Dear friends and readers,
Peace and grace to y'all in Jesus Name!
As I was pondering this article, I began to contemplate a question asked me just last week---by a long time student of the Bible and a solid Christian believer. A question by the way that is frequently asked by followers of Christ. A fair question to be sure but invalid in view of established Biblical scripture
The question is reflected in the title of this article. "WHY ARE JEWS SO STUBBORN AND WILL NOT ACCEPT JESUS"? As it happens the answer to that question is stated clearly in scripture but before we tackle that I want to dispel some popular thinking; I will do so in bullet point presentation.
1). First, very many Jewish people over the centuries have accepted Jesus Christ as their long awaited Messiah. Admittedly not the majority but there has never been one single day in the past two thousand years that many Jews were not followers of Christ. In fact during the Lords physical walk on this earth some of His greatest enemies were of the sect of the Pharisees. But the Pharisees, unlike the Scribes or the Sadducees believed in a life after death and embraced a belief in the Resurrection from the dead. After Jesus was resurrected, Some of the Pharisees acceptance of Jesus as Messiah is referenced in Acts 15:5 plus the Apostle Paul (earlier Saul of Tarsus) was a highly trained Pharisee.
2). In Acts chapter 2 the Apostle Peter was speaking to devout Jewish men, living in Jerusalem from several nations. 3 thousand people were baptized in that single day and continued steadfastly in the Apostles doctrine which of course included Jesus as Messiah and Him risen from the grave. FACT, most of the very first---first century church were Jews!
4). Today in Israel there are several robust fellowships of Jewish born believers in Christ. And those number are increasing steadily.
5). Now as to the Jewish people being stubborn---well that part is true! We see references to the Jewish people being a stubborn and stiff necked lot beginning in Exodus 32:9, Deuteronomy 31:27, Isaiah 48:4 all the way to Acts 7:51-53. It's in their DNA. I know because I live with one, MY WIFE sweet as she is--both Jew and follower of Christ, can be very stubborn (unlike myself of course (-:). In fact the Jewish people are almost as stubborn as many of the missionaries who have worked for me over the years. It is my experience that very many extremely gifted missions people can only make it through the "tough times" because they are stubborn to a fault. But that very stubbornness equates to unfettered resolve and a "never quit" attitude that permeates their entire service to the Lord.
6). Having said that, those very same qualities---on steroids are often evidenced by God's chosen people , the Jews. The Jewish people being a stubborn and stiff necked cultural group may seem to be a deficiency at first blush but I am not so certain of that. Had they not been so for generation after generation I doubt seriously if we would have our Bibles today because the Jews were custodians of the word of God since they received it from Moses on Mount Sinai in Exodus chapter 20. And they did the job flawlessly. So for that reason alone, we as followers of Christ owe our Jewish Brethren a tremendous debt of gratitude.
7). Somehow lost in the shuffle of time for some Christians is that fact that Jesus Himself is, was and always will be a Jewish man and the Jewish Messiah. Every single one of the original Apostles to Christ were Jewish and most of the New Testament is a very Jewish book written by Jewish authors.
8). In my opinion, many of the Jews of the first century including most of the ruling religious class, the Sanhedrin, rejected Jesus as Messiah for two definite reasons. 1). If they did accept Jesus as Messiah and then by necessity as High Priest and King, well they would have been out of jobs! 2). The Jewish people of the first century were under the thumb of an extremely powerful and controlling Roman Empire. An empire who's legions literally had the power to put to death anyone (except a Roman citizen) who they even remotely thought might be seditious against the power of Rome in the slightest way. As a result the concept of "A MESSIAH" figure was one who would destroy Roman rule over Israel and immediately sit on the ancient throne of King David. As we know that will happen one day but ancient Israel wanted it RIGHT NOW and was not inclined to accept a king who preached brother love and turning the other cheek. They wanted a strong military leader who would place a sword at the throat of Caesar. Therefore rejection!
9). So much for history; Today however it is difficult to understand why so many ask the question about why Jesus is not accepted by the Jews as their Messiah? Difficult because it is clearly explained in scripture. I must ask myself, is the book of Romans no longer taught by or read by so many believers? For example, how is it that so many Christians denominations are embroiled in the absolutely false doctrine of replacement theology? Also called "SUPERSESSIONISM". The root word of which is "SUPERCEDE" which basically means that something is being replaced or superceded by something else. In this case the belief by many Christians that God is through with Israel and the church has replaced everything ISRAEL in the mind and heart of God.
Do I even need to explain that such nonsense is no where EVER mentioned in either the Old or New Testaments? Are we to totally reject the Apostle Paul in Romans chapter 11 verse 1 when he declares "I say then, has God cast away His people (the Jews---my emphasis added)? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away His people whom He forenew".
So some say, why should we believe Paul about this? My answer? Paul wrote Romans, first and second Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, first and second Thessalonians, first and second Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and maybe Hebrews---not certain. If you don't want to believe Paul in Romans chapter 11, you may as well "chuck" the entire New Testament because Paul authored a king sized portion of that entire book.
Now to clarify this issue of EARLY supersessionism, I can give a lot of grace to the pastors and church fathers in the early centuries. After 70 A.D. and again in 135 A.D. Rome had destroyed Jerusalem, the Temple, butchered millions of Jews and deported most of the remainder into slavery throughout the empire. Israel in those days was a malaria infested swamp land. Looking back it was natural for the church fathers to think, well ISRAEL is mentioned in the Bible 2400 times (depending upon which translation is used) therefore since "ISRAEL" no longer exists, God must now consider "the church" to be Israel. OK, no fault, no foul. HOWEVER when Israel once again became a nation on May 14, 1948 AND fulfilled perfectly several ancient key Biblical prophecies, one would think that the current church fathers would have said WOOPS!!! But no, oh no, They committed the very same mistake as the ancient members of the Sanhedrin. If they embraced prophecy and admitted that Israel was back---to stay---they would be relinquishing their claim to be the current Israel and therefore the current chosen of God! NOTE: "THE CHURCH" is made up of both Jew and gentile believers.
10). Here is the biggie, the final nail in the coffin of false doctrine where the Jews (lack of ) belief in Jesus as Messiah is concerned; Once again Paul tells us clearly in Romans chapter 11 verse 25. ( by the way, if you really want to see this picture clearly, that is the Godly relationship between believers in the church---to ISRAEL read through chapter 11). Verse 25 explains " For I (Paul) do not want that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, THAT BLINDNESS IN PART HAS HAPPENED TO ISRAEL UNTIL THE FULLNESS OF THE GENTILES HAS COME IN"! Blindness to what? That Jesus is the Messiah of Israel. Gentiles come into what? Complete and total fellowship with God.
Have you ever said or heard someone else say, "when I finally get there I have so many questions to ask the Lord"? Well me to, and one of those questions I will ask is, Lord why was it not possible for you to run salvation for both Jew and gentile simultaneously? Why blind one (in part) for the sake if the other? I think this is where the scripture falls perfectly in place that says (God speaking through His prophet Isaiah--55:8-9) "My thought are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts".
TRANSLATION: God is smarter than we are! While I might not understand why God does the things He does in the way He chooses to do them, I do not question His decisions nor do I ever try and second guess His motives!
To put a fine point on this issue of why many Jews cannot recognize that Jesus is their true Messiah. They simply cannot because God in His infinite wisdom has placed blinders over their eyes for purposes of His own. The time will come when those blinders will be removed and all Jews alive in those future days will recognize and accept---embrace if you will, their Messiah.
Do not make the mistake as some have to assume that because many Jews today cannot recognize their Messiah is somehow connected with lack of brain power. The intelligence of the Jewish people have produced more advanced intellectual advancement in engineering, science, medical, technology and the arts than any other culture who has ever lived.
SPECULATION ON MY PART??? While we certainly know that God the Father made the ultimate sacrifice of His Son on the cross of Calvary---for the sake of all who would repent and accept the free gift of salvation---is there a possibility that God also made another sacrifice, one not normally considered? Is it even remotely possible that God loves His created beings so much that He also chose to allow so many generations of His chosen people to pass by without having a relationship with Jesus, for the sake of salvation for gentiles worldwide?
Well, since I don't know the answer to that, you decide!
But do not think that the Jewish people have rejected Christ as their Messiah because they are stubborn. No, No, rather it is part of the grand scheme that only the Father understands!
God bless,
Pastor Rance.
Friday, July 13, 2018
Friday, July 6, 2018
Are we a church of "IMMEDIACY" or lackadaisical whimsy?
Dear friends and readers,
Do you remember the last time you were in a Christian book store? I do although at least in Southern California my favorite Christian book stores have now gone out of business. I wonder about that don't you? Did they finally fail for lack of interest? Or maybe poor management? Or perhaps a slide into oblivion caused by placing more importance on t-shirts, coffee cups and wall hangings opposed to Bibles, tracks and bumper stickers that advertise JESUS to the multitudes?
Well at this point we may never know for certain. What I do know however is that in recent years most Christian book stores had a relatively small area dedicated to Bibles and massive shelves dedicated to authors trying explain what the Bible says. Nearly all of these authors claim Devine inspiration so I have to ask myself why they so seldom agree? I suppose a lot of that has to do with denominational teaching---you know the stuff produced by MANS church, as opposed to what the Bible actually says which was written as a guide to CHRIST'S church.
Don't understand the difference? After all there is only one universal church worldwide right? Well actually no! An internet search will show you that it is estimated there are 37 million local churches worldwide. That's good right? But how about the other statistic---34,000 denominations? Wow and we wonder why Christians have such an problem speaking with one voice.
You know the other thing missing in many Christian book stores (not all, we don't want to throw the baby out with the bath water do we?)-----TRACTS. Hard to get and when ordering on line you will find that any tracts worth their salt are extremely expensive. Even the tools of evangelism are difficult to find these days.
Oh yes, there are very definitely two churches on this earth. Mans church and Gods church. Separate and distinct in may ways. Mans church is generally characterized by program based services, entertainment, coffee shops, gift stores, a general wondering through the Bible when it is mentioned at all and above all, stress on money, prosperity and feeling good about self. Of course I don't want to over generalize because I myself have Christians t-shirts and love a good cup of coffee---and an apple fritter when available (-:
God's church, you know the one that features Jesus Christ as the true super star, certainly may have some of the trappings listed above but and here is the big BUT!!! It concentrates on Christ not self. On teaching the word of God whether it is politically correct or not. It features a diet of holiness and straight forward solid Biblical doctrine---and oh by the way also has children's church who's teachers are more interested in teaching the kiddies Gods word than they are in volleyball. This church most frequently also has evangelistic outreach teams and if possible missions teams going out into the world and whenever possible to other countries. Most importantly this church teaches all of the Bible and does it in context---to itself!
Mans church I would call a church of lackadaisical whimsey. God's true church is one of IMMEDIACY. Get the word out to the people and the world right now---no fooling around. Tell them about the risen Christ.
We can see an example of immediacy through a simple examination of the book of Mark. You know it really is amazing the way God constructed His holy word. The first book of the New Testament is of course Matthew and the very last directions Jesus gave to His church are listed in chapter 28 verses 18 through 20, commonly known as the Great Commission.
Oops, there I go again, golly, I know I know all I talk about is getting out there and getting someone saved. But you know the reason I do that is because the Great Commission for a lot of churches has become just another set of scriptures given honorable mention. So I always want to add my voice to the few who are beating the drum.
Now before anyone gets mad and sends me a nasty gram, yes I do know that many pastors and congregations are "out there" doing what Jesus commanded. But the facts are that if all 2.5 BILLION Professing Christians attending all 37 million local churches within 34,000 denominations were working hard on the Great Commission, well you tell me? Would there still be another 5.5 BILLION unsaved folks on this earth? DON'T THINK SO AMIGO'S!
So it always amazed me that just one page over from the Great Commission, begins the book of Mark in which Jesus very first comment (Mark 1:15) is "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel". His second comment (verse 17) "Follow Me and I will make you become fishers of men". And then the frosting on the cake (verse 38) "Let us go into the next towns, the I may preach there also, FOR THIS IS THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH I HAVE COME FORTH"---(my emphasis added).
Beginning in Mark chapter 1 verse 10 and extending throughout the first 6 chapters we see the words "IMMEDIATE" or "as soon as" used at least 22 times. Is this merely favorite vocabulary used by Mark or a message from ON HIGH? The overall theme of Mark in speaking about the Lord is "JESUS AS SERVANT". Why is that important? Because each of the four gospels presents Jesus in a vastly different heavenly theme. Matthew--"CHRIST THE KING". Mark as stated--- "JESUS THE SERVANT". Luke---"CHRIST THE MAN". John--- "CHRIST AS DEITY". Jesus Himself describes Himself in Revelation 1:8 as GOD."I AM THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA, THE BEGINNING AND THE END, WHO IS AND WHO WAS AND WHO IS TO COME, THE ALMIGHTY"!
Now I don't know about you but if the ALMIGHTY said to me "Follow Me, I will make you fishers of men and we must go into the next towns to preach because it is for this reason that I have come forth", well I think He means it. The only question is---is He speaking to you as well? And to every single member of the church worldwide?
One cannot read through Mark or any of the gospels for that matter without coming away with a sense that the lord really wants His church up and going. On the move, pushing out against the powers of darkness. That cannot be accomplished if the concept of fulfilling the Great Commission extends out only as far as the paint on the inside of the church house walls.
Much of what happens in large portions of the "church" today is inwardly directed. Think of the scripture in 2 Timothy 3:7 in speaking about the last days. People becoming lovers of self. "and always learning but never able to come to the knowledge of truth". The surrounding scriptures are generally considered by most teachers as referring to bad people in the end times but I don't think so. Also listed in verse 5 is a scary thing "HAVING A FORM OF GODLINESS BUT DENYING ITS POWER". The power of the gospel was designed by God to change lives, to find salvation as a free gift of God paid for by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. 2 Timothy 4:3 tells us that "For the time will come when they (believers) will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers"! "And they will turn away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables".
I am going to make a comment here and I don't want anyone to misinterpret what I am saying. Bible studies are good. No question about it. But I have a question for anyone who wants to think long and hard about 2 Timothy that I quoted above; How many Bible studies have you taken in the last 5 years? Is it fair to say that nearly all of them were designed to make you personally a better Christian? Nothing wrong with that right? But how many taught you how to evangelize and get past the fear of doing so? How many taught you how to get out of the church house and you yourself teach those very same principles to unbelievers? My guess is with very few exceptions---ZILCH!
Always learning but never able to come to the knowledge of truth! Hard words for sure. How many new people coming to your church in the past 5 years fell into two very distinct categories? 1). Absolutely new believers who have been recently evangelized? 2). Existing believers migrating from another fellowship? Forgive me but my guess is overwhelmingly, curtain number 2.
Oh yes, Bible studies are good and a foundation for personal growth. But should they also not inspire taking the gospel to an unsaved world? Teachings others the lessons of those very same Bible studies? You say but I am not a pastor or teacher and evangelism scares me. I might be rejected! FACT---it would not be you who is rejected it would be the Lord and He can take care of Himself.
It takes no bravery to tell another person that Jesus loves them.
Jesus gave us an example and he also gave us a command to accomplish the Great Commission; Luke 6:46 THE KING SPEAKING " But why do you call Me Lord, Lord and not do the things that I say? whoever comes to Me and hears my sayings and DOES THEM------Is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on rock". "But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built on earth without a foundation".
What kind of foundation are you building on?
If you are feeling and hearing frequently that we are really in the end times, is it not our duty to do as the Lord Commanded? Not just because we may be in the end times but simply because He purchased us with a very heavy price and He said so.
Food for thought from the squeaky wheel.
God bless,
Pastor Rance.
Do you remember the last time you were in a Christian book store? I do although at least in Southern California my favorite Christian book stores have now gone out of business. I wonder about that don't you? Did they finally fail for lack of interest? Or maybe poor management? Or perhaps a slide into oblivion caused by placing more importance on t-shirts, coffee cups and wall hangings opposed to Bibles, tracks and bumper stickers that advertise JESUS to the multitudes?
Well at this point we may never know for certain. What I do know however is that in recent years most Christian book stores had a relatively small area dedicated to Bibles and massive shelves dedicated to authors trying explain what the Bible says. Nearly all of these authors claim Devine inspiration so I have to ask myself why they so seldom agree? I suppose a lot of that has to do with denominational teaching---you know the stuff produced by MANS church, as opposed to what the Bible actually says which was written as a guide to CHRIST'S church.
Don't understand the difference? After all there is only one universal church worldwide right? Well actually no! An internet search will show you that it is estimated there are 37 million local churches worldwide. That's good right? But how about the other statistic---34,000 denominations? Wow and we wonder why Christians have such an problem speaking with one voice.
You know the other thing missing in many Christian book stores (not all, we don't want to throw the baby out with the bath water do we?)-----TRACTS. Hard to get and when ordering on line you will find that any tracts worth their salt are extremely expensive. Even the tools of evangelism are difficult to find these days.
Oh yes, there are very definitely two churches on this earth. Mans church and Gods church. Separate and distinct in may ways. Mans church is generally characterized by program based services, entertainment, coffee shops, gift stores, a general wondering through the Bible when it is mentioned at all and above all, stress on money, prosperity and feeling good about self. Of course I don't want to over generalize because I myself have Christians t-shirts and love a good cup of coffee---and an apple fritter when available (-:
God's church, you know the one that features Jesus Christ as the true super star, certainly may have some of the trappings listed above but and here is the big BUT!!! It concentrates on Christ not self. On teaching the word of God whether it is politically correct or not. It features a diet of holiness and straight forward solid Biblical doctrine---and oh by the way also has children's church who's teachers are more interested in teaching the kiddies Gods word than they are in volleyball. This church most frequently also has evangelistic outreach teams and if possible missions teams going out into the world and whenever possible to other countries. Most importantly this church teaches all of the Bible and does it in context---to itself!
Mans church I would call a church of lackadaisical whimsey. God's true church is one of IMMEDIACY. Get the word out to the people and the world right now---no fooling around. Tell them about the risen Christ.
We can see an example of immediacy through a simple examination of the book of Mark. You know it really is amazing the way God constructed His holy word. The first book of the New Testament is of course Matthew and the very last directions Jesus gave to His church are listed in chapter 28 verses 18 through 20, commonly known as the Great Commission.
Oops, there I go again, golly, I know I know all I talk about is getting out there and getting someone saved. But you know the reason I do that is because the Great Commission for a lot of churches has become just another set of scriptures given honorable mention. So I always want to add my voice to the few who are beating the drum.
Now before anyone gets mad and sends me a nasty gram, yes I do know that many pastors and congregations are "out there" doing what Jesus commanded. But the facts are that if all 2.5 BILLION Professing Christians attending all 37 million local churches within 34,000 denominations were working hard on the Great Commission, well you tell me? Would there still be another 5.5 BILLION unsaved folks on this earth? DON'T THINK SO AMIGO'S!
So it always amazed me that just one page over from the Great Commission, begins the book of Mark in which Jesus very first comment (Mark 1:15) is "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel". His second comment (verse 17) "Follow Me and I will make you become fishers of men". And then the frosting on the cake (verse 38) "Let us go into the next towns, the I may preach there also, FOR THIS IS THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH I HAVE COME FORTH"---(my emphasis added).
Beginning in Mark chapter 1 verse 10 and extending throughout the first 6 chapters we see the words "IMMEDIATE" or "as soon as" used at least 22 times. Is this merely favorite vocabulary used by Mark or a message from ON HIGH? The overall theme of Mark in speaking about the Lord is "JESUS AS SERVANT". Why is that important? Because each of the four gospels presents Jesus in a vastly different heavenly theme. Matthew--"CHRIST THE KING". Mark as stated--- "JESUS THE SERVANT". Luke---"CHRIST THE MAN". John--- "CHRIST AS DEITY". Jesus Himself describes Himself in Revelation 1:8 as GOD."I AM THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA, THE BEGINNING AND THE END, WHO IS AND WHO WAS AND WHO IS TO COME, THE ALMIGHTY"!
Now I don't know about you but if the ALMIGHTY said to me "Follow Me, I will make you fishers of men and we must go into the next towns to preach because it is for this reason that I have come forth", well I think He means it. The only question is---is He speaking to you as well? And to every single member of the church worldwide?
One cannot read through Mark or any of the gospels for that matter without coming away with a sense that the lord really wants His church up and going. On the move, pushing out against the powers of darkness. That cannot be accomplished if the concept of fulfilling the Great Commission extends out only as far as the paint on the inside of the church house walls.
Much of what happens in large portions of the "church" today is inwardly directed. Think of the scripture in 2 Timothy 3:7 in speaking about the last days. People becoming lovers of self. "and always learning but never able to come to the knowledge of truth". The surrounding scriptures are generally considered by most teachers as referring to bad people in the end times but I don't think so. Also listed in verse 5 is a scary thing "HAVING A FORM OF GODLINESS BUT DENYING ITS POWER". The power of the gospel was designed by God to change lives, to find salvation as a free gift of God paid for by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. 2 Timothy 4:3 tells us that "For the time will come when they (believers) will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers"! "And they will turn away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables".
I am going to make a comment here and I don't want anyone to misinterpret what I am saying. Bible studies are good. No question about it. But I have a question for anyone who wants to think long and hard about 2 Timothy that I quoted above; How many Bible studies have you taken in the last 5 years? Is it fair to say that nearly all of them were designed to make you personally a better Christian? Nothing wrong with that right? But how many taught you how to evangelize and get past the fear of doing so? How many taught you how to get out of the church house and you yourself teach those very same principles to unbelievers? My guess is with very few exceptions---ZILCH!
Always learning but never able to come to the knowledge of truth! Hard words for sure. How many new people coming to your church in the past 5 years fell into two very distinct categories? 1). Absolutely new believers who have been recently evangelized? 2). Existing believers migrating from another fellowship? Forgive me but my guess is overwhelmingly, curtain number 2.
Oh yes, Bible studies are good and a foundation for personal growth. But should they also not inspire taking the gospel to an unsaved world? Teachings others the lessons of those very same Bible studies? You say but I am not a pastor or teacher and evangelism scares me. I might be rejected! FACT---it would not be you who is rejected it would be the Lord and He can take care of Himself.
It takes no bravery to tell another person that Jesus loves them.
Jesus gave us an example and he also gave us a command to accomplish the Great Commission; Luke 6:46 THE KING SPEAKING " But why do you call Me Lord, Lord and not do the things that I say? whoever comes to Me and hears my sayings and DOES THEM------Is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on rock". "But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built on earth without a foundation".
What kind of foundation are you building on?
If you are feeling and hearing frequently that we are really in the end times, is it not our duty to do as the Lord Commanded? Not just because we may be in the end times but simply because He purchased us with a very heavy price and He said so.
Food for thought from the squeaky wheel.
God bless,
Pastor Rance.
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