Thursday, February 25, 2010
G-D Says vs. Man says...
G-D says "Remember" (Exodus 20:8) but man says "Remember Not"... G-D says "Observe" (Exodus 31:14) but man says "Observe Not"... G-D says "Keep" (Deut. 30:10) but man says "Keep Not"... Yeshua says "Think Not" (Mat. 5:17), but man says "Think so"... Yeshua says "My Commandments are G-D's" (John 6:38;8:28) but man says they are not.. John says "abide in HIM and walk as HE walked" (1Jn 2:6), but man says abide in HIM and walk as you want.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Who or What is the Church?
The following is a compilation of my reponses to a posting on Facebook that I wanted to pull together into one article.
A lot of good comments. Just wanted to share that the word "Church" is the English derivation of the Greek word "Ekklesia" meaning "Gathering of the Chosen". We must ask then "Who are the Chosen?"... First we have to put our minds and thinking into the 1st Century, in the mindframe and context of who was writing, who it was written to and what were they up against at that time.. If we go into scripture with a 21st Century, Western mindset we will never be able to understand what is happening in the Bible... Who are the Chosen? Do a word study on the word "chose" and "chosen".. Also, look at what the believers were called back then "the Way"... Do a word study on "the Way" and notice that "the Way" (W is upper case) is different than "the way" (w is lower case). Look at Acts 9:2, Paul is still hunting the believers in Yeshua and it refers to the Believers as "the Way". Also, notice that after Paul's conversion he then belongs to "the Way". Acts 24:14.
Notice in Acts 24:14 that Paul says that he believes everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets.. Remember that Paul was a Pharisee, a Jew who became a believer in the Jewish Messiah. There is so much to say here, but so little space, but the point is that there is only one True "Church" or Ekklesia, it is Jew or Gentile that follows "the Way". The way is the belief in Yeshua (Jesus) as the Anointed Son of G-D, and professing HIS Blood as Atonement of our Sins, and Repentance of Sin (turning away from Sin). To turn away from Sin, we have to understand what the Biblical definition of what Sin is... 1 John 3:4 contains the answer and when we understand this, then we can try to walk as HE did 1 John 2:2-6... Please read all of 1 John 3. How do we show G-D that we Love HIM? 1 John 5:2-3... I know that I am going to get blasted for writing this, that is OK, but before you throw this in the trash, word study Lawless,& Lawlessness and notice what is being talked about here. Also, look up "the way of cain".. The Adversary (ha Satan, the Devil) hates G-D's Law (Torah) and He will teach against it, saying that it was done away with, but if it was done away with at the Cross, then why was Paul taking a Nazarite Vow? Acts 18:18, 21:23-26. There are more instances of Paul keeping the Torah, so don't you think that if the Law (Torah) was done away with, He would have spoken up and told the Jerusalem Council of the Way, that the Law was done away with and they were not under the requirements? He didn't because It Hadn't... I am going to stop here. There is enough given here to put you on track, but I will say that if you are going to understand the Bible, you have to get OUT of the Christian Churches, and get into a Messianic Jewish Congregation that has an Anointed Teacher of the Torah, who can teach you the Jewish Roots of the Faith...
1. Romans 12:4-8.. I don't think that this has anything to do with denominations, just people and to each one their talents, abilities..Spiritual Gifts.. Salt of the Earth... Matthew 5:13 is saying that if the salt has lost it's taste then it is no longer good for anything and should be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.. So as I read it, the salt scattered out is of no value.. So I don't see it being an example of unity... If a man looses his Love for the Truth or Saltiness then he is of no value.
2. That was the point. "the Way" is what the Sect of Believers in Messiah were referred to by the people of the day. Acts 24:14.. “But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets". Notice exactly what he says here. He was defending his upholding of the Law and Prophets, because he was being accused of not keeping the Law. Not one time does he mention Jesus fulfilling the Law and Prophets. This context has nothing to do with that. Jesus hasn't fulfilled everything yet, He fulfilled the blood needed for ratification of the covenant at Moab (New Covenant), and He fulfilled the spring feasts. You also have to understand what fulfilled means. It does not mean done away. It means to rightly interpret, or give proper meaning. Matthew 5:17-20 is pretty clear to me. In Luke 24:44, Yeshua tells exactly what He came to Fulfill.. It is so simple, He came to "fulfill" or "fill full" the things that were written about Him in the Torah (Law) of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.
3. If belief in Jesus is enough then what is said in Matthew 7:21-23 is a moot point. Belief, Faith, Works (Hebrews 11, James 2) is what is required. We all should carefully contemplate the last statement made in Matthew 7:23... We must look at the Whole, Big Picture... Hey just for kicks, go read Ezekiel 40-48... This is the Messianic Temple and it hasn't been built yet. Notice what will be takinig place at that Temple. I am Thankful for the opportunity to share my thoughts. We all have to make up our own minds. Just hope you don't judge the message because of the messenger :o)
Please don't lump me into the Messianic Jewish mold just because under my profile I say Messianic Jewish as my religious beliefs. I am a Gentile, that believes in the Jewish Messiah, therefore I am grafted in to the vine. I believe that Yeshua is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I also believe that HE is G-D's only begotten Son.
Please prayerfully go over everything that I wrote, several times and please look up all of the texts.
I have the deepest respect for you both and I care very much for you. Everything that I believe and have written was not developed in a few minutes, it takes a long time of study and prayer to understand these things. I know that it is upsetting, but it is there, even if you can't see it right now. I believe that what I believe and teach meshes with all of scripture with no contradictions. This venue is really not the way to go over these things. Please, let's get together to study these things out. I just want to share because I care.
John
A lot of good comments. Just wanted to share that the word "Church" is the English derivation of the Greek word "Ekklesia" meaning "Gathering of the Chosen". We must ask then "Who are the Chosen?"... First we have to put our minds and thinking into the 1st Century, in the mindframe and context of who was writing, who it was written to and what were they up against at that time.. If we go into scripture with a 21st Century, Western mindset we will never be able to understand what is happening in the Bible... Who are the Chosen? Do a word study on the word "chose" and "chosen".. Also, look at what the believers were called back then "the Way"... Do a word study on "the Way" and notice that "the Way" (W is upper case) is different than "the way" (w is lower case). Look at Acts 9:2, Paul is still hunting the believers in Yeshua and it refers to the Believers as "the Way". Also, notice that after Paul's conversion he then belongs to "the Way". Acts 24:14.
Notice in Acts 24:14 that Paul says that he believes everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets.. Remember that Paul was a Pharisee, a Jew who became a believer in the Jewish Messiah. There is so much to say here, but so little space, but the point is that there is only one True "Church" or Ekklesia, it is Jew or Gentile that follows "the Way". The way is the belief in Yeshua (Jesus) as the Anointed Son of G-D, and professing HIS Blood as Atonement of our Sins, and Repentance of Sin (turning away from Sin). To turn away from Sin, we have to understand what the Biblical definition of what Sin is... 1 John 3:4 contains the answer and when we understand this, then we can try to walk as HE did 1 John 2:2-6... Please read all of 1 John 3. How do we show G-D that we Love HIM? 1 John 5:2-3... I know that I am going to get blasted for writing this, that is OK, but before you throw this in the trash, word study Lawless,& Lawlessness and notice what is being talked about here. Also, look up "the way of cain".. The Adversary (ha Satan, the Devil) hates G-D's Law (Torah) and He will teach against it, saying that it was done away with, but if it was done away with at the Cross, then why was Paul taking a Nazarite Vow? Acts 18:18, 21:23-26. There are more instances of Paul keeping the Torah, so don't you think that if the Law (Torah) was done away with, He would have spoken up and told the Jerusalem Council of the Way, that the Law was done away with and they were not under the requirements? He didn't because It Hadn't... I am going to stop here. There is enough given here to put you on track, but I will say that if you are going to understand the Bible, you have to get OUT of the Christian Churches, and get into a Messianic Jewish Congregation that has an Anointed Teacher of the Torah, who can teach you the Jewish Roots of the Faith...
1. Romans 12:4-8.. I don't think that this has anything to do with denominations, just people and to each one their talents, abilities..Spiritual Gifts.. Salt of the Earth... Matthew 5:13 is saying that if the salt has lost it's taste then it is no longer good for anything and should be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.. So as I read it, the salt scattered out is of no value.. So I don't see it being an example of unity... If a man looses his Love for the Truth or Saltiness then he is of no value.
2. That was the point. "the Way" is what the Sect of Believers in Messiah were referred to by the people of the day. Acts 24:14.. “But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets". Notice exactly what he says here. He was defending his upholding of the Law and Prophets, because he was being accused of not keeping the Law. Not one time does he mention Jesus fulfilling the Law and Prophets. This context has nothing to do with that. Jesus hasn't fulfilled everything yet, He fulfilled the blood needed for ratification of the covenant at Moab (New Covenant), and He fulfilled the spring feasts. You also have to understand what fulfilled means. It does not mean done away. It means to rightly interpret, or give proper meaning. Matthew 5:17-20 is pretty clear to me. In Luke 24:44, Yeshua tells exactly what He came to Fulfill.. It is so simple, He came to "fulfill" or "fill full" the things that were written about Him in the Torah (Law) of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.
3. If belief in Jesus is enough then what is said in Matthew 7:21-23 is a moot point. Belief, Faith, Works (Hebrews 11, James 2) is what is required. We all should carefully contemplate the last statement made in Matthew 7:23... We must look at the Whole, Big Picture... Hey just for kicks, go read Ezekiel 40-48... This is the Messianic Temple and it hasn't been built yet. Notice what will be takinig place at that Temple. I am Thankful for the opportunity to share my thoughts. We all have to make up our own minds. Just hope you don't judge the message because of the messenger :o)
Please don't lump me into the Messianic Jewish mold just because under my profile I say Messianic Jewish as my religious beliefs. I am a Gentile, that believes in the Jewish Messiah, therefore I am grafted in to the vine. I believe that Yeshua is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I also believe that HE is G-D's only begotten Son.
Please prayerfully go over everything that I wrote, several times and please look up all of the texts.
I have the deepest respect for you both and I care very much for you. Everything that I believe and have written was not developed in a few minutes, it takes a long time of study and prayer to understand these things. I know that it is upsetting, but it is there, even if you can't see it right now. I believe that what I believe and teach meshes with all of scripture with no contradictions. This venue is really not the way to go over these things. Please, let's get together to study these things out. I just want to share because I care.
John
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Matter of Meat
The Matter of Meat is a sensitive subject because we all have our own beliefs concerning the consumption of meat as a source of protein. Don’t worry, I am not here to convince you to become a vegetarian or even to follow my ideas. I am just wanting to give you bits of information that will possibly cause you to re-think some of your beliefs concerning the use of meat in your diet.
I am pretty sure that everyone is familiar with Leviticus 11 and what is Biblically considered meat to be used for food and what is not... If you are not familiar with this then please stop reading this and get your Bible and go over it before continuing this article.
In the Bible there are multiple words that are associated as meat or flesh. The most common word is “Basar”. Although this word can mean “flesh” like man’s flesh, it is more often used in the context of food meaning meat, bread, fruit etc..
Let’s first consider something that we all partake of… Fast Food… Should we eat out?
Fast Food equals cheap ingredients, poor quality, poor nutrition, and Poor Health ! The Business Goal of the Fast Food Industry is Taste and Appeal for the lowest cost. The fast food industry does not have your health interest in mind. The Movie Documentary “Super-Size Me” told the story of a man who ate all of his daily food from Mc Donalds. He was medically tested at the beginning and was found to be healthy. After, 2 weeks of him only consuming Mc Donalds food, His Dr’s were afraid for his health, because his his major organs were showing severe signs of disease and he was sick and even though the advice of his Dr’s was to stop the documentary, he pushed through the full 30 days. By the end, he was very sick. After he stopped eating that food, his health slowly returned to normal.. It really doesn’t matter if it is McDonalds, Wendy's, Arbys, or Taco Bell, I feel that the end result would be the same.
We need to remember that the business goal of a fast food business is to inexpensively produce products that are low in consumer cost with appeal to the consumer with generally no concern for health. There is also evidence that these companies put taste enhancing chemicals in the food that can actually cause allergic reactions in susceptible people. Some of these chemicals actually make you crave more of it, thereby causing you to go back to their restaurant to get more.. Did you know that the food wrapper and containers are treated with Teflon to lengthen the time that the “food” can be wrapped up without leaking all over the sack, your car etc… Tests have shown that the Teflon shows up in miniscule amounts of each food that is wrapped in it, and since our body cannot effectively eliminate it, it builds up in our body and could cause problems.
Feedlots and Animal Health -- Antibiotics, Growth Hormones, Microbes etc.
Have you ever been to a feed lot? Do the animals graze in a pasture? No they don’t. They live their life in dirt or mud and are fed a diet of grain and “feed”. Research shows that the feed is laced with antibiotics, hormones etc. And if that is not bad enough. There is evidence that “animal parts” and chicken feces are dessicated and put into the feed to enhance protein content. Animal parts in the feed of an animal who’s natural diet is grass? This is exactly the cause of BSE or Mad Cow Disease. I believe that this practice is wrong and we should try to the best of our ability to avoid eating meat from animals raised this way.
Is Kosher any Better?
Kosher, doesn't necessarily mean fed or raised properly. Kosher meat just means a Rabbi inspected the animal and found no visible flaws and then it was killed by Jewish Kosher Guidelines. Then after the animal is processed and halved, it is inspected again and if no visible flaws are found it is passed as Kosher. The animal to be butchered can come from a commercial feedlot, loaded with antibiotics, growth hormones etc., but is still "Kosher" if approved by the Rabbi/Inspector… It is possible for this animal to contain pesticide residue, antibiotic residue, hormones etc. I have heard it said that these things are not passed to humans through the consumption of the meat, but if that were true, then why does the CDC report the diseases that are transmitted via meat consumption?
Here is a short list of known diseases that can be transmitted to humans by eating their flesh. BSE,aka Mad Cow Disease, E. Coli, Campylobacter, Bacilus Cereus, Staphylococcus, Shigella, Clostridium, and Salmonella, . Also, New research shows that Borrelia Burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease can be transmitted by meat consumption..
Some believe that as long as you don’t cut into the spinal cord, BSE infection can’t be transmitted to humans. I believe that this is not true because all of the muscle of the animal is enervated with nerves that are connected to the CNS, therefore, doesn’t it make sense that the disease would also be in the meat? Also, when the butchers cut the carcass in half, they do so with a band saw through the spinal cord, thereby contaminating the whole carcass by splattering the spinal fluid onto the carcass !
So with this information, I believe that we are no better off consuming Certified Kosher meat. I believe that we are better off consuming farm raised, grass fed beef and/or organically grown/fed, if not both…
Did you know that only grass fed beef and milk has a natural substance called conjugated linoleic acid, aka CLA? CLA has been shown to benefit the human metabolism by causing the “brown adipose” tissue in our body to take in the “white adipose tissue and cause it to be used in the process of thermogenesis, thereby causing a reduction of body fat. which is responsible for our belly and love handles. CLA has also been shown to increase our lean muscle mass, prevent Allergies, Cancer, and Atherosclerosis. As well as helping to normalize Serum Cholesterol and Triglyceride levels.
It is clear to me that CLA is a major benefit to us and I believe that it was in the Maker’s Design for it to be present for our benefit. However, it does not happen if the animal is fed a diet completely of grain or feed cubes.. It only happens if it consumes primarily fresh grass and hay. I find this to be a big lesson in letting the animal do what is natural to them, not forcing them to live a way contrary to how G-D designed them live...
Even though I have only talked about Beef here, we can’t leave out chicken or turkey… Commercial chicken and turkey farms are no better than the commercial Beef industry. Growth Hormones, Antibiotics, animal part laced feed etc… They are packed wall to wall in brooder houses with barely room to move. So, organic or farm raised is the best choice here also...
Now, even though I don't promote vegetarianism, I do teach that we don't need large amounts of animal protein (meat) in our daily intake of food. I believe that there is quite a bit of evidence that our daily intake of protein should only be around 20% of our total daily intake and the rest of our nutritional needs of Carbohydrates and Fats, should come from nuts, seeds, legumes, vegetables and fruit.
I think that we should be conscious of the food that we eat and we should make good nutrition choices daily for optimal physical and mental health. Even though the Bible is basically silent about what we call nutrition today, we do have the texts that support the idea that it is important to treat “our” body as a Temple.
Should we consider what we offer "our" body as a Temple Offering?
1 Cor. 6:19-20 says: Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. I know that the context of these verses is concerning being with a prostitute, however we could carry over this line of thinking to what we eat also.
In traditional Jewish homes, the dinner table is considered the family altar, and the home itself is called the “mikdash meyat”, a little sanctuary where G-D can dwell. Because the family invites G-D to join them at every meal all foods must be ritually acceptable. When we eat we should consider that our table is an altar which we make an offering to Ad-nai.
Would we take a commercially raised animal to offer as a sacrifice if the Temple existed today? Would G-D consider it unblemished?
My opinion based on my studies, is NO, G-D would not consider this kind of animal as unblemished and it would be rejected. So, with all of the evidence and opinions given here, would you want to take the meat from this animal into your body, the Temple of the Holy Spirit ?
If farm raised or Organic is not available, I believe that it would be best to not eat meat. And we would be better off just eating bread, grain, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds or legumes.
I believe that our Creator delights in our health and happiness and HE has provided so much for us to partake of for us to be so. I know for a fact that no one is happy when they are sick. Yes, sometimes illness happens regardless of how we live, but I think that we would have better health if we would consider what foods would work best for our body.
There is a whole lot more that could be said here, but I just wanted to share with you these ideas that have been on my mind and I hope that you have learned enough here, to go out on your own and learn more..
Shalom, John
I am pretty sure that everyone is familiar with Leviticus 11 and what is Biblically considered meat to be used for food and what is not... If you are not familiar with this then please stop reading this and get your Bible and go over it before continuing this article.
In the Bible there are multiple words that are associated as meat or flesh. The most common word is “Basar”. Although this word can mean “flesh” like man’s flesh, it is more often used in the context of food meaning meat, bread, fruit etc..
Let’s first consider something that we all partake of… Fast Food… Should we eat out?
Fast Food equals cheap ingredients, poor quality, poor nutrition, and Poor Health ! The Business Goal of the Fast Food Industry is Taste and Appeal for the lowest cost. The fast food industry does not have your health interest in mind. The Movie Documentary “Super-Size Me” told the story of a man who ate all of his daily food from Mc Donalds. He was medically tested at the beginning and was found to be healthy. After, 2 weeks of him only consuming Mc Donalds food, His Dr’s were afraid for his health, because his his major organs were showing severe signs of disease and he was sick and even though the advice of his Dr’s was to stop the documentary, he pushed through the full 30 days. By the end, he was very sick. After he stopped eating that food, his health slowly returned to normal.. It really doesn’t matter if it is McDonalds, Wendy's, Arbys, or Taco Bell, I feel that the end result would be the same.
We need to remember that the business goal of a fast food business is to inexpensively produce products that are low in consumer cost with appeal to the consumer with generally no concern for health. There is also evidence that these companies put taste enhancing chemicals in the food that can actually cause allergic reactions in susceptible people. Some of these chemicals actually make you crave more of it, thereby causing you to go back to their restaurant to get more.. Did you know that the food wrapper and containers are treated with Teflon to lengthen the time that the “food” can be wrapped up without leaking all over the sack, your car etc… Tests have shown that the Teflon shows up in miniscule amounts of each food that is wrapped in it, and since our body cannot effectively eliminate it, it builds up in our body and could cause problems.
Feedlots and Animal Health -- Antibiotics, Growth Hormones, Microbes etc.
Have you ever been to a feed lot? Do the animals graze in a pasture? No they don’t. They live their life in dirt or mud and are fed a diet of grain and “feed”. Research shows that the feed is laced with antibiotics, hormones etc. And if that is not bad enough. There is evidence that “animal parts” and chicken feces are dessicated and put into the feed to enhance protein content. Animal parts in the feed of an animal who’s natural diet is grass? This is exactly the cause of BSE or Mad Cow Disease. I believe that this practice is wrong and we should try to the best of our ability to avoid eating meat from animals raised this way.
Is Kosher any Better?
Kosher, doesn't necessarily mean fed or raised properly. Kosher meat just means a Rabbi inspected the animal and found no visible flaws and then it was killed by Jewish Kosher Guidelines. Then after the animal is processed and halved, it is inspected again and if no visible flaws are found it is passed as Kosher. The animal to be butchered can come from a commercial feedlot, loaded with antibiotics, growth hormones etc., but is still "Kosher" if approved by the Rabbi/Inspector… It is possible for this animal to contain pesticide residue, antibiotic residue, hormones etc. I have heard it said that these things are not passed to humans through the consumption of the meat, but if that were true, then why does the CDC report the diseases that are transmitted via meat consumption?
Here is a short list of known diseases that can be transmitted to humans by eating their flesh. BSE,aka Mad Cow Disease, E. Coli, Campylobacter, Bacilus Cereus, Staphylococcus, Shigella, Clostridium, and Salmonella, . Also, New research shows that Borrelia Burgdorferi, the bacterium that causes Lyme disease can be transmitted by meat consumption..
Some believe that as long as you don’t cut into the spinal cord, BSE infection can’t be transmitted to humans. I believe that this is not true because all of the muscle of the animal is enervated with nerves that are connected to the CNS, therefore, doesn’t it make sense that the disease would also be in the meat? Also, when the butchers cut the carcass in half, they do so with a band saw through the spinal cord, thereby contaminating the whole carcass by splattering the spinal fluid onto the carcass !
So with this information, I believe that we are no better off consuming Certified Kosher meat. I believe that we are better off consuming farm raised, grass fed beef and/or organically grown/fed, if not both…
Did you know that only grass fed beef and milk has a natural substance called conjugated linoleic acid, aka CLA? CLA has been shown to benefit the human metabolism by causing the “brown adipose” tissue in our body to take in the “white adipose tissue and cause it to be used in the process of thermogenesis, thereby causing a reduction of body fat. which is responsible for our belly and love handles. CLA has also been shown to increase our lean muscle mass, prevent Allergies, Cancer, and Atherosclerosis. As well as helping to normalize Serum Cholesterol and Triglyceride levels.
It is clear to me that CLA is a major benefit to us and I believe that it was in the Maker’s Design for it to be present for our benefit. However, it does not happen if the animal is fed a diet completely of grain or feed cubes.. It only happens if it consumes primarily fresh grass and hay. I find this to be a big lesson in letting the animal do what is natural to them, not forcing them to live a way contrary to how G-D designed them live...
Even though I have only talked about Beef here, we can’t leave out chicken or turkey… Commercial chicken and turkey farms are no better than the commercial Beef industry. Growth Hormones, Antibiotics, animal part laced feed etc… They are packed wall to wall in brooder houses with barely room to move. So, organic or farm raised is the best choice here also...
Now, even though I don't promote vegetarianism, I do teach that we don't need large amounts of animal protein (meat) in our daily intake of food. I believe that there is quite a bit of evidence that our daily intake of protein should only be around 20% of our total daily intake and the rest of our nutritional needs of Carbohydrates and Fats, should come from nuts, seeds, legumes, vegetables and fruit.
I think that we should be conscious of the food that we eat and we should make good nutrition choices daily for optimal physical and mental health. Even though the Bible is basically silent about what we call nutrition today, we do have the texts that support the idea that it is important to treat “our” body as a Temple.
Should we consider what we offer "our" body as a Temple Offering?
1 Cor. 6:19-20 says: Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. I know that the context of these verses is concerning being with a prostitute, however we could carry over this line of thinking to what we eat also.
In traditional Jewish homes, the dinner table is considered the family altar, and the home itself is called the “mikdash meyat”, a little sanctuary where G-D can dwell. Because the family invites G-D to join them at every meal all foods must be ritually acceptable. When we eat we should consider that our table is an altar which we make an offering to Ad-nai.
Would we take a commercially raised animal to offer as a sacrifice if the Temple existed today? Would G-D consider it unblemished?
My opinion based on my studies, is NO, G-D would not consider this kind of animal as unblemished and it would be rejected. So, with all of the evidence and opinions given here, would you want to take the meat from this animal into your body, the Temple of the Holy Spirit ?
If farm raised or Organic is not available, I believe that it would be best to not eat meat. And we would be better off just eating bread, grain, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds or legumes.
I believe that our Creator delights in our health and happiness and HE has provided so much for us to partake of for us to be so. I know for a fact that no one is happy when they are sick. Yes, sometimes illness happens regardless of how we live, but I think that we would have better health if we would consider what foods would work best for our body.
There is a whole lot more that could be said here, but I just wanted to share with you these ideas that have been on my mind and I hope that you have learned enough here, to go out on your own and learn more..
Shalom, John
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The Power of Nine...
Do you know the 9 words that sum up the Gospel message?
"Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand" Matthew 3:2; 4:17.
Repentance, Repent.. What does that mean? It means to turn around from sin and go the other way. John the Baptist, Yeshua, and the Deciples all taught this. This is a BIG part of the Good News, the Gospel message. Turn around and stop sinning. If you turn around, you turn your back on sin (unrighteousness) and by doing this you turn toward righteousness, for Sin is Transgression of the Law (Torah) 1 John 3:4. Righteousness is the keeping of the Law (Torah). No, we are NOT Saved from our righteous acts (works) of Law abiding, but by doing so, we show our Faith and our Love for HIM and HIS Grace (unmerited favor) is abundantly given to us. James 2:17-26, 1 John 2:3-6; 5:3.
The Torah is G-d's guidlines or instruction. If we fail in one commandment, we have broken them all (James 2:10), but Yeshua is there with forgiveness. He takes away the condemnation because HE kept every aspect of the Torah, Perfectly.. The unblemished Lamb.
So I say also... Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand.. The King is Coming again... Are you Ready?
Shalom,
John
"Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand" Matthew 3:2; 4:17.
Repentance, Repent.. What does that mean? It means to turn around from sin and go the other way. John the Baptist, Yeshua, and the Deciples all taught this. This is a BIG part of the Good News, the Gospel message. Turn around and stop sinning. If you turn around, you turn your back on sin (unrighteousness) and by doing this you turn toward righteousness, for Sin is Transgression of the Law (Torah) 1 John 3:4. Righteousness is the keeping of the Law (Torah). No, we are NOT Saved from our righteous acts (works) of Law abiding, but by doing so, we show our Faith and our Love for HIM and HIS Grace (unmerited favor) is abundantly given to us. James 2:17-26, 1 John 2:3-6; 5:3.
The Torah is G-d's guidlines or instruction. If we fail in one commandment, we have broken them all (James 2:10), but Yeshua is there with forgiveness. He takes away the condemnation because HE kept every aspect of the Torah, Perfectly.. The unblemished Lamb.
So I say also... Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand.. The King is Coming again... Are you Ready?
Shalom,
John
Saturday, July 25, 2009
"Our" Choices and the Way of Cain
It is my observation that when a man has already decided the matter, and regardless of what proof is presented, he stands firm in his decision, the matter is settled and those who try and go against his decision are met with a futile attempt to convince others of his decision.
The Way of Cain is alive and well today and when a man enters into it, He has made the same decision as Cain did... "I know what my Father has asked me to do, however He will accept the offering that "I" have decided upon." We must strive to be as Abel and humbly do as we are asked without our "decision" getting in the way. We must read the Scriptures as a complete story, not taking bits and pieces to put together what we think the story is about. We must also take everything written in it's context, when it was written, who it was written to, and what they were up against at that time...
Here is a link to a good study on Cain....
http://otwaxahachie.blogspot.com/2009/01/q-could-you-explain-what-is-going-on-in.html
John
The Way of Cain is alive and well today and when a man enters into it, He has made the same decision as Cain did... "I know what my Father has asked me to do, however He will accept the offering that "I" have decided upon." We must strive to be as Abel and humbly do as we are asked without our "decision" getting in the way. We must read the Scriptures as a complete story, not taking bits and pieces to put together what we think the story is about. We must also take everything written in it's context, when it was written, who it was written to, and what they were up against at that time...
Here is a link to a good study on Cain....
http://otwaxahachie.blogspot.com/2009/01/q-could-you-explain-what-is-going-on-in.html
John
Christianity and Replacement Theology
The primary problem that I see with most Christians is they believe in replacement theology (christianity replaces Judaism). Like it or not, Yeshua (Jesus) was Jewish, the Messiah of Israel and their Religion. He was/is the Messiah, Redeemer of the Jews first, then the Goy (Gentiles) Matthew 10:5-6, 15:24, Acts 9:15. (Read my Blog: "Jews to Christians" for more).
The Law or Jesus? I Choose our Savior. But, because He Loves me and I Love Him, I choose to walk as He did and (I try) to keep the Torah. Trust me, I screw up all the time, but He is there with His forgiveness. We are NOT Saved by the Keeping of the Law, only through HIS Blood. Hey, I understand the plight of the Christian, I have been there with you. Most of the arguments against the "Law" are just more of the same and contradict many, many scriptures. Matthew 5:17-20, speaks loudly to us all. "Fulfill" doesn't mean done away with, if it does HE contradicts Himself. He came to shed light on (fill-full) the "Instructions" (Torah, Law), not do away with it.
I think that the reason that the "Church" is in the state that it is, is because no one teaches what Sin is, by the Biblical definition in 1 John 3:4. When Jesus was on Earth and teaching; what did He quote from when He said "It is Written" ? He taught from the Torah & Prophets. This is what the unbelieving Jews were always trying to get Him with because they thought that He was teaching against the Torah or breaking the Torah. Without the Torah (Law) there is NO Sin, because without the Torah there is No knowledge of what Sin is. Jesus took away the condemnation, He bore the punishment for mine and your transgression of the Law. We should then follow the instruction in 1 John 2:6, 3:22-24.
If Believers would re-read the teachings of Jesus and Paul after spending time studying the first 5 books in the Bible, misunderstood things become very clear. I believe that you have to find an Anointed Teacher of the Torah who believes in Yeshua as the Messiah, because you just can't understand and learn the depth of the Torah and the Teachings of Yeshua and Paul without a Teacher who knows and understands the "Hebrewisms" of the Scriptures. There is a Great book that helps put it all in perspective called "Boundary Stones" by Aaron Eby. http://www.ffoz.com/.
John
The Law or Jesus? I Choose our Savior. But, because He Loves me and I Love Him, I choose to walk as He did and (I try) to keep the Torah. Trust me, I screw up all the time, but He is there with His forgiveness. We are NOT Saved by the Keeping of the Law, only through HIS Blood. Hey, I understand the plight of the Christian, I have been there with you. Most of the arguments against the "Law" are just more of the same and contradict many, many scriptures. Matthew 5:17-20, speaks loudly to us all. "Fulfill" doesn't mean done away with, if it does HE contradicts Himself. He came to shed light on (fill-full) the "Instructions" (Torah, Law), not do away with it.
I think that the reason that the "Church" is in the state that it is, is because no one teaches what Sin is, by the Biblical definition in 1 John 3:4. When Jesus was on Earth and teaching; what did He quote from when He said "It is Written" ? He taught from the Torah & Prophets. This is what the unbelieving Jews were always trying to get Him with because they thought that He was teaching against the Torah or breaking the Torah. Without the Torah (Law) there is NO Sin, because without the Torah there is No knowledge of what Sin is. Jesus took away the condemnation, He bore the punishment for mine and your transgression of the Law. We should then follow the instruction in 1 John 2:6, 3:22-24.
If Believers would re-read the teachings of Jesus and Paul after spending time studying the first 5 books in the Bible, misunderstood things become very clear. I believe that you have to find an Anointed Teacher of the Torah who believes in Yeshua as the Messiah, because you just can't understand and learn the depth of the Torah and the Teachings of Yeshua and Paul without a Teacher who knows and understands the "Hebrewisms" of the Scriptures. There is a Great book that helps put it all in perspective called "Boundary Stones" by Aaron Eby. http://www.ffoz.com/.
John
Friday, April 10, 2009
Galatians Commentary
It is clear to me that what is being delt with in the book of Galatians is the thinking of being saved by keeping the Law. I think Paul was scolding them for having a legalist attitude toward the Law by them keeping the Law for Salvation. I tell you the Truth, We are NOT SAVED by Keeping the Law. Only by the blood of Yeshua (Jesus). We should look at the Torah as a guide book or instruction manual to learn things like not having improper relations with a sister or mother, and not living in a moldy house and what to do if you get mold in your house, etc., etc. Never any Salvation in it, just instruction that is of benefit to us even today. As far as the Feasts, I think that we can look at them as Holi-Days, to remind us of what is physically and spiritually connected to them, not Saved by them, just a neat way to remember. Yeshua is Truly in all of them. We are only SAVED by HIS Sacrifice/Blood in our place and if we believe HE is the Son of God, Then our sins are forgiven. I feel much better, personally, by celebrating the Feast Days as a remembrance instead of Holidays of a Pagan origin. There should not be any arguments as far as my last statement, because anyone can go to Wikipedia and study out the origins of Xmas, Easter etc. Anyway, I think that I have been very clear for everyone to see, that I believe that WE are NOT Saved by keeping the Law..
John
John
Monday, April 6, 2009
The Bill of Charges Against Us
I just discovered something interesting about Col. 2:14. Starting with verse 11 ... If you read these verses from the Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) it seems to make more sense. "11 Also it was in union with him that you were circumcised with a circumcision not done by human hands, but accomplished by stripping away the old nature's control over the body. In this cirucumcision done by the Messiah, 12 you were buried along with him by being immersed; and in union with him, you were also raised up along with him by God's faithfulness that worked when he raised Yeshua from the dead. 13 You were dead because of your sins, that is, because of your "foreskin," your old nature. But God made you alive along with the Messiah by forgiving you all your sins.
14 He wiped away the bill of charges against us. Because of the regulations, it stood as a testimony against us; but he removed it by nailing it to the execution-stake."
To me this is saying that it is the list of sins and our old sinful nature that is being talked about here. Not the Law or Torah. This meshes with Rev. 20:12-15.. All our offenses are written down and if we do not believe in Yeshua as Messiah and ask for forgiveness through HIS Shed Blood, then our sins will not be wiped away. Our Blood will be required to pay the penalty and our name will be wiped away from the Book of Life... WOW! Another Ahaa Moment for Me... Hope it means something to you too... Shalom, John
14 He wiped away the bill of charges against us. Because of the regulations, it stood as a testimony against us; but he removed it by nailing it to the execution-stake."
To me this is saying that it is the list of sins and our old sinful nature that is being talked about here. Not the Law or Torah. This meshes with Rev. 20:12-15.. All our offenses are written down and if we do not believe in Yeshua as Messiah and ask for forgiveness through HIS Shed Blood, then our sins will not be wiped away. Our Blood will be required to pay the penalty and our name will be wiped away from the Book of Life... WOW! Another Ahaa Moment for Me... Hope it means something to you too... Shalom, John
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Jews to Christians?
Did Yeshua (Jesus) intend on the the Creation of the Christian Church? The short answer is NO. HE intended on the Jews becoming Believer's in his Messiahship! Did HE negate the Jewish faith and all that was practiced by the Jews previous to HIS coming? I Say NO ! (Matt 5:17-20) He kept the Torah (Law) completely, that is why it is said there was no fault found in HIM, he was a perfect LAMB with no blemish. (Luke 23:4, 1 Peter 2:22-24) Wasn't the Great Commission given to Jewish men to go out and preach the good news that the Messiah had come and to teach what HE had done and also what HE would do in the Future? Wasn't the Great Commission to find the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel? (Matt 10:6, 15:24, James 1:1) Didn't HE also commission through Shaul (Paul) the conversion of Gentiles (non-Jewish, Goyim) to the Messianic Jewish Faith? (Acts 13:42-52, Isa 42:6; 49:6, Luke 2:32).
Some will use Acts 11:26 to uphold the term "Christian" and try to use this as well as Yeshua (Jesus) being called "the Christ" as basis for the Christian church. This idea is false and is built on a lie or possibly just a translation error which has lead to the idea of "Replacement Theology" (the christian religion replacing Judaism). If we go back to the original words that the Bible was translated from, you will see that there was never any intention of a Christian Church or another Religion. (Gal 1:6-9, 2 Cor 11:4) Look at the word "Christ" in the Strong's Concordance reference #5547 "Christos", from #5548 "Chrio" from the Greek, meaning "Anoint". This is a translation from the Hebrew word for "Messiah" #4899 "Mashiyach", from 4886 "Anointed". We find in two places in the Bible the Greek term "Messias" #3323, in John 1:41 and John 4:25. Why did the translators use "Messias" here instead of "Christos" or "Christ"? The point is that the words Christ, Christos, Messiah, or Messias are not HIS Name, it is a title showing that Yeshua was the Prophesied Savior. Therefore, in Acts 11:26 the Translators could have just as easily used the word "Messians" instead of "Christians".
"Christ" was never his name. If someone calls HIM "Christ" it is just describing HIM as the Anointed, The Messiah. When people say "Jesus Christ", it is as if it is HIS first and last name which is not correct. The people of HIS day referred to HIM as "Yeshua ben Yowceph" when HE was a boy and also by those who did not know or believe in HIS Messiahship when HE began HIS Ministry.
There is only one TRUE religion. It is the Belief in Yeshua as the Son of God, THE Promised Messiah and the observance of the Torah because of our Love and Faith in Him. He came to show the World the Truth about our Heavenly Father YHWH. He came to bring the Law and the Prophets to Life, and to Fulfill them. He was a Jew. He taught and kept all of the Torah (Law). He was a Rabbi (Teacher of the Torah). He was/is the embodiment of the Father. Everything that HE did was to Glorify the Father. Without HIM, there is NO hope for Eternal Life 1 John 5:3, 11-12).
I know that this writing is hard to read for some, however it still needs to be said. It is not meant to discourage. All of my writings are MY OPINION of what I see and understand when I am studying a specific subject using the Bible as my Source. I am much like a news reporter giving my account of what I see happening as I read the Scriptures in the Bible. My Goal in sharing my writings is to get people to open their eyes and ears and get their noses into the Scriptures. I exhort all who read my writings to examine their belief system and their Heart to make sure that they are living, believing and understanding to their fullest potential.
We should always ask ourselves "What Did Yeshua Do and What did the writers of the New Testament Scriptures do in the First Century?" They are our example. We must keep in context with what was happening at the time they lived. 1 Cor. 11:1-2, Acts 28:17, 1 John 2:3-6.
The Voice of Revelation 18:4 is still calling to us today... "Come out of her my people, that you not be partakers of her sins, and that you not receive of her plagues...
John
© 2009 Common Law Copyright John Dandridge, All Rights Reserved Without Prejudice. Can be reprinted ONLY if NO Changes are made to the Text.
Some will use Acts 11:26 to uphold the term "Christian" and try to use this as well as Yeshua (Jesus) being called "the Christ" as basis for the Christian church. This idea is false and is built on a lie or possibly just a translation error which has lead to the idea of "Replacement Theology" (the christian religion replacing Judaism). If we go back to the original words that the Bible was translated from, you will see that there was never any intention of a Christian Church or another Religion. (Gal 1:6-9, 2 Cor 11:4) Look at the word "Christ" in the Strong's Concordance reference #5547 "Christos", from #5548 "Chrio" from the Greek, meaning "Anoint". This is a translation from the Hebrew word for "Messiah" #4899 "Mashiyach", from 4886 "Anointed". We find in two places in the Bible the Greek term "Messias" #3323, in John 1:41 and John 4:25. Why did the translators use "Messias" here instead of "Christos" or "Christ"? The point is that the words Christ, Christos, Messiah, or Messias are not HIS Name, it is a title showing that Yeshua was the Prophesied Savior. Therefore, in Acts 11:26 the Translators could have just as easily used the word "Messians" instead of "Christians".
"Christ" was never his name. If someone calls HIM "Christ" it is just describing HIM as the Anointed, The Messiah. When people say "Jesus Christ", it is as if it is HIS first and last name which is not correct. The people of HIS day referred to HIM as "Yeshua ben Yowceph" when HE was a boy and also by those who did not know or believe in HIS Messiahship when HE began HIS Ministry.
There is only one TRUE religion. It is the Belief in Yeshua as the Son of God, THE Promised Messiah and the observance of the Torah because of our Love and Faith in Him. He came to show the World the Truth about our Heavenly Father YHWH. He came to bring the Law and the Prophets to Life, and to Fulfill them. He was a Jew. He taught and kept all of the Torah (Law). He was a Rabbi (Teacher of the Torah). He was/is the embodiment of the Father. Everything that HE did was to Glorify the Father. Without HIM, there is NO hope for Eternal Life 1 John 5:3, 11-12).
I know that this writing is hard to read for some, however it still needs to be said. It is not meant to discourage. All of my writings are MY OPINION of what I see and understand when I am studying a specific subject using the Bible as my Source. I am much like a news reporter giving my account of what I see happening as I read the Scriptures in the Bible. My Goal in sharing my writings is to get people to open their eyes and ears and get their noses into the Scriptures. I exhort all who read my writings to examine their belief system and their Heart to make sure that they are living, believing and understanding to their fullest potential.
We should always ask ourselves "What Did Yeshua Do and What did the writers of the New Testament Scriptures do in the First Century?" They are our example. We must keep in context with what was happening at the time they lived. 1 Cor. 11:1-2, Acts 28:17, 1 John 2:3-6.
The Voice of Revelation 18:4 is still calling to us today... "Come out of her my people, that you not be partakers of her sins, and that you not receive of her plagues...
John
© 2009 Common Law Copyright John Dandridge, All Rights Reserved Without Prejudice. Can be reprinted ONLY if NO Changes are made to the Text.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
John 3:16
John 3:16 is awesome. I love to read the whole statement starting at verse 10 thru 21... A lot said there, but because the Bible is more than John 3:16, there is obviously more that we need to know. I am NO more than a reporter, so to speak. I am just giving my interpretation of what I see happening when I read the Scriptures. I am always open to reproof, but wouldn't it be nice to get scripture from others to help me see if I am wrong? I totally understand the resistance to the whole idea of predestination. However, what do we do with all of the Texts and references that support it? If you didn't actually read all of the scripture references that I gave, and only read my writing, then most would quickly have a negative reaction. I challenge you to tell me why the word "Predestined" is there and explain to me all of the text references, because I really want to know the truth.
Also explain all of the Scripture texts that are connected with the "Chosen".. For the record, we are not saved by anything other than what HE states in John 3:16. But as stated earlier there must be more to it or else there would be no reason for the rest of the Bible. That one text is important to someone who knows nothing about HIM and what it takes to be Saved. However, unless we have only 5 minutes to live when we first have contact with our Savior, there is much more for us to learn and do......
I wish that it was just one verse long and John 3:16 would be a good one.. However, no matter if I like it or not, there is all of this other stuff that makes up the bulk of the Scriptures and there has to be a reason for it all..
HE Calls Us... We Hear HIS Voice... We recognize HIS Voice... HE Chooses Us... We Choose to follow HIM... HE Loves Us... We Believe in HIM... We Love HIM.... HE Saves Us... We Rest in HIM...
John
Also explain all of the Scripture texts that are connected with the "Chosen".. For the record, we are not saved by anything other than what HE states in John 3:16. But as stated earlier there must be more to it or else there would be no reason for the rest of the Bible. That one text is important to someone who knows nothing about HIM and what it takes to be Saved. However, unless we have only 5 minutes to live when we first have contact with our Savior, there is much more for us to learn and do......
I wish that it was just one verse long and John 3:16 would be a good one.. However, no matter if I like it or not, there is all of this other stuff that makes up the bulk of the Scriptures and there has to be a reason for it all..
HE Calls Us... We Hear HIS Voice... We recognize HIS Voice... HE Chooses Us... We Choose to follow HIM... HE Loves Us... We Believe in HIM... We Love HIM.... HE Saves Us... We Rest in HIM...
John
Monday, March 30, 2009
Do We Choose Him or Does HE Choose us?
Do we struggle with the idea of Predestination because we have grown up not knowing or believing it? It seems clear, based on the Scriptures that HE Chooses us. HE knew us before the foundations of the Earth. Romans 8:28-30, 2 Timothy 1:9, 2:19, Romans 9:24, Ephesians 1:11... There is a text reference trail that can take a long time to read all of them.
Terms like: Called, Chose, Chosen, Predestined, Preordained are used in the Writings to describe those that are HIS. The terms "Choice" and "Free Will" are not used anywhere in the Bible (KJV, NKJV) to describe believers choosing or having free will.
Since HE knew us before we were born, knowing we are HIS, does HE call us and we hear HIS Voice and then we Believe? John 10:3-5, 14-16, 27-31.... If you Hear HIS Voice and you know him, go ahead and follow and enter HIS Rest. Read all of Hebrews 4...
HE Calls Us... We Hear HIS Voice... We recognize HIS Voice... HE Chooses Us... We Choose to follow HIM... HE Loves Us... We Believe in HIM... We Love HIM.... HE Saves Us... We Rest in HIM...
Shalom,
John
Terms like: Called, Chose, Chosen, Predestined, Preordained are used in the Writings to describe those that are HIS. The terms "Choice" and "Free Will" are not used anywhere in the Bible (KJV, NKJV) to describe believers choosing or having free will.
Since HE knew us before we were born, knowing we are HIS, does HE call us and we hear HIS Voice and then we Believe? John 10:3-5, 14-16, 27-31.... If you Hear HIS Voice and you know him, go ahead and follow and enter HIS Rest. Read all of Hebrews 4...
HE Calls Us... We Hear HIS Voice... We recognize HIS Voice... HE Chooses Us... We Choose to follow HIM... HE Loves Us... We Believe in HIM... We Love HIM.... HE Saves Us... We Rest in HIM...
Shalom,
John
Grace, The Law, and The Chosen
The following is in response to a posting from a couple of my friend's comments on the Messianic Study on Colossians 2:14.
I wrote:
The definition of "Grace" is "un-merrited favor". There is nothing that we can do to be saved. It is a gift and if we confess that Yeshua (Jesus) is the Messiah and repent of our sins, then HIS Blood covers our sins. I am pretty sure that you are right that you can't be unborn after we are born again. However, We can become a Prodigal, however the Prodigal came back, and the Father was over joyed by the return of His son. The Father's Love for His son never ended. I believe that HE Chose us first (John 15:16-19, Ephesians 1:4, 2 Thess 2:13, 1 Peter 2:4-9,James 2:5.) I believe that the chosen are those that have a heart that longs to be with their Father, they are not of this World. I believe that even if we decide to turn our back on HIM, He will not turn His back on us, because He will keep prompting us and our Heart will turn back to HIM.
As far as works, we are never saved by works, however Faith without Works is Dead (James 2:8-26) Notice the Royal Law, The Torah.. If the Torah was done away with at the foot of the Cross, then why is James talking about it, expounding on it, just like Yeshua did. Remember what Yeshua says in Matthew 5:17-48. ... He is quoting the Torah Law,(Royal Law) and expounding on it. Trying to help us have a fuller understanding of it. If the Law was of no avail to us after his Shed Blood, then why didn't HE take the many opportunities that HE had to tell us that? If Paul was teaching against the Law, then why did he continue to follow the Law by keeping the Feasts, prescribed in the Torah Law? (Acts 18:21). Why was Paul shearing his head according to the Law if it had been done away with? (Acts 18:18, 21:23). Paul does not contradict the Teachings of the Torah or Yeshua (Jesus).
Yeshua and Paul were under constant scrutiny and always accused of breaking or teaching against the Torah (Law). They never did. They expounded on it. Trying to make it clearer and also to teach against the doctines of men, known today as the Talmud (Mark 7:7-13, Colossians 2:20-22). Paul and Yeshua were upholding the Torah and showing the error of the Traditions and Commandments of Men. They both were constantly Defending the Law.
Now we must remember the Blood of Bulls and Goats can never take away sins, but point forward to the Blood Shed by Yeshua. Now it may appear to say that HE took away the old to make way for the new, but I really think that if this is what Paul is saying then he is contradicting himself and Yeshua's teachings. I am pretty sure that this is a hard to understand writing that Peter mentions in 2 Peter 3:15-16....
We do well to not be like Cain. (Jude 11, Read all of Jude). More could be said, but this will suffice for now.. Shalom, John
I wrote:
The definition of "Grace" is "un-merrited favor". There is nothing that we can do to be saved. It is a gift and if we confess that Yeshua (Jesus) is the Messiah and repent of our sins, then HIS Blood covers our sins. I am pretty sure that you are right that you can't be unborn after we are born again. However, We can become a Prodigal, however the Prodigal came back, and the Father was over joyed by the return of His son. The Father's Love for His son never ended. I believe that HE Chose us first (John 15:16-19, Ephesians 1:4, 2 Thess 2:13, 1 Peter 2:4-9,James 2:5.) I believe that the chosen are those that have a heart that longs to be with their Father, they are not of this World. I believe that even if we decide to turn our back on HIM, He will not turn His back on us, because He will keep prompting us and our Heart will turn back to HIM.
As far as works, we are never saved by works, however Faith without Works is Dead (James 2:8-26) Notice the Royal Law, The Torah.. If the Torah was done away with at the foot of the Cross, then why is James talking about it, expounding on it, just like Yeshua did. Remember what Yeshua says in Matthew 5:17-48. ... He is quoting the Torah Law,(Royal Law) and expounding on it. Trying to help us have a fuller understanding of it. If the Law was of no avail to us after his Shed Blood, then why didn't HE take the many opportunities that HE had to tell us that? If Paul was teaching against the Law, then why did he continue to follow the Law by keeping the Feasts, prescribed in the Torah Law? (Acts 18:21). Why was Paul shearing his head according to the Law if it had been done away with? (Acts 18:18, 21:23). Paul does not contradict the Teachings of the Torah or Yeshua (Jesus).
Yeshua and Paul were under constant scrutiny and always accused of breaking or teaching against the Torah (Law). They never did. They expounded on it. Trying to make it clearer and also to teach against the doctines of men, known today as the Talmud (Mark 7:7-13, Colossians 2:20-22). Paul and Yeshua were upholding the Torah and showing the error of the Traditions and Commandments of Men. They both were constantly Defending the Law.
Now we must remember the Blood of Bulls and Goats can never take away sins, but point forward to the Blood Shed by Yeshua. Now it may appear to say that HE took away the old to make way for the new, but I really think that if this is what Paul is saying then he is contradicting himself and Yeshua's teachings. I am pretty sure that this is a hard to understand writing that Peter mentions in 2 Peter 3:15-16....
We do well to not be like Cain. (Jude 11, Read all of Jude). More could be said, but this will suffice for now.. Shalom, John
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