Episodios

  • Following Rabbi Jesus - Part 1

    Following Rabbi Jesus - Part 1
    Jun 1 2025
    In Matthew 16:24-27 Rabbi Jesus communicates what is necessary to possess Him as Savior. In so doing He also invites us to discover the key to securing its goal – eternity with Him in Paradise. 1. If you want Jesus to be your Savior then you must live the rest of your life rejecting the belief that the most valuable things in this life are those that advance/improve self-image or pleasure (24a).1.1. “come after Me” = Possess Me as Savior (for the purpose of salvation) (Isa 55:1-4 w/Mat 16:13-16). Notice it is conditional (“If anyone wishes to…”). IOW: wanting Him or salvation is not enough to possess Him or it (Luk 13:22-24) = Jesus by His mention of “many” not being “able” to “enter” confirms this man’s concern that there are “just a few who are being saved.” The reason however is not because the “many” do not desire it (“for many, I tell you will seek to enter”). Rather, it is due to the fact that though they want to be saved they refuse the pain and unpopular path (“Strive” [Grk., agonizomai; agonize] = Fight or compete [like an athlete] under great stress and strain; Joh 18:36; 1Ti 6:12; 1Co 9:25 [athlete – literally, agonizing one]; “narrow” [Grk., stenos; constrictive] = The gospel message that truly saves is the one that constricts [i.e., places necessary obligations/constraints on its recipients – e.g., obedience] rather than accommodates [i.e., places no such obligations/constraints – e.g., FAG; Mat 7:13-14 “borad” = accomodating]; e.g., most Americans wish they were independently wealthy, but few are willing to do what it takes to make it a reality). 1.2. “he must deny [reject] himself” = We must deny/reject the belief that the most valuable things in this life are those things which advance/improve my self-image or pleasure.“and take up his cross” = The jettisoning of this belief system must be permanent (until you die [cross was an execution device]). IOW: your life will now longer reflect this way of thinking/belief – which implies (also) daily practice (Luk 9:23). 1.3. Jesus’ demand for denial/rejection in this area is related to our identity as image-bearers. Because we are image-bearers, we are hard-wired to love and seek those things we believe to be the greatest value-add to image – either our image or the image of God. As a result, we will always love the most (or are most loyal to – or lost without), what we believe to be the thing(s) producing the most value (Mat 6:21 “treasure” = things believed to possess the most value; “heart” = what you love [are most loyal to or lost without]).1.4. What (then) Jesus is not talking about: becoming “the navy seal of ‘no’”. IOW: the key to getting to heaven is not growing in self-discipline (Col 2:23; 1Ti 4:8). It is instead about changing whose image we are attempting to advance from self to God – which means believing that the most valuable things in this life are those things that promote that – His image (not ours).2. Possessing Jesus as Savior will also mean adopting His belief that the most valuable things in this life are those that advance/improve God’s image and pleasure (24b).2.1. “follow Me” = Language indicating a Rabbi – disciple relationship (the disciples of a Rabbi were said to follow him). As such, what is meant by this word “follow” is more than simply obey his teaching, but imitate his life. Hence the reason, Jewish disciples would often live with their rabbis (so they could imitate his life). The requirement therefore to “follow [Jesus]” is a call to see as most valuable in this life those things Jesus saw as most valuable – to adopt His view or belief in this respect. 2.2. And for Jesus, the things most valuable, were those that advanced/improved God’s image. As a result, this is what He was most passionate about – what He most loved. He was most loyal to (or lost without) the promotion of God’s image and pleasure (versus His own). Hence (Joh 8:29). This is confirmed also by Jesus’ rebuke of Peter in (vv21-23 “God’s interests” were the interests – the thing most valuable to Jesus).2.3. This (again) is what Jesus lived for and what we must live for if we are to follow (or imitate) Him as our Rabbi and get to heaven: we must see as the things most valuable in this life – and therefore most love (be loyal to or lost without), those things which advance or improve God’s image.2.4. Principles then not to miss: 1) Whatever you choose to believe are the most valuable things in this life will be what you most love (are loyal to or lost without). Again (Mat 6:21) = Love (what we feel loyalty to or are lost without) is always the result of what we chose to believe as most valuable. And…2) What you believe to be most valuable will always be determined by whose image you are attempting to advance or improve in this life: yours or God. These two things are at the heart of what Rabbi Jesus is teaching ...
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    1 h y 9 m
  • Following Rabbi Jesus - Part 2

    Following Rabbi Jesus - Part 2
    Jun 8 2025
    In Matthew 16:24 Rabbi Jesus communicates what is necessary to possess Him as Savior. In so doing He also invites us to discover the key to securing its goal – eternity with Him in Paradise.1. If you want Jesus to be your Savior then you must live the rest of your life rejecting the belief that the most valuable things in this life are those that advance/promote self-image or pleasure (24a).1.1. When Jesus says “Come after Me” He is alluding to OT Messianic texts such as (Isa 55:1-4) which means He is referring to possessing Him as Savior (or coming to Him to receive salvation).1.2. What Jesus means by “deny himself and take up his cross” is the making the choice to permanently reject the pursuit of my image (self-image) and those things which advance it as the most valuable things in this life. Even people who live for – or are infatuated with – or find most valuable, the lives of others and therefore try to imitate them are still people living for the advancement of their own self-image. The reason they associate with that person is because of what they believe it does to advance how they feel or look to others (e.g., fans [fanatics] of celebrities [sports, music, movies, social media etc.; devotion to a particular brand [sunglasses, shoes, etc.]). This same example can be multiplied many times over when one considers the number of things people will devote themselves to because they believe it will promote their self-image (meaning the image of themselves they want to promote) (e.g., growing a beard; tattoos; clothing, cosmetic or shoe brands; physical fitness; the kind of car they drive; their hobbies). 1.3. What (then) Jesus is not talking about: becoming “the navy seal of ‘no’”. IOW: the key to getting to heaven is not growing in self-discipline (Col 2:23; 1Ti 4:8). It is instead about changing whose image we are attempting to advance from self to God – which means believing that the most valuable things in this life are those things that promote that – His image (not ours).2. Possessing Jesus as Savior will also mean adopting His belief that the most valuable things in this life are those that advance/promote God’s image and pleasure (24b).2.1. By “Follow Me” Rabbi Jesus means imitate Him. Not, “become a clone”, but “be the best Christ-version of yourself” – which ultimately means we live not for our own glory but the glory of the Father. That we – like Jesus, see as most valuable in this life those things that advance/promote God’s image (Joh 8:29). This then is what replaces our former life pursuit (the advancement/ promotion of my self-image or pleasure). We stop living for the glory of self and start living for the glory of God – which again means that the things we now see as the most-valuable are those that achieve that goal (i.e., those things in life which advance/promote God’s image or glory and not our own).2.2. The promotion of image is at the core of our design (Gen 1:26-28) = We were created as image-bearers (or image-promoters) which means this is our “modus operandi” – our hard-wired purpose in life (e.g., animals). As such every single person lives to promote either their image or the image of God- which means this is the test that determines where we spend eternity (Paradise or hell). On Judgment Day, our deeds will show whether we promoted our image or God’s image during our earthly life (Rev 20:11-15)2.3. Why will those who chose to live for self rather than promoting God’s image and glory go to hell instead of Paradise? 1) because you become what you do (i.e., you are permanently/eternally shaping the moral state of your spirit by your choices/who you choose to live for; 2Co 4:16-17 w/5:9-10; Eph 4:17-19; 2Pe 2:20). 2) those who chose to live for self are the destroyer of worlds (all this world’s problems and coming destruction is due to people living for self). 3) letting such people into Paradise would turn it into hell. 4) God is equitable and so will give to each person the world that best fits their spirit (the world they deserve/ordered based on their deeds) and not allow them to destroy the world that best fits the spirit of others. 2.4. By changing our focus/goal from promotion of self-image to the promotion God’s image and glory, our affections (love, loyalty and passion) will automatically change to align with our new-found focus/goal (Mat 6:21): this principle works both ways (self or God) – which is why you can always tell whose image a person is truly attempting to promote by simply looking at who/what they love, who/what they are loyal to and who/what they are passionate about. 2.5. That seeking to advance/improve/promote God’s image rather than our own is at the heart of Rabbi Jesus’ call to follow Him is confirmed in how He taught His disciples to pray (Mat 6:9-10) “Hallowed (i.e., glorified, advanced, promoted) be Your Name (i.e., Your Name/Image/Likeness [e.g. NIL])…[which means] ...
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    1 h y 10 m
  • Evangelism of Evan (Evangelical Christians)

    Evangelism of Evan (Evangelical Christians)
    May 25 2025
    Preliminary considerations:1. Most sincerely believe that their FAG (faith alone gospel) is derived solely from the Bible. These same people also sincerely believe they are - by their embrace the FAG, declaring the Bible to be God’s indispensable, infallible and incorruptible Word. Few however realize that by embracing what the FAG teaches, they are instead declaring the Bible – or God’s Word to be the opposite of those things. That portions of the Bible can be ignored (or dispensed of) when it comes to determining truth; that there are fundamental contradictions between the OT and NT; and that because of these things, God is now doing things that make Him unjust. 2. The reasons for this dichotomy: (2.1.) though many of their pastors and scholars are aware of this, they refuse to be open about it for fear of losing their jobs, families or friends (CCC has encountered this firsthand). (2.2.) bandwagon manipulation (ad populum) (2.3.) what passes for “deep biblical teaching” in most churches is emotionally driven (e.g., Evan likes to entertain), light on historical context or whole canon synthesis (e.g., Luther’s Law-Gospel Distinction) and heavy on redaction (i.e., contradictory texts are ignored).[1] 3. The result: The typical Evan will be immediately threatened by what we share and most likely respond with “more heat than light” (i.e., lots of feelings-based arguments, or condemnation based on their emotions versus intelligent discussion and inquiry).4. How Rabbi Jesus calls us to respond: (2Ti 2:24-26). 5. (In light of the aforementioned) Proposed approach: instead of attempting to convince them that their FAG is false, we need to genuinely ask for their help. As the old saying goes, “truth loves an appeal.” If what they possess is the truth, then they should be happy to help - and sufficiently competent, to answer our questions and resolve our concerns. Should they succeed, we will be forever in their debt – as those who loved us enough to “save our souls from death.” (Jam 5:19-20). This too, should be communicated as a motivation to help us. Another important piece worth communicating: we are not trying to be difficult or contrary, we however take seriously our commitment to Rabbi Jesus and His Word as the final authority on truth (especially the gospel) – which means if something contradicts it– or makes God contradict Himself in His Word, then we refuse to believe it – no matter how popular it is now – or has been in the past. Evangelicals should appreciate this more than anyone given what they believe didn’t exist until the 16th century. 1. If Evangelical Christianity is the truth, then why was it necessary for its founder to add words or dismiss NT books to validate his FAG invention?1.1. The Protestant (Evangelical) Reformation acknowledges the 16th century German monk Martin Luther as its father and founder since he is the one who invented its most precious possession, the FAG.1.2. What however is often kept out of the history books is the fact that Luther had to dismiss certain books of the NT in order to do so (James, Jude, Hebrews and Revelation). IOW: because teaching in those books proved his FAG false, Luther dismissed them questioning even their divine authority.[2] 1.3. Desperate to see his gospel invention thrive, Luther also added the word “alone” to Romans 3:28 (“We maintain that a man is justified by faith”) in his translation of the NT into German. This spurious addition remains to this day (e.g., 2017 Lutherbibel).[3]1.4. Evangelicals have attempted to dismiss Luther or his actions as foolish, claiming that his fears were unfounded. Luther however was no dummy. He was an expert in the original languages (Hebrew and Greek) and held a doctorate in theology. His actions of dismissal and addition therefore reflected what he knew to be true: if judged according to the whole of the NT canon, his FAG would stand condemned. 1.5. Why therefore would anyone who truly loves God and His Word ever trust the gospel of a man who had to add words or deny books of the NT in order to make it work? (Deu 4:2, 12:32; Gal 1:18). 2. If salvation is by faith alone then why does the only passage to use that phrase exist in the negative?2.1. (Jam 2:24) = This passage is the only place in the Bible where we find the phrase “faith alone” and James is using it to speak directly against the premise of the FAG (i.e., faith is the only instrument of our justification). Evangelicals attempt to get around this problem by claiming that James is instead teaching “works” as the result of our justification (versus - like faith, another instrument of justification). James however does not say we are justified by faith which results in works but rather we are justified by works and by faith (or “by works and not by faith alone”). 2.2. IOW: just as faith is instrumental to our justification so also are works. Both are necessary instruments of our ...
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    1 h y 30 m
  • Evidence of the New Covenant Rabbi

    Evidence of the New Covenant Rabbi
    May 11 2025
    The destruction of Solomon’s Temple in 586 BC, caused the Levitical priesthood to be displaced by synagogues (congregations or assemblies) and rabbis, men who because of their devotion to righteous behavior and deep study of the Old Testament were ordained by their congregations to function as their anointed shepherds, teachers and judges. The authority of these old covenant communities and their rabbis continued to be recognized as legitimate not only after the restoration of the Temple and priesthood, but during the time of Christ.[1] New Testament evidence strongly suggests “rabbi” remains the appropriate title for those serving as the anointed shepherds, teachers and judges of the new covenant community, the church. 1. Jesus established the synagogues – or congregations led by rabbis that existed in His day as the model for His new covenant churches (congregations). 1.1. (Joh 4:21-24) (21) “neither on this mountain [Mt. Gerizim – the site of the Samaritan temple] nor in Jerusalem [the site of Israel’s Temple] will you worship the Father” = God’s location will no longer be a single place fixed on a sacred mountain. IOW: no more temples (22) “Salvation is from the Jews” = God’s salvation or Savior (Messiah – v25-26) is only for Jews and their religion (Judaism) (Heb 2:16). (23-24) “an hour is coming and now is” = The model for New Covenant Judaism’s people and place of worship are already in existence. They are identified by two things: 1) “spirit” = Entering into worship will only be afforded to spiritual Jews (versus the Temple which excluded all but ethnic Jews. IOW: no Gentile proselytes were allowed into its inner courts of worship) (Rom 2:27). 2) “truth” = The focus of worship will be the teaching of Scripture (versus the Temple where the focus is the sacrifices of the priesthood) (Joh 17:17). 1.2. What people and places of worship already existed that fit the things mentioned by Jesus (not a temple, not therefore associated with the priests, entering into worship was available to all who are spiritual Jews, and the focus of worship is the teaching of Scripture)? The first century synagogues (congregations, assemblies) who welcomed into worship Gentiles converts (i.e., Gentiles who became spiritual Jews) and whose focus was the teaching of Scripture by their rabbis.2. Jesus and the apostles carried the title of Rabbi which implies they were training and ordaining their disciples to become rabbis as the leaders and planters of new covenant churches.2.1. Jesus was called “Rabbi” (Mat 26:25, 49; Mar 9:5, 11:21; Joh 1:38, 3:2, 4:31, 6:25, 9:2, 11:8; hence the reason Jesus is allowed to teach in the synagogues [e.g., Luk 4:15]. Only Rabbis were allowed to teach in the synagogues).[2]2.2. That Jesus was indeed a rabbi is also supported by His: 1) speech when correcting false teaching (Mat 5:21-22, 27-28, 33-34, 38-39)= According to Dr. David Daube, this repeated formula (“you have heard that it was said…but I say to you”) was the calling card of the rabbis.[3] 2) posture when teaching (Mat 5:1-2; Mat 13:1-3a; Luk 4:16 w/20-21) = According to Dr. David Sedaca, sitting while teaching was the invention of the rabbis.[4] 2.3. Jesus employs the master-slave/teacher-disciple language used by rabbis in His addresses to the twelve (e.g., Mat 10:24-27; Luk 6:40). 2.4. The fact that the twelve lived with Jesus and provided for His needs (e.g., Joh 4:8 w/31 “the disciples were urging him saying, ‘Rabbi eat’”) also points to their discipleship being that of rabbi trainees.[5]2.5. Matthew and John’s mention of Jesus anointing the eleven with authority as the church’s first leaders would have been understood by first century readers as a Rabbi ordaining His young disciples as junior rabbis (Joh 20:21-23 = The combination of sending and receiving of the HS indicates ordination/anointing to ministry. The authority to forgive sins is what is meant by binding and loosing in Mat 16:17-19 = The phrase “binding and loosing” was unique to the ancient rabbis and a reference to their authority as judges in penal cases). [6] 2.6. Similar to the other apostles, Paul received training as a rabbi (Act 22:3 “educated under Gamaliel”) = Gamaliel was a Rabbi and the president (Heb., nasi) of the Sanhedrin (Babylonian Talmud: Shab. 15a). To be educated by him, meant that Paul was his disciple – i.e., that he was trained by him to be a Rabbi according to the theological and hermeneutical convictions of the Pharisees (in contrast to the Sadducees; Act 5:34 w/Act 23:6). As a result, Paul (like Jesus) was allowed to teach in the synagogues (Act 13:14-16ff). 2.7. Paul’s constant push to be in the homes of his disciples - as well as his call for them to imitate his life, further supports his rabbinical identity given those ordained as rabbis were the only ones considered legitimate enough to makes such demands (Act 20:20; Rom 15:24, 28-29; 1Co 11:1; Phi 3:17, ...
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    1 h y 22 m
  • NCJ Sabbath - Part 3

    NCJ Sabbath - Part 3
    May 4 2025
    As part of His messianic mission, Jesus came to see that the principles established by the Old Testament Scriptures (the laws governing Old Covenant Judaism) are faithfully obeyed (Isa 2:1-3; Mic 4:1-3; Mat 5:17-20) according to their transformation by His ministry (i.e., their application in New Covenant Judaism) For example (1Co 5:1-5 [Lev 18:8 w/20:10] w/Heb 9:13-14) = Unlike the former sin offerings, Christ’s death can cleanse our souls (“conscience” = Sense of guilt/corruption in relation to one’s own soul or the soul of others; 2Co 4:2; Heb 9:9-10, 10:1-2 ; See also 1Jo 1:9) of “dead works” or mortal sins (i.e., capital crimes): sins which mortally wound the moral state of the soul (e.g., 1Jo 5:16 “sin that leads to death”; See also Jub 21:22 “sin a sin unto death”) making the guilty person’s physical death no longer necessary as a means of preserving their soul for salvation (1Co 5:5 “so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus”) = God’s goal in justice from the beginning (2Co 13:11 = Goal of justice is mercy/salvation). Excommunication is now the way to accomplishing those ends – (versus Jos 7:19).[1] Faithfully obeying those principles established by OT Scriptures according to their transformation in Christ (NC application) therefore includes the various Sabbath commands (days, harvest season festivals and years): 1) Hardship relief (Exo 20:8-11 and Lev 25:1-55 w/Heb 4:9-11 and Mat 12:12). 2) Holy convocation w/feasting and rejoicing (Psa 42:4; Lev 23:1, 7-8, 21, 24, 27, 35-37 w/Heb 10:25; Psa 92 w/Col 3:16). 3) Reciprocation (Exo 23:14-19 w/Heb 7:1-10; 1Co 16:1-2). 4) Covenant renewal (Lev 23:1-44 w/Luk 22:19-20). That being said, what changes have been made to the Sabbath under New Covenant Judaism? And why the change?1. What? Our observance of the Sabbath principles are no longer tied to the day of Saturday, the festivals of Passover, Pentecost and Yom Kippur or the 7th and 50th year of Jubilee. Though the Sabbath commands remain intact (Mat 5:17-18), Paul not only views them as no longer tied to Saturday, the Festivals or Jubilee, but strongly warns against finding any soteriological value in their former application (Gal 4:9-11; Col 2:16-17 w/23). 2. Why? Because the locus of our Savior God’s identity is no longer the old Creation– but the new.What was being communicated through OC Israel’s observance of the seventh-day Sabbath as a holiday (i.e., a day off from work to rest, convocate, reciprocate and renew the covenant) was that her Savior from slavery to false gods (the creator gods of Egypt – Jos 24:15; Exo 12:16; Num 33:1-4) was Yhwh, the (true and only) God of Creation. For NC Israel however it is different. Though Yhwh is still our Savior from slavery to false gods (Jesus is the Yhwh Who led OC Israel out of Egypt – Jud 1:5), His locus of identity is no longer the original (or old) Creation – but the New Creation as evidenced by His gospel message of regeneration and His personal resurrection from the dead on the first day (Gen 1:5). Important also to note, celebrating the Sabbath on the first day has precedent in the OT. Each of the Feast Sabbaths (“holy convocations”) had a 1st day Sabbath associated w/it (Lev 23:7 [P/UL], 15 w/21 [W], 35 [B]).Evidence of Sunday Sabbath observance in the NT: Considering the Pentecost of Acts 2 was celebrated on a Sunday, the statement, (46) “throughout the day (a better translation of [Grk.] kath’ hemera [“day by day]; e.g., Act 11:1)…in the temple and from house to house [house churches]” suggests a Sunday Sabbath observance since that this is when all but one of the four Sabbath principles (hardship relief) were also observed (46-47).3. What? The prohibition against cooking on the Sabbath no longer remains in force.3.1. (Rom 14:1-21):1) The focus of Paul’s instruction is the weaker brother whose opinion is that he can only eat vegetables on certain days (1-2).2) That food (specifically eating vegetables only) is Paul’s focus is confirmed by both the number of verses devoted to the subject (all but verse 5) and his immediate return to the subject of food after mentioning the issue of days in verse 5 and part of 6.3) One must therefore conclude that the only reason Paul briefly mentions days is because of their direct connection to the food issue (5) “one person regards one day above another (w/regard to what he can/cannot eat) another regards every day alike (w/regard to what he can/cannot eat).” 4) Whatever the food issue is, it is related to OT clean laws (14, 20).5) There is only one food issue that fits the aforementioned criteria: the prohibition against foods prepared on the Sabbath (e.g., v21, “[broiled] meat… [mixed] wine” – Pro 9:2). Such food would be considered “unclean” (i.e., profaned or defiled by the fact that it was prepared on the Sabbath). Besides those foods prepared on the prior day, the only other acceptable foods for consumption ...
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    1 h y 16 m
  • NCJ Sabbath - Part 2

    NCJ Sabbath - Part 2
    Apr 27 2025
    As part of His messianic mission, Jesus came to see that the principles established by the Old Testament Scriptures (the laws governing Old Covenant Judaism) are faithfully obeyed (Isa 2:1-3; Mic 4:1-3; Mat 5:17-20) according to their transformation as a result of His ministry (i.e., their application in New Covenant Judaism; e.g., Isa 66:21 [Exo 28:1,40-43; Num 3:1-3] w/Heb 7:11-22, 28). This includes those principles established by the various Sabbath commands (days, harvest season festivals and years): 1) Hardship relief (Exo 20:8-11 and Lev 25:1-55 w/Heb 4:9-11 and Mat 12:12). 2) Holy convocation w/rejoicing (Lev 23:1, 7-8, 21, 24, 27, 35-37 w/Heb 10:25; Psa 92 w/Col 3:16). 3) Reciprocation (Exo 23:14-19 w/Heb 7:1-10; 1Co 16:1-2). 4) Covenant renewal (Lev 23:1-44 w/Luk 22:19-20). That being said, what changes have been made to the Sabbath under New Covenant Judaism? And why the change?1. What? Our observance of the Sabbath principles are no longer tied to the day of Saturday, the festivals of Passover, Pentecost and Yom Kippur or the 7th and 50th year of Jubilee. 1.1. (Gal 4:9-11 “elemental things”) = Superficial forms of discipline able to teach but not transform (see v1-3; 1Ti 4:8). Paul’s mention of more than just days indicate his prohibition to include all the various Sabbatical times and dates in Scripture (“days [Saturdays] and months and seasons [months associated w/harvest season festivals: 1st of the month for Passover or Spring harvest; 3rd month for Pentecost or Summer harvest; 7th month for Yom Kippur or Fall harvest] and years [7th and 50th Jubilee]). 1.2. (Col 2:16-17) “act as your judge” = Condemn you; “shadow” = In form only [it was superficial] without the real power or substance [of its spiritual reality]; Hence 2:23). Paul’s encouragement to essentially ignore condemnation for things including the Sabbath only becomes relevant if the Colossians were not observing such commands according to their OC applications (Saturdays, Passover, Pentecost and Yom Kippur, 7th and 50th year jubilees). 1.3. PNTM: Though the Sabbath commands remain intact (Mat 5:17-18), Paul not only views them as no longer tied to Saturday, the Festivals or Jubilee, but strongly warns against finding any soteriological value in their former application (Gal 4:11; Col 2:23). 2. Why? Because the locus of our Savior God’s identity is no longer the original or old Creation.2.1. The main reason God makes Israel observe the seventh day Sabbath was to make sure they remembered that their deliverance from their slavery not only to the Egyptians but more importantly, their false gods (whom they were guilty of serving – Jos 24:15) was because He and He alone was the true Creator of the universe (Deu 5:15) = The phrase “by an outstretched arm” (in Deu 5:15) is believed to be a reference to the ten plagues (Exo 7:5, 15:12) – which according to scholars, served a dual – yet related purpose: 1) to reveal Yhwh as the true and only Creator God of the universe, 2) to expose Egypt’s creator gods as demonic frauds (Exo 7:4-5, 14:31). For example:1) As a demonstration of God’s sovereignty (or ownership over Creation), the first eight plagues function as a sort of reversal of those things created on the six days of Creation (1st plague w/Gen 1:10 -bodies of water filled with life; 2nd, 3rd and 4th plagues w/Gen 1:20, 22, 24 w/28 – the animals of the sea, the land and the air wb ruled by man; 5th plague w/Gen 2:18-20 – domestic animals to help man; 6th plague w/Gen 1:28 man blessed w/good health; 7th and 8th plague w/Gen 1:12, 29 – an abundance of fruits and veggies for food).2) The ninth plague (darkness you can feel – Exo 10:21) communicated what (then) remains – or may be claimed as home by those choosing false gods, the darkness of de-creation and chaos that existed before Yhwh’s ordering presence and power (Gen 1:2). 3) The tenth plague (death of the firstborn) includes also “first-born gods” – a term used by the Egyptians to refer to their creator gods - Atum-Ra and his 8 children, the Ennead (e.g., Egyptian coffin texts and the Cannibal Hymn, “It is the king who will be judged with Him-whose-name-is-hidden on that day of slaying the first born [gods]” [The Priests of Ancient Egypt]). 4) Just as God created the universe by uttering 10 blessings (Gen 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26, 28, 29) so He also destroys the “universe of Egypt” (her gods, people, animals, resources, etc) by uttering curses/plagues. “At the end of the narrative in Exodus, Israel looks back over the stilled water of the Sea at a land with no people, no animals, no vegetation, a land in which creation has been undone. Israel is convinced that her redeemer is the Lord of all creation. He who had just reduced order to chaos was the same as he who had previously ordered the chaos.” – Ziony Zevit (“Three Ways To Look At The Ten Plagues”)[1]2.2. What (then) was being communicated through OC ...
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    1 h y 15 m
  • NCJ Sabbath - Part 1

    NCJ Sabbath - Part 1
    Apr 20 2025
    As part of His messianic mission, Jesus came to see that the principles established by the Old Testament Scriptures (the laws governing Old Covenant Judaism) are faithfully obeyed according to their application for New Covenant Judaism (Isa 2:1-3; Mic 4:1-3; Mat 5:17-20). This includes those principles established by the various Sabbath day commands. That being said… 1. There are four principles established by the various Sabbath commands that we must be faithful to practice: 1.1. Rest and relief from labors, hardships or suffering.1.1.1. (Exo 23:12, 31:12-17; Lev 25:1-13 [the poor and property, 14-55]) = The seventh day, seventh year and the end of seven sabbath years were all to be observed as times of rest or relief from regular work - and other labors, hardships or suffering, not only for God’s people, but those people, animal and things under their charge. Notice again from Exodus 31: these “sabbaths” (or all of God’s various Sabbath commands): 1) promised certain death to those who found defiant (14-15 “profane” = Violate in defiance [e.g., Num 15:30-36]); “shall surely be put to death” -mentioned 2x for emphasis]). 2) were viewed by Him as a “perpetual covenant”, a “forever sign” between Him and Israel (Exo 31:16-17).1.1.2. (Exo 16:22-30 “boil what you boil and bake what you bake [on the days before the Sabbath]”; Exo 35:1-3 “you shall not kindle a fire” [for cooking]) = Rest included no cooking on the Sabbath. All cooking must be done before the seventh day.1.1.3. (Exo 20:8-11) = The importance of observing the Sabbath commands is highlighted not only by the threat of death but the fact that God made it the 4th of His ten commandments.1.1.4. During His earthly ministry, Jesus clarified what forms of work were acceptable -or exceptions, on the Sabbath (Mat 12:1-8 “Son of Man” [Dan 7:13] w/ “Lord of the Sabbath”) = I am God, the One Who created/instituted the Sabbath and therefore know what is acceptable to do on this day – which includes all: 1) those involved in sacred work (e.g., pastors/priests – vv1-7). 2) unforeseen/special circumstances (e.g., assets in jeopardy – vv9-11[1]). 3) work directly related to relieving hardship or suffering (e.g., mercy ministries, doctors – vv12-13[2]). 4) those forced to work on the Sabbath by unjust employers (Mat 11:25-30 w/12:1 “at that time”) = Matthew connects Jesus’ words in 11:25-30 to what follows in the Sabbath pericopes of chapter 12 indicating this as its context as well. In typical hypocritical fashion (Mat 23), the Pharisees condemning Jesus’ Sabbath day activities, were the ones truly guilty of profaning it through their refusal to give this day off to those they employed – most specifically, their young disciples (Mat 23:4 “heavy burdens”). Jesus’ words express divine judgment against the Pharisees (“you have hidden these things [the revelation of Jesus regarding the Father] from the wise and intelligent” [sarcasm: the Pharisees who believed themselves to spiritually wise and intelligent but were instead spiritually dumb and blind – Joh 9:40-41]) while extending divine favor to those forced to work (“[you] have revealed them to infants [their young disciples]…Come to Me all who are weary…and I will give you rest…you will [also] find rest for your souls [IOW: become My disciples and not only will you no longer be forced to work on the Sabbath but also find the eternal rest of the Father you have been seeking as disciples of the Pharisees]).” (i.e., God shows compassion to those not afforded a Sabbath rest by their masters [Deu 5:15 “slave” w/no day of rest]). 1.1.5. That God requires NC Jews to keep this principle of the Sabbath is confirmed by: (Heb 3:11-4:11).1.1.6. This Sabbath principle is most likely what is being described/prescribed in: (Act 4:32-37).1.2. Reunion and rejoicing as a holy convocation.1.2.1. (Lev 23:1-8 [Passover/Unleavened Bread] w/15 w/21 [Pentecost/Weeks] w/23-41 [Trumpets/Yom Kippur/Booths]) “a sabbath…a holy convocation” (Heb., miqra) = Assemblies (v36); “Feast…celebrate the feast…rejoice…celebrate it as a feast…celebration” = These Sabbath assemblies/holy convocations were to be a time of rejoicing [partying] with the covenant family through fellowship and fine dining – including strong drink (Deu 14:26). These family reunions were to also include corporate singing and the playing of musical instruments in the courts/house of the Lord (Psa 92:1-4 w/13-14).1.2.2. That God requires NC Jews to keep this principle of the Sabbath is confirmed by: (Heb 10:25) “assembling together” = An allusion to God’s multiple mandates to not forsake His prescribed holy convocations/Sabbath assemblies (e.g., Lev 23).1.2.3. This Sabbath principle is most likely what is being described/prescribed in:1) (Act 2:44-47) “were (assembled) together” = holy convocation/Sabbath assembly; “taking their meals together with ...
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    1 h y 36 m
  • New Covenant Judaism - Part 3

    New Covenant Judaism - Part 3
    Apr 13 2025
    How did we arrive at NCJ? What paradigm shifts in our understanding of God’s Word did He use to reveal to me (pastor Scott) that what Jesus and His New Testament authors are teaching is not a new religion (Christianity), but a restoration of ancient Judaism according to its New Covenant expression? 1. (2006) Lord Before SaviorFully submitting/dedicating ourselves to Jesus’ Lordship by repenting – or confessing and turning from our sin through justice and just living was the pre-requisite to His deliverance (salvation) in the OT (esp. ancient Judaism) just as it is in the NT. IOW: Lordship Salvation is not simply a NT phenomenon (Heb 5:9 w/13:8)2. (2012) Gain and MaintainThe framework of salvation is the same under the New Covenant as it was under the Old Covenant (or ancient Judaism): we gain our salvation by grace through faith and maintain it through faithful obedience to God’s commands. IOW: There is no dichotomy between works and faith in salvation. 3. (2013) Marriage Covenant Theology/GospelRedemptive history is comprised of five saving covenants (Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Old and New) whose makeup/nature is marital (they are betrothal – or inchoate marriage covenants), and Jesus, the covenant-making member of the Godhead, their divine Husband (Jer 31:31; Hos 2:19; 2Co 11:2). Being marital in nature explains Scripture’s soteriological framework of covenantal nomism or “gain and maintain.” In human marriages, what is gained by grace through vows of faith must be maintained by faithfulness - or the marriage is permanently forfeited in divorce (apostasy). Also similar to human marriages, our vows of faith (or faithfulness [Heb., emunah; Grk., pistus = faith/faithfulness]) to Christ is accompanied by prescribed symbols/signs (e.g., wedding rings) which not only serve as reminders of our obligation to fidelity, but possess the authority/power to ratify the covenant and dispense its blessings (e.g., now refer to each other as husband and wife; Mat 1:18-19; 1Pe 3:21). Since the New Covenant exists as a second version of the Old Covenant (the New representing Jesus’ re-marriage to a new Israel [NC Judaism] after His divorce from old and apostate Israel [OC Judaism]), there are two new covenant signs (baptism and the LT) to replace the former covenant signs (circumcision and animal sacrifices [burnt and sin offering]).4. (2014) Paedobaptism All of God’s promises to those in the Old and New Covenant find their source in the promises originally made to Abraham and his descendants (i.e., OC and NC Israel [Judaism 1.0 and 2.0]/Old and New Covenants are the descendant covs of the Abe cov). Hence the relevance of our baptism in Christ placing us in the family of Abraham (Gal 3:27-29). When God gave those promises to Abraham and his descendants, He made the special provision of automatically including their children at the moment of conception as long as the covenant sign was placed upon them by their parents shortly after birth (Gen 17:12). Babies under the NC should therefore be baptized (rather than waiting for them to be able to make a profession of faith) just as they were under the OC (Act 2:37-39). 5. (2015) Biblical Jurisprudence and Sexual EthicsJustice /righteousness (same word in Hebrew [tzedek] and Greek [dikaiosune]) is the controlling attribute in the character and actions of God (Psa 89:14, 97:2). Everything He is and does is therefore defined by justice/righteousness (e.g., His love is a just/righteous love, His hate is a just/righteous hate, etc.,). As such, every facet of OC Judaism, has this as its goal: the promotion and preservation of justice. To accomplish this mission, God established not only laws and punishment for Israel (e.g., Lev 19:31 and Deu 18:10-11 w/Lev 20:27), but also a system of justice involving judges (priests), a divine council (priests and levites), courts and a judicial process (Exo 21:23-25; Lev 24:19-20; Num 15:30-31, 35:30; Deu 16:18-20 w/17:2-13, 19:15-21; Deu 25:1; Psa 82:1; Joh 5:31, 8:16-17). The OT Prophets, Jesus and His NT authors confirmed that the same would be true under the NC (Isa 66:21; Mat 5:17-18; Mat 18:15-20; Joh 20:21-23; Rom 15:16; 1Co 6:1-4; 2Co 13:1-2; 1Ti 5:19, 21). Though at times different in application, the goal and principles remain intact (1Co 5:9-13 [Act 10:28 w/Exo 23:32-33, 34:12-16; Deu 7:1-5; Psa 82:1, 106:34-35]). This includes the goal and principles related to sex: all sexual activity is to be performed as a celebration and expression of marital fidelity (Gen 2:22-25 w/Mat 19:4-6 “one flesh” = [“flesh of my flesh” – 2Sa 19:13] = faithful/loyal/fidelity/allegiance; “let no man separate” = Let no man destroy through marital infidelity; “what God has joined together” = In covenant fidelity). Any action therefore outside of those parameters constitutes a capital crime (e.g., 1Co 5:1-8 [Deu 22:22] = All sexual activity outside of the marriage covenant is sexual immorality and equals death [OC: ...
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    1 h y 16 m