord" according to Hebrew lexicons. You have forgotten my sacred Name for “LORD”, Yahweh spoke through the prophet. To call upon the “LORD” is to call on Baal. Now consider many of your “worship” songs.<br />
<br />
"God" comes from Old English gheu(d), "to pour" (American Heritage Dictionary). According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, “god” means a being or object believed to have more than natural attributes and powers and to require human worship; specifically: one controlling a particular aspect or part of reality. Sha’ul (Paul) says there are many lords and many gods. Do not disrespect Yahweh to just another common deity by replacing His Sacred Name with other titles. He speaks through the prophet in Isaiah 42:8, "I am Yahweh: that is my name: and my honor will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images."<br />
<br />
Yahweh established His Name in the Ten Commandments. It is spiritually very dangerous for man to substitute man’s names for His Sacred Name. That would be the equivalent of man making Yahweh into man’s image. He is not “LORD” or “god.” His Name is Yahweh. Why would you try to change it? Why would you want to?<br />
Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-42199858142243962942013-03-21T08:30:00.000-07:002013-03-21T08:31:53.416-07:00Repost: Old Wineskins New WineskinsToday, we look at a passage that is often misunderstood because it is taken out of context. Mark 2: 21-22 reads: And no man places a new patch onto an old garment and sews it, or else the new patch be taken away from the old and the tear becomes larger. And no man puts new wine into old wineskins or else the wine burst the wineskins, and the wineskins are destroyed and the wine is poured out. Rather, they put new wine into new wineskins. We must remember that Yeshua is a Jewish rabbi talking to Jewish listeners. The old garment is Judaism; the new patch is the coming Kingdom of Elohim through Yeshua. The point to be noticed is that Yeshua does not want the old garment destroyed. The first part of His teaching is that the old garment, i.e. Judaism, must not be destroyed. He is saying that the new patch is not to replace the garment. Think about it; have you ever seen a patch that covered a coat? No, the patch would be part of the garment. The new patch, i.e. the coming Kingdom will take place within Judaism.<br />
<br />
However, the second part of the teaching explains that the new wine, i.e. the coming Kingdom of Elohim, cannot be put within the old wineskins of Judaism as it existed in the first century. Judaism in the first century were composed primarily four groups: Sadducees, Pharisees, Zealots, and the Essenes. The Sadducees controlled the Temple and were the rich and the elite. They were in partnership with Roman oppression to enable them to continue to control the Temple and the profit that came with it. The Pharisees had allowed the traditions of men to dominate the teachings of Torah to create an unfair burden on the people. The Zealots wanted a military commander to win a war with Rome and remove them from Palestine. The Essenes were a separatist movement that had withdrawn from the other three groups and believed that only they had the truth. The old wineskin of Judaism was not the vehicle for the new Kingdom. The new Kingdom would have the Torah of Elohim written on the heart of man and not tablets of stone. This is the promise of Jeremiah 31, the Renewed Covenant.<br />
<br />
Yeshua was teaching His disciples that repentance was the path to receive the new Kingdom. His intent was not to destroy Judaism; instead, He sought to bring a Kingdom to a people that had torn down their house to receive the new one. That was the new wineskin. Which do you reside in?Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-35739983665514039872013-03-11T12:54:00.002-07:002013-03-11T12:54:57.727-07:00Which set of holidays do you observe?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D8OKL-qjlLznLDQjh_fWewGf1bJ-7e1gfp57he3L9jLDhfAZTenx5mzwkkcUNL_EyCVATVTwgNdpuVoCdHzz1SnVcO9jRBfFDp0VhG-YRQAgw1S26fQ68RyIR_JzSY7kFsDHCy6v6x8/s1600/Bible+Holidays+vs+Mans.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D8OKL-qjlLznLDQjh_fWewGf1bJ-7e1gfp57he3L9jLDhfAZTenx5mzwkkcUNL_EyCVATVTwgNdpuVoCdHzz1SnVcO9jRBfFDp0VhG-YRQAgw1S26fQ68RyIR_JzSY7kFsDHCy6v6x8/s320/Bible+Holidays+vs+Mans.jpg" /></a>Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-48021113086170139472013-03-11T12:50:00.001-07:002013-03-11T12:50:19.688-07:00Sanctifying Pagan Rituals?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqYoEsL-liYuAopcdM4nRGNYYlpnpjMDKw8271qWKk7ZstMbJdIJIqysUcVpnjmDMLSgCxATznPemwWrbIeRiFhSRDpSMZuPGKkjs6peHIB6MfKwGbG6guWJ0k7XsFKvc4pfQVD4ZB4g/s1600/Pagan+Rituals+Sanctified.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqYoEsL-liYuAopcdM4nRGNYYlpnpjMDKw8271qWKk7ZstMbJdIJIqysUcVpnjmDMLSgCxATznPemwWrbIeRiFhSRDpSMZuPGKkjs6peHIB6MfKwGbG6guWJ0k7XsFKvc4pfQVD4ZB4g/s320/Pagan+Rituals+Sanctified.jpg" /></a>Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-78355785567885140362013-03-11T12:44:00.000-07:002013-03-11T12:44:44.458-07:00Easter versus Passover: Which do you celebrate?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tSm6Hv5aKthGfydSUwZvxz26d6PI_epFhn4DwOYwBs76HG5KqQZRjFjgZqQMvjUK4f3v_Livhbf-Dg7mxQdfcC0T5rNru6lYTowVOBe74aH1Xlk5QrBZ7UuJ2e9FTWPUFB9KY1GXcnc/s1600/Easter+vs+Passover.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tSm6Hv5aKthGfydSUwZvxz26d6PI_epFhn4DwOYwBs76HG5KqQZRjFjgZqQMvjUK4f3v_Livhbf-Dg7mxQdfcC0T5rNru6lYTowVOBe74aH1Xlk5QrBZ7UuJ2e9FTWPUFB9KY1GXcnc/s320/Easter+vs+Passover.jpg" /></a>Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-6035274759732579222013-01-17T06:59:00.001-08:002013-01-17T07:00:31.503-08:00New or Renewed Part 3The Greek word chosen in the LLX in Jeremiah 31:31 for "new" is a very special word. There are different words in Greek for "new." There is a different Greek word for newness, renew, to make new, renewal, to renew, new in time, and new in nature. The word in verse 31 is <i>kainos </i>which means new in nature. The Hebrew language describes things how they appear. The Greek language is very precise. It tries to describe things how they actually are. The use of <i>kainos </i>in this verse I believe to be correct. What Jeremiah is describing is new in nature. Sinai involved tablets of stone. The covenant in Jeremiah is new in nature because now it involves the heart! What do we conclude? If we are talking Hebrew, I think "renew" is more appropriate. If we are talking in Greek, <i>kainos</i>, i.e. new is more accurate. Interestingly enough, there is an implication of better with kainos. Remember the book of Hebrews is Greek and that might explain some of its language.Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-83275515637182559702013-01-16T08:11:00.000-08:002013-01-16T08:11:00.550-08:00New or Renewed Covenant Part 2The word in Jeremiah 31:31 translated as "new" or "renewed" is hadash. In the text, it is an adjective. However, in Hebrew an adjective can also serve as a predicate in a verbless clause. So while the word is an adjective, action can also be involved. The root word is composed of three consonants (remember Biblical Hebrew did not originally have vowels): Chet, Dalet, and Shin. Hebrew letters are also pictures and numbers. The word picture for Chet is fence, inner room. The word picture for Dalet is door. The word picture for Shin is teeth, i.e. to consume or destroy. When read together, the word picture for hadash can be seen as destroying the door to the inner room. According to Hebrew Honey, (a wonderful little book written by a Christian pastor Dr. Al Novak that explains more than 500 Hebrew words and it requires no training in Hebrew) hadash means, "Primarily the notion of cutting, scraping, polishing. No wonder becoming a new creature in the Lord is a moving work of the Holy Spirit." There is a work of YHVH on every follower of the Way to be scraped and cut. Our old fences or inner rooms need to be destoyed so they can be replaced with His fences and His ways. Our old inner ways must be cut out. To say that the covenant is renewed is to state that whereas the covenant at Sinai was on stone, the renewed covenant is the work of the Ruach HaKodesh on the hearts of mankind. <br />
<br />
As stated, the root word is composed of Chet, Dalet, and Shin. It means to renew or repair. The word used in Jeremiah 31:31 is a derivative of the root word. The derivative word does not replace the root word in Hebrew. Instead, in Hebrew you look at the root word to help understand the true meaning of the derivative. From the site Judaism 101 (http://www.jewfaq.org/) the following material is offered to assist in understanding how Hebrew words are created:<br />
<br />
1. The vast majority of words in the Hebrew language can be boiled down to a three-consonant root word that contains the essence of the word's meaning. Even if you cannot read Hebrew, you will find that you can get some insight into the meaning of the Bible by identifying the roots of words. If you see the same English word in two different places, but different Hebrew roots are used, this may indicate that there is a different shade of meaning. If the same Hebrew root is used in two different places, the words and their meanings are probably related. <br />
<br />
2. Hebrew words are formed from roots by changing vowels and by adding a wealth of prefixes and suffixes to that root. Prefixes can be prepositions (in, on, of, to, etc.), articles (the), or other things. Suffixes can be pronouns (he, you, our, etc.), possessives ('s), or can indicate gender and number (female singular; male plural, etc.). Because of the way these prefixes and suffixes are added to the root, a single word in Hebrew might be translated into English as several words. <br />
<br />
The essence of the derivative word translated as "new" is seen in the root word that means renew or repair. So, even if we use the word "new," we do so understanding that the "new" does not mean brand new. Instead, it means new in the sense of restoration, and in this case how something is learned, i.e. as opposed to reading the tablets of stone the Torah is placed on the heart by YHVH. For example, every 3o days we have a "New Moon." Is it really new, or the beginning of a new lunar cycle? It is important that we practice exegesis. The Liberty University web site defines exegesis as: "Proper exegesis includes using the context around the passage, comparing it with other parts of the Bible, and applying an understanding of the language and customs of the time of the writing, in an attempt to understand clearly what the original writer intended to convey." The opposite is eisegesis. Eisegesis is the interpretation of a text (as of the Bible) by reading into it one's own ideas as opposed to the original author. Exegesis draws out truth while eisgesis reads into a text. In Jeremiah 31, the author is referring to the restoration of Israel after the Babylonian exile and the reconstruction of the Temple (Jewish Study Bible Study Notes). I don't think Jeremiah has in mind something totally new. I think a fair reading would be that he believed that the new covenant would be a renewal of the Sinai covenant on the inside of the Jewish people. If that is the original author's intent, we should not stray far from it. Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-86721047839118467912013-01-15T06:52:00.000-08:002013-01-15T06:52:04.297-08:00New or Renewed CovenantThe issue presented is whether the new covenant described in the Scriptures is really "new" or "renewed." The following are several translations of Jeremiah 31:31: <br />
<br />
1. "The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. NIV<br />
<br />
2. "The day is coming," says the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. NLT<br />
<br />
3. "Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah...." ESV<br />
<br />
4. Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah.... KJV<br />
<br />
5. "See, the days are coming," declares YHVH, "when I shall make a renewed covenant with the house of Yisra'el and with the house of Yehudah...." The Scriptures<br />
<br />
Only the Messianic Bible, The Scriptures, uses the word "renewed" in describing the covenant. Most versions translate the Hebrew word hadash as "new." The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament states as follows: "Hadash is used in the sense of 'repair' or 'rebuild' referring to cities (Isa 61:4), the temple (II Chron 24:4, 12), and the altar (II Chron 15:8). " A derivative of hadash is used in Jeremiah 31:31. That derivative is defined by the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament as: "new, new thing, fresh." While a case can may be made to translate hadash as either "new" or "renewed," I believe that renewed best captures the intent of the verse. I base my opinion on the following:<br />
<br />
1. The covenant at Sinai was with the nation of Israel. The covenant described in Jeremiah 31 is with the house of Yisra'el and with the house of Yehudah. The same parties are involved. There are no new parties to the covenant established at Sinai. As much as Gentiles would like to think that the new covenant was established for them, the Scriptures make clear that the covenant was for the Jews alone. Remember, Yeshua said in Matthew 15:24: "He answered, 'I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.'" NIV (Emphasis Supplied) This is why it is so important that Gentile believers understand that they are grafted into the root of Israel and not the opposite (Romans 11:17-19). Messianic Gentiles do not become Jews, but they do become citizens of the commonwealth of Israel. (Eph 2:11-12: "Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called 'uncircumcised' by those who call themselves 'the circumcision' (which is done in the body by human hands) remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world." The underlined portion suggests that now that Gentile believers are a part of the covenant, that they are included as citizens in Israel as well.)<br />
<br />
2. The covenant terms remain the same, only their location changes. At Sinai, the Torah was written on tablets of stone. Ezekiel 36 describes what will occur with the renewed covenant: "A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you; and I will remove from your body the heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my spirit within you, and make you follow my statutes and be careful to observe my ordinances. Then you shall live in the land that I gave to your ancestors; and you shall be my people, and I will be your God." NRSV In the renewed covenant, the Torah will be placed on the hearts of mankind. However, the terms, i.e. The Torah, remain the same. <br />
<br />
3. Dictionary.com defines "new" as: (a) of recent origin, production, purchase, etc.; (b) having but lately come or been brought into being: a new book. of a kind now existing or appearing for the first time; novel: (c) a new concept of the universe. having but lately or but now come into knowledge: a new chemical element. (d) unfamiliar or strange (often followed by to ): ideas new to us; to visit new lands. (e) having but lately come to a place, position, status, etc.: a reception for our new minister. When one considers both covenants, "new" just doesn't seem to accurately describe what is occurring. <br />
<br />
4. I want to be clear that I am not calling someone anti-Semitic who disagrees with me. However, it seems to me that the idea of creating a "New Covenant" serves to replace the relationship that YHVH has with His chosen people the Jews. By calling it "new" we are encouraging a disconnect with what has occurred in the past. Using the translation "renewed" connects the ministry and sacrifice of Yeshua with Sinai. I think that should be preferred.Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-21118927698585246412012-12-26T07:17:00.002-08:002012-12-26T07:17:37.741-08:00Christmas: A G-dly Holiday?From Bibles to Israel sent to my E-Mail:<br />
<br />
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ” (Isaiah 9:6)<br />
<br />
Many Christians around the world have already set up their Christmas trees, bought their presents to give family and friends, and depending on which denomination they are a part of, will be celebrating the prophetic fulfillment of the birth of the Jewish Messiah in Bethlehem this Tuesday. (Micah 5:2)<br />
<br />
The tradition of the Christmas tree arose out<br />
of tree worship that has existed in many<br />
societies throughout history. The use of holly and<br />
mistletoe comes from the Druid ceremonies.<br />
<br />
Armenian Apostolic and Eastern Orthodox Christians, unlike Protestants, do not celebrate the birth of Yeshua HaMashiach on December 25th, due to differences between the Armenian, Julian and Gregorian calendars.<br />
<br />
The Tanakh (Jewish Scriptures), however, doesn't identify the month in which the Messiah would be born, nor does the Brit Chadashah (New Testament) identify the exact date of His birth.<br />
<br />
Scripture does give us an indication of the time of year.<br />
<br />
“I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11)<br />
<br />
<b>When was the Messiah Born?<br />
</b><br />
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.” (Luke 2:8)<br />
<br />
Although Christmas is a well-established Christian tradition, Bible scholars know that December 25th is not the true date of Yeshua’s birth.<br />
<br />
Winter in Israel is generally too cold at night to be out shepherding flocks, and yet at the time of Yeshua’s birth, the shepherds were in the fields watching over their flocks at night.<br />
<br />
This December in Jerusalem, the temperature has been averaging about 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with the temperature dropping below 50 at night.<br />
<br />
While the men in our ministry can get away with wearing short sleeve shirts for part of the day, around 4 p.m. as the sun goes down, it becomes quite cold, and they need to put on a warm jacket.<br />
<br />
The fact that shepherds were in the field keeping watch over their sheep at<br />
night when Yeshua was born likely indicates that He was not born in the<br />
winter. Some scholars even suggest the sheep were brought under cover<br />
between November and March.<br />
<br />
Another point to consider when trying to determine the time of year that Yeshua (Jesus) was born is the fact that winter in Israel is not a logical time to take a census because of the cold and rain. Occasionally, it even snows in Jerusalem. So the fact that Yoseph (Joseph) and Miriam (Mary) had gone to Beit Lechem (Bethlehem) to register for a census is a good indication that they were traveling in a warmer, drier season (Luke 2:1-5).<br />
<br />
When they arrived, Jerusalem and Bethlehem were so crowded that no accommodations were available at the inn. Such crowding would have been more typical during one of the three pilgrimage feasts: Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Pentecost) or Sukkot (Tabernacles/Booths). <br />
<br />
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” (Luke 2:6-7)<br />
<br />
Likely, Yeshua was born at the end of the harvest, during the Biblical holiday of Sukkot, fulfilling the Scripture that one day the Lord would ‘tabernacle’ will His people. (Ezekiel 37:27)<br />
<br />
“Look! God’s dwelling is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.” (Revelation 21:3)<br />
<br />
God first revealed Messiah's birth to nearby shepherds<br />
who were watching over their flocks in the fields at night.<br />
(Luke 2:8-20)<br />
<br />
<b>Birthdays and the Culture of the Time<br />
</b><br />
“The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8)<br />
<br />
Yeshua was born into a completely Jewish, Hebraic culture where the date of one’s death was remembered and observed rather than the date of one’s birth. This could explain why we are certain of the date of His death (Passover), but not clear on the date of His birth. <br />
<br />
How, then, did December 25th come to be celebrated as the day of Yeshua’s birth, and what is the origin of the festival of Christmas? <br />
<br />
It was certainly not included in the early celebrations of the Christian church.<br />
<br />
The Catholic Encyclopedia explains that “Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the Church. Irenaeus and Tertullian [early Church fathers] do not show it on their list of feasts.”<br />
<br />
Later, when churches in different parts of the world began celebrating the birthday of Yeshua, they had various opinions as to the correct date. It was not until the latter part of the fourth century that the Roman Church began observing December 25th.<br />
<br />
By the fifth century, it was decreed that the birth of Jesus would be forever observed on this date, even though this was the day of the old Roman feast of the birth of Sol, one of the names of the sun-god. <br />
<br />
Interior of the Church of the Multiplication in Tabgha, which is on the banks<br />
of the Sea of Galilee, at Christmas.<br />
<br />
Mithraism—a large, pagan, sun worship cult—fostered the celebration of December 25th as a holiday throughout the Roman and Greek worlds. This winter festival was called ‘the nativity’ and ‘the Nativity of the sun’.<br />
<br />
This type of cult even reached Israel. Semiramis, the Queen of Babylon, (also called the Queen of Heaven and Ishtar) contaminated the Israelites’ worship of God with Baal worship (Jeremiah 7:18, 44:17). <br />
<br />
She ordered the ancient world to celebrate the birth of her son Tammuz, who was apparently believed to be the sun god reincarnated.<br />
<br />
She set December 25th as the date of Baal’s birth on the advice of her astrologers, since the sun is at its farthest point from the earth during the winter solstice.<br />
<br />
“The children gather wood, the fathers light the fire and the women knead the dough and make cakes to offer to the Queen of Heaven. They pour out drink offerings to other gods to arouse my anger.” (Jeremiah 7:18)<br />
<br />
Over time, the sun god came to be worshiped all over the ancient world on December 25th. It was a time of orgies, drunkenness, and the sacrificing of infants to the pagan god, Baal.<br />
<br />
Because this feast was so popular among the pagan population of Greece and Rome, the date was simply adopted as the time of the birth of Yeshua by the Roman Church. <br />
<br />
Although Christmas caroling today brings cheer to many Christians, in<br />
their earliest beginnings, carols really had nothing to do with Christmas.<br />
The melodies were originally written to accompany an ancient dance form<br />
called the circle dance associated with fertility rites and pagan festivities.<br />
<br />
<b>Gift-giving, Saturnalia and Violence Against the Jews<br />
</b><br />
Many customs associated with the season–the giving of gifts, house-to-house caroling, and the general rejoicing and festivity derived from this winter festival of Saturnalia–are a remnant of paganism that has remained attached to the Christian Church. <br />
<br />
The Christians who first observed the birth of Jesus on December 25 did not do so thinking that he was born on that day. Because the pagan winter festival of Saturnalia was celebrated on that date in Rome, they were willing to have this pagan holiday metamorphosed into a Christian one.<br />
<br />
Due to the pagan origin of Christmas and the violence and excess associated with it, the Puritans (Christians from the Church of England) banned Christmas altogether. In Massachusetts, USA, its observance was illegal between 1659 and 1681.<br />
<br />
Despite its association with paganism, Christmas was, and still is, celebrated by most Christians.<br />
<br />
Rabbis and Orthodox Jewish anti-missionaries often use this information to confirm that Christianity is a pagan religion and that the story of the birth of Yeshua is inspired by the pagan festival celebrating the birth of the sun-god Sol.<br />
<br />
According to this logic, the rabbis state that Yeshua couldn't be the Jewish Messiah!<br />
<br />
This mosaic found in the Vatican grottoes under St. Peter's Basilica,<br />
on the ceiling of the tomb of the Julii (Pope Julius I), represents<br />
Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) as the sun-god Helios or Sol Invictus<br />
riding in his chariot. It's dated the 3rd century AD.<br />
<br />
Beside the ties to Saturnalia and Mithraism that discredit the celebration of Christmas, violence against the Jews on Christmas understandably blackened the holiday among the Jewish People.<br />
<br />
According to David Kertzer, in his book The Popes Against the Jews: The Vatican’s Role in the Rise of Modern Anti-Semitism, throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Jewish rabbis of the ghetto in Rome were forced to wear clownish outfits and march through the city streets to the jeers of the crowd, pelted by a variety of projectile objects as part of the Saturnalia carnival (p. 74).<br />
<br />
In 1836, the Jewish community of Rome sent a petition to Pope Gregory XVI pleading with him to stop the annual Saturnalia abuse of the Jewish community, to which the Pope responded, “It is not opportune to make any innovation.”<br />
<br />
And on December 25, 1881, riots broke out across Poland when Christian leaders incited the Polish masses into an anti-Semitic frenzy.<br />
<br />
On this Christmas Day, twelve Jews were brutally murdered in Warsaw, several others injured, and many Jewish women raped. Also, two million rubles of Jewish property was destroyed.<br />
<br />
<b>The Origins of Christmas Customs<br />
</b><br />
The season of Christmas can be a joyous time. Many Christians set up Christmas trees with beautiful lights, and as long as it brings joy to family and friends while keeping them focused on the Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) and all the blessings from God, then that’s a blessing.<br />
<br />
However, one should know the history of traditions that they keep.<br />
<br />
While the custom of decorating a Christmas tree dates back only a few centuries, the principle behind it is ancient. Pagans had a custom of worshiping trees in the forest (Jeremiah 7:18), or bringing them into their homes and decorating them, and this observance was adopted by the Christian Church.<br />
<br />
Furthermore, sacred trees as symbols of the life force were also associated with Canaanite cults.<br />
<br />
Cylinder seals dating from the Late Bronze Age often show a worshiper standing in front of a tree. <br />
<br />
Bronze Age Megiddo site: Seals depicting sacred trees have been <br />
found at Megiddo and other archaeological sites in Israel.<br />
<br />
Other seals dating from the 8th to the 10th centuries BC, which depict a tree flanked by worshipers, have been found at Lachish, Beth-shemesh, Gibeon, Samaria, and Megiddo archaeological sites in Israel.<br />
<br />
A drawing of a sacred tree with lily flowers being eaten by two ibex was discovered on a jar at the religious center of Kuntillet Ajrud. Gold pendants of the Late Bronze Age from Tell al-Ajjul (near Gaza) and from Ugarit show stylized trees growing out of a formalized goddess, according to ‘The Harper Atlas of the Bible’ (pgs.101-102).<br />
<br />
Sexual intercourse under these "holy" trees was thought to transmit the potency and vitality of the goddess.<br />
<br />
"They sacrifice on the mountaintops and burn offerings on the hills, under oak, poplar and terebinth trees, where the shade is pleasant. Therefore your daughters turn to prostitution and your daughters-in-law to adultery." (Hosea 4:13)<br />
<br />
These female deities could well have been the Asherah or Astarte who are often mentioned in the Jewish Scriptures (Tanakh/Old Testament) as the consort of the weather god Baal.<br />
<br />
"The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord; they forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asherahs." (Judges 3:7)<br />
<br />
In at least 10 Bible references, the "green tree" is associated with idolatry and false worship.<br />
<br />
"They also set up for themselves high places, sacred stones and Asherah poles on every high hill and under every spreading tree." (1 Kings 14:23)<br />
<br />
The use of holly and mistletoe comes from the Druid ceremonies. Some historians think that the Druids used mistletoe to poison their human sacrificial victim.<br />
<br />
Kissing under the mistletoe is a synthesis of Druid sacrificial rituals with Saturnalia sexual immorality.<br />
<br />
Places of worship with sacred Christmas trees are frequently mentioned in the Bible and the prophet Jeremiah condemned their use:<br />
<br />
“Do not learn the ways of the nations... For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter.” (Jeremiah 10:1-4)<br />
<br />
The custom of kissing under the mistletoe during<br />
the Christmas holidays has pagan origins.<br />
<br />
<b>Christmas Today</b><br />
<br />
“Look! The young maiden (also translated virgin) will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” (Matthew 1:23, see Isaiah 7:14)<br />
<br />
In light of these facts, some Messianic Jews and born-again Christians choose not to celebrate Christmas in any form whatsoever, while others continue to celebrate December 25th as Yeshua’s birthday. <br />
<br />
It is important to refrain from condemning those who choose to celebrate Christmas, as well as those who choose not to.<br />
<br />
What is truly important during this season, while people are confronted with the birth of the Messiah, is to spread the good news that Yeshua came as the Light of the World, not to condemn the world, but to save it.<br />
<br />
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)<br />
<br />
"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.” (John 3:16)<br />
<br />
<b>Redeeming the Time</b><br />
<br />
"Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days." (Ephesians 5:16)<br />
<br />
Although the celebration of Christmas has pagan origins, this time can be redeemed by doing special mitzvot (good deeds) to help those who are feeling isolated, lost or alone while others are celebrating with friends and family. <br />
<br />
It’s a fact that this time of the year is the hardest for many people who don’t have family or who are struggling. <br />
<br />
We can be a ‘light’ by bringing cheer, comfort, hope and support into the lives of friends, family, neighbors, and those less fortunate than ourselves.<br />
<br />
This season is a good time to help single mothers, widows, or anyone who has fallen upon hard times. <br />
<br />
While it is true that many Christians celebrate pagan traditions in ignorance on one day of the year – December 25th, our focus should be celebrating the Messiah’s birth and life everyday of the year because Yeshua was born in prophetic fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures to redeem the world.<br />
<br />
It is right to celebrate our Creator and His Scriptures (The Word) and the Messiah (The Word that became flesh).<br />
<br />
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)<br />
<br />
God is love and so He gives to us His very best. <br />
<br />
We can choose to share the love of God during this festive season by giving of ourselves so that others can also come to know salvation (Yeshua).<br />
<br />
During this holiday season and Year-End Tax Saving time, please help Bibles For Israel educate the Jewish people.<br />
<br />
"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'" <br />
(Luke 2:10-12)<br />
Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-59329417069807481762012-10-06T13:40:00.002-07:002012-10-06T13:44:56.032-07:00The Book of JacobIn English Bibles, there is a book called "The Letter to James." The Greek name for the book is not "Demetrios" which is translated "James," but rather "Iacobos" which translates as "Jacob." This is important because this is a Hebrew book. It is written by a Hebrew and is overflowing with Hebraic thought. Consider 1:25: "But the one who looks intently into the perfect <i>Torah</i>, the <i>Torah </i>that gives freedom, and continues in it, not becoming a hearer who forgets but a doer who acts--he shall be blessed in what he does." This verse tells us the following:<br />
1. The <i>Torah </i>(in Hebrew means "instruction")is perfect. YHVH's instructions to His people are perfect. If He tells us what to eat, when to worship, and how to worship, we should obey instantly without debate. <br />
2. The <i>Torah </i>gives freedom. Some believe that to follow YHVH is to lose freedom. "I can't do this. I can't do that." However, this scripture gives us a different result. By following the <i>Torah </i>I have the freedom to avoid sin and its consequences. The Torah instructs me how to live a life that pleases YHVH and His Son Yeshua. Yeshua knew this and was <i>Torah </i>observant. <br />
3. To have freedom in <i>Torah</i>, you must continue to walk in obedience. This is not about making a decision for Christ and being once saved always saved. There is no such thing from a Hebraic interpretation of the scriptures. It is a Gentile doctrine recently created to grow a large church. <br />
4. If you are not a doer of <i>Torah</i>, you lose the blessing. The verse instructs us that we will be blessed in what we do if what we do is <i>Torah</i>. I have people try to tell me that I don't have to obey the Torah. I tell them, not a chance. YHVH has blessed us and I would be a fool to walk away from the blessing. To those that disagree, I say, "So, how is it working out for you?"<br />
<br />
The Torah is YHVH's instruction to teach His people how to live. If you are not one of His, the Torah does not apply to you. It is only for YHVH's people. I am pleased that I am part of a community that obeys <i>Torah</i>. When I watch people rise early on Sun-Day to visit churches that worship on the wrong day, I am saddened. So many sincere people being misled. <i>Elohim </i>have mercy on those that reject <i>Torah</i>.Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-37969682892293077262012-10-03T07:01:00.002-07:002012-10-03T07:01:55.931-07:00Blessing or Cursing IsraelThe Presbyterian Church is considering divestment from companies doing business with Israel. Genesis 12: 2-3 says: "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you,and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." With these Scriptures in mind, consider the following:<br />
<br />
"PRLog (Press Release) - May 31, 2012 - The following is a joint statement by Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC), Messianic Jewish Alliance of America (MJAA), International Messianic Jewish Alliance (IMJA) and the International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues (IAMCS). <br />
<br />
The Presbyterian Church (USA), despite its historic concern for justice, is considering a move that violates basic principles of justice—targeted divestment from specific companies doing business with Israel. Divestment is the practice of withdrawing investments from companies in order to create economic and political pressure against those companies, or governments with which they do business. In this case, by withdrawing investments from companies supplying materials to Israel’s defense and security programs, divestment proponents hope to force Israel into an immediate and unconditional withdrawal from Judea and Samaria." <br />
<br />
<br />
Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-72012677924143651252012-09-30T08:30:00.001-07:002012-09-30T08:33:41.832-07:00Sabbath to Sun-DayDo you know why the day of Worship for the followers of Yeshua (Jesus) was changed from the Sabbath to Sunday? We are going to spend a few days looking at the change and why it occurred. There are three main verses in the New Testament that are used to justify the change:<br />
1. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2: "Now about the collection for the set-apart people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made." <br />
2. Acts 20: 7-11: "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. 'Don’t be alarmed,' he said. “He’s alive!” Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left."<br />
3. Revelation 1:10: "On YHVH's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet...."<br />
<br />
Regarding the verse in Corinthians, is the verse about the procedure for taking an offering, or about the removal of the Fourth Commandment? Exogesis is "Reading out of the scriptures". Isogesis is "Reading into the scriptures". If you come to the verse in Corinthians with your mind made up that the Fourth Commandment has been changed, you are likely to read into the verse what you want it to say. On the other hand, if you read out of the verse, a different result can be concluded. Paul is giving directions about taking an offering, and nothing more.<br />
<br />
Regarding the verses in Acts set forth above, also consider chapter 2:46: "Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts...." This verse informs us that the Jerusalem community of believers continued to meet in the Temple. Afterwards, they would go and break bread together. Now, reread verses 7-11. Do the verses actually suggest that the Fourth Commandment has been changed? Or, is the passage about the power of G-d acting through Paul to bring about a physical healing?<br />
<br />
Regarding the passage in Revelations, do you read anything that instructs us that the Fourth Commandment has been changed. Regarding YHVH's Day consider Isaiah 13:6,9" 'Wail, for the day of YHVH is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty. See, the day of YHVH is coming —a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger—to make the land desolate and destroy the sinners within it." Is the "Lord's Day" a substitute for the Sabbath? Perhaps the "Lord's Day" has more to do with the coming of YHVH than a change of the day of worship. Either way, the text does not "read out" a change of the Sabbath. The only way you can reach that interpretation is to read into the passage. <br />
<br />
The Sabbath has not been changed. We will examine the reasons for the change over the next few posts. Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-86640320113434688942012-09-19T08:32:00.000-07:002012-09-19T08:32:50.174-07:00The Feast of Trumpets and the ChristianRoshHaShanah is also called the Feast of Trumpets. Leviticus 23:24 says: "In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a Sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a set-apart convocation." This is the first fall festival. It occurs on the first day of the Hebrew New Year. It is believed to be the birthday of Adam, Cain, Abel, the day Abraham bound Isaac on Mount Moriah, the day Noah was born, and the day Noah's ark hit dry land. It is the day Sarah conceived Isaac, the day Rachel conceived Joseph. It is the day Elohim heard Hannah's prayer for a son and the day he was born a year later. It is the day that Satan stood before YHVH to accuse Job. It is also the day Pharoah set Joseph free from an Egyptian prison.<br />
<br />
The blowing of trumpets is very important. The sound of the shofar is a spiritual wake up call to listen to YHVH, repent of known sin, and dedicate yourself to set-apart living. In the modern day holiness movement, this would be called entire consecration followed by Elohim's Divine act of entire sanctification. While the holiness movement errs in its theology of removal of the "old man" of sin, it is correct in the requirement to live a life dedicated to YHVH. What does it mean to dedicate yourself to living a set-apart life for YHVH? First, it means to commit to study the Torah. Second, it means to obey the Torah. The Torah is YHVH's instruction book to those in the covenant in how we should live our lives day to day. RoshHaShanah points us to the Torah. Perhaps this is part of the reason the Christian church for the most part ignores the Feast of Trumpets. Third, it means to pray to YHVH. This means to bless the name of YHVH. Sometimes YHVH is referred to as Hashem, which means "the Name." Bless His Name today by blessing Hashem. <br />
<br />
We are in the time known as the Ten Days of Awe. Take this time to repent of known sin, pray, and do acts of charity for those in need. As you do so, you are getting ready for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This will occur ten (10) days from Rosh HaShanah. This is the time to get serious about following YHVH. When the modern Christian church neglects the Biblical feasts, it is missing a time to draw near to Hashem. We are to draw close to Him when He commands us to do so and that time is now. <br />
<br />
Should the Christian keep the Feast of Trumpets? Ask yourself, "Did Yeshua keep the Feast of Trumpets?" "Does the Feast of Trumpets honor Hashem?" If it does, "Who has an interest in not honoring Hashem? What does your community teach? Was it on the side of Hashem or on the side of one that seeks to dishonor Hashem?"Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-20153586098706236982012-09-17T08:01:00.003-07:002012-09-17T08:01:52.982-07:00Rosh Hashanah and Following YeshuaDid you know that today is Rosh Hashanah? It is the Jewish New Year. The name "Rosh Hashanah" is not used in the Bible to discuss this holiday. The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar). The holiday is instituted in Leviticus 23:24-25. In ten days, Yom Kippur, i.e the Day of Atonement, will occur. What do you think Yeshua would be during this time? Where would He be? Would He be lighting candles in the evening? Would He be blowing the shofar? I suggest, He most certainly would. If you are His disciple, that means that you are copying or imitating His behavior. If you were in church yesterday, did the ministers mention the Jewish holiday? If they did not, how can they claim to be a disciple of One who is keeping the Biblical holidays? If they did mention the holiday, but not put actions with their words, how can they claim to be disciples of the One who does keep the holidays?<br />
<br />
Have you heard of the Ten Days of Awe? The ten days start with Rosh Hashanah and end with Yom Kippur and are commonly known as the Days of Awe (Yamim Noraim) or the Days of Repentance. This is a time for serious introspection, a time to consider the sins of the previous year and repent before Yom Kippur.<br />
<br />
One of the ongoing themes of the Days of Awe is the belief that G-d has "books" that he writes our names in, writing down who will live and who will die, who will have a good life and who will have a bad life, for the next year. These books are written in on Rosh Hashanah, but our actions during the Days of Awe can alter G-d's decree. The actions that change the decree are "teshuvah, tefilah and tzedakah," repentance, prayer, good deeds (usually, charity). These "books" are sealed on Yom Kippur. This concept of writing in books is the source of the common greeting during this time is "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year." Have you heard this before? If not, you might want to consider expanding your knowledge of the religion of Yeshua. During these ten days, we should be most on guard concerning our thoughts, words, and actions. <br />
<br />
Yeshua is Jewish. He followed the Torah. We that claim to be His disciples should make it a point to follow Him as He follows the Torah. If not, who are you a disciple of? Hint: It is not Yeshua. It is the one that has turned people away from the true faith in YHVH and His Son Yeshua.<br />
<br />
Note: Thanks to www.jewfaq.org for information on Rosh Hashahah and the Days of Awe.Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-65775763257011037412012-09-13T07:50:00.000-07:002012-09-13T07:50:05.280-07:00True Devotions Part 4We are going to continue today to focus on being still before YHVH as part of developing our personal devotion time. Psalm 46:10 says: “Be still, and know that I am Elohim. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Do you get still before YHVH on a consistent basis? Or, do you allow the cares of this life, no matter how legitimate, to interfere with quiet? One of the most important things you can do for yourself, your family and your friends is to establish a time of being still before YHVH. A time to block out everything except Him. This may seem difficult at first, but with practice you will discover that this is the best part of your day.<br />
<br />
Charles Spurgeon said of Psalm 46:10: "A duty described, to be still before God, and under the dispensations of his providence; which implies that we must be still as to words; not speaking against the sovereign dispensations of Providence, or complaining of them; not darkening counsel by words without knowledge, or justifying ourselves and speaking great swelling words of vanity. We must be still as to actions and outward behaviour, so as not to oppose God in his dispensations; and as to the inward frame of our hearts, cultivating a calm and quiet submission of soul to the sovereign pleasure of God, whatever it may be."<br />
<br />
This time of stillness will be a time that Elohim may speak to your inner person. There may be times of guidance and reflection. You may feel a warmth or inner peace as you surrender your self completely to Him. Do not be afraid to be alone with Elohim; you have nothing to fear. If He corrects you; instantly obey. If He directs you to do something; instantly obey. As Mary told the helpers at the wedding feast at Cana, whatever He (Yeshua) says unto you, do it. Allow stillness and silence to become a regular part of your devotional life. It will change you (for the better).<br />
Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-2520195660878391412012-09-12T07:29:00.000-07:002012-09-12T07:29:14.808-07:00True Devotions Part 3As we continue to explore devotion, consider the importance of silence before YHVH. Psalm 46:10 says: "Be still, and know that I am G-d: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." There is something incredible about being alone in your devotions with G-d and just being still. I prefer to do so early in the morning while it is still dark. I do not turn on the lights, but instead I sit still in the darkness. My mind then focuses on a small passage of Scripture and I allow myself to just think about the goodness of G-d. We are just too busy sometimes to slow down and be quiet, but we need to do so.<br />
<br />
Adam Clarke explains the stillness as: "Cease from your provocations of the Divine justice; cease from murmuring against the dispensations of his providence; cease from your labour for a season, that ye may deeply reflect on the severity and goodness of God-severity to those who are brought down and destroyed; goodness to you who are raised up and exalted:-cease from sin and rebellion against your God; let that disgrace you no more, that we may no more be brought into distress and desolation."<br />
<br />
Silence requires you not to complain or ask for anything; instead, it is a time of quiet reflection before G-d. You will have to make time for silence. You may have to get up earlier, or go to bed later to find the peace and quiet necessary to be silent and still before YHVH. You may have to travel away from your home to a park or lake to see the beauty of G-d's creations. Whatever you have to do or wherever you have to go, find a place to be still before YHVH. Allow Him to speak to you; allow yourself to love Him and praise Him from a heart that has surrendered its all to Him. Silence is very important to devotion and it is very important to your devotions. <br />
Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-80646826133695200072012-09-11T09:56:00.004-07:002012-09-11T09:56:47.376-07:00True Devotions Part 2Today we look at some practical aspects of devotion. Every follower of Yeshua must have a time of personal reflection and time with YHVH. Involvement with a community and family devotions are very important; however, these should never replace private time with Elohim. It is essential to your growth as a disciple of Yeshua. Yeshua spent much time alone with His Father and we as His disciples must imitate Him and do the same.<br />
<br />
One of the methods that I have found successful is to find a quiet place away from distractions. Get comfortable, either by sitting in a chair or standing, and begin to meditate on a small passage of Scripture. For example, recently I focused on the phrase "Elohim is faithful" from 1 Corinthians 10:13. Over and over I thought about Elohim's faithfulness. I thought about how faithful He had been to me over the years even when I was disobedient to Him. I thought about His faithfulness to those I had read about in the Bible. I spoke and thought the words: "Elohim is faithful." After 15 minutes of doing nothing more than think about His promise of faithfulness, I was now ready to petition Him for "our daily bread." Just as Elohim provided manna, i.e. daily bread, for the children of Israel in the wilderness, He would also provide our daily bread today. Why; because He is the same faithful Elohim. <br />
<br />
The Bible is full of short phrases that can serve as the basis of a daily meditation. You will never run of choices out because the Bible contains Elohim's complete written revelation to man. This aspect of devotion is called meditation. It is very important and will guide you into the other areas that we will discuss over the next few days. For today, select a verse or a portion of a verse, get alone and get quiet and ponder your selection. Don't rush; enjoy this time of being alone with Elohim. He is waiting.<br />
Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-59527656600841564962012-09-10T08:04:00.004-07:002012-09-10T08:04:49.173-07:00True Devotions Part 1A few years ago, I was called to the house of a man dying of cancer. He was in the final stages and would most likely not survive 90 days. His wife was with him. As I was traveling to see him, I prayed for Elohim's guidance and that I would speak His words not mine. You can imagine the thoughts in my head; would he give the remainder of his life to Yeshua? Would he and his wife be transformed by the power of YHVH? I saw a valuable truth that day. People generally die as they lived. Everyone has a "god;" it just depends on what you choose to worship. The dying man's only concern was a debt from 17 years ago that had been repaid only he had forgotten it. At one point the wife took YHVH's name in vain and he cussed (not about the debt but just in the normal course of the conversation). I spoke firmly about the language and stated that if it occurred again I would depart immediately. Their "god" was money. He actually had a large paper cup by his bed within arm's reach filled with $100 bills. Here was a man about to slip into eternity with no concern for his soul. His devotion was to money and not the true YHVH. The Bible is true when it says: "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve Elohim and mammon." Matthew 6:24 This man had served money his life and that was his "god."<br />
<br />
Where is your heart's devotion? What has your heart? Is it YHVH or something else? The point I want to make today, is that whatever you spend your life serving is mostly likely what you will die serving. If you are a child of Elohim, then you need to spend your life serving your Savior. That service begins with devotion. Pray for passion for the Word, for prayer and for a closeness with Him. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8 "Draw nigh to Elohim, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded."<br />
<br />
Today examine your heart. Find out where your passion is; when you find that passion, you will find your "God." Don't wait until you are on your death bed, because most likely by then your heart is settled and will not change. Live your life for YHVH! Live your life for Yeshua! Have a passion for Yeshua! When you do, your heart will have true devotion for G-d.<br />
Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801963551229717604.post-27404327318622551232012-09-04T06:52:00.003-07:002012-09-04T06:52:39.700-07:00The Blessing Part 9Are you struggling to be blessed? Do you not feel worthy enough to have the blessing of G-d on your life? Well guess what? You aren't worthy enough and you in your own righteousness will never be good enough to earn the blessing of G-d. That is the exact point; you must quit trying to earn G-d's blessing. You are simply to believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that you are blessed in Him. <br />
<br />
Romans 10:9-10 instructs the reader to believe in your heart the resurrection and confess with your mouth that Yeshua is <i>Adonai </i>and if you do so, you will be "saved." The word saved here is the Greek word sozo and means deliverance, protection, health, and well-being (sounds like the blessing doesn't it). The stem of the word means "to be roomy." G-d wants to take you to a roomy place (this means a place that is full of abundance and deliverance). Great you say, how do I get there? You get there by loving His Commandments (His Word) and obeying them to the fullest.<br />
<br />
What are His Commandments? We are to love Him and our neighbor. Sounds simple doesn't it; the road to activate the blessing is the walkway of love. Today, tell Yahweh that you love Him with all of your heart (make the confession even if you don't "feel it") and show G-d's love to one of His children today. You will find the blessing beginning to over take you. He guarantees it not me.<br />
Barry Jenkins Sr.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13949565704449607897noreply@blogger.com0