SPIRITUAL GIFTS

by | Nov 23, 2016

SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE AS DIVERSE AS ARE PEOPLE
EVERYONE RECEIVES THEM AND IS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEM

The Holy Spirit is the one who our gifts come from.  He can give you whatever gift He wants in any given situation, or instance.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10-11)

5 Questions To Ask Yourself

1. WHAT are my spiritual gifts? We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. Rom 12:6-8 Diligently seek to know and develop your spiritual gifts through prayer and Bible study.

2. WHERE am I supposed to be using them? Spiritual gifts were given for special tasks in and through the churches. 7Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (1 Cor. 12:7) Look for special tasks where the Holy Spirit can use you.

3. WHEN am I supposed to be using them? 2 Peter 3:9-12   2 Corinthians 5:10  Look for places that you can use your gifts NOW!

4. HOW do I develop my spiritual gifts? Philippians 4:9 The development of any gift only comes with diligent practice.

5. WHY should I be concerned with my spiritual gifts? Because your gift is used to built up the Body of Messiah. Ephesians 4:11-16, Romans 12:3-9

All spiritual gifts come from the Holy Spirit. He can choose what gift to give you, whenever and wherever He wants.

God created you for a special purpose inside the Body of Messiah.

What you are is God’s gift to you. What you make of yourself and how you allow the Holy Spirit to use you, is your gift back to God.

 

Scripture Passages to Study:

Ephesians 4:11-16

Romans 12:3-9

1 Corinthians 12

Discuss where and when you have seen God giving you spiritual gifts in the past.  What spiritual gifts have you been given?

 

 

SPIRITUAL WARFARE OF THE MIND

by | Nov 20, 2016

Spiritual Warfare Of The Mind

 

The main battleground for all spiritual warfare is in the mind. Our minds are constantly being bombarded with thoughts; some godly, others ungodly.  It’s our job to know the Word of God so well that we can instantly recognize what thoughts are from God and which are not.

When we’re first born-again, our minds are filled with thoughts that are not in line with how God designed us to think. It is those thoughts that bring defeat into our lives. It’s crucial that we fill our minds with the truth of God’s word in order to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2).  This is how we fight for our God given right to live lives full of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control and win the war that rages…in our minds.

When a thought enters your mind you have 30 seconds to reject it.  If you do nothing it will enter your heart and become one of your core beliefs.  This is why Scripture tells us to take every thought captive. 2 Corinthians 10:5.  We do this by not entertaining ungodly thoughts and by replacing lies we may be believing with the truths found in God’s Word.

This list of Scriptures will help you learn how to wage war and be victorious! Prayerfully commit those that mean the most to you to memory; and journal those that the Holy Spirit highlights to you. Sometimes it’s also good to write out the Scriptures on small notecards and place them around your room, or on sticky notes that you can attach to your mirrors, or walls.

Remember that the real power of the Word of God (a.k.a. the Sword of the Spirit) is when it’s spoken out loud.

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Be Content:1 Tim 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain

Be Humble: Prov 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility

Be Patient: James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing

Be Peaceful: Psalm 55:18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me

Be Strong: Eph 6:10 Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might Get the clear plan of how He wants to do it:  Psalm 25:4 Make me know Thy ways, O Lord, Teach me Thy paths

Have Confidence: Prov 14:26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge

Know God’s will: Gal 1:3-4 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father Love: I Jn 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren

Seek God: Prov 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me

Seek Wisdom: James 1:5-6 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed

Stand in Power: Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you

To See Success: Prov 16:3 Commit your works to the Lord And your plans will be established

Ultimate Obedience: 2 Cor 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ

Ungodly Desires: Prov 23:3 Do not desire his delicacies, for it is deceptive food

Watch for and pull down Pride: Prov 16:18 Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before stumbling

When choosing people to associate with: Prov 16:19 It is better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud

When Facing a trap: Psalm 31:5 Into Thy hand I commit my spirit; Thou hast ransomed me, O Lord, God of truth

When Facing evil: 2 Thes 3:3 The Lord is faithful and He will strengthen and protect me from the evil one

When Fearful: Deut 31:6 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail or forsake you

When Feeling Weak: 2 Cor. 13:9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection

When Judging: Rom 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way

When Making Decisions: Prov 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord

Get these scriptures firmly planted in your mind:

LOVE:

Gal 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Gal 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Gal 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Eph 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

Eph 4:22 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Phil 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

1Thes 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:

I Jn 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

I Jn 5:2-8 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

II Jn 1:5-6 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

WISDOM:

Ps 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth forever.

Prov 1:55 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

Prov 2:2-6 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

Prov 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

Prov 3:19-24 The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

Prov 4:5-8 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

Prov 4:11-15 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. Prov 5:1 My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:

Prov 7:4 Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman:

Prov 16:16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

Prov 17:24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

Prov 18:4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.

Prov 19:8 He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.

Prov 21:30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

Prov 23:9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

Prov 24:3 Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

Eccl 1:13 And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.

Luke 21:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

1 Cor 2:4-8 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Eph 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

Eph 3:8-12 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ
Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

Col 4:5-6 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

FAITH:

Matt 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. Matt 9:29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

Matt 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Matt 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

Mark 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

Luke 5:20 And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Acts 3:16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Rom 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Rom 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Rom 3:25 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;

Rom 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Rom 11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Rom 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Rom 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

1 Cor 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Cor 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 2 Cor 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight

2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Gal 3:7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

Gal 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Gal 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Gal 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Gal. 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Gal 5:5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

Gal 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Gal 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Eph 3:17-21 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Eph 4:11-13 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Col 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

II Th 1:11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:

1 Tim 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

1 Tim 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

1 Tim 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Heb. 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Heb 11:1-10 CHAPTER 11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Heb 11:33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

1 Pet 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Jude 1:20-21 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

WHAT JEWISH PEOPLE BELIEVE

by | Nov 18, 2016

What Jewish People Believe
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There’s an ongoing joke that says if you put three Jews in a room you’ll get twelve opinions. Having grown up within Conservative Judaism I saw that reality play out time and time again. The Jewish people were meant to be leaders and leaders are supposed to be able to give wise counsel, not just opinions stemming from ignorance. But where the Scriptures are concerned, most Jewish People haven’t a clue what they’re all about.

When I teach in congregations I’m always quick to make this statement, which is true from my vantage point. If you’ve been in a Bible preaching church one time, you’ve probably heard more Scripture than the average Jewish person has over their lifetime. “My People perish for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6)

Jewish People are taught that they can’t understand the Bible and that it’s the pursuit of the Rabbis to unlock the secrets of our ancient books. The average Jewish person may read books the rabbis have written, but hardly ever do they crack the books of their Holy Scriptures. And when I say may, I mean may. In Israel it’s reported that 42% of the Jewish People identify themselves as “secular.” I doubt that very many of those have either read the Scriptures, or any rabbi’s commentary on them. Because of this reality, for the most part, the Jewish People do not know about the Messianic prophecies that fill the pages of the Old Testament – what they call the “Tanakh,” an acronym that uses the first letters in the three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures.

Torah: The five books of Moses, also called the Chumash (“five part” in Hebrew) and Pentateuch (“five scrolls” in Greek). Nevi’im: “The prophets”. Ketuvim: “Writings”. In the Jewish Scriptures the Ketuvim encompass “The Wisdom Books” of Job, Ecclesiastes, and Proverbs; “The Poetry Books” of Psalms, Lamentations and Song of Solomon; and “The Historical Books” of Ezra-Nehemiah and Chronicles.

Jewish People may know stories from their Bible, but most do not understand the concepts of the sacrificial system, blood covenants, covenants, the fall of man and its results upon humanity, the calling of the Jewish People to be a light to the nations and the promised Messiah who would bring restoration to a backslidden, idolatrous people.

Because of this, it’s essential when speaking to Jewish People to frame your conversation as if you’re talking to someone who has little to no understanding about the Messiah, or what the Holy Scriptures teach. Don’t assume that they have a correct understanding of the concepts of “sin,” “salvation,” or our need for a Savior.

In the Old Testament, illustrations of the Messiah can be seen symbolically through much of what God has revealed. We can see the Messiah in the Ark that protected Noah and his family from the flood that destroyed the earth; it shows us that Messiah will protect the people God has chosen, and who are obedient to Him, from eternal destruction. We can see the Messiah in the man Moses, who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt; Messiah leads us out of our personal slavery to sin. We can see the Messiah in the wilderness tabernacle and all its furnishings, as a place that God dwelt, and where people could meet with Him. It’s through Messiah that we can have an intimate and personal relationship with God, and these are only a few examples. The life of Joseph closely parallels that of Yeshua’s/Jesus’. Also, there are over 300 Messianic prophesies and Yeshua/Jesus fulfills every one of them!

The good news is that as Jewish people read the Scriptures, many eyes are being opened to the truth that Yeshua is the Messiah, as prophesied by God through the prophets of our Holy Scriptures.

But back to the topic at hand – what do the Jews think? Let me give you some typical beliefs. Remember there are exceptions to the rule, but keep these in mind the next time you encounter a Jewish Person. I’m believing that by just reading this article you’ll have greater understanding of the lies that need to be broken down in order to help Jewish People come to know the truth about their Messiah.

Some erroneous beliefs:

 Jesus was a Catholic.
 Jesus hates the Jews and wants them dead. This belief comes straight from the Holocaust because the Nazis would tell the Jewish People that Jesus told them to kill them.
 Christians hate the Jews and want to convert them or kill them. This belief comes from the Inquisitions and the Crusades, as well as the antisemitism that some of the early Church Fathers displayed and taught.
 Christians are Catholics – there is little understanding of Biblical Christianity to the average Jewish Person. Many believe if you’re not Jewish you are “Christian.”
 I’m Jewish therefore I’m chosen and will automatically go to heaven.
 There is no hell.
 My good deeds atone for my sin when I go to the synagogue on the “Day of Atonement” each year.
 Because of the destruction of the temple and the abolishment of the sacrificial system, the rabbis now teach the people that good deeds, prayer and forgiveness atone for sin. This is seen nowhere in the Scriptures.
 The rabbis look to the Talmud (oral law and commentaries on the Tanakh) for the majority of the laws that they regulate and hold the Jewish People to. The written law (Tanakh) takes second seat to the oral law.
 Jesus isn’t the Messiah – he was just a teacher or a prophet.

Not only are these typical beliefs in the minds of Jewish People. There are actually Jewish organizations aimed at keeping Jews away from believing that Jesus is the Messiah. Jews for Judaism is one of those groups and they are supported by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein. Have you heard of him? He’s the founder of the Fellowship of Christians and Jews. He’s the one marketing the Church saying that he needs your money to help the Jews move back to Israel. Well, in reality a large part of that money goes to keeping the Jews away from Jesus. And the worst part about it is that many Christians think he believes in Jesus when he doesn’t. He stands on the side of the anti-missionaries. What do they believe and teach? Let’s look at some of the anti-missionary statements that they feed the Jewish People regarding Jesus:

Anti-Missionary Statements about Messiah: The Criteria

Anti-Missionaries say: The Jewish tradition of “The Messiah” has its foundation in numerous biblical references, and understands “The Messiah” to be a human being—without any overtone of deity or divinity—who will bring about certain changes in the world and fulfill certain criteria before he can be acknowledged as “The Messiah.”

We say: I base all my belief on Scripture, and nowhere does Scripture say that Messiah wouldn’t be deity. Yeshua has brought tremendous changes in the world through the countless number of lives He has changed. Murderers, drug dealers, thieves, etc. have had their lives changed dramatically by the power of Yeshua. These changed lives change the world.

Anti-Missionaries say: First of all, he must be Jewish. “…you may appoint a king over you, whom the Lord your God shall choose: one from among your brethren shall you set as king over you.” (Deuteronomy 17:15)

We say: Reading the first book of the New Testament (Matthew 1) we find the genealogy of Yeshua through His mother’s side (Rabbis use biblical genealogy to determine whether you are of the Jewish bloodline); this traces His ancestry to Abraham and King David. The Scripture in Deuteronomy confirms Yeshua as King.

Anti-Missionaries say: He must be a member of the tribe of Judah. “The staff shall not depart from Judah, nor the scepter from between his feet…” (Genesis 49:10)

We say: In the same passage in Matthew it says that Yeshua was from the same lineage as Judah. And by the victory He won in the spiritual realm two-thousand years ago, He will always have the staff and scepter of rulership!

Anti-Missionaries say: To be a member of the tribe of Judah, the person must have a biological father who is a member of the tribe of Judah.

We say: In Luke chapter 3 Scripture traces Yeshua’s bloodline on His earthly father’s side to Judah. Once again, proof that He really does fit the qualifications of the Messiah.

Anti-Missionaries say: He must be a direct male descendant of King David and King Solomon, his son. “And when your days (David) are fulfilled, and you shall sleep with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who shall issue from your bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will make firm the throne of his kingdom forever…” (2 Samuel 7:12 – 13)

We say: In both genealogies (His mother’s and His earthly father’s) King David is an ancestor. Yeshua is the seed whose Kingdom God will establish. On His mother’s side Yeshua is in the lineage of Solomon.

Anti-Missionaries say: The genealogy of the New Testament is inconsistent. While it gives two accounts of the genealogy of Joseph, it states clearly that he is not the biological father of Yeshua. One of the genealogies is through Nathan and not Solomon altogether!

We say: The Scriptures say that Messiah would be a descendant of King David, as the anti-missionaries already pointed out, and as I’ve already pointed out, He was a descendant of Solomon on His mother’s side.

Anti-Missionaries say: He must gather the Jewish people from exile and return them to Israel. “And he shall set up a banner for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” (Isaiah 11:12)

We say: In 1948 the state of Israel was born. It was the first time in two-thousand years that the Jewish people have been allowed to return to Israel. They are coming from all nations, from the four corners of the earth. We are seeing this today. There are more believers in Yeshua (Jewish and Gentile) in the world today than ever before. Believers know that Yeshua is alive and seated at the right hand of God in Heaven. Hence, He is doing the work of the Messiah as we see God’s plan unfold in the nation of Israel.

Anti-Missionaries say: He must rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. “…and I will set my sanctuary in their midst forever and my tabernacle shall be with them.” (Ezekiel 37:26-27)

We say: Now that Jerusalem is in the hands of the Jewish people, the Temple is actually being rebuilt! Believers know that Yeshua is alive and seated at the right hand of God in the heavenly Temple. Hence, He is doing the work of the Messiah.

Anti-Missionaries say: He will rule at a time of world-wide peace. “…they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” (Micah 4:3)

We say: This will happen at the second coming of Messiah.

Anti-Missionaries say: He will rule at a time when the Jewish people will observe God’s commandments. “My servant David shall be king over them; and they shall all have one shepherd. They shall follow My ordinances and be careful to observe My statutes.” (Ezekiel 37:24)

We say: God prophesied through the prophet Jere-miah that one day He would pour out His Spirit on all mankind, and that He would write His law upon our hearts (Jeremiah 31). This has happened. Believers in Yeshua are being taught of God how to honor Him, worship Him and keep His commandments. Messiah, David’s kingly descendant, is our King and Shepherd, as we hear His voice and follow Him. The fullness of the Jewish people’s observance of God’s commandments will come after the second coming of Messiah.

Anti-Missionaries say: He will rule at a time when all people will come to acknowledge and serve one God. “And it shall come to pass that from one new moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before Me, says the Lord.” (Isaiah 66:23)

We say: This is going to happen at the second coming of Messiah, when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Yeshua as Lord (Philippians 2:9-11).

Anti-Missionaries say: If an individual fails to fulfill even one of these conditions, he cannot be “The Messiah.” A careful analysis of these criteria shows us that, to date, no one has fulfilled every condition.

We say: Yeshua filled every one of these conditions.

Anti-Missionaries say: Certainly NOT Yeshua.

We say: Whose leg are they pulling? None of their objections are based on truth!

And speaking of truth. Unless we know the truth we are captive to lies. That goes for any of us. Please pray for the Jewish People to come to the knowledge of the truth, which will set them free from the lies they believe. I truly believe, based on Romans 9-11 that you have a part to play in that. God has blessed us all with salvation so that we might provoke others to jealousy so that some might be saved. Thank you for praying for and sharing your faith, and the truth with the Jewish People the Lord brings in your path. Their acknowledging Yeshua/Jesus as Lord is a precursor to His second coming! (Matthew 23:37-39)

WHO ARE YOU?

by | Nov 17, 2016

Who Are You?

Have you ever wondered who you were, what your purpose in life was and why you were even born? Sadly, because of dysfunctional parenting many of us have no clue why we’re here on earth and sometimes our parents even tell us the lie that our birth was a mistake. Nothing could be further from the truth.

In God’s sovereignty, He very specifically and very purposefully caused you to be knit together in your mother’s womb and born, for such a time as this!

O LORD, you have searched me and known me! 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. 5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.

13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, then as yet there was none of them. 17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you. (Psalm 139)

God thinks about you more than the sand on the seashore. That’s how important you are to Him. God is with you and for you. (Romans 8:31) He has an incredible plan for your life. (Jeremiah 29:11) It’s a plan that’s uniquely yours. Only you can accomplish it. That’s how special you are to Him.

Here’s another way you can know how much God loves you and how precious you are to Him.

“For God so loved the world (you), that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17)

God loves you so much that He chose to be born into this world in human flesh, only to experience a sinner’s death. You are worth so much to Him that He suffered torture, ridicule, abandonment, rejection, humiliation and ultimately death, out of love for you! He did this so you could rise up out of darkness and into the light of His Kingdom and become a child of God, who would grow from infancy into maturity, discovering your calling to partner with God in His glorious plan of redemption.

11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1)

God’s plan is to give you a rich inheritance as a result of the redemption He’s provided you. God considers you so important that He also wants to be in an intimate relationship with you. He longs for your attention, and affection.

As a result of your relationship with Him, God provides for you to demonstrate the power of His Kingdom in and through your life, in order to draw other people to Messiah, Yeshua.

12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14)
Why are you called to demonstrate God’s power? Because you are a priest!

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2)

God has made you into a priest in the order of Melchizedek. The levitical priesthood doesn’t exist anymore. The priesthood you serve in is a better priesthood. (Hebrews 7)

Knowing who God says you are in Messiah is the key to living a victorious life, and walking in the authority and power God has given to you, as His Son or Daughter.

God is the Great I Am and you are made in His image.

Verbalize and meditate on these statements about who God says you are. Taking the time to look into the Bible and reading the corresponding passages of Scripture will bring added blessings into your life.

I am…
A child of God (Romans 8:16)
An heir of eternal life (1 John 5:11-12)
An heir to the blessings of Abraham (Galatians 3:14)
An imitator of God (Ephesians 5:1)
An overcomer by the blood of the lamb and the word of my testimony (Revelation 12:11)
Being transformed by the renewing of my mind (Romans 12:2)
Blessed with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3)
Doing all things through Messiah who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)
Forgiven (Ephesians 1:7)
Healed by His wounds (1 Peter 2:24)
Justified, an heir of God and co-heir with Christ (Romans 5:1; 8:17 )
Kept in safety wherever I go (Isaiah 46:4)
Led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14)
Living by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)
More than a conqueror (Romans 8:37)
Redeemed from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13)
Redeemed from the hand of the foe (Psalms 107:2)
Rescued from the domain of darkness (Colossians 1:13)
Saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8)
Strong in the Lord and in His mighty power (Ephesians 6:10)

Who are you?

You are a beautiful and unique flower in God’s bouquet. Look to the sun “Son” to receive the nutrients necessary to give off the beautiful aroma of Heaven in the world around you today. Let the water of the Spirit and the Word wash you and help you grow more beautiful, and your colors more brilliant….as the story of your life unfolds, and you continue to discover more about who you are.

YOUR MOST IMPORTANT DECISION

by | Nov 15, 2016

THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION YOU’LL EVER MAKE!

If you’re Jewish and reading this, please let what the Tanakh (Torah, Neviim, Ketuvim – the Holy Scriptures) says about Messiah and our need for atonement define your belief before you negate what’s written below based on what you’ve learned traditionally. We’ve included Scripture references from the Brit Hachadasha (New Covenant), as that too is the Word of God, based on the seamlessness of the contents in relationship to the Tanakh – See Jer. 31:31-34 and Matt. 15:21-24.

We’re born into this world as three part beings. We have a body, a soul (mind, will, and emotions) and a spirit. Unfortunately, our spirits are dead to the things of God and the truths about His Kingdom, because of our sin nature. Sin is something we’re born with. It manifests as selfishness, pride, disobedience, rebelliousness, etc.. (Ecclesiastes 7:20)

Our Creator, God, is King of all the universe. His Kingdom is an eternal Kingdom. He has a right to rule in our lives, but in our pride we exalt ourselves as King. This pride is one example of sin (imperfection) and sin separates us from God – who is perfect. By faith (trust, belief) God puts His Holy Spirit into our spirit and makes it come alive. (Romans 8:11) Having life in our spirit is what enables us to recognize and understand the truth about God’s Kingdom. It enables us to communicate with God and turn from our sin and live righteous and holy lives. The healing and cleansing that follows brings life and vitality to our lives. (Acts 3:19) This doesn’t happen automatically though.

God sent a manifestation of Himself/the Messiah to the earth. He and the Messiah were One. (John 10:25-30) This manifestation wasn’t the first time God had come to earth! See these scriptures for more examples: (Genesis 11:4-7; Genesis 32:24-30) Messiah, Yeshua/Jesus came to teach us about the Kingdom of God and to die on the cross so the sins of humanity could be forgiven (Matthew 1:21.)

Just as medicine prescribed by a doctor will not heal a sick person unless it’s taken, we too must believe in and ask the Messiah’s sacrifice to cover our sin. The sacrifical system that God gave to the ancient children of Israel was a foreshadow of God’s redemptive plan for all humanity. There is supernatural power in Messiah’s shed blood. (Luke 22:20) When we confess our faith in Messiah and spiritually appropriate His blood (Leviticus 17:11) to our lives this is called receiving Yeshua, Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior. Making this choice causes us to be ‘born again’ (John 3: 5-7) by the Spirit and our spirits come alive to God and the truths about His Kingdom.

God has given us all free will and our decision to follow Messiah in this way is the only way to for us to have eternal life with God in heaven. To know Him is to know God (John 8:19; 14:7); to see Him is to see God (John 12:45; 14:9); to believe in Him is to believe in God (John 12:44); to receive Him is to receive God (Mark 9:37); to hate Him is to hate God (John 15:23); and to honor Him is to honor God (John 5:23).

We know there’s real power in the sacrifice and the blood of Yeshua/ Jesus because though He was crucified and died, He rose from the dead. Hundreds of people saw Him alive. (Acts 1:3) This proved that He conquered sin and death forever. The great healings that took place while Yeshua lived on earth also showed us the great compassion of God toward us, and the power of His Kingdom. (Matthew 4:23-25)

Many people say many things about eternity and how many lives we live etc…but the Bible says we live only once and then we will be judged. (Hebrews 9:27) If we have ever lied, stolen, coveted, or gone against any of the other 10 Commandments in God’s law, we will be condemned to eternal separation from God and will spend eternity in torment. (Daniel 12:2) (Matthew 13:49-50)

When we accept the forgiveness of the Messiah by believing in Him, and place our trust and hope in Him and what He can do in our lives, God breathes His own life to our spirit, giving us great joy and peace. It’s then that we are assured that our eternal destination and home is with our Heavenly Father, God, and that His Kingdom (a place of great joy and love) exists both here on earth, and in Heaven. (John 3:16)

By proclaiming and living the truth that Yeshua, Jesus is Lord we come into right alignment with the Kingdom of God and reap all the benefits that God, the Creator of the universe has to offer us.

As we study and apply His instructions as found in His Word, our lives become fulfilled and we begin to live out the unique destinies that we each were created for. It doesn’t mean that we won’t have problems or hardships, but we are assured that when we walk in God’s ways of living, as outlined in the Bible and when we apply ourselves to know God more (through prayer and Bible study) we begin to live lives of fulfillment and abundance no matter what life brings our way. (John 10:10)

If you’ve never prayed to receive Messiah Yeshua/Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior read this prayer and as you do, mean it in your heart. (Prayer is simply speaking and listening to God.):

Lord, God, my imperfection is called sin.
You are perfect God and I understand that You came to earth in the form of the man
Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus Christ, to die, as payment for my sin.
I believe that You were raised from the dead and I have a hope that through my faith
You can set my life on a better path. Forgive me of my sins.
Come into my heart. Cleanse me. Turn my life around and guide me.
Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, Your Ruach HaKodesh.
Help me to walk in Your ways. Prepare me for my eternal home in heaven.
Use me on this earth now for Your glory, Your honor
and the furtherance of Your Kingdom on earth. Thank you for saving me.
It’s in Yeshua, Jesus’ name that I pray.

Amen.

If you prayed that prayer for the first time, or if you have questions, we want to hear from you. Please contact us so we can pray for and encourage you. This is the most important decision you’ll ever made in your life. God has wonderful and marvelous things in store for you.

*Jesus’ Hebrew name, Yeshua, actually means “God is salvation.”
What a beautiful picture of the truth of what God has done for humanity through His Son,Yeshua/Jesus!