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The Messiah was repeatedly in the Bible prophesied to come by Virgin birth. Isaiah 7:1-17 Virgin Birth of Yeshua the Messiah, God’s True Hope and Deliverance by Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum* CHAPTERS 7-12 of Isaiah constitute a single unit, sometimes referred to as "The Book of Immanuel" because the name "Immanuel" appears three times in the Hebrew text (7:4;8:8,10). The first prophecy which we will look at within this section of Scripture deals with the birth of Immanuel. In the Bible, when parents name a child, the meaning of the name shows the thinking of the parents. When God names the child, as here, the name shows the very nature of the child. Immanuel means "with us, God." The character of the child will be "God among us." The Controversy As mentioned in our discussion of Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 7:3-14 is a prophecy concerning the virgin conception and birth of the Messiah. This is perhaps the most controversial of the messianic prophecies and therefore requires a closer textual analysis than others. The exact meaning of this passage is disputed by rabbis, liberal theologians and even by some evangelical theologians. The passage talks of "a sign: The virgin will be with child.. " There are two areas of controversy here: 1. The sign Since the context of the chapter requires a short range prophecy - giving a sign to King Ahaz - how can this be applied to the birth of a child some 700 years later, as claimed in Matthew 1:22-23? 2. The Hebrew word “Almah" Does it really mean a virgin, or simply a young unmarried woman? We will deal with both of these contentious issues before proceeding to discuss the passage itself. Hermeneutics Since Isaiah 7:13-14 requires an immediate sign to King Ahaz, many Evangelicals have taken this verse to be an example of "double fulfillment." This principle states that a prophecy may have more than one fulfillment. This verse may, accordingly, be both a sign for King Ahaz and the sign in Matthew 1:22-23 for the birth of Jesus. This author does not accept the principle of double fulfillment either here or in any other place in the Bible. If this principle were true, there would be no real need for the virgin birth at all. There is another, better principle of biblical interpretation which is "Double Reference." This principle states that one block of Scripture dealing with one person, one event, one time, may be followed by another block of Scripture dealing with a different person, place and time, without making any clear distinction between the two blocks or indicating that there is a gap of time between the two blocks. The fact of a gap of time is known only from other Scriptures. There are, therefore, two separate prophecies side-by-side each having their own fulfillment, but with only one fulfillment per prophecy. "Double Fulfillment" states that one prophecy can have two fulfillments. "Double Reference" states that the one piece of Scripture actually contains two prophecies, each having its own fulfillment. As will be explained later, Isaiah 7:3-17 contains two quite separate prophecies with different purposes, and having different fulfillments at different times. The Hebrew Word Almah The major debate, of course, is over the exact meaning of the Hebrew word almah, translated here as virgin. In describing a young woman, there are three Hebrew words which Isaiah could have used: 1. Na’a’rah Na'a'rah means "damsel" and can refer to either a virgin (as in I Kings 1:2), or a non-virgin (as in Ruth 2:6). 2. Betulah This is commonly considered to mean a virgin, exclusively. It is argued that if Isaiah had really meant to say a virgin, then he would have used this word. It is true that this word is often used to mean virgin, but not always. For example: i. In Joel 1:8 it is used in reference to a widow. ii. In Genesis 24:6, because the word does not exclusively mean "virgin" the writer adds the phrase "had never known a man" in order to clarify what he means. iii. Again in Judges 2:12 the phrase "had not known a man" has to be added to give the precise meaning. 3. Almah Almah means "a virgin," "a young virgin," a "virgin of marriageable age." This word is used seven times in the Hebrew Scriptures and not once is it used to describe a married woman; this point is not debated. i. Genesis 24:43. In contrast to 24:6 mentioned above, verse 43 requires no additional qualifying remarks since the one word alone is sufficient to mean "virgin." Furthermore, it is used of Rebekah who was obviously a virgin at the time of her marriage to Isaac. ii. Exodus 2:8. Used in reference to Moses' sister Miriam, who was a virgin. iii. Psalm 68:25. Used in reference to the royal procession of virgins. Since the King in this context is God Himself, absolute virginity is required; it is unthinkable that God would allow unchaste, unmarried women in His procession. iv. Song of Songs 1:3. The context here is purity in marriage. v. Song of Songs 6:8. The word is used here in contrast to wives and concubines who would obviously be non-virgins. vi. Proverbs 30:18-19. The word is used in verse 19 in contrast to an adulteress in verse 20. vii. Isaiah 7:14. Since all of the above six verses mean "a virgin," what reason is there for making Isaiah 7:14 the only exception? Since everyone agrees that almah means an unmarried woman, if the woman in Isaiah 7:14 were a non-virgin, then God would be promising a sign involving fornication and illegitimacy. It is unthinkable that God would sanction sin, and in any case, what would be so unusual about an illegitimate baby that could possibly constitute a sign? As far as ancient Jewish writers were concerned, there was no argument about Isaiah 7:4 predicting a virgin birth. The Septuagint is a Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures made about 200 b.c.e./b.c., 200 years before the issue of Jesus' Messiahship ever arose. The Jews who made this translation, living much closer to the times of Isaiah than we do today, translated Isaiah 7:14 using the Greek word parthenos which very clearly and exclusively means a virgin. There can therefore be no doubt that the unique event which God is promising as a sign, is the miraculous conception of a son by a girl who is still a virgin. The Threat to the House of David - 7:1-2 At this point in history there was an empire arising which was threatening the smaller kingdoms of the Middle East - the Assyrian Empire. Among these smaller kingdoms was Syria (or Aram), the northern Kingdom of Israel (or Ephraim), and the southern Kingdom of Judah. The kings of Israel and Syria joined forces against their common enemy (verses I-2), but still did not have enough military might to withstand an Assyrian attack. They invited Judah to join forces with them, but Ahaz, King of Judah, refused. Israel and Syria then conspired, not only to dethrone Ahaz, when they might have succeeded, but to depose the entire House of David. This is the emphasis in verse 2. They would then establish a new dynasty in Judah more favorable to an alliance against Assyria. This, then, is a direct attack upon God's eternal covenant with David. It is therefore doomed to failure. (The Davidic Covenant is discussed under I Chronicles 17:10b-14 in the section on The Writings.) The Message to Ahaz - 7:3-9 Ahaz is not a worshipper of the one true God, but has fallen into idolatry and is very much afraid of the approaching attack (verse 2). In verses 3-9 God gives a message to Ahaz. In verse 3, Isaiah is commissioned to meet with Ahaz, who is inspecting water supplies in preparation for a siege. Isaiah is also to take his son with him. His son is called Shear-Jashub, meaning "a remnant will return." The reason for taking his son is not explained until verses 15-16. In verses 4-6 the message is given, describing the plot and telling Ahaz not to be afraid. The plot consists of overthrowing Ahaz and replacing him with the son of Tabeel. Isaiah was a master of the Hebrew language and loved playing word games. He does so here in verse 6. Tabeel means "God is good." By altering the vowel pattern very slightly, Isaiah changes this to mean "good for nothing." The one that means "God is good" will prove to be "good for nothing." Because of the Davidic Covenant, no conspiracy against the House of David can ever succeed. God clearly states this in verse 7, and in verses 8-9 God will judge the two kings involved in the conspiracy. The Signs of Deliverance - 7:10-17 The Offer of a Sign - 7:10-11 Ahaz, however, is an idolater who does not trust in God and has made his own arrangements. He has sent letters and gifts to the Assyrian Emperor, asking for assistance in his defense against these two kings. He has greater faith in the Assyrian Empire than in the God of Israel. So, in verse 10, God speaks a second time. He offers Ahaz a sign - whatever it takes to convince Ahaz not to fear, not to trust the Assyrians, but to trust in God. Whatever it takes, let him ask for it and God will do it for him. The word for "sign" does not of itself mean a miracle; it could be a miraculous or a natural sign. Within this context, however, it is clear that it will take a miracle to convince Ahaz. God offers him a sign anywhere he wants - in heaven, on earth, under the earth -whatever it takes to convince him. The Rejection of the Offer - 7:12 In response, the idolatrous Ahaz suddenly becomes very spiritual. In verse 12 he refuses to "test" God or "tempt" Him. This is a reference to Deuteronomy 6:16, but he misapplies it. Nevertheless, it is evident that even in idolatry, Ahaz was not ignorant of the true God! Deuteronomy 6:16 warns against asking for a sign, but here God is offering a sign and Ahaz is invited to respond. Ahaz does not want a sign, lest it come to pass, and he be forced to abandon his alliance with Assyria. Then come the crucial verses, 13 and 14. The Sign to the House of David - 7:13-14 In verse 13, Isaiah turns from addressing Ahaz as an individual and addresses the entire House of David. The English language does not distinguish between "you" addressed to one person and "you" addressed to many people. In Hebrew there is a difference, and there is a clear change between the singular "you" of verses 9,11,16,17 and the plural "you" of verses 13-14. The sign therefore is not just for Ahaz, but for the whole House of David. This becomes clearer if we state the passage again with the singular [s] and plural [pl] words indicated: 7:9 . . .and the head of Ephraim is Samaria and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah. If you [s] will not believe, you [s] surely shall not last.""' 10 Then the LORD spoke again to Ahaz, saying, 11 "Ask a sign for yourself [s] from the LORD your God; make it deep as Sheol or high as heaven." 12 But Ahaz said, "I will not ask, nor will I test the LORD!" 13 Then he said, "Listen now, 0 house of David! Is it too slight a thing for you [pl] to try the patience of men, that you [pl] will try the patience of my God as well? 14 "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you [pl] a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. 15 "He will eat curds and honey at the time He knows enough to refuse evil and choose good. 16 "For before the boy will know enough to refuse evil and choose good, the land whose two kings you [s] dread will be forsaken. "The LORD will bring on you [s], on your people, and on your father's house such days as have never come since the day that Ephraim separated from Judah, the king of Assyria." (NASB, with comments added) In verse 14, the Hebrew word for "behold" is a word which draws attention to an event which could be past, present or future. However, grammatically, whenever "behold" is used with the Hebrew present participle, it always refers to a future event. That is the case here. Not only is the birth future, but the very conception is future. This is not referring to a pregnant woman about to give birth. The text specifically says "the virgin" (the NIV and NKJV are correct at this point; the NASB like most translations says "a virgin," which is quite wrong). According to the rules of Hebrew grammar, when finding the use of a definite article (the), the reader should look for a reference in the immediate previous context. Having followed the passage from chapter 7:1, there has been no mention of any woman. Having failed with the immediate context, the second rule is the "principle of previous reference," something which has been dealt with much earlier and is common knowledge among the people. Where in Jewish Scripture or tradition is there any concept of "the virgin giving birth to a son"? The only possible reference is to Genesis 3:15. Contrary to the biblical norm, the Messiah would be reckoned after the Seed of the Woman. Why? Because He would have no human father; His would be a virgin conception and birth. The key point of this should not be missed. God is promising that the House of David cannot be deposed or lose its identity until the birth of a virgin-born son. Again, this requires that Messiah be born prior to the destruction of the Temple and its genealogical records in 70 A.D. The Sign to Ahaz - 7:15-17 Having concluded that Isaiah 7:12-14 is a long range prophecy concerning the birth of Messiah, that still leaves a problem. What about Ahaz? An event 700 years in the future is of little significance to him. There is however a second sign in verses 15-17, and this time it is specifically for Ahaz. The "you" in verse 16 is again singular, meaning Ahaz. Before Isaiah's son is old enough to make moral distinctions between right and wrong, the kings of Israel and Syria will be deposed and their threat removed. This was fulfilled within three years. Isaiah again uses the definite article before the term "boy." This time there is another boy mentioned in the context: Isaiah's son. The boy of verse 16 cannot be the son of verse 14 but refers back to Isaiah's son in verse 3. Why else was Isaiah commanded to take him? Summary of Isaiah 7:1-17 In Isaiah chapter 7, King Ahaz, the King of Judah, is under threat of attack. This threat is not only to him personally but to the whole House of David. Through the Prophet Isaiah, God tells King Ahaz to be at peace and to be unafraid. Two reasons are given, two signs which guarantee God's promise of security. The first sign, in verses 13 and 14, is that no attempt to destroy the House of David will succeed until the birth of a virgin-born son. The term "virgin" is required both by the Hebrew vocabulary and the context. The second sign, in verses 15 and 16, is given to Ahaz personally. God promises that the attack upon him by Israel and Syria will not succeed, and before Isaiah's son, Shear-Jashub, reaches an age of moral maturity, the two enemy kings will cease to exist. Isaiah 7:14 teaches that: Messiah would be born of a girl who is still a virgin; the explanation of Genesis 3:15 Messiah will be the God-Man. Messiah will be a king. Messiah must be born prior to the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E./A.D. *Used for educational purposed in line with goals of the author and Ariel Ministries www.ariel.org from Messianic Christology, 1978 © For more information contact the author or Menorah hrwnm –Menorah Ministries - menorah@menorah.org See Also Torah, Talmud, Midrash, Biblical Discussion Articles To Return To The Real Yeshua-Jesus To Return to Menorah Ministries Home Page

Menorah Ministries is a Messianic Jewish resource ministry about Messiah Jesus Yeshua Salvation, helping others to know Him, the Bible, Biblical Jewish roots of Christianity, and more. Sea of Galilee-Kinneret Jesus Yeshua Salvation Resources - I n f o rmation at you r fingertips Welcome to Menorah Ministries - We were started in 1986 as a (501-[c]-3), independent tax-exempt non-profit corporation registered in Colorado & overseen by an independent board. A local, Colorado, and international Messianic missionary ministry of the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. We are called to be front line, personal witnesses, proclaiming the Good News of eternal life through Jesus Christ, primarily in face-to-face situat ions. Our Mission Our reason for existing is not to build our organization, but to glorify God through making disciples of Yeshua Ha-Mashiach, Jesus Christ. We also serve as a resource and referral ministry, helping people know how to understand and witness to Jewish and other people. Our Goals Menorah Ministries is a witness for God's salvation and His light, called to be a true and faithful witness for Him... to the Jew especially, but equally to the Gentile. Romans 1:16-17 CJB As Jewish and Gentile Believers in Yeshua we have the joy of celebrating our Jewish roots in our Saviour. With a servant's heart, we strive to proclaim God's love, redemption and salvation in Messiah Yeshua. Biblical Christianity and Biblical Judaism are deeply intertwined. Israel holds a significant place in our faith. We stand with Israel and aim to cultivate a greater understanding and love for this land and its people. Understanding God's prophetic plan of eternal redemption and salvation is key to our faith. We aim to unveil this truth to all who seek it. Learn more below Jesus Evangelism Gospel Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you. Psalm 122:6 The LORD bless you and keep you: The LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you: The LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation. Isaiah 12:2-3 For I am not ashamed of the Good News, since it is God's powerful means of bringing salvation to everyone who keeps on trusting, to the Jew especially, but equally to the Gentile. For in it is revealed how God makes people righteous in his sight; and from beginning to end it is through trust - as the Tanakh puts it, "But the person who is righteous will live his life by trust." Romans 1:16-17 CJB Resources - I n f o rmation at you r fingertips Yeshua-Jesus in Torah Talmud Midrash Biblical Discussion Biblical/Traditional Feasts Salvation Testimonies Who is Yeshua-Jesus? Christian Convert to Judaism? Bible/Torah- God’s Instruction The Shoah/Holocaust To Life- L’Chaim! Find Eternal Life The Messianic Jewish Movement Israel “God’s Plan” False and Near Christian Religions Other False/Near Christian Faiths The Trinity 4 Articles Jews, Gentiles, & The Church Jesus The Soul Sheperd Video Biblical Archaeology Videos Ask Reuben Questions/Answers Mission Reports-Poems-Calendars-Charts Menorah Ministries Report and News Blog Need Prayer? Congregation OrHaB'rith Speakers Teachers Available Our Outreaches Our Videos Israel Tours Press Releases Eastern " Beautiful Gate" Temple Mount Old City Jerusalem Acts 3:2

Biblically discusses if a Christian can actually become a Jew. C O N V E R T ? .... CAN A GENTILE CHRISTIAN BECOME A JEW? ...... R E A L L Y ?! To return To Jews Gentiles and the Church Web Site To return to MENORAH'S HOME PAGE Can A Gentile Christian 'Convert' (become a Jew) To Judaism & Remain A Christian To Convert or Not to Concert, That is the Question The Messianic Movement and A Messianic Gentile In A Messianic Jewish Congregation

Examines question is there no God Biblically and historically. The issue isn’t the existence of God. *If the atheist is wrong and there is a Creator, then he was wrong.  He gambled and he lost. No big deal. The real gamble is that there’s no hell. That’s what makes the player sweat just a little. “What if?” is the deep and nagging doubt.  He believes it’s worth the excitement of the game. Yet atheism isn’t a mind game; it is intellectual suicide. Is There No God? Atheism The issue isn’t the existence of God. * If the atheist is wrong and there is a Creator, then he was wrong. He gambled and he lost. No big deal. The real gamble is that there’s no hell. That’s what makes the player sweat just a little. “What if?” is the deep and nagging doubt. He believes it’s worth the excitement of the game. Yet atheism isn’t a mind game; it is intellectual suicide. We know that there are six bullets that aim right into the brain of humanity To be an atheist is to play Russian roulette with all barrels loaded. An atheist can’t win. Of course, he feels and acts like a big player, until the trigger is pulled: 1. Creation. Could you believe that the book you are holding came into being without an author? There was nothing. No paper, no ink. No cardboard. No editor. No author. There was nothing, and then a Big Bang changed everything. Time (the magic ingredient) produced a book with a cover, binding, coherent words, page numbers, and chapters, all in perfect order. Such thoughts are truly insane. You cannot have order without intelligence creating order. And there cannot be an ordered creation without an intelligent Creator. 2. The God-given conscience. All sane people have a conscience. It comes with the package. It is an inbuilt judge in the courtroom of the mind. It makes moral judgments, even when its voice is not wanted, and its voice only addresses that which is moral. It doesn’t speak when my tie doesn’t match my shirt. But it does speak when I steal a tie from a store. Why is that? Where did the conscience come from? Why do all civilizations have the knowledge that it’s wrong to lie, kill, steal, etc.? Our social surroundings may shape the conscience, but they don’t create it. It is the inner light that God has given to every one of us, and it leaves us without excuse for our sin. 3. The unchanging testimony of Holy Scripture. Do what they will to the testimony of Scripture—paint it as an ancient and archaic book, say it is full of mistakes, that it has been changed down through the ages, that it says that the earth is flat—but it remains the unchanging Word of the Living God. It is His Book, and it is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Refuse its wisdom, and you walk in darkness at your own peril. 4. The true and faithful testimony of the genuine Christian. These are not people who believe in God. Rather, they are sinners who have come to know Him. The Christian is called to testify as a witness to the truth. As in a court of law, the judge doesn’t want poetic or flowery speech. He simply wants to hear what the witness has seen and heard. It is then up to the jury to believe or not believe his testimony. The atheist chooses not to believe the testimony of the Christian, and in doing so, accuses him of bearing false witness. But why would a Christian lie? Why would he want to be found a liar, when the Book in which he sincerely believes warns that all liars will be cast into the lake of fire? 5. The witness of Jesus Christ. The True and Faithful Witness, before Whom every knee shall bow. The challenge to any atheist is to read the testimony of Scripture. Any honest skeptic will have no choice but to come to the conclusion that “never a man spoke like this Man.” He claimed to be God in human form. He claimed to have the power to raise all of humanity at the resurrection of the dead, with His lone voice. He claimed to be pre-existent, and that He came down to this earth to do the will of God. To make such claims, He could only have been a simpleton (that doesn’t match His matchless words), a liar (that doesn’t match His impeccable moral teaching), insane (then billions down through the ages have followed the teachings of a madman), or He was who He said He was. 6. The Spirit of Almighty God God watches every thought and every deed and will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether it is good or evil. No one will get away with a thing. No murderer will go unpunished. No rapist will get away with rape. Perfect justice will be done. But the justice of Almighty God is so thorough He will see to it that thieves, liars, fornicators, blasphemers, adulterers, and all who have transgressed the moral Law (the Ten Commandments) will get equity—that which is due to them. * 1st page from Ray Comfort’s book, You Can Lead An Atheist to Evidence, But You Can’t Make Him Think. To Return To Atheism Web Page To Return To Menorah's Evangelism Tracts To Return To Menorah's Web Page To Go To God Taking Human Form Web Page

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Biblical Archaeology Videos Sorry some video starting points could not be trimmed. To enlarge above and all pictures, click your mouse right button then magnify. Sodom burned—Zoar did NOT: The full story of the discovery of the Cities of the Plain! HD |Apr 06, 2024. Join Joel as he tells the exciting story of how the Cities of the Plain were discovered, including Lot's Cave, and why it matters. Archaeological Evidence for Giants in the Bible? HD |Jun 10, 2022 by Expedition Bible. The Bible talks about giants, but has any archaeological evidence for giants been found? Genesis refers to the Nephilim. Is this where Jesus was tried by Pontius Pilate? Sep 23, 2022 by Expedition Bible. In the 1970s, excavations of the western side of Jerusalem's Old City uncovered a very large gate that led into Herod the Great's castle. King David's Tomb: Part 1 -- Finding It HD |Jul 01, 2022 by Expedition Bible In 1913, Raymond Weill was the first Jewish archaeologist to excavate the most ancient part of Jerusalem. The Temple Mount--Where it IS. Where it ISN'T. What is it FOR? HD |Oct 27, 2023 by Expedition Bible The Temple Mount has been standing on Jerusalem's holy hill, Mount Moriah, for thousands of years. Search for the Tower of Babel HD |Mar 03, 2023 by Expedition Bible Genesis 11:1-9 tells the story of the Tower of Babel: rebellion, confusion, and scattering. But do we know where that tower stood? Welcome to Hell. The Hinnom Valley Tomb. Joel Kramer, SourceFlix. HD |Dec 04, 2019 by Biblicaltours , does not do conventional tours! This is the most extraordinary location few people will ever see! Bible Evidence Unearthed at Nineveh! HD |Dec 02, 2023 Join Joel as he goes to Nineveh, modern-day Mosul in Iraq, and tells the story of the archaeological discovery unearthed there. Exploring Babylon and the Prophecies Against Her HD |Jun 17, 2022 byExpedition Bible. I recently traveled to Iraq and lived a dream of exploring ancient Babylon. What does the once-glorious city look like today. The 10 Lost Tribes of Israel - Are They Really Lost? HD |May 02, 2022 by Expedition Bible. After Assyria's brutal invasion, the 10 northern tribes of Israel were exiled and scattered among the nations. King David's Tomb: Part 2 - Which Is The Correct Tomb? HD |Jul 08, 2022|by Expedition Bible There are two tombs of King David in Jerusalem. One is in a synagogue where Jews worship and tourists visit today. Masada. Joel Kramer, SourceFlix. HD |Dec 20, 2019 by Biblicaltours Herod the Great built two palaces for himself on the fortified mountain of Masada between 31 and 37 BC Evidence That King David’s Descendants Survived In Exile HD |Sep 09, 2022 by Expedition Bible When Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem, it appeared that King David's descendants had not survived. Archaeology of Jacob's Well at Shechem HD |Nov 11, 2022 by Expedition Bible If there is one place where we can know for certain that Jesus was right there, it is at Jacob's Well. How can we know? Searching for The Garden of Eden's Pishon River D |Jan 27, 2024|by Expedition Bible. Genesis chapter 2 describes the location of the Garden of Eden in relationship to four rivers. Three of these rivers are known. PENIEL: Where Jacob saw the Face of God and lived! HD |May 26, 2023byExpedition Bible. Join Joel as he explores the ancient site which Jacob named Peniel. Located in the modern-day country of Jordan. Jesus' Tomb Explained--the evidence & the story! HD |Jul 21, 2023 by Expedition Bible. Join Joel as he travels from Israel to Rome to Turkey, to explain the evidence for and tell the story. MAMRE -- Where God Appeared to Abraham! HD |Aug 18, 2023 by Expedition Bible. It is often said that there is no archaeological proof for Abraham. If that is the case, then what is the explanation? The Exodus Pharaoh EXPLAINED! HD |Apr 28, 2023 by Expedition Bible Who was the Pharaoh of the Exodus? There are various theories. However, by examining evidence found in the Bible, it is possible to determine. Jericho Unearthed: The Archaeology of Jericho Explained HD |Aug 12, 2022 by Expedition Bible The experts agree--the city walls of Jericho fell down. But does archaeology agree with the Biblical account? The Mount of Olives. Ascension and Return of Jesus Christ. Israel. Joel Kramer. HD |Dec 02, 2019 by Biblicaltours Takes us to the 4th century Byzantine Church of Eleona located on the Mount of Olives. How are we all “like sheep who have gone astray”? What does the Bible mean when it calls Jesus “the Shepherd of our Souls”? Return To How To Find Eternal Life Page Return to Menorahs Web Page

Detailed Biblical truth of God's torah to live knowing Him eternally. IS THE TORAH FOR TODAY? by Rachmiel Frydland When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the original Torah of God in his hands, he found out that his people had broken one of its commandments. For the Torah he held in his hands said, "Thou shalt not make unto thee ... any manner of likeness, of anything that is ... in the earth. ... Thou shalt not bow down unto them, nor serve them....... Our people transgressed this command and, as a result, there was no need for the whole Torah, for we have the record which says: And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing; and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and broke them beneath the mount. (Exodus 32:19) One command was broken and, therefore, there was no need for the rest of the commandments, for the Torah is one. The Torah was transcribed again but only after full repentance, punishment, and restitution, was fellowship with God restored. According to rabbinic reckoning, there are 613 commandments in the Torah: 248 positive commands (what we should do); and 365 negative commands (what we should not do). The 248 positive commands correspond to the number of separate parts of our body and the 365 negative commands correspond to the days of the year, so that, throughout the year, we are commanded to do all the commands with all the joints and parts of our body. Yet we are told that all these commands can be reduced down to one. This was done already by the famous Hillel (a contemporary of Jesus). We are told that a Gentile came to him and asked for conversion to Judaism on condition that Hillel would teach him all the Torah while he stood on one foot. Hillel agreed and told him the whole Torah is summarized in one command. "What is hateful to you do not unto others. The rest is commentary." Clearly it was the official teaching of the rabbis that one mitzvah (command) equals the whole Torah. Thus we have it in Midrash Rabbah Exodus 25:16: Rabbi Levi taught, 'If Israel should keep the Sabbath as it ought to be kept, even for once, then the Son of David (Messiah) would come. Why? Because it is as if they would have kept the whole Torah.' Rabbi Elazar, son of Abina, goes on to explain in the same context that this can be proved in a threefold way from the Torah, the prophets, and the writings. In the same Midrash we have the exposition on Exodus 22:24: Come and see: he that is well to do and gives charity and does not take usury on his loans, it is as he would have kept all the commands of the Torah. Should the objection be made that these are extra important commands and therefore one of them is equal to the whole, the highest Talmudical authority warns us saying, "Be careful to perform a minor mitzvah just as well as a major one, for you do not know the reward for each mitzvah." (Aboth 2:1) GOD IS ONE The Hassidic saying that, "God, Torah and Israel are one," has its origin in hoary antiquity. Right in the first book of the Torah we are told how our ancestor Jacob became Israel, taking on the name of one God, El, and receiving the blessing of the mysterious Person who struggled with him. After it, Jacob said, I have seen God face to face. (Genesis 32:31) Our ancestor Jacob is joined to God by ruler ship and by struggle and now carries the name El (Israel) in his own name. Possibly the best summary is given by Moses in Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (Devariim). He had told his people that the command is nigh to the Jewish people in their mouth and heart to do them. Summarizing the covenant, he warns us saying: I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thee and thy seed may live: that thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey His voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him, for he is thy life... . The situation we have before us can be summarized as follows: God is one. Rebellion against the angel of the Lord is rebellion against God. Behold, I send an angel. ... Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not... for my name is in him. (Exodus 23:20-2 1) Rebellion against God's prophet is again rebellion against God. (Deuteronomy 18:18-19) The same is the case with rebellion against the Holy Spirit, as is seen in the inspired record, But they rebelled, and vexed his holy spirit: therefore, he was turned to be their enemy, and fought against them. (Isaiah 63: 10) All aspects of God's manifestation are One. The same applies to the Torah. One cannot eliminate or change even a letter of the Torah or of the prophets without hurt to God Himself. This is clearly taught in the Talmud and in Midrash Song of Solomon 5: Rabbi Levi said: Even little things which are only end of letters are actually mountains that can destroy the whole creation: It is written, 'Hear, 0 Israel, the Lord our God the Lord is One.' If you change the letter daled in Echad so that it becomes a resh, you destroy everything. Another example, 'Thou shalt not worship another God.' If you make a daled of the resh it will come out, 'Thou shalt not worship the One God.' Thus you will destroy the whole creation. A third example: It is written in Leviticus 2: 2, And ye shall not profane my Holy Name. If you change the letter het in profane and make it a hey, it will say, 'and ye shall not praise my Holy Name,' and so you will destroy the world. A fourth example from Isaiah 8: It is written, And I will wait for the Lord. But if you change the het in wait to the letter hey, it will come out, 'I will smite the Lord.' Thus you destroy [God]. ISRAEL IS ONE Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah expressed this thought a long time before in the sermon on the mount: For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the Torah (Law), till all be fulfilled. Matthew 5:18 The same applies to Israel. Israel is one people. He that toucheth one Israelite toucheth all of Israel. This is well summarized in the Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Sanhedrin 37a: Therefore was man created alone, to teach you that he who destroys one Israelite, Scripture considers him as if he would have destroyed the whole world. But he who preserves one Israelite it is as if he would have preserved the whole world. Yaakov (James), the apostle and brother of Jesus (Yeshua), the Messiah, reminds his Jewish brethren of the well-known, sacred principle that God is One; the people of Israel are one; the Torah is one. Hence Yaakov warns: For whosoever shall keep the whole Torah (Law), and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. James 2:10 Destroy one part of any of them and you destroy the whole. Preserve and keep one part and you keep it all. The question is, are we aware of it? The answer must be a resounding YES! Books would have to be written to quote from our Jewish sources, even if we limit ourselves to the most outstanding references to human sin in general and to Israel's sins in particular. The references in one tractate of Berakhot would be too many to quote. Rabbis one after the other admits that the sufferings they endured and the Jewish people endure is a result of some transgression of the Law at one time or another. Only one rabbi stands and claims that his ten fingers kept the ten commandments. But the very boastful claim shows that he is a transgressor in the matter of humility. On the other hand we have the oft-quoted story of Yohanan ben Zakkai who was visited by his disciples while he was sick. They found him crying and weeping. They said to him, "Rabbi, you are the light of Israel, the pillar on which we lean, the hammer that crushes all heresy. Why should you weep?" He sincerely confessed and said he was afraid to die because he was not too sure whether he would end up in heaven or hell or enjoy the light of God or be thrown into the darkness of Satan and his host. (Berakhot 28) Who of us is not acquainted with the Siddur and Mahzor and with the constant confessions and admissions of our guilt and sin? In the Amidah, the Shemoneh Esreh (18 benedictions), we implore God: "Forgive us, our Father, for we sinned; blot out our sins, Our King, for we transgressed." ATONEMENT IS ONE There was one Israelite who lived, and only one, who never broke the Torah. He is Yeshua, the Messiah, who fulfilled the righteousness of the Law. He is God's son - God manifest in the flesh who came not to destroy the Torah but to fulfill it. As concerning Yeshua, the Brit Hadasha (New Covenant Scriptures) says: And this is [God's commandment that we should believe on the name of his Son Yeshua, the Messiah, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in Him. ' And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.' (I Yochanan 3:23-24) The whole world stands condemned by a righteous and just God. The whole world can be saved only by the One who kept the Torah and provided an atonement for our sins - Messiah Yeshua. How about you? Have you received your Redeemer, the Stone whom the builders rejected? In Him is life, light and joy and in His sacrifice is forgiveness of sin. Reprinted with permission of The Messianic Literature Outreach For further information contact: To return to Torah, Talmud, Midrash, Biblical Discussion Articles To return to MENORAH'S HOME PAGE

Details the modern birth of the State of Israel by historical facts The Birth Of Israel In Modern Times The Impossibility …..But For God…. The concept of a homeland for the Jews was advocated by the Zionist Movement in the 19th century – although the return to the Promised Land was a 2000-year-old dream. Dr. Theodor Herzl translated the Zionist Movement's concept into a political program, namely a Jewish State. This was supported by the famous Balfour Declaration of 1917. International recognition was assured by the League of Nations in the Treaty of San Remo in 1920. Following the defeat of Germany and her allies in WWI, Turkey lost her empire. Its vast domains were divided in order to create the new states of Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. Palestine, on both sides of the Jordan, was entrusted to Britain for the establishment of the Jewish National Home. Although the original area designated National Home was considerably reduced by the British in 1922 in order to provide for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan - the Jews nevertheless succeeded in developing the small area left to them into a flourishing enterprise, literally causing the desert to bloom. With the benefit of hindsight, it is instructive to compare Arab gains from the Allied victory in WWI with those of the Jews. On the one hand, five independent newly- born states on an enormous area, as against the promise of a National Home on a very small area. The growth of the Jewish population in Palestine was resented by the Arabs who expressed their hostility by fomenting bloody riots in 1920, 1929, 1933 and 1936-39. The most tragic was the massacre of the ancient Jewish community of Hebron in 1929. In order to resolve the conflict, on November 29, 1947 the UN voted in favor of a Partition Plan which provided for two independent states, one Jewish, one Arab, while Jerusalem would be internationalized. Although there was hesitation among the Jewish public, it was decided to accept the Plan, notwithstanding that the area allotted to the Jewish State was, once again, considerably reduced. The Arabs rejected the plan outright. Contemptuous of the will of the world, bands of Palestinian Arabs, aided by irregular volunteers from neighboring countries, attacked Jewish communities and clashed with the Hagana defense force. With the termination of the UN Mandate on May 14, 1948 the British forces had withdrawn from Palestine. Regular troops of the armies of Egypt, Iraq, Transjordan, Syria, and Lebanon invaded the country, along with volunteer detachments from Saudi Arabia, Libya, and Yemen. "The Arabs intend to conduct a war of extermination and a momentous massacre which will be spoken of like the Mongolian massacre and the Crusades," declared Azzam Pasha, secretary-general of the Arab League, on the BBC, May 15, 1948. Despite the fierce resistance of the nascent Israel Defense Force, the Arabs made significant headway in their assault. Egyptian troops reached the Jerusalem suburb of Talpiot, and, advancing along the coast, were stopped 40 km. short of Tel Aviv. In the North, the Syrians took Kibbutz Mishmar Hayarden, only 25 km. from Tiberias. Jordan captured the Old City of Jerusalem and destroyed its 58 synagogues. They also took Gush Etzion, the resort hotel of Kalia (and the kibbutz next to it on the Dead Sea) and the Monastery of Latrun on the Tel Aviv- Jerusalem road. The Latrun stronghold - as well as the bitter fighting at the nearby Castel fort and Arab villages - frustrated Israeli attempts to break the six month siege on Jerusalem. The Jewish casualty toll in the 1948 war was far greater than that of the Arabs. Estimated at 3.2%, it is among the highest casualty rate of any recorded conflict. Israel and the Axis of Evil One and a half million Jews fought with the Allies against Germany, Italy and Japan in WWII. Among them were over 30,000 Jewish volunteers from tiny Palestine. In the cemeteries of Normandy, Stalingrad and El-Alamein, one can see tombs engraved with the Magen David but none with the Islamic Crescent. The Arab world stood aloof. Moreover, leaders like the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and the ruler of Iraq sided with the Nazis. Some Western democracies, while misjudging Israel's present struggle, seem to have forgotten these facts. This article appeared in the Jerusalem Post 1-15-2003 approximately, and is reproduced solely for educational purposes. To return to Psalm 122:6 Page To return to Menorah's Web Page To return to Flag of Palestine To return to the Israel Page....The Land Nation People God’s Plan Time of the Rapture page

Eternal life is only by personal faith in Jesus, not by any other means, a free gift. God loves you... Truth. Find Eternal Life free by faith alone for all Jewish and all people. God Loves You! __ T R U T H __ For God so loved the world ... that He gave His only and unique Son, that everyone who trusts in Him may have eternal life. Instead of being utterly destroyed. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but rather … so that through him, the world might be saved. Yochanan/John 3:16-17 …and, He will .... redeem your(my) soul from the power of the grave. Tehillah/Psalm 49:15 David says of Him, Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore . Tehillah/Psalm 16:11 L'Chaim..... To Life! How To Be Born Again… gain Eternal Life With God Do you know for Sure that you are going to be with God eternally in heaven??! How a Catholic may KNOW that He will go to Heaven when He dies CÓMO UN CATÓLICO PUEDE SABER QUE VA A IR AL CIELO DESPUÉS DE MORIR ( How a Catholic may KNOW that He will go to Heaven when He dies in Spanish) Questions on just what the Bible has to say about something? Read a small booklet in over 40 languages Also many Bible Studies in these languages can be found here ! Did You Get Your Get Out of Jail Hell FREE Card? Click Here M e r e C h r i s t i a n i t y by C. S. Lewis 1898-1963 He was a professor of Medieval and Renaissance literature at Cambridge University who became a Christian at a late age. He is the most popular Christian theologian and master lucid apologist. Audio files of this book which contain 4 separate books: Book 1 . Right and wrong as a clue to the meaning of the universe Book 2. What Christians Believe Book 3. Christian Behavior Book 4. Beyond personality: or first steps in the doctrine of the Trinity Part 1 Part 2 For further information contact To Return To Jews Gentiles and The Churc h Web Page To Return To This is The Answer Web Page To return to Menorah's Web Page 00:00 / 1:09:43 00:00 / 1:11:50 00:00 / 1:11:57 00:00 / 1:12:05 00:00 / 1:09:31 To Life in Hebrew Victory Over Death is possible!

Ask Reuben Questions-Answers Messianic Biblical Answers To Asked Questions _Not all questions are posted…far to many, so ask one_ To Submit A Question To Reuben Ask Reuben Questions-Answers Messianic Biblical Answers To Asked Questions _Not all questions are posted…far to many, so ask one_ T o Submit A Question To Reuben Bible: 1. Was the New Testament (Brit Chadashah) written in Hebrew? 2. Is the Biblical Menorah only a Jewish symbol? 3. Is Jehovah the correct name for God? 4. Is Jehovah the same as Allah & should Christians use this Arabic name Allah in “Christian" Bibles, conversations and worship? Jesus/Yeshua: 1. The Angel of the Lord is Jesus? Jewish Evangelism: 1. Does a Jew stop being Jewish when they believe in Jesus? 2. How did (do) non-Jewish people become "righteous" before God in Biblical times and today, according to Jewish Law? 3. Do Jews still consider themselves saved from God's judgment? 4. A Jewish objection to Jesus as the Messiah ...tribal affiliation through the birth father only!?. 5 . How To Witness to a Jewish/Person Messianic Jewish Movement: 1. Why do some leaders in the Messianic Jewish Movement say they are a rabbi or a Messianic Rabbi? Prophecy: 1. What is this Gog and Magog stuff.... who & why?? 2. The Rapture…..when do you think this will occur? End Times: 1. The “Book of Enoch” Some say it is or should be included in the Bible. I am confused! General Biblical Questions: 1. What does B.C.E. & C.E. mean - why does the Jewish community use them rather than B.C. & A.D. 2. Is the Trinity Jewish? 3. Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force 4. Was the "Star of David" really something David or his son King Solomon used on their shields? 5. Are the saints of God going to live with Him/God forever and ever in heaven? 6. Does God hear/answer the prayers of a sinner/unbeliever? 7. What does confession really mean in the Bible? Does a believer need to? T o Submit A Question To Reuben To Return To Our Additional Resources Web Page To return to Menorah's Videos Page To return to Menorah's Web Page

 A Believer’s HopeYochanan/John 14:1-3    Mattityahu/Matthew 24:44 Luke 12:35-40   I Thessalonians 4:16-18; 5:9-11 The imminent coming in the air to take all Believers to join Him, then His subsequent (unknown time frame) physical return to the Mount of Olives. Z’kharyah/Zechariah 14 (especially verse 5) Ask Pastor Reuben "For His bride He comes secretly to "rapture"" and I wanted to ask when do you think this will occur? S H A L O M ! ______ A MESSIANIC JEWISH SCRIPTURAL VIEW ______ Biblical Question: In the last paragraph I read "For His bride He comes secretly to "rapture"" and I wanted to ask when do you think this will occur? Our Question: Dear Pastor Reuben, I was reading your page on "JEWS, GENTILES & THE CHURCH" and I have a question that I will not linger on by replying to any answer you give me unless directly requested to do so. In the last paragraph I read "For His bride He comes secretly to "rapture"" and I wanted to ask when do you think this will occur? Thanks, Roger Pastor Reuben's Answer: Shalom Roger, The Believers’ Hope The imminent return of the Lord! The early Believers stood firm that Jesus could come at any moment. Today many have lost that urgent sense of expectation—and the fire, passion, and motivation such a hope inspires. But He is coming, and we can renew our strength, witness and excitement for the future! Yochanan/John 14:1-3 Mattityahu/Matthew 24:44 Luke 12:35-40 I Thessalonians 4:16-18; 5:9-11 A Believer’s Hope The imminent coming in the air to take all Believers to join Him, then His subsequent (unknown time frame) physical return to the Mount of Olives. Z’kharyah/Zechariah 14 (especially verse 5) Often I discuss the coming of the Lord Jesus for us and frequently with Christians tired of the changing world moving away from the real God. They are tired as many I talk to state, “things are so depressive, so bad politically, financially and morally”. Even in the Church things are moving away from the Bible. Some say, too flippantly I think, that they really want the Lord to return. Others say they pray for His coming, to be today if not sooner! Yes He will soon come for us but “at any moment”. So the question now is “are our attitudes and actions reflecting our unconscious answer that we are willing to leave this earth right now...or is there something standing between us and our Lord at the moment?” Now I am increasingly hoping for His coming for His Body of Messiah, the Church. Come Lord Yeshua/Jesus! I believe there is no condition that must be met before He will do just that: no revealing of the Anti-Christ, 7 year signed peace treaty with Israel primarily, nor the start or finish of the Tribulation is needed. Yes, like those near Him during His first coming who were told He would return for them, I too look daily as the times are heatedly getting worse all around us. Are you? Are you ready? Really? Ready? As a full time minister and missionary I think our opportunities to share the Gospel hope (www.menorah.org/savior.html ) has never been keener, more listenable. Not that most people have changed their hearts toward God but in that more are seeing that they and the human race have not been able to change the world into a better place. Things are not getting better. So how close are we? No one knows nor can tell of Jesus’ coming for the Believers, the real Christians, the Messianic Body of Believers (Jews and Gentiles) in Him, The Church. Yes we can tell that He will come to set up an earthly 1,000 year Kingdom and rule Himself after the end of the 7 year period where the Anti-Christ rules after brokering a 7 year so called peace agreement. But that coming of Christ is not the coming the early Believers nor am I excitedly looking to! I see the coming changing times as what the Lord Biblically warned us about and told us to look for and that such would usher in His advent/coming/return for His talmidim/disciples. In the twinkling of an eye, so fast will be our leaving into His presence. At the start of this brief and inadequate article on the imminent return and taking of the Believer both dead and then alive on earth to be with Him eternally, I give some Scripture references. Please take time to prayerfully read them. If you are not sure if He came today that you would be taken, ask for the forgiveness of your sins and for Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. That is all it takes for an honest heart to come home to God and live eternally in His glory. This is not just an offer to escape the present troubles as it is the very same offer that was initiated 2000 + years ago. John chapter 3 ends with, Whoever trusts in the Son has eternal life. But whoever disobeys the Son will not see that life but remains subject to God's wrath. To disobey is to reject Jesus’ freedom free-gift atoning offer from our sin and certain eternal death that He paid for by His own sacrificial death. Yes there is true hope, one way, God’s way! I pray for the Believers especially to be refreshed in remembering this thoroughly Biblical prophecy and real lasting hope. God’s sovereign plan for His followers should today until Jesus comes, renew our love and commitment to the Lord. Let’s look up for our redeemer to come. Let’s be changed in the way we think, speak and live. His future is our promised hope. Thank you for your support and prayers. Menorah wants to continue until we join the Lord to be a faithful resource and referral ministry about the Messiah, helping others to know Him, the Bible, Biblical Jewish roots of Christianity, Israel, Jesus (Yeshua), and God's plan of eternal redemption/salvation. God bless and keep you, Pastor Re’uben Questions are welcome from ALL readers at ALL levels and Forums, from everyone. Questions of general interest will be considered for inclusions in this column. Those of a more personal nature will be keep confidential and we will answer via e-mail; always state your name, email address and your comment/question in as brief & precise manner as possible. To submit a question, etc. please address it to reuben@menorah.org ask.....ask......ask.....ask.....ask.....ask......ask.....ask.....ask.....ask.....ask.....ask To Return To Jews, Gentiles and The Church To Go To Menorah's Theme Song Web Page To return to ..... Ask Pastor Reuben Biblical Answers To Asked Questions..... To return to To Life L'Chaim Find Eternal Life Page To return to Menorah's Web Page

Our logo is very special and unique as it represents the lost sheep of Israel making tishuvah (repentance from one's own ways, path, and sin) and turning to follow God's way! The 7 branch Biblical Menorah is the symbol of that correct way. The M e n o r a h and the S h e e p Our logo is very special and unique as it represents the lost sheep of Israel making tishuvah (repentance from one's own ways, path, and sin) and turning to follow God's way! The 7 branch Biblical Menorah is the symbol of that correct way. The Tabernacle's menorah (Exodus 25:31-37 ) was a constant testimony to the priests that they must not walk in the light of man's wisdom or human nature but that they could fulfill the service of God only as they walk in the light provided by Him. The seven-post menorah was both a light and a light bearer, a symbol of faith and hope The menorah is a symbol of the true Church (Body of Messiah) as a light bearer in the world. Our Lord (Yeshua) Jesus said: You are the light of the world… Matthew 5:15 Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps (lights) shining... Luke 12:35 You appear as lights in the world… Philippians 2:15 Believers in Jesus the Messiah are to reflect His light, even as He was and is the Light. The menorah is a perfect, fitting and divine symbol of our Lord. He was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man… John 1:9 David in Psalm 36:9 says, In thy light shall we see light Whether it is direct light from Jesus, or diffused light through the Christian, all light is given to us for perception. In Jesus the Messiah's light, we shall truly see light! Menorah - Menorah Ministries - is a witness for God's salvation and the light of Jesus Christ. We are called to be a true and faithful witness for Him .....first for the Jews, then for the Gentiles. Romans 1:16-17 As Believers in Messiah Yeshua we have the joy of celebrating our Biblical Jewish roots in our Savior. With a servant's heart, we strive to proclaim God's love, redemption and salvation in Messiah Jesus. John 3:16 Psalm 2:1-12 Romans 11:17-21 Ephesians 2:8-9 Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Ministry Publications - In addition to our multiple types of literature and tracts for presenting the Gospel, we minister to Christians by publishing The Menorah Light periodical and a frequent Mission Report. These are sent free to Christians who take an interest in our ministry. They contain useful information on the Jewish roots of Christianity, our ministry news and inspiring instructional articles. Building A Reputation For responsible Evangelism and ministry * References Gladly Provided * To Return to G entile Christian Convert To Judaism Web Page To Return to Menorah's Web Page

Biblical and world history of Messiah Jesus' birth linage from Israeli heritage Return To The Real Jesus Page Messiah's Geneological Chart Return To Menorah's Web Page

Even retelling Biblical stories of His deliverance as a means of 'hope' will not do except that it may I pray, truly lead them to God and His salvation in Yeshua.  Jeremiah 29:13 menorah@menorah.org menorah@menorah.org B e g i n n i n g s When the early ministry of Jesus was finished there remained as the fruits of his teaching a number of Jews who were convinced that he was their expected Messiah. Between these Jewish believers distributed among the towns and villages of Israel, little or no connection at first existed. Their life remained unaltered; they worshipped in the synagogues with their fellow Jews, and were distinguished only by their adherence to the Galilean Wonder-Worker, whose claims they no doubt pressed as occasion offered. The driving force of the future Nazarene sect was concentrated in a small body of the Messiah's most intimate friends and some members of his family, who, according to the account in Acts, took up residence in Jerusalem in anticipation of his speedy and glorious return. This was the fundamental and the inspiration of their teaching--the resurrection and ascension of the Messiah and his coming again in due season to re-establish the kingdom of God and of Israel. This was their belief, and the power of it, that invested the original community of humble persons with dignity and confidence of the Gospel, the Good News! Selected notes from The History of Jewish Christianity, Hugh Schonfield 5 out of 5 stars AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT HISTORICAL WORK ON THE EARLY "MESSIANIC" MOVEMENT These days, if Hugh Schonfield is remembered, it's as the author of The Passover Plot: Special 40th Anniversary Edi-tion (1965), a somewhat lurid tale of Jesus deliberately attempting to fulfill the Messianic prophecies and convince people he was the Messiah; only the "plot" failed, when a soldier stuck a spear into his side while on the cross. But believe it or not, in his earlier days, Schonfield (1901-1988)---who was Jewish---was a "Jewish Christian"; what would nowadays be termed a "Messianic Jew" (or formerly, a "Hebrew Christian"). All of Schonfield's earlier works re-flect this orientation (e.g., The Authentic New Testament, The Bible Was Right: New Light on the New Testament, An Old Hebrew Text of St. Matthew's GospelSaints Against Caesar: The Rise and Reactions of the First Christian Communi-ty, The Jew of Tarsus,: An unorthodox portrait of Paul, etc.). Much of Schonfield's earlier work (such as the book on Paul) are forgettable, nowadays; but his "History of Jewish Christianity" is a real diamond, and it's wonderful to see it back in print, in ANY form. The importance of this book is even recognized by modern evangelical Messianic Jews (who are utterly repulsed by Schonfield's later books). Schon-field notes that "A few Christian scholars who have been at pains to study the subject have deplored the lack of any text book to which the student could turn ... Clearly, then, the gap is there to be filled." Schonfield's book fills this gap admirably---at least, through the 1936 date of its publication. The book begins with a survey of Jesus' disciples themselves (Schonfield notes, for example, that "Paul himself re-mained an observant Jew to the end of his life"), and continues through the New Testament period, as well as the later writings professing to be Biblical, but not included in any Biblical canon, the Bible, and Talmudic works (the collection of ancient Jewish writings that forms the basis of Jewish religious law, consisting of the early scriptural interpretations). However, with the rise of the Roman Empire, Schonfield notes that "Jewish Christianity never regained its position of authority in the affairs of the Church." He notes that from this point, the Christian Church's position towards Jews in Europe "was less by reason and charity and more by compulsion, intimidation and active violence." Many Jews (such as the Marranos in Spain) were "forcibly" converted. Nevertheless, Schonfield notes that "sincere Jewish Christians ... must always be distinguished from Christianized Jews." There were even Jewish mystics such as Jacob Frank (Schonfield says that "Undoubtedly there is a place in the Christian Church for the Jewish mystic") and the Chassidic movement, whom he treats sympathetically. Most modern readers, however, will be most interested in his account of the earliest "missions to the Jews" among Protestants ("The debt of Jewish Christianity to the modern Protestant missions is indeed an overwhelming one"), as well as the rise of voluntary Jewish conversions beginning in the 19th century, and the later formation of associations such as the "Beni Abraham association," the "Hebrew Christian Prayer Union," and the "Israelites of the New Cove-nant," as well as the formation of worshipping congregations under men like Joseph Rabinowitz. For persons interested in Messianic Judaism, the history of the Christian Church, or even the history of Jews, this book---though old---is fascinating reading, and very helpful. Highly recommended! Steven H Pr opp To Return To Jews Gentiles and the church by Dave Hunt Web Page To return to Jews -Gentiles & the Church Page To return to Menorah's Web Page

What are the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church that distinguish it from other Christian churches? Whole books have been written on this subject, but a sampling of the doctrines will be outlined here. To Return To Menorah's Web Page To Return To To Life - L'Chaim Eternal Life Web Page

Biblical historical answer for is Jehovah correct name for God. There is not a Hebrew pronunciation for God's Hebrew name YHWH "Yod-Hey-Vav-Hey" in the Jewish Scriptures.  Many have guessed, with saying it is Jehovah or Yahweh, but it is said by the Jewish people traditionally and historically, that it is unpronounceable.  In fact it is traditionally said that only the High Priest knew this trusted pronunciation and that it was lost after the destruction of the Temple. Ask Reu’ben Is Jehovah The Correct Name for God? S H A L O M ! _______ A MESSIANIC JEWISH SCRIPTURAL VIEW _______ Biblical Question: Is Jehovah the correct name for God? Dear Pastor Reuben, Is Jehovah the correct name for God? I am confused and have little help from my friends. I have heard it said that Jewish people do not use this name. Thanks, Bob Pastor Reuben's Answer: Shalom Bob, There is not a Hebrew pronunciation for God's Hebrew name YHWH "Yod-Hey-Vav-Hey" in the Jewish Scriptures. Many have guessed, with saying it is Jehovah or Yahweh, but it is said by the Jewish people traditionally and historically, that it is unpronounceable. In fact it is traditionally said that only the High Priest knew this trusted pronunciation and that it was lost after the destruction of the Temple. Out of respect and fear for mispronouncing His Name, the word Adonai (Lord God) and the expression Hashem (The Name) is said when His name is seen in the Hebrew Bible and when used in Jewish synagogue prayers and writings, etc. When vowel marks were added to the Jewish Bible to help Jews and others to be able to read and speak the text accurately, no vowel marks were given for His Name "Yod-Hey-Vav-Hey". I know most all English translations of the Bible use Jehovah. Personally I think this is wrong. In Messiah, Reuben Questions are welcome from ALL readers at ALL levels and Forums, from everyone. Questions of general interest will be considered for inclusions in this column. Those of a more personal nature will be keep confidential and we will answer via e-mail; always state your name, E-Mail address and your comment/question in as brief & precise manner as possible. To submit a question, etc. please address it to reuben@menorah.org ask.....ask......ask.....ask..... To return to ..... Pastor Reuben Biblical Answers To Asked Questions..... To return to Menorah's Web Page

Discusses if the Biblical Menorah is only a Jewish symbol. The menorah is a symbol of the Church as a light bearer in the world. Our Lord Jesus said: You are the light of the world Matthew 5:15 Be dressed in readiness,& keep your lamps (lights) shining Luke 12:35 You appear as lights in the world Philippians 2 :15 Ask Re’uben Is the Biblical Menorah only a Jewish symbol? S H A L O M ! _______ A MESSIANIC JEWISH SCRIPTURAL VIEW _______ Biblical Question: Is the Biblical Menorah only a Jewish symbol? Our Question Jermiah. G from Florida asks: Dear Pastor Reuben, What really is the menorah to you as a Messianic Believer in Yeshua (Jesus)? Is it right for you (& me) to use this Jewish Biblical symbol? Can the Christian properly use this symbol? Thank you. Pastor Reuben's Answer: The Tabernacle's golden lamp-stand, the menorah (Exodus 25:31-37) was a constant testimony to the priests that they must not walk in the light of man's wisdom or human nature but that they could fulfill the service of God only as they walk in the light provided by Him. The seven post menorah was both a light and a light bearer, a symbol of faith and hope. The menorah is a symbol of the Church as a light bearer in the world. Our Lord Jesus said: You are the light of the world Matthew 5:15 Be dressed in readiness,& keep your lamps (lights) shining Luke 12:35 You appear as lights in the world Philippians 2 :15 Believers in Jesus the Messiah are to reflect His light, even as He was and is the Light. The menorah is a perfect, fitting and divine symbol of our Lord. He was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man John 1:9 David in Psalm 36:9 says, In thy light shall we see light. Whether it is direct light from Jesus, or diffused light through the Christian, all light is given to us for perception. In Jesus the Messiah's light, we shall truly see light! In Messiah Jesus-Yeshua, blessings and purpose! Questions are welcome from ALL readers at ALL levels and Forums, from everyone. Questions of general interest will be considered for inclusions in this column. Those of a more personal nature will be keep confidential and we will answer via email; always state your name, Email address and your comment/question in as brief & precise manner as possible. To submit a question, etc. please address it to reuben@menorah.org ask.....ask......ask.....ask.....ask.....ask......ask.....ask.....ask.....ask To Go To Menorah's Planned Giving Web Page To return to ..... Pastor Reuben's Answers To Asked Questions..... To return to Menorah's Web Page

Biblically answers the mysteriousness surrounding Jews Gentiles and the Church JEWS, GENTILES & THE CHURCH by Dave Hunt Before the cross of Christ, mankind was divided into two groups: Jews and Gentiles. The Old and New Testaments both make very clear what caused this distinction: it was the covenants God had made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and with their descendants through Moses. These covenants were for Israel alone and separated her from all other nations on the face of the earth, making God's "chosen people" absolutely unique. Israel was segregated from other peoples by the Mosaic law and by her special relationship with the One who calls Himself "the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." The important distinction between Jews and Gentiles is maintained consistently throughout the Bible: "...so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth" (Exodus 33:16); "...for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people that ye should be mine" (Lev. 20:26); "And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be his ... own people forever" (II Chronicles 17:21-22); ... "ye (Gentiles) were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God ..." (Ephesians 2:11-12). After the cross a new entity came into existence -- the church that Jesus Christ promised He would build (Matthew 16:18). As a result, there are now three divisions of mankind: Jews, Gentiles and the church. Paul tells us that we are to "Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God" (I Corinthians 10:32). It is absolutely essential to understand that these three groups exist side- by-side in today’s world, to distinguish between them, and to recognize that God deals with each differently. Essential also is an understanding that the church was created through offering to both Jews and Gentiles a "new covenant" relationship with God. This did not bring Gentiles under the Jewish Mosaic Law (as some erroneously teach), but delivered from it those coming into the church, both Jews and Gentiles. Paul explains that Gentiles who were "aliens ... of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise" have been "made nigh(to God) by the blood of Christ." God has "broken down the middle wall of partition(between Jew and Gentile); having abolished in his flesh the (Mosaic) law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain(Jew and Gentile) one new man" (Ephesians 2:11- 22). These Scriptures (and many others) make it clear that the church did not replace Israel but came into existence as a new and third entity comprised of both Jews and Gentiles and distinct from each. As surely as Gentiles continue to exist outside the church, so does Israel with all of God's promises and plans for her remaining in full force. God also has unique plans for the church different from those for either Israel or the Gentile nations. A major error of Deconstructionists such as North, Rushdoony, DeMar and Bahnsen (an error that is also taught by Jay Grimstead's Coalition on Revival) is their claim that the Law of Moses was for all mankind; and that it provides the moral basis both for the civil government of Romans 13:1-10 and for the conduct of Christians today. On the contrary, the law which unsaved civil magistrates enforce under Romans 13 could not be the Mosaic Law, because that was given exclusively to the Jews. It is rather the moral law that Romans 2:1-29 says is written by God in every human conscience. That the Mosaic law was never intended for Gentiles and is not applicable to the church is clear from many Scriptures in addition to those quoted above, such as: "For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them ... (and) hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law" (Deuteronomy 4:7- 8); "He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them" (Psalms 147:19-20) As already noted, the Mosaic "law of commandments" that distinguished Israel from the rest of the world was "abolished" by the cross of Christ in the process of creating the church out of Jews and Gentiles who have been made into "one new man." Failure to accept the above teaching of Scripture leads to grievous errors which plagued the early church and are being revived today. Foremost, of course, is legalism -- the idea that to be a Christian one must obey the laws of Moses. This causes confusion both as to justification and sanctification: the means of being delivered from sin's future penalty, and from its present power in our lives. The Scripture makes it clear that neither of these involves keeping the law. The suggestion of "Judaizers", that the church was under the Mosaic Law, was rejected as heresy by the apostles and elders when they met in Jerusalem specifically to consider this subject shortly after Pentecost (Acts 15:19). Paul thoroughly refuted the Judaizers' teaching in his Epistle to the Galatians. Certainly, through keeping the law "there shall no flesh be justified" (Romans 3:20). Justification comes as a free gift of God's grace through the finished work of Christ. Nor can one be sanctified (i.e., gain the victory over the practice of sin) by keeping the law, because of the weakness of human flesh. The good news is that "what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh," God accomplished through "sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin" (Romans 8:1-4). The New Testament presents to the Christian a much higher standard of moral and ethical conduct than that of the Mosaic Law. And we are empowered to live this higher standard because Christ Himself, by the Holy Spirit, has come to indwell our hearts and to live through us a supernatural life pleasing to God. The glorious result is the death of self and a new life of faith (Galatians 2:20) that produces the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). There are many serious consequences to the growing delusion that the church is Israel. Christ said that those who "call themselves Jews and are not" are in fact "the synagogue of Satan" (Revelation 2:9;3:9)! Some of those who teach this lie are brilliant, such as Greg Bahnsen, who holds his doctorate in philosophy from USC. Yet the errors they make are so elementary as to betray a basic anti-Jewish sentiment, which they deny, but which seems to have blinded them to the obvious. Bahnsen, for example, quotes Ps. 89:34 ("My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.") to prove his contention that "God's covenant is one unchanging moral code through Old & New Testaments" (By This Standard, p. 44). Yet Psalm 89 has nothing whatsoever to do with a moral code but is all about the covenant God made with David that "His seed shall endure forever, & his throne as the sun before me" (v. 36). This is the covenant the angel Gabriel reaffirmed in telling Mary that the One conceived in her of the Holy Spirit would reign on the throne of His father David, a covenant which Bahnsen perversely claims is no longer in force in spite of the very verse he misapplies declaring that it is! Bahnsen habitually quotes Jesus' statement, "... one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law ..." to support his contention that the church is under the Mosaic Law, but deliberately leaves out the rest of the sentence. Far from teaching that the law would always be in force, Christ declared that it would pass away when it was fulfilled, and that He had come to fulfill it: "I am not come to destroy [the law], but to fulfill [it]. ... one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled" (Matthew 5:17-18). His life, death, burial and resurrection accomplished this fulfillment and made possible the new covenant relationship with God whereby those in the church are "justified by faith without the deeds of law" (Romans 3:21-30). Does this "make void the law"? No, it "establish[es] the law" (v.31) as that which made, Israel unique, was the barrier between Jew and Gentile, is still applicable to Jews, but for those now in the church, both Jews and Gentiles, has been fulfilled and abolished in Christ. Those who teach that the church is Israel go on to claim that the church is heir to all of the promises given to Israel. This is as ludicrous as claiming that "the land of Israel" is now "the land of the church." Clearly the church has no relationship to the land God gave to Israel. Hear God's promise: "... though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee ... He that scattered Israel will gather him ... they shall come and sing in the height of Zion ... they shall not sorrow any more at all" (Jeremiah 30:10-11;31:3-14; etc.). The preservation of the Israelis as an identifiable people, in spite of the proverbial "wandering Jews" 2500-year Diaspora from the promised land, and the establishment of Israel in 1948, constitute irrefutable proof for the existence of the "God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" and the validity of His Holy Word. Therefore, to insist that Israel no longer has any claim to her ancient homeland, and that her return thereto is a mere coincidence, denies one of the most persuasive arguments for belief in God and the Gospel, dishonors Him and His Word, and is not only illogical but evil! My language may seem strong, but it is justified in view of the monstrous errors that grow from this one delusion, as well as by the severity of Christ's "synagogue of Satan" indictment. It may seem innocent enough to claim for the church II Chronicles 7:14, but this Scripture that has become such a popular favorite simply does not apply to the church. While Christians may make spiritual applications to themselves from God's admonition to Israel to "humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked way," the "land" He promised to heal as a result was Israel and only Israel, not the United States or any other country. Gary North's latest book, When Justice is Aborted, begins with God's promise to Joshua that He would help him to conquer the land of Canaan--then, in a typical Reconstruction/Kingdom/ Dominion misapplication of Scripture, on that basis justifies a Christian takeover of the world. The Forceful Men organization, co-directed by muscleman John Jacobs, recently sponsored a large conference in Phoenix featuring leading charismatic speakers, who promoted the same error. God's exhortation to Joshua to "go in and possess the land [of Canaan] was presented as inspiration and justification for a "Joshua generation" of macho-minded Christians taking over America and the world. In fact, Joshua himself had no authority from God to take over any land outside of the prescribed boundaries specifically given to Israel. (Genesis 15:18-21; Numbers 34:1-12; etc.) The Second Coming of Christ becomes clouded in confusion if we fail to remember that the Lord comes in a different and specific manner for "Jews, Gentiles and the church of God." For His bride He comes secretly to "rapture" her to His Father's house of many mansions where He has prepared an eternal dwelling place for her. For Israel, in the midst of God's judgment for her rejection of her Messiah, surrounded by the armies of the world and about to be destroyed, He comes visibly in power to rescue her, judge her Gentile enemies, and to establish the Millennial kingdom with headquarters in Jerusalem. May God help us to "love His appearing" and to witness with a clear voice concerning these soon coming events Reprinted with permission of the Berean Call Ministry www.thebereancall.org For further information contact: To return to Underatanding Bible Prophecy page To return to How Catholics May Know They Go To Heaven page To return to Who Is Yeshua-Jesus Web Page To return to MENORAH'S JEWS, GENTILES & THE CHURCH WEB PAGE To return to MENORAH'S HOME PAGE

Discusses if Biblically a Christian can become a Jew. To Convert or Not To Convert, That Is The Question by Chaim Urbach DEFINING THE ISSUES: The question "Should Gentile believers convert to Judaism?" sounds at first blush, well, so academic. You might picture a roomful of Messianic mavens, arguing over finer points of Messianic Halachah. Conversion of Gentile believers to Judaism is by no means an ivory-tower issue— it often comes connected with tremendous emotional and spiritual freight. All of us know Gentile believers who have struggled with this issue. Much rides on a balanced understanding of Scripture, which will steer us through this potential minefield. Let us define the issues. In this article I take for granted two basic assumptions: 1. Conversion of Gentile believers cannot be mandatory, either for the sake of relationship with the Lord or fellowship with fellow believers. Acts 15 (1, 20) and the rest of the New Testament (e.g. Gal. 5:4) clearly base our spiritual life on Yeshua's atonement alone. 2. A Gentile believer should not convert to rabbinic tradition. According to tradition, a bona fide conversion demands that potential converts renounce their previous faith completely. Maurice Lamm, a distinguished professor of rabbinics at Yeshivah University, describes the convert as "a newborn child, not only in spiritual-emotional terms, but also in legal and technical terms." Can a believer, invalidate his new birth, and renounce his Messiah by submitting to such a conversion? Even in the rare cases where the converting rabbi did not require a renunciation, the conversion is no more justified. Whether or not this is acknowledged, a believer adopts a belief system that defines itself by the rejection of Yeshua. The issue under the microscope in this article is this, "Should it be possible for willing Gentile believers to identify more closely with the Jewish people by voluntarily converting to Messianic Judaism." 2 CONVERSIONS TO JUDAISM ARE UNNECESSARY FOR FELLOWSHIP… Acts 15:1-28 I Corinthians 9:19-23: The ruling of the council in Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-28) made it clear that Gentile believers were excused from taking on the entire yoke of Torah (i.e., conversion) but instead were prohibited from four things: food offered to idols, fornication, meat strangled and blood (Acts 15:20, 29). Yet, it has been argued that the ruling actually encouraged Gentile believers towards a more Torah-observant lifestyle and left room for voluntary conversion. For instance, Patrice Fischer states that the majority of Gentile believers at this point were Jews in all but name. 3 "These G-d fearers were every bit as Jewishly observant as their Jewish friends.... Their lifestyle already identified them as Jews, even if the final ritual of formal conversion had not yet taken place....." The purpose of the four prohibitions according to Fischer was "to delineate more fully their [the Gentile believers'] already fully Jewish commitment". 4 There are two major problems with this reconstruction. The Gentile believers in the new congregations, even at this early date (Acts 13-14) came from diverse backgrounds. Some were indeed Torah-observant God-fearers--participating in the local synagogues (Acts 13:26, 50; 17:14, 17), praying during traditional prayer times (e.g. Cornelius praying at 3 p.m., Acts 10:3) and keeping many of the commandments of Torah. Yet, many (even a majority) of the other new Gentile believers were saved out of rank paganism (Acts 14:13; 17:34; 18:11; 19:19). The ruling of the council at Jerusalem had to be directed to meet the needs of the entire spectrum of new Gentile believers, not just the minority who were more observant God-fearers. Secondly, the context of Acts 10-15 defines the ruling in Acts 15 as strongly related to the social interaction between Jews and Gentiles--both fellowship and outreach--not one of greater identification. The four prohibitions mentioned in Acts 15 certainly point us in that direction. 5 The first pair of prohibitions--avoiding food offered to idols and fornication--was associated with festivals (often orgies), held in honor of the gods (e.g. I Corinthians 8:7, 10; Numbers 25:1-3). The second pair--the prohibitions against eating flesh from animals that were killed by strangulation and drinking blood--was based on laws of Kashrut spelled out in the Torah (in this case Leviticus 17:10-14). An observant Jew would be repulsed by and consider unclean anyone who transgressed all of these prohibitions-- those dealing with Kashrut as well as idolatry/fornication. For instance, Peter had to overcome his deeply-ingrained squeamishness towards coming into Cornelius' house, thereby putting himself at the risk of becoming (tameh) ritually unclean (Acts 10:28; 11:3). Outside the book of Acts, only the prohibition against fornication (Acts 15:20, 29), is repeated again (Romans 13:13; I Corinthians 6:18; 7:2; 10:8; Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:13; Colossians 3:5 etc.). Where ritual matters are mentioned (I Corinthians 10; 27-30; Romans 14:1-6, 10-14; Colossians 2:16), they are presented as matters where the believer has freedom of choice. For instance, eating food offered to idols is spiritually neutral unless it takes place as part of idol worship, or unless they significantly undermine the faith of another believer. 6 One has to conclude that the other requirements were not (are not) absolute requirements for Gentile believers. Rather, they were issued to remove potential hindrances to fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers. While Acts 15 did not explicitly forbid Gentiles from converting to Judaism, discouraging conversions certainly was a given at the council. CONVERSIONS TO JUDAISM ARE UNNECESSARY FOR IDENTIFICATION… I Corinthians 9:19-23: Does identifying with someone require our changing our identity through conversion? Arnold Fruchtenbaum argues that Scripture provides a different kind of a model for identification. (I Corinthians 9:19-23). 7 The biblical means of identification is by acculturation [i.e. adopting cultural norms]. To become as [italic his] one is not to become one. This little word is forgotten or ignored by the adherents of conversion to Judaism, who use this very same text to prove that their way of identification is by conversion. Fruchtenbaum goes on to show that using this logic, Jewish believers should convert and become Gentiles in order to more effectively share Yeshua with Gentile friends. This is the farthest thing from Paul's mind in this passage. The underlying principle is our need to restrict our freedom for the sake of others by adopting their cultural norms. For instance, we find Paul's approach to sharing Yeshua varied as his audience changed. In the synagogue of Psidian Antioch, he shared Yeshua through the Tanakh (Acts 13:15); in Lystra, he began by referring to the true God versus Zeus and Hermes (Acts 14:15) and in Athens, he referred to their customs (altar to the unknown God) and their poets (Acts 17:23, 28). The same principle was applied sharing meals with Gentiles. From his instructions to the Corinthian believers we see that he was willing to temporarily lay aside his convictions about kashrut in order to share a meal with Gentiles (I Corinthians 10:27; Galatians 2:11-14). Paul identified with his Gentile audiences but remained a Torah-observant Jew (Acts 21:21). Finally, when we see individuals in Scripture who underwent conversions, they are not presented as "Jews" but retain their former identify (e.g. Ruth the Moabitess, Rahab the prostitute, Nicholas the proselyte etc.). DOES SCRIPTURE PERMIT VOLUNTARY CONVERSIONS… I Corinthians 7:18-24? Does the New Covenant speak to those who wish to convert voluntarily? David Stern, in his Jewish New Testament Commentary affirms that it does. 8: .... if a Gentile Christian wants to identify fully with the Jewish people, the New Testament in principle would permit him to become a Jew. Stern, then states that practical considerations would make these conversations difficult at best. Does in fact the New Testament permit a Gentile believer to do so? Unlike Acts 15 where the issue is dealt with implicitly, in I Corinthians 7 it is addressed explicitly and forcefully. This chapter discusses different aspects of marriage for believers. Flowing out of this discussion about marriage, Paul lays down a basic principle (1 Corinthians 7:17), which is then repeated twice (7:20, 24). 1 Corinthians 7:17 .....each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. This principle is illustrated by two examples-- circumcision and slavery. What did Paul mean by the principle and how does circumcision fits into it? The believers in Corinth did not understand that their relationship to Messiah was compatible with whatever social position or occupation they were in at the time they came to faith. 9 Much of what he tells them is colored by his conviction that the Lord's coming is imminent and the then-raging persecution of believers (7:26, 26, 31). In view of that reality, believers' attention needs to be more sharply focused on furthering the Kingdom of Heaven. As Stern points out, his concern is that Gentile believers at Corinth should not waste precious resources in the effort to change their circumstances". 10 Remaining in our assignment is the appropriate response in view of the Lord's imminent coming. Paul uses two different words "called" and "assigned", to define believers' relationship to the Lord. Our call refers to our salvation, whereas the second term refers to our assigned task within the kingdom of God. Grammatically, the terms "called" and "assigned" are the same type of clause (Hosea meaning "as") governed by the same subject-- the Lord. 11 The thought is the same in both-- our salvation and our place of service were given to us by the Lord and are under His control. There are times when believers feel that the only way they can serve the Lord effectively is in a role other that the one they are in. His message to all of us is clear but often challenging-- "Remain faithful in the role assigned to you." The Lord may lead a believer into a different assignment, but until there is a re-assignment, he or she must remain and serve faithfully. Paul illustrates the principle, by referring to circumcision. For the Gentile majority in the Corinthian congregation, circumcision probably meant little. 12 But for a Jew, Paul's statement that "circumcision is nothing" would have provoked outrage. Circumcision was a sign of the covenant and the relationship with God. The fact that Paul, a Torah-observant Jew, would make such an extreme statement puts his case in neon lights. For a believer, circumcision, uncircumcision, one's marital status, or whether one is free or enslaved-- none of those matter as far as our salvation is concerned. Yet, while circumcision (i.e. conversion) is irrelevant as far as salvation is concerned, that does not mean that it is a matter of personal discretion. 3 It is true that Paul does not condemn circumcision of Gentile believers with the same degree of passion as he did with the Galatian believers. The stakes were far higher there but that does not mean that he makes allowance for it here. When we view this verse (7:18), we most often focus on part b, "was a man uncircumcised," yet this verse comprises a couplet. It forbids Gentile men from becoming circumcised and Jewish men from seeking to become "uncircumcised." Becoming uncircumcised is not as far fetched as it sounds. From the time of the Maccabees on, there were Jews who underwent a surgical procedure called “epipasm” that made them appear to be uncircumcised. 14 Paul would have viewed either branch of the pair (7:18a or 7:18b) as equally unacceptable. Just as a Jewish believer should not undergo epipasm, neither should a Gentile believer undergo circumcision. For the second illustration, slavery, Paul adds an exception--a believer in bondage may become free if the Lord gives him or her the means to do so. The same applies to the question of marriage, where a believer has some measure of individual freedom. Yet, there is no such exception given in the case of conversion because of what it represents, regardless of an individual's inner motivation, or whether this is a "deep longing." 15 A Gentile believer who wants to convert for the "right reasons" is not free to do so. Conversion of a Gentile believer makes a clear public statement-- Yeshua's sacrifice is not sufficient (Gal. 5:2-6; 6:15).16 Stern argues that Paul's words should not be construed as an absolute prohibition, but rather offered in the vein of a rabbi discouraging a Gentile from converting out of convenience or based on transitory emotion. 17 There are two basic observations to make on this score. There is no clear consensus on just when rabbinic tradition began to discourage potential converts. If anything, the evidence favors the view that during the first century the rabbis welcomed proselytes wholeheartedly......it is obvious that proselytism was widespread among the ordinary people....the near pride in which the rabbis took in the claim that some of their greatest figures weredescended from proselytes point to an openhanded policy toward their acceptance.... 18 The more germane issue is the fact that Paul applies his apostolic authority in this case, as he does later in the epistle (I Corinthians 14:33, 37) and elsewhere. What he is saying is not a suggestion, to be followed or ignored. Rather, it is a principle to be followed universally. In the letter to the Galatian believers (5:6; 6:15), the circumcision of Gentiles is clearly forbidden. There is no reason to assume that prohibition has been modified, despite the fact that Paul's tone here is not polemical (I Corinthians 7:19-20). SCRIPTURE HAS NO MODELS FOR THE CONVERSION OF GENTILE BELIEVERS: The Tanakh makes provision for Gentiles to convert to Judaism-- Rahab, Ruth, and foreigners who were circumcised as a prerequisite for celebrating the Passover (Exodus 12:48). These, examples cannot be applied to Gentile believers who are fellow-heirs of salvation (Ephesians 3:16). In the New Testament, we find the example of Timothy being circumcised (Acts 16:1-3). Can that be used as a valid model for conversion of Gentile believers as John Fischer claims? 19 In the first century, since receiving circumcision indicated one's obligation and intention to keep the Law of Moses, Rav Shaul's circumcision of Timothy may be regarded as the conversion of the non-Jew to Judaism. Thus we may have a precedent in the B'rit Hadasha for such a modern-day practice. In considering Timothy's example, two issues present themselves: was Timothy considered a Gentile in the eyes of the Jewish community? Directly connected is another question-- why was he circumcised? In this narrative, Luke attached an explanatory note suggesting that Paul had Timothy circumcised "because of the Jews....[who] knew that his father was a Greek," (Acts 16:3). What precisely did Luke mean by this comment? If Timothy was considered a Gentile like his father, circumcision would have been a non-issue. Timothy would have been welcomed as another God-fearing Gentile (Acts 13:26; 13:50; 17:14, 17) wherever he and Paul traveled. The fact that it was an issue at all reflects the sentiment among the Jewish people that Timothy should have been circumcised but had not been because of his Greek father. Timothy was considered to be a Jew, albeit a "bad Jew" because he had not been circumcised in compliance with the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis. 17:10) and the Torah (Leviticus 12:2-3).20 Circumcising Timothy was done to facilitate the spread of the Gospel, based on Paul's stated principle that we should do everything possible to eliminate barriers to the Gospel (I Corinthians 9:20-22). The Message of the Gospel should be the only stumbling block presented (I Corinthians 1:23). Yet, this action was not undertaken merely for the sake of expedience. Longenecker explains the relationship between expedience (for the sake of sharing the Gospel) and principle (living a Torah-observant lifestyle). But while Paul stoutly resisted any imposition of circumcision and the [Torah] upon his Gentile converts, he himself continued to live as an observant Jew and urged his converts to express their [faith] through the cultural forms they had inherited.... Therefore, it was both proper and [italics mine] expedient for Paul to circumcise him.....21 The false teachers who dogged Paul's trail attempted to spread rumors that he had taught Jewish believers to discontinue their adherence to the Torah (including circumcision of their sons). The leadership at Jerusalem encouraged Paul to squelch publicly those rumors (Acts 21:21). Unlike Timothy, Titus provides us with a clear model of how circumcision impacted a Gentile believer in the New Covenant. Titus was unambiguously a Gentile ("a Greek," Galatians 2:3). Paul took him to Jerusalem as part of a trip to meet with the pillars of the congregation (i.e. apostles). As we read between the lines, a battle had been brewing between Paul and the "false brethren" who insisted that Gentiles should be circumcised. 22 Titus was a very visible point man around which the battle swirled-- if he would be compelled to be circumcised, then all Gentile believers should be pressured to do the same. For Paul, giving in on this issue was tantamount to his declaring that the message of the Gospel was insufficient to save, and for that reason, he dug in his heels-- Titus would not be circumcised (Galatians 2:3-5). 23 PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS: 1. Part of the underlying message Scripture conveys to Gentile believers and indeed to all of us is this-- "Learn to be content with who you are (Psalms 139:13-14), regardless of “deep longings” to the contrary." The Lord's choosing us and selecting an assignment for us is a choice blessing (I Corinthians 7:18). 2. Conversion of Gentile believers conveys the wrong message to Gentile believers in a Messianic Jewish congregation-- "You are a second-class citizen unless you become Jewish," (i.e. convert). It makes a mockery of the principle of unity in diversity (Ephesians 2:12-19). 3. Conversion of Gentile believers to Messianic Judaism is unacceptable (invalid) among Jewish people here and abroad (especially in Israel). It is strictly an "in-house" exercise and what's worse, it re-enforces the perception in the Jewish community that we as a movement are "na-arish"-- we cannot be taken seriously. While rejection by the Jewish community is part of our cost of discipleship, our rejection should be for Yeshua's sake only. 4. The nuances of the conversion of Gentile believers would be lost on the rest of the Body of Messiah, who would view this as a re-occurrence of the Galatian heresy. We cannot delineate theology on the basis of whether it is understood by other believers. Yet alienating fellow believers elsewhere for the sake of a practice that is questionable at best, unnecessarily squanders precious goodwill we have earned among other believers. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Conversion of Gentile believers is not necessary for the sake of fellowship with Jewish believers or more effective sharing of Yeshua with the Jewish community (Acts 1:1-28; I Corinthians 9:19-23). 2. Conversion of Gentile believers violates the scriptural principle of accepting our God-given identity (I Corinthians 7:18-20). 3. There are no scriptural examples that can be applied to believers today (Acts 16:1-3). 4. Conversion of Gentile believers works against the principle of unity in diversity among believers in and out of Messianic Jewish congregations (Ephesians 2:12-19). It also promotes confusion in how the Jewish community and the church view who we are. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Chaim Urbach was born in Israel and has been a believer since age 13. He has considerable experience in Jewish evangelism and the Messianic Jewish movement. Chaim and his family reside in Denver, Colorado and he is the Messianic leader of Congregation Yeshuat Tsion, P.O. Box 22272 Denver, CO 80222-0272 Mr. Urbach can also be reached via e-mail: galach@aol.com ENDNOTES: (NOTE THIS ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED IN KESHER ) A Journal of Messianic Judaism, ISSUE 6, 1998.) 1 Becoming a Jew, (Middle Village, NY: Jonathan David Publishers, 1991), pp. 73-74. 2 Kesher: A Journal of Messianic Judaism, Summer 1997, "Halachah in Action," the editors, pp. 91-95. 3 "Modern-Day G-d-Fearers: A Biblical Role Model For Gentile Participation in Messianic Congregations," a paper available through Menorah Ministries, Clearwater, FL, no date, p. 7, 8. 4 "Modern-Day G-d-Fearers," p. 7. 5 It is possible that the four prohibitions were an abbreviated form of the Noahide laws-- seven rules for Gentiles expanded the covenant with Noah in Gen. 9:1-17-- practicing justice, avoiding blasphemy, idolatry, adultery, bloodshed, robbery, flesh and blood from a live animal (Sanh. 56a) 6 See Craig Blomberg, I Corinthians, The NIV Application Commentary, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994, p. 193 on vv. 14-22. 7 Hebrew Christianity: Its theology, history & philosophy (Tustin, CA: Ariel Ministries, 1992), p.113. 8 Clarksville, MF: JNP, 1992, p. 562. 9 Simon J. Kistemaker, I Corinthians, NTC, (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1993), pp. 230; (7:5)see Gordon D. Fee's discussion in The First Epistle to the Corinthians, NICNT, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1987, pp. 280-283. 10 JNTC, p. 456. 11 I Corinthians, Hans Conzelman, (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1975), p. 125. 12 Fee p. 313. 13 Conzelman, p. 126. 14 Blomberg, pp. 145-146. 15 Fischer, "Halacha in action," p. 93. 16 Fee, p. 311-312. 17 NTC, pp. 562. 18 Encyc. Jud. 13:1183. Also see Ben Zion Bokser, "Witness and Mission in Judaism," in Issues in Jewish-Christian Dialogue: Jewish Perspectives on Covenant, Mission and Witness (New York: Paulist Press, 1979), p. 134; Lawrence H. Schiffman, Who was a Jew: Rabbinic and Halachic Perspectives on the Jewish Christian Schism, (Hoboken, NJ: Ktav, 1985), pp. 20-21. 19 John Fischer, "Halacha in Action," p. 93. 20 While Scripture traces a person's line through the father, rabbinic tradition early on (e.g. M Kiddushin 3:12) ruled in favor of matrilineal descent. For an overview of the issue as it related to Timothy refer to Stern, pp. 281-282. 21 Longenecker, Acts, EBC, Zondervan, 1995, p. 25. 22 This seems to be an earlier occasion that the one described in Acts 15. 23 The view that Titus was not compelled but underwent circumcision voluntarily does violence to the grammatical context. Richard N. Longenecker, in Galatians, (Waco: Word, 1990), p. 50 points out that Paul went out of his way to emphasize that he would not give the legalists any quarter. To have Titus circumcised forany reason would have defeated his purpose. For More Information: Return to Convert? .... Can A Gentile Christian Become A Jew? ...... Really?! To return to MENORAH'S HOME PAGE

Historically the New Testament, The New Covenant, was in part written in Hebrew. Was the New Testament New Covenant (Brit Chadashah) written in Hebrew? Many scholars in Israel are now convinced that the spoken and written language of the Jews in the Land of Israel at the time of Jesus was indeed Hebrew; and that the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) were derived from original Hebrew sources. These scholars, fluent in both Greek and Hebrew, have proposed impressive solutions to major problems of New Testament interpretation. Important discoveries which they have made serve to illuminate the very Hebrew style of speech used by Jesus and his first followers, and to make possible a more accurate translation of the Gospels. With a new understanding of the language Jesus spoke, they are now able to correct numerous mistranslations in the English text of the New Testament. Professor David Flusser of Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and the world's leading Jewish authority on the New Testament and early Christianity, holds strongly to the view that the life of Jesus was originally composed in Hebrew. Dr. Moshe Bar-Asher, also of Hebrew University and their foremost Aramaic scholar, agrees. He thinks the Synoptic Gospels go back to a Greek translation of an original Hebrew (not Aramaic!) document. Outstanding scholars from outside Israel also have arrived at this conclusion. -- Harris Birkeland, a Norwegian, states, "The Language of the common people in Palestine in the time of Jesus was Hebrew." -- William Sanford LaSor, professor emeritus at Fuller theological Seminary (an outstanding Semitic scholar) has said, "With the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, it now seems highly probable that the language Jesus spoke was Hebrew and not Aramaic." An impressive amount of evidence points to the use of Hebrew in first-century Israel: the testimony of the church fathers, the Dead Sea Scrolls, coins, and inscriptions from the first centuries B.C. - A.D., the writings of Josephus, and Rabbinic Literature. Further reference: 1. Jewish New Testament by David Stern ISBN 965-359-006-5 2. The Messiah in the New Testament in the light of Rabbinical Writings by Risto Santala ISBN 965-447-010-1 God bless your reading of His Word! For More Information To return to How We Got The New Testament page To return to B I B L E..... T O R A H " God's Instructions To return to Menorah's Web Page

Since the whole concept of a dying Messiah is so foreign to modern Judaism, although it was once part of Judaism, there is a question that must be answered: Why did the Messiah have to die? In the course of answering this question, a second one arises: What is the means of redemption?      If there is one theme that seems to go throughout all of the Scriptures, it is the theme of redemption by blood. Since the whole concept of a dying Messiah is so foreign to modern Judaism, although it was once part of Judaism, there is a question that must be answered: Why did the Messiah have to die? In the course of answering this question, a second one arises: What is the means of redemption? If there is one theme that seems to go throughout all of the Scriptures, it is the theme of redemption by blood. According to the Old Testament Redemption became necessary when sin entered the human sphere and separated man from God. When Adam and Eve committed that first act of disobedience, sin entered and separated them from God. From that point on, the means of bridging the separation of man from God was the means of blood. In the history of God's dealing with His people, the means of redemption was always by blood. The redemptive element of blood begins to come into the theme of Scripture at the same time that sin does, for until sin came, no blood was necessary. We read that just as soon as man was expelled from the Garden of Eden: "Jehovah God made for Adam and for his wife coats of skins, and clothed them" (Genesis 3:21). The skins were animal skins. The nakedness, that the element of sin now revealed, needed to be covered. But the covering required the death of several animals and so, for the first time in history, blood was shed. This provides the root meaning of the Hebrew word for atonement, which is "a covering." As biblical history develops in the Book of Genesis, we find that all those with whom God was pleased came to Him by means of blood. Noah immediately offered up blood sacrifices when he left the ark. He was followed by other great men in Jewish history -Abraham, Isaac, Jacob - all of whom were careful to approach God by means of blood. The redemptive element of blood ran through the entire Law with its 613 commandments. A great summary statement for the entire Law was to be found in the third book of Moses, Leviticus 17:11: For the life of the flesh is in the blood; and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh atonement by reason of the life. (ASV) It can easily be said that all of the Law revolves around this one statement. There are commandments which God gave in the Law that were to be obeyed. Disobedience was sin. If disobedience did take place, the means of atonement for the sin was blood. The principle stood throughout the remainder of Old Testament history, but it was a burden to the individual. These blood sacrifices had to be repeated year in, and year out, and they had to be done in the Temple at Jerusalem. It was Isaiah the Prophet who first provided the hope that the day would come when the burden would be lifted. In Isaiah 53, God declared that the Suffering Servant, the Messiah, would be the sacrifice for sin (Isaiah 53:10-11). The point of Isaiah 53 is basically this: The animal sacrifices under the Mosaic Law were intended to be of temporary duration, a temporary measure only. God's intent was for there to be one final blood sacrifice, and that would be the sacrifice of the Messiah Himself. This, then, was the reason Messiah had to die: to provide the blood sacrifice for sin once and for all. No longer would the Jews be burdened with the yearly sacrifices. All a person would need to do is to accept the Messiah's death on his behalf and his sins would be forgiven. Messiah had to die to prove that atonement for blood was the means of redemption. According to the New Testament The Book of Hebrews was written by a Messianic Jew to a group of Jewish Messianic assemblies in Israel. It picks up the theme of Leviticus and the prophecy of Isaiah to show the superiority of the sacrifice of the Messiah. A number of passages bring these things out. Notice carefully how the author definitely has two things in the back of his mind: 1. The Book of Leviticus with animal sacrifices. 2. Isaiah 53 with the Messiah being the final sacrifice. In Hebrews 2:16-18 we read as follows: For verily not to angels doth he give help, but he giveth help to the seed of Abraham. Wherefore it behooved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted. (ASV) This passage makes the point that Messiah came as a Jew and underwent all the problems that a Jew had to go through in order that He might become a merciful and sympathetic high priest. The reason Messiah came as a Jew was so that He, too, would live under the Law and take upon Himself the burden of the Law. He could clearly sympathize with the Jewish state under the Law. There are many advantages in the priesthood that we have through Messiah Yeshua. First, since Jesus by virtue of His resurrection now lives forever, we never have an interrupted priesthood. Second, since this is Messiah's blood - innocent blood - this was a one-time shedding. So another clear advantage over the Mosaic Law is that the sacrifice of the Messiah does not need to be repeated - it was "once and for all." The third advantage lies in the fact that whereas in the Old Testament system the earthly priest had to atone for his own sins, this was not the case with our Messiah - since our Messiah is a sinless Messiah. Unlike the animal sacrifices, the sacrifice of Jesus was to bring eternal redemption rather than temporary atonement. This is the fourth distinction between the two priesthood systems. Furthermore, even after the animal sacrifice, the Jew was still conscious of his sins. Faith in the sacrifice of Jesus, however, brings a complete cleansing of the conscience of sins. This is the fifth contrast. But the sacrifice of Jesus was once and for all and it never needed to be repeated. Acceptance of the sacrifice of Jesus does not bring temporary atonement but permanent forgiveness. By accepting the substitutionary death of Jesus for his sins, one is not continually reminded of those sins, but one receives a complete cleansing. By which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." And every priest indeed standeth day by day ministering and offering often times the same sacrifices, for which can never take away sins: but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; henceforth electing till his enemies be made the footstool of his feet. For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified. (ASV-Hebrews 10:10-14) This passage again points out how the high priest had to sacrifice day in and day out, and his work was never done. The high priest is viewed as standing to indicate this unfinished ministry. But Jesus, who offered Himself as a sacrifice "once and for all," is viewed as sitting at "the right hand of God," thus showing that His work is complete. Furthermore, the animal sacrifices provided a yearly atonement but never permanently took away sins. But those who accept the sacrifice of Jesus are perfected forever; their sins are permanently removed. As to the question, "Why did the Messiah have to die?" according to the new Testament, the reason is twofold: 1. To fulfill all Old Testament prophecies and requirements. 2. To bring in a permanent atonement rather than a temporary one. Conclusion The conclusion of both the Old and New Testaments is that the means of redemption was by blood, and the permanent blood sacrifice was to be the Messiah Himself. That is why the Messiah had to die according to the Old Testament. That is why Jesus did die according to the New Testament. Who killed Jesus was never the issue as far as the New Testament was concerned, for the Messiah had to die. It only became an issue years later because of anti-Semites seeking excuses to persecute the Jews. The only issue of the new Testament itself is whether one will accept the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus for himself or not. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by the knowledge of himself shall my righteous servant justify many; and he shall bear their iniquities. Isaiah 53:11 (ASV) To Return To Who Is Jesus-Yeshus Web Page To Return To Menorah's Web Page

We need to fully understand Bible prophecy and pray for full understanding. Understanding Bible Prophecy The Future According to Almighty God Armageddon, The Rapture of the Church , The Second Coming of Christ , The Book of Revelation, The Great Tribulation , The Apocalypse, The Prophets Daniel, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Zechariah and John, World War III, The End of The Age, The Millennium, False Prophets, The Antichrist, The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse , The Day of the Lord, The Grapes of Wrath, 666 and The Mark of the Beast. What do these terms have in common? They are all related to the study of Bible prophecy . And very few topics are more misunderstood than Bible Prophecy. The study of Bible Prophecy is one of the most controversial topics in the Christian Church today. Most Christian Churches ignore or are ignorant of the significance prophecy plays in the Bible. Approximately 30% of the Bible is prophetic in nature. Since the Bible is God's Word and 30% of that Word has to do with prophecy, should not Christians have a significant interest in this area? When studying Bible Prophecy, it is essential that the various prophecies are understood in their correct context and application. Bible Prophecy deals with the Jew, the Christian and the non-believer. Failure to correctly discern these applications leaves the reader in constant turmoil, unable to resolve Scripture: ... the Church is not Israel and Israel is not the Church. Some of the most confusing prophetic voices today teach that there is no distinction between Israel and the Church, and that the Church today is spiritual Israel and is destined to fulfill the promises of God to that chosen nation. There is a God in Heaven that reveals secrets ... (Daniel 2:28 ) The Lord God Himself, the Alpha and Omega , the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last, has ordained prophecy for the expressed purpose of proving He is Who He says He is. In fact, in the Old Testament of the Bible, Moses asked God Whose Name he (Moses) should declare to the Israelites when they ask Who commissioned him to lead them out of Egypt into the land that would later be known as the Land of Israel. God's succinct reply to Moses said it all. Almighty God has spoken and inspired men to write His Word into the collection of Books we now know as the Bible . But how does He prove to the human race that this is His Word and that He is Who He says He is? He foretells the future to His prophets who speak His Word and write it down for future generations before the events take place. This marks the uniqueness of the Bible, as the Only Book that not only claims a Resurrected Savior, but as the Only Book with the ability to accurately foretell the future, authenticating God's stamp of approval Although a Russian-backed Arab invasion of Israel is foretold in the prophecy of Ezekiel (38 , 39 ) after Israel is restored as a nation (Ezekiel 36 , 37 ) this invasion is not the Battle of Armageddon. While the prophetic language in Ezekiel seems to describe Armageddon in many ways, there are several reasons to differentiate this invasion from the Battle of Armageddon (Prophecy Watch, 212-214). It should be noted that some Bible Prophecy scholars see Ezekiel 38 starting at the mid-point of the Tribulation Period. Either way, by the time Ezekiel 39 comes to pass, it seems Armageddon is the final result of the battles. This invasion (unsuccessful by the way) may result in the emergence of the Antichrist who arrives on the scene just in time to take credit for the devastating defeat of the Russian-Arabian alliance. If so, the Antichrist would then institute the false peace covenant as the False Messiah of Israel. The Bible clearly indicates that the overwhelming majority of the world is fooled by the Antichrist into believing he is the "messiah", albeit a political one (even and especially Israel! ). The term Antichrist doesn't just mean "opposed" to Christ but the name "Antichrist" actually means "instead of" or "counterfeit" Christ. He will seem to embody all of the qualities the non-believing world expects from Jesus Christ but does not represent the true Biblical portrait of Him . The Bible is explicitly clear, the visible Second Coming of Jesus Christ to the Earth occurs at the Battle of Armageddon when He defeats the Antichrist's armies, not just a World War II Axis-style alliance (Revelation 19:11-21 ). It is quite possible that the world will mistake the Russian-Arabian invasion of Israel as Armageddon and gladly receive the Antichrist as false messiah (oops!) unwittingly ushering in the real Battle of Armageddon a short seven years later. When Jesus spoke of the Rapture of the Church in Matthew 24:38-39 , He noted that it will be a surprise to the non-believing inhabitants of the Earth. The armed invasion of Israel in Ezekiel 38-39 will also be a surprise. Ezekiel 38-39 seems to indicate that Israel will stand alone but with her God in this battle. Henry Kissinger said: "The main aim of any American President is to prevent World War III. Second, that no American President would risk World War III because of territories occupied by Israel. Three (sic), the Russians know this." Israel knows this as well. Since the early 1970's, Israel has maintained a ready force of fighter-bomber aircraft equipped with nuclear weapons with one primary target in mind: Moscow. Israel can comprehend Old Testament Bible Prophecy too and they know that they will be facing Moscow in the next major prophetic war of Ezekiel 38-39. US-made F-4 Phantom II fighter-bombers were the first assigned with nuclear weapons; they have since been augmented with American-made F-16 Falcon fighter-bombers for the nuclear delivery. A poor man's ICBM … The tremendous economic problems of Russia, her continued export of advanced weaponry to oil-rich Arab states, the instability / unpredictability of Islam and the Arabs states, the PLO and Hamas' continued terrorist operations and Israel's ongoing expansion into East Jerusalem are all combining to bring Ezekiel 38-39 to pass. Jerusalem is the Burdensome Stone of God . When is the Battle of Armageddon? The actual date of Armageddon is a hidden mystery of prophecy. Yet it is a temporary mystery because the Day of the Lord, another term for Armageddon, cannot be known and yet can be known. What absurd paradox is this? This is but one of several mysteries God presents us with in Scripture. When Jesus was talking to His disciples, He was speaking on several topics including the End of the Age, Armageddon and the Rapture of the Church . He told them they could not know the day and hour of the Rapture but that they could know the season (Matthew 24:32-35 ). Jesus is coming two more times, first (invisible to the world) at the Rapture of the Church, as a Thief in the Night (Matthew 24:36-51 ) and again (visible to the world) at the Battle of Armageddon (Zechariah 14 ). "Watch therefore, for ye know neither the Day nor the Hour wherein the Son of Man Cometh" (Matthew 25:1-13 ) The Day of the Lord, the Battle of Armageddon, cannot be known right now because the Church must first be Raptured so that the Antichrist can be revealed (2nd Thessalonians 2:1-12 ). After the Antichrist makes a seven-year peace treaty with Israel (Daniel 9:27 , Matthew 24:15-18 ) he (the Antichrist) will break the covenant 1,260 days into the "week" of years (Daniel 9:27b,c ). Now (the middle of the week of 7 years) wise Jews will know when Christ returns because there are references to 1,290 days and 1,335 days (Daniel 12:11-12 ). The Battle of Armageddon begins 1,260 days after the Antichrist breaks the false peace agreement with Israel (Armageddon is at the end of the 7 years of the false peace accord). The indication is that the Millennial Reign of Christ begins at the end of the 1,335 days. That God will be dealing uniquely with Israel and not the Church during this period seems to be confirmed in the fact that the Christian Church was not present for the first 483 years of the Decree upon Israel and Jerusalem ; therefore it does not follow that the Christian Church will be present for the last 7 years of the Decree. There will, of course, be Jews and non-believing Gentiles converted to Christ during the Tribulation Period. In the Book of Daniel, the prophet Daniel is told that the mystery of the End Times is sealed up until the Last Days, (Daniel 12:4 ) and that many people will travel extensively and human knowledge will be dramatically increased (Daniel 12:4 ). During the first 5900 years of recorded human history from 4000 B.C. to 1900 A.D. men conveyed themselves mainly on horseback. In 1903, the Wright brothers were thrilled when the world's first motorized airplane flew a few hundred feet. Between 1900-1969, in just 69 short years, men developed mass production of automobiles, massive steel passenger ships, refined the airplane and evolved it into the jumbo jet airliner, left the bonds of Earth and orbited the sky, set foot on the Moon 240,000 miles away in the cold vacuum of space, created the television, the computer and the inter-continental nuclear bomb. All in only 69 short years! And yet the optimism for man in the 20th century has been stained by the fact that the major wars claimed 87,000,000 (that's right million) lives while another 83,000,000+ have been lost in the various pogroms, insurrections, etc. The total for the highly-educated 20th century: 170,000,000+ indicating man's intelligence is not capable of breeding true peace. "Watch therefore: for ye know not what Hour your Lord doth Come" (Matthew 24:42 ) So we study Bible Prophecy, looking for the Prince of Peace, the King of Israel, the King of Kings, Jesus Christ who will set up a never-ending Kingdom on Earth and True Peace. This Kingdom, of which the first 1,000 years are known as the Millennial Reign of Christ, begins after the Battle of Armageddon. The details of the period known as the Day of the Lord, including the Battle of Armageddon are found in the Apocalypse. The Book of the Bible known as the Apocalypse is actually the Revelation of Jesus Christ, written by the Apostle John on the island of Patmos around 90-95 A.D. The Apostle John is known in evangelical songs and teachings as "John the Revelator". Know this, Armageddon will not take place until seven (7) 360-day years are completed after the false peace pact with Israel is signed by the Antichrist, as foretold in Daniel's prophecy. For More Information To return to Bible Torah Prophecy God's Instructions Page To return to Bible.... Torah " God's Instructions " Page To return to Menorah's Web Page

About Jewish outreach of God's salvation and eternal life only in Jesus. L ‘chaim To Life! There are some people who really care about you! Shalom ! Some people feel THAT A SATISFYING, WORTHWHILE LIFE CONSISTS OF: A good education Close friends A good marriage and healthy children Success in a business or profession Helping those in need Involvement with Israel and the Jewish community These are important . . . . . yet we all know people who have or do these things but who aren't satisfied. Why? Because there is something even more important than all these, the Holy Scriptures* tell us five vital facts we need to know. *All quotations from the Tanakh, both English and Hebrew, are taken from the Jewish Bible. 1 God is the source of a satisfying, worthwhile life You make me know the path of life; in your presence is unbounded joy, in your right hand eternal delight. Tehillah/Psalm 16.11 This kind of life is the result of a close relationship with God. But you, Isra'el, my servant; Ya'akov/Jacob, whom I have chosen, speaks of a personal re lationship which can be as intimate as the one between Abraham and God: descendants of Avraham/Abraham my friend… Yesha’yahu/Isaiah 41:8 DEEP DOWN, JUST ABOUT EVERYONE WANTS A LIFE AND RELATIONSHIP LIKE THIS. AS A JEWISH SCIENTIST PUT IT: "The Jewish nature and soul needs to know God. This is its purpose on earth. Our souls are looking for God and we are trying to know God." Why, then, aren't most people experiencing this life and relationship? 2 Man has separated himself from God. GOD'S CHARACTER IS THE STANDARD BY WHICH MAN IS TO LIVE. Speak to the entire community of Isra'el; tell them, 'You people are to be holy because I, ADONAI your God, am holy Vayikra/Leviticus 19:2 and this is called sin. Obviously, then, all of us have sinned. For there isn't a righteous person on earth who does [only] good and never sins. Kohelet/Ecclesiastes 7:20 Since God is holy and just, He will not establish a personal relationship with anyone until his sin is dealt with because He cannot allow sin in His presence. Your eyes are too pure to see evil, you cannot countenance oppression. So why do you countenance traitors? Why are you silent when evil people swallow up those more righteous than they? Havakuk/Habakkuk 1:13 Because sin is a violation of His standard and character, God must judge man's sin and reject it. This is why sin causes spiritual death and results in separation from God . Rather, each will die for his own sin; every one who eats sour grapes, his own teeth will be set on edge. Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 31:30 Rather, it is your own crimes that separate you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he doesn't hear. Yesha’yahu/Isaiah 59:2 As long as sin separates us from God, we can't enjoy the life and relationship God wants us to have. But can't man solve the problem by living properly, by prayer, repentance and good deeds! No, man cannot remove the sin barrier by his own effort. Don't bring your servant to trial, since in your sight no one alive would be considered righteous. Tehillah/Psalm 143:2 (cf. Ezekiel 33:13) Human effort is not adequate because, in God's sight, All of us are like someone unclean, all our righteous deeds like menstrual rags; we wither, all of us, like leaves; and our misdeeds blow us away like the wind. Yesha’yahu/Isaiah 64:5(6) Human effort is not adequate because man cannot do enough to solve the problem. No one can ever redeem his brother or give God a ransom for him, because the price for him is too high (leave the idea co mpletely alone!) Tehillah/Psalm 49:8-9(7-8) But, then how can this problem of spiritual death and separation from God be solved? GOD MUST TAKE THE INITIATIVE; HE MUST PROVIDE THE SOLUTION. But God will redeem me from Sh'ol's control, because he will receive me. (Selah) Tehillah/Psalm 49:15 3 The sin barrier can be removed by believing God's Word (faith) and by having the blood of the atonement. Abraham was an example of how the sin barrier can be removed. He believed in ADONAI, and he credited it to him as righteousness. B’resheet/Genesis 15:6 We must follow the same pattern. A person whose desire rests on you you preserve in perfect peace, because he trusts in you. Trust in ADONAI forever, because in Yah ADONAI, is a Rock of Ages. Yesha’yahu/Isaiah 26:3-4 (cf. Havakuk/Habakkuk 2:4) But Moses said that one more thing is essential, the blood of the atonement. For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for yourselves; for it is the blood that makes atonement because of the life. Vayikra/Leviticus 17:11 (cf. Vayikra/Leviticus 10:17;4:35) But why would God want man to go through the awful procedure of killing an animal? When the offerer saw the sacrifice suffering and bleeding for the sins which he had committed, he was impressed with the awfulness of sin and the penalty of death (Yechezk’l/Ezekiel 18:4, 20) the sinner deserved. THE SACRIFICE SHOWED HIM GOD'S: * HOLINESS because of His hatred of all evil, * JUSTICE because He does not leave sin unpunished, * MERCY because of His readiness to pardon the truly repentant and believing by providing a substitute for him. THE ANIMAL SACRIFICE THUS PROVIDED THE BLOOD OF ATONEMENT AND WAS AN ACT OF FAITH ACCEPTABLE TO GOD. But without priesthood and without a temple, there can be no sacrifices. How can we have the blood of atonement today? 4 God has provided the blood of the atonement for today. We all, like sheep, went astray; we turned, each one, to his own way; yet ADONAI laid on him the guilt of all of us. Or: and in fellowship with him Yesha’yahu/Isaiah 53.6 After forcible arrest and sentencing, he was taken away; and none of his generation protested his being cut off from the land of the living for the crimes of my people, who deserved the punishment themselves. Yesha’yahu/Isaiah 53:8 Therefore I will assign him a share with the great, he will divide the spoil with the mighty, for having exposed himself to death and being counted among the sinners, while actually bearing the sin of many and interceding for the offenders Yesha’yahu/Isaiah 53:12 IN THE PROLOGUE TO YESHA’YAHU/ISAIAH 53 (YESHA’YAHU/ISAIAH 52:13-15) THE AUTHOR IDENTIFIES THE "HE" OF THESE PASSAGES. He is described as God's servant who will be exalted. In other parts of his work, Yesha’yahu/Isaiah equates this servant of God with Messiah. e.g. Yesha’yahu/Isaiah 42:1 God's provision of the blood of atonement through the Messiah follows the same principles God set up in the sacrifice system. SIN-OFFERING: Atonement for a man by means of a sacrifice. PESACH: Atonement for a family by means of a sacrifice. YOM KIPPUR: Atonement for a nation by means of a sacrifice. MESSIAH: Atonement for all by means of a sacrifice. As we have seen, under the sacrifice system personal faith was necessary along with the blood of atonement. So also faith is necessary with the sacrifice of Messiah. He should be the object of our faith today. But how can we know who Messiah is? God made sure we could recognize Messiah by certain specific identifying marks. These are described by the prophets of Israel. His ancestry was from the family of David Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 23:5-6) The city of his birth was Bethlehem. Mikhah/Micah 5:1 He had a supernatural nature. Yirmeyahu/Jeremiah 23:5-6 Mikhah/Micah 5:1 Yesha’yahu/Isaiah 9:5-6 The manner of his execution was crucifixion. Tehillah/Psalm 22:14-17 He rose from the dead. Tehillah/Psalm 16:10 Yesha’yahu/Isaiah 53:10 The time of his coming was before the destruction of Herod's Temple in 70 CE. Dani’el/Daniel 9:26 Do you have any idea if anyone has fulfilled these prophecies, or has even come close? HISTORY TELLS US THAT JESUS OF NAZARETH FULFILLED THESE AND MANY OTHER PROPHECIES. There are at least 54 specific prophecies concerning Messiah which Jesus fulfilled. The probability that one person could fulfill all 54 prophecies is 1 out of 10 with 157 zeros after it! During his lifetime many people called him Messiah ("Christ" is the Greek translation) and believed in him. Mattityahu/Matthew 16:16 Yochanan/John 1:45-51 Acts 6:7 Many people since that time, both Jews and Gentiles, have had their sins forgiven and have gained a personal relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob through Messiah Jesus. Through him one becomes a completed person; e.g., a Jewish person becomes a completed Jew. Since the blood of atonement has been provided through Messiah Jesus, there is only one thing left for you to do. 5 You must by faith receive Messiah Jesus into your life in order to have a personal relationship with God and a satisfying, worthwhile life. But to as many as did receive him, to those who put their trust in his person and power, he gave the right to become children of God, Yochanan/John 1:12. Receiving Messiah Jesus involves a moral decision to turn to God's way and from your own, to trust Messiah Jesus to forgive your sins and bring you into a right relationship with God. When you receive Messiah Jesus by faith (trusting what he has done for you), he comes into your life and gives you the power to live a satisfying, worth-while life. Yeshua says: Here, I'm standing at the door, knocking. If someone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he will eat with me. Revelation 3:20 Some people think that receiving Messiah Jesus by faith means you are no longer Jewish. THAT'S NOT TRUE. AS YESHUA/JESUS PUT IT: Don't think that I have come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete… Mattityahu/Matthew 5:17 THE APOSTLE SHA’UL/PAUL FELT THE SAME WAY This is why I have asked to see you and speak with you, for it is because of the hope of Isra'el that I have this chain around me (in jail). Acts 28:20 Are you still here? Don't let anything hold you back- why not invite Messiah Jesus to give you a right relationship with God right now? Remember, God is the source of a worthwhile life. Your sin has separated you from God. God's provision through Messiah Yeshua/Jesus is the solution to the sin barrier. The only thing God asks you to do is to trust Messiah Jesus to forgive your sins and give you a right relationship with God. YOU can receive Messiah Yeshua/Jesus by faith right now through prayer. Prayer is talking to God and is a good way to express your faith. You may want to use this prayer to express your decision to trust Messiah Jesus. Messiah Jesus, I admit that I have sinned. I believe that you have provided the blood of atonement for me. I receive you as my Messiah. Thank you for forgiving my sins and coming into my life as you promised. Messiah Yeshua/Jesus always keeps his promises. DID YOU RECEIVE HIM BY FAITH JUST NOW? DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS? It means that the following promises are now true in your life: Messiah Yeshua/Jesus came into your life, and he's there permanently. Revelation 3:20 Messianic Jews/Hebrews 13:5 All your sins are forgiven. Colossians 2:13 You have a brand new relationship with God - you're his child! Yochanan/John 1:12 You've become a completely new person inside, and you've got a great new life! 2 Corinthians 5:17 1 Yochanan/John 5:11-13 You've been set free from yourself to help others. Yochanan/John 8:31-35 Galatians 5:13 So, what now? CONTINUE TO TRUST MESSIAH JESUS. The way you began is the way to keep going Colossians 4:2-6 Messianic Jews/Hebrews 11:6 If you keep trusting him, you'll grow in your new relationship. Here are a few suggestions: Let him communicate to you, read his words 1 Kefa/1 Peter 2:2 Talk to him about everything Philippians 4:6-7 1 Kefa/1 Peter 5:7 Get together with others who have received him Messianic Jews/Hebrews 10:24-25 Tell other people about him Acts 1:8 Remember to be tactful and kind. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your uncleanness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit inside you; I will take the stony heart out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my Spirit inside you and cause you to live by my laws, respect my rulings and obey them. Yechezk’el/Ezekiel 36:25-27 Don't forget, keep trusting him! For further information please contact: Return to: L'Ch aim - To Life! Page To return to Menorah's Web Page L'Chaim tract used with permission of: AMF International P.O. Box 5470, Lansing, IL 60438-5470 (708) 418-0020 Copyright 1974, 1990

Reviews what is Christian Theology's greatest deficiency's , concealment. Torah Incognita by Dr. David H. Stern* 1. Christian Theology's Greatest Deficiency I have given an entire chapter to the question of how Messianic Judaism is to relate to the Torah because I am certain that the lack of a correct, clear and relatively complete Messianic Jewish or Gentile Christian theology of the Law is not only a major impediment to Christians' understanding their own faith, but also the greatest barrier to Jewish people's receiving the Gospel. Even though many Jews do not observe Torah, often neither knowing nor caring about it, I stand by this statement; because attachment to the Torah is rooted deep in the Jewish people's memory, where it affects attitudes unconsciously. While ultimately the issue becomes who Yeshua is Messiah, Son of the Living God, final Atonement, Lord of our lives - the Church's problem here is mainly one of communication, of expressing the truth in ways that relate to Jewish worldviews. But the Church hardly knows what to make of the Torah or how to fit it together with the New Testament. And if the Church doesn't know, don't expect the Jews to figure it out for them! I believe that Christianity has gone far astray in its dealings with the subject and that the most urgent task of theology today is get right its view of the Law. Christianity organizes systematic theology by subjects it considers important. Thus topics like the Holy Spirit and person and work of the Messiah take a healthy amount of space in any Christian systematic theology. Judaism too organizes theological thinking into categories reflecting its concerns, as we noted earlier, its three main topics are God, Israel (that is, the Jewish people) and Torah. Comparing Jewish and Christian theology, one finds that both devote much attention to God and to the people of God (in the one case the Jews, in the other the Church). It is all the more striking, therefore, to notice how much· Jewish thought and how little Christian theology addresses the topic of Torah —generally rendered in English as "Law," although the meaning of the Hebrew word is "teaching." As a rough measure, I checked the subject index of Augustus Strong's Systematic Theology and found under "Law" 28 pages out of a total 1,056 (less than 3%). In L. Berkhof's Systematic Theology there are 3 pages out of 745 (less than 1/2%). And in Lewis Sperry Chafer's 7-volume work with the same title, there are only 7 out of 2,607 (about 1/4%). On the other hand, Isidor Epstein's The Faith of Judaism has 57 pages on Torah out of 386 (15%), Solomon Schechter's Aspects of Rabbinic Theology has 69 out of 343 (20%), and Louis Jacobs' A Jewish Theology 73 out of 331 (22%) (these three authors are Orthodox, Conservative, Liberal (Reform), respectively). One is forced to the conclusion that the topic interests Jews and not Christians. And that is unfortunate for the Christians. It means, first, that most Christians have an overly simplistic understanding what the Law is all about; and, second, that Christianity has almost nothing relevant to say to Jews about one of the three most important issues of their faith. In short, Torah is the great unexplored territory, the terra incognita of Christian theology. The main reason for this is that Christian theology, with the anti-Jewish bias it incorporated in its early centuries, misunderstood Sha'ul [Paul] and concluded that the Torah is no longer in force. This is not the Jewish Gospel, nor is it the true Gospel. It is time for Christians to understand the truth about the Law. Christian theologians in the last thirty years have made a beginning. Messianic Jews should now move to the front lines and spearhead this process. 2. Nomos In the New Testament A good starting place would be a thorough study of the Greek word nomos ("law," "Torah") and its derivatives as used in the New Testament. Unfortunately there is not space in this book (The Complete Jewish Bible) to undertake it, since the word and its cognates appear some 200 times. The sampling which follows is intended to whet the appetite and encourage further investigation. a. Romans 10:4 - Did The Messiah End The Law? Consider Romans 10:4, which states - in a typical but wrong translation - "For Christ ends the law and brings righteousness for everyone who has faith." Like this translator, most theologians understand the verse to say that Yeshua terminated the Torah. But the Greek word translated "ends" is telos, from which English gets the word "teleology," defined in Webster's Third International Dictionary as "the philosophical study of the evidence of design in nature; ... the fact or the character of being directed toward an end or shaped by a purpose — used of ... nature ... conceived as determined ... by the design of a divine Providence .... " The normal meaning of telos in Greek -- which is also its meaning here - is "goal, purpose, consummation," not "termination." The Messiah did not and does not bring the Torah to an end. Rather, attention to and faith in the Messiah is the goal and purpose toward which the Torah aims, the logical consequence, result and consummation of observing the Torah out of genuine faith, as opposed to trying to observe it out of legalism. This, not the termination of Torah, is Sha'ul's point, as can be seen from the context, Romans 9:30-10: 1l. b. "Under the Law" And "Works of the Law." Much of Christian theology about the Torah is based on a misunderstanding of two Greek expressions which Sha'ul invented. The first is upo nomon; it appears two times in Romans, 1 Corinthians and Galatians, and it is usually rendered "under the law." The other is erga nomou, found with minor variations 10 times in Romans and Galatians, translated "works of the law." Whatever Sha'ul is trying to communicate by these expressions, one thing is clear: Sha'ul regards them negatively: being "under the law" is bad, and "works of the law" are bad. Christian theology usually takes the first to mean "within the framework of observing the Torah" and the second, "acts of obedience to the Torah." This understanding is wrong. Sha'ul does not consider it bad to live within the framework of Torah, nor is it bad to obey it; on the contrary, he writes that the Torah is "holy, just and good" (Romans 7:12). C. E. B. Cranfield has shed light on these two phrases; his first essay on the subject appeared in 1964, and he summarized it in his masterly commentary on Romans. There he writes, " ... the Greek language of Paul's day possessed no word group corresponding to our 'legalism,' 'legalist' and 'legalistic.' This means that he lacked a convenient terminology for expressing a vital distinction, and so was surely seriously hampered in the work of clarifying the Christian position with regard to the law. In view of this, we should always, we think, be ready to reckon with the possibility that Pauline statements, which at first sight seem to disparage the law, were really directed not against the law itself but against that misunderstanding and misuse of it for which we now have a convenient terminology. In this very difficult terrain Paul was pioneering." If Cranfield is right, as I believe he is, we should approach Sha'ul with the same pioneering spirit. We should understand erga nomou not as "works of law," but as "legalistic observance of particular Torah commands." Likewise, we should take upo nomon to mean not "under the law" but "in subjection to the system that results from perverting Torah into legalism." This is how these phrases are rendered in the Jewish New Testament . The expression "in subjection" is important because the context of upo nomon always conveys an element of oppressiveness. Sha'ul is very clear about this, as can be seen from I Corinthians 9:20, where, after saying that for those without Torah he became as one without Torah, he stressed that he was himself not without Torah but ennomos Christou, "en-lawed" or "en- Torahed of Messiah." He used a different term, ennomos in place of upo nomon, to distinguish his oppression free relationship with the Torah, now that he is united with the Messiah, from the sense of being burdened which he noticed in people (probably Gentiles!) who instead of happily "enlawing" themselves to God's holy, just and good Torah, subjected themselves to a legalistic perversion of it. If the above renderings of upo nomon and erga nomou were used in the 20 passages where these phrases occur, I believe it would change Christian theology of Torah for the better. c) Galatians 3:10-13 - Redeemed From The Curse Of The Law? Galatians 3: 10-13 presents a number of stumbling blocks in most translations. As an example, here is the New American Standard Bible's rendering, which strikes me as neither better nor worse than most: "[10] For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the Law, to perform them.' [ll] Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, 'The righteous man shall live by faith.' [12] However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, 'He who practices them shall live by them.' [13] Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us - for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.'" These verses appear as follows in the Jewish New Testament: "[10] For everyone who depends on legalistic observance of Torah commands [erga nomou] lives under a curse, since it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who does not keep on doing everything written in the Scroll of the Torah. '[Deuteronomy 27:26] [11] Now it is evident that no one comes to be declared righteous by God through legalism [nomos], since 'The person who is righteous will attain life by trusting and being faithful.' [Habakkuk 2:4] [12] Furthermore, legalism [nomos] is not based on trusting and being faithful, but on a misuse of the text that says, 'Anyone who does these things will attain life through them.' [Leviticus 18:5] [13] The Messiah redeemed us from the curse pronounced in the Torah [nomos] by becoming cursed on our behalf; for the Tanakh says, 'Everyone who hangs from a stake comes under a curse.' [Deuteronomy 21:22-23]" "The curse of the law" is not the curse of having to live within the framework of Torah, for the Torah itself is good. Nor is it the curse of being required to obey the Torah but lacking the power to do so - this would be a kind of "Catch 22" unworthy of God, although there are theologies which teach that this is exactly the case. Rather, it is "the curse pronounced in the Torah" (v. 13; see v. 10) for disobeying it. Sha'ul's point is that that curse falls on people who are actually trying to obey the Torah if their efforts are grounded in legalism (vv. 11 a, 12). For Sha'ul, such a legalistic approach is already disobedience; for the Tanakh itself requires genuine obedience to emerge from faith (v. 11 b). There is not space here to prove that this is the case or to deal with other controversies raised by the above rendering of these four verses; my Jewish New Testament commentary addresses these matters. d) Messianic Jews [Hebrews] 8:6 - The New Covenant Has Been Given As Torah. One of the most surprising discoveries I made in the course of preparing the Jewish New Testament is that the New Covenant itself has actually been given as Torah - as much as, and in exactly the sense that, what Moses received on Mount Sinai was given as Torah. The verse which hides this extremely well kept secret is Messianic Jews [Hebrews] 8:6, which reads, in a typical translation, "But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry which is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. " The passage would seem poor ore for my mining efforts. But upon examining the Greek text I noticed that the phrase "is enacted on" renders the word nenomothetetai, a compound of our friend nomos ("law, Torah") with the common verb tithemi ("to put, place"). If the subject matter of the Letter to a Group of Messianic Jews were, say, Greek law, or the Roman Senate, it would be appropriate to translate this word as "enacted, established, legislated," that is, "put" or "placed as law. " But in the letter to these Messianic Jews, the word nomos, which appears 14 times, always means Torah specifically, never legislation in general. Moreover, the only other appearance of nenomothetetai in the New Testament is a few verses back, at Messianic Jews 7: 11, where it can only refer to the giving of the Torah at Sinai (the related word nomothesia, "giving of the Torah," at Romans 9:4 is equally unambiguous). Therefore the Jewish New Testament renders Messianic Jews 8:6: "But now the work Yeshua has been given to do is far superior to theirs, just as the covenant he mediates is better. For this covenant has been given as Torah on the basis of better promises." So the New Covenant has been "given as Torah," which implies that Torah still exists and is to be observed in the present age - by all Jews and by all Gentiles, as we shall see. However, precisely what is demanded of "all Jews" and of "all Gentiles" is not quite so obvious. We will address this question in a limited way, but comprehensive treatment is beyond the scope of this book. 3) The Gospel With An Ended Law Is No Gospel At All The statement has been made (I'm not saying I agree) that of the three items mentioned earlier as most important on the Jewish theological agenda, Reform Jews focus mainly on "God," the Conservatives on "Israel," and the Orthodox on "Torah." Reform and secular Jews disagree with the Orthodox and Conservative over whether the Torah is binding forever, while Conservative Jews deny the exclusive claim of Orthodoxy to determine specific applications of what they agree is the eternal Torah. Nevertheless, although Orthodox Jews constitute only 15-20% of the Jewish population in Israel and less in the United States, their view of Torah as eternal has found a very deep place in the heart of the Jewish people; so that the non-Orthodox find themselves somewhat in the role of upstarts trying to dislodge a clever, experienced and self-confident ruler. Now if Christianity comes into such an environment with the message that the Torah is no longer in force, the line of communication with Orthodox Judaism is simply cut. There is no longer anything to discuss. Moreover, if I am correct about the role of the Orthodox Jewish view of Torah in the Jewish mentality, then even the secular Jew "knows" at some level, whether correctly or not, that Orthodoxy is right. In fact there are secular Jews who, though not religious themselves, regard the Orthodox as the preservers of the Jewish nation. Thus, if Christianity cannot address the issue of Torah properly and seriously, it has nothing to say to the Jewish people. Individual Jews may be won away to Christianity, across the wide gap between the Jewish people and the Church; but the central concern of Orthodox Judaism itself is dismissed, perhaps with a casual and cavalier citation of Romans 6: 14, "We're not under the law but under grace." In my opinion this shallow, sterile way of thinking has gone on too long in the Church, and it serves no purpose but the Adversary's! Moreover, this way of thinking is not only shallow, but perverse! Yeshua said very plainly in the theme sentence of the Sermon on the Mount, "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law ... ; I did not come to abolish, but plerosai, "to fill." We learned earlier that Yeshua's "filling" here means making clear the full and proper sense of the Torah; and we pointed out that even if pleroo meant "fulfillment," it could not be twisted to mean "abolition," in contradiction to what he had said three words earlier. This seems so clear that it is hard for me to understand how Christian theology has even dared to propose the idea that the Torah is no more. I myself believe it came about because of anti-Jewish bias infused into the Gentile Church in its early centuries; this bias is now so pervasive and difficult to root out that even Christians without any personal anti-Semitism whatever are unavoidably affected by it. The remedy is to reassess the theology of Torah. I am convinced it will be found that the Torah continues in force. When I say this, I am not making a "concession to Judaism," as some Christian critics might suppose. Nor am I somehow expressing anti-Torah theology in hypocritical, deceptive and confusing pro-Torah language, an accusation I could expect from a few non-Messianic Jews. Rather, I am stating as clearly as I can what I believe the New Testament teaches. It will prove to be neither a concession nor a confusion, but a challenge - to both Jews and Christians. For a key element of the New Covenant, both as promised by Jeremiah and as cited in the Letter To A Group of Messianic Jews ["To The Hebrews"] is that the Torah is written on people's hearts (Jeremiah 31:30-34, Messianic Jews 8:9-12). It takes unacceptable theological legerdemain to conclude that when God writes the Torah on hearts he changes it into something other than the Torah! But if Messianic Jews and Messianic Gentiles acknowledge the ongoingness of the Torah, then the question arises, "Just what does the Torah require, now that Yeshua the Messiah has inaugurated the New Covenant? What is ·the New Covenant halakhah?(1) And this is already a Jewish question, and, as we will see, an essential element of the Gospel. For there is a tradition within Judaism which says that when the Messiah comes he will explain the difficult questions of Torah. Another tradition says he will change the Torah. Yeshua the Messiah has already come; some things he has explained - for example, in the Sermon on the Mount -- and other things have been changed, as we learn later in the chapter. (When he comes the second time he may give more explanations and make more changes!) A Jew can cope with this kind of approach to Torah. And the Christian will just have to get used to it. The Torah Of The Messiah, A Tree Of Life I give you good instruction; do not forsake my Torah. It is a tree of life to those who take hold of it, and those who hold fast to it are happy. Its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace. (2) 1 Halakhah means, literally, "way of walking;" but, depending on the context, it can convey either the broad sense, "way of living, according to the Torah," or the narrow sense, "the rule to be followed" in a particular situation. In Jewish discourse when one speaks of "the halakhah," one is bringing to mind the whole framework of Jewish life as seen from a particular viewpoint. Sometimes the intent is to know what is permitted and what is forbidden by Jewish law; however, just as often the concern is not "legal" but simply related to finding out what the customs are, and perhaps why they are that way. The phrase "the halakhah" connotes Jewish people hood spanning centuries and expressing itself through ordinary Jews consulting with their rabbis in order to learn more about how God wants them to live. 2 Proverbs 4:2 and 3: 18, as quoted in the Siddur [Jewish prayer book] and recited in the synagogue after the public reading from the Torah scroll. *Quoted for educational purposes, without some notes, from Chapter V in the Messianic Jewish Manifesto by David Stern, Jewish New Testament Publications, 1988. Pages 125-136. For Information To Return to Flag Of Palestine-Israel page To Return to Jews-Gentiles and the Church Page To Return to Menorah's Web Page

Jesus is not nor never has been an angel.  Scripture clearly says He has always since the beginning existed with God, and is God. Ask Re’uben The angel of the Lord is Jesus? S H A L O M ! _______ A MESSIANIC JEWISH SCRIPTURAL VIEW ______ Biblical Question: Dear Pastor Reuben, In the Old Testament, 'the angel of the Lord' is often referred to, and in most versions I have seen in the margin it will write 'or Angel' and I have often heard people say that the reference here is to the Son of God, this would seemingly offer support to the doctrine of some that Jesus was an angel who later passed to glory and was crowned next to God...in an attempt to keep things short I think that you know the confusion that this can present.. do you have anything on this that can help, perhaps the original Hebrew can help...perhaps you can help me....? Thanks, Graham Pastor Reuben's Answer: Shalom Graham, Jesus is not nor never has been an angel. Scripture clearly says He has always since the beginning existed with God, and is God. John 1 and countless other references which are available to your Biblical study and search. Also look at these to see that the phrase Biblically = God in the majority of the cases: Exodus 3:2, Genesis 31:11,13; 22:11, Judges 13:20 Some falsely and without Biblical evidence, teach that Jesus was mere man or an angel who was exalted for his service and faithfulness. Like the Jehovah Witnesses, who are mislead and on a route of destruction; much like those referred to in my answered question #8. Hope this helps your walk with the Lord. Pastor Reuben Questions are welcome from ALL readers at ALL levels and Forums, from everyone. Questions of general interest will be considered for inclusions in this column. Those of a more personal nature will be keep confidential and we will answer via e-mail; always state your name, Email address and your comment/question in as brief & precise manner as possible. To submit a question, etc. please address it to reuben@menorah.org ask.....ask...... To return to ..... Ask Pastor Reuben's Biblical Answers To Asked Questions..... To return to Menorah's Web Page

Catholics can only know if when they die they will go to Heaven if by only faith personally in Jesus. Cómo un católico puede SABER que irá al cielo cuando muera Por Albert H. Monacelli How a Catholic may KNOW that He will go to Heaven when He dies (Spanish) Mi esposa Jane murió en 1978. Ella nació una católica romana y se murió así. Unos meses antes de su muerte ocurrió algo en su vida que le aseguró que cuando dejó este mundo irá inmediatamente en la presencia bienvenida de Jesúcristo. Como resultado, salió de este mundo en gran paz. Y fui tan determinado como ella de su destino. Se espera que, después de leer este testimonio, el lector mueva a beneficiarse de la experiencia de Jane. Hacía unos pocos años que un obispo católico murió del cáncer terminal. Cada día por varios meses, su chofer lo conducía acerca de su diócesis. Después de la muerte del obispo, una declaración del chofer apareció en la prensa que parecía bastante significante. Dijo que durante su enfermedad el obispo era constantemente preocupado de lo que le sucedería a él después de su muerte. Confía en que Dios recordara que había dedicado toda su vida a Su servicio. El obispo, obviamente, no estaba seguro su destino eterno. Recuerdo de una declaración que se me la dijo un día por un sacerdote católico. Dijo que él estaría satisfecho a meterse a duras penas en el Purgatorio cuando muriera y trabajar duramente desde allí hacia el cielo, presumiblemente por el sufrimiento. Me pregunto por cúan sorprendido ese sacerdote podría estar un día para descubrir que no hay ningún Purgatorio excepto en la tradición provocada por el hombre. No se menciona del Purgatorio en la Biblia. Lo que dice la Biblia al Purgatorio es el siguiente: “Y de la manera que está establecido á los hombres que mueran una vez, y después el juicio” (Hebreos 9:27). Entonces sería o en la victoria o en la derrota. No va a ser “prórroga” como en el baloncesto. Se empezó a usar el término “purgatorio” en el 6 de marzo de 1254 por el Papa Inocencio IV en una carta a la delegación apostólica en Grecia, doce siglos después de la muerte de Jesúcristo y sus apóstoles. No hay nada en la Biblia, la palabra de Dios, que dice que un hombre puede mejorar su condición espiritual después de la muerte ni por el sufrimiento en otro lugar ni por la oración y la intercesión de otros ni por cualquier otro método. Podemos creer que si estas cosas eran posibles la Biblia no sería tan silenciosa con respecto a ellas. Después de todo, la Biblia es la palabra inspirada de Dios escrita para nuestra instrucción, la amonestación y el consuelo. Es el pleno registro de los tratos de Dios con la humanidad y podemos estar muy seguros de que no omite nada importante. Verdaderamente cualquier precepto no enunciado en la Biblia, especialmente si no está aún mencionado, no es nada más que una regulación creada por el hombre o una tradición humana. También Jesúcristo tenía un punto negativo de vista de las regulaciones y tradiciones humanas (Mateo 15:7, 9; Marcos 7:13; Colosenses 2:8). Es digno de mencionar que la noticia antes mencionada se apareció en el periódico diocesano del obispo. Parece indicaruna prevalencia de temor e incertidumbre con respecto a la muerte. ¡No debe ser! La Biblia habla frecuente y claramente en cuanto a la salvación y la vida eterna y cómo se puede obtenerlas aquí en la tierra. Se puede morir en esta vida sabiendo que está con destino al cielo. Las Sagradas Escrituras son la Voz de Dios por escrito y la Iglesia católica las reconoce así. Así que, en 1965 cuando se ensamblaron todos los obispos juntos en el Consejo de Vaticano II, lanzaron una Constitución dogmática sobre la revelación divina que contiene lo siguiente: “la palabra de Dios es la Sagrada Escritura” y declaró que todas las partes de la Biblia, “tienen Dios como su autor.” En 1943, el Papa Pío XII en su encíclica Espíritu Divino de Afflante, hablando de la Biblia, dijo que “los fieles....tienen un deber serio de usar con una actitud piadosa de este tesoro.” La iglesia decía que se obligaran los católicos a leer la palabra de Dios, como a se le refiere la Biblia. Anteriormente el Papa Benedicto XV dijo, “la responsabilidad de nuestra oficina apostólica...me impulsa a promover el estudio de la Sagrada escritura... deberemos...nunca desistir de exhortar a los fieles para leer diariamente los evangelios, las leyes y las epístolas, a fin de reunir allí alimentos para sus almas...la ignorancia de la Biblia significa la ignorancia de Cristo.” El Evangelio de San Lucas, capítulo 11, versículo 52, dice el siguiente: “¡Ay de vosotros, doctores de la ley! que habéis quitado la llave de la ciencia; vosotros mismos no entrasteis, y á los que entraban impedisteis.” ¿Por qué, entonces, tales exhortaciones papales a leer la Biblia no llegan hacia abajo a la tropa y evidentemente no tienen ningún impacto en los seminarios? Al parecer no viajan a continuación desde el obispo. Cuando me interesé en la Biblia en 1976 y fui a mi pastor por una consulta, tiró la toalla y dijo, “yo no puedo ayudarle. No nos enseñó la Biblia en el seminario.” Me sorpresó mucho. Nadie le enseñó al pastor del rebaño la palabra de Dios. Pero Jesús dijo “Que no con pan solo vivirá el hombre, mas con toda palabra de Dios” (Lucas 4:4). Cuando yo hablaba con una paciente en un asilo de ancianos en Fort Lauderdale desde hacía unos pocos años, empecé una conversación con una mujer visitando a otro paciente en la cama siguiente. Ella era una mujer inteligente y tenía cerca de 40 años. Me encontré a pedirle si ella lee la Biblia. Siguió la indignación instantánea y con un toque de ira en su voz dijo, “¡yo soy católica! ¡No leo la Biblia!" Lloró mi espíritu. Con mi experiencia católica estaba seguro de que la mujer hablaba por parte de millones de católicos. Pero permítame continuar otra vez mi historia personal. En 1969, me jubilé de una firma de abogados en la ciudad de Nueva York, y me mudé a Florida para comenzar una vida de ocio y relajación. Un año después, mientras que nosotros visitábamos en Washington, D.C., me di cuenta que mi vida necesitaba una nueva dirección y que sin un cambio significativo yo estaba en camino al infierno. Me conmovió la experiencia tanto que me fui inmediatamente a la confesión para saldar cuentas con Dios. Y en aquella ocasión, como en la mejor manera que sabía, he intentado entregar mi vida a El con un compromiso real del corazón. De hecho he prometido a Dios que iría a misa y comulgar cada día el resto de mi vida. Y para unos seis años lo hice así fielmente, siete días a la semana, generalmente cumpliendo la misa como un acólito. En los años siguientes de este compromiso renovado pasé gran parte de mi tiempo estudiando teología católica, liturgia, las vidas de Santos, etc., guiado por listas obtenidas de seminarios de lectura. Pero éstas me no llevaron más cerca de conocer a Dios. De hecho, el estudio sólo me frustró la búsqueda de la verdadera importancia de lo que se necesita para cambiar mi vida. En 1976 me puse interesado en la Biblia por la primera vez. Mi estudio inicial de la Biblia empezó a abrirme los ojos. Comencé a entender el sentido de Jesúcristo cuando le dijo a Nicodemo que tenemos que nacer de nuevo y lo que es nacido de la carne, carne es; y lo que es nacido del Espíritu (Santo), espíritu es. (Juan 3:6). Fue en este momento, habiendo entendido la verdad de Dios por primera vez, que le había entregado mi vida a El. La Biblia dice que esta decisión me hizo una nueva criatura en Cristo...De modo que si alguno está en Cristo, nueva criatura es: las cosas viejas pasaron; he aquí todas son hechas nuevas (2 Corintios 5:17). Me acontecí a Dios como mi padre. Vine destinado para el cielo según las escrituras. También he descubierto cómo muy simple y seguro es alcanzar la vida eterna mientras que se vive en la tierra, y que es un regalo de Dios. Jesús la compró para nosotros cuando murió en la cruz. La Biblia afirma esta verdad en Efesios 2:8-9: Porque por gracia sois salvos por la fe; y esto no de vosotros, pues es don de Dios: no por obras, para que nadie se gloríe. John L. McKenzie, S.J., quizás uno de los eruditos bíblicos más hábiles del catolicismo estadounidense, en su diccionario de la Biblia, lo dice así: “Es un principio de teología del Nuevo Testamento que las obras del hombre son totalmente ineficaces para lograr la rectitud que guarda” (página 942). Lo que nos dicen la palabra de Dios y el padre McKenzie es que las cosas que hacemos (asistir la Iglesia, la confesión, la comunión, la oración) son obras, y que nuestras obras nunca se suponen a traernos a Dios ni tampoco llevarnos al cielo. Tal vez mi descubrimiento más interesante fue que la Biblia nos asegura de nuestra salvación de aquí y de ahora. Como el apóstol Juan dice en su primera epístola: Estas cosas he escrito á vosotros que creéis en el nombre del Hijo de Dios, para que sepáis que tenéis vida eterna, y para que creáis en el nombre del Hijo de Dios. (1 Juan 5:13). Este versículo claramente nos da la garantía. Jane siempre ha sido meticulosamente una católica leal. Nunca falló una misa en los domingos ni días santos de obligación. Confesaba y comunicaba a menudo, leía de su libro de oraciones cada día para sus familiares y amigos difuntos. Ella nunca dudaba de lo que aprendió desde la cuna: que la iglesia católica era la verdadera iglesia. En los últimos tres años de su vida, Jane fue parcialmente paralizada y postrada en la cama. Con frecuencia en la mañana veíamos el “700 Club” juntos delante de la televisión, y en varias ocasiones recitábamos la oración de salvación con Pat Robertson, el presentador. La Biblia nos dice que si un individuo reza la oración de su corazón y confiesa que cree y ha aceptado a Jesúcristo como su Señor, es renacido espiritualmente. El es “nacido otra vez.” La experiencia se conoce comúnmente como el nuevo nacimiento. Hasta ese momento, no se considera a un cristiano por normas bíblicas. No importa cuantas veces se asiste la Iglesia ni cuantas obras buenas se hacen. Jane repetía la oración de salvación, pero parecía reticente o no podía declarar que ella había aceptado a Jesús como su Señor. Dios da la fe para creer, pero El también requiere de cada uno de nosotros responda con una respuesta positiva a su oferta y se realice por declarar a Jesúcristo como su Señor. Presumiblemente temía que ella pudiera ser tomada a sí misma de la Iglesia Católica. Un día se determinó a hacer la declaración a su hijo la próxima vez que le llamara. Para ayudarle, escribí a una declaración simple de fe y cuando le llamó su hijo yo puse el documento en su regazo. Sin ninguna explicación previa, ella soltó, “He aceptado a Jesúcristo en mi corazón como mi Señor.” E inmediatamente ella comenzó a llorar. Después de unos minutos, le dijo, “yo no puedo hablar más porque yo estoy llorando” y colgó. Esa declaración simple de su nueva fe le había tan conmovido hasta las lágrimas que ella no pudo continuar su conversación. La mayoría de los católicos creen que merecen la salvación o el favor de Dios cuando reciben el bautismo o confirmación. Como los otros niños católicos Jane fue bautizada y confirmada, pero no crearon obviamente en una regeneración de su corazón. Tenía que seguir en el camino bíblico en cuanto a la salvación y cuando lo hizo, sabía que ella había experimentado el nuevo nacimiento. Es la palabra de Dios, fue testiguado por el Espíritu Santo, que aseguró su aceptación de Dios a través de Jesúcristo; y, como resultado, irá al cielo. La necesidad absoluta del nuevo nacimiento está fuera de duda. Cristo dijo en los versículos 3-7 del capítulo 3 del Evangelio de Juan: Respondió Jesús, y díjole: De cierto, de cierto te digo, que el que no naciere otra vez, no puede ver el reino de Dios. Dícele Nicodemo: ¿Cómo puede el hombre nacer siendo viejo? ¿puede entrar otra vez en el vientre de su madre, y nacer? Respondió Jesús: De cierto, de cierto te digo, que el que no naciere de agua y del Espíritu, no puede entrar en el reino de Dios. Lo que es nacido de la carne, carne es; y lo que es nacido del Espíritu, espíritu es. No te maravilles de que te dije: Os es necesario nacer otra vez. La declaración de Cristo es clara. Es incondicional. No admite ninguna excepción ni modificación. Interponer alternativa es significar que Jesús no quisiera decir lo que dijo y era necesario que los hombres le corrigieran a él. Cualquiera iglesia que no enseña el nuevo nacimiento (considerado tan vital en el Nuevo Testamento) lidera a su pueblo en la condenación eterna. Jesús avisó contra…Invalidando la palabra de Dios con vuestra tradición (leyes y reglas hechas por la iglesia) (Marcos 7:13). También dijo que cualquiera que se enseña de las doctrinas de los mandamientos de los hombres es hipócrita y le adora en vano (Mateo 15:7, 9). Lo absurdo es la manipulación con la palabra de Dios. En Isaías 40:8 el Espíritu Santo se trasladó al profeta para decir la palabra del Dios nuestro permanece para siempre. Y Jesúcristo dijo que el cielo y la tierra pasarán, mas mis palabras no pasarán (Mateo 24:35). ¡Cúan carente de sabiduría, cúan tonto, cúan trágico, de rechazar la forma segura de Dios cuando la vida eterna es en juego! El método de salvación se establece en Romanos 10:9-10: Que si confesares con tu boca al Señor Jesús, y creyeres en tu corazón que Dios le levantó de los muertos, serás salvo. Porque con el corazón se cree para justicia; mas con la boca se hace confesión para salud. Cúan simple y fácilmente Dios nos ha facilitado la salvación. Cúan trágico que tan pocos enseñaban a aprovecharse de él. ¿Cómo obtenemos la vida eterna? Por creer en Cristo. Porque de tal manera amó Dios al mundo, que ha dado á su Hijo unigénito, para que todo aquel que en él cree, no se pierda, mas tenga vida eterna (Juan 3: 16). Pero ¿qué significa el Nuevo Testamento por “creer”? Significa algo más que el mero asentimiento mental, más de la boquilla. Se cree en el corazón sin duda, y se debe actuar en tal creencia por confiar en Dios para la salvación. La fe es actuar en la creencia intelectual y confiar en Cristo como su Salvador. Como el profesor difunto de la Biblia E.W. Kenyon dijo: “el creer exige la acción y crea la acción. El asentimiento mental admira, admite, pero no actúa.” Si la programación de la aerolínea dice que su vuelo va a Tulsa, no tendrá ninguna duda al respecto. Cree Vd. en su corazón, tiene fe en la programación y actúa en esa fe por embarcar en el avión. Por lo tanto, se tiene que hacer más que sólo creer en la mente. Se debe de confiar en Cristo. Jesús dijo (Juan 16:7-9) que después de su muerte, el Espíritu Santo condenaría o convencería al mundo de tres cosas, y una era el “pecado.” ¿Cúal pecado? El pecado de no creer en Jesús. Según la palabra de Dios, es el pecado de la incredulidad en Cristo que envía al hombre al infierno. Por tan buena y ejemplar que sea la vida de un hombre, no puede alcanzar al cielo si él no hace a Jesúcristo el Señor de su vida. Que siempre recordemos una verdad fundamental y de suma importancia: el cristianismo es una creencia en Cristo y es un compromiso a Cristo. No es una iglesia ni es un credo ni es una religión. La religión se refiere a los actos hacia afuera y formas de culto. El cristianismo es un modo de vivir. Es conocer a Jesúcristo y tener un encuentro personal y una relación con él. El es la única manera al cielo. La Biblia dice que él es el único mediador entre Dios y el hombre (1 Timoteo 2:5). Nadie, ni de un Santo, puede realizar este papel. Jesús lo hizo claro cuando dijo, Yo soy el camino, y la verdad, y la vida: nadie viene al Padre, sino por mí. (John 14:6). Si su iglesia no enseña el nuevo nacimiento enunciado por Jesús mismo, parece ser que le incumbe como un ser humano racional para examinar las escrituras por sí mismo. Está muy claro que el bautismo y la confirmación por sí mismos no constituyen el renacimiento espiritual. Si Vd. no le ha cometido su vida a Cristo por creer en él y confesarle como Señor, los rituales no tienen sentido verdadero. Qué diferencia hace cuando Jesús entra en la vida, como tantos pueden testificar. En algunos casos, uno de los esposos ha observado un cambio en el otro y consecuentemente quiere tener lo que el otro tiene. Vidas vacías han sido llenadas. Muchos han descubierto que el alcohol, los toxicómanos, y la búsqueda de éxito mundano no traen ninguna satisfacción duradera. Jesús ha sido llamado la respuesta a todos los problemas. De hecho se puede decir con seguridad que no hay ninguna hombre ni mujer que vive que no ha experimentado una vaciedad que sólo Jesús puede llenar. ¿Está Vd. tentado a pensar que no es suficientemente malo para ir al infierno? Ese es uno de los pensamientos más inteligentes y engañosos que el diablo ha plantado en la mente humana. Pero la Biblia suministra la respuesta correcta. Jesús dijo que él no nos juzgará en el último día, sino su palabra. En pocas palabras, si desobedecemos su precepto que nos debemos de nacer de nuevo, no habrá ninguna necesidad de que él nos juzgue. Su palabra nos juzga y la sentencia va a ser automática. Nos enviaríamos a nosotros mismos al infierno. Leer a Juan 12:48. Que recordemos la advertencia de Jesús que está estrecha es la puerta, y angosto el camino que lleva á la vida, y pocos son los que la hallan (Mateo 7:14). ¿No se consternaría a averiguar que su propia Iglesia no enseña la doctrina de salvación que Jesúcristo mismo dijo que era una necesidad absoluta? ¿Y lo mismo ante las advertencias en la palabra de Dios como ésta: ¿Cómo escaparemos nosotros, si tuviéremos en poco una salud tan grande? La cual, habiendo comenzado á ser publicada por el Señor, ha sido confirmada hasta nosotros por los que oyeron; testificando juntamente con ellos Dios, con señales y milagros, y diversas maravillas, y repartimientos del Espíritu Santo según su voluntad (Hebreos 2:3-4)? Puede haber alguna duda que estemos flirteando con la muerte eterna cuando nos negamos a preferir la palabra de Dios sobre la de los hombres, especialmente en cuanto a una doctrina tan importante como el mismo mensaje del evangelio que Jesúcristo enseñó. ¿Cuando Dios nos dirige tan claramente, atrevemos a seguir cualquier otro? Las escrituras que preceden no son las palabras ni de un hombre ni de una iglesia. El autor es Dios. Por lo demás, la lectura de este folleto es advertencia amplia a usted, si fuera necesario. Usted no puede ser considerado a ser ignorante en cuanto a este asunto. Antes de Vd. se han fijado las escrituras pertinentes. Seguramente Vd. no permitirá que la tradición bíblica, le lleve al infierno. ¿En cualquier caso, cúal posibilidad tiene que perder por atender la palabra de Dios y hacer que Jesús sea el Señor de su vida? Permíteme hacer una pausa aquí para hacerle dos preguntas importantes: 1. ¿Ha llegado Vd. al lugar en tu vida espiritual donde puede decir que sabe con certidumbre que si muriera hoy, iría al cielo? 2. Supongamos que Vd. fuera a morir hoy y se presentaría antes de Dios y él fuera a preguntarle, “¿por qué debo permitir que entre Vd. en mi cielo?” ¿Qué diría Vd.? ¿Cómo respondió Vd. a estas preguntas? ¿Especialmente a la segunda pregunta? ¿Qué diría Vd. si Dios le preguntara? Si no está seguro de su respuesta o le gustaría hacer una confesión sincera de su propio pecado, cesa de lo que está haciendo, pida al Señor que le perdone y El le conceda su regalo de la vida eterna. Le invito a orar a Dios con estas palabras: “Dios, tu Palabra (Romanos 10:13) dice que todo aquel que invocare el nombre del Señor, será salvo. En conformidad, ahora te clamo en el nombre de Jesús como mi Señor y Salvador. Tu Palabra dice: que si confesares con tu boca al Señor Jesús, y creyeres en tu corazón que Dios le levantó de los muertos, serás salvo. Porque con el corazón se cree para justicia; mas con la boca se hace confesión para salud (Romanos 10: 9-10). Creo en mi corazón que Jesúcristo es el hijo de Dios y que él murió en la cruz por mis pecados y fue enterrado. Creo en mi corazón que al tercer día Dios lo resucitó de entre los muertos para mi justificación. Querido Dios, me arrepiento de todos mis pecados, y pido tu perdón en nombre de Jesús. Y, aquí y ahora, recibo y reconozco a Jesús como mi Salvador personal, y pido que él entre en mi corazón y sea el Señor de mi vida. Amen. Si Vd. acaba de orar al Señor y fue sincero en su confesión de su pecado y el deseo de que Jesús sea su Salvador y Señor, acaba de dar el paso más importante en su vida. Sin embargo, este primer paso tiene que ser seguido por otros pasos. Dios quiere que crezca en su andar con él. Lo que usted acaba de hacer significa que hubo nacido de nuevo, un evento que nunca se repite. Sin embargo, su crecimiento espiritual es un proceso—el proceso de convertirse en la persona que Dios ha diseñado que sea. Su madurez espiritual continúa hasta que se forme plenamente en Jesúcristo. Pablo escribió (Filipenses 2:12) que estamos ocupándonos en [nuestra] salvación con temor y temblor. No estaba hablando sobre cómo se entra en el Reino de Dios por buenas obras. La Biblia nunca nos dice por buenas obras que podemos trabajar de nuestra manera en las buenas gracias de Dios. Habla sobre el proceso a través del cual cada uno de nosotros se mueve mientras que crecemos en Cristo. Hay varios pasos básicos que se debe seguir para crecer como un cristiano. 1) Orar diariamente y orar regularmente. Esto va a ser la expresión más básica de su vida, una conversación con su padre celestial. No sería natural en primer lugar, sino que se pondrá más fácil cuando Vd. se haga una parte de su vida. 2) La lectura de la Biblia. Esto va de mano en mano con sus tiempos de oración personal. La lectura de la Biblia es absolutamente fundamental para nuestras vidas. Por cuanto como la medida en que es la palabra de Dios, sabemos que mediante de la lectura de la palabra de Dios nuestra fe en él va creciendo y, en el tiempo, estableciendo el estándar para nuestras vidas. Sólo podrá conocer de la voluntad de Dios para su vida mediante la lectura de su palabra. 3) Los pasos uno y dos no tendrá ningún significado a menos que empiece a poner en práctica esas cosas que pertenecen a lo que le habla el Señor a usted. Se utiliza el término "en Cristo" 87 veces en el Nuevo Testamento. ¿Por qué ha aparecido tan menudo? Los escritores de la Biblia nos dicen que, para estar en Cristo, significa esencialmente “estar” con él, caminar con él y quizás más importante aún, obedecerle. Una vida de obediencia a él asegura nuestro crecimiento como un cristiano. Jesús lo ha dicho las palabras siguientes, si me amáis, guardad mis mandamientos (Juan 14:15). 4) Los tres pasos descritos anteriormente comenzará a producir algo más. Si Vd. es fiel a todo en rezar, leer su Biblia y obedecer las palabras de nuestro Señor, su vida comenzará a reflejar la vida de Jesús, el Salvador y Señor. En Juan 15:1 Jesús se refiere a sí mismo como la vid y los que le siguen como las ramas. Si nos quedamos adjuntos daremos frutos y nuestras vidas serán un testimonio a los que nos ven y nos conocen. Se debe agregar otra palabra aquí. Tan importante como dar testimonio al Señor a través de sus acciones y el comportamiento, también necesita reforzar ese testigo con su conversación. Se puede interpretar mal fácilmente las acciones. Hablar de Jesús debe venir tan naturalmente como contarles a otros sobre la persona que le ama. Dios le dará las palabras adecuadas y le dirigirá a las personas adecuadas como usted le compromete. Finalmente, si está serio de creer en Dios e identificar de sí mismo como su seguidor, tendrá que comenzar una de las partes más difíciles de la vida cristiana: confiar en Dios para todos los detalles de su vida. Esto va a ser un gran quehacer porque hasta ahora ha confiado en casi todo el mundo, incluso a si mismo, pero no el Señor. La Biblia está llena de ilustraciones de personas que se confiaban (o se faltan de confiar) en Dios con sus vidas. Esto no significa que usted pone su mente en punto muerto y nunca piensa por sí mismo sino significa que ya ha puesto su vida en las manos de su creador, es necesario vivir ese compromiso diariamente por confiar en él con su vida y todos sus detalles. La Biblia contiene muchos ejemplos de cómo Dios bendice y ayuda a los que confían en Él y que obedecen sus mandamientos. Mientras no se gana la vida eterna a través de la obediencia, le placemos y le honramos a Dios por la vida según su palabra. El crecimiento y la obediencia son socios perfectos en la experiencia de maduración espiritual. Estos son los pasos básicos que se debe tomar para empezar a crecer como un cristiano. Hay mucho que aprender y mucho que disfrutar como iniciar su vida nueva en Cristo. Sin embargo, su crecimiento supone casi que otros cristianos le ayudarán a crecer. Estamos hablando de los que le conocen y aman a Jesúcristo, y ellos mismos crecen. Dios se hizo claro que necesitamos a otros creyentes que nos ayuden a madurar. Si no tiene tales amigos, necesita encontrar a uno. Si no tiene ni un amigo así, pida al Señor para ayudarle y empiece Vd. a buscar. Dios contesta las oraciones. Que Dios le bendiga ricamente. EL PRÓLOGO DEL EVANGELIO DE JUAN En el principio era el Verbo, y el Verbo era con Dios, y el Verbo era Dios. Este era en el principio con Dios. Todas las cosas por él fueron hechas; y sin él nada de lo que es hecho, fué hecho. En él estaba la vida, y la vida era la luz de los hombres. Y la luz en las tinieblas resplandece; mas las tinieblas no la comprendieron. Fué un hombre enviado de Dios, el cual se llamaba Juan. Este vino por testimonio, para que diese testimonio de la luz, para que todos creyesen por él. No era él la luz, sino para que diese testimonio de la luz. Aquel era la luz verdadera, que alumbra á todo hombre que viene á este mundo. En el mundo estaba, y el mundo fué hecho por él; y el mundo no le conoció. A lo suyo vino, y los suyos no le recibieron. Mas á todos los que le recibieron, dióles potestad de ser hechos hijos de Dios, á los que creen en su nombre: Los cuales no son engendrados de sangre, ni de voluntad de carne, ni de voluntad de varón, mas de Dios. Y aquel Verbo fué hecho carne, y habitó entre nosotros (y vimos su gloria, gloria como del unigénito del Padre), lleno de gracia y de verdad. Sobre el autor: El Sr. Monacelli ejerció la abogacía en Nueva York hasta 1969, cuando se jubiló y se mudó a Florida. Ahora vive en Nueva Jersey. Posee títulos de la Universidad del Notre Dame y de la escuela de derecho de la Universidad de Georgetown. Sirvió dos términos como el Presidente de la Asociación de Notre Dame. Evangelism Explosion International, Inc. P.O. Box 23820 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33307 Menorá -Los ministerios de Menorá - Teléfono: 303-355-2009 fax: 303-339-0365 Correo electrónico: menorah@menorah.org página: www.menorah.org L’Chaim - para la vida!

Presents historical Biblical facts of foretold coming of Jesus Yeshua-Jesus Prophecy The Whole History of Salvation in the Light of the Tehillim-Psalms Yeshua said to them, "This is what I meant when I was still with you and told you that everything written about me in the Torah of Moshe, the Prophets and the Psalms had to be fulfilled. Luke 24:44 The Messiah Was Despised: But I am a worm, not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people. Tehillah/Psalm 22:6 You know how I am insulted, shamed and disgraced; before you stand all my foes. Insults have broken my heart to the point that I could die. I hoped that someone would show compassion, but nobody did; and that there would be comforters, but I found none. They put poison in my food; in my thirst, they gave me vinegar to drink. Tehillah 69:19-22 Was Rejected: The very rock that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone! Tehillah/Psalm 118:22 Was Mocked: All who see me jeer at me; they sneer and shake their heads: "He committed himself to ADONAI,so let him rescue him! Let him set him free if he takes such delight in him!" Tehillah/Psalm 22:7-8 Your enemies, ADONAI, have flung their taunts, flung them in the footsteps of your anointed one. Blessed be ADONAI forever. Amen. Amen. Tehillah/Psalm 89:51-52 Was Whipped: The plowmen plowed on my back; wounding me with long furrows. Tehillah/Psalm 129:3 Was Derided: I am estranged from my brothers, an alien to my mother's children, Insults have broken My heart to the point that I could die. I hoped that someone would show compassion, but nobody did; and that there would be comforters, but I found none. Tehillah/Psalm 69:8, 20 Was Impaled On A Stake-Cross: My God! My God! Why have you abandoned me? Why so far from helping me, so far from my anguished cries? My God, by day I call to you, but you don't answer; likewise at night, but I get no relief. /Psalm 22:1-2 I am poured out like water; all my bones are out of joint; my heart has become like wax it melts inside me; my mouth is as dry as a fragment of a pot, my tongue sticks to my palate; you lay me down in the dust of death. Dogs are all around me, a pack of villains closes in on me like a lion [at] my hands and feet. I can count every one of my bones, while they gaze at me and gloat. Tehillah/Psalm 22:14-17 Was Thirsty: my mouth is as dry as a fragment of a pot, my tongue sticks to my palate… Tehillah/Psalm 22:15 Was Given Wine Mixed With Gall While On The Stake-Cross: in my thirst, they gave me vinegar to drink. Tehillah/Psalm 69:21b Lots Were Casted For His garments: They divide my garments among themselves; for my clothing they throw dice. Tehillah 22:18/Psalm His Bones were Not Broken: He protects all his bones; not one of them gets broken. Tehillah/Psalm 34:20 He Rose From The Dead: for you will not abandon me to Sh'ol, you will not let your faithful one see the Abyss. Tehillah/Psalm 16:10 He Ascended To Heaven: After you went up into the heights, you led captivity captive, Our God is a God who saves; from ADONAI [God] Adonai [the Lord] comes escape from death. Tehillah/Psalm 68:18a, 20 He Is At The Right Hand Of Adonai-God: Adonai says to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool." Tehillah/Psalm 110:1 Help the man at your right hand, the son of man you made strong for yourself. Tehillah/Psalm 80:17 He Is The High Priest: "You are a cohen forever, to be compared with Malki-Tzedek." Tehillah/Psalm 110:4 He Will Judge The Nations: You said, "I made a covenant with the one I chose, I swore to my servant David, 'I will establish your dynasty forever, build up your throne through all generations.'" (Selah) Tehillah/Psalm 89:3-4 His reign Is Eternal: I have sworn by my holiness once and for all; I will not lie to David, his dynasty will last forever, his throne like the sun before me. It will be established forever, like the moon, which remains a faithful witness in the sky." Tehillah/Psalm 89:35-37 He Is The Son Of God: "I will proclaim the decree: ADONAI said to me, 'You are my son; today I became your father. Tehillah/Psalm 2:7 He Spoke In Parables: I will speak to you in parables and explain mysteries from days of old. Tehillah/Psalm 78:2 He Calmed The Storm: You control the raging of the sea; when its waves rear up, you calm them. Tehillah/Psalm 89:9 The People Sang Hosanna To Him: Please, ADONAI! Save us! Please, ADONAI! Rescue us! Blessed is he who comes in the name of ADONAI. We bless you from the house of ADONAI. Tehillah 118:25-26 He Is Blessed For Ever: I address my verses to the king; My tongue is the pen of an expert scribe. You are the most handsome of men; gracious speech flows from your lips. For God has blessed you forever. Tehillah/Psalm 45:1b-2 Your throne, God, will last forever and ever; you rule your kingdom with a scepter of equity. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy in preference to your companions Tehillah/Psalm 45:6-7 I will make your name known through all generations; thus the peoples will praise you forever and ever. Tehillah/Psalm 45:17 He Will Come In His Glory In The Last Days: The nations will fear the name of Adonai and all the kings on earth your glory, when Adonai has rebuilt Tziyon, and shows himself in his glory, ….from heaven Adonai surveys the earth …. to proclaim the name of Adonai in Tziyon and his praise in Yerushalayim when peoples and kingdoms have been gathered together to serve Adonai. …. God, your years last through all generations; …. In the beginning, you laid the foundations of the earth; heaven is the work of your hands. …. But you remain the same, and your years will never end. Tehillah/Psalm 102:15-27 Ref. The Messiah in the Old Testament, Risto Santala, p.110b Keren Ahvah Meshhiit , Jerusalem 1992 All Scripture from The Complete Jewish Bible How about you? Have you received your Redeemer, the Stone whom the builders rejected? In Him is life, light and joy and in His sacrifice is forgiveness of sin. For further information contact Return To Bible Torah Prophecy God's Instructions Page Return To The Real Yeshua-Jesus Page To Return To L'Chaim - To Life! Page To return to Torah, Talmud, Midrash, Biblical Discussion Articles To return to Menorah's Web Page

Jesus is mentioned in and center of Old Testament. Jesus Christ The center of the Old Testament by Armand J. Boehme -Everything in RED are Old Testament books/prophets- Jesus said that Moses had written of Him (John 5:46). Jesus said that all of the Old Testament Scriptures “testify of Me” (John 5:39). Before His ascension, Jesus again taught His disciples everything “in all the Scriptures” that spoke of Him (Luke 24:27). Jesus' exposition of all the things “in the Law of Moses, and the Prophets and the Psalms” that spoke of Him, and his saving work was a Bible class that assisted the disciples in their ability to understand and comprehend how the Old Testament Scriptures spoke of Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection. Christ also taught them the need to evangelize the world with the gospel message of salvation from sin in Jesus Christ (Luke 24:44-48). Here follows some glimpses of the portrayal of Christ in the Old Testament: Genesis proclaims Jesus the “Seed of the woman” (Genesis 3:15; Matthew 1:22-23), our Creator God (Genesis 1-3; John 1:1-5), the Descendant of Abraham in Whom all the nations of the earth will be blessed (Genesis 22:18; Acts 3:24-26; Galatians 3:8-9, 27-29). It is Christ Who passes through the sundered parts of the animals and brings down on Himself the curse of death in order to pay for the broken promises of sinful human beings (Genesis 15:7-21; Galatians 3:10-14). For God to die He needed to become a human being. Thus, the incarnation of Christ, His birth, the shedding of His blood, and His sacrificial testamentary death are here prophesied (Luke 1:26-33; 2:25-35; Hebrews 9:11-28). Jesus is the only Son Who like Abra-ham’s son is a willing sacrifice, and Who carried the wood of the sacrifice (the cross) on His back, and Who unlike Abraham’s son truly dies as the sacrificial Lamb provided by God (Genesis 22:1-19; John 1:29; 19:17-19). Exodus portrays Christ “the Passover Lamb” (Exodus 12; I Corinthians 5:7). Leviticus reveals Christ our “Great High Priest” (Leviticus 8-10; Hebrews 1:17-2:6; 4:15-16), Who is the “Atoning Sacrifice” (Leviticus 16 & 23:26-32; Hebrews 9) for our sin. Numbers speaks in prophecy about the Christ Who will be “lifted up on the cross” like the “Brass Serpent” was lifted up in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14-15). Deuteronomy proclaims Jesus Christ as the “Prophet like unto Moses” (Deuteronomy 18:15-19; John 6:14; Acts 3:17-26). Joshua preaches Jesus, the “Captain of our Salvation.” (Joshua 5:13-15; Hebrews 2:10 KJV) Who will lead us into the Promised Land of heaven. Judges reveals Christ our Judge & Deliverer (Judges 2:16-19; John 5:21-23 & Acts 10:42-43). Judges also reveals Christ as the Angel of the Lord present with His people (Judges 2:1-5; 6; 13; Acts 7:30-34). Ruth proclaims the Kinsman-Redeemer of all the world, Who is a descendant of a Gentile woman (Ruth 4; Matthew 1:1-6 – note also here the tie to Rahab the harlot in Joshua 2 & 6:22-25. She is Boaz’s mother & great great grandmother of David.). I Samuel speaks of Jesus the King anointed by the Holy Spirit (I Samuel 10 & 16; Matthew 3:13-17). II Samuel reveals that Christ the Messianic King will be a descendant of David. He is our Rock, Deliverer, Horn of Salvation & Savior (II Samuel 7 & 22; Matthew 21:1-11; Luke 1:30-25; 68-75; 2:10-14; Matthew 7:24-25; I Corinthians 10:4). I Kings speaks in prophesy of Jesus as the kingly descendant of Solomon the Temple-Builder Who has an eternal Kingdom (I Kings 2:45; 8:1-26; John 2:13-22), and of John the Baptist as the Second Elijah Who will come (I Kings 17-22; Malachi 4:5-6; Matthew 11:7-15). Moses and Elijah appeared with Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36). Their prophetic work pointed to the Messiah they appeared with on this holy mountain. II Kings portrays Christ as the Prophet Who having completed His work ascends into heaven (II Kings 2:1-14; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-11). The Messiah’s work of saving even Gentiles is seen in the healing and conversion of the Gentile soldier Naaman (II Kings 5:1-19; Matthew 8:5-13; John 3:16; Acts 10; Romans 3:9-4:25; 15:7-13). I Chronicles shows the Messiah to be the promised Descendant of David Who would have an eternal throne (I Chronicles 17; Luke 1:30-33). II Chronicles proclaims Jesus Christ as the faithful kingly descendant of David in contrast to the imperfect kings who sat on Judah’s throne. Unlike Joash who was murdered because of his sins (II Chronicles 24:23-25), Jesus the King dies bearing our sins, and His death saves sinners from their sins (Matthew 1:21; John 1:29; Luke 23:6-12, 36-38; John 18:33-19:22). We also see mourning like the mourning at Jesus’ death (II Chronicles 35:23-25; Luke 23:48; Zechariah 12:10-14). Ezra in speaking about the temple rebuilt in Jerusalem, reveals Christ our Messiah. Just as the physical temple in Jerusalem was rebuilt so the Temple of Christ’s body died and was “rebuilt” (resurrected) (Ezra 5 & 6; John 1:14; 2:18-22). Nehemiah speaks of the Christ as the Savior God Who is merciful and kind (Nehemiah 9:3). Just as Jerusalem and its walls were rebuilt under Nehemiah, so Christ rebuilds lives broken by sin. Mary Magdalene & Paul are notable examples (Nehemiah 9:31; Luke 8:2; John 20:1-2, 11-18; Acts 9). Esther is someone who puts her life on the line to protect and preserve the lives of the Jewish people. So, Christ laid down His life for all people – Jew and Gentile alike (Luke 2:29-35; Romans 9:22-33). Wicked Haman plotted to wipe every Jew from the face of the earth. This would have destroyed God’s plan of salvation for salvation was to come from the Jews in Jesus Christ (John 4:22). Thus, working through Esther & Mordecai, God delivered the Jews to bring salvation to all (John 3:16). Job speaks of the Messiah Who is our living Redeemer, the One Who is able to raise us from the dead (Job 19:23-27; John 11:1-44; Galatians 3:13-14; I Peter 1:18-21; Revelation 5:1-14). In the sufferings of Job we also see the sufferings of Christ. The Psalms proclaim Christ as our Good Shepherd (Psalm 23; John 10:1-18), the Crucified and pierced One for Whose robe lots were cast, the One Who cried out “My God! My God! Why have You forsaken Me?” (Psalm 22; Mark 15:34; John 19:24, 33-37). He is the Priest like Melchizidek (Psalm 110; Hebrews 5:1-12; 6:17-8:2), the One who like David was betrayed by His good friend Ahithophel – so Jesus was betrayed by His friend Judas. Just as Ahithophel hanged himself when his plans came to naught, so Judas hanged him-self in despair over his sin (II Samuel 15:10-17:23; Psalm 49:1-9; Matthew 26:47-50; 27:3-5; Acts 1:16-20). Jesus is prophesied to be the Messiah Who would rise, Whose body would see neither corruption nor decay (Psalm 16:5-11; Acts 2:25-33; 13:26-39). Jesus is the Lord’s Anointed against Whom the heathen would rage (Psalm 2; 132:10-18; Acts 4:24-28). Proverbs proclaims Christ the Messiah as Wisdom personified (Proverbs 8:1-9:10; Matthew 13:54; Luke 2:40-52; I Corinthians 1:17-3:20). Ecclesiastes reminds all that life is vanity, and that life is empty without God/Christ in one’s life. All need to heed God’s wise words that tell us to “Fear God and keep His commandments” for God will judge all human works (Ecclesiastes 12:1-14). Jesus was the only one to perfectly “fear God and keep His commandments,” for He lived sinlessly under the Law “fulfilling all righteous-ness” (Matthew 3:15; I Peter 2:19-25; 3:18). He will judge all people’s secret deeds with righteousness and truth (Matthew 10:26-27; Mark 4:22; John 5:30; 17:17; 21:25). The Song of Solomon reveals Christ as the Husband to His Bride the Church. It also reveals the blessedness that should exist in the love of husbands and wives which is to reflect the perfect love Christ has for His Bride the Church (Ephesians 5:21-33; I Corinthians 13). Isaiah is often described as the Gospel of the Old Testament because it prophetically reveals so much about Christ – His Virgin Birth as Immanuel the God Who is with us (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:22-23); His being God’s Son, the kingly Prince of Peace Who sits on David’s eternal throne (Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 1:32-33; 2:14). Jesus is seen as the Stone of stumbling and the Rock of offense (Isaiah 8:13-15; Matthew 21:42-44; Romans 9:32-33; I Peter 2:7-8). Jesus' ministry in Zebulun & Naphtali are prophesied in Isaiah 9:1-2; Matthew 4:12-16. Jesus is described as the Root of Jesse Who will be anointed by the Holy Spirit and will save even Gentiles (Isaiah 11:1-16; Matthew 3:13-17; Romans 15:12; Revelation 5:5; 22:16). We see Christ as our Suffering Servant, the Man of Sorrows Who carries our sins and sorrows and is acquainted with our grief's, the One by Whose stripes we are healed (Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Matthew 8:17; Matthew 26-28; Acts 8:30-40). Jesus is the Light to enlighten the Gentiles (Isaiah 42:6; 49:6; Luke 2:27-32; Acts 13:46-49). Jeremiah reveals Christ as the Righteous Branch, the Lord our Righteousness, Who will pardon sinners from their sins (Jeremiah 23:5-6; 33:14-15; Matthew 5:6; Luke 23:47; Romans 5:18-19; I John 2:1-2). Lamentations reveals the Christ Who weeps over Jerusalem as Jeremiah wept for that same city (Lamentations 3:48-49; Matthew 23:37-38). It is only by God’s abundant mercies in Christ that come to us new every morning that we are redeemed rather than being consumed in our sins (Lamentations 3:22-26, 58; Ephesians 2:4-7; Hebrews 4:14-16). Ezekiel reveals Christ as the true Shepherd Who will feed His flock (Ezekiel 34:11-31; John 10:1-18). Our resurrection from the dead is seen in the resurrection of the dry bones in Ezekiel 37:1-14; I Thessalonians 4:16-17. Ezekiel reveals the loving God Who performs heart surgery on sinners – removing from them the dead stony heart of sinful unbelief, and giving sinners a living heart that beats with the joy of faith in the Messiah (Ezekiel 36:24-28; II Corinthians 3:2-3). Daniel reveals Jesus as the Son of Man Who rules with the power of the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 12:40; 16:13-16; 17:9, 22-23). This title, “son of man” is also used to refer to the prophet Daniel (Daniel 8:17). This phrase is also used to identify the prophet Ezekiel (Ezekiel 37:3, 9, 11, 16). These references point to Christ’s prophetic office (Ezekiel 36:25-28; Romans 2:29; II Corinthians 3:2-3), and to Him being the Son of Man (Matthew 8:20; 12:8, 32, 40; 16:13). Just as God delivered His servants Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego from the fiery furnace to we are delivered from the fires of hell by the grace of our God and Savior Jesus Christ (Daniel 3; Revelation 20:14-15). Hosea refers to Jesus as the beloved Son Who is called out of Egypt (Numbers 24:8-9; Hosea 11:1; Mat-thew 2:13-15). Christ’s redemption of His Bride the Church is seen in Hosea’s redemption of his faithless wife, Gomer (Hosea 1-3; Ephesians 5:21-33). Joel speaks about the promise of the Messiah to send the Holy Spirit in His fullness to His Church (Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:1-21) Amos speaks of the Messiah Who raises up the fallen Tabernacle of David and Who brings Gentiles to His Church (Amos 9:11-15; Acts 15:13-18). Obadiah points us to the deliverance and salvation God provides on Mount Zion through the kingly Messiah (Obadiah 17 & 21; Revelation 11:15; Revelation 21-22). Jonah points to the Messiah Who dies, rests in the tomb for three days and then rises again (Jonah 1:17-2:10; Matthew 12:39-41). Jonah also proclaims the Messiah Who is the Savior of all, even terrible Gentile sinners like the Assyrians, the Samaritan woman, Roman soldiers, and even of publicans and tax collectors (Jonah 3 & 4; Luke 7:1-10, 34, 39-50; 15:1-2; John 4). Micah prophesies about the Savior’s birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1-11). Micah also portrays the Messiah as a God of mercy Who in compassion pardons the iniquity of sinners (Micah 7:18-19; Romans 15:8-9; Titus 3:5-7; Hebrews 5:1-2). Nahum speaks about the beauty of the feet of those who bring the Gospel of peace in Christ to the nations (Nahum 1:15; Acts 10:36; Romans 10:15). Habakkuk is known as the prophet of the Reformation for he speaks emphatically about justification by grace through faith in the coming Messiah (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:37-39). Zephaniah speaks about the Christ Who comes to judge the living and the dead and encourages the meek to seek the righteousness that can only be found in the Messiah (Zephaniah 2:3; Matthew 5:6; 6:33). Haggai speaks about the Messiah as the Desire of the nations Who will come and fill the rebuilt temple with His glory (Haggai 2:7; Luke 2:25-35). Zerubbabel, a descendant of David who rules as governor, is described as the signet ring, the seal of God to reassure His people that the promises about the kingly Messiah and Descendant of David’s Descendant Who is to come are still in effect and that all those promises will come to pass (Haggai 2:20-23; Matthew 1:12-13; Luke 1:67-79). Zechariah is the most Messianically dense book in the Old Testament. The Holy Spirit led Zechariah to provide a “Reader’s Digest” condensed summary of all previous Old Testament prophecy which then is seen fulfilled in the New Testament books. Christ’s work as the High Priest Who cleanses His penitent people from the filthy robes of their sins and dresses them in His righteous white robes is seen in the cleansing of Joshua the High Priest (Zechariah 3:1-10; Revelation 4:4; 7:9-17). Jesus is again described as the Servant Branch (3:8) and as the Stone (3:9). The Messiah is the Branch, a kingly priest Who will build a temple (6:9-15; John 2:19-21). The Messiah’s fountain for cleansing from sin is seen when Jesus side is pierced by the spear and out comes blood and water (Zechariah 13:1; John 19:34-35). We receive cleansing from sin in the waters of Baptism and in the body and blood of Christ in the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:38; Colossians 2:11-14; Matthew 6:26-28; I John 5:6-9) Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday is prophesied in Zechariah 9:9 (cf. Matthew 21:1-5). The Messiah will be a Man of peace Who rules as a King (Zechariah 9:10; Luke 2:14; John 14:27; 16:32-33). The shed blood of the Messiah will free sinners who are imprisoned by their sins (Zechariah 9:11-12; I John 1:7). Jesus is prophesied to be the Cornerstone (Zechariah 10:4; Matthew 21:42; I Peter 2:6-8). The betrayal price paid to Judas was 30 pieces of silver – Zechariah speaks of them and of the potter’s field in 11:12-13. The Holy Spirit combined this prophecy with God’s command to Jeremiah to buy some of the “potter’s field” (Jeremiah 19:1; 32:6-10) and these prophecies come to fulfillment in Matthew 27:3-10. The impartation of the Holy Spirit on Christ at His Baptism, His being pierced on the cross, and the great mourning at His death are seen in Zechariah 12:10-14; Matthew 3:13-17; John 19:33-37; and Luke 23:48. Jesus is the Shepherd Who is stricken, and the sheep are scattered at His death (Zechariah 13:7-9; John 10:11; Matthew 26:31 & 56). The Messiah will be the King of all the earth (Zechariah 14:9; I Timothy 1:17; Revelation 19:16). Malachi proclaims the coming of the Second Elijah, John the Baptist, the messenger who prepares the way before the Messiah (Malachi 3:1; Matthew 11:7-15). Malachi also proclaims the Christ Who is the Sun of Righteousness Who arises with spiritual healing in His wings Malachi 4:2;( Matthew 17:1-2; Acts 26:12-18; Revelation 1:16; 21:23; 22:5 Romans 1:16-17; 3:21-26; I Corinthians 1:30; II Corinthians 5:21). Luther and Althaus on the Christological nature of the Old Testament: “There are some who have little regard for the Old Testament. They think of it as a book that was given to the Jewish people only and is now out of date, containing only stories of past times. They think they have enough in the New Testament…But Christ says in John 5[:39], ‘Search the Scriptures, for it is they that bear witness to me.’ St. Paul bids Timothy attend to the reading of the Scriptures [I Tim. 4:13], and in Romans 1 [:2] he declares that the gospel was promised by God in the Scriptures, while in I Corinthians 15 he says that in accordance with the Scriptures Christ came of the seed of David, died, and was raised from the dead. St. Peter, too, points us back, more than once, to the Scriptures. They do this in order to teach us that the Scriptures of the Old Testament are not to be despised, but diligently read. For they themselves base the New Testament upon them mightily, proving it by the Old Testament and appealing to it…The ground and proof of the New Testament is surely not to be despised, and therefore the Old Testament is to be highly regarded. And what is in the New Testament but a public preaching and proclamation of Christ, set forth through the sayings of the Old Testament and fulfilled through Christ?” “In order that those who are not more familiar with it may have instruction and guidance for reading the Old Testament with profit, I have prepared this preface to the best of the ability God has given me…Here [in the Old Testament] you will find the swaddling clothes and the manger in which Christ lies, and to which the angel points the shepherds [Luke 2:12]. Simple and lowly are these swaddling cloths, but dear is the treasure, Christ, who lies in them.” [Luther's Works – Vol-ume 35 - Word and Sacrament I (Philadelphia: Muhlenberg Press, 1960), pp. 235-236] “It [the Old Testament] not only offers to lead men to Christ but is itself already filled with Him. This is true first because Christ is always present in the God of the Old Testament, in his activity and promises, and in his relationship to the godly…These promises, ultimately, are all promises of Christ. The God who speaks in them is the God who is already at work fulfilling them and saving the world through Christ…Christ is promised in the prophets, in the Psalms, and in the well-known Messianic passages of the historical books-but also in many places beyond these…Like the prophets, the Psalms are filled with prophecies of Christ, his person, his suffering, his death and resurrection, his ruling as king, the gospel, the kingdom, and Christianity, or the church. Not only the Psalms, however, are to be interpreted in a Christological and prophetic sense but also much in the historical accounts of the Old Testament and in the books of Moses…[for] he ‘prophecies powerfully of Jesus Christ our Lord’…the Old Testament [also] offers figures of Christ and of his church.” [Paul Althaus, The Theology of Martin Luther, trans. Robert C. Schultz (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1966), pp. 93-95.] To Return To Menorah's Web Page Return To The Real Jesus Page

Tell of righteous relationship of Enoch with God. His acceptance to God. I realize this is a lot to look at but it should give you ample ground to see that the book, while appearing to be of real Godly significance, does not meet the qualifications. Certainly it is entertaining and gives a certain air of respectability but adds nothing to or over the Jewish and Christian Bible. Just a nice story at the best, while seemingly off accuracy of history and Biblical relevance. Ask Re’uben Many people are talking about “The Book of Enoch” Some say it is or should be included in The Bible. I am confused; please help me understand it and what is going on. S H A L O M ! ______ A MESSIANIC JEWISH SCRIPTURAL VIEW ______ Biblical Question: Our Q uestion: Dear Pastor Reuben, Many people are talking about “The Book of Enoch” Some say it is or should be included in The Bible. I am confused; please help me understand it and what is going on. Thanks, D. Pastor Reuben's Answer: Shalom D, Regarding the topic, please review http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Enoch I realize this is a lot to look at but it should give you ample ground to see that the book, while appearing to be of real Godly significance, does not meet the qualifications. Certainly it is entertaining and gives a certain air of respectability but adds nothing to or over the Jewish and Christian Bible. Just a nice story at the best, while seemingly off accuracy of history and Biblical relevance. God bless you, and keep you on the path which is narrow and revealed in the Gospel, Pastor Reuben Drebenstedt director MENORAH-Menorah Ministries- Questions are welcome from ALL readers at ALL levels and Forums, from everyone. Questions of general interest will be considered for inclusions in this column. Those of a more personal nature will be keep confidential and we will answer via e-mail; always state your name, email address and your comment/question in as brief & precise manner as possible. To submit a question, etc. please address it to reuben@menorah.org ask.....ask......ask.....ask.....ask.....ask......ask.....ask.....ask.....ask.....ask.....ask To return to ..... Ask Pastor Reuben Biblical Answers To Asked Questions..... To return to To Life L'Chaim Find Eternal Life Page To return to Menorah's Web Page

Must to be answered questions for any "Palestinians" advocates. THE BEST EXPLANATION IS MANY TIMES THE SIMPLEST An interesting questionnaire for Palestinian Advocates By Yashiko Sagamori If you are so sure that "Palestine”, the country, goes back through most of recorded history, I expect you to be able to answer a few basic questions about Palestine: 1. When was it founded and by whom? 2. What were its borders? 3. What was its capital? 4. What were its major cities? 5. What constituted the basis of its economy? 6. What was its form of government? 7. Can you name at least one Palestinian leader before Arafat? 8. Was Palestine ever recognized by a country whose existence, at that time or now, leaves no room for interpretation? 9. What was the language of Palestine? 10. What was the prevalent religion of the country of Palestine? 11. What was the name of its currency? Choose any date in history and tell what was the approximate exchange rate of the Palestinian monetary unit against the US dollar, German mark, GB pound, Japanese yen, or Chinese Yuan on that date. 12. And, finally, since there is no such country today, what caused its demise and when did it occur? You are lamenting the "low sinking" of a "once proud" nation. Please tell me, when exactly was that "nation" proud and what was it so proud of? And here is the least sarcastic question of all: If the people you mistakenly call "Palestinians" are anything but generic Arabs collected from all over -- or thrown out of -- the Arab world, if they really have a genuine ethnic identity that gives them right for self-determination, why did they never try to become independent until Arabs suffered their devastating defeat in the Six Day War? I hope you avoid the temptation to trace the modern day "Palestinians" to the Biblical Philistines: substituting etymology for history won't work here. The truth should be obvious to everyone who wants to know it. Arab countries have never abandoned the dream of destroying Israel; they still cherish it today. Having time and again failed to achieve THEIR evil goal with military means, they decided to fight Israel by proxy. For that purpose, they created a terrorist organization, cynically called it "the Palestinian people" and installed it in Gaza, Judea, and Samaria. How else can you explain the refusal by Jordan and Egypt to unconditionally accept back the "West Bank" and Gaza, respectively? The fact is, Arabs populating Gaza, Judea, and Samaria have much less claim to nationhood than that Indian tribe that successfully emerged in Connecticut with the purpose of starting a tax-exempt casino: at least that tribe had a constructive goal that motivated them. The so-called "Palestinians" have only one motivation: the destruction of Israel, and in my book that is not sufficient to consider them a nation"-- or anything else except what they really are: a terrorist organization that will one day be dismantled. In fact, there is only one way to achieve peace in the Middle East. Arab countries must acknowledge and accept their defeat in their war against Israel and, as the losing side should, pay Israel reparations for the more than 60 years of devastation they have visited on it. The most appropriate form of such reparations would be the removal of their terrorist organization from the land of Israel and accepting Israel's ancient sovereignty over Gaza, Judea, and Samaria. That will mark the end of the Palestinian people. What are you saying again was its beginning? Can this story be presented any more clearly or simply? ADONAI-Tzva'ot (the Lord of the Heavenly armies) says, 'When that time comes, ten men will take hold - speaking all the languages of the nations - will grab hold of the cloak of a Jew and say, "We want to go with you, because we have heard that God is with you."'" Z’kharyah/Zechariah 8:23 To return to the Israel Page....The Land Nation People God’s Plan To Return To Flag Of Palestine Web Page To Return To Menorah's Web Page

Leviticus 8 Biblical Feasts/Holy Days Plus 2 Non Biblical Jewish Feasts Biblical - Traditional Jewish Feasts Biblica l: Shabbat Sabbath Passover (Unleavened Bread) Pesach The Messiah In The Passover Passover and the Messiah Yeshua-Jesus Firstfruits Feast of Firstfruits Pentecost Shavuot-Feast of Pentecost Trumpets Rosh Hashanah-The New Year Yom Kippur Yom Kippur: Feast or Fast? Day of Atonement Tabernacles Sukkot-Tabernacles Non-Biblical/Traditional: Chanukah Feast of Lights/Feast of Rededication Purim Purim - The Lesson Of Purim- Esther The 9th of Av A day of fasting commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples Jewish Holidays Shabbat and Holiday Readings 9/22-4/23 Shabbat and Holiday Readings 4/23-12/23 8 Year Jewish Holy Days 2020-2028 Shabbat or Sabbath The first three verses in Leviticus 23, which precede the list of appointed feasts, show the importance of what can be called the most important day of the sacred calendar, the Sabbath. Contrary to popular notions, the Sabbath was a day of delight. If you take the Sabbath from a Jew, you are robbing him of a precious jewel. The Sabbath was one of God's most precious gifts to Israel. It refers back to God's act of creation before man sinned. "God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it He rested from all the work of creating that He had done". Genesis 2:3 & Leviticus 23:1-44. That rest was the Lord's own refreshing rest, made known to man, to be shared in by man newly created. The eye of God rested on His holy creation, and was refreshed. (It is a Jewish remark that "whoever does any work on the Sabbath denies the work of creation."! Hebrew Sabbath, day of holiness and rest observed by Jew from sunset on Friday to nightfall of the following day. The time division follows the biblical story of creation: “And there was evening and there was morning, one day” (Genesis 1:5). Weekly observance begins with candle lighting Friday evening before sunset & ends Saturday at nightfall. In Jewish homes the woman of the house lights white Sabbath candles before sunset on Friday evening and pronounces a benediction. The Sabbath meal that follows is preceded by the Kiddush (blessing of sanctification). Shabbat Shalom! How about you? Have you received your Redeemer, the Stone whom the builders rejected?In Him is life, light and joy and in His sacrifice is forgiveness of sin. He, the Messiah is the way to Eternal Shabbat, Yom Shekulo Shabbat! Reprinted for educational purposes from: ISRAEL’S Holy Days, In type and Prophecy, Daniel Fuchs, introduction Chosen People Ministries. Return to Biblical/Traditional Jewish Feasts To return to MENORAH'S HOME PAGE Shabbat Pesach Passover, Four More Questions by Rachmiel Frydland The Passover table was prepared and set for the Seder. In the center was the five branched candlestick with the holiday lights over which the blessings were pronounced by the mother of the household. The father had been busy for the last twenty-four hours removing the leaven and cleaning ritually in boiling water some of the utensils that had to be used all year round and on Passover. The special utensils, kept only for these eight days of Passover, were taken out from hiding. The matzo was purchased and brought into the house along with the wine for this special season. Now it was time to prepare the ceremonial platter where the various additional items are placed into their proper place arranged in two triangular patterns: first the roasted shank bone, symbol of the roasted Passover lamb, is placed on the right. Opposite it, on the left, is the egg, roasted whole and symbolic of the Passover and the new life and resurrection. The bitter herbs are placed somewhat below and centered between the shankbone and the egg, to remind us of the bitter life which our ancestors endured in Egypt. The next triangle consists of the haroseth, made of grated nuts and apples with a dash of wine to produce the color of mortar as it is written: "And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage in mortar" (Exodus 1: 14). This item is placed on the lower right. Opposite it on the left is the vegetable called karpos, usually a stalk of petersilia or carrot to remind us of the low fare given to our ancestors in Egypt. It also is a symbol of the hyssop used for the sprinkling of the blood of the Passover lamb. Then centered below them are the grated bitter herbs to complete the second triangle. There is also a seventh item outside the large platter. This is a dish of salt water to remind us of tears shed in Egypt and of the crossing of the salted Red Sea. The Four Questions The four questions are to be asked by the youngest son as it is written: "And it shall be when thy son asketh thee ... What is this?" (Exodus 13:14). The four questions which are really four responses to one question are: Why is this night different from all other nights? (1) Any other night we may eat either leavened or unleavened bread, but on this night only unleavened bread (2) Any other night we may eat any herbs, but this night only bitter herbs (3) Any other night we do not dip even once, but on this night twice (the bitter herbs in the haroseth and the vegetable in the salt water) (4) Any other night we eat either sitting or leaning (on cushions) but on this night we all lean. This is an opportune time for the father to begin the chanting of the Haggadah, the great story of the exodus from Egypt and the many miracles which accompanied it. He performs actions symbolic of God's great miracles. At the recital of the ten plagues that God brought upon the Egyptians the wine in the cup is diminished. This shows God's compassion on the very enemies of God and His people. Every person drinks four cups of wine during the Seder to symbolize the four "I wills" of redemption found in Exodus 6:6-7. The wine must be red to symbolize blood. The Broken Matzo Early in the ceremony the father uncovers the three matzot which lie in front of him in a three-pocketed napkin. He takes out the middle matzo, breaks it in half, takes the larger half and wraps it in a napkin and hides it somewhere under his cushion. One of the children will try to steal it away and claim a price if successful. Otherwise it will lie there "buried" until the service is over. Then it will be taken out and broken into small pieces and distributed to the members of the family. This, too, is a symbol of the Passover of which everyone was to participate. This matzo, since it had been broken, has become the aphikomen, a word apparently derived from the Greek, meaning, "I arrive," or "I come to." (not epikomen which means dessert). Four More Questions The following questions are not in the Hagadah but should be asked nevertheless: 1. Why do we place three matzot in one napkin? The usual explanation is that they represent the threefold division in Israel: Priests, Levites and Israelites. But the Priests and Levites are of the same tribe and the whole people of Israel are called a kingdom of priests in Exodus 19:6! 2. Why is the middle matzo broken in the course of the Seder? Why is the larger half hidden away, buried under the cushion, taken out later and eaten by all in memory of the Passover lamb? 3. What is our pesach today? Is it the roasted shank bone, the Zero'ah? It can hardly be so, for its blood was not sprinkled on the doorposts of the houses as prescribed in the Torah. It was not roasted whole either. Is it then the roasted egg on the Passover platter? An egg is surely not a sacrifice. Why are we advised to have wine red as blood on Passover? What or Whom does this represent? 4. What is the meaning of the verses we recite from Psalm 118:22-23: "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. “Who is the "Stone" and who are the "Builders?" Our Answer Jewish believers in the Messiah are convinced that there is a connection in the Passover Seder with the Last Supper of our Messiah. Almost 2000 years ago, Jesus of Nazareth, Yeshua HaNotzree, who claimed to be Messiah, sat down with His disciples to celebrate the Passover Seder after accomplishing His teaching and healing ministries. On the table were probably the three matzot and red wine. When the time came to break the matzo and drink the wine, the Lord Yeshua gave the following explanation as we read in the Brit Hadashah (New Covenant): He took bread and gave thanks and broke it, and gave it unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. (Luke 22:19-20). From this we can make the following inferences: 1. The three matzot may represent the triune nature of God: The Unity, His Shechinah, and the One who is concealed from most of the people, as we pray "Behold I am prepared and ready to fulfill the commandment of the first (second, third, fourth) cup. In the name of the Holy Unity, blessed be He and His Shechinah, through Him who is hidden and concealed." 2. The middle matzo represents the One whose body was broken and given for us. It was hidden and buried, and then resurrected with the promise of aphikomen. I have come already and am coming again. 3. The late Professor Solomon Birnbaum had the opinion that it was no longer possible for our people to offer the Passover lamb since the Temple was destroyed in A.D. 70. However, seeing the followers of Jesus of Nazareth celebrate Passover with matzo and wine to represent the sacrifice of Messiah, the Jewish leaders "incorporated it into the religion of the people ... [for it] completely answered the purpose." In other words, some of our ceremonies at the Seder Table are adapted from the practices by which the followers of Yeshua commemorated His sacrificial death. A Jewish believer, referring to Yeshua, declared: "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:29). He is our Passover sacrifice. 4. He, the Messiah, is the Stone, the Rock of Israel. Him, many of our builders, or leaders, rejected, and He has become the headstone, the most important Jew in the history of our people. But one day our people will accept Him, "And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, there shall come out of Sion the deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob." How about you? Have you received your Redeemer, the Stone whom the builders rejected? In Him is life, light and joy and in His sacrifice is forgiveness of sin. Reprinted with permission of The Messianic Literature Outreach www.messianicliterature.org Return to B iblical/Traditional Jewish Feasts To return to MENORAH'S HOME PAGE It was no coincidence that Jesus chose the Passover now celebrated as communion, the Lord's supper. For the story of the Passover lamb, Jesus the Messiah could best communicate the course he would be taking over the confusing hours that were to follow. PASSOVER - Pesakh - Hag HaMatzot The number four plays a significant role in Judaism. There are the four species of vegetables for Sukkot; four kingdoms in the book of Daniel; four Torah portions in the tefillin;* four Matriarchs. At Passover, we find this number in abundance. In the course of the Seder we have four sons, four cups of wine, four expressions of redemption (Exodus 6:6-7) and perhaps the most famous"Four" of all--the Four Questions. As the Seder developed over the centuries, the Four Questions underwent many changes and were altered as different situations arose. 1. For example, originally one question dealt with why we ate roasted meat. 2. After the destruction of the Temple, that question was deleted and one about reclining was substituted. Today, the Four Questions (phrased as observations) are asked by the youngest child in the family: Why is this night different from all other nights? 1. On all other nights, we may eat either chometz* or matzoh; on this night, only matzoh. 2. On all other nights, we eat all kinds of vegetables; on this night, we must eat maror. 3. On all other nights, we do not dip even once; on this night we dip twice. 4. On all other nights, we may eat either sitting or reclining; on this night, we all recline. The father then explains the Passover story. There are other questions that the rabbis could have chosen as well. In the spirit of rabbinical adaptation, here are some additional questions that both children and adults might ponder. (* This and all other italicized Hebrew terms will be listed in a glossary at the end of this article.) Why do we place three matzot together in one napkin? There are any number of traditions about this. One tradition holds that they represent the three classes of people in ancient Israel: the Priests, the Levites, and the Israelites. Another tradition teaches that they symbolize the three patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Yet another explanation is that it is a depiction of the "Three Crowns": the crown of learning, the crown of priesthood, and the crown of kingship. 3 And a fourth option is that two of the matzot stand for the two weekly loaves of Exodus 16:22, and the third matzoh represents the special Passover bread called the "bread of affliction." 4 And if those are not enough to keep one's imagination running, here's another. Rabbi Abraham Isaac Sperling suggested that the three matzot stand for the three "measures of the fine meal" which Sarah prepared for Abraham's angelic guests (Genesis 18). The reason for this interpretation lies in the rabbinic tradition that this event occurred on the night of Passover. Out of all these explanations, how can we decide which is the right one, or is there yet another? Why is the middle matzoh, the afikoman, broken in the course of the Seder? Are we breaking the Levites, or Isaac, or the crown of learning, or one of the guests' cakes, or the bread of affliction? Or are we symbolizing the parting of the Red Sea (another explanation)? 6 If any of these explanations are correct, why is the matzoh hidden away, buried under a cushion, and then taken out and eaten by all, as the Sephardic ritual puts it, "in memory of the Passover lamb?" Where is our pesach, our Passover sacrifice, today? The Torah prescribes that a lamb is to be sacrificed and eaten every Passover as a memorial of the first Passover lambs which were killed (Deuteronomy 16:1-8). In reply, it is said that without a Temple we can have no sacrifices - yet some have advocated that the sacrifice still be made in Jerusalem even without a Temple. 7 Since the Passover sacrifice, like others, involved the forgiveness of sins, it is important that we do the right thing. Some feel that the pesach had nothing to do with forgiveness. But in Exodus Rabbah 15:12 we read, "I will have pity on you, through the blood of the Passover and the blood of circumcision, and I will forgive you." Again, Numbers Rabbah 13:20 cites Numbers 7:46, which deals with the sin offering, and then adds, "This was in allusion to the Paschal sacrifice." Clearly the rabbis of this time period regarded the pesach as effecting atonement, and Leviticus 17:11 confirms that "it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul."' Today, however, we have only a shankbone, the zeroah, as a reminder of the Passover sacrifice, and roasted egg, the chaggigah, in memory of the festival offerings. But nowhere did God say that we could dispense with sacrifice. So, where is our pesach today? The answers to these questions can be found by examining how and why the Seder observance changed dramatically in the first century. The Seder celebrated by Jesus and his disciples The "Last Supper" was a Passover meal and seems to have followed much the same order as we find in the Mishnah. In the New Testament accounts, we find reference to the First Cup, also known as the Cup of Blessing (Luke 22:17); to the breaking of the matzoh (Luke 22:19); to the Third Cup, the Cup of Redemption (Luke 22:20): to reclining (Luke 22:14): to the charoseth or the maror (Matthew 26:23), and to the Hallel (Matthew 26:30). In particular, the matzoh and the Third Cup are given special significance by Jesus: And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Luke 22:19-20. The Passover Lamb The early Jewish believers in Jesus considered him the fulfillment of the Passover lambs that were yearly sacrificed. Thus Paul, a Jewish Christian who had studied under Rabbi Gamaliel. wrote, "Messiah, our pesach, has been sacrificed for us" (1 Corinthians 5:7). John in his gospel noted that Jesus died at the same time that the Passover lambs were being slaughtered in the Temple (see John 19:14) and that like the Passover lambs, none of his bones were broken (the others being crucified had their leg bones broken by the Romans - John 19:32, 33, 36). The idea behind all this was that just as the Israelites were redeemed from Egyptian slavery by an unblemished lamb, now men could be freed from slavery to sin by the Messiah, the Lamb of God. The cessation of the Temple sacrifices The first Christians were considered a part of the Jewish community until the end of the first century when they were expelled by the synagogue. Until the temple was destroyed, these Messianic Jews worshipped regularly with those Jews who didn't believe in the Messiah. In fact, there were entire congregations that worshipped Yeshua and they continued in their observance of the regular Jewish festivals. In such a setting, much interchange of ideas was possible. Jesus declared over the matzoh, "This is my body." Since the Jewish believers of that time saw Jesus as the Passover lamb, it followed that they would see the matzoh as symbolic of Jesus, the Passover lamb. In turn, with the destruction of the Temple and the cessation of sacrifices, the larger Jewish community might well have adopted the idea that the matzoh commemorated the lamb, even if they discounted the messianic symbolism. The Afikoman Ceremony As mentioned earlier, the significance of the middle matzoh and the ceremony connected with it is shrouded in mystery. The derivation of the word afikoman itself sheds some light. The word is usually traced to the Greek epikomion ("dessert") or epikomioi ("revelry").9 But Dr. David Daube, professor of civil law at Oxford University, derives it from aphikomenos, "the one who has arrived."10 This mystery clears further when one considers the striking parallels between what is done to the middle matzoh (afikoman) and what happened to Jesus. The afikoman is broken, wrapped in linen cloth, hidden and later brought back. Similarly, after his death, Jesus was wrapped in linen, buried, and resurrected three days later. Is it possible that the current Ashkenazic practice of having children steal the afikoman is a rabbinical refutation of the resurrection, implying that grave-snatchers emptied the tomb? These factors strongly suggest that the afikoman ceremony was adopted from the Jewish Christians by the larger Jewish community which also adopted the use of the three matzot. Jewish Christians contend that these three matzot represent the triune nature of God, and that the afikoman which is broken, buried and brought back dramatically represents Jesus the Messiah. THE QUESTION THEN REMAINS: WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO CONVINCE YOU? FOOTNOTES: 1. Daube, David, The New Testament and Rabbinic Judaism (University of London, 1956), p. 187. 2. Klein, Mordell, ed., Passover (Leon Amiel, 1973), p. 69. 3. Rosen, Ceil and Moishe, Christ in the Passover (Moody Press, 1978), p. 70. 4. Klein, p. 53. 5. Sperling, Rabbi Abraham Isaac, Reasons for Jewish Customs & Traditions, (Bloch Publishing Co., 1968), p.m 189. 6. Ibid. 7. Klein, p. 28. 8. Morris, Leon, The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross (Eerdmans, Third ed., 1965), pp. 137-732. 9. Gaster, Theodor Herzel, Passover: Its History and Traditions (Abelard-Schuman, 1958), p. 64. 10. Daube, "He That Cometh" (London Diocesan Council for Christian-Jewish Jewish Understanding, no date). GLOSSARY OF HEBREW TERMS USED chaggigah-roasted egg representing the festival offering; also symbolic of mourning for destruction of the Temple. Charoseth-mixture of apples, cinnamon, nuts and wine representing the mortar of Egypt. Chometz-any fermented product of grain, all leavening agents; hence, that which makes "sour." Maror-bitter herbs, usually ground horse-radish. Matzoh-literally "without leaven"; a flat wafer of unleavened bread ( plural matzot). Pesach-the holiday of Passover; the Paschal lamb. Tefillin-phylacteries consisting of inscriptions on parchment encased in two small leather cubicles attached to the arm and head when at prayer. Zeroah-literally "arm"; the roasted shank bone on the seder plate representative of the Paschal sacrifice. References & Quoted Material a. Passover article written by Rich Robinson, Jews for Jesus, ISSUES vol. 3:2 b. The Messianic Passover Haggadah, Lederer Foundation, 1989 Return to Biblical/Traditional Jewish Feasts To return to MENORAH'S HOME PAGE The Messiah in the Passover P A S S O V E R & M E S S I A H YESHUA-J E S U S Pesach The story of the Egyptian Passover is found in Exodus 12. The student of the Scriptures should not let the familiarity of this passage keep him or her from continuing to study it over and over again. Passover, a Sacrifice. The Passover was a sacrifice. Modern theologians dispute this but without any basis. It was an unusual sacrifice. In many respects, it differed from the later sacrifices of the Law, but in some aspects it was similar to what later became the sin offering, combined with the peace offering. It is very important to realize its sacrificial aspect. The proofs of its sacrificial characteristics are clear and abundant. The details of the selection of the lamb, "year old males without defect" (Exodus 12:5 ), the method of sprinkling the blood with hyssop (Exodus 12:22 ), and the disposal of the remains of the meal (Exodus 12:10 ), all testify to its sacrificial character. ln fact, Moses himself says, "It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord" (Exodus 12:27 ). The purpose of this sacrifice was that the blood of the Passover lamb would be sprinkled on the doorposts and the lintels of the Jewish homes, so that the homes would be protected from the destroying angel. It is impossible for any theologian who takes the Scriptures seriously to come to any other conclusion. Exodus 12:13 says, "The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt." Whether or not one believes in the doctrine of substitution, an objective reader of Exodus 12 must admit that the doctrine is there. The lamb without blemish was carefully chosen and kept four days. Then the head of the family, Who was the representative, slew the lamb. When he sprinkled the blood of the lamb upon the doorposts and lintels, he confessed that the family stood imperil of the death angel. He and his family accepted God's means of safety. The result was that he and his family was delivered from bondage. In other words, the Passover is a gospel before the gospel. The Passover was not only a sacrifice, it was a festive meal. It later became the basis of what is known in the Law as the "peace offering." The peace offering was not an offering for peace; it was a meal eaten together by people who were at peace with one another. Later, in the temple days, the peace offering was shared with the priests, who represented God, and the offerer. It became a feast between God and man. The peace offering always followed the sin offering. It is a picture of our fellowship with our Lord. All of this is typified by the peaceful fellowship which the one who partakes of the Passover meal experiences. "But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, & the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from every sin"(1 John 1:7 ). The Passover feast looked forward to "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29 ). "Christ, our Passover lamb, [who] has been sacrificed" (I Corinthians 5:1 ), becomes "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27 ). Passover, a Commemoration All over the world, the Egyptian Passover is remembered each year in Jewish homes. "This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord.....a lasting ordinance" (Exodus 12:14 ). It was celebrated for the first time before deliverance was accomplished. A new calendar was reckoned from it. "This month is to be for you the first month" (Exodus 12:2 ). The month of the Exodus, from then on, would be the first of the year. The Passover, a sacrifice; the Passover, a feast; the Passover, a memorial; all became the Passover, a prophecy. "Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us" (1 Corinthians 5:1 ). For us, the past is crowned with His sacrifice. For us, we have fed on the bread of God, and we now live in communion with Him. For us, the memorial of deliverance is celebrated at His table. Here we now eat of the sacrifice as God spoke to the Israelites, "with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand" (Exodus .12:11). We look forward, by His grace, to the time when we all eat with Him in His kingdom. The past, the present, and the future are filled with our Passover Lamb. P R A I S E G O D ! For further information contact: Biblical/Traditional Jewish Feasts To return to MENORAH'S HOME PAGE T he Feast Of Firs t Frui ts T HE FEAST OF FIRSTFRUITS was the third feast Israel celebrated during the passover festival. Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'When you enter the land I am going to give you a nd you reap its harvest, bring to the priest a sheaf of the first grain you harvest, He is to wave the sheaf before the LORD so it will be accepted on your behalf; the priest is to wave it on the day after the Sabbath' Leviticus 23:10-11 Passover week, in the days of the Temple, originally consisted of three events: (1) the Passover lamb slain on the fourteenth of Nisan, (2) the Feast of Unleavened Bread beginning on the fifteenth of Nisan, and (3) the Offering of Firstfruits on the sixteenth of Nisan. The Sadducees at the time of our Lord disagreed with this chronology. Some modem Commentators also disagree. The difference is due to a misunderstanding of the words "on the day after the Sabbath" (Leviticus 23: 11). The word "Sabbath" not only refers to the seventh day of the week; it also clearly refers to the day of the festivals themselves (see Leviticus 23:24-25, 32, 39). The Sadducees, however, believed that the first sheaf was always offered on the day following the weekly Sabbath of the Passover week. The testimony of Josephus proves beyond a doubt that the word "Sabbath" in this instance is the fifteenth of Nisan, on whatever day of the week it fell. But on the second day of unleavened bread which is the Sixteen day of the month, they first partake of the fruits of the earth, for before that day they do not touch them. (Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, Book 3, X, 5.) Firstfruits: The Temple Service The Feast of Firstfruits was not just a harvest festival it was an acknowledgment of God's bounty and providence to Israel. The order of service for the presentation of the firstfruits during temple days is fascinating and instructive. Remember, the day began at sundown. Alfred Edersheim details the order of service: Already, on the fourteenth of Nisan, the spot whence the first sheaf was to. be reaped had been marked out by delegates from the Sanhedrin, by tying together in bundles, while still standing the barley that was to be cut down. Though, for obvious reasons, it was customary to choose for this purpose the sheltered Ashes Valley across Kedron, there was no restriction on that point provided the barley had grown in an ordinary field in Palestine itself, and not in garden or orchard land and that the soil had not been manured nor yet artificially watered. When the time for cutting the sheaf had arrived, that is, on the evening of the fifteenth of Nisan (even though it were a Sabbath), just as the sun went down, three men, each with a sickle and basket formally set to work. But in order clearly to bring out all that was distinctive in the ceremony, they first asked of the bystanders three times .each of these questions: "Has the sun gone down?" With this sickle?" "Into this basket?" "On this Sabbath (or first passover day)?" and lastly, "Shall I reap?" Having each time been answered in the affirmative, they cut down barley to the amount of one ephah, or ten omers, or three seahs, which is equal to about three pecks and three pints of our English measure. ·The ears were brought into the court of the Temple and thrashed out with canes or stalks, so as not to injure the corn; then “parched on a pan perforated with holes, so that each grain might be touched by the fire, and finally exposed to the wind. The corn thus prepared was ground in a barley mill which left the hulls whole. According to some the flour was always successively passed through thirteen sieves, each closer than the other. The statement of a rival authority, however, seems more rational-that it was only done till the flour was sufficiently fine, which was ascertained by one of the Gizbarim (treasurers) plunging his hands into it, the sifting process being continued so long as any of the flour adhered to the hands. Though one ephah, or ten omers, of barley was cut down, only one corner of flour, or about 5.1 pints of our measure, was offered in the Temple on the second paschal, or sixteenth day of Nisan.? (Edersheim, Alfred, The Temple, Its Ministry and Services, pp. 223·224.) By the consecration of the firstfruits, the people of Israel joyfully proclaimed that they not only offered the firstfruits to the Lord, but that the whole harvest belonged to Him. Firstfruits: Its New Testament Fulfillment The New Testament tells of another harvest. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when He comes, those who belong to Him. I Corinthians 15:20·23 "Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." We rejoice in the fact of our Lord's resurrection. He is risen from the dead. There is a vast difference between the teaching of the immortality of the soul and the resurrection of the body. Paganism gladly accepts the truth of the immortality of the soul, but that is not our hope. Our hope is not in an immortal, disembodied soul. It is in the resurrection of the body. Our Lord really died; His body was buried; He rose from the dead. The body of our Lord, which was resurrected, was the same body that died for us. Since He is the firstfruits of the harvest, so also is the harvest: "But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when He comes, those who belong to Him" (I Corinthians 15:23). This truth gives us abundant comfort. We should be clear in our thinking about the meaning of the word ‘resurrection" as it applies to the Lord Jesus Christ and as it will apply to believers. It means more than to reanimate, to resuscitate, or to reinvigorate. There were several resurrections before our Lord rose from the dead. In. the Old Testament, the Lord heard Elijah's prayer and raised the widow s son from the dead (1 Kings 17:17.23). In the New Testament, our Lord raised from the dead the daughter of Jairus (Luke 8:41·56), the son of the widow of Nain (Luke 7:11·15), and Lazarus (John 11:43.44). There is a remarkable study in contrasts concerning these three resurrections found in the New Testament. The body of each was in a different condition. The girl appeared to be sleeping; the young man was being carried to his grave, decay already begun in the warm climate; Lazarus had been dead four days and decay was advanced. Our Lord used a different method in each case: He took the little girl by her hand; He didn't touch the body of the young man, He touched the bier which was bearing him to the grave; and He cried to Lazarus with a loud voice. His care for each was different: He fed the girl; He gave the son to his mother; and He had Lazarus released from his grave clothes. Here the contrasts end. The comparisons are equally vivid: they were all dead, they were all raised from the dead, it was our Lord who raised them, and they all died again. Our Lord’s resurrection was different. He rose to die no more! "Christ, the firstfruits; then, when He comes, those who belong to Him." The contrasts and comparisons between our Lord's resurrection and that of Lazarus are especially instructive. The stone had to be rolled away to let Lazarus come out of the tomb. The angel rolled the stone away from our Lord's tomb, not to let the Lord out, but to permit the disciples to enter: Lazarus "came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face" (John 11:44), and the disciples had to take off the grave clothes and let him go. How different it was with the resurrection of our Lord! He is the Prince of Life. It was utterly impossible that He should be holden of death. He arose. And although His body had been bound by grave clothes, neither the grave clothes, nor the walls of the tomb, nor the walls of the room could confine His glorious body. It is His resurrection that comforts us in our sorrow. "Because He lives, we too shall live." It was "after the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, [when] Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb" (Matthew 28: 1) and learned that the Lord Jesus Christ had indeed been raised from the dead and become the firstfruits of those who belong to Him. The firstfruits were representative of the entire harvest. There is yet to be another harvest: "Christ, the firstfruits; then, when He comes, those who belong to Him" (1 Corinthians 15:23). Our faith in the future is not in philosophical vagaries concerning the "immortality of the soul." It is firmly embedded in the fact of our Lord's resurrection. The resurrection of the believer is not patterned after that of Lazarus. We shall be raised in our Lord's likeness. It is human for us to wonder about the resurrection body of our loved ones. With what body will they be raised? He is the firstfruits. Like Him, the resurrection bodies of our loved ones (and ours too) will be the same bodies that were buried in the grave, but with splendid differences. They will be our loved ones; we shall see and recognize them. "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (Revelation 21:4). How about you? Have you received your Redeemer, the Stone whom the builders rejected? In Him is life, light and joy and in His sacrifice is forgiveness of sin. Reprinted for educational purposes ISRAEL’S Holy Days, In type and Prophecy, Daniel Fuchs, chapter 3 Chosen People Ministries www.chosenpeople.com And other publication sources. Return to Biblical/Traditional Jewish Feasts To return to MENORAH'S HOME PAGE "The LORD said to Moses, From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the LORD. From wherever you live, bring two loaves made of two· tenths of an ephah of fine flour, baked with yeast, as a wave offering of firstfruits to the LORD. Present with this bread seven male lambs, each a year old and without defect, one young bull and two rams. They will be a burnt offering to the LORD, together with their grain offerings and drink offerings-an offering made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the LORD. Then sacrifice one male goat for a sin offering arid two lambs, each a year old, for a fellowship offering. The priest is to wave the two lambs before the Lord as a wave offering, together with the bread of the firstfruits. They are a sacred offering to the Lord for the priest. On that same day you are to proclaim a sacred assembly and do no regular work. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live." (Leviticus 23:9, 15-21). THE FEAST OF PENTECOST , climaxed the glad season of Israel's grain harvest. The beginning of the grain harvest was marked by the sacrifice, at the sanctuary, of the omer, the first sheaf of the newly cut barley; fifty days later, at the close of the harvest period, two loaves of bread, baked from the wheat of the new crop, were offered as a sacrifice. This bread offering was called the firstfruits of wheat harvest and the festival was therefore also called Yom ha-Bikkurim; the day of offering the first loaves of the new crop to God. Schauss, Hayyim, Thejewish Festivals, pp. 86-87 The first omer, which was offered during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, on the sixteenth of Nisan, was of the sheaf as it was reaped from the newly grown plants, as described in Leviticus 23:15·21: "From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of the new grain to the LORD. From wherever you live, bring two loaves made of two- tenths of an ephah of fine flour, baked with yeast, as a wave offering of firstfruits to the LORD. Present with this bread seven male lambs, each a year old and without defect, one young bull and two rams. They will be a burnt offering to the LORD, together with their grain offerings and drink offerings-an offering made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the LORD. Then sacrifice one male goat for a sin offering and two lambs, each a year old, for a fellowship offering. The priest is to wave the two lambs before the LORD as a wave offering, together with the bread of the firstfruits. They are a sacred offering to the LORD for the priest. On that same day you are to proclaim a sacred assembly and do no regular work. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live." Pentecost and the Giving if the Law The day after the Sabbath the sheaf of the first grain (Leviticus 23:10) was offered on the sixteenth of Nisan. From that date, fifty days were counted and usually the sixth day of the Hebrew month Sivan is proclaimed as Shavuot (a Hebrew word meaning "weeks") or Feast of Weeks or Pentecost. This chronology is fascinating because it is the basis of the rabbinic reason why Judaism now celebrates the giving of the Law on the Day of Pentecost. Dr. Alfred Edersheim gives insight to this reasoning: The "feast of unleavened bread" may be said not to have quite passed till fifty days after its commencement, when it merged in that of Pentecost, or "of Weeks." According to unanimous Jewish tradition, which was universally received at the time of Christ, the day of Pentecost was the anniversary of the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai, which the Feast of Weeks was intended to commemorate. Thus, as the dedication of the harvest, commencing with the presentation of the first omer on the Passover, was completed in the thank offering of the two wave loaves at Pentecost, so the memorial of Israel's deliverance appropriately terminated in that of the giving of the Law, just as, making the highest application of it, the Passover sacrifice of the Lord Jesus may be said to have been completed in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Jewish tradition has it, that on the second of the third month, of Sivan, Moses had ascended the mount, that he communicated with the people on the third, reascended the mount on the fourth, and that then the people sanctified themselves on the fourth, fifth, and sixth of Sivan, on which latter day the Ten Commandments were actually given them. Accordingly, the days before Pentecost were always reckoned as the first, second, third, etc., since the presentation of the omer. Thus Maimonides beautifully observes: 'just as one who is expecting the most faithful of his friends is wont to count the days and hours to his arrival, so we also count from the omer of the day of our Exodus from Egypt to that of the giving of the Law, which was the object of our Exodus, as it is said: 'I bare you on eagle's wings, and brought you unto Myself.' And because this great manifestation did not last more than one day, therefore we annually commemorate it only one day." Edersheim, Alfred, The Temple, Its Ministry and Services, pp. 225·226. We can see that, even though Scriptures do not say that Pentecost is the actual anniversary of the giving of the Law on Mt. Sinai, there is compelling evidence that indicates that "when the day of Pentecost came" as described in Acts 2:1, God's revelation on Mt. Sinai was probably in the minds of the apostles when suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. (Acts 2:2). A modern Orthodox Hebraist scholar describes the giving of the Law: The Revelation on Mt. Sinai Dawn of the sixth day of Sivan, in the year 2448 after the creation of the world ... thunder and lightning rent the air, and the sound of the shofar was heard growing strangely louder and louder. All the people in the camp of Israel trembled. Then all was quiet again. The air was very still. Not a sound was to be heard. No bird twittered, no donkey brayed, no ox lowed. Every living thing held its breath. Even the angels interrupted their heavenly praises. Everybody and everything kept silent ... waiting .... Suddenly God's mighty words were heard from one corner of the earth to the other: "I AM GOD THY GOD!" One after another, God proclaimed the Ten Commandments. (Mindel, Nissan, Complete Festival Series, P: 167.) Pentecost: Its Old Testament Offerings On Pentecost, many different offerings were presented in the Temple. After the regular morning sacrifice, there was a burnt offering of "seven male lambs, each a year old and without defect, one young bull and two rams (Leviticus 23:18). This was followed by a meal offering and a drink offering. After that, there was a sin offering of one kid, and then the climactic offering of the day, a "fellowship" or "peace" offering of "two lambs, each a year old" waved before the Lord, together with the two loaves which had been baked with leaven. (See Leviticus 23: 17,19). This peace offering was not offered on the altar; it was given to the priest. It could not be placed on the altar, because the loaves were baked with leaven. It is highly significant that the sin offering preceded the peace offering. We will never understand the meaning of the peace offering until we grasp this truth. The sin offering came first, then the peace offering. The peace offering was not an offering for peace. It is a heartfelt thank offering of one who has peace with his Lord. It is a sacramental meal where God, who is represented by the priest, eats a meal together with His children, who have already been cleansed from their sin. It should be observed that the two loaves, together with the two lambs which were offered at Pentecost, were the only public peace offerings that were celebrated by Israel. The peace offering of Pentecost was a feast of fellowship and peace between God and His redeemed people. Pentecost: Its New Testament Fulfillment Messiah Jesus’ coming to provide such. See: Jeremiah 31-31 Ezekiel 36:26 Romans 3:20 6:14-15 8:8-11 and Hebrews 9:15 , 7:22 Ephesians 2:8-9 13-14 Matthew 5:17 Luke:22:20 Was Pentecost, like Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruits, also prophetic? The New Testament is abundantly clear that it was. Our Lord Jesus Christ, having fulfilled the type of the passover lamb at Calvary, when the corn of wheat was planted in the ground, rose from the dead and became the "firstfruits," fulfilling the type of the wave sheaf on the "day after the Sabbath." Then fifty days were counted, and when the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting (Acts 2: 1-2). If Jewish tradition connected the "feast of firstfruits" with the "mount that might be touched," and the "voice of words which they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them anymore," we have in this respect also "come unto Mount Zion," and to the better things of the new covenant. To us the Day of Pentecost is, indeed, the "feast of firstfruits," and that of the giving of the better law, "written not in tables of stone, but on the fleshy tables of the heart," "with the Spirit of the living God." For, as the worshipers were in the Temple, probably just as they were offering the wave lambs and the wave bread, the multitude heard that "sound from heaven, as of a mighty rushing wind," which drew them to the house where the apostles were gathered, there to hear "every man in his own language" [proclaiming] "the wonderful works of God." And on that Pentecost day, from the harvest of firstfruits, not less than three thousand souls added to the Church were presented as a wave offering to the Lord. The cloven tongues of fire and the apostolic gifts of that day of firstfruits have, indeed, long since disappeared. But the mighty rushing sound of the Presence and Power of the Holy Ghost has gone forth into all the world. 'Edersheim, Alfred, The Temple, Its Ministry and Services, P: 231 How about you? Have you received your Redeemer, the Stone whom the builders rejected? In Him is life, light and joy and in His sacrifice is forgiveness of sin. He, the Messiah is the way to Eternal Sabbath, Yom Shekulo Shabbat! - The Messianic Age Day of Total Shabbat - Eternal Paradise/Heaven, of the world to come. Is that of one long extended, unending eternal Sabbath Day. Reprinted for educational purposes from: ISRAEL’S Holy Days, In type and Prophecy, Daniel Fuchs, chapter 4 Chosen People Ministries www.chosenpeople.com And other publication sources. Return to Biblical/Traditional Jewish Feasts To return to MENORAH'S HOME PAGE Shavuot-Feast of Pentecost Rosh Hashanah New Year’s Day _ Feast of Trumpets _ NEW YEAR'S DAY for the Jews is not a holiday, it is a holy day, often called, together with the Day of Atonement, the "days of awe." It is celebrated on the first and second days of Tishri. It is not a time of frivolity but of introspection and prayer. It is a solemn day when Jews believe that all people stand before the Creator. The Orthodox Jew does not come to this season unprepared. He knows the New Year is approaching. During the preceding month, the month of Elul, which to the modern Jew is the last month of the year according to the civil calendar, the approach of Rosh Hashanah is heralded by the sounding of the shofar in the synagogue. All year long the shofar, which is usually a ram's horn, lies hidden, probably in the holy ark in the synagogue. It is not sounded on the Sabbath. However, on the first day of Elul, it is taken from its hiding place to play a prominent role as Israel's days of awe approach. The sounding of the shofar reaches its crescendo on Rosh Hashanah, when it is sounded after the reading of the Law. The Sacrifice of Isaac The reading of the Law on the second day's service is the story of the sacrifice of Isaac. The rabbis believe that the sacrifice of Isaac, when a ram was offered in his stead, took place on New Year's Day. Because of this belief, this story, together with that of Isaac's birth, is the basis of the liturgy of the second day's service in the synagogue. Because of this, there is no Bible story more familiar to the Orthodox Jew than the story of Abraham offering up Isaac. It abounds in spiritual truth. This story is found in Genesis, chapter 22. It is helpful to study it together with Psalm 22 and Luke 22:42·44. It is the story of Abraham's faithfulness: Some time later God tested Abraham (Genesis 22:1). We should realize that God did not tempt Abraham, as the Authorized Version states; God tested Abraham. When Satan tempts, he tries to defeat us. When God tests, He provides victory. Nor does God test everyone. C. H. Mackintosh writes concerning Abraham's test: However, it is well to see that God confers a signal honor upon us when He thus tests our hearts. We never read that the Lord did tempt Lot. No, Sodom tempted Lot. He never reached a sufficiently high elevation to warrant his being tried by the hand of Jehovah. It was too plainly manifested that there was plenty between his heart and the Lord, and it did not, therefore, require the furnace to bring that out. Sodom would have held out no temptation whatever to Abraham. This was made manifest in his interview with Sodom's king, in chapter 14. God knew well that Abraham loved Him far better than Sodom; but He would make it manifest that he loved Him better than anyone or anything, by laying His hand upon the nearest and dearest object, "Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac."! 'Mackintosh, C. H., Notes on Genesis, pp. 225·226; Genesis to Deuteronomy, pp. For many long years Abraham waited for his promised seed. Finally, the Lord gave him a son by Sarah and then commanded him to cast out Ishmael, the son of the bondwoman. That in itself was enough to test any man. It was a test of faith. But Abraham believed God and obeyed Him. Isaac's birth was in a very real sense miraculous. He was the seed of Abraham, born after his mother was past the age of childbearing (Genesis 18:11). Perhaps Abraham even thought that Isaac was the Messiah. (This is one of the reasons why Jewish couples earnestly desire their firstborn to be a son. They hope he may be the Messiah.) But the promised Messiah was not only to be the seed of Abraham, but also the seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15). Thus we see Jesus, born of a virgin, Mary, who was herself of the seed of Abraham. Isaac grew into young manhood. Josephus says that Isaac was twenty-seven years old when his father was told to sacrifice him. The Scriptures don't give his exact age, however, but he had grown strong enough to carry the wood that covered the altar that was large enough to bear his body. Thus, he was not a young weakling. Abraham Believed God It was when Abraham's only son, the heir to the Abrahamic covenant, the son of promise whom he greatly loved, blossomed into manhood that God ordered Abraham to offer him up as a sacrifice on Mount Moriah. This command did not come from within Abraham, it was not suggested by the human sacrifices of the Canaanites, nor did it come from Satan. It came from the one true God, who was proving Abraham's faith! The final issue dearly showed that God wasn't interested in the death of Isaac. Rather, He wanted Abraham's complete surrender. You and I know the outcome of Abraham's deep trial. At the time, Abraham did not. He drank the dregs of the bitterness of his sorrow. Imagine the pain these words must have brought to Abraham: Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love (Genesis 22:2). He laid the wood on his son (verse 6). He told Isaac, God Himself will provide the lamb (verse 8). Then he "bound his son Isaac" and "took the knife to slay his son" (verses 9-10). Luther remarked that it must have seemed as if God's promise would fail, or that this command came from Satan, not from God. How beautifully Paul describes Abraham's faith in Romans 4:20-21. Yet he did not waver through unbelief, [he] was strengthened in his faith, [he was] fully persuaded. But the letter to the Hebrews shows the basic reasoning of Abraham, that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death. (Hebrews 11:19) Abraham's answer to his great trial was he believed God. Four centuries before any of the written Word came into existence, God spoke to him, and Abraham implicitly put his trust in God's Word. God commanded Abraham to leave his kindred, Abraham obeyed; God promised him a seed, Abraham believed. For long years Abraham waited for God to fulfill His promise. Finally, Isaac was born. God had fulfilled His promise. The same God who fulfilled His promise now demanded that Abraham offer Isaac, his beloved son, as a sacrifice. Abraham believed God and showed his faith by his works. He knew that God honored His Word. As previously mentioned, it is very possible that he even thought that Isaac was the promised Seed of the woman of Genesis 3:15, the Messiah. In any event, Abraham knew that Isaac was his own promised seed. God had said that in his seed all peoples on earth will be blessed (Genesis 12:3). Abraham believed and obeyed God. The key to Abraham's obedience was that he actually believed in the resurrection. If Isaac was the Messiah and the Messiah had to die, then it was necessary for God to raise Him from the dead! By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice, He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death" (Hebrews 11: 1 7-19). Abraham actually expected God to raise up Isaac from the dead! Enemies of the gospel complain that the biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone is amoral. Even some well· meaning friends of the gospel frequently teach a "faith-plus works" salvation. They complain that if righteousness is by faith alone, apart from works of the Law, then a man who is saved by faith could still commit heinous crimes. This could not be if he has the faith of Abraham. Abraham's faith resulted in acts of obedience. Romans 4:20·24 says: Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness-for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. Abraham's trial stands out in history like a mountain peak whose height only one other Climber has been called upon to scale: "He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all" (Romans 8:32). Abraham is a beautiful type of God the Father. Just as Abraham had an only son, whom he loved, so did God and He gave His only begotten Son to be slain for us. God stayed the hand of Abraham before Isaac could be sacrificed. When the Lord Jesus Christ was on the cross upon which He was to be sacrificed, God did not stay His hand! Isaiah 53:10-11 says: Yet it was the LORD'S will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer, and though the LORD makes His life a guilt offering, He will see His offspring and prolong His days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in His hand. After the suffering of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied; by His knowledge My righteous servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities. Two thousand years after Abraham, One stood in the Temple that crowned Mount Moriah and said, Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing My day; he saw it and was glad. (John 8:56). We believe that it was when Abraham received his son figuratively speaking ... back from death (Hebrews 11:19) that this prophetic rejoicing took place. It is no wonder that Abraham called this place Jehovah-jireh, which means the LORD will provide (Genesis 22:14). Some erroneously interpret this name to mean that God will provide for all our needs. This is a comforting truth, but it is not the one taught in the name Jehovah-jireh. The reason for this name is given in Genesis 22:14: On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." What was it that Abraham saw after he had received Isaac as if from the dead? Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son (Genesis 22:13). Years later, John the Baptist exclaimed in joy when he saw Jesus, the Messiah, Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ! (John 1:29). Thus, we see another truth in the offering up of Isaac. It is a type of God's provision of a sacrifice. But our Lord Jesus Christ did what Isaac could not do-He became our Sacrifice for sin. Abraham was not the only one whose faith was tested on Mount Moriah. Isaac was a grown man and could easily have resisted his aged father, but he was obedient. We have mentioned that he was not an infant. It takes strength to climb mountains; it takes greater strength to climb mountains carrying wood. How much wood Isaac carried, we do not know, but it was sufficient to bear his body. Think for a moment of the important effect of this event upon Isaac. From the account in Genesis 22, it seems as if Isaac was ignorant of the fact that he was to be offered up as a sacrifice. Imagine then how he felt when he was actually tied to the altar and watched as his father reached for his knife! Two thousand years later, One also bore the wood of sacrifice, but He knew what He was doing. He had been born for this very purpose. The Scriptures do not tell us how Isaac acted when he was bound to the altar. We have seen him as a robust youth who, as previously mentioned, could have resisted Abraham if he so desired. But he didn't resist. When he allowed himself to be bound and laid upon the altar, he fully entered into the spirit of Abraham; he joined in Abraham's faith. In so doing, he showed himself to be the heir to the promises. How much was the behavior of Isaac like our Lord, who was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth (Isaiah 53:7). In both Psalm 22 and Luke 22:42-44 we see parallels between the story of Isaac in Genesis 22 and the sacrifice of our Lord. As Isaac lay on the altar and saw the hand of Abraham upraised, certainly he could have wondered, "Father, why have you forsaken me?" But the record is silent. The whole picture given of Isaac shows him in the same attitude as our Lord in Gethsemane, Not as I will, but as You will. (Matthew 26:39). The timing of Isaac's sacrifice is also symbolic. When God commanded Abraham to offer up Isaac, he obeyed; and in Abraham's heart, Isaac was dead from that moment on. We should realize that Abraham did not know for sure that God would also provide a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13), although he had faith in God's goodness. It was three days later that Isaac was offered, and it was on this third day that Isaac was returned to his father. To some this may seem to be an unimportant detail, but as we saw in Hebrews, chapter 11, Abraham, "figuratively speaking, did receive Isaac back from death." Isaac is clearly a type of the Lord Jesus Christ, who rose on the third day, having yielded up His spirit to the Father. Thus the Father also received His Son on the third day. God not only "provided a way out" for Abraham; He also provided the lamb for the sacrifice. Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. (Genesis 22:13). And thus God the Father has provided us a way of escape from the penalty of sin: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23). This is why the shofar is sounded on Rosh Hashanah. How about you? Have you received your Redeemer, the Stone whom the builders rejected? In Him is life, light and joy and in His sacrifice is forgiveness of sin. He, the Messiah is the way to Eternal Shabbath, Yom Shekulo Shabbat! - The Messianic Age Day of Total Shabbat - Eternal Paradise/Heaven, of the world to come. Is that of one long extended, unending eternal Sabbath Day. Reprinted for educational purposes from: ISRAEL’S Holy Days, In type and Prophecy, Daniel Fuchs, chapter 7 Chosen People Ministries www.chosenpeople.com . And other publication sources. Return to Biblical/Traditional Jewish Feasts To return to MENORAH'S HOME PAGE YOM KIPPUR: FEAST OR FAST? By Rachmiel Frydland According to Jewish tradition and the Talmud (Tractate Ta'anith 26b), Yom Kippur has been one of the great Jewish Feasts celebrated annually. In ancient times the people would joyfully dress in white, anticipating their purification from sin. It was only once a year, on this day, that would allow the High Priest to enter behind the veil into the innermost court f the tabernacle. And this could be done only after sacrificial blood had been shed to cover his own transgressions as well as those of the Jewish nation. In the Holy of Holies, he could then approach the mercy seat and receive assurance, that God had sanctified the sacrifice for sin. We read in the Hebrew Scriptures: And there shall be no man in a tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the Holy Place, until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household and for all the congregation of Israel. And he shall go out unto the altar that is before the Lord, and make an atonement for it; and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of the blood of the goat, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about. And he shall sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times and, cleanse it, and hallow it; from the uncleanness of the children of Israel. For on that day shall the Priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the Lord. Leviticus 16:17-19,30 CHANGING ATTITUDES: From Faith To Fear If Yom Kippur was at one time one of the most significant feasts, why is it still not so today? For what reason are the ten days between Rosh Hashanah (New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) called the Tamim Nora'im (Ten Days of Fear)? Why do Jewish people now spend time fasting, weeping and pleading before God instead of rejoicing at His compassion as their forefathers once did? The Talmud states that toward the end of the Second Temple period, certain distressing signs began to appear: Our Rabbis taught: At first they used to bind a shining crimson strip of cloth on the outside door of the Temple. If the strip of cloth turned into the white color, they would rejoice; if it did not turn white they were full of sorrow and shame. (Tractate Yoma 67a) Hence, the problem: The people began to realize more and more that the sacrifice of Yom Kippur did not have the power to cleanse their sinful hearts. They no longer experienced the release of sin's heavy burden that the Psalmist King David wrote about: Blessed ("Happy" in Hebrew) is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed (Happy) is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is not deceit. Psalm 32:1,2 It seemed that God no longer found the sacrifice acceptable. However, God will never go back on His word. He has not canceled out the Torah principle of atonement for sin by blood. Leviticus 17:11 states: For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. Jewish people who observe Yom Kippur will take either a rooster for a male or a hen for a female and turn it about the head. They hope to obtain pardon as, they recite: "This is my substitute. This is in exchange for me. This chicken will die instead of me, so I may obtain life instead of it." Also a part of the Yom Kippur prayer is these words: "And may the diminishing of my blood and fat as a result of the Yom Kippur fast be accepted by God as though I would have offered it upon the altar of God in Jerusalem." Something is missing. The people are left with apprehension and serious doubts as to whether God had indeed accepted their sacrifice. The rest of the day is spent in sorrow and fasting. If they knew beyond a shadow of doubt that they were forgiven, there would be no further need for tears. Instead, the hearts would be overflowing with joy for answered prayer. Jewish tradition has also taught us that the reason for using a ram's horn or shofar on the Ten Days of Fear and on Yom Kippur is to remind God of Isaac's willingness to be a sacrifice when his father Abraham bound him to the altar an Mount Moriah. As we read the account in the Tanakh (Genesis 22), we realize that God honored the faith of Abraham and the obedience of Isaac. Abraham said, "God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." They both rejoiced for a ram was found in a near by thicket! God wanted to spare Isaac's life; He still has the same desire for each of us today. Blood must be shed before there can be remission of sins, yet animal sacrifice is no longer pleasing to the Lord. Since God is faithful to His word and will not leave us without help, who will be our sacrificial lamb? THE VOICE OF ISAIAH The prophet Isaiah speaks of the one who will give his life for us in chapter 53:7-10: "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from, prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living, for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand." THE NEW COVENANT About 2,000 years ago, while our Jewish people were under Roman domination, Yeshua HaNotzree (Jesus of Nazareth) came to the people claiming He was the Messiah, the one sent by God to provide salvation. The moment Yeshua died, the veil of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. (Matthew 27:50-51) The earth quaked beneath men's feet. The Talmud says that forty years before the destruction of the Temple, the gates opened of themselves. This event is of utmost importance because it establishes Yeshua as being the new High Priest and Lamb of God. No longer must there be an annual offering for sin on our behalf; instead, He has made restitution for us once and for all. It is now possible for each of us to have direct access to God through the blood of Yeshua HaMoshiach. One of the early Jewish followers of Messiah has expressed it in this way: "But Messiah being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building: Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the, ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Messiah, who through the eternal Spirit (Ruach Hakodesh) offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" Hebrews 9:11-14 In the same chapter, he further describes the holy place as being heaven itself where God dwells. Messiah is now at the right hand of God and continually makes intercession for us. The Lord has made a new covenant with the house of Israel. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. Hebrews 8:10, 12; Jeremiah 31:30-33 The choice is now left to each of us: Should we follow after sacrifices no longer prescribed by God or follow Yeshua HaMashiach, the eternal Yom Kippur Lamb and High Priest? Here is the account of a Jewish man, one of the earliest and closest believers in Messiah, who still celebrated Yom Kippur in the traditional manner of having a feast of true simcha and gratitude: "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver and gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Messiah, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before t e creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake." I Peter 1:18-20 Yeshua invites you to receive Him and the new life He has to offer you. We encourage you to search your own heart and ask yourself, "Where is my atonement of sins? Is it in prayer and fasting alone? Is animal sacrifice sufficient? Or is it true that the blood of Yeshua the Messiah cleanses from all sin?" Once you discover God's Lamb, He will give you His joy and peace which passes all understanding as your Yom Kippur fast truly becomes your Yom Kippur feast. How about you? Have you received your Redeemer, the Stone whom the builders rejected? In Him is life, light and joy and in His sacrifice is forgiveness of sin. Reprinted with permission of The Messianic Literature Outreach www.messianicliterature.org Return to Biblical/Traditional Jewish Feasts To return to MENORAH'S HOME PAGE Succot, The Feast Of Tabernacles "The Lord said to Moses, Say to the Israelites: On the fifteenth day of the seventh month the Lord’s Feast of Tabernacles begins, and it lasts for seven days. The first day is a sacred assembly; do no regular work. For seven days present offerings made to the LORD by fire and on the eighth day hold a sacred assembly and present an offering made to the LORD by fire. It is the closing assembly; do no regular work." Leviticus 23:33·36 THE MOST JOYFUL of Israel's festivals was the Feast of Tabernacles. It came at the end of the harvest when the hearts of the people were naturally gladdened, The crops had been reaped. As they looked around them, they remembered that six months before, at Passover time they had dedicated the entire harvest to the Lord by the offering of firstfruits, and now not only were their barns full, their heats were overflowing with joy and thanksgiving. But that was not all. As they looked around on the goodly land, the fruits of which had just enriched the they remembered that by interposition the Lord their God had brought them to this land and had given it to them, and that He ever claimed it as peculiarly His own. For the land was strictly connected with the history of the people; and both the land and the history were linked with the mission of Israel. If the beginning of the harvest had pointed back to the birth of Israel in their Exodus from Egypt, and forward to the true Passover· sacrifice in the future; if the corn harvest was connected with the giving of the law on Mount Sinai in the past, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost; the harvest thanksgiving of the Feast of Tabernacles reminded Israel, on the one hand, of their dwelling in booths in the wilderness, while on the other hand, it pointed to the final harvest when Israel's mission should be completed, and all nations gathered unto the Lord. ('Edersheirn, Alfred, The Temple, Its Ministry and Services, pp. 232·233). The Feast of Tabernacles is two weeks after Rosh Hashanah. It is always on the same day of the week as New Year's Day. A pious Jew began his preparation for the festival as soon as the Day of Atonement was over. He had only five days to erect a sukkah, a booth in which he and his family would dwell during the feast. The Feast of Booths Historically, Tabernacles looked backward to the Exodus when Israel lived in booths. "Live in booths for seven days: All native-born Israelites are to live in booths so your descendants will know that I had the Israelites live in booths when I brought them out of Egypt. I am the LORD your God" (Leviticus 23:42-43). Each family built a sukkah, which was actually a temporary outdoor structure. It had a twofold purpose: to remind the Jews of their Exodus and to indicate the transitoriness of human life. The roof was made of slats placed closely to one another so that the shade inside the sukkah was greater than the light. The roof had to rest on the walls; it could not be fastened. It was then thatched with green branches, and the entire room, walls, and ceiling decorated with flowers and fruit. Every male who attends an Orthodox synagogue during Tabernacles (Sukkot) carries with him what is called "the four species": an etrog, which is a citron, in his left hand; the lulav, a palm branch, in his right hand; two myrtle twigs and two willow branches are bound to the palm branch. The Scriptures state, "On the first day you are to take choice fruit from the trees, and palm fronds, leafy branches and poplars, and rejoice before the LORD your God forseven days" (Leviticus 23:40). Sukkot not only looked back into history, it also looked forward into the future when Cod's promise to Abraham will be fulfilled, when all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. (Genesis 12:3). The Feast of Tabernacles was the last of the three festivals when all adult men of ancient Israel thronged Jerusalem. "Three times a year all your men must appear before the LORD your God at the place He will choose: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles. No man should appear before the Lord empty-handed: Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you" (Deuteronomy 16: 16·17). The Mishnah gives us a vivid picture of these pilgrimages. From all over the land, all roads were thronged with gaily clad people keeping the holy days. Everybody carried his offering to the Lord. There were olives, dates, pomegranates, wheat, barley, and perhaps a pigeon or turtledove. The rich brought more, the poor less. Those who could, brought their offering in carts, heavily laden with gifts; the poor carried theirs in wicker baskets; but each brought a gift in proportion to the way the Lord God blessed him. As the pilgrims journeyed, they sang the songs of Zion, the psalms. On one side of the road, a family would sing from Psalm 121: I lift up my eyes to the hills. Across the road, the response would come: Where does my help come from? And all together: My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. Others would sing: I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD.' Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together. That is where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, to praise the name of the LORD according to the statute given to Israel (Psalm 122:1·4). It was Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles. The tribes of Israel, their hearts with praise to the Lord, were going up to Jerusalem to render unto Him honor and praise and glory. Every Sukkot service in the Temple. not only looked backward in history, it looked forward in prophecy. God had spoken to Abram from Ur of the Chaldees and promised him, All peoples on earth will be blessed through you. (Genesis 12:3), and the temple service proclaimed this truth. The services of the week were elaborate; in all there were seventy bullocks that were sacrificed. According to the Talmud, there were seventy nations in the world, and a bullock was slain each year during the Feast of Tabernacles for each of them. The ancient rabbis realized a wonderful truth about the prophetic message of Sukkot: Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (Zechariah 14: 16). The seventh and last day of the feast is a very special day. It is called Hoshana Rabba, "the great Hoshanah." !n the synagogue during the morning service after seven circuits are made around the altar with the lulav (palm branches, they are beaten on the floor of the synagogue floor or its furniture while the worshipers are chanting, the voice announcing the coming of the Messiah is heard. Succot (anonymous publication by the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations Rabbinical Council of America) p. 10. This beating of the branches is work which is illegal on the Sabbath. It is for this reason that "the calendar was fixed in such a way that the New Year would not occur on a Sunday so that Hoshana Rabba should not fall on the Sabbath which would cause the taking of the willow to be cancelled. The Encyclopedia Judaica, “Hoshana Rabba,” vol. 8, p. 1027 How Jesus Kept the Feast One of the ceremonies of the Sukkot service was the libation of water procession each morning. Abraham Millgram aptly describes this ceremony: The water was brought in a golden flask from the fountain of Siloam and poured by the officiating kohen into the basin near the altar. This was the most joyous of the temple ceremonies. The Mishnah says that "he who has not seen the rejoicing at the place of water-drawing has never seen rejoicing in his life" (Sukkah 5:1). The ceremony was accompanied by a torch-light procession, dances, singing and chanting by the Levitical choir of the fifteen pilgrim psalms, the songs of ascents (Psalms 120-134), to the accompaniment of musical instruments. It was a symbolic act performed in compliance with the prophetic verse, "With joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation" ' (Isaiah 12:3).4 Millgram, Abraham, Jewish Worship, p. 204. Picture this scene from the life of Jesus: It was Hashana Rabba, on the last and greatest day of the Feast. See the crowds in the temple courts, watch the white-robed priests as they climb the steep ascent from Siloam to the Temple. They are carrying a golden vase of the water they just drew with joy from the well of Siloam. The water was poured into the basin near the altar. Then, as the priest stood with his empty flask, a Man who had been watching cried with a loud voice: If a man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him. (John 7:37-38). These were strange words to say, anywhere, at any time. But in the Temple on Hoshana Rabba, they were not just strange, they were audacious. The entire libation-of-water ceremony celebrated God's provision of life-giving water to the Israelites when they were dying of thirst in the wilderness. "If a man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink." Our Lord was claiming that the miracle in the wilderness, when the rock gushed forth water 'pointed to Himself! This is one of the messages of John’s Gospel where we also find our Lord claiming to be the fulfillment of other incidents under the Law: Jacob’s ladder, the brazen serpent in the wilderness, and the manna: There is a future Feast of Tabernacles that is described in the New Testament: And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with ,them, and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new! Then He Said, write this down for these words are trustworthy and true." He Said to me: "It is 'done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. (Revelation 21:3-6). Christ our Passover became Christ the Firstfruits from the dead. At Pentecost, the firstfruits of Israel's ripened harvest were presented to the Lord. The first sheaves were reaped from Israel. But Israel did not keep the harvest to herself. The gospel, which was to the Jew first, has been proclaimed to the uttermost parts of the. earth. It has been a long time since Pentecost, and we longingly listen for the sound of the trumpet, the return of our Lord. Then after that we look for Israel's Day of Atonement and the nations of our Lord keeping the Feast of Tabernacles. After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm, branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb’ (Revelation 7 :9-1 0). It's Hoshana Rabba, the great day of the feast! How about you? Have you received your Redeemer, the Stone whom the builders rejected? In Him is life, light and joy and in His sacrifice is forgiveness of sin. He, the Messiah is the way to Eternal Shabbath, Yom Shekulo Shabbat! - The Messianic Age Day of Total Shabbat - Eternal Paradise/Heaven, of the world to come. Is that of one long extended, unending eternal Sabbath Day. Reprinted for educational purposes from: ISRAEL’S Holy Days, In type and Prophecy, Daniel Fuchs, chapter 11 Chosen People Ministries www.chosenpeople.com And other publication sources. Return to Biblical/Traditional Jewish Feasts To return to MENORAH'S HOME PAGE Chanukah, Feast of Lights/Rededication Chanukah, while not being a feast given by God in Scripture, is mentioned in the B’rit Hadashah (New Testament): Then came Chanukah in Yerushalayim/Jerusalem. It was winter, and Yeshua was walking around inside the Temple area, in Shlomo’s (Solomon's) Colonnade. Yochanan/John 10:22-23 This Feast of Lights/Rededication is historically a time to rededicate oneself to God and His purposes. Many Messianic Jews and Gentiles see this feast time, rather than the modern day of Christmas, as a unique factual Bible time event of miraculous deliverance to be a more fitting time to remember the birth of the Messiah, the Light which came into the world. In him was life, and the life was the light of mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not suppressed it. Yochanan/John 1:4–5 THE STORY Under Syrian rule. It was in the time of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, nearly twenty two centuries ago (165 b.c.e./c.e.), that the events took place which we commemorate each year at Chanukah time. The Jewish people had returned to the land of Israel from the Babylonian Exile, and had rebuilt the Holy Temple. But they remained subject to the domination of imperial powers, first, the Persian Empire, then later, the conquering armies of Alexander the Great. Upon the death of Alexander, his vast kingdom was divided among his generals. After a power struggle which engulfed all the nations of the Middle East, Israel found itself under the sway of the Seleucid Dynasty, Greek kings who reigned from Syria. The 'Madman Though at first, the rule of the Seleucids was rather mild and uneventful in Israel, there soon arose a new king, Antiochus IV, who was to wage a bloody war upon the Jews, a war which would threaten not just their physical lives, but their very spiritual existence. Over the years of Greek domination, many Jews had begun to accept the Greek culture and its self-serving pleasure oriented, pagan/false god way of life. These Jewish Hellenists became willing pawns in Antiochus' scheme to obliterate every trace of the Jewish religion. The Holy Temple was invaded, desecrated, and robbed of all its treasures. Vast numbers of innocent people were massacred and the survivors were heavily taxed. Antiochus placed an idol of Zeus on the holy altar and forced the Jews to bow before it under penalty of death. And he forbid the Jewish people to observe their most sacred traditions, such as the Sabbath and the rite of circumcision. Antiochus went so far as to proclaim himself a god, taking the name 'Antiochus Epiphanes' --the Divine. But even his own followers mocked him as 'Antiochus Epimanes' --the madman. The Turning Point In every city and town, altars were erected with statues of the Greek gods and goddesses. Soldiers rounded up the Jews and forcibly compelled them to make offerings and engage in other immoral acts customary to the Greeks. As Antiochus' troops tightened their grip on the nation, the Jews seemed incapable of resistance. It was in the small village of Modi'in, a few miles west of Jerusalem, that a single act of heroism turned the tide of Israel's struggle and altered her destiny for all time. Mattityahu (Matthew), patriarch of the priestly Hasmonean clan, stepped forward to challenge the Greek soldiers and those who complied passively to their demands. Backed by his five sons, he attacked the troops, slew the idolaters, and destroyed the idol. With a cry of 'All who are with God, follow me!' he and a courageous circle of partisans retreated to the hills, where they gathered forces to overthrow the oppression of Antiochus and those working with him (even many Jews). Guerrilla Warfare The army of Mattityahu, now under the command of his son Yehuda (Judah) Maccabee, grew daily in numbers and in strength. With the Biblical slogan, Who is like unto You, 0 God, emblazoned on their shields, they would swoop down upon the Syrian troops under cover of darkness and scatter the oppressors, then return to their encampments in the hills. Only six thousand strong, they defeated a heavily armed battalion of forty-seven thousand Syrians. Enraged, Antiochus sent an even larger army against them, and in the miraculous, decisive battle at Bet Tzur, the Jewish forces emerged victorious. From there, they proceeded on to Jerusalem, where they liberated the city and reclaimed the Holy Temple. They cleared the Sanctuary of the idols, rebuilt the altar, and prepared to resume the Divine Service. A central part of the daily service in the Temple was the kindling of the brilliant lights of the Menorah. Now, as Jewish legend has it, with the Temple about to be rededicated; only one small cruse of the pure, sacred olive oil was found. It was only one day's supply and they knew it would take more than a week for the special process required to prepare more oil. Undaunted, in joy and with thanksgiving, the Maccabees lit the lamps of the Menorah with the small amount of oil, and dedicated the Holy Temple anew. And miraculously, as if in confirmation of the power of their faith, the oil did not burn out —and the flames shone brightly for eight full days. The following year, Jewish Sages officially proclaimed the festival of Chanukah as a celebration lasting eight days, in perpetual commemoration of this victory over religious persecution. Chanukah Traditional Kindling Blessings * This 9 post ‘Chanukiah’ is not the biblical 7 post Menorah, Sh’mot/Exodus 25:31-37 1 Bah-rookh Ah-tah Adonai Eh-loh-hay-noo Meh-lehkh Hah-ohlahm Ah-shehr Keh-deh-shah-noo Beh-mehtzoo-tahv Veh-tzeh-vah-noo Leh-had-leehk Nehr Shehl Khah-noo-kah. Blessed are You Adonai our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by His commandments, and allowed us to kindle the lights of Khanukah. 2 Bah-rookh Ah-tah Adonai Eh-loh-hay-noo Meh-lehkh Hah-ohlahm Sheh-ah-sah Neh-seem Lah-ah-voh-tay-noo. Bah-yah-meem Hah-hah-eem Bahzeh-mahn Hah-zeh. Blessed are you Adonai our God, King of the universe, who did miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season. The following blessing is said traditionally only on the first evening: 3 Bah-rookh Ah-tah Adonai Eh-loh-hay-noo Meh-lehkh Hah-ohlahm Sheh-heh-kheh-yah-noo Veh-keh-yeh-mah-noo Veh-heh-gee-ahnu Lehz-mahn Hah-zeh. Blessed are You Adonai our God King of the universe, who has kept us alive, and has preserved us, and enabled us to reach this season. After kindling the lights recite: We kindle these lights to commemorate the saving acts, miracles and wonders which You have performed for our forefathers, in those days at this time, through Your holy Cohanim/Priests. Throughout the eight days of Chanukah, Lessons For Today The Chanukah lights are more than simply a reminder of God's deliverance and miracles in days gone by. They provide inspiration for us, in our times, to enrich our lives with the Light of Messiah Yeshua and in remembering the greatest miracle of all, His birth! In ancient times, the Jewish people rededicated the Temple with the Menorah. Today, we rededicate ourselves to the Lord and to the salvation of this world. For I am not ashamed of the Good News, since it is God’s powerful means of bringing salvation to everyone who keeps on trusting, to the Jew especially, but equally to the Gentile. Romans 1:16 Chanukah Festivities - Foods, Games, Fellowship THE KHANUKAH DREIDEL The Origin of the Dreidel The Syrians decreed that the teaching or studying of Torah was a crime punishable by death or imprisonment. But the children defiantly studied in secret; and when Syrian patrols were spotted, they would pretend to be playing an innocent game of dreidel. Playing Dreidel The dreidel is a four-sided spinning top, also called a svivon in Hebrew. On each side is a Hebrew letter: 'Nun' 'Gimel' 'Hay' and 'Shin'. The letters stand for the phrase "Nes Gadol Hayah Sham" --a great miracle happened there. It is traditionally used to play a lively Chanukah game. Each player places some raisins, candies, or nuts into a kitty, and the players take turns spinning the dreidel. Nun means nothing --you win nothing, you lose nothing. Gimel means you take all. Hay means you win half of what is in the kitty. Shin means you lose, and must put more into the kitty. Thank God for sending Yeshua/Jesus .... but when the appointed time arrived, God sent forth his Son. He was born from a woman, born into a culture in which legalistic perversion of the Torah was the norm, so that he might redeem… Galatians 4:4, 5a How about you? Have you received your Redeemer, the Stone whom the builders rejected? In Him is life, light and joy and in His sacrifice is forgiveness of sin. He, the Messiah is the way to Eternal Shabbath, Yom Shekulo Shabbat! - The Messianic Age Day of Total Shabbat - Eternal Paradise/Heaven, of the world to come. Is that of one long extended, unending eternal Sabbath Day. Return to Biblical/Traditional Jewish Feasts To return to MENORAH'S HOME PAGE By Rachmiel Frydland PURIM is a Persian word meaning 'lots." Several hundred years before the Christian Era, Haman, a Persian Jew-hater, persuaded Ahasuerus (Xerxes), king of Persia, to have all the Jews in the king's realm destroyed. The Persians of that day, including Haman, were fire-worshippers. Their religion was founded by Zoroaster, an ancient philosopher who taught that there were two gods who ruled the world in opposition to each other, Ormuzd, the good or positive god, and Ahriman, the bad or wicked god. The Jews living among the Persians could not accept this religion for they believed in one God only, Jehovah, who created the day as well as the night, the good as well as the evil. As the prophet Isaiah said in the name of the Lord: I form the light, and create darkness; I make peace, and create evil. I, the Lord, do all these things. Isaiah 45:7 Therefore the Jewish people in King Ahasuerus' realm could not accept the Persian religion. Haman ACCUSES THE JEWS Haman, a court favorite of King Ahasuerus, was jealous of Mordecai, a Jew, and presented a reasonable case against the Jews to the king. The kingdom of Persia had been kind to the Jews, and after the Babylonian captivity of seventy years, had given them permission to return to their ancestral land. Should not the Jews now show their gratitude to the king by accepting the religion, the laws and the customs of their benefactors? Haman's petition to King Ahasuerus against the Jews was presented in clear words which could not be contradicted: And Haman said unto King Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws:therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them. If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed(Esther 3:8,9) HAMAN'S MISCALCULATION The Persian king, a pagan, agreed. But Haman did not know the God of the Jews, Who long ago declared that the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (the Jewish people) could not be exterminated. God, Who is not dead but is living forevermore, decreed an everlasting blessing upon Abraham and his seed, saying, And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing. And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Genesis 12:2,3 Moreover, God confirmed His decree with an oath: And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, and said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord; for because thou best done this thing, and best not withheld thy son, thine only son; that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the seashore; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because thou best obeyed my voice. Genesis 22:15-18 How foolish of the Human's and the Hitlers to trust in a lot and ignore the Lord Who has decreed blessings upon the seed of Abraham! Haman put his trust in purim lots), but he forgot Pesach (Passover) when mighty Egypt paid a heavy penalty for its oppression of Israel. Let this be a warning to all would be Jew-haters - in Russia, in Europe, in Asia, and in the world everywhere. God is on the side of His people. By blessing them, they who bless bring a blessing on themselves. By the same token, they who curse the Jews, bring a curse upon themselves. ISRAEL'S SALVATION, In ancient Persia Israel's salvation came through a humble man named Mordecai, who was related to Esther, the Jewish queen of Persia. He and his people were destined to die by royal edict. Nevertheless, Mordecai was able to inspire his people to repent in sackcloth, in fasting and prayer. Even Queen Esther joined her people in this act of humility before the Lord. God heard and answered. Mordecai was exalted and his people honored by the king while Haman was hanged and the Jew-haters were abased. This was one of many episodes in God's dealing with His people. The Jews were saved physically at this point in their history. The time of their full salvation, and the complete fulfillment of God's prophecies given to Abraham, was drawing nigh. It happened five hundred years later with the coming of adon Yeshua HaMashiach, (the Lord Jesus, the Messiah). He was the greater Mordecai. Condemned to die for His people, Jesus the Messiah became the supreme sacrifice of atonement for the sins of Jew and Gentile alike. In Him were truly fulfilled the prophecies of old, "In thee shall all the nations of the earth be blessed." (Genesis 12, 22) Today we see millions of people in all parts of the earth who have received these blessings through Abraham's seed, the Messiah, flesh of our flesh and bone of our bone. PHYSICAL OR SPIRITUAL SALVATION? You ask, "What salvation did Messiah bring? There are still wars and hatreds among men." The answer is that salvation is two-fold. There is the physical salvation, as it happened at Purim long ago, and spiritual salvation - redemption of a person's soul. Physical salvation is of value in God's sight only when joined with spiritual salvation, as expressed in the Book of Tehiliim (Psalms): They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him. (For the redemption of their soul is precious .... Psalms 49:6-8 The same thought is found in the Brit Hadasha (New Testament) in the words of the Messiah: For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36 According to the Word of God we need spiritual salvation, and it should be explained clearly. Spiritual salvation is: Salvation from sin. Disobedience to God by the first man, Adam, and by his descendants, broke the oneness, the fellowship between God and man, as the Word of God says: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:2 Jesus, the Messiah, became the sacrifice for our sins, and by believing in Him, our sins are forgiven. This is not a figment of our imagination but is based squarely on the Hebrew Scriptures, as Isaiah's prophecies about Him state: All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6 Peace and restored fellowship and oneness with God. Do you have perfect peace in your heart? If you do not, it is because of this lack of oneness and fellowship between you and God, the result of unforgiven sin. To have peace in your heart, you need the forgiveness of sins only possible through faith in Messiah Jesus. Everlasting life with God. Death is not our destiny and is not our end. Job says: For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. Job 19:25,26 Job, the sufferer, knew that after this life there awaited him everlasting life with God. He knew about his Redeemer who is alive, and who would bring him into oneness and fellowship with God forever. Our appeal to you is to accept your Messiah now. Your celebration of Purim will be a true one and a spiritual one. It will be not only a celebration of the physical deliverance, which is temporary, but also a spiritual one that will last forever. A Drink From The Fountain Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Messiah Jesus unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Messiah Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness; that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Romans 3:20-26 How about you? Have you received your Redeemer, the Stone whom the builders rejected? In Him is life, light and joy and in His sacrifice is forgiveness of sin. Reprinted with permission of The Messianic Literature Outreach www.messianicliterature.org Return to Biblical/Traditional Jewish Feasts To return to MENORAH'S HOME PAGE Purim, The Lesson of Purim Return to Biblical/Traditional Jewish Feasts To return to MENORAH'S HOME PAGE Return to Biblical/Traditional Jewish Feasts To return to MENORAH'S HOME PAGE Return to Biblical/Traditional Jewish Feasts To return to MENORAH'S HOME PAGE Return to Biblical/Traditional Jewish Feasts To return to MENORAH'S HOME PAGE

Means of making a donationto Menorah Ministries on the web page menorah.org Thank you, Partner, for your prayer support and financial support God bless and keep you. To Make a Donation by Bank Account or Credit Card To Make a Donation by Mail: Menorah Ministries 393 South Ivy Street Denver, Colorado 80224 To Make a Donation through your estate planning. To Return To Menorah Ministries Web Pag e

Discusses God's desire to understand, know, find, trust in Him. B I B L E..... T O R A H Phophecy God's Instruction s THE NEW TESTAMENT B’RIT HADASHAH 40-100 B. C. E. (B.C.)./C. E. (A.D.) : How We Got The New Testament / B’rit Hadashah Was The New Testament Written In Hebrew? P R O P H E C Y and E N D - T I M E S E V E N T S Yeshua-Jesus In Bible Prophecy Understanding_Bible_Prophecy T H E B I B L E The Authenticity of the Bible I N D E X of T A N A K H - O L D C O V E N A N T P A S S A G E S C I T E D in the B ' R I T H A D A S H A H - N E W C O VE N ANT Index of Old Testament-Covenant Passages Cited in the New Testament-Covenant To return to How Catholics May Know They Go To Heaven page To return to Menorah's Web Page

Asks for a person to check out if they are a Christian Biblically. Do You Know For Sure..... ........that you are going to be with God in heaven? If God were to ask you, WHY SHOULD I LET YOU INTO MY HEAVEN? What would you say? If you are uncertain or hesitate for a moment to answer that question, this booklet has the ... BEST NEWS you could ever hear! The few minutes it will take you to read the following pages may be the most important time you will ever spend! Did you know that the Bible tells how you can KNOW FOR SURE that you have eternal life and will go to be with God in heaven? These things I have written to you ... that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13 Here's how you can KNOW FOR SURE... 1. HEAVEN (Eternal Life with God) IS A FREE GIFT. The Bible says, . . . th e GIFT of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 And because heaven is a gift like any other genuine gift...... IT IS NOT EARNED or DESERVED Therefore, no amount of personal effort, good works, or religious deeds can earn a place in heaven for you. By grace you have been saved through faith, and that NOT OF YOURSELVES. it is the gift of God, NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8.9 WHY is it that no one can earn his way to heaven? Because ... 2. MAN IS A SINNER. All have sinned and fall short of the glory, of God. Romans 3:23 Sin is transgressing God's law and includes such things as lying, lust, cheating, deceit, anger, evil thoughts. immoral behavior and more. And because of this ..... MAN CANNOT SAVE HIMSELF. If you wanted to save yourself by good deeds, do you know how good you would have to be? The Bible says you would have to be perfect. Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48 With such a high standard, no one can save himself for God also says, Whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. James 2:10 In spite of our sin, however ... 3. GOD IS MERCIFUL, and therefore DOESN'T WANT TO PUNISH US. This is because ... God is love. . . I John 4:8 and He says, I have loved you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3 But the same Bible that tells us that God loves us also tells us that . . . GOD IS JUST, and therefore MUST PUNISH SIN. He says ... I will by no means clear the guilty Exodus 34:7 The soul who sins shall die. Ezekiel 18:4 We have a problem; we have all sinned. The penalty for sin is death. We need forgiveness so that we can have a right relationship with God. God solved this problem for us in the Person of ... 4 . JESUS CHRIST Who exactly would you say Jesus Christ is? The Bible tells us clearly that He is the infinite GOD-MAN. In the beginning was the Word (Jesus) ... and the Word (Jesus) was with God ... and the Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us. . John 1:1,14 Jesus Christ came to earth and lived a sinless life, but while on earth ... WHAT DID HE DO? He died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and rose from the grave to purchase a place for us in heaven. All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned, every, one, to his own way, and the Lord has laid on Him (Jesus) the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6 God hates our sins but because of His love for us, He has placed them all on His Son. Christ bore our sin in His body on the cross. Now Jesus Christ offers you eternal life (heaven) as a free gift. This gift is received by ... 5. FAITH Faith is the key that opens the door to heaven. Many people mistake two things for saving faith: 1. Mere INTELLECTUAL ASSENT, that is, believing certain historical facts. The Bible says the devil believes in God, so believing in God is not saving faith. 2. Mere TEMPORAL FAITH, that is, trusting God for temporary crises such as fnancial, family, or physical needs. Now these are good, and you should trust Christ for these, but they are not saving faith! SAVING FAITH is trusting in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. It means resting upon Christ alone and what He has done rather than upon what you or I have done to get us into heaven. Believe (trust) on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. . . Acts 16:31 Faith is like the hand of a beggar receiving the gift of a King. We don't deserve the gift of eternal life. But we can have it, if we will receive it by faith. You have just read the greatest story ever told about the greatest offer ever made by the greatest Person who ever lived - Jesus Christ. The question that God is asking you now is ... WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE THE GIFT OF ETERNAL LIFE? Because this is such an important matter ... LET'S CLARIFY just what this involves. It means, first of all, that you TRANSFER YOUR TRUST from what you have been doing to what Christ has done for you on the cross. It means, next, that you RECEIVE THE RESURRECTED, LIVING CHRIST into your life as SAVIOR. He says, Behold, I stand at the door and knock [at the door of your life]. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him. Revelation 3:20 It means further that you RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST INTO YOUR LIFE AS LORD . He comes as Master and King. There is a throne room in your heart, and that throne is rightly His. He made you. He bought you and He wants to take His rightful place on the throne of your life. It means, finally, that you REPENT OF YOUR SINS. That means that you are willing to turn from anything you have been doing that is not pleasing to Him and to follow Him as He reveals His will to you in His Word. Now, if this is what you really want ... YOU CAN G0 TO GOD IN PRAYER right where you are. You can receive His gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ right now. ...with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation ... for whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10: 10, 13 If you want to receive the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ , then call on Him, asking Him for this gift right now. HERE IS A SUGGESTED PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, I know I am a sinner and do not deserve eternal life. But, I believe You died and rose from the grave to purchase a place in heaven for me. Lord Jesus, come into my life; take control of my life; forgive my sins and save me. I repent of my sins and now place my trust in you for my salvation. I accept the free gift of eternal life. If this prayer is the sincere desire of your heart, look at what Jesus promises to those who believe in Him. Most assuredly, I say to you ... he who believes in Me has everlasting life. John 6:47 WELCOME to God's Family! If you have truly repented (forsaken, turned away) from your sins, placed your trust in Jesus Christ's sacrificial death, and received the gift of eternal life, you are now a child of God! Forever! Welcome to the Family of God! But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. John 1:12 TODAY is your SPIRITUAL BIRTHDAY a day that you will always want to remember! Who were born, not of blood, nor of the Will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:13 When you were physically born, the day of your birth was attested by a birth certificate. And so today, to help you recall what God had done in your life on this important day, we invite you to sign and keep the following SPIRITUAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE For whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13 Knowing that I have sinned and that I need the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior. I now turn from my sins and trust Jesus for my eternal life. I ask Jesus Christ to forgive me and to deliver me from sin's power and give me eternal life. I _________________________________ now give Jesus Christ control of my life From this time forward, as He gives me strength, I will seek to serve Him and obey Him in all areas of my life. Date _____________________ Signature: __________________________ WHAT'S NEXT? Just as a newborn baby grows physically, so you will grow spiritually by taking the following steps: 1Read. one chapter of the Book of John in the BIBLE each day. As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word (of God), that you may grow thereby. I Peter 2:2 2. Spend time each day in PRAYER conversing with God. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. ... Philippians 4:6 3. WORSHIP regularly in a church that teaches you the Bible and honors Jesus Christ. I was glad when they said to me, Let us go into the house of the Lord Psalm 122:1 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. John 4:24 4. FELLOWSHIP with Christians who will help you grow in faith. Those who gladly received his, word ... continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:41,42 5. Be a WITNESS by telling others what Jesus Christ means to you! J esus said, Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies me be- fore men, him I will also deny before My Father Who is in heaven. Matthew 10:32,33 Remember to attend regularly a Bible-teaching CHURCH where Jesus Ch rist is honored. Confess your faith in Christ to them and join it. Not forsaking th e assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some... Hebrews 10:25 If you have appreciated the GOOD NEWS you have just read, please let us know. We want to rejoice in what God has done in your life and help you grow spiritually. Please call or write us. Used with permission of EVANGELISM EXPLOSION III INTERNATIONAL P. O. Box 23820 FT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA 33307 1989 Evangelism Explosion III International All rights reserved including translations. Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version, copyright 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson Publishers. For further information contact: Return to: L'Chaim - To Life! Page To Return To: Menorah's Web Page

Presents the Biblical reality of Who Jesus really is. Father & Holy Spirit =Jesus The Messiah in the Prophets The Messiah in the Prophets The Messiah in the Prophets Christ–Center of the O.T. The Messiah in the Prophets The Messiah in the Prophets The Messiah in the Prophets The Messiah in the Prophets The Messiah in the Prophets The Messiah in the Prophets The Messiah in the Prophets The Messiah in the Prophets 54 Reasons Jesus = Messiah Virgin-Birth of Jesus Messiah's Geneological Chart Messiah's Geneological Chart Messiah's Geneological Chart Resurrection of Jesus He is the visible image of the invisible God He is supreme over all creation, because in connection with him were created all things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, lordships, rulers or authorities they have all been created through him and for him. He existed before all things, and he holds everything together. Colossians 1:15-17 Jesus the Soul Sheperd Video Yeshua Jesus Is The Messiah Jesus Was A Jew Isaiah 53 Jesus Name Study Messiah is God-Divine Father-Holy Spirit-Jesus Biblical Jesus Is God Virgin-Birth of Jesus The Sign of the Virgin When Was Jesus Born? Jesus Claim To Be God God Taking Human Form Who Is The Jewish Messiah Resurrection of Jesus 54 Reasons = Messiah Messiah's Geneology Jesus in the Prophets Messiah proclaimed to Israel The Trinity Jesus is in all of the Bible Jesus–Center of O.T. Jesus' Return for the Church Messiah to = Last Sacrifice Yeshua-Jesus in Torah Talmud Midrash Biblical Discussion Return to To Life L'Chaim Eternal Life Web Page Return To How Catholics May Know They Go To Heaven page Return to Menorahs Web Page Return To Israel Tours Detail page

Biblically discusses and shows God's created Sabbath plus meanings The Sabbath The first three verses in Leviticus 23, which precede the list of appointed feasts, show the importance of what can be called the most important day of the sacred calendar, the Sabbath. Contrary to popular notions, the Sabbath was a day of delight. If you take the Sabbath from a Jew, you are robbing him of a precious jewel. The Sabbath was one of God's most precious gifts to Israel. It refers back to God's act of creation before man sinned. "God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it He rested from all the work of creating that He had done". Genesis 2:3 Leviticus 23:1-44 That rest was the Lord's own refreshing rest, made known to man, to be shared in by man newly created. The eye of God rested on His holy creation, and was refreshed. (It is a Jewish remark that "whoever does any work on the Sabbath denies the work of creation."! Hebrew Sabbath , day of holiness and rest observed by Jew from sunset on Friday to nightfall of the following day. The time division follows the biblical story of creation: “And there was evening and there was morning, one day” (Genesis 1:5). Weekly observance begins with candle lighting Friday evening before sunset & ends Saturday at nightfall. In Jewish homes the woman of the house lights white Sabbath candles before sunset on Friday evening and pronounces a benediction. The Sabbath meal that follows is preceded by the Kiddush (blessing of sanctification). Shabbat Shalom! How about you? Have you received your Redeemer, the Stone whom the builders rejected? In Him is life, light and joy and in His sacrifice is forgiveness of sin. He, the Messiah is the way to Eternal Shabbath, Yom Shekulo Shabbat! Reprinted for educational purposes from: ISRAEL’S Holy Days, In type and Prophecy, Daniel Fuchs, introduction Chosen People Ministries www.chosenpeople.com and from other Jewish Sources. For More Information: Return to L'Chaim - To Life! Page. Return to Biblical Feasts Page. To return to MENORAH'S HOME PAGE

Salvation testimony for Rabbi Asher Levy and brief history Rabbi Asher Levy I was a Jewish Rabbi for 35 years. Born in Yugoslavia, I was brought up in a very orthodox Jewish home. I was taught to say formal prayers and wear phylacteries as prescribed for every pious Jew (Deuteronomy 6: 8; 11: 18). At the age of 15 I went to the theological school for Rabbis where I studied the Old Testament and Talmudic commentaries and six years later I was ordained as Rabbi in Romania. Afterwards I served in Belgium, England and California. Outwardly I was happy and successful in my ministry but in my heart I was restless and discontented because I suffered much as a result of the emptiness of life in general. Six years ago I met a Jewish man with whom I discussed this matter. I did not know that he was a believer in Jesus Christ. His advice was: "Read Isaiah 53." I then read this well-known chapter concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which says that He was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities. I felt urged further to examine the Hebrew Scriptures and found these words written by the same prophet: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulders: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. “The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this (Isaiah 9:6, 7). I also read: Hear ye now, O House of David; is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son. and shall call his name Immanuel (Isaiah 7 :13, 14). "Immanuel" means "God with us”. This proved to me that Jesus was and is the Messiah in Whom all the prophecies were fulfilled. Meanwhile I had found a clear portrait of the Messiah in a small book which I had the privilege of getting into my hands. It was my first introduction to the New Testament. I started reading it like any other book, from the beginning: “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David son of Abraham," and found to my amazement that I was reading a Jewish book about a Jew. By reading it carefully I came to the conclusion that Jesus Christ was a Jew of the race of Abraham and David; that He was born of a Jewish virgin in the Jewish town of Bethlehem; of a Jewish tribe, the tribe of Judah. Because He knew the Law and the Prophets I followed Him on His journeys through the Holy Land, listened to His beautiful sayings and teaching, observed and admired His compassion and healings. It became my spiritual food. His promise of forgiveness of sins and eternal life lo those who believe in Him. drew me till I trusted Him as my Messiah and my personal savior. I want to confirm the fact that my heart does not condemn me for my new belief, because I feel that I am still a Jew and shall always be a Jew. I have not renounced our inheritance of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Like Paul I can say after my acceptance of Christ as my Savior: Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. (I Corinthians 11:22) Thus I repeat with pride the word of Romans 1:16: For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first. and also to the Greek. The brilliant example of the great apostle Paul influenced me very much and gave me the courage to accept the Lord Jesus as my personal Savior. Paul first was a zealous persecutor of Christ and then became His most faithful follower. He was a disciple of that great doctor of the Law, Raban Gamaliel, at whose feet he sat. It is believed that Raban Gamaliel became a follower of Christ before Paul did. The Bible tells us that some wanted to kill Peter and the other apostles because they were preaching Christ so boldly. Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the Law, had a reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; and said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do as touching these men. . . And now I say unto you, refrain from these men and let them alone, for if this counsel or this work be of men it will come to naught, but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it, lest haply ye be found even to fight against God (Acts 5:34, 35, 38, 39). It is two thousand years since the lowly Galilean, Jesus, traversed the hills and dales of Palestine, and He is still Master of the world. His Gospel is still preached. and Christ's name as Messiah of Israel is still proclaimed. And His message is still repeated everywhere: For God so loved. the world, that He gave his only begotten Son. that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life John 3:16. Hear, O Israel! For further information contact: To Return To Dr. Rabbi Max Wertheimer Testimony Page To Return To: Salvation Testimonies Page To Return To: L'Chaim -To Life! Page To Return To: Menorah's Web Page

Salvation testimony of Rabbi Wertheimer and his life in Messiah Jesus. Ho w A Rabbi Found Peace Personal Testimony of Dr. Max Wertheimer Former Rabbi of Temple Israel in Dayton. Ohio. Born in Germany, of orthodox Jewish parents, my first fifteen years were saturated with training in orthodox Judaism. Then I began my studies toward a career, and was apprenticed to a manufacturer, doing office work. Although I continued to read the prayers and attend synagogue, my worldly associates led me into sinful pleasures and I drifted from the faith of my fathers. My parents sent me to America to study in the Hebrew Union College in Ohio. There were major adjustments to be made, but I finished my training in all phases of Hebrew learning, completed my undergraduate work and received, eventually, my Master's degree. Having become proficient in translation of Hebrew into the vernacular, and with a complete knowledge of Jewish history, I was ordained and inducted into the rabbinical office. In my first charge I served ten years, receiving many tokens of affection from my flock. I contributed much to their knowledge of the social, industrial, and economic problems of the day. I spoke on monotheism, ethical culture, and the moral systems of the Jews. On Sabbath mornings I gave addresses on the Pentateuch and on Sundays I taught from eight in the morning to five in the evening with only one hour's break for dinner. I became popular as a public speaker and was often asked to speak in Christian churches. Well do I recall the day when I proudly stood before an audience of professing Christians and told them why I was a Jew and would not believe in their Christ as my Messiah Savior. I gloried in the Reform Judaism that acknowledge no need of an atoning sacrifice for sin, a religion of ethics which quieted qualms of conscience through a smug self-righteousness. In that audience sat a humble, elderly woman who prayed, "O God, bring Dr. Wertheimer to realize his utter need of that Savior he so boastingly rejects! Bring him, if necessary, to the very depths in order that he may know his need of my Lord Jesus Christ." What did I need of Jesus? I was perfectly satisfied with life. My wife was young, attractive and accomplished. I was rabbi of the B'nai Yeshorum Synagogue, lived in a beautiful home, enjoyed a place of prominence in the community where I spoke in every denominational church, was honorary member of the Ministerial Association, served as Chaplain in the Masonic Lodge, and faired sumptuously every day. Suddenly there came a change. My wife became seriously ill. and was soon dead, leaving me a distraught widower with two small children. I could not sleep, I walked the streets striving to find something that would make me forget the void in my life. My dreams were shattered. Where was comfort to be found? I called on the God of my fathers, but the heavens seemed as brass. How could I speak words of comfort to others when my own sorrow had brought me to despair? I delved into Spiritism, Theosophy and Christian Science only to find them futile and hopeless. I decided that I must resign and take time to think things through. I was perplexed about one thing in particular. Where was the spirit and soul of my loved one who had made my existence so sweet? What had become of her faculties. the intents and purposes of that active, keen mind? I turned to the Bible for an answer. Again I studied Judaism, but it answered no questions, it satisfied no craving in my heart. Then I began to read the New Testament, comparing it with the Old. In the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah I was perplexed by the expression, '...my righteous servant?' I found he was going to beer the iniquity of Israel. I decided it could not mean Israel, for the prophet spoke of them as a sinful nation, laden with iniquity. Who was it? I began to study the context and in Isaiah 50:6 I found, "I gave My back to the smiters." Then I read how the chapter began: "Thus said Jehovah." I asked, does God have a back? Did He give it to the smiters? Then I read he "gave his checks to them that pluck off the hair." And how he hid not His face "from shame and spitting." I asked myself, when did Jehovah have these human characteristics? When and why did He suffer these indignities? I was further perplexed by Psalm 110:1. In my confusion I began to read Isaiah from the beginning. I was stopped at the sixth verse of chapter nine: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulders: His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Here was a most incomprehensible thing! I was suddenly faced with the doctrine of the Trinity. What now about our popular monotheistic slogan, "Sh'ma Isroel, Adonai Eloheynu, Adonai, Echod." Upon that word "Echod" (one) the entire philosophy of Judaism is based. I had been taught by the rabbis that echod means absolute unity. I began to study that word and found to my amazement it was used of Adam and Eve, who became one. It was used again when the spies returned from Canaan with a cluster of' grapes (Eshol Echod). It was used again when the "men of Judah" stood up as one man" (Ish Echod). Suddenly I was struck with the error I had believed and proclaimed all through my ministry. Echod cannot mean absolute unity, but a composite unity. Next I began to search for the name of Jesus in the Old Testament. In my study I found that 275 years before Christ, King Ptolemy Philadelphus summoned men from Palestine and commanded them to translate the Hebrew Scriptures into the Greek vernacular. "They took the Pentateuch first, and when they came to "Joshua" they translated it the book of "Jesous," written with a circumflex over it, to show that there had been a suppression of the Hebrew that could not be expressed in Greek. When Joshua went into Canaan with the other eleven spies, he was called "Yehoshuah" (Jehovah is Saviour). That is exactly what the word "Jesus" means. I could hold out in unbelief no longer. I was convinced of the truth of God as it is in Christ Jesus. I cried, "Lord, I believe that Thou as Jehovah Yesous has made atonement for me. I believe that Jehova Yesous died for me. I believe that Thou has made provision for me. From henceforth I will publicly confess Yeshuah as my Savior and Lord." Thus, after months of searching, I was convinced that Jesus was the righteous servant of Jehovah, (Jehovah-tsidkenu), "The Lord our righteousness." While I had served as a rabbi I had yearned to give the bereaved some hope and comfort, but I could not give what I did not possess. Now I could approach those in heartbreaking grief and tragedy and give them the satisfying words of the Lord Jesus, "I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believed in Me shall never die." And again, "Verily, verily I say unto you: He that heareth My Word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath (possesses now) everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life." There is but one eternal life, and one source of eternal life; that is God's Son. What a great and glorious message we, His redeemed ones, are commissioned to deliver today. Printed with permission of Answered Prayer Printing Ministry New Beverly Church 3328 New Beverly Church Rd. Knoxville, TN 37918 Tracts FREE as the Lord Provides. To Return To: Salvation Testimonies Page Return to: L'Chaim - To Life! Page. To return to MENORAH'S HOME PAGE The Real Jesus

Through the Prophets of Israel the Messiah was repeatedly proclaimed The Jewish Messiah Was Proclaimed To Israel Yeshua-Jesus Was He Dr. Michael Brown’s Paper on John Hagee’s “In Defense of Israel” By Dr. Michael L. Brown Pastor John Hagee’s new book, In Defense of Israel: The Bible’s Mandate for Supporting the Jewish State (Lake Mary, Florida: Front Line, 2007), was publicized by announcements stating that the book would “shake Christian theology.” The following positions are explicitly laid out in the book: 1. The Jewish people, as a whole, did not reject Jesus as Messiah. 2. Jesus did not come to earth to be the Messiah. 3. Jesus refused by word and deed to be the Messiah. 4. The Jews cannot be blamed for not accepting what was never offered. Statements like this must be evaluated in light of 1 John 2:22: “Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ [i.e., Messiah]. Such a man is the antichrist—he denies the Father and the Son.” As commentator Stephen S. Smalley explained, “The true believer is the one who accepts the Christhood of Jesus, whereas those who deny his messianic identity declare themselves to be on the side of the antichrist” (Word Biblical Commentary). What could possibly be the motivation for teaching such error? First, In Defense of Israel desires to dispel once and for all the notion that all Jews are Christ-killers, a terrible lie that has fueled anti-Semitism in the Church for more than 1,500 years. Second, the book wants to refute the false teaching of replacement theology, explaining that, “Replacement theologians have said that ‘the covenant with Israel was broken because she would not accept Jesus Christ whom God sent.’” (See p. 132 of In Defense of Israel.) Tragically, in the attempt to fight against these serious errors, a more serious error has now been introduced. Yet some believers – and even leaders! – are buying into this error hook, line, and sinker, and some have begun to teach and preach it as well. Since the publication of the book, Pastor Hagee issued some clarifying remarks, but the clarifications only complicate the issues and fail to renounce and remove the error. Here are three fundamental statements that all believers should be able to affirm without hesitation: 1) Jesus came to be the Messiah. This is the fundamental message of the New Testament, which is why we call him “Christ” (meaning, “Messiah”). And it is a fundamental message of the Scriptures that the Messiah had to suffer and die if he was one day to rule and reign (see, e.g., Luke 24:25-27, 44-47), a biblical truth that most of the Jewish people of Yeshua’s day missed, a biblical truth that most Jews through the ages have continued to miss, and a biblical truth that In Defense of Israel has now fed into as well. In the clarifying statements that made since the publication of his book, it was explained that Jesus came to be the suffering Messiah but not the reigning Messiah – something, of course, that we all knew, and something that would hardly “shake Christian theology” – but these statements have simply introduced another nuance to the error, since nowhere in the New Testament is such a distinction made. In other words, God did not say to Israel, “It’s fine that you rejected Jesus as Messiah because he did not come in the political way you expected. He had to die in order to be the Savior of the world, so you are not guilty.” There is not a hint of such a message in the Scriptures, which simply proclaim him as the Messiah, period. That’s why Jesus explicitly identified himself as the Messiah in the Gospels (see, e.g., Matt 16:16-17; Mark 14:61-62; Luke 7:20-23; John 4:25-26; 5:39, 45-47; 10:24-25) – not as the suffering Messiah, whom his people were supposed to reject so that he could die, as opposed to the reigning Messiah, whom they would one day receive, but simply as the Messiah – and that’s why the Gospel authors frequently announced him as the Messiah (in Greek, the Christ; see, e.g., Luke 2:11, 26; John 1:41; 3:28; 11:27; 20:31). And that’s why the apostles proclaimed him as the Messiah in Acts (see, e.g., Acts 2:31, 36; 3:18, 20; 4:26; 5:42; 8:5; 9:22; 17:2-3; 18:5, 28; 26:23). I would encourage you to look up every reference cited here. It is all quite simple, forthright, and easy to understand, and nowhere is any distinction made between the suffering and reigning Messiah. To repeat: Jesus is proclaimed as the Messiah of Israel, period, and because he is the Messiah of Israel, he is the Savior of the world. 2) The Jewish people rejected their Messiah. Although all Jews are not Christ-killers (God forbid!), and although the entire Jewish nation did not play a role in the crucifixion of Jesus, God held the Jewish people in Jesus’ day responsible for his death and, more significantly, he held them responsible for rejecting Jesus the Messiah after his resurrection. The New Testament witness is explicit and consistent on this. That’s why the apostles preached to “the people of Israel” that they were guilty of rejecting the Messiah (Acts 2:22-23, 36; 3:13-15, 17, 19; 4:10-11; 5:30; 7:52; 13:27-28; see also John 1:12), and that’s why Paul spoke of Israel’s hardening, breaking off, stumbling, transgression, and rejection (see Rom 9:31; 10:3; 11:7, 11-12, 15, 20 – although with the full expectation of Israel’s future redemption; see Rom 11:11-15, 25-26). Again, I encourage you to take a moment to look up these passages. They are striking in their force and consistency. Because of this rejection, severe judgment came on the Jewish people in the first century, as prophesied by Yeshua with tears (see Luke 19:41-44; see also Matt 23:29-37) and as taught in his parables (see, e.g., Matt 21:33-46; 22:1-14). As painful as this witness is, it cannot be rewritten, nor can anyone lessen Israel’s guilt because it was God’s will that Jesus died on the cross. To the contrary, just as it was God’s will that Joseph be sold into Egyptian slavery and yet at the same time his brothers were guilty of sinning against him (Gen 44:16-45:5; 50:14-20), so also it was God’s will that Yeshua die for our sins while at the same time the Jewish people, along with Herod and Pilate and the Romans, were guilty of having him crucified (see Acts 2:22-24; 4:27-28). It is scripturally impossible to claim that “the Jews cannot be blamed for not accepting what was never offered.” A glorious offer was made and refused, and that’s why Paul’s heart was broken (see Rom 9:1-5). 3) Jesus remains the Jewish Messiah, and there is no salvation for the Jewish people outside of faith in him. Although Pastor Hagee has consistently stated that he does not teach “dual covenant” theology, referring to the false concept that Jews can be saved outside of faith in Jesus, his new teaching certainly aids and abets that error. After all, if “The Jews Did Not Reject Jesus as Messiah” (as stated in bold print in his book), and if “Jesus refused by word and deed to be the Messiah” (be it the “reigning Messiah” or not), then, not only can it be said that “the Jews [in Jesus’ day] cannot be blamed for not accepting what was never offered” but that the Jews in any day cannot be blamed for not accepting Yeshua. This again is a fundamental denial of the Word of God, and although In Defense of Israel claims that the “message of the gospel was from Israel, not to Israel,” Jesus, Peter, and Paul declared that the message of the gospel was to Israel first, and then from Israel to the nations (see Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8; 3:26; 13:32-39; Rom 1:16; in Paul’s words to the Jewish leaders in Rome, it was “for the sake of the hope of Israel” that he was bound in chains; Acts 28:20). To be sure, there are a number of other errors found in the critical section of In Defense of Israel (including the myth that there was a so-called cup of the Messiah, the alleged fourth cup of the Passover meal that Yeshua supposedly refused to drink), but this is not the place to address those concerns, and to focus on the smaller problems would detract from the larger picture. If you are not currently on our e-list, I would encourage you to sign up. www.askdrbrown.org To Return To The Real Yeshua-Jesus To Return To MENORAH -Menorah Ministries- ...Home Page

Comparison of some world faiths positions to that given in Bible Scripture. Truth vs Error 7 Biblical Fundamentals Compared to 13 False World Faith Religions Truth vs. Error 7 Biblical Fundamentals Compared to 13 False World Faith Religions TRUTH.... "They received the Wor d with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11 Armstrongism vs. The Bible Christian Science vs. The Bible Eastern Mystism vs. The Bible Freemasonry vs The Bible Islam vs The Bible Jehovah Witness vs. The Bible Mormonism vs. The Bible - Mormon brother letter from a brother -Mormon Rebuttal and Response to Such -The Bible vs Joseph Smith Video -The Bible vs the Book of Morman New Apostolic Church vs. The Bible Roman Catholic vs Biblical Christianity Spiritualism vs. The Bible The Way International vs. The Bible Unification Church vs. The Bible Unity vs. The Bible World Mission Society Church of God - Biblical Answers To the World Mission Society Church of God - Encountering the Cult of Ahnsahnghong Other Information: False and 'Near Christian' Religions Islam and Why All Religions Cannot Be True Suggested(recommended) Reading The Bible! The Real Yeshua/Jesus Biblical--Historical! To return to Menorah's Web Page

Prior to The Cross Jewish people could be considered righteous by Faith.   The Biblical way, which is seen as only possible through acceptance of the Messiah's way by all people, Jew and Gentile (non-Jewish).  I believe such way to 'eternal life' with God, in the world-to-come, is only by faith in the Messiah Jesus. On the basis of Jewish Scripture (the Bible) and historical facts, Yeshua (Jesus) is this expected anointed one from God, the " ONLY " Messiah, Redeemer, Savior.     Romans 1:16-17 Ask Re’uben How did (do) non-Jewish people become "righteous" before G od in Biblical times and today, according to Jewish Law? S H A L O M ! ________ A MESSIANIC JEWISH SCRIPTURAL VIEW _______ Biblical Question: How did (do) non-Jewish people become "righteous" before God in Biblical times and today, according to Jewish Law? Rick from Colorado asks: Dear Pastor Reuben, I have been told by some Jewish people that I as a Gentile can become righteous to and before God without keeping the Jewish Law (613 Commandments). What really are they talking about? How can a Gentile become righteous before God? Is Jewish Law seen as the way or is there another according to Jewish Law? I appreciate your help. Pastor Reuben's Answer: Dear Rick, shalom, The Seven Noahide Laws According to rabbinic tradition, non-Jews are obligated to abide by seven basic laws, called Noahide Laws, which are based on chapter nine of Genesis. Judaism never expected anyone but Jews to abide by all the laws of the Torah (5 books of Moses), but it did expect all human beings to live by elementary moral precepts. The 7 Laws are: 1. To behave equitably in all relationships, & to establish courts of justice. 2. To refrain from blaspheming God's name. 3. To refrain from practicing idolatry. 4. To avoid immoral practices, specifically incest. 5. To avoid shedding the blood of one's fellow man. 6. To refrain from robbing one's fellow man. 7. To refrain from eating a limb torn from a live animal. A Gentile who observes these is considered a righteous person (Chassid), & as such is assured a place in the world- to-come, just as any observant Jew who abides by all 613 precepts of the Torah . Gentiles can become righteous. Of course this is not t he Biblical way, which is seen as only possible through acceptance of the Messiah's way by all people, Jew and Gentile (non-Jewish). I believe such way to 'eternal life' with God, in the world-to-come, is only by faith in the Messiah Jesus. On the basis of Jewish Scripture (the Bible) and historical facts, Yeshua (Jesus) is this expected anointed one from God, the " ONLY " Messiah, Redeemer, Savior. Romans 1:16-17 What is born from the flesh is flesh, and what is born from the Spirit is spirit. Stop being amazed at my telling you that you must be born again from above! The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it’s going. That’s how it is with everyone who has been born from the Spirit.” Nakdimon replied, “How can this happen?” Yeshua answered him, “You hold the office of teacher in Isra’el, and you don’t know this? Yes, indeed! I tell you that what we speak about, we know; and what we give evidence of, we have seen; but you people don’t accept our evidence! If you people don’t believe me when I tell you about the things of the world, how will you believe me when I tell you about the things of heaven? No one has gone up into heaven; there is only the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. Just as Moshe lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only and unique Son, so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life, instead of being utterly destroyed. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but rather so that through him, the world might be saved. John 3:6-17 God bless you, Reuben Questions are welcome from ALL readers at ALL levels and Forums, from everyone. Questions of general interest will be considered for inclusions in this column. Those of a more personal nature will be keep confidential and we will answer via e-mail; always state your name, email address and your comment/question in as brief & precise manner as possible. To submit a question, etc. please address it to reuben@menorah.org ask.....ask......ask.....ask.....ask.....ask......ask.....ask.....ask.....ask.....ask To Return To Jews, Genti les, & The Church To return to ..... Ask Pastor ReubenBiblical Answers To Asked Questions..... To return to To Life L'Chaim Find Eternal Life Page To return to Menorah's Web Page

Bible says you as a Gentile cannot convert to be Jewish, you are as born. Can a Christian Gentile "Convert" to Judaism “Become a Jew" and Remain a Christian? By Timothy J. Huckabay/Cohen A major challenge within Christendom has always been the struggle for, and maintenance of Biblical orthodoxy. It is with this in mind, that the question must be raised, "Can a Christian Gentile convert to Judaism and remain a Christian?" Because a growing number of Christians are now entertaining conversion, this issue has great implications for the future of the scriptural Messianic movement. 1 Before proceeding, let's consider what conversion to Judaism is. Is it physical, such that the converted individual is said to be of the physical descent of Jacob, whom God called Israel? Or is it spiritual, so that the person is identified with a religion. Conversion does not alter a person's genetic makeup. If a Gentile becomes circumcised physically, he becomes a circumcised Gentile. If an Israelite (i.e., a Jew) becomes uncircumcised (e.g., through an operation—something which has happened in the past to avoid persecution or exclusion), he becomes an uncircumcised Israelite. 2 Therefore, contrary to the opinions of some, when a person converts to Judaism, he is identifying with a religion, not a physical lineage. Though Christianity is a faith centered upon the Messiah (Christ), it is also Biblical Judaism. Unlike Rabbinic Judaism, it sees Yeshua (Jesus) as the Messianic goal and fulfillment of the Hebrew scriptures. Israelites are today known by the blanket term "Jews," the root of which means "praise" (cf. Genesis 49:8; Isaiah 43:21). Yet "he is not a Judean [Jew] who is one outwardly, nor is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Judean who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in The Spirit, and not in the letter, whose praise is not from men, but from God." A Christian is one who, like the Israelites spoken of in Romans 2:28-29, gives praise to God through the circumcision of his heart, not his flesh. Born again Christians have the right spiritual nature. Should they, therefore, seek to take upon themselves a wrong spiritual nature, one that denies the triune Godhead, through conversion to a different, non-Biblical Judaism (i.e., a counterfeit gospel)? And if they are not seeking a spiritual conversion (which would require a renunciation of belief in Yeshua as The Messiah), how can they honestly say that they are converting at all? 3 Different opinions are held regarding such conversions. There are those who do not see any theological problems with them (even though most are done covertly—cf. 2 Peter 2:1), and there are others who would denounce them outright as the fruit of a destructive heresy, one that sooner or later leads to a falling away, or apostasy from the simplicity and truth of Biblical Christianity. 4 Some, if not most of those who undergo such conversions do so in an effort to emigrate to Israel as Israeli citizens, often with the expressed intent to evangelize unbelieving Israelis. Further, they do so knowing that Israel's Supreme Court has declared Christian Israelites outside of Israel ineligible for guaranteed citizenship as Israelites under its Law of Return. Unfortunately, once there, few Christian "converts" engage in open evangelization for fear of possible revocation of citizenship and subsequent expulsion. Yet Christians visiting Israel are, like Israel's indigenous believers, relatively free to share their faith. 5 Is conversion for the sake of emigration (or any other reason), at the cost of implicitly, if not explicitly denying the Name of Yeshua before men, really commendable? Could God's will possibly be found in this kind of maneuver? Shouldn't both Israelite and non-Israelite Christians be willing to suffer exclusion from the land of Israel for the Name of their Messiah, and the latter all the more so, inasmuch as God never promised the land of Israel to them (cf. Galatians 6:12-16)? Yeshua did say that His followers would be excluded by unbelievers for His sake (see Luke 6:22-23; cf. Galatians 4:17, 4:21, 5:1).6 According to the Hebrew scriptures, Israelite males were to be physically circumcised on the eighth day after birth as evidence of the covenant between God, Abraham, and Abraham's physical descendants. Yet that circumcision was intended not merely as a fleshly token of the faith of the parents, but as a reflection of the circumcision in the hearts of those parents who faithfully served God; for it was a "seal of the righteousness of the faith." 8 Indeed, Israelites often looked with disdain upon those who were not so-circumcised. 9 In the pre-Messianic economy, Gentiles who wanted to serve the God of Israel were generally required to enter into the Abrahamic Covenant, which was later incorporated into the Mosaic Law (for men, this involved physical circumcision; see Leviticus 12:3; cf. John 7:22-23).10 Through such entry, these Gentiles became foreign proselytes, not Israelites. 11 Though the first-century leaders of the New Testament church used the word "apostasy" of believing Israelite parents who "forsake" (Lit., apostatize) the Mosaic Law and the physical circumcision of their sons (Acts 21:21, Gk.; cf. 1 Maccabees 1:48-50, 1:60-62a, 2:15; Romans 3:1-4),12 the Bible as a whole places far greater emphasis upon circumcision in the heart. 13 In fact, God chided unfaithful Israelites for their uncircumcised hearts. 14 Yet every born again Christian who serves God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24) has a circumcised heart in Yeshua, 15 through His death and resurrection, 16 and through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit. 17 Division between Israelites and Gentiles no longer exists in this regard (see Ephesians 2:11-22). The New Covenant expressly forbids the requirement of physical circumcision for Gentiles as a sign of faithfulness to God (e.g., see Acts 15:1-29), and strongly discourages its encouragement by Israelites (e.g., see Titus 1:9-11) or false Israelite brethren (cf. Galatians 2:2-5), though circumcision of the heart is required. All believers have liberty to either observe or not observe those aspects of the Mosaic Law that do not concern themselves with God's righteous standards. 18 Christians are "not under law, but under grace" (Romans 6:14); for "if righteousness is through the Law, then Messiah died in vain" (Galatians 2:21). But what if a Christian Gentile wants to "convert"? Should someone who spiritually fulfills the physical token seek to have the token itself or the calling that it implies? Can a believer attain a closer, or more "complete" walk with Yeshua, as some claim, through conversion? No, but "let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called" (see 1 Corinthians 7:17-20), being "straightforward with the Gospel," not building again those things which have been "crucified with Messiah" (see Galatians 2:11 to 3:5). In the opinion of most scholars and theologians, a literal reading of the scriptures would seem to indicate that when a Christian converts (e.g., through physical circumcision or bloodletting for men, or ritual immersion for women), he nullifies his liberty in Messiah, such that the keeping of the Mosaic Law is no longer an option, but a Biblical mandate. Indeed, belief in Yeshua will profit that person "nothing" (see Galatians 5:1-3), his having "become estranged from Messiah," having "fallen from grace" (see Galatians 5:4-12). Even when desired, such circumcision, which Paul called mutilation, 19 leads to estrangement from Yeshua. 20 If that's not a destructive heresy secretly brought in by false teachers, what is (see 2 Peter 2:1-3; cf. Galatians 5:13-26; 2 Timothy 4:1-5)? What about the inherent deception involved in the feigned "conversion" of a Christian Gentile to Judaism for purposes such as emigration to Israel, or more effective witnessing to Israelites? 21 God's Word everywhere encourages and admonishes those who faithfully serve Him to do so "in truth" (cf. Revelation 14:5). Deception and truthfulness do not usually mix. 22 In the very context of Israelite circumcision (Romans 3:1-4), Paul addressed the use of deception to achieve good aims, stating, "And why not say, 'Let us do evil that good may come'?—as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say; their condemnation is just" (Romans 3:8; cf. 3:5-7). Therefore, we cannot Biblically justify false circumcisions (mutilations) or conversions, which can only serve to discredit and obscure the Gospel before unbelievers, especially when they are discovered. 23 Footnotes: 1 If, after reading this article, you feel that it has not satisfactorily addressed the issues at hand, please specify your concerns, ideas, etc., in writing to: MENORAH -Menorah Ministries- Fax: 303-339-0365 303-355-2009 menorah@menorah.org . We will happily consider anything that you have to say. Keep in mind that we are primarily addressing issues related to the conversion of Christian Gentiles to Judaism while still professing to be Christians. We are not concerned with circumcision for peripheral, non-spiritual reasons (e.g., physical health). (written for and by request of MENORAH -Menorah Ministries- Copyright 1993 by Timothy J. Huckabay. All Rights reserved for MENORAH -Menorah Ministries-.) 2 Gordon Lewis, Professor of Systematic Theology at Denver Seminary, comments, "If the questions have to do with ethnic Israelites, it is impossible for a Gentile to become a Jew. The oneness of Jew and Gentile in Christ does not rule out ethnic differences any more than male or female distinctions. In spite of our gender and ethnic differences, however, we are one in Christ spiritually. No, Gentiles cannot become ethnic Jews or vice versa." Rich Robinson, Jews for Jesus' Research Librarian, adds, "Jewishness is dependent not only on identifying as a Jew [religiously] but on descent from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.... A Gentile who converts to Judaism is still a Gentile biblically." 3 Robinson remarks, "converting to Judaism makes a statement that a Christian should not want to make. That statement is, 'By converting I agree with the tenets of Reform Judaism, or Orthodox Judaism, or whatever.' However, a Christian cannot in good conscience subscribe to those tenets. In other words, a Gentile Christian who converts is claiming to accept a set of beliefs and attitudes that he or she shouldn't be holding.... [How] are converts going to remain honest about their faith in Jesus?... Even though Jewishness and faith in Christ are not mutually exclusive, the religion of Judaism and faith in Christ are. And it would be unethical to hide the fact that one is a follower of Yeshua." 4 Sam Nadler, President of Chosen People Ministries, Inc., remarks, "I consider it deceptive and dishonest, and/or theologically foolish.... Indeed, it confounds the testimony of Messiah by negating the diversity and unity we have in Him, who has made the two into one new man." Dave Hunt, a well-known Christian author, comments, "Since the cross, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, but a new creature in Christ. Therefore, it is utter folly for a Christian—indeed, impossible—to go back to the OLD COVENANT relationship (which they would have to do) in order to 'become Jewish.'" Robinson states, "Though some others on our Jews for Jesus staff might have other observations to make, I don't know of any who would differ from my basic point. That point is that it's both wrong and counter-productive for Gentile Christians to convert to Judaism." 5 Robinson adds, "some might seek conversion out of a desire to identify with the Jewish people and be a better witness. In reality, most Jewish people would be confused by such a move.... And as for being a witness, it is much better for a Gentile to show love for the Jewish people by friendship and practical actions rather than by converting." 6 Christians should note that the 144,000 Israelites who are to be sealed during the Tribulation Period (Revelation 7:1-8, 14:1-3) are not only martially chaste, following The Lamb "wherever He goes" (Revelation 14:4), but they also have "no guile" (i.e., deceit) "in their mouth," being "without fault before the throne of God" Revelation 14:5. 7 See Genesis 17:10-14, 17:23-27, 21:4. 8 See Romans 4:11; cf. Joshua 5:2-8; 2 Timothy 2:19-23. 9 E.g., see Genesis 34:13-27; Judges 14:3, 15:18; 1 Samuel 14:6, 17:26, 17:36, 31:4; 2 Samuel 1:20; 1 Chronicles 10:4; cf. Leviticus 19:23; Isaiah 52:1; Jeremiah 9:25-26; Ezekiel 28:10, 31:18 to 32:32, 44:6- 9; Habakkuk 2:15-16; Acts 11:2-3; Ephesians 2:11-12. 10 Prophecies concerning the Millennial Temple seem to indicate that Gentiles will not be permitted to enter God's sanctuary on Mount Zion, when the Mosaic ordinances will be reinstated (with the exception of those pertaining to guilt and sin offerings), unless they are circumcised both in the heart and in the flesh (e.g., by their parents; see Ezekiel 44:6-9). 11 E.g., to keep the Passover; see Exodus 12:43-45, 12:48-50; cf. Genesis 17:23, 17:27. Rachel, Leah, Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth were proselytes (see Ruth 4:10-12; cf. Genesis 38:11-29; 1 Chronicles 2:3-4), not Israelites, who married Israelite men. Their sons (e.g., the sons of Jacob, Perez, Boaz, and Obadiah), however, were Israelites inasmuch as their fathers were Israelites. Therefore, these women, and others like them, cannot rightly be used as examples of Gentiles who "became" Israelites; rather, they adopted the faith and religion of Israel, and dwelt among the Israelites as proselytes (cf. Ezek 47:21-23). Indeed, Dr. Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum notes, "The Jew is the nationality; Judaism is the religion. Acceptance of Judaism by a Gentile does not make him a Jew, but a proselyte. For that reason, the New Testament makes a distinction between Jews and proselytes in four passages [(see Matthew 23:15; Acts 2:10, 6:5, 13:43)].... Gentile converts to Judaism are never given the title of Jew.... Many Gentiles have tried to claim Jewishness on the principle of conversion based on Ruth's story. However, Ruth is consistently called a Moabitess both before and after her acceptance of the God of Israel [(see Ruth 1:22, 2:2, 2:6, 2:21, 4:5, 4:10; cf. Ruth 1:16-17, 4:11-12; Revelation 2:9)]" (Israelology: The Missing Link in Systematic Theology {California: Ariel Ministries Press, 1993}, pp. 751-752). What about the men of Shechem? After Jacob's daughter Dinah was raped by Shechem, Shechem sought to marry her (see Genesis 34:1-6). But Dinah's Israelite brothers were incensed and bent on revenge and justice. When Shechem's father proposed that marriage and other marriages between the two peoples (see Genesis 34:7-12), which he saw as an opportunity for commerce and wealth (see Genesis 34:10, 34:23), Jacob's sons decided to trick them into being circumcised so that they could more easily attack and kill them, not so that they could become proselytes (see Genesis 34:13-31). Consequently, we see that despite appearances, this incident had nothing to do with spiritual conversion, and nothing in it, when it is understood in context, even remotely suggests that a Gentile can become part of physical Israel through circumcision. 12 Timothy, a believing Israelite with a Gentile father, was physically circumcised by Paul for the sake of his (i.e., Timothy's) witness to other Israelites as an Israelite (see Acts 16:1-3), not for "conversion" to Judaism. Historically, the sons of Israelite mothers and Gentile fathers were generally not circumcised by their fathers in accordance with the Abrahamic Covenant. Consequently, there was a legitimate question of ethnic identification. Were these sons to be considered Israelites or Gentiles? So long as they remained uncircumcised, in violation of the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants, they could not properly be called Israelites, though their lineage as such was never in question (cf. Leviticus 24:10-15). Yet these sons had the right to choose for themselves to identify with Israel through physical circumcision. Under Paul's guidance, Timothy did so. Fruchtenbaum remarks, "Timothy had Jewish roots and so, for him, circumcision was a valid option" (Israelology, p. 750). Timothy, therefore, cannot be used as a New Covenant example of ethnic affirmation (when just one parent is an Israelite) or conversion, which it everywhere mitigates against or condemns (irrespective of ethnicity). He can, however, be used as an example of ethnic identification by uncircumcised sons who have an Israelite parent. 13 E.g., see Deuteronomy 10:12-18, 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4; Romans 2:23-29; cf. Exodus 6:12, 6:30; Deuteronomy 30:2, 30:8,30:14; Jeremiah 31:31-34, 32:37-40; Ezekiel 11:19-21, 44:6-9; Romans 4:7-12. 14 E.g., see Genesis 17:14; Leviticus 26:41; cf. Exodus 4:24-26; Jeremiah 6:10, 9:25. 15 E.g., see Colossians 2:10-11; cf. Romans 8:3; Colossians 3:9-17. 16 E.g., see Romans 6:1-15; Colossians 2:12-15. 17 E.g., see 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Philippians 3:3. 18 E.g., God's sabbaths and feasts (which Israelites were to observe), the dietary commandments, etc. (see Romans 14:5-8, 14:21-22; Colossians 2:16-17; cf. Hebrews 8:5, 10:1). 19 See Philippians 3:2-3, NKJV or NIV. The NASB calls this mutilation false circumcision. 20 None of the passages just referenced (e.g., 1 Corinthians 7:17-20, Galatians 5, Philippians 3:2-3, etc.) are set in a Judaizing context. They are, therefore, applicable not only to those who would require such circumcision (i.e., Judaizers), but also to those who merely recommend or encourage it. 21 Some individuals have actually attended synagogues of unbelievers for months in order to obtain "conversions" without openly admitting their Christian faith. Israeli authorities, and all but the most liberal rabbis, consider conversions of the nature we have been discussing to be deceptive and dishonest, and, if they are discovered, null and void. In fact, most Israelites, including many of those who are believers, are agreed on these points. 22 Not even Abram (Abraham), who for a noble purpose (i.e., staying alive for his wife's sake) implored Sarai (Sarah) to identify herself as his sister before Pharaoh, can be said to have lied; for she was his half- sister (Gen 20:12). True, Abram conspired with his wife to deceive Pharaoh, but he did so out of desperation to save both their lives (see Genesis 12:11-20; cf. 20:1-14). Yet the scriptures do not leave room for such tactics where the Gospel is concerned. 23 See Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Timothy 5:19-21; 2 Timothy 2:24-26; cf. Leviticus 19:17; Deuteronomy 19:15; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 5:11 to 6:3; 2 Corinthians 13:1-2; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 3:14-15; Hebrews 10:28; James 5:20. For Additional Information or with questions contact: Return to Convert? .... Can A Gentile Christian Become A Jew? ...... Really ?! To return to MENORAH'S HOME PAGE

Our Menorah Ministries Prayer needs to pray about with us. -Property location in Israel for a Menorah House Mission Center -Open honest before God doors/hearts to the Gospel -The strength, provision and protection of the Lord Yeshua-Jesus -Staff and volunteers for our outreaches and office -Ministry opportunities per the Lord’s direction, His call upon this ministry -Prayer and financial support friends -Nearness and blessing of our Lord and Savior Messiah Yeshua-Jesus! Ministry Needs Property location in Israel for a Menorah House Mission Center Open honest before God doors/hearts to the Gospel The strength, provision and protection of the Lord Yeshua-Jesus Staff and volunteers for our outreaches and office Ministry opportunities per the Lord’s direction and His call upon this ministry Prayer and financial support friends Nearness and blessing of our Lord and Savior Messiah Yeshua-Jesus! To Return To Menorah's Web Page

Provides Biblical understanding of Jesus's Hebrew name and pronunciation. Yeshua-Jesus Name Study To Return To Menorah's Web Page To Return To The Real Jesus Web Page

Examines if God can and did, does take human form ever. Theophany and a Christophany. A Theophany is an appearance of God. A Christophany is a pre-incarnate appearance of Messiah-Christ in the Tanakh-Old Testament. The God of the Tanakh-Old Testament is not and cannot be any different from the God of the New Testament. First let’s look at the Oneness and The Plurality of God. The Tanakh-Old Testament indicates that this one God did not act alone in either creation or redemption. There was Another with Him who, by definition, would have to be a part of this one God. It is easy to find God’s Co-creator in the book of Genesis: Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” . Here He is called “Elohim,” the plural of “El” or “Eloha,” the word for God. Why is the word plural? Critics would say it is “the plural of majesty,” similar to the “editorial we” when a royal person speaks in the plural. But “the plural of majesty” was unknown in Scripture. Furthermore, the plural pronoun is used for God: "Let us make humankind in our image, in the likeness of ourselves” in verse 26. And when God created man in His image, He did not create a single individual, but a family (Adam = mankind) to mirror the divine image. Some argue that God is speaking in the plural with the heavenly court in mind-the angels: “Let us make.” But angels did not “make” man, and man is not made in their image. God also uses the plural pronoun in Genesis 3:22; 11:6-7, and Isaiah 6:8. God appears in the Tanakh-Old Testament in different ways: 1. As an angel of the LORD* Acts 7:30-32 “After forty more years, an angel appeared to him in the desert near Mount Sinai in the flames of a burning thorn bush. When Moses saw this, he was amazed at the sight; and as he approached to get a better look, there came the voice of the LORD, 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.' But Moses trembled with fear and didn't dare to look. The angel of the LORD* appeared to him in a fire blazing from the middle of a bush. He looked and saw that although the bush was flaming with fire, yet the bush was not being burned up.” Exodus 3:2 He made Himself lower than Moses in order to speak to him. At the same time He insisted upon His divinity: “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground” . (v. 5) Was He foreshadowing a future time when He would humble Himself to enter human flesh? When Hagar fled from her mistress, Sarah, The angel of the LORD found her by a spring in the desert,” and appeared to her. But he is also the LORD Himself: “So she named the LordI who had spoken with her El Ro'i [God of seeing],” because she said, "Have I really seen the One who sees me [and stayed alive]?" Genesis 16:7, 13 God told Abraham to sacrifice his son (Genesis 22), but at the crucial moment “the angel of the LORD” called from heaven reversing the command (v. 11). In His second speech He says, “I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this...I will surely bless you” (vv. 15-17). Once again the LORD’s messenger is identified as the LORD. When Jacob blessed his grandsons, he recognized the Angel as God: “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has led me all my life long to this day, the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads" . Genesis 48:15-16 Judges 2:1 Now the angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bokhim and said, "I brought you up out of Egypt, led you to the land I swore to your fathers and said, 'I will never break my covenant with you.’” During the exodus from Egypt “the angel of God” traveled with Israel in the pillar of cloud, separating Israel from the Egyptians. Exodus 14:19 The next morning it was ”the LORD” who looked down from the cloud and troubled the Egyptians (v. 24). God’s angel, traveling with Israel in the cloud, was the LORD. God tells more about this angel in Exodus 23: “Behold, I am sending an angel before you, to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place which I have prepared. Give heed to him and hearken to his voice, do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgression; for my name is in him. . . . My angel will go ahead of you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites,” etc. (vv. 20-23). This angel is distinct from God -- he is sent by God. The distinction is further emphasized in God’s pronouncement after the golden calf incident: “I will send an angel before you... but I will not go with you”. Exodus. 33:2-3 But this “angel of the LORD” is also God. Judges 13:20-21 . As the “flame went up toward the sky from the altar, the angel of the LORD went up in the flame from the altar. When Manoach and his wife saw it, they fell to the ground on their faces. Then Manoach realized it had been the angel of the LORD, That they had seen God and lived.” 2. Apparently in physical form . Genesis 3:8 “They heard the voice of the LORD, God, walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, so the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD, God, among the trees in the garden.” Genesis 18 On one occasion Abraham looked up and saw three men standing by. The text indicates that one was the LORD and the other two were angels. They took on physical bodies, feeling the heat of the day, needing their dusty feet to be washed, and eating an unkosher dinner of veal, bread, curds, and milk. Afterward the LORD walked with Abraham down the dusty road toward Sodom, professing to be on a mission to investigate for Himself whether conditions there were as bad as He had heard. He let Abraham bargain with Him about the fate of the city. Almighty God condescended to come down to earth as a man and dialog with his friend Abraham! Exodus 24:9-11 “Moses, Aaron, Nadav, Avihu and seventy of the leaders went up; and they saw the God of Isra'el. Under his feet was something like a sapphire stone pavement as clear as the sky itself. He did not reach out his hand against these notables of Isra'el; on the contrary, they saw God, even as they were eating and drinking.” In Joshua’s encounter with the LORD outside of Jericho, there are two Persons mentioned. “As commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.” Joshua 5:14 The commander of the army is presumably second in command to the LORD of the army. But in his instructions to Joshua regarding the conquest of Jericho, this commander of the army himself is called “the LORD.” “And the LORD said to Joshua, ‘See, I have given into your hand Jericho,’” . Joshua 6:22ff So again there is the LORD on earth speaking to Joshua in behalf of the LORD in heaven. 3. In visions and dreams Numbers 12:6-8 He said, "Listen to what I say: when there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, make myself known to him in a vision, I speak with him in a dream. But it isn't that way with my servant Moses. He is the only one who is faithful in my entire household. With him I speak face to face and clearly, not in riddles; he sees the image of the LORD. So why weren't you afraid to criticize my servant Moses?” 4. In a cloud and a column of smoke Exodus 13:21 “the LORD went ahead of them in a column of cloud during the daytime to lead them on their way, and at night in a column of fire to give them light; thus they could travel both by day and by night.” Exodus 14:19-20 “Next, the angel of God, who was going ahead of the camp of Isra'el, moved away and went behind them; and the column of cloud moved away from in front of them and stood behind them. It stationed itself between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Isra'el - there was cloud and darkness here, but light by night there; so that the one did not come near the other all night long.” Exodus 34:5-6 “Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed His Name, the LORD. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, ‘The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God....’”. In the Bible God defines Himself by His great acts. He alone is the Creator. For says the LORD, who formed the earth and made it: “I am the LORD, and there is no other” . Isaiah 45:18 Remember …. He alone is the Redeemer. Would God Become a Man? In the Old Testament we have seen God becoming a man. Scripture tells us God will take on humanity before His birth at Bethlehem! Micah 5:2 says: “But you, Bethlehem near Efrat, so small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth to me the future ruler of Isra'el, whose origins are far in the past, back in ancient times.” Jesus told His opponents that He had known Abraham, “Abraham, your father, was glad that he would see my day; then he saw it and was overjoyed." "Why, you're not yet fifty years old," the Judeans replied, "and you have seen Abraham?" Yeshua-Jesus said to them, "Yes, indeed! Before Abraham came into being, I AM!" John 8:56-58 Isaiah predicted in explicit terms that God would be born in human flesh. “Therefore the LORD himself will give you people a sign: the young woman [virgin] will become pregnant, bear a son and name him 'Immanu El [God is with us]”. (7:14) Matthew applies this text to Yeshua-Jesus: “She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Yeshua, [which means `ADONAI saves,'] because he will save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21 The name of this child means God dwelling with humanity -- “God with us.” Isaiah’s prophecy of a child called Emmanuel, then, had a local application of deliverance and judgment, but became a type of a greater Child who would bring salvation to believers and judgment to unbelievers. Isaiah describes this Child as follows: “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 Isaiah explains what “mighty God” (“El Gibbor” in Hebrew) means, since he is the only one who uses the term. It occurs just a few verses later: “A remnant will return . . . to the mighty God” (10:21)! The term definitely means God Himself. Isaiah goes on to explain the expression “wonderful Counselor” -- “the LORD of hosts; he is wonderful in counsel” . (28:29) The other expressions, “Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,” are equally divine. The text continues by saying that His government will have no end. It is indisputable that the passage is referring to God -- the God who would be born as a son to the human race! We have reviewed some Tanakh-Old Testament passages which reveal a second Person called God and Yahweh- hwhy who appeared in ancient times to His people as “the angel of the LORD,” as God in human form, and as God to be born a son to humanity. It is clear that the one God of the Shema includes a second Person whom we know as Yeshua Hamashiakh, Jesus Christ. "Sh'ma, Yisra'el! The LORD Eloheinu, The LORD echad [Hear, Isra'el! The LORD our God, The LORD is one.” Deuteronomy 6:4 The Shema itself tells us that there are two divine Persons, “The LORD our God” and “the LORD”? The Shema tells us that these two are one? The Hebrew word one (echad) is related to the verb yachad which means to unite. God, here, is a unity of two Beings in one. Two because God is love and love cannot exist alone. One because love unites Them in character, mind, and purpose. Clearly the plurality of God is visible and seen as a united single being. What difference does it make if Jesus is God or not? And how could He be God when the Bible says “The LORD our God, the LORD is one” ? Deuteronomy 6:4 If we believe that the Father, Son, and also the Holy Spirit are God, do we then worship three Gods? No, the Godhead is a unity of three Persons who are one in character and purpose, cemented together by love. Out of this love relationship all things animate and inanimate were created. Three gods would have to be lesser, rival gods, competing with each other for dominance. Their massive conflicts, as described in heathen pantheons, would place the whole cosmos in jeopardy. The security of the universe depends on the unity of the Godhead. See: www.menorah.org/the trinity.html But why must Jesus be God? Why couldn’t God create a savior to redeem us? First, because the task was so huge that only God could accomplish it. “I, I am the LORD, and besides me there is no savior”. Isaiah 43:11 Only the Creator Himself has power to re-create human beings in His image. Second, a created being has only one life to give. His life would not have sufficient value to redeem the millions of lost humanity. Only the life of the Creator Himself had sufficient value to redeem His creation. Third, only one equal with the Torah-law could meet the demands of the law. The law is an expression of the character of God and His instructions. Only God could satisfy His own requirements. Fourth, God was not willing to send a substitute. He would not stand aside and watch someone else suffer to vindicate His name. He chose to become personally involved in the struggle to save His lost family. Philippians 2:5-11 How about you? Have you received your Redeemer, the Stone whom the builders rejected? In Him is life, light and joy and in His sacrifice is forgiveness of sin. For More Information: Return to Who Is Yeshua-Jesus Page Return to Biblical-Traditional Jewish Feasts Page Return to Menorah's Web Page

Menorah Ministries December 2022 mission report on outreaches. To Go To October 2022 Mission Report Web Page To Go To January 2023 Mission Report Web Page

LAND OF THE BIBLE - 14 DAY ISRAEL Walking TOUR Not just another 'normal’ tour .... it is a real step into Jewish & Israeli life of today & that of Bible times. Live in the 'Old City' of Jerusalem … on the bank of the Sea of Galilee, and more! T This truly is a fantastic opportunity to see the land of your Lord and Savior, Messiah Jesus! Our ministry goal is to edify & equip you to better know your Biblical roots and to truly increase in the joy of serving God within your own church life. I S R A E L T O U R S …. Land of the Bible - Jesus - Yeshua - ISRAEL STUD Y TOURS IN GENERAL To Return To Flag Of Palestine-Israel page To Return To: MENORAH'S HOME PAGE

I understand that the reference to Matt. 11:12 "violence, etc." means a personal breaking through the opposing multitude, in order to enter in through the narrow door. Which was in opposition to the many, the Pharisees and Jews generally, who were seeking to enter in, in their own way, never doubting success, but who would discover their terrible mistake. ASK PASTOR REUBEN Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force? S H A L O M ! _______ A MESSIANIC JEWISH SCRIPTURAL VIEW ______ Biblical Question: Dear Pastor Reuben, I have been reading some of the articles from the Menorah home page that are very interesting, I have some questions that I would like to ask you. I am a Christian believer who is beginning to see a missed richness in our generally accepted faith today in the church. I may be wrong however, it seems that there are sayings and doctrines that we do not perhaps fully understand in a modern western society, one I have no idea about is the 'kingdom of Heaven suffers volience and the violent take it by force', if you know the explanation to this I would dearly love to know it. Thanks, Graham Pastor Reuben's Answer: Shalom Graham, I understand that the reference to Matt. 11:12 "violence, etc." means a personal breaking through the opposing multitude, in order to enter in through the narrow door. Which was in opposition to the many, the Pharisees and Jews generally, who were seeking to enter in, in their own way, never doubting success, but who would discover their terrible mistake. When we remember, that in the Sermon on the Mount, the call was only to 'enter in', we feel that we have now reached a period, when the access to the 'narrow door' was obstructed by the enmity of so many, and when it needed "violence" to break through, and 'take the Kingdom' 'by force'. Please read this whole section and see then that the Lord will say He knows not some who got close to 'in' but He knows them not. It is a struggle to correctly enter not by the wide door, by the narrow door provided by God. Hope this helps your walk with the Lord., Pastor Reuben Questions are welcome from ALL readers at ALL levels and Forums, from everyone. Questions of general interest will be considered for inclusions in this column. Those of a more personal nature will be keep confidential and we will answer via e-mail; always state your name, email address and your comment/question in as brief & precise manner as possible. To submit a question, etc. please address it to reuben@menorah.org ask.....ask......ask To return to ..... Ask Pastor Reuben Biblical Answers To Asked Questions..... To return to To Life L'Chaim Find Eternal Life Page To return to Menorah's Web Page

Some of us have changed on the outside to conform to certain social standards or behavior that is expected of us, but down inside we have never been changed. Being born from above is a supernatural act of God. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin. Then the Holy Spirit regenerates us, and we are born again. The Holy Spirit comes to live in our hearts to help us in our daily lives. The Spirit of God gives us assurance, gives us joy, produces fruit in our lives and teaches us the Scriptures. How To Be Born Again A man named Nicodemus came to Jesus by night. Perhaps he was afraid of criticism or he had a desire for a private conversation, or maybe he wanted to know more before committing himself to Jesus Christ. In any event, he came and asked Jesus some questions. Jesus looked at him and said, “Nicodemus, you need to be born again” (Cf. John 3:5). In fact, He said, “Verily, verily” —and any time Jesus used that expression, He meant that what was to follow was very important. He said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you … you must be born again” (John 3:5,7). Have you been born again? Call it conversion, call it commitment, call it repentance, call it being saved, but has it happened to you? Does Christ live in your heart? Do you know it? Many people have thought a long time about religion and Christianity and yet have never made a commitment. Are you committed to Jesus Christ? Nicodemus must have been stunned when Jesus said, “You must be born again.” It wouldn’t seem shocking if Christ had said that to Zacchaeus the tax collector or to the thief on the cross or to the woman caught in adultery. But Nicodemus was one of the great religious leaders of his time. Still, he was searching for reality. You may go to church, but perhaps you are still searching. There is an empty place in your heart, and something inside tells you that you’re not really right with God. Nicodemus fasted two days a week. He spent two hours every day in prayer. He tithed. Why did Jesus say that Nicodemus must be born again? Because He could read the heart of Nicodemus. Jesus saw that Nicodemus had covered himself with religion but had not yet found fellowship with God. The Root of Our Problems What causes all of our troubles in the world—lying and cheating and hate and prejudice and social inequality and war? Jesus said, “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man” (Matthew 15:18). He said the problem is in our hearts; our hearts need to be changed. Psychologists, sociologists and psychiatrists all recognize that there is something wrong with humankind. Many words in Scripture describe it. Among them is the word transgression: “Sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4, KJV). What law? The Law of Moses, the Ten Commandments. Have you ever broken one of those Commandments? Then you are guilty of having broken them all (James 2:10). The word sin carries with it the idea of missing the mark, coming short of our duty, failure to do what we ought to do. The Bible says, “All unrighteousness is sin” (1 John 5:17, KJV). And yet before we can get to heaven, we must have righteousness. God says, “Be perfect as I am perfect, holy as I am holy” (Matthew 5:48, 1 Peter 1:16). Where are we going to get that perfection? We don’t have it now, yet we can’t get to heaven if we don’t have it. That is why Christ died on the cross; He shed His blood and rose again to provide righteousness for us. Another word is iniquity, which means to turn aside from the straight path. Isaiah said, “All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6). The Bible says, “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin … thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12). Every person needs a radical change . We need to have our sins forgiven; we need to be clothed in the righteousness of God. To find fulfillment in this life we need to find something to commit ourselves to. Are you a committed person? What are you committed to? Why don’t you make Christ your cause and follow Him? He will never let you down. The New Birth Some people ask the question: What is new birth? Nicodemus asked that question too: “How can a man be born when he is old?” He wanted to understand it. I was born and reared on a dairy farm. How can a black cow eat green grass and produce white milk and yellow butter? I don’t understand that. I might say, “Because I don’t understand it, I’m never going to drink milk again.” And you’d say, “You’re crazy.” I don’t understand it, but I accept it by faith. Nicodemus could see only the physical and the material, but Jesus was talking about the spiritual. How is the new birth accomplished? We cannot inherit new birth. The Bible says that those who are born again “were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:13). Our fathers and mothers may be the greatest born-again Christians in the world, but that doesn’t make us born-again Christians, too. Many people have the idea that because they were born into a Christian home, they are automatically Christians. They’re not. We cannot work our way to God, either. The Bible says that salvation comes “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). Nor is reformation enough. We can say, “I am going to turn over a new leaf,” or “I am going to make New Year’s resolutions.” But Isaiah said that in the sight of God “all our righteousness’s are like filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). Some of us have changed on the outside to conform to certain social standards or behavior that is expected of us in our churches, but down inside we have never been changed. That is what Jesus was talking to Nicodemus about. He said, “Nicodemus, you need changing inside,” and only the Holy Spirit can do that. Being born from above is a supernatural act of God. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin; He disturbs us because we have sinned against God. And then the Holy Spirit regenerates us. That is when we are born again. The Holy Spirit comes to live in our hearts to help us in our daily lives. The Spirit of God gives us assurance, gives us joy, produces fruit in our lives and teaches us the Scriptures. Some people try to imitate Christ. They think that all we have to do is try to follow Jesus and try to do the things He did, and we will get into heaven. But we can’t do it. We may know the religious songs. We may even say prayers. But if we haven’t been to the foot of the cross, we haven’t been born again. That is the message Jesus is trying to teach us. To be born again means that “[God] will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you” (Ezekiel 36:26). “Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). We are “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4); we have “passed from death into life” (John 5:24). The new birth brings about a change in our philosophy and manner of living. The Mystery There is a mystery to the new birth. Jesus said, “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes” (John 3:8). But you can see the result. Jesus did not attempt to explain the new birth to Nicodemus; our finite minds cannot understand the infinite. We come by simple childlike faith, and we put our faith in Jesus Christ. When we do, we are born again. Are you sure of your salvation? It happens this way. First we have to hear the Word of God. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). That is the first step. “It pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21). It sounds foolish that words from a Bible have the power to penetrate our hearts and change our lives, but they do, because they are God’s holy words. Then there is the work of the Holy Spirit. He convicts: “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8). He changes us. He changes our wills, our affections, our objectives for living, our disposition. He gives us a new purpose and new goals. “Old things pass away, and everything becomes new” (Cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17). Then He indwells us: “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” Does God the Holy Spirit live in you? Jesus Christ says that we must be born again. How do we become born again? By repenting of sin. That means we are willing to change our way of living. We say to God, “I’m a sinner, and I’m sorry. ” It’s simple and childlike. Then by faith we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Master and Savior. We are willing to follow Him in a new life of obedience, in which the Holy Spirit helps us as we read the Bible and pray and witness. If there is a doubt in your mind about whether you have been born again, I hope you will settle it now, because the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 6:2, “Now is the accepted time; … [today] is the day of salvation.” Billy Graham Evangelistic Association 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201 Local: 704-401-2432 Toll Free: 1-877-247-2426 HERE IS A SUGGESTED PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, I know I am a sinner and do not deserve eternal life. But, I believe You died and rose from the grave to purchase a place in heaven for me. Lord Jesus, come into my life; take control of my life; forgive my sins and save me. I repent of my sins and now place my trust in you for my salvation. I accept the free gift of eternal life. If this prayer is the sincere desire of your heart, look at what Jesus promises to those who believe in Him. Most assuredly, I say to you ... he who believes in Me has everlasting life. John 6:47 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. John 1:12 WELCOME to God's Family! To return to How Catholics May Know They Go To Heaven page To return to Atheism Web Page To Return To The Real Yeshua-Jesus Return to: L'Chaim - To Life! Page. To Return Menorah Evangelism Tracts To return to Menorah's Web Page

Yes Jesus claimed to be God at multiple times and ways. Does Jesus Claim T o Be God? For Jesus to say that he was God without qualification would have meant that he was claiming to be the same Person commonly referred to by Jews as the Father. Yet Jesus was not the same Person as the Father, but was personally distinct from him, although sharing the same essence and nature with him. As a matter of fact the question was never asked of him; at most he was asked about his relationship to God . The Bible never records Jesus saying the precise words, “I am God.” That does not mean, however, that He did not proclaim that He is God. Take for example Jesus’ words in John 10:30 , “I and the Father are one.” We need only to look at the Jews’ reaction to His statement to know He was claiming to be God. They tried to stone Him for this very reason: “You, a mere man, claim to be God” (John 10:33 ). The Jews understood exactly what Jesus was claiming—deity. When Jesus declared, “I and the Father are one,” He was saying that He and the Father are of one nature and essence. John 8:58 is another example. Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth … before Abraham was born, I am!” Jews who heard this statement responded by taking up stones to kill Him for blasphemy, as the Mosaic Law commanded (Leviticus 24:16 ). Did Jesus ever say the exact words "I am God?" No, Jesus never said the exact three words, "I am God." But Jesus also never said the exact four words, "I am a prophet," or the exact four words "I am a man," but we know he was both a prophet and a man. It is not necessary for Jesus to say the exact phrase "I am a man," for us to know that he was a man. Likewise, it is not necessary for Jesus to utter the exact three words "I am God," in order for us to determine whether or not he is divine. Jesus may not have said the exact sentence "I am God," but he did claim the divine name for himself (Exo. 3:14 with John 8:58), and he also received worship (Matt. 2:2; 14:33; 28:9; John 9:35-38).When Moses was up at the Mount speaking to God, Moses asked God what his name was. God said, "I AM WHO I AM"; and He said, 'Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel,' 'I AM has sent me to you.' (Exodus 3:14). In John 8:58 Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am." Right after this the Jews picked up stones to throw at him. Later, in John 10:30-33 Jesus claimed to be one with the Father; and the Jews wanted to stone him again because they said to Jesus, "You, being a man, make yourself out to be God." Jesus had claimed the divine name for his own, and the Jews wanted to kill him for it. Therefore, from Jesus' own mouth we see that he was claiming to be God. The words "I am" Now please understand that anyone can say the words "I am," and it does not mean that he is claiming to be God. Someone could say, "I am over here." That is not claiming the divine name. Likewise, someone could say, "I am hungry," or "I am sick." Neither example is claiming divinity because the use of the term "I am" in context clearly shows us that is not what is occurring. But, in John 8:58 when Jesus said "before Abraham was born, I am," the Jews knew exactly what he was saying. Notice that he says before Abraham was born (using the past tense), and then he switches to the present tense when he says "I am." Jesus switches tenses of the verbs on purpose, so that when he does so in the context of referencing Abraham, Jesus is clearly drawing the Jews' attention to the Old Testament Scriptures and then using a present tense form of the verb "to be" by saying "I AM." Someone who says "I am hungry" is not drawing attention to the Old Testament Scriptures for context. Jesus was clearly causing the Jews to reflect upon the divine name "I am" that Jesus used for himself. We know that they understood this because as is said above, they said, "You, being a man, make yourself out to be God." (John 10:33). The Muslims agree with the Jews But what is noteworthy is that the Jews, like the Muslims, deny that Jesus is God in flesh. Therefore, the Muslims are united with the Jewish people in denying who Jesus claimed to be, the "I am." Conclusion It is not necessary that Jesus say a certain phrase in order for the truth of who he is to be made clear. The issue is not if he speaks a certain sentence that we construct in present terms in order to satisfy our theological demands. The issue is what did Jesus say in the context and culture of the time in which he spoke. Finally, we know that Jesus is God in flesh because the Bible tells us so. John 1:1,14, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God . . . And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth." Hebrews 1:8, "But of the Son He says, 'Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom.'" Who does the Bible claim Jesus is: Revelation 1:7-8 says that Jesus Christ is the Almighty. But Genesis 17:1 says that the Almighty is God. John 8:58 says that Jesus Christ is the "I Am" But Exodus 3:14 says that the "I Am" is God Acts 3:14 says that Jesus Christ is the "HOLY ONE" But Isaiah 43:15 says that the "HOLY ONE" is God John 8:24 says that Jesus Christ is the "I Am He" But Isaiah 43:10 says that the "I Am He" is God Revelation 22:13 says that Jesus Christ is the "First and the Last" But Isaiah 44:6 says that the "First and the Last" is God I Corinthians 10:4 says that Jesus Christ is "The Rock" But Psalm 18:31 says that "The Rock" is God John 5:21 says that Jesus Christ raises the dead. But 1 Sam 2:6 says that God raises the dead John 8:12 says that Jesus Christ is the Light But Isaiah 60:19-20 says that God is the Light. Matt 25:31-46 says that Jesus Christ is the Judge But in Joel 3:12 it says that God is the Judge Colossians 1:16 says that Jesus Christ is the Creator of angels: But Psalms 148:5 says that the Creator of angels is God Hebrews 1:6 says that angles worship Jesus Christ But in Psalm 148:2 it says that angles worship God II Corinthians 11:2 says that Jesus Christ is the "One HUSBAND" But Jeremiah 31:32 says that the "One HUSBAND" is God Matthew 23:8 says that Jesus Christ is the "ONE MASTER" But Malachi 1:6 says that the "ONE MASTER" is God John 10:16 says that Jesus Christ is the "One SHEPHERD" But Isaiah 40:11 says that the "ONE SHEPHERD" is God Acts 4:12 says that Jesus Christ is the "ONE SAVIOR" But Isaiah 45:21 says that the "ONE SAVIOR" is God Luke 1:68 says that Jesus Christ is the "ONE REDEEMER" But Isaiah 41:14 says that the "ONE REDEEMER" is God Revelation 19:16 says that Jesus Christ is "LORD OF LORDS Deuteronomy 10:17 says that the "LORD OF LORDS" is God Philippians 2:10 says that Every Knee must bow to Jesus Christ But Isaiah 45:23 says that Every Knee must bow to God John 1:3-10 says that Jesus Christ is the "ONE CREATOR" But Genesis 1:1 says that the "ONE CREATOR" is God John 1:49 says that Jesus Christ is "KING OF ISRAEL" But Isaiah 44:6 says that the "KING OF ISRAEL" is God 1 John 4:15 says that Jesus Christ is "GOD’S SON" But Proverbs 30:4 says that God has a SON Does Jesus claim to be God: John 4:24-25 The woman said to him, "I know that Messiah comes," (he who is called Christ). "When he has come, he will declare to us all things." Jesus said to her, "I am he, the one who speaks to you." John 5:18 For this cause therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the Sabbath, but also called God his own Father, making himself equal with God. John 10:30-33 “I and the Father are one." Therefore Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of those works do you stone me?" The Jews answered him, "We don't stone you for a good work, but for blasphemy: because you, being a man, make yourself God." John 14:8-9 Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you such a long time, and do you not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father. How do you say, 'Show us the Father?' Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I tell you, I speak not from myself; but the Father who lives in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me; John 20:28-29 "Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed." Revelation 1:8, 12-18 “ I am the ‘A’ and the ‘Z,’” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. ... I turned around to see who was speaking to me; and when I had turned, I saw seven gold menorahs; and among the menorahs was someone like a Son of Man, wearing a robe down to his feet and a gold band around his chest. His head and hair were as white as snow-white wool, his eyes like a fiery flame, his feet like burnished brass refined in a furnace, and his voice like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, out of his mouth went a sharp double-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. When I saw him, I fell down at his feet like a dead man. He placed his right hand upon me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last, 18 the Living One. I was dead, but look! — I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys to Death and Sh’ol. Why Did Jesus Not Openly Reveal His Full Identity? Is Jesus God? Did Jesus ever claim to be God? Did Jesus really say He was God? Was Jesus the image of God? If you want to receive the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, then call on Him, asking Him for this gift right now. HERE IS A SUGGESTED PRAYER : Lord Jesus Christ, I know I am a sinner and do not deserve eternal life. But, I believe You died and rose from the grave to purchase a place in heaven for me. Lord Jesus, come into my life; take control of my life; forgive my sins and save me. I repent of my sins and now place my trust in you for my salvation. I accept the free gift of eternal life. If this prayer is the sincere desire of your heart, look at what Jesus promises to those who believe in Him. Most assuredly, I say to you ... he who believes in Me has everlasting life. John 6:47 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. John 1:12 If you sincerely from your heart prayed this prayer, WELCOME to God's Family! To Return To The Real Yeshua-Jesus To return to MENORAH'S HOME PAGE