Chapter 5 (Part 4)

  5. Believers Impacting the Wider Community

I have heard the Jewish people described as being held together through the centuries by the fact that they are a “community;” only one in 300 is a “Jew;” but they have a bond of common ancestors and experiences and a common focus toward God. The Jewish community’s assigned task, by God, is to present God to the wider world; to be his “priests” in the Earth; to teach mankind about God and how to relate to Him. Their heritage is hinged on God’s intervention and association with a “family.” That “family” was to manifest the reality of God and His activity in the Earth on their behalf. The “family” of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were “marked” by God’s choice to be His special “family.” Jews are not united around a “religion,” they are united around a common intervention by an awesome God in, and for, their “family”!

Their assignment makes them keenly aware of how far the folks in Earth have drifted away from the principals laid down by God that assure a positive and rewarding relationship with Him. They are keenly aware of the “stewardship” assigned to Man over the Earth; aware of the inequalities caused by flight from God and His principals that plagues the Earth. Jews feel a need to “better” what they can; to nudge the Earth and its people back to the relationship with the Maker that assures a “good” Earth and “good” relationship between people and peoples. Their lives are to be a visual demonstration of what relationship and obedience to God can do for a nation and an individual.

Christians want to do the same thing, but need to better understand how to bring that about. The melding of the example and action of the Jewish people into Christian involvement with the world around them would benefit both.

6. What about those “Tongues?”

I was instructed, by my Jewish wife, not to use “tongues” out loud in a Jewish environment or service. Indeed, in Reform Judaism, “tongues” are a source of division and misunderstanding…

 “Tongues” are an utterance produced by the vocal apparatus of the human body that are not in the native tongue or any known language. The general belief of Christians is that they are inspired by the Spirit of God to release into the Earth through the creative “portal” of “Man” (the mouth) “words” that release God to operate in a Earth that is temporarily “leased” to God’s enemy, the devil. I agree with that. Not every Christian speaks in “tongues.” And why God chooses those He does is His business. Science has shown that “tongues” are not connected to activity in the human “brain;” but seem to come from another source. (My take; The “spirit” of a person as it is connected to God)

I feel very certain that the prophets of old would “mutter” sounds that their disciples could not understand as well as speaking in their native tongues. According to God’s Word nothing can happen in the Earth until it is “spoken.” That’s because Man has the dominion over the earth, and also because of the “lease” given to the devil by Adam in his rebellion in the Garden. God says He won’t do anything until He tells His prophets; and until those prophets “speak” His Plan into the Earth it cannot happen. For example, you can clearly follow the “thread” spoken in the Old Testament that leads to Rabbi Jesus.

7. Christians need to study the Torah

If we are becoming “teachable” again, then the next step is to take seriously the command in the Word to “Study to show thyself approved, rightly dividing the Word of Truth…” As I have mentioned, serious and open-minded “study” of the Word is almost a non item among even serious “Christians.” If we commit to “study” then the “root item” on which our Christianity is based will be the “Torah.” (the first five books of the Old Testament) This is an area “Christians” need to begin to explore!

And we have a tremendous wealth of knowledge to draw from! The Jewish rabbis and sages have delved into the Torah for centuries upon centuries and their wisdom has been passed down and preserved! The Torah will be one of the sources of continual study for us for eternity…layer upon layer of the revelation of God and His Character! We must get over our fear of “other” opinions and views if we are going to dip our toes into the Word and drink of its treasures! We also need to understand that more “revelation” is forthcoming from God’s Spirit when we move into the arena of “study.” The “revelation” of the depths of the Word will consume us for eternity; we will never reach the bottom of the treasures of knowledge and beauty contained in it!

“Study” with one another, with the tolerance that others can still hold different opinions and we can love and fellowship with them, opens up new areas of revelation. Because where two or three are gathered together searching the Word, the Spirit of God will be in the midst giving revelation and insight through each individual.

Wrapping it up!

This approach to touching Judaism and Christianity, of course, cannot end here!

When we shine the light of “Truth” it not only gives us illumination, but reveals the rough and the incorrect areas as well! Neither Christians nor Jews can remain “osmosis believers!” But I understand and respect the “soul” reaction to spiritual concepts…the first instinct of your “soul” will be to bury these “observations” in the sand and forget you ever read it! However I have found, too, that those things “revealed” to us must be reconciled, must be dealt with if we are to achieve the peace God designed us and enabled us to live in! And that “when” we learn about them we also take ownership and responsibility of them! And that we are ready for them when we access them…made ready by the Spirit of God.

Those areas and concepts “new” to the Reader are brought to your attention by the Spirit of God as part of your “journey” to fulfill the Plan and Dream of God for YOU which He had “before the foundations of the Earth were laid!” There is no insignificant member of God’s People in the Earth. The command to “Study” and “Grow Up” applies to every person in the Earth because the Love of God is the same towards every person He has placed into the Earth; there is a “destiny” for YOU to fulfill and what you now know (if you receive it!) is part of the fabric of your life and the Plan of God for you!

Take those things that apply to YOU and export them into the world around you as part of your part in the wonderful plan of God for His most awesome creation, Man!

Thank you for taking the time and expending the energy to peruse this volume! Go back to the “Contents” page, and be led by the Spirit of God to read again those sections He points out to you, Please, please, take the time and effort to “study” those areas that seem hazy, or need verification from other sources; they will not impact your life or the world around you until they are settled in your “spirit” and accepted by your “soul!”

I love and respect each of you!

END

Chapter 5 (Part 3)

 WHAT “RENEWAL” OF THE SOUL BRINGS

THE SOUL CAN BE “RENEWED” IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF THINGS SPIRITUAL.

2 Cor. 4:16 ¹⁶For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 

THE “INWARD” CONSISTS OF THE SPIRIT AND SOUL.

SO, WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO HAPPEN AS WE “RENEW” THAT “INWARD” PART OF US??
Col. 3:8-17 ⁸But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. ⁹Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; ¹⁰And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: ¹¹Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. (GOD IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS!)

THEN, RABBI PAUL TELLS US WHAT COMPOSES THAT “NEW MAN,” THE “CHARACTERISTICS OF THE “NEW MAN…”

¹²Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; ¹³Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. ¹⁴And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. ¹⁵And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. ¹⁶Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. ¹⁷And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

PAUL REPEATS THAT IN A MORE COMPACT FORM IN EPHESIANS…

Eph. 4:23-24 ²³And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; ²⁴And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

WHEN THE SOUL DOES GET THAT “EDUCATION,” THAT “RENEWAL,” IT CAUSES THE SOUL TO BE ABLE TO RECOGNIZE THE SPIRITUAL, UNDERSTAND IT TO A DEGREE, AND THEN “MOVE ASIDE” TO ALLOW THE ACCESS TO THE SPIRITUAL REALM WE HAVE IN THE SPIRIT MAN TO BE RELEASED INTO THE NATURAL WORLD.

That concludes my excerpt from my message on “The Reality of the Spiritual.”

(Note: This concept comes from the Jewish sages, too. They talk about the Nefish, body, the Rua, the soul, and the Shamah, the spirit that connects directly to Heaven and spiritual realities. They also emphasize the strong bond between the body and soul…even to the extent that the soul (and spirit) hangs around the body of a dead person until the soul is convinced it cannot return- knowing that they belong together; hence, for Jews, no embalming and quick burial so the body will begin to decompose and the soul can leave. Christian teaching mentions that some have “died” and their spirit and soul “hung around” and “saw” the dead body – sometimes the spirit and soul reentering the body and the body returning to “life.”)

4. Valuation of “Family” & A Day of Rest

In my lifetime I have witnessed the loss of a “day of rest” and erosion of the family. I even remember the first day that a 7-Eleven Store stayed open on a Sunday…that made a deep impression on me even as a child! I am old enough to remember that if you didn’t have it on Friday evening…you’ll have to wait until Monday! Saturdays we lolled around and Sunday was focused on church attendance. Today stores are open 7 days a week and folks are “busy;” both spouses are expected to have jobs, and need them to survive financially in today’s economy; school has become more a child care service and less an educational adventure; families spend little time as a unit, almost never all sitting down to eat a meal together; each member has their own hobbies and pursuits most of which are solitary activities. “Making ends meet,” financially, has become the focus of life for many; because of that TV, sports, hobbies, and games have become a necessary “escape” for most.

After God and relationship with Him and His Word, the next priority needs to be turned back inward to our spouse and families. The Jewish example and commitment and interaction with their family provide a wonderful platform and example for Christians to observe and emulate. The destruction of the “family” in this country is almost complete and “government” is now looking to impact our children, and us, from “birth to death.” Our educational and governmental system is demanding access to our children for “education” and indoctrination from birth. And, with the demands placed on the family, resistance is decreasing. The interference and meddling of “government” is increasing almost daily!

“Until death do us part” is little regarded and marriage relationships crumble because of the lack of commitment to natural and spiritual “vows” couples’ exchange. Almost no one wants to expend the energy to “work through” the difficulties spouses will encounter…even the really tough ones like unfaithfulness and the nebulous “incompatibility”…to keep a “vow” that is “archaic” in the estimation of the world and society. Few care to examine the reasons God orchestrated this arrangement. The value of one “soul tie” in a lifetime is not understood; the impact on children ignored for the benefit of individual “happiness.”

In 2000 I prepared a message on this subject…it bears on the subject we are looking at right now…

SOUL TIES

1 THES 5:23 "...AND SOUL..."

(BRIEF DISCUSSION ON SPIRIT, SOUL, BODY; THE THREE PART MAKE UP OF MAN) Author’s note: this subject is covered in another part of this work.

1 SAM 18:1-4 (EXAMPLES OF POWERFUL SOUL TIES)

(1 SAM 19:1-7) JONATHAN INTERCEDES FOR DAVID

(1 SAM 20:1-42) JONATHAN AGAIN INTERCEDES, UNSUCCESSFULLY, FOR DAVID AND THEY PART COMPANY V.41-42

2 SAM 11:1-27 DAVID, BATHSHEBA & URIAH

RABBI JESUS AND HIS DISCIPLES AND FOLLOWERS

EVEN THE WORLD ACKNOWLEDGES THAT “SOUL TIES” EXIST, BUT HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THEY ARE.

SOUL TIES ARE CONNECTIONS IN OUR “SOUL” AREA (SPIRIT, SOUL, BODY) THAT BIND US STRONGLY TO OTHER PEOPLE. THEY ARE DESIGNED TO BE USED IN LINE WITH THE WORD'S INSTRUCTIONS ON RELATIONSHIPS. THEY ARE MEANT FOR OUR GOOD. THE PRIMARY PLACE THEY EXIST IS BETWEEN SPOUSES IN A COMMITTED MARRIAGE BOND. (PROV. 19:14 "A PRUDENT WIFE IS FROM THE LORD")

THE PURPOSE IS TO BOND TWO PEOPLE TOGETHER FOR LONG TERM RELATIONSHIP (PROV. 27:17 "IRON SHARPENS IRON"); THAT THEY MIGHT HELP FORM ONE ANOTHER FOR GOD'S USE AND PURPOSES. ULTIMATELY THAT WE MIGHT GROW INTO THE "DREAM" GOD HAS FOR OUR LIVES AND MINISTRY IN THE EARTH AND TO PREPARE US FOR HIS LONG-TERM USE THROUGH ETERNITY. THAT “BOND” ALSO PROVIDES A STABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR CHILDREN TO BE RAISED IN “THE NURTURE AND ADMONITION OF THE LORD.”

MUCH "SOULISH" CONFUSION AND CONFLICT IS CAUSED WHEN THESE “TIES” ARE INAPPROPRIATELY FORMED, AS THEY ARE SO CASUALLY IN OUR SOCIETY.

HOW ARE THEY FORMED?

BECAUSE WE ARE A SPIRITUAL CREATURE, WE MAKE CONNECTIONS WITH OTHERS ON LEVELS OTHER THAN JUST THE NATURAL. SINCE THE WORLD DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE SPIRITUAL REALM, IT CANNOT UNDERSTAND HOW THESE CONNECTIONS ARE FORMED OR THEIR PURPOSE OR HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM.

WHEN WE HAVE INTIMATE PERSONAL INTERACTION WITH ANOTHER PERSON WE ALSO MAKE CONTACT WITH THE SPIRITUAL PART OF THEM. THE SPIRITUAL PARTS OF US TEND TO BOND TOGETHER. THESE “TIES” OCCUR IN THE SOUL AREA; THE MIND WILL, INTELLECT, AND EMOTIONS. THE EMOTIONAL AREA IS ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE BECAUSE WE ARE OFTEN "TENDER" OR NEEDY IN THAT AREA. THE LACK WE EXPERIENCE FOR AFFECTION AND ATTENTION DRAWS US TO THOSE WHO WILL PROVIDE THAT FOR US. (OR WE THINK THEY WILL) WE THEN DEVELOP A NEED FOR THAT INTERACTION AND A DEPENDENCE ON IT. (ADDICTION) WE "HOOK TOGETHER" IN THOSE NEEDY AREAS.

“SOUL TIE” = A HOOKING TOGETHER OF A LACK IN OUR LIVES THAT SEEMS TO BE SUPPLIED BY ANOTHER IMPERFECT PERSON OR, MORE SAFELY, GOD.

THIS INCLUDES GOD, WITH WHOM WE ARE TO DEVELOP THE FIRST AND STRONGEST "SOUL TIES". HIS DESIRE IS TO MEET ALL OUR NEEDS (AS HE WILL FOR ETERNITY). PHIL 4:19 "GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEED;” AND WE UNDERSTAND THAT GOD IS CAPABLE AND WILLING TO DO THAT.

“SOUL TIES” ARE DEVELOPED BY VULNERABILITY, TIME, VERBAL AND PHYSICAL EXCHANGE, AND CONTACT.

A. VULNERABILITY

EVERY PERSON HAS AREAS OF THEIR LIVES WHERE THERE IS AN "EMPTY" SPOT, A NEED FOR AFFECTION OR ATTENTION THEY DID NOT GET AT THE PROPER TIME IN THEIR LIVES; OFTEN BECAUSE OF OUR SOCIETY'S ATTITUDE TOWARD MARRIAGE. WE NOW HAVE A WORLD FULL OF PEOPLE LACKING IN WHAT MARRIAGE WAS SUPPOSED TO PROVIDE, A STABLE, NURTURING ENVIRONMENT FOR PHYSICAL, SOULISH, AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH.

WE MUST GUARD THOSE VULNERABLE AREAS AND LOOK TO GOD TO FILL THOSE NEEDS!

WE ALSO LIVE IN AN “IMPERFECT” WORLD, WHERE THE “DEVIL RUNS RAMPANT;” THOSE TWO FACTORS ASSURE THAT VULNERABLE AREAS WILL BE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF.

WE ARE PRIME CANDIDATES FOR “SOUL TIES” WE DID NOT FORM OR PREPARE TO FORM AS WE GREW UP. A BIBLICAL UPBRINGING WOULD HAVE PREPARED US TO FORM CORRECT SOUL TIES AT THE PROPER TIME IN OUR LIVES; WE DESIRE SOUL TIES, BUT OFTEN WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE.

--YOU CAN FORM THEM WITH ANYONE (EVEN SOMEONE WHO HURTS YOU)

B. TIME

AS WE SPEND TIME WITH OTHER INDIVIDUALS WE MOVE TO DEEPER AND DEEPER LEVELS OF INTERACTION AND EXCHANGE. WE ARE ATTRACTED TO THOSE WHO WILL MEET NEEDS WE HAVE. "OPPOSITES" ATTRACT BECAUSE THEY FULFILL AND COMPLETE EMPTY AREAS IN THE OTHER. THIS IS ALSO PART OF GOD'S PLAN AS "IRON SHARPENS IRON." WE COMPLIMENT AND COMPLETE EACH OTHER.

C. VERBAL AND PHYSICAL EXCHANGE AND CONTACT.

THERE ARE THREE “LEVELS” OF VERBAL EXCHANGE.

WHEN WE TALK WITH SOMEONE GENERALLY IT IS ON A CASUAL LEVEL.

-WE EXCHANGE INFORMATION AND TALK ABOUT SURFACE THINGS.

-SOMEONE YOU MEET ON THE STREET OR A BUSINESS DISCUSSION

WHEN WE CONVERSE, SURFACE PERSONAL INFORMATION IS EXCHANGED. CONVERSATION RARELY GETS TO THE SOUL LEVELS.

--NAME, GRANDKIDS, JOB, ETC.

WHEN WE COMMUNICATE, WE INVOLVE DEEPER LEVELS OF THE SOUL, SHARE OUR OWN NEEDS AND TAKE IN THE NEEDS OF OTHERS.

-OFTEN SOME PHYSICAL CONTACT IS INVOLVED.

 -I SOMETIMES HOLD MY WIFE’S HAND WHILE I TALK, PUT A HAND ON THE SHOULDER OF SOMEONE I'M INVOLVED WITH AS WE TALK ABOUT A PROBLEM THEY MAY HAVE.

COMMUNICATION + TIME = DANGER!

COMMUNICATION WITH ANOTHER PERSON, WHEN COMBINED WITH TIME SPENT WITH THAT PERSON, GRADUALLY MOVES TO DEEPER LEVELS. BEING AWARE OF THAT FACT IS IMPORTANT, AS WE NEED TO GUARD WHAT WE SHARE, FOR EXAMPLE, WITH BUSINESS ACQUAINTANCES AND THE AMOUNT OF TIME WE SPEND WITH THEM.

AS THE TIME FACTOR KICKS IN, WE BEGIN TO SHARE PERSONAL PROBLEMS AND SITUATIONS THAT SHOULD REMAIN PRIVATE. OUR PERSONAL MARRIAGE RELATIONSHIP SITUATIONS, FOR EXAMPLE, ARE NOT THE BUSINESS OF OUR SECRETARY OR CO-WORKER. OPPOSITE SEX, ONE-ON-ONE IS VERY DANGEROUS.

-COMMUNICATION WITH CO-WORKERS SHOULD TYPICALLY REMAIN SHORT AND BUSINESS-RELATED.

-IF I TALK WITH YOU FOR TEN MINUTES, NO PROBLEM.

-IF I TALK WITH YOU FOR ONE HOUR, I WILL SHARE STUFF I SHOULD NOT.

-IF I TALK WITH YOU FOR TWO HOURS, WE ARE GOING TO EXCHANGE INFORMATION THAT IS DANGEROUS AND COULD BE USED AGAINST US. WE MOVE INTO AN AREA OF TRUST.

TRUST COMMUNICATION SHOULD BE RESERVED FOR SPOUSES AND FOR THOSE GOD HAS ESTABLISHED IN OUR LIVES FOR CLOSE RELATIONSHIP TO DEVELOP OUR SPIRITUAL REALM; THESE WILL BE VERY, VERY FEW.

SEXUAL CONTACT TAKES TRUST COMMUNICATION TO ANOTHER, DEEPER, LEVEL.

WE ALLOW OURSELVES TO BE "OPEN" TO ANOTHER PERSON IN OUR PHYSICAL BODIES, LITERALLY. BUT AT THE SAME TIME WE PERMIT A MINGLING OF THE PHYSICAL, WE ALSO ALLOW, WITHOUT OUR CONTROL, A MINGLING OF THE SOULISH.

   --GOD DESIGNED US THIS WAY. PERIOD.

-SEXUAL CONTACT ALWAYS RESULTS IN SPIRITUAL SOUL TIES.

  -THEREFORE, WHEN WE HAVE MULTIPLE PARTNERS, WE ESTABLISH A CONFUSION OF SOUL TIES, AS GOD DESIGNED US FOR JUST OUR SPOUSE - ONE PERSON.

SINCE OUR PHYSICAL BODIES CANNOT MAKE GOOD JUDGMENTS IN REGARD TO SEX, WE MUST HAVE OUR BODIES UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE SPIRIT AND RENEWED SOUL! THE BODY JUST WANTS TO BE SATISFIED.

LET ME ADD, HERE, THAT WE CAN ALSO BE "OPEN" AND VULNERABLE TO GOD. AS WE ARE THAT WAY IN OUR FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM, WE ARE DEVELOPING "SOUL TIES" WITH GOD DURING THOSE OCCASIONS.

SINCE SOUL TIES ARE IN THE SPIRITUAL PART OF OUR MAKEUP THEY CAN ONLY BE DEALT WITH IN THE SPIRITUAL REALM BY THE ACTION OF GOD'S WORD AND SPIRIT.

ARE THERE GOOD SOUL TIES?

1. BETWEEN SPOUSES.

2. BETWEEN PEOPLE GOD PUTS TOGETHER FOR HIS PURPOSES. THEY ARE GENERALLY TO MOVE US FORWARD IN OUR CHRISTIAN WALK, CHALLENGE US IN OUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND PROVIDE SPIRITUAL AND OTHER SUPPORT FOR OUR LIVES. THEY WILL BE THE SAME SEX AS YOU ARE FOR YOUR SAFETY.

WHAT DO WE DO WHEN WE HAVE FORMED UNHEALTHY, INAPPROPRIATE SOUL TIES OUTSIDE GOD'S PLAN AND WORD?

BREAK THEM OFF IMMEDIATELY! AND THEN TURN TO GOD AND THE WORD FOR HEALING. ONLY GOD CAN DEAL WITH THEM SINCE THEY ARE IN A SPIRITUAL PART OF US. THEY MUST BE ACTED ON BY GOD'S SPIRIT AND THE TRUTH OF THE WORD TO LESSEN THEIR IMPACT ON OUT LIVES.

1 JOHN 1:9 - 2:2

GOD CAN AND WILL DEAL WITH THOSE SOUL TIES, BUT ONLY WHEN WE UNDERSTAND THEIR ROOTS; REPENT OF SINFUL BEHAVIOR AND LACK OF PERSONAL CONTROL, AND PURSUE HIM. WE ALSO MUST DELIBERATELY OPEN UP THOSE AREAS OF OUR LIVES TO HIM, INVITING HIS SPIRIT TO ACT ON THEM.

That concludes the excerpt from “Soul Ties…”

The lack of understanding that exists about “soul ties” has thrown many into “confusion” of thinking and life. God did not design us for multiple “soul ties;” only for two: between us and Him and us and our spouse. “Soul ties” between us and our mentors should be carefully guarded and monitored. Because “soul ties” are in the spiritual realm within us, only through our relationship with God can we find “healing.”

This world is a picture far away from what the Word of God outlines for families, the job of parents, and the care of our physical bodies. Even Jewish families are often drawn into the same trap. When we only eat, sleep, and work in an endless cycle, it is easy to drift away from God (and certainly a ploy of our enemy); and, as we drift away from God, the dictates of His Word fade from our consciousness and we have little “time” for Him or His Word; when we are not fed a steady diet of His Word, when we don’t worship and praise and thank Him, then spiritual things easily slip to the far “back burner.”

Judaism tenaciously has held on to religious practices, built into it by God, that dictate to the needs of families and the need for “rest” for the physical body and the soul. Shabbat (a day of rest…traditionally Friday evening through Saturday evening) and the “Feasts” observed by even marginal Jews are the foundational practices that draw attention to the family, and “rest” the body and soul, and focus people towards God and His Word.

Next: 5. Believers Impacting the Wider Community

Chapter 5 (part 2)

3. Praise and Worship

Let’s shift focus and look at another area that certainly has “leaked out” of the Reform Judaism I am being exposed to. An integral part of each service in the Christian movement I have been involved in is the “Praise and Worship.” While Reform Judaism speaks the words of praise and worship in their services, and often in their mouths even in casual conversation, the “spirit” of the words they speak do not seem to be reflected in their actions or attitude. I understand they are worshiping God, but I am “greedy” to do more than just speak “words.” My “worship” involves my mouth, but also my spirit and my body!

Praise and Worship (P&W) is an area where I see the Christian community can influence the Jewish community. The originators of P&W are, of course, the Jewish people; David and his son Solomon are perhaps the strongest examples and have the most visible operation of P&W. “God inhabits the praises of His people.”

In the Reform Judaism to which I am exposed I find “form” but not “substance.” As a Christian I was exposed to music that gave time and direction to the soul so it could come in tune with the Presence of God in the spirit and move into a Presence of God that could be “felt.” Now, I am not trumpeting the “need” for emotional response and involvement, although emotions will come into play, but I am indicating that the “soul” needs to be “moved out of the way” in order to enjoy the “spiritual” Presence of the Maker; and that music is a medium designed by Him to assist that “movement.”

We are aware of the depths that music stirs within us. But in many ways we have cut ourselves off from that “stirring” in relationship to God. Within three “songs” the majority of the participants in a church service at the Haven Church “felt” the Presence of God and could begin to open themselves up to that Presence and the effects of it.

While Judaism relies on many songs, and often enjoys wonderful instrumentation, the “retreat” of the “soul” rarely seems to take place. The Presence of God is undoubtedly in a Reform Jewish service, the focus on God is there, but the release to the workings of that Presence are not yet visible to me.

“Worship,” which I define as spiritual, physical, and verbal praise flowing from our “spirit,” focusing folks towards God, generally in a corporate setting, seems to be lacking in the form I am used to. Great respect for God is evident in the Jewish life, but “worship” in that sense, is absent. I believe God enjoys our Worship…it is an expression of our Respect and Honor directed towards Him, a “sweet fragrance” in His Presence.

In “Worship and Praise” many Christians not only use their mouths, but also each part of the three part man. As P&W (“Praise and Worship”) continues, in my experience, the Presence of God comes into the place and the people. God “inhabits the praises of His people” I am told in the Word…and I have found it to be absolutely true! That requires yielding to His Presence by putting down the “soul” part of our being (mind, emotions, will) and then releasing those same three elements for God to touch! And, my, how He does! Then we see the responses of raised hands, the joyfulness increasing, and folks on their knees and faces, with all forms of physical expression, including the dance, as He is permitted to touch the spirit, soul, and body! Our old teaching has quenched that in most “churches.” P&W was never meant to be dry, but to drench us with being in the Presence of our Creator/Lover/God! Again, like it was in the Garden of Eden, we are “designed” to respond to our “Lover!”

The Three Part Being

Let’s look at that “soul” part of us. Again, permit me to share another portion of a “message” (or teaching) with you. I do this because the “soul” is the part that almost universally “blocks” our response and interaction with God…

“THE REALITY OF THE SPIRITUAL”

LIMITATIONS OF THE SOUL

BECAUSE OF THE SOUL’S INABILITY TO COMPREHEND THE REALITY OF THE SPIRITUAL REALM, MANY FOLKS HAVE GREAT DIFFICULTY UNDERSTANDING SPIRITUAL THINGS.

AND, BECAUSE OF THAT, MANY NEVER MOVE INTO THE REALITIES THAT GOD HAS MADE AVAILABLE.

MANY DON’T BELIEVE THAT THE REALITIES OF THE KINDGOM OF GOD CAN BE MANIFESTED IN THE NATURAL WORLD THEY CURRENTLY LIVE IN, AND, THEREFORE, THEY WILL, AND CANNOT, ENJOY THEM.

WE KNOW THAT THE SOUL (DEFINED AS THE MIND, WILL, AND EMOTIONS-AND INCLUDING THE IMAGINATION) MAKES ALL ITS JUDGMENTS BASED ON THE INPUT OF THE FIVE SENSES.

THINGS THAT THE SOUL CANNOT SEE, HEAR, SMELL, TASTE, OR TOUCH, IT CONSIDERS AS A “NON-REALITY.”

SINCE THE SPIRITUAL REALM FALLS ENTIRELY IN THIS CATEGORY THE TENDENCY OF THE SOUL, IF IT IS NOT RENEWED BY THE WORD AND THE SPIRIT, IS TO AUTOMATICALLY REJECT SPIRITUAL THINGS; AND, IN REJECTING SPIRTUAL THINGS, IT CAUSES THEM TO BE NOT REAL FOR THAT INDIVIDUAL.

SO WHEN THE WORD DEFINES FAITH AS:

Heb. 11:1 ¹Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

THE SOUL GOES ON “TILT!;” THE SOUL DOES NOT, CANNOT, OPERATE ON SPIRITUAL “HOPE,” OR, ON “THINGS NOT SEEN!”         

THE “HOLE” IN THE SPIRIT

MAN, CREATED BY GOD, DESTINED BY GOD FOR FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD; EQUIPPED BY GOD FOR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD; HAS A BUILT-IN NEED FOR GOD IN  ORDER TO FULFILL WHAT HE WAS DESTINED TO BE.

MAN, WITHOUT GOD, IS INCOMPLETE.

MAN, WITH A CONNECTION TO GOD, BECOMES COMPLETE.

THERE IS A YEARNING TO HAVE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD BUILT INTO EVERY PERSON ON THE EARTH. WE SEE IT EXPRESSED EVEN IN CULTURES THAT HAVE NOT BEEN EXPOSED TO THE WORD BECAUSE THEY WERE ISOLATED FROM CONTACT WITH THE GOSPEL. WE HAVE A NEED TO WORSHIP AND A DESIRE TO RELATE IN SOME WAY TO A “GOD” EXPRESSED, CRUDELY, IGNORANTLY, AND SOMETIMES BARBARICALLY, IN THE INCAS, IN THE AMERICAN INDIAN, IN TRIBAL BELIEFS IN AFRICA.

HERE IS MY “TAKE” ON THAT...

Jer. 1:4-5 ⁴Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, ⁵Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

I PERSONALLY BELIEVE THAT AT THE MOMENT GOD PLACED OUR SPIRIT BEING INSIDE THOSE TWO CELLS IN OUR MOTHER’S WOMB, WE GOT A GLIMPSE OF WHAT FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD WAS (EVEN THAT THAT “FELLOWSHIP” EXISITED LONG BEFORE THAT MOMENT!) ….AND THAT WE STRUGGLE ALL OUR LIVES TO GET BACK INTO THAT RELATIONSHIP. THAT’S THE “HOLE” IN OUR SPIRIT THAT ONLY FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD CAN FILL.

AT THAT MOMENT OF CONCEPTION WE ARE EXPOSED BY GOD TO HIS PLAN FOR OUR LIVES AND HE PLANTS HIS DESTINY WITHIN US; A DESTINY AND PLAN THAT EXISITED WITHIN HIM “BEFORE THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE WORLD;” A DESTINY THAT CAN ONLY BE FULFILLED IN RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.

ONE CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT “LIVING” WAS LIKE FOR ADAM AND EVE, WHO HAD THAT FULL FELLOWSHIP AND RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, AFTER THAT WAS TAKEN AWAY BY WILLFUL SIN.

YET, THAT SAME LONGING IS IN THE SPIRIT OF EVERY PERSON IN THE EARTH!

SO, HOW DO WE GET THAT “SOUL” TO RECOGNIZE THAT SPIRITUAL THINGS ARE REAL?

WELL, WE EDUCATE IT!

WHAT IS THE SPIRITUAL REALM?

THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORD TELLS US THAT ALL WE SEE AROUND US IS CREATED OUT OF SOMETHING THAT EXISTED LONG BEFORE THERE WAS A UNIVERSE OR A PLANET CALLED “EARTH.” IT TELLS OUR SKEPTICAL SOUL THAT GOD ALWAYS EXISTED. THE SOUL CAN ONLY GRASP “TIME” (WHICH IT EXISITS IN CURRENTLY) SO IT HAS TROUBLE WITH ANTHING “ETERNAL!” 

Heb. 13:8 ⁸(GOD…) the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Rev. 1:8 ⁸I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

GOD ALWAYS EXISTED. THERE IS NO “TIME” WITH HIM AS WE KNOW IT. “TIME” WAS CREATED IN GENESIS.

GENESIS TELLS US THAT GOD, WITH FAITH, SPOKE, INTO WHAT WAS A CHAOTIC EARTH, REALITIES FROM HIS HEADQUARTERS, A SPIRITUAL PLACE CALLED HEAVEN, AND BY FAITH AND WORDS CAUSED THEM TO COME INTO A NATURAL REALITY  BOUNDED BY SOMETHING ELSE HE CREATED, “TIME. “

THAT GOD TOOK ELEMENTS AND QUALITIES HE HAD INSIDE HIMSELF AND CREATED A NATURAL REALITY CALLED “MAN.” THAT THAT “MAN,” WHICH HE CREATED IN A MALE AND FEMALE VERSION, HAD WITHIN IT, NOT JUST HIS IMAGE, BUT A GIFT THAT SEPARATED IT FROM ALL ELSE HE HAD EVER CREATED BEFORE. THAT GIFT WAS “FREE WILL” AND IT ENABLED MAN TO RETURN SOMETHING GOD WANTED TO EXPERIENCE…BEING LOVED, NOT BECAUSE HE WAS THE CREATOR, BUT BECAUSE THE CREATION DESIRED, FREELY, TO RETURN TO HIM FROM WITHIN ITSELF, PART OF ITS VERY NATURE AND CORE…LOVE.

THE ANGELS WORSHIP GOD BECAUSE THEY ARE SO DESIGNED; MAN WORSHIPS GOD BECAUSE HE DESIRES TO…OR NOT.

ANGELS LOOKED ON WHAT GOD HAD CREATED IN MAN AND SAID…WHAT IS THIS THAT GOD HAS MADE NOW?
Heb. 2:6-8 ⁶But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? ⁷Thou madest him a little lower than the angels(HEBREW: “GOD”); thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: ⁸Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.

ANGELS IN FACT, WERE CREATED BEFORE MAN, AND THEN SUBJECTED TO SERVE MAN!
Heb. 1:13-14 ¹³But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? ¹⁴Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

BECAUSE OF THE ”FREE WILL” IN MAN, AND BECAUSE OF THE NATURE AND IMAGE OF GOD WITHIN HIM, MAN RESISTS BEING IN “SUBJECTION” TO ANYTHING; HE WAS, AFTER ALL, DESIGNED TO BE THE RULER OF THIS NATURAL UNIVERSE AND THIS PLANET. MAN WAS ASSIGNED BY GOD TO HAVE “DOMINION,” OR RULERSHIP, OVER THIS PLANET AND THIS UNIVERSE. THEY WERE CREATED BY GOD FOR GOD, AND MAN’S, ENJOYMENT.

GOD REVEALS THE SPIRITUAL REALM TO US

ONLY A BLINDED FOOL WOULD DENY THE REALITY OF THE SPIRITUAL…A FOOL BLINDED BY THE gOD OF THIS WORLD, TRICKED BY THE LIES OF THE ENEMY THAT SAY THE “IMAGE” OF GOD WITHIN HIM, AND THE ABILITIES HE POSSESSES BECAUSE OF THAT, SOMEHOW MAKE HIM HIS OWN “GOD!”

WE POSSESS A BODY SO INTRICATE AND WONDERFUL THAT IT BAFFLES DOCTORS WHO STUDY IT ALL THEIR LIVES. EVERY PART OF IT SO WONDERFUL THAT THE NATURAL SHOUTS THE REALITY OF A CREATOR…NO WAY MAN COULD HAVE COME UP WITH IT!

WE LIVE IN A WORLD ON THE EDGE OF A UNIVERSE SO VAST THAT WE SHRINK INTO INSIGNIFICANCE WITHOUT A CREATOR AND A PURPOSE!

EVERY STAR IN THE NIGHT SKY TRUMPETS THE REALITY OF A CREATOR…HOW COULD MAN POSSIBLY BE REPONSIBLE FOR THAT SHINING VASTNESS? HOW COULD IT HAPPEN BY “ACCIDENT?”

Psa. 19:1-3 ¹The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handywork.

²Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge.

³There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

Psa. 97:6 ⁶The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.

AND THEN THE WORD ANNOUNCES THE SPIRITUAL TO US IN EVERY LINE, IN EVERY WORD, TO SUCH A DEGREE THAT FAITH LITERALLY OOZES FROM THE WORDS IN A BOOK INTO US!

AND THEN REVEALS AND EXPLAINS THE SPIRITUAL SO PLAINLY THAT YOU HAVE TO NOT READ IT TO REMAIN IGNORANT!

Psa. 119:103-105 ¹⁰³How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

¹⁰⁴Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

¹⁰⁵Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

EVIDENCES OF THE REALITY OF GOD AND THE SPIRITUAL LEAP FROM EVERY PAGE, AND WE SEE THE MINISTRY OF RABBI JESUS LITERALLY BRINGING HEAVEN TO EARTH AND EXPLAINING, AS WELL AS MANIFESTING, TO US THE REALITY OF THE SPIRITUAL; EXPLAINING OUR “CONNECTION” US TO THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE ON A ONE-ON-ONE, PERSONAL, LEVEL!

WHEN WE PUT ALL THESE THINGS TOGETHER THE REALITY OF THE SPIRITUAL REALM BECOMES PLAIN AND VISIBLE TO EVEN CHILDREN!

MAN HAS TO WORK REALLY HARD, AND ACCEPT THE LIES OF THE ENEMY COMPLETELY, TO HAVE THE FOOLISH COURAGE TO DENY THE SPIRITUAL!

LOVE AND GRACE BROUGHT US TO THIS PLACE

NOW, LET ME INTERJECT HERE, THAT THE INITIAL ENTRANCE INTO OUR LIVES BY THE SPIRITUAL IS A RESULT OF GOD’S IMMENSE LOVE FOR HIS CREATION MAN, AND AN ACT OF “GRACE.”

John 6:44-45 ⁴⁴No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. ⁴⁵It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

THE RABBI, JESUS, IS SAYING THAT THE LOVE GOD HAD FOR YOU CAUSED HIM TO DRAW YOU TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, AND FROM THAT TO RESTORED FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM. IT WAS GOD’S LOVE FOR YOU, AS HIS PERSONAL CREATION IN HIS IMAGE, THAT MOTIVATED HIM TO EXTEND HIS LOVE AND GRACE INTO YOUR EARTHLY LIFE AND MAKE YOU AWARE OF HIM.

HOWEVER, AFTER “SALVATION,” CONTINUED GROWTH IN THE THINGS OF GOD IS UP TO US, AND OUR FREE WILL.

GOD KNOWS OUR SOUL

Lam. 3:58 ⁵⁸O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life.

BECAUSE GOD CONSTRUCTED US FROM DIRT, HE KNOWS EXACTLY HOW OUR SPIRIT, SOUL, AND BODY OPERATE. HE IS THE GOD OF THE SPIRITUAL, THE NATURAL, AND THE SOULISH!

GOD KNOWS THE STRUGGLES OF OUR SOUL TO COMPREHEND AND ACCEPT THE SPIRITUAL REALM. BECAUSE OF THAT, HE DESIRES TO MINISTER TO THE SOUL TO REASSURE AND COMFORT IT.

GOD DOES THAT BY HIS PERSONAL TOUCH, WHICH WE CALL THE “ANOINTING.” THAT TOUCH OF GOD WHICH STIRS US IN OUR SPIRIT AND IN OUR SOUL, AND EVEN INOUR PHYSICAL BODY, IS PART OF GOD’S PLAN OF MINISTRY TO US.

OUR SOULS NEED TO “FEEL” GOD; SO, WHEN WE PERMIT HIM, HE TOUCHS US IN A WAY OUR VERY SOULS CAN COMPREHEND. HE STIRS OUR EMOTIONS AND CHALLENGES OUR MINDS AND ENCOURAGES OUR WILLS.

GOD ALSO, ON OUR BEHALF, OPERATES IN THE NATURAL, SENSE, REALM, WITH SIGNS, WONDERS, AND MIRACLES FOR THE VERY PURPOSE OF CAUSING OUR SOULS TO EXPERIENCE THE REALITY OF THE SPIRITUAL REALM MANIFESTED IN A WAY THE SOUL CAN COMPREHEND WITH THE FIVE SENSES (WHICH ARE THE ONLY THINGS IT CONSIDERS AS “REAL”). GOD UNDERSTANDS EXACTLY WHAT OUR SOUL’S NEED IN ORDER TO MORE READILY ALLOW HIM ACCESS THROUGH OUR SPIRIT INTO THE NATURAL BY REASSURING OUR SOUL THAT WHAT IT CANNOT COMPREHEND BY THE SENSES IS NONETHELESS REAL. THAT IS CALLED “FAITH!”

Next:  WHAT “RENEWAL” OF THE SOUL BRINGS

Chapter 5 (Part 1)

What Shall We “Meld?”

Let me turn to the heart, now, of this discussion…

Please understand that I have been “observing” Judaism for only a relatively short time and my observations are just that, “observations.” I even hesitate to make these “observations” because of my respect for Judaism and because I understand my “newness” in this area.

We will have to break this into two sets of suggestions. Timidly and carefully I will make some observations about my Jewish brothers and sisters; I am well aware that I am treading on ground that has been “plowed” and resettled many times. I make my observations with great respect and with honor towards my Jewish friends. More bravely, I will confront my Christian friends with what I have found that perhaps we have overlooked in our own self-confidence as “Christians.”

I believe there are many other areas and arenas where Jews and Christians can impact each other to reach the goal we both desire: to reveal God to the World and to live with His Blessings in our lives in the Earth. I will carefully explore a few of them with you.

Despite my hesitation, nonetheless, my entire life has been orchestrated for this moment, “for a time such as this!” I am a strong believer that everything in our past has been “orchestrated” by God (when we are submitted to Him) for what we will confront and do and say in this moment and in our future.  Even the “stupid stuff” we have permitted into our lives and thoughts, on our repentance, is molded into what we are and how we can serve our Lord God right now! So, with my courage, and your tolerance, I will “jump in!”

1. Respect for the Word of God

One of the first items that galvanized my thoughts was the respect and honor given to the “Torah” in a Jewish service; That kind of respect and honor for the Word of God almost seemed foreign to me as a “Christian looking in” on a Jewish service. The Torah, as the Word of God, is deeply respected by the Jew.

In a Shabbat Service, only a few lines area actually read; but the preparation for reading those lines is deeply respectful. The Torah is kept in an “Ark” in the sanctuary of the synagogue; the Torah is an actual scroll exactly hand copied from the instructions and documents given to Moses on Mt. Sinai some 6000 years ago; in the Service the Torah scrolls are “paraded” through the congregation and many touch it with their prayer books (never fingers) and then kiss the prayer book that has touched the scroll; it is “dressed” (covered) with symbolic coverings that not only protect it from the elements but serve as visual reminders to every Jew of their heritage; it is “undressed” just before it is read and re-covered afterward; the actual scroll is not touched with the hands as the oils on our skin would damage the delicate surface; when the reader reads from it a “pointer” is used so fingers never touch the surface; on the conclusion of the reading, a designated member of the congregation holds up the scrolls high above his head at the place the reading came from; it is then ceremoniously re-dressed and put back in the Ark. Needless to say, I was deeply impressed by what I saw, especially as the bible has become so casual to Christians.

Christian respect for the Word of God, so easily available to us, has slipped away. Many do not even bring their bible to services, most rarely read from the scriptures God has so graciously provided for our use to grow in holiness “from glory to glory.” Precious few “study” the Word as we are commanded. Few realize that what is in that precious book is all based on Jewish tradition as spoken to the Jews by God. Everything in our “bible” has roots that go back to the Torah! Rabbi Jesus taught the Torah and lived it out for us. If we claim to follow his teachings then we also need to study the “Word” he taught from!

As “believers” in God we need to go back to the hunger we had for the Word when we were first coming back into relationship with our Father God…back to “our first love.” We need to remind ourselves of the importance of the Word and to begin to show great respect for it again. The requirement for “study” is taken seriously by many Jews who make time in their week deliberately for that.

“Study” for Christians, in my observation, is woefully lacking; as is their hunger to search out “Truth.” They tend to slip back into reliance on what they have received by “osmosis” and close themselves off from any other input. “Study” implies that we have not learned it all yet, that we are “teachable.” I have touched on this earlier…let me elaborate a little more…yes, from a previous teaching…and, yes, some of it is repetition…

Osmosis Beliefs

Most of us absorb our “beliefs” through “osmosis.”

Since I was very young (some 60 years ago) I wondered about some of the tenants of the religion I was raised in, Roman Catholic. Some “doctrines” and “beliefs” just didn’t go down “right” inside of me. I never understood that this was the beginning stirrings of a search for “truth” that would consume my life.

I was meditating on that matter one day and began to understand that most of my “beliefs,” as well as yours, came by “osmosis.” “Osmosis” (a biological term) is the process of a cell absorbing the nutrients around it in order to grow. No matter what the cell is surrounded with, good, bad, or ugly, it absorbs a portion of that and makes it a part of itself. Just the fact that our soul (mind, emotions, will) is surrounded by certain “beliefs” assures that it will eventually soak into itself a portion of those “beliefs.”

We never seem to question these beliefs. They are simply a part of our soul makeup that we accept without question or scrutiny.

That was the case with me until 2011 when I lost most of my sight for about a nine month period; that turned me inward and I began to question my “beliefs.” Slowly, during those nine months I began to question and “study” some of those “beliefs” I had had since childhood. I could no longer just say “it’s a mystery” or a “doctrine” when Paul prayed that we understand the breadth, length, depth…etc.

Eph. 3:17-19 ¹⁷That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; ¹⁹And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.

What we “believe” seems rock-solid and when anyone questions those “beliefs” we react in fear and un-belief of the “new” concepts. We have a “soul” reaction that overwhelms the jump in our spirit man and the voice of the Spirit of God inside us that says “Look!” In many ways we are in “fear” (negative faith) and refuse to even consider that we might have been wrong or mislead. Our soul says “Run,” and we do, while our spirit dies a little because we have refused to even look. (“Beliefs” are in the soul and are subject to change; “Faith and Love” are in the spirit man and are not subject to change.)

All “fear” is from our Enemy and is designed and used to keep us from “Truth!” “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind!” The first thing I do when “fear” stirs inside me is…look again! I don’t run away and hide; I confront the source of “fear” knowing its author! That’s why so many folks run away from a restored relationship with God (“salvation”)…”fear” drives them away from “Truth!”

Certain “beliefs” are deep rooted here in South Louisiana as well as elsewhere; they stem from the deeply Catholic tradition and beliefs so many of us absorbed by “osmosis.” When a different opinion or viewpoint is even proposed or talked about, we “run!” That stems from the fact that we have not made these “beliefs” we espouse “ours.” We got them by “osmosis” and never confronted or confirmed their truth from the Word and through “study” on our own…we just “swallow” what we are “taught,” sometimes “taught” incorrectly. Rather the exert the energy required to make those beliefs “solid” inside us, we ignore them and run away and sometimes even ostracize those who have dared question and “study!”

Then, we say we are “Love” oriented and that we operate in “love” towards everyone; but then don’t towards those who search for “truth,” which Rabbi Jesus said will set us “free.” How about you?

That concludes my excerpt from “Osmosis Beliefs.”

Regaining respect for the Word and holding it up before us as the basis for “Truth” begins with realizing its root in the Torah and beginning to look at those roots to substantiate the entire Word. In a sense, we can “study” indirectly the Torah through our beliefs and teachings that are in our “bible,” but we also need to go back to the “root source” which is the Torah. (The “Torah” is the first five books in the Old Testament.)

2. Growth in Holiness

One of the things the Word steers us toward is “holiness.”  This growth is held in high esteem among our Jewish Brothers and Sisters. They carefully examine their lives and strive to daily focus on increasing “holiness.”

In Christianity we tend to lean very heavily on “grace,” and think that that equals “holiness.” Holiness is taking on the Character of our Maker, placed in us at creation, and causing that Character to manifest in our lives. Here is more information from another “Haven” teaching…

HOLINESS

NOW THERE IS A SCARY WORD!

BUT GOD SAYS…

Lev. 11:44-45 ⁴⁴For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. ⁴⁵For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.
1 Pet. 1:16 ¹⁶Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

GOOD GRIEF…CAN WE EVEN ASPIRE TO BE “HOLY??”

BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY

GOD WOULD NEVER SAY ANYTHING IN HIS WORD THAT WAS OUT OF OUR REACH…HE COULD NOT COMMAND US TO DO SOMETHING WE WOULD NOT BE CAPABLE OF! THAT WOULD MAKE HIS WORD A LIE…AND GOD IS NOT A MAN THAT HE SOULD LIE!

Num. 23:19 ¹⁹God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

WE ARE, BY GOD HIMSELF, COMMANDED TO BE “HOLY”...THEREFORE WE SHOULD FIND OUT WHAT THAT IS, FIRST OF ALL, AND THEN FIND HOW WE CAN ATTAIN TO THAT “HOLINESS” IN OUR LIVES!

WE ARE CALLED “CHRISTIANS” AND WE ASPIRE TO BE “CHRIST-LIKE”…TO DEVELOP THE CHARACTER WE SEE IN RABBI JESUS, WHICH IS THE CHARACTER OF GOD, COME INTO REALITY IN OUR LIVES. RABBI JESUS LIVED A HOLY LIFE HERE ON THE EARTH AS AN EXAMPLE FOR US AND TO SHOW THAT IT WAS POSSIBLE FOR A MAN TO LIVE A “HOLY” LIFE!

WHAT IS “HOLY?”

“HOLY” IS THE CHARACTER OF GOD, OUR CREATOR.

“HOLY” IS DOING EVERYTHING GOD’S WAY, WHICH IS THE RIGHT WAY.

“HOLY” IS OPERATING WITHIN THE ACTIONS OF “LOVE,” WHICH IS GOD’S AND

             OUR CORE VALUE AND NATURE, ALL THE TIME.

GOD OPERATES IN LOVE ALL THE TIME BECAUSE THAT IS HIS NATURE.

IT IS OUR NATURE AS WELL, SINCE WE ARE CREATED IN THE “IMAGE” OF GOD, BUT OUR NATURE HAS BEEN CORRUPTED BY “SIN.”

ADAM OPERATED IN “LOVE” ALL THE TIME UNTIL HE CHOSE TO REBEL AGAINST GOD BY NOT DOING THE “RIGHT” (GOD’S WAY) THING. HE OPERATED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS UNTIL HE EXERCISED HIS FREE WILL TO BE DISOBEDIENT TO HIS CREATOR AND THEREFORE BROKE THE SOURCE OF THE FELLOWSHIP TIE HE HAD WITH GOD.

SO WE COULD SAY THAT BEING “HOLY” IS OPERATING IN THE ACTIONS OF LOVE. THOSE ACTIONS ARE SPELLED OUT IN 1 COR. THE 13^TH CHAPTER.

HOW “HOLY” ACTS

(1 COR.13: 4-8)

}  PATIENT AND KIND;

}  NOT JEALOUS OR ENVIOUS;

}  NOT BOASTFUL OR DRAWING ATTENTION TO THEMSELVES;

}  NOT PRIDEFUL OR CONCEITED;

}  NOT RUDE IN WORDS OR ACTIONS;

}  LOOKING OUT FOR THE GOOD OF OTHERS AND PUTTING THEIR INTERESTS BEFORE THEIR OWN;

}  A PERSON WHO IS NOT TOUCHY OR EASILY PROVOKED AND WHO IS ALMOST UNOFFENDABLE.

}  A PERSON OUTSPOKEN TO THINGS THAT ARE CONTRARY TO THE WORD, AND SUPPORTIVE OF THINGS THAT LINE UP WITH THE WORD;

}  A PERSON WHO LOVES AND ACTS IN LOVE DESPITE HARSH WORDS OR ACTIONS PERFORMED AGAINST THEM;

}  WHO CONSTANTLY BELIEVES THE BEST OF A PERSON AND THAT THAT PERSON CAN CHANGE REGARDLESS OF WHAT THEY SEE IN THE NATURAL.

}  A PERSON WHO NEVER GIVES UP OR BACKS OFF OF LOVING OTHERS OR DECIDES THEY ARE NO LONGER WORTHY OF ATTENTION AND 

                          AFFECTION.

“HOLY” IS OUR TRUE CHARACTER

WHEN WE INVITED GOD BACK INTO OUR LIVES AND SUBMITTED TO HIM AND HIS WORD, HIS CHARACTER AGAIN CAME FULLY INTO OUR SPIRIT MAN AND THE FELLOWSHIP WE HAVE WITH HIM THEN BEGAN TO NOURISH THE TRANSFORMATION IN US THAT TAKES OUR SOUL AND CAUSES IT TO ACT IN A GOD-LIKE MANNER. THAT TAKES THE CHARACTER AND NATURE OF OUR GOD, LOVE, AND IMPRESSES IT ON OUR MIND, EMOTIONS, AND WILL.

THAT OCCURS THROUGH THE INFORMATION WE GET FROM THE WORD ON WHAT GOD’S CHARACTER IS, AND THE CHOICE OF OUR FREE WILL TO THEN ACT ON THAT INFORMATION. AND, TO ACT ON THAT INFORMATION DESPITE THE LACK OF SENSORY EVIDENCE THAT OUR SOUL TRIES TO DEMAND.

THAT’S CALLED “FAITH.” AND FAITH IS THE IMPORTANT “BYPRODUCT” PRODUCED BY GETTING THE WORD OF GOD INTO OUR “SENSE GATES.”

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

“FAITH” ENABLES US TO OVERRULE THE DEMAND OF THE MIND, WILL, AND EMOTIONS FOR SENSORY EVIDENCE BEFORE THEY WILL AGREE TO ACCEPT SOMETHING SPIRITUAL AS “REAL.”

SO, WE CAN “FORGIVE” A PERSON WHO HURTS US DESPITE THE LACK OF SENSORY EVIDENCE THAT THEY EVEN RECEIVE OUR FORGIVENESS OR NEED OUR FORGIVENESS!

WE CAN SHOW LOVE AND KINDNESS TOWARDS SOMEONE WHO SEEMS TO ACTUALLY DESPISE AND HATE US!

WE CAN THINK THE BEST OF A PERSON WHO IS ACTING DIRECTLY OPPOSITE OF WHAT OUR SENSES SAY IS “RIGHT!”

WE HAVE TO DO THAT BASED IN “FAITH” BECAUSE OUR SOUL WILL “BALK” AND TRY TO DENY US PERMISSION TO DO SO.

WHY ARE WE NOT “HOLY?”

IN THE GARDEN WE STARTED OUT “HOLY.” ADAM’S REBELLION TO HIS CREATOR RIPPED HOLINESS OUT OF OUR SPIRIT BY CUTTING OFF OUR CONNECTION IN FELLOWSHIP WITH THE CREATOR.

HOLINESS IS CONNECTION TO AND INTERACTION WITH THE “ZOE” LIFE OF GOD. HOLINESS IS THE CHARACTER OF GOD; THE CHARACTER THAT WAS IMPRESSED INTO MAN WHEN THE BREATHE OF THE SPIRIT INTERACTED WITH THE CLAY IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN.

GOD COULD NO LONGER, AFTER THE “FALL,” BE INTESNSLY INTIMATE WITH US BECAUSE HIS HOLINESS AND SIN ARE DIRECT OPPOSITES AND CAN’T MINGLE, HE COULD NO LONGER COME AND WALK WITH ADAM AND EVE IN THE “COOL OF THE EVENING” AS HE DID BEFORE. THIS DID NOT, HOWEVER, NEGATE ALL THAT HE HAD PLACED INTO HIS CREATION CALLED “MAN.” GOD IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO WORK A DIVINE PLAN TO ENABLE THE FELLOWSHIP WITH MAN TO BE RESTORED. THAT PLAN CULMINATED ON THE CROSS ON CALARY WHEN “THE SECOND ADAM” FUFILLED THE LAW, LIVED A HOLY LIFE, AND THEN BECAME THE PERFECT SACRIFICE TO APPEASE THE ANGER OF GOD AGAINST SIN AND, POTENTIALLY, WIPE OUT THE EFFECTS OF SIN IN MAN.

WE “CHOOSE” RESTORED RELATIONSHIP

IT THEN BECAME THE CHOICE, AS A RESULT OF THE FREE WILL GIFT PLACED IN MAN, FOR EACH PERSON TO MAKE A PERSONAL DECISION AS TO WHETHER THEY WANTED TO COME BACK INTO RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AGAIN.

THE WAY WAS CLEARED FOR THAT TO HAPPEN, BUT GOD IS STILL BOUND BY THE FREE WILL GIFT HE PLACED INTO MAN.

MAN COULD CHOOSE TO LOVE AND OBEY GOD AGAIN..OR CONTINUE IN REBELLION AGAINST THE CREATOR.

YOU AND I HAVE CHOOSEN TO LIVE IN A RESTORED RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.

THE OWNER’S MANUAL

BECAUSE OF THE JUSTICE OF GOD, GOD HAD TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR MAN TO HAVE RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM AT HIS CHOICE. HE MADE THAT POSSIBLE BY PROVIDING, IN HIS WORD, A CODE OF CONDUCT THAT WOULD ALLOW THAT TO HAPPEN.

THE WORD SPELLED OUT, IN DETAIL, THE “RIGHT” WAY TO ACT THAT WOULD ASSURE THE INTERACTION OF GOD WITH INDIVIDUALS THAT CHOOSE TO DO SO. THIS IS “RIGHTEOUSNESS” OR “RIGHT-STANDING” WITH GOD.

GOD SAID THAT IF A PERSON WOULD ACT IN ACCORD WITH HIS INSTRUCTIONS THAT THEY WOULD HAVE COVENANT RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM WHICH WOULD CAUSE CERTAIN THINGS TO HAPPEN IN THEIR LIVES PRODUCED BY GOD.

THERE ARE EXAMPLES IN THE OLD TESTEMENT THAT SHOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE RIGHT RELATIONSHIP IS MAINTAINED; AND EXAMPLES OF THE FAILURE OF INDIVIDUALS TO CARRY OUT THE INSTRUCTIONS AND THE RESULTS OF THAT.

A “WOBBLE”

MAN IS A “WOBBLY” CREATION BECAUSE OF THE GIFT OF “FREE WILL!”

WE SEE GOD’S PEOPLE “WOBBLING” BETWEEN SERVING AND OBEYING HIM AND THEN RUNNING THE OTHER WAY! WE ALSO SEE SPELLED OUT THE RESULTS OF THAT “WOBBLING.”

WE SEE THE SAME THING IN OUR LIVES TO OUR BENEFIT AND TO OUR DETRIMENT.

“HOLINESS” IS OUR ACTIVITY TOWARDS GETTING THE “WOBBLE” OUT!

OPERATING CONSISTENTLY IN THE CHARACTER OF GOD, AND MINIMIZING THE CHARACTER INHERENT IN UNRENEWED MAN!

THE RIGHT WAY TO ACT IS THE WAY GOD SPELLS OUT AND NOT THE WAY WE “THINK.”

Prov. 14:12 ¹²There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

PERSUADING OUR SOUL THAT GOD’S WAY IS THE CORRECT WAY IS THE BATTLE WE FACE EACH DAY!

AND THAT BATTLE HAS STRONG FOES IN THE PERSON OF OUR ENEMY THE DEVIL WHO WANT S TO SUCK US INTO HIS WAY OF LIFE…WHICH SEEMS NICE, BUT RESULTS IN THE LAKE OF FIRE! WHICH LOOKS LIKE FREEDOM, BUT RESULTS IN BONDAGE!

WE HAVE THE TOOLS PROVIDED BY OUR LOVING CREATOR TO DO THAT PERSUATION OF OUR SOUL; BUT THAT REQUIRES WORK ON OUR PART…OUR SOUL IS NOT PRONE TO WANT TO DO THAT.

WE HAVE, FIRST, TO GET THE “GOD INFORMATION” INTO OUR SOULS AND THEN ORDER OUR SOULS TO ACT ON THAT INFORMATION IN A CONSISTENT MANNER; TO ACT IN THE “RIGHT” WAY, GOD’S WAY; TO DO EVERYTHING IN OUR LIVES IN THE CHARACTER OF GOD: “LOVE.”

Rom. 12:2 ²And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

TO CAUSE THE CHARACTER OF GOD, RESIDENT IN OUR BORN-AGAIN SPIRIT, TO COME TO THE SURFACE OF OUR LIVES AND REFLECT THE TRUTH OF WHO GOD IS TO A DARK WORLD. TO BECOME ACCURATE “AMBASSADORS” FOR THE GOD WE SERVE.

BEING “HOLY” IS BEING “IN MOTION”

WE WILL BE TOTALLY “HOLY” WHEN WE SEE GOD

1 John 3:2-3 ²Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. ³And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

YOU AND I ARE “IN MOTION” TOWARDS HOLINESS. THAT MEANS WE ARE EXERCISING ENERGY TOWARDS DAILY CHANGE IN OUR LIVES TO ALLOW THE CHARACTER OF GOD TO SHINE MORE AND MORE BRIGHTLY IN OUR LIVES. THAT WE ARE ALLOWING THE ACTIONS OF LOVE TO OVERRULE THE ACTIONS THAT ARE DICTATED BY OUR UNRENEWED SOUL. THAT WE ARE “RENEWING” OUR SOUL, OUR MIND, OUR EMOTIONS, AND OUR WILL TO KNOW THE CHARACTER OF GOD AND TO WALK IN IT,

Rom. 12:2 ²And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

GOD DEMANDS THAT WE KEEP OURSELVES “IN MOTION” TOWARDS HOLINESS; WE DO IT THROUGH OUR DAILY PRAYER TIME, THROUGH OUR STUDY OF THE WORD, THROUGH OUR PARTICIPATION WITH A FELLOWSHIP, AND STRETCHING OURSELVES TO GROW.

THROUGH OUR COMMITMENT TO DISCIPLINE OURSELVES AND ALLOW THE SPIRIT TO CHANGE US THROUGH THE WORD AND THE ANOINTING SO WE BECOME EFFECTIVE AMBASSADORS FOR GOD IN THE EARTH AND WALK IN THE SECURITY OF OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.

That is the end of a quote from a teaching called “Holiness.”

Jews strive towards holiness by “action.” They strive to do daily good works (based on instructions on how to treat others from the Word) that reflect the fact they are working towards that goal. Not to “earn” favor from God, but to indicate to themselves they want to improve their lives and actions by actually impacting the world around them. This is an important part of Jewish life and attitude. They refocus on God, many of them daily, through ritual prayers that do just that and help set the direction and focus of their day.

There is a duality of tensions between the Jew and the Christian; but it is supposed to produce a specific result. In a book (“To Life!” by Rabbi Harold S. Kushner) the author concludes the book by stating (Pg 290): “Christianity needs Judaism to remind it of what pure, uncompromised ethical monotheism looks like.” And, “Judaism needs Christianity to remind us that the Word of God is not meant to be kept for ourselves alone.”

Next:  3. Praise and Worship

Chapter 4 (Part 7)

The Word Worketh With Sound

I am going to lay one more “foundation” to help us understand how the “image” functions within us.

The importance of “words” cannot be stressed enough! Because we are “created in the Image of God” we also have ability to, and do, create the realities in our world with our “words.” Very little understanding exists about this critical matter. I am going to take you on a unique “journey” in “sound…

“THE WORD WORKETH WITH SOUND”

TODAY I WANT TO TAKE YOU ON A JOURNEY INTO THE SMALLEST PARTICALS OF MATTER, AS WE KNOW THEM; TO SHOW YOU MORE PRECISLY HOW OUR WORDS WORK; RE-ENFORCE THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE POWER RESIDENT IN THE “WORDS” WE SPEAK; AND SHOW HOW THE CONTINUED APPLICATION OF THE WORD CAUSES THE BIRTH OF THE SEED OF THE WORD IN YOU.

SEVERAL YEAS AGO, I WAS PRAYING WITH A MEMBER OF MY CHURCH IN MY COMPANY APARTMENT IN NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA. THERE WAS AN INTENSE SPIRIT OF PRAYER ON US BOTH TO THE POINT WHERE MY PRAYER PARTNER REMARKED THAT EVEN THE BUILDING SHOOK AS WE PRAYED. (“I COULD HEAR THE FOUNDATION OF THIS BUILDING MOVE.” HE ALSO SAW IN HIS SPIRIT A “GLORY CLOUD” THAT INTENSIFIED TO A BRIGHTER WHITE AS WE CONTINUED; ALSO A GENTLE HAND ON HIS BACK OF COMFORT AND GENTLENESS.)

IN THE MIDST OF THAT ANOINTING GOD BEGAN TO COORDINATE A SERIES OF FACTS I HAD RECENTLY HEARD THAT REVEAL SOME TINY DEPTHS OF HOW HIS WORD WORKS. I WANT TO SHARE THOSE WITH YOU TODAY…

“QUARKS” AND “SEEDS”

GOD REMINDED ME OF SOMETHING THAT I HAD HEARD CHARLES CAPPS TEACH IN A BROADCAST WITH BRO. COPELAND. HE STATED THAT SCIENTISTS HAD ISOLATED THE SMALLEST PARTICALS OF MATTER THAT THEY COULD AT THIS TIME CALLED “QUARKS.” WHEN THEY EXAMINED WHAT THE COMPOSITION OF “QUARKS” WERE, THE BEST THEY COULD COME UP WITH WAS THAT THEY WERE COMPOSED OF, AND HELD TOGETHER BY, “SOUND WAVES.”

THEN THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD PUT IT TOGETHER FOR ME AND REVEALED THAT THIS WAS ACCURATE; AND THEN RELATED IT TO WHAT I KNEW FROM THE WORD.

HERE IS WHAT GOD SHOWED: THE “WORDS” WE SPEAK, AND THE SOUND WAVES THEY ARE COMPOSED OF, FORM THE “NUCLEUS” (“SEED”) AROUND WHICH GATHERED SPIRITUAL REALITIES THAT COULD THEN BE MANIFESTED INTO THE NATURAL REALITY.

SO, INDEED, THE VIBRATIONS WE ARE DESIGNED TO PRODUCE WITH OUR NATURAL, PHYSICAL, BEING ARE THE “CORE” OF THE WORLD WE WILL PRODUCE AROUND US.

THE WORDS WE CHOOSE TO SPEAK, BACKED BY THE FAITH IN US (POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE FAITH) MAKE UP THE NUCLEUS, OR THE SEED, OF WHAT WILL BE PRODUCED IN OUR LIVES

VOCAL CHORDS PRODUCE “WAVES”

THEN THE SPIRIT OF GOD BROUGHT BACK TO MY REMEMBRANCE OTHER INFORMATION I HAD HEARD SHARED THAT SCIENTISTS HAVE NOT FOUND WHERE SOUND WAVES STOP OR END. THEY KNOW THEY START WHEN THEY ARE PRODUCED BY A HUMAN VOCAL CHORD, BUT NOT WHEN THOSE PRODUCED VIBRATIONS STOP.

AS FAR AS THEY COULD TELL, THOSE SOUND WAVES GENERATED WHEN WE SPEAK CONTINUED ON INTO OUTER SPACE. THE NATURAL EFFECTS, THE IMPACT OF THE SOUND WAVES ON OUR EARS, REACHED A PEAK AND THEN RECEDED; THE PHYSICAL EFFECTS DID END IN THE NATURAL REALM IN THE TERMS OF THE IMPACT THEY HAD ON NATURAL REALITIES, BUT THE “WAVES” THEY GENERATED CONTINUED ON INDEFINATELY, AS FAR AS SCIENTISTS COULD DETERMINE.

ONLY A TINY PORTION OF THOSE WAVES WE PRODUCE WITH OUR VOCAL CHORDS ACTUALLY IMPACT OUR EARS. THERE IS A LOT THAT BY PASSES OUR EARS AND CONTINUES ON OUT INTO THE WORLD AROUND US.

BUT THOSE “WAVES” MAKE “WAVES” IN MORE THAN JUST THE PHYSICAL, NATURAL, REALM!

WE “SPEAK” IN THE NATURAL AND THE SPIRITUAL

LET ME STATE ALSO THAT THE PHYSICAL NATURAL EFFECTS OF OUR SPEAKING OUT THINGS IN THE NATURAL REALM IS ACCOMPANIED BY A PARALELL ACTION IN THE SPIRITUAL.

OUR SPIRIT MAN SPEAKS THROUGH OUR VOCAL CHORDS.

WHEN YOU PRODUCE SOUNDS THROUGH YOUR THROAT, IT IS MORE THAN YOUR PHYSICAL BODY PRODUCING “SOUNDS;” MORE THAN JUST YOUR SOUL “SPEAKING;” IT IS YOUR SPIRIT MAN SPEAKING. AND THE SPIRIT MAN SPEAKS IN TWO REALMS! (THE SPIRITUAL AND THE NATURAL)

IT IS HOW GOD DESIGNED THE SPIRIT TO OPERATE TO RELEASE OUR FAITH TO CREATE.

OUR SPIRIT, AND OUR SOUL, USE THE NATURAL MAN AS THE VEHICLE TO OPERATE IN THE SPIRITUAL REALM AND TO CREATE IN THE NATURAL, PHYSICAL, REALM.

WE ARE DESIGNED BY GOD TO CREATE; AND TO CREATE BY OUR WORDS.

GOD REFERED BACK TO CREATION AND THE POWER OF HIS WORDS IN CREATING THIS UNIVERSE; HIS “WORDS” WERE BACKED BY HIS “FAITH.”. THEY IMMEDIATELY RESULTED IN SPIRITUAL REALITIES, WHICH ALREADY EXISTED IN HEAVEN, TAKING FORM AND SHAPE AND APPEARING IN WHAT WE CALL NATURAL REALITY.

YES, GOD IS A SPIRIT, AND HIS WORDS WERE SPOKEN IN THE SPIRIT AND CREATED IN THE NATURAL; BUT HE PLACED IN HIS CREATION, MAN, THE ABILITY TO SPEAK IN THE NATURAL, AFFECT THE SPIRITUAL, AND CAUSE MANIFESTATION IN THE NATURAL.

LET’S PUT THAT TOGETHER AND NOTE THAT, WHEN SCIENTISTS GO BACK TO THE CLOSEST THEY CAN TO THE COMPOSITION OF MATTER, THEY FIND THOSE ORIGINAL SOUND WAVES SPOKEN BY GOD STILL IN MANIFESTION AND OPERATION!

A “QUARK” IS COMPOSED OF “SOUND WAVES!” THOSE WORDS, SPOKEN BY GOD IN CREATION CONTINUE TO HAVE EFFECT TODAY! 6,000 YEARS LATER!

WHAT AN AWESOME GOD WE SERVE!

WHAT ABOUT OUR WORDS? DO THEY PRODUCE LONG TERM EFFECTS LIKE GOD’S WORDS?

ONE OF MY FRIENDS POINTED OUT THAT THE WORD GOES OUT, ACCOMPLISHES, AND THEN CONTINUES ON…THE SUN AND MOON STILL GIVE LIGHT...THEN, HE SAID, “LOOK AT THE GENERATIONAL CURSES.” WHILE HE RELATED THAT TO THE NEGATIVE EFFECT OF OUR WORDS, THE SAME PRINCIPAL HOLDS FOR THE GOOD THINGS WE SPEAK FROM THE WORD.

OUR WORDS ARE “SEEDS”

Luke 8:10-11 ¹⁰And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. ¹¹Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Mark 4:26-28 ²⁶And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; ²⁷And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. ²⁸For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

WE UNDERSTAND THAT NATURAL REALITIES PARALLEL SPIRITUAL REALITIES. AFTER ALL THE NATURAL THINGS WERE CREATED FROM THE SPIRITUAL!

FROM THE WORD WE KNOW, FOR EXAMPLE, THAT THERE ARE HORSES IN GOD’S HEAVEN; THE NATURAL THINGS WE SEE AROUND US, THE BEAUTY AND AWESOMENESS OF CREATION, ARE PATTERNED AFTER THINGS THAT EXIST IN GOD’S HOME BASE, CALLED “HEAVEN.”

GOD TOOK THINGS THAT HE ALREADY ENJOYED, AND DUPLICATED THEM IN THE EARTH AND IN THE UNIVERSE AROUND THE EARTH. HE DID THAT TO PROVIDE A BEAUTIFUL AND FUNCTIONAL ENVIRONMENT FOR HIS NEW CREATION, “MAN,” TO LIVE AND OPERATE IN.

OUR WORDS ARE THE “NULCEUS”

LET ME SHIFT GEARS HERE, AND ADD A NEW DIMENSION TO WHAT YOU ALREADY KNOW…

WE STUDIED “ATOMS” IN HIGH SCHOOL AND I REMEMBER THE PICTURE OF THE NUCLEUS SURROUNDED BY THE ELECTRONS. I REMEMBER WONDERING HOW SOMETHING THAT APPEARED TO BE MOSTLY “AIR” COULD RESULT IN A SOLID SUBSTANCE.

OUR WORDS PROVIDE THE “NUCLEUS” FOR BRINGING THE SPIRITUAL REALITES OF HEAVEN INTO MANIFESTATION IN THE EARTH.

THIS IS THE “SEED” THAT PROVIDES THE FOUNDATION AROUND WHICH OUR FAITH GATHERS SPIRITUAL THINGS, MORE, AND MORE, UNTIL “MANIFESTATION” RESULTS.

OUR “SPEAKING,” USING THE BREATH NEEDED TO PRODUCE OUR WORDS IN THE NATURAL, ACTUALLY “ADD” TO THE “NUCLEUS,” AND INCREASES THE SOLIDNESS OF THAT “SEED,” OR NUCLEUS, UNTIL “MANIFESTATION” HAS TO OCCUR.

WHAT IS THE POINT AT WHICH MANIFESTATION OCCURS?

I CAN’T TELL YOU. (WISH I COULD!) THE WORD SAYS THROUGH “FAITH (WHICH WE CAN DIRECTLY AFFECT WITH THE WORD) AND PATIENCE” WE SEE THE PROMISES MANIFESTED.

Heb. 6:12 ¹²That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

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

AS AN EXAMPLE; WE SET THE “SEED,” THE “NUCLEUS” IF YOU WILL, BY SPEAKING OUT, “YOU ARE THE GOD THAT HEALTH ME!” RELATING THAT TO A SPECIFIC PHYSICAL NEED WE MIGHT HAVE.

THE SEED IS SET.

WE THEN ADD DIRT AROUND THE “SEED,” OR, ELECTRONS AROUND THE NUCLEUS, THAT RE-ENFORCE AND NOURISH THAT “SEED,” OR, ADD “WEIGHT” TO THE NUCLEUS.

WHEN WE ADD ELECTRONS TO THE NUCLEUS, IF I REMEMBER MY PHYSICS, WE ACTUALLY CHANGE THE ELEMENT WE PRODUCE.

A NUCLEUS WITH SO MANY ELECTRONS IS WATER; WITH OTHER ELECTRONS IS ROCK.

SO, TOO, WE CAN CHANGE A SPIRITUAL REALITY TO WHERE IT PRODUCES PHYSICAL HEALING IN THE NATURAL REALM BY CHANGING ITS COMPOSITION WITH THE “ELECTRONS” OF THE WORD.

THE CONTENT OF THE “DIRT”

THE COMPOSITION OF THE “ELECTRONS”

WHEN SR. CHARMAINE GOES OUT TO FERTILIZE HER GARDEN, SHE DOES NOT TAKE ROCKS FROM HER DRIVEWAY AND THROW THEM AROUND THE PLANTS!

SHE TAKES RICH, ORGANIC, MATERIAL, FULL OF NUTRIENTS SHE KNOWS THE PLANTS WILL NEED AND WORKS THOSE INTO THE SOIL AROUND THE ROOTS THAT CAME FROM THE “SEED” SHE PLANTED.

SHE DOES NOT “SEE” WITH HER EYES THE ROOTS TAKING IN THAT NOURISHMENT, BUT SHE CAN SEE THE EFFECTS IN THE PLANT.

WHEN WE FERTILZE THE SEED OF THE WORD IN US WITH THE RICH NUTRIENTS IN THE WORD OF GOD, WE CAN’T “SEE” THE SPIRITUAL SEED WE PLANTED TAKE IN THE NOURISHMENT, BUT WE CAN “SEE” THE EFFECTS IN OUR LIVES AND THOUGHTS.

WE NEED TO KNOW THAT PROCESS IS GOING ON, AND TO BE PERSISTENT AND CONSISTENT IN ADDING THE FERTILIZER OF THE WORD UNTIL WE ACTUALLY PICK THE “FRUIT” OF THE WORD WE CALL” MANIFESTATION.”

WE CAN APPLY THE SAME PRINCIPALS TO THE NUCLEUS AND THE ELECTRONS. ON THE SPIRITUAL LEVEL, THE CHANGE IS MUCH MORE PROFOUND. OUR ADDING OF THE “ELECTRONS” FROM GOD’S WORD WILL ACTUALLY CHANGE THE COMPOSITION OF THE SPIRITUAL “MATERIAL” UNTIL IT LITERALLY PRODUCES IN THE NATURAL.

SO, THE “ELECTRONS” WE ADD TO THE NUCLEUS NEED TO RELATE TO THE NUCLEUS, WHICH IS WORD AND SOUND BASED, AND RELATE TO THE RESULT WE ARE TRYING TO PRODUCE. WE NEED TO APPLY AN APPROPRIATE FERTILIZER….

“PROSPERITY” SCRIPTURES WILL NOT INCREASE A” HEALING” NUCLEUS; WILL NOT NOURISH A “HEALING” SEED!

ALLOW ME TO ENCOURAGE YOU WITH THIS STORY FROM THE BOOK OF ACTS AS WE WRAP THIS UP…

Acts 16:25-26 ²⁵And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. ²⁶And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.

WHAT HAPPENED HERE? GOD “AMPLIFIES” OUR SOUNDS
GOD TOOK THE “SOUNDS” OF PAUL AND SILAS “PRAYING AND SINGING”…AND AMPLIFIED THEM!

AMPLIFIED THEM TO SUCH A DEGREE THAT THERE WAS A PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION IN THE BUILDING AND THE GROUND AROUND THE BUILDING!

THERE WAS AN EARTHQUAKE! THE DOORS FLEW OPEN! THE SHACKLES FELL OFF!(THE SAME THING HAPPENED IN THE STORY I INTRODUCED THIS MESSAGE WITH.)

THE SOUNDS WE MAKE IN PRAYER AND CONFESSING THE WORD OFTEN SOUND WEAK AND LONELY TO US…BUT GOD AMPLIFIES AND REENFORCES THOSE SOUNDS. THOSE SEEMINGLY FEEBLE SOUNDS WILL EVENTUALLY SHAKE THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE PROBLEMS WE FACE;

OPEN THE DOORS THAT SEEMED NAILED SHUT;

AND CAUSE THOSE THINGS THAT HAD US “BOUND” TO FALL AWAY!

End of excerpt from “The Word Worketh With Sound”

Next: What Shall We “Meld?”

Chapter 4 (Part 6)

“New Beliefs?”

I am going to share another message with you to give the basis for the “new” beliefs that turned my life upside down in early 2011. There were really only two things I “changed” my beliefs in; everything else, at the time, and today, remain basically the same as I have taught for almost 30 years. Read carefully and open up your mind and spirit…this “message” was the last public message at the Haven Church. The church was empty after that…

“A VERY BRIEF HISTORY LESSON”

Now we can turn to the heart of this matter and what the changes in my “beliefs” are based in. Let’s review…Where do our “beliefs” come from?

1. Osmosis (Author’s note: More on this important subject later)

These beliefs are almost never examined. This is the “source” of most of our beliefs!

2. Teaching and study

Introduction

Wrestling with God, like Jacob, can leave us physically impaired, but spiritually and soulishly changed! My eyes testify to me every day! (one eye works, the other is still being healed)

In 2011, as a church family, we walked through very difficult times…but the end of the story is that God proved Himself God over and over again! He brought about the fruit of his Word and our pursuit of Him in signs, wonders, and for many of us, miracles! Personally, I have experienced God’s care as He restored my vision and body and has provided, during 2011, over $50,000 worth of surgery and doctor’s care!

During the time I could not see well in the “natural,” God was increasing and refining my vision on the inside…and He is still in the process of doing that and will until I meet Him Face to face. I, too, am a “work in progress!” During this time my wife and boys converted to Judaism and became part of the Jewish experience and life.

In 2011 much of what I had heard in the Word, observed, been taught for over 64 years, experienced in some 30 years of ministry, actually changed what I used to believe. There are things that I simply swallowed as “truth” without taking the time to actually verify them…most of us do the same.

There were two particular “beliefs” that have always bothered me. I took a deep look at those and I want to share with you what I found.

I have been pastor and shepherd to my “sheep” for 30 years or longer. I have a deep love for them and would never present anything that I know would grieve them and have not proved for myself in the Word… but the very fact that I am a shepherd compels me to preach the truths I have found in the Word and in my relationship with my Father God. The changes in me have forced me to make choices…and I will present to you what I have learned and you will need to make choices, too. For some of you the changes in me will cause you to make hard choices; those choices will never change the fact that I love and care for you.

I am not trying to attack any religion or institution…I am not trying to justify or reconcile my changed beliefs based on what is going on in my family. I do not pretend to be a bible scholar or expert in any way…but I find the evidence I will share with you very plain.

Here we go!

A Very Brief History Lesson

Exposure to Jewish beliefs, through my wonderful wife, which provide the foundation of almost all Christian beliefs, have caused me to re-examine what it is I believe as a “Christian;” and, to either reconcile those with my “Christian” beliefs, or reject them.

Let’s start with a history lesson from Wikipedia about the early church….(I chose this source because it is easily verifiable…but any history of the early church will verify what I will share.)

The quote from Wikipedia is easily seen…my comments are in italics…

At first, Christians continued to worship alongside jewish believers, which historians refer to as Jewish Christianity, but within twenty years of jesus's death, Sunday was being regarded as the primary day of worship.^[29] as preachers such as Paul of Tarsus began converting gentiles, Christianity began growing away from Jewish practices^[24] to establish itself as a separate religion,^[30] though the issue of Paul of Tarsus and judaism is still debated today. To resolve doctrinal differences among the competing factions within the church, in or around the year 50, the apostles convened the first church council, the Council of Jerusalem. This council affirmed that gentiles could become Christians without adopting all of the mosaic law.^[31] growing tensions soon led to a starker separation that was virtually complete by the time Christians refused to join in the Bar Khokba Jewish revolt of 132,^[32] however some groups of Christians retained elements of Jewish practice.^[33]

In 313, the struggles of the early church were lessened by the legalisation of christianity by the emperor Constantine I. In 380, Christianity became the state religion of the Roman Empire by the decree of the emperor, which would persist until the fall of the Western Empire, and later, with the Eastern Roman Empire, until the fall of Constantinople. During Constantine's reign, approximately half of those who identified themselves as Christian did not subscribe to the mainstream version of the faith.^[58] Constantine feared that disunity would displease God and lead to trouble for the Empire, so he took military and judicial measures to eliminate some sects.^[59] to resolve other disputes, Constantine began the practice of calling ecumenical councils to determine binding interpretations of church doctrine.^[60] (the first was the…)

Council of Nicea (325AD)

Decisions made at the Council of Nicea (325) about the divinity of Christ led to a schism; the new religion, arianism flourished outside the Roman Empire.^[

During this period, the bible as it has come down to the 21st century was first officially laid out in church councils or synods through the process of official 'canonization'. Prior to these councils or synods, the bible had already reached a form that was nearly identical to the form in which it is now found. According to some accounts, in 382 the Council of Rome first officially recognized the biblical canon, listing the accepted books of the old and new testament, and in 391 the vulgate Latin translation of the bible was made. The Council of Ephesus in 431 clarified the nature of Jesus' incarnation, declaring that he was both fully man and fully god.

Effects of the Council of Nicea

Let me insert that this is where the Catholic Church was born and where it began to separate itself from its Jewish roots… (back to Wikipedia…)

The long-term effects of the Council of Nicea were significant. For the first time, representatives of many of the bishops of the church convened to agree on a doctrinal statement. Also for the first time, the Emperor played a role, by calling together the bishops under his authority, and using the power of the state to give the council's orders effect.

The council did not create the doctrine of the deity of Christ (as is sometimes claimed) but it did settle to some degree the debate within the early Christian communities regarding the divinity of Christ. This idea of the divinity of Christ along with the idea of Christ as a messenger from the one god ("the Father") had long existed in various parts of the Roman Empire.

One purpose of the Council was to resolve disagreements arising from within the Church of Alexandria over the nature of Jesus in relationship to God the Father; in particular, whether Jesus was the literal son of God or was he a figurative son, like the other "sons of God" in the bible. St. Alexander of Alexandria and Athanasius claimed to take the first position; the popular presbyter Arius, from whom the term Arianism comes, is said to have taken the second. The council decided against the Arians overwhelmingly (of the estimated 250–318 attendees, all but two agreed to sign the creed and these two, along with Arius, were banished to Illyria^[13]). The Emperor's threat of banishment is claimed to have influenced many to sign, but this is highly debated by both sides.

Right here, decisions were made under pressure and control, trademarks of the devil; right here the “free will” of man began the “Catholic Church.”

The Trinity

The Council of Nicea dealt primarily with the issue of the deity of Christ. Over a century earlier the use of the term "trinity" ("trinitas" in Latin) could be found in the writings of O (185-254) and Tertullian (160-220),^[59] and a general notion of a "divine three", in some sense, was expressed in the second and third-century writings of Polycarp, Ignatius, and Justin Martyr.^[60] but the doctrine in a more full-fledged form was not formulated until the Council of Constantinople in 360 AD^[61]

The effect of that Council, under pressure from the Emperor, was to declare Jesus as “god” and establish the “Trinity” to give a basis for that decision. Note that many never subscribed to that decision. However the military and judicial power of the Emperor of the Roman Empire was used to crush all contrary movements within the Empire.

We will take up that thread in a moment…

What we believe today

Let’s back up to the Garden of Eden and Adam’s rebellion…

That disruption (Adam’s rebellion) did not catch God by surprise and He already had a plan to assure that His unique creation would not be stolen from Him. He found folks in the Earth who loved Him and would cooperate with Him and began to use the creative ability He had placed into man to “speak out,” and thus create, under the nose of His enemy, His rescue plan. (We are created “in the image” of God! See other teachings for more information on this critical knowledge! See “The Word Worketh With Sound” below)

That plan included God’s involvement with men of Faith and brought his chosen people, the Jews, to Mount Sinai where He offered them, again, the ability to walk and live under His leadership. They rejected the plan; so God, through Moses, gave them an alternate way to interact and relate with Him through the Jewish law…we call that the Torah (first 5 books of the old testament); the Torah spells out how folks can live in harmony with God and under His protection; expressing their love for Him through obedience to His instructions. He established rituals, laws, and gave directions that would assure those who followed them would have His favor and protection in the earth. He set up ways to take care of the sin nature of man and enable folks to relate to Him…some did and we read their stories in the” Tanach.”

The “Tanach” (Old Testament) spells out the creative words God spoke into the earth by His prophets that culminated in Rabbi Jesus. Rabbi Jesus. in my opinion, was to “undo” the damage Adam introduced. The “Law” was a “stopgap” measure in the plan and relationship of God with “Man” until Rabbi Jesus came into the earth.

Relationship and a form of “intimacy” with God was still possible and we see Enoch just walking out of the earth and Elijah snatched away in God’s personal chariot; we see David and Solomon and many others with intimate relationship with God. God was obviously still interacting with man despite Adam’s failing. His Love nature and Man’s love nature caused God to continually “woo” Man!

But God longed for the same intimacy with Man he enjoyed in the Garden of Eden. God desired that effects of the “veil,” introduced by Adam’s sin, be removed.  He spoke out His plan into the Earth through his prophets; the culmination of their creative words resulted in the birth of a man called Jesus. Rabbi Jesus, under the direct guidance of God’s Spirit, would undo the harm that Adam had done and make a way for a more intimate fellowship between the Creator and Man. Rabbi Jesus, through the willing sacrifice of his death would destroy the “veil” established by Adam with his rebellion.

A “New” Religion?

It was never the intention of Rabbi Jesus, or the apostles, including Paul, to establish a “new” religion… Passover was celebrated by the early church until about 300AD. The thrust of what Jesus left behind was to “graft” Jews, and also Gentiles, into the Jewish “vine.”Jewish traditions and teaching provided the bedrock of the church doctrine and life until about 300AD. At that time a Roman Emperor was “converted” (or, convinced of the advantages of supporting a “religion”) to “Christianity.” History makes it clear that he saw the “political” advantages of a united religion controlled by his Empire and found cooperative leadership within the existing church that established the “Catholic Church.”

There is no historical evidence that the Emperor operated any differently after his turn towards the “Catholic Church.”

From that point on we find the original vision of Rabbi Jesus and the Apostles being corrupted and the “Word” of God in the earth being controlled by the “Catholic Church.” The Word began to be manipulated by secular and “church” leadership to separate the Catholic Church from Jewish influence and teaching and reinforce the “Catholic” doctrines.

We find the Catholic Church taking over many of the teachings and rituals of the Jewish Faith and an attempt to establish the Catholic Church as the replacement for the relationship the Jewish people have with God. (Replacement Theology) Man’s ideas, concepts, and goals began to infiltrate the purity of the Word. Listen to what I am going to state: Even the Holy Spirit of God has to give in to the “free will” of man!

The new leadership of the Catholic Church, under the patronage of the Roman Emperor, saw the need to establish a different focus than the Jewish concept of “One God.” That concept was trumpeted throughout the Torah. They saw a need to separate away from the beliefs of Judaism in order to get control and establish their concepts of “Christianity.” The concept of “One God” was in their way. Jesus was obviously not “God.”

So they made a decision to separate out Rabbi Jesus and make him a “god” and build their new religion around “Jesus.” They understood that a central “god” had to be established to anchor the Catholic Church to. Thus they established the “mystery” and “doctrine” of the “Trinity.” By “dividing” God up, they were able to set their focus on “Jesus” as “god” and gradually bury the concept of “One God.” They manipulated and interpreted the Word to justify that action. Keep in mind that from this point on the Catholic Church had total control over how the Word was interpreted and presented…Jesus, now, could be presented as “God” and focus placed totally on him.

Concepts of the “Trinity” began to overpower the “One God” proclaimed in the Torah; Jesus, who, like you and I, is “a son of god” was proclaimed to be “the Son of God.” (note the difference an adjective and capitalization make!) A Religion was established that had “Jesus” as its central focus and forgot the clear message of Rabbi Jesus, spelled out in Jesus’ own words, of relationship with “One God.” Rabbi Jesus said again and again that he spoke only what his Father gave him to say and did only what his Father indicated he should do. He continually refused to allow people to focus on him and what the Father was doing through him and proclaimed the Father as the “Doer” and directed people to glorify God, not him.

Undoing Adam’s rebellion

The clear message of Paul identifying Jesus as the “second Adam” was buried in worship of Jesus as the “Saviour.”

The first Adam was a created man; I believe that the “second Adam” was also a created man with the destiny and mission of undoing the “veil” inserted by Adam into the relationship God desired to have with his creation.

Jesus, with the Holy Spirit of God, fulfilled the law and lived a life submitted to God.

1 Cor. 15:45-49 (KING JAMES) ⁴⁵And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. ⁴⁶Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. ⁴⁷The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. ⁴⁸As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. ⁴⁹And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

The Greek actually says: “the second a man (human) from heaven.”

(“the second man out of heaven”-word for word translation)

It does not include the words “the Lord.”  That changes the entire intent of that scripture!

The reformation that did not go far enough

Martin Luther got a glimpse of what had happened to the Catholic Church and established the “Protestant Reformation.” But we see the Protestants not going far enough and blindly adopting the teachings of the Catholic Church without carefully confirming them in the Word as “Truth.” Thus carrying many of the Catholic doctrines and teaching over into the Protestant Movement and simply accepting them as “truth.” Over time these “beliefs” became set in “concrete” and the leadership simply accepted them as “truth” and taught them as “truth,” when they were not.

Over time, the fear of disputing what they had established… sometimes through self interest, but mostly out of ignorance, made it impossible to back off these “truths” without losing the support base of people they had built. They had to immediately “quash” anything that would dispute the base knowledge of the people they had taught these “truths” to, and make themselves look foolish.

So, if today, I state that Jesus is not God and the Trinity is a made-up concept, I risk being immediately be shut down and labeled a “cult.” The established “Christianity” cannot handle the scrutiny of this truth without “imploding;” religious leaders cannot afford to look foolish and still maintain their following and, with that, their financial base.

(You might look back at the beginning of this chapter and review the early history of the Catholic movement and why certain “doctrines” were established and who influenced those “doctrines.”) But let’s look deeper.

Does “Jesus” need to be “God” in order for the Word to be valid?

No, the Word is from God, not Jesus.

When I look at Rabbi Jesus as a man, not God, my respect for him is even deeper!

I look at his life and words and see him teaching and living out the teachings and concepts of Judaism and being totally submitted to God.

Should I then be Jewish?

I don’t feel I need to.

Remember the Apostles in 50AD at the Council of Jerusalem said believers did not have to fully follow all the Mosaic Law. I trust the apostles who were still fresh from the influence of Rabbi Jesus. I am already “grafted” into the Jewish “vine!”

Is there something in the life and actions of Jesus, and his death, that opened up a passage for deeper intimacy with God by undoing the harm brought about by Adam that I should see and support? Did the Jewish people miss something? And do we, as “Christians” miss something? I believe so!

Why did Jesus die on the cross?

Was it just the jealousy of the corrupted Jewish “religious” leadership, or the secular Roman leadership, that Rabbi Jesus confronted that caused them to reject him and kill him?

That certainly played into his death…but I sense something more from the Word; I see a “blood sacrifice” as required by God in the Torah to atone for the rebellion carried out by Adam. Why? Because God’s relationship with Man is defined and governed by God’s own “Word” presented to Man in that document. The Torah, calls for “blood” to atone for sin. It is clear, too, that Jesus walked out and lived out the prophetic words spoken into the earth by the prophets; words that “created” the way for him to come and be the “second Adam.”

In looking at the cross, in order to validate that horrible death, I felt led to look at the results that followed that death in order to see the need for it.

What happened?

I see many people, including ourselves, influenced by the words and actions of Rabbi Jesus, re-establish a relationship with “God.”

Jesus’ words and example portrayed the love of God for his creation, Man. His invitation to come back into relationship with God caused us to recognize and submit our lives to God.

“Salvation” is recognizing the love of God for us and coming through our free will back into relationship with Him. When you and I prayed the “sinner’s prayer” the Love of God caused Him to overlook the focus on Jesus and receive us back into relationship with Him…that’s how Love acts! (Study the “actions of love” 1 Cor. 13)

The truth and clearness of what Jesus taught immediately impacted many Jewish people…the first 300 years after his death is referred to as “Jewish Christianity.” Thousands came back into relationship with the “One God,” both Jew and later Gentile. The message Jesus taught, that was carried by his Disciples, was the message of the Torah; it is the message of the “love life” that reflected the nature of the Creator and His creation, Man.

A deeper form of intimacy with God was immediately visible in the lives of “Christians.” Something had changed in the way God related with Man. There was an obvious communication with God in the lives of Believers that was not visible before the cross. The “veil” that had existed had been removed. God’s Spirit inhabited the very being of those who believed, related, and submitted to Him. Their very way of thinking changed to reflect the “love nature” of God that consumed them. Their focus turned from inward, only thinking of themselves, outward, to the needs of those around them.

After Jesus death, God quickly brought animal sacrifice to a close and it does not exist today (except in one sect of Judaism) despite the desire of some of the Jewish people to see it re-established.

I see the “blood sacrifice” of Jesus as wiping out the need for animal sacrifice; the death of Jesus, a man, as Adam was a man, satisfied the anger of God caused by Adam’s rebellion. The life and death of Rabbi Jesus, influenced by the Spirit of the living God, was enough in the eyes of God to eliminate the need for continual sacrifice; Jesus’ life and death satisfied the demands of the Torah.

What do you believe Bro. Joe?        

Please allow me to add here that I feel God is showing me things in this area that I do not yet have the “words” to express...I “see” concepts that are uncharted territory and do not yet have the correct words to explain them!

I am confronting two basic beliefs that I believe were established by Man…

The concept of a “divided” God (“Trinity”) and Rabbi Jesus being “God.”

I will define more closely what I believe in a moment.

If Jesus is not “God” does that negate all we have taught and believed as “Christians?”

While we may have to re-align what our basic beliefs are… the concepts we have taught from the Word, and those Jesus taught, are still the Word!

What we have learned about the image of Man in the Image of God, the power of our words, changing our thought and our word life, worship and praise of God, the Anointing of God’s Spirit, all remain totally valid. Teaching based on the teachings of Rabbi Jesus and the apostles are still absolutely true because what they taught was the established Word of God from the Torah!

What we must do is recognize where the influence of Man has bent what we believe and go back to the Word with that in mind. To take the time to examine, with the Holy Spirit, the Word with the light of Truth shining on it; to dig into our “beliefs” and see if they stand the scrutiny of the Word and the Spirit or are fabrications of the free will of Man.

We have to reform “Christianity” to “Truth;” to establish a reformed Christianity as little influenced by man as possible.

I can no longer blindly swallow the concepts of the “Trinity” which is at odds with the Word, or the concept that Jesus was or is “god.”

There is obviously much more to be said about this matter and I’ll say it as it is made clearer to me by the Word and God’s own Spirit!

What I have grown to believe….

(“Reform Christianity”)

·       There is one God, not a “Trinity” (that the “Trinity” was a concept made up by Man to allow Man to set Jesus up as a “god” in order to justify the “Catholic Faith”);

·       That we are ministered to directly by the Spirit of that One God, which we call the “Holy Spirit;” that we have direct intimacy with God through the Holy Spirit and are interacting with the One God through the Holy Spirit; (“One Spirit” with the Spirit of God.1 Cor.)

·       That Man was created by God in His “Image” with many of his abilities and qualities and given a unique gift we call “free will;” “free will” is the ability of the creation to make judgments and decisions within itself; to hold beliefs that cannot be tampered with by God Himself, the devil, or other men; that we “make” every choice in our lives. The ultimate purpose of “free will” is to enable us to freely return the love of God for us…the Lover desires to be loved! “Love” is incomplete without its return!

·       That Man, endowed by God, working with God, can operate in faith and create with his mouth like his Creator.

·       That the Word of God in the Old Testament has not been tampered with by Man, but handed down accurately, in the Hebrew, through God’s chosen people, the Jews; that the New Testament has been manipulated, and sometimes translated, influenced by Man’s free will to accomplish Man’s goals.

·       I believe the Old Testament accounts as presented; that Adam broke fellowship with God, and that the man Jesus was prophesied, and had to come, to atone for Adam’s rebellion.

·       That Jesus was not “god” but a unique, created, man prophesied and destined by God to undo the “sin” of Adam in the Garden of Eden; that through his life, obedience, and “blood sacrifice,” (based on God’s covenant Word agreement with Man on Mt. Sinai, that required “blood” to atone for sin) he ripped the “veil” that existed since the Garden and made a way for more intimate connection and fellowship with God. (That “intimacy” was available before Jesus death, but little availed. Man could “walk” with God, but that “walk” was little accessed);

·       That God’s anger (and with that, His Justice) with Adam’s rebellion was satisfied on Calvary, opening the way to a more intimate form of fellowship between the Creator and his creation, Man; as it was in the Garden of Eden.

·       That “God” was not required to “atone” for Man’s rebellion by sending his “son” to die for Man’s “sin;” that the Creator did not need to die for His creation’s rebellion, but that a “Man” had to do so.

·       That Rabbi Jesus walked, lived, rose from death; that he taught the Torah, with the goal of bringing God’s creation, Man, back into the intimate fellowship God desired since the Garden creation of Man (“to the Jew first,” and then to us);

·       That God was determined and able, with Man, to complete His assignment to Adam and Eve to walk with Him and carry out the commission He gave them (in the Earth and throughout his created universe.)

·       That the words and example of Rabbi Jesus were designed to draw us back into a deeper form of intimate relationship with the “One God;” it was the path I walked, and many others, where the words and example of Rabbi Jesus brought us back into relationship with the “One God.”

·       That Rabbi Jesus’ teaching (and his Apostles, including Paul) never was designed to create a “new religion” but rather define, again, and draw us to, the path outlined in the Torah which is obedience and intimacy with the Creator God;

·       That I do not have to be “defined” as a “Jew” to enjoy and walk in that intimate relationship with my Father God; that according to the Apostles’ statements i am not required to fulfill or walk in the “Mosaic Law;” that I am “circumcised in the heart” and joined back into “vine” that is intimacy with the Creator as one of His “chosen people.“

·       That we have not grasped the “love nature” of God and His desire to be united with His creation, Man; that we have made God’s love much smaller than “love” is; that we have “limited” and “legislated” how “Love” acts to conform to what we “believe.”

·       That “adjusting” our “beliefs” is an action of our “free will” and is accomplished as we confront “Truth.” That “Truth” does not change, but that our “beliefs” can; that a change in “beliefs” does not negate our “faith.” “Beliefs” are in the soul, faith and love reside in the spirit. (Read about the “three part being” that man is.)

·       That “salvation” is recognizing the love of God for us and coming through our free will back into relationship directly with Him.

·       That we need, as believers, a “teachable” spirit and soul; that we need a closer scrutiny and absorption into the “vine,” of our Jewish roots and beliefs. That we must confront and confirm the “beliefs” we absorbed by “osmosis” to prove them either true or false to our soul.

That concludes quotes from “A Very Brief History Lesson.”

Next: The Word Worketh With Sound