The Israel of God

Jesus Israel

Quick Read #27: Love hung bleeding…

That the Creator of all things seen and unseen (John 1:1-3) would come to us in physical form, walk among us, teach us His ways and build a discipleship to carry His message through the ages is beyond understanding. That He would go as far to purchase the curse of sin with His blood goes further than we can possibly know. What then drove Him to give His life, to suffer and die in agony at the hand of His creation, for no apparent gain?

Is there a suitable answer to this difficulty, which has for millennia arrested human minds? It’s the great question eluding many who seek explanation from the very moment it was known; even the Angels dwelt upon it. Why the Mighty God would offer Himself when the fault is not His but ours; yet this is what happened ….

when love hung bleeding on a tree.

And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns and placed it on his head, (John 19:2) which pierced His skull: nailed by the wrists and again through His feet, made fun of and spat upon, by the mocking crowd, given vinegar to quench His thirst, and was pierced through the side to confirm His death when blood and water flowed from the spotless Lamb of God. The Prophets told us it would come.

And one shall say unto him, what are these wounds in thy hands? Then He shall answer: those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. (Zechariah 13:6)

But His death was only the half of it, for out of it came eternal life. The purpose was a love so deep, so overwhelming, it was inescapable. The Apostle John shows that, God is love (1John 4:8); He first loved us (1John 4:19); a covering for our sins. (1John 4:10)

So, as all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) He purchased our debt. How could He not, when the Spirit of Jesus is Love without limit; the Blood of His Mercy purges the stains we cannot remove.

So in torment, He cleansed us all in the Spirit of release and life as a loving Father would do. And this is why our kindred redeemer came. To save His own caught in the snare of the one who would take us from Him; that liar who threw down the gauntlet of the ultimate price when death entered Eden. So Jesus picked it up willingly because He has said; Greater love has no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)

And yet He asks little when He has given greatly. A place we call home, air to breathe, sun to warm and soil in which to grow food and pleasures to the eye, which He waters with His rain. He has given us all manner of companions; friends to cherish families to love; a mind to think, a heart to feel, a soul to understand and a Spirit to bond. So how do we honour Him, when He shed His Blood that we may also have eternal life?

We do what He asks of us. It does not require going without; it only takes faith to defeat unbelief. And when we believe, His Spirit will start to move in us, and only then will we begin to see and hear. We will see the truth of His Word and hear His call to repentance. And when our faith is set, our sins and iniquities will be remembered no more. He has erased the debt and curse of sin and death, by a never-ending gift through love made perfect. A gift of great price that has opened the Gates of His Kingdom to all…

To Alex, in brotherly love and affection in Christ.

And to everyone, love and peace as always,

James
Jesus Israel

Quick Read #26: Not of God…

After the Great Command: the LORD our God is one Lord: (Mark 12:29) the next in importance is we love one another. They should be uppermost in our mind and engraved upon our heart. But sadly in today’s world, we see little acceptance of these instructions from God.

A Military industrial complex (MIC) is sustained by the idea of an existential threat. The only way to acknowledge such threats is to have an enemy: if no such enemy actually exists then to find one to maintain the illusion. As expected, a major portion of the US economy entails weapons production for their use, sales and export, yet no matter the reason it has only one purpose. But it is a matter of public record; the US Administration has managed to find more threats, more enemies, and has invaded more states by various means, than any other country since the Second World War.

It is irrefutable, American hegemony is the catalyst for much of the world’s unrest. Backed by the US Administration, Israel and Ukraine are two examples of their influence at work. And while Kiev is not immune to criticism for its attacks on clergy, church and citizens; Zionists, have managed to explode the myth of having a divine right to Palestine by their actions in the West bank and Gaza. With the Evangelical Christian lobby backing Israelis, clearly committing genocide, how can it not be an affront to God, and right thinking people?

Recently, American forces dropped urgent supplies in parts of Gaza to the dismay of humanitarian groups already there, as they knew what would happen, and it did. While women and children were gathering the desperately needed food and water they were fired upon by the IDF. For the Zionists it was the ideal bait, many were killed and wounded by this despicable act. And the blinkered thanked their God that prayers had been answered for a food drop to the desperate and poor.

Now, the Russian Operation in Ukraine is underway for several reasons. Foremost, to stop a war they did not start, and to provide security for a region historically Russian in language and culture. Also to remove completely, the legacy of Nazism imbedded in Ukraine, which the West is upholding by the supply of arms and munitions to Kiev, for a war instigated by western interests.

Evangelicals on the other hand ignore this legacy, praying instead for the demise of a rogue Russian state living in the minds of crazed theologians and churchgoers. It is ironic that Russia today is more Christian and tolerant towards other peoples and faiths than the West is ever likely to be. It is no accident, the sculpture ‘let us beat swords into ploughshares’ on permanent display at the UN: made by prominent Soviet sculptor Evgeniy Vuchetich was donated by Russia, as an act of good will.

When the USSR was dismantled, the Russians believed NATO would do likewise, since its role had essentially become redundant. But NATO remained, to further develop moving closer to Federation borders. Russia is not a belligerent state, and knows the price of war more than most. But they will end them as Hitler discovered, and will protect their own from external aggression, no matter the cost as the West is now learning. Any astute leader or politician knows this and should take note.

Now, every nation has the right to defend itself to protect its people and assets. But no one has the right to invade another when the purpose is unmitigated slaughter. It is not of God no matter how much it is deemed justified. We are commanded to love one another, including our enemies. This is not some naïve sentiment, but from the LORD on how to behave in the world. Forgiveness is at the heart of His Gospel and essential for salvation. And whether you like it, accept it or not, your future will depend on it. And now, we will save the final observations for the Apostle, John.

If a man says, I love God, and hate his brother, he is a liar – and this commandment we have from Him, that he who loves God loves his brother also. (1John 4:20; 21)

Again, in love and peace,

James
Jesus Israel

Quick Read #25: How did they know..?

It’s odd how often we fail to see what’s right in front of us. How many times have we turned the house upside down looking for the car keys to find them in our pocket? Or used a saying not knowing where it came from like ‘a little bird told me’ which is not Mr. Shakespeare, it’s from King Solomon. But, this is not why we’re looking at this topic; it’s about the truly amazing things we don’t really notice. So, let’s look at some New Testament Scriptures from Peter and Paul.

The Apostle Peter: Knowing this first, that in the last days’ mockers shall come with mockery, walking after their own lusts, and saying, where is the promise of his coming? (2Peter 3:3-4)

Paul was a little more forthright: men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, traitors, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure … (2Timothy 3:1-5)

Nearly two thousand years ago, Peter and Paul wrote about the moral and spiritual conditions we are seeing today. They had not seen each other since 50AD, and wrote their letters at different times and places. One must wonder how they both managed to write independently on similar themes concerning these days. Let’s now go back in time, and read what Paul said of Jesus being with Israel in their wanderings.

For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant, how that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of a spiritual rock that followed them: and that rock was Christ. (1 Cor 10:1-4)

When Peter wrote his letter, how did he know about the present state of the Church and growth of unbelief? How did Paul know about the moral state of the world two thousand years ahead of his time? But even more amazing; Paul knew Jesus was with Israel in the time of Moses. Did it come from their imaginings, or is there another explanation. Here’s what Paul said;

For I make known to you, brethren, as touching the gospel which was preached by me, that it is not after man. For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ. (Gal 1:11-12)

And this is from Peter’s second letter: for no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spoke from God, being moved by the Holy Ghost. (2Peter 1:21)

Paul tells us he received his revelation openly from Jesus, and Peter stated Prophets were moved by the Holy Ghost. Then the logical question is; who is the Holy Spirit in the writers? We get an answer from the Apostle John, in the Revelation from Jesus given to him at Patmos.

And I fell down before his feet to worship him. And he said to me, See thou do it not: I am a fellow-servant with thee and with thy brethren that hold the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Rev 19:10)

So, how did they know? Their declarations were given to them by the Spirit of Prophesy. In other words, Jesus, the ‘one voice’ of Scripture told them directly, Spirit to spirit.

I have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things… (Revelation 22:16)

In love and peace as always,

James
Jesus Israel

Quick Read #24: Of Smoke and Mirrors…

But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, traitors, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God: (2Tim 3:1-5)

If there is one thing from the Bible that describes the world we live in, this is it. We are seeing Paul’s insightful words fulfilled before our eyes, the perfect picture of the here and now: morality put to death, decency crucified, the truth a failed idea. Yet, when all is said and done it is Satan’s domain, and he is likely pleased with his achievement so far: the author of confusion, the father of lies, the lord of smoke and mirrors. And content for us to live in his illusion of the true.

Anyone who has been through a maze will know how disorienting they can be. Now add elements affecting vision, perception and hearing, and you may begin to experience doubt and fear of losing control of your surrounds, if not your wits trying to find a way through. A more sinister form of doubt and fear can be triggered by Gaslighting, a psychological technique used to manipulate and control, through the use of false information, leading one to question what is real, what is not, and how would one know which is true.

This is the world Satan has prepared, his empire of confusion smoke and mirrors, and through the religion of evolution he has hidden its creation and wonder. He has set schemes in motion to keep us hard at saving it when it doesn’t need saving. He has set man against man, nation against nation, in all manner of contest from the absurd to the fatal.

We are trained not to think for ourselves or question our lives; those able to break through the deceit are often hounded and silenced. He has us attending one side of the panorama when the problem is on the other. It is the classic Gaslighting set-up as we don’t know it’s happening at all.

He wants us eager for success, to trust Ministers and Presidents declaring war without reason, that forcing democracy on peoples is good. That overpopulation is of major concern; and the planet is in peril due to our neglect. And it’s all a great diversion. He wants us under his yoke, to blind us to the fact he is subject to the LORD. He is without mercy, preferring we read our phone every day instead of the Word of God; our attention on the earth, not Heaven.

This is why he will use every trick up his sleeve; including the ruse he doesn’t exist, to hide the truth of the LORD Jesus Christ. He will persuade pliable minds that Jesus is not the Father but the Son. He loves religion, and happy to see continual theological argument, dividing church and men, while he sits in the Law to accuse. What the LORD makes easy he makes difficult, when all we need do is believe and be baptised as Jesus said.

Our future is of the Spirit and nothing to do with Satan’s illusion or the things of this world. It’s time to break free, stop living a falsehood and claim your inheritance. Jesus is not the author of confusion but our way, truth and life. He is eternal. And maybe it’s true the road to hell is paved with good intentions, but our redemption has already been sealed by His Blood.

In love and peace as always,

James
Jesus Israel

Quick Read #23: By Their Fruits

Along with the numerous statements of great, indeed fundamental theological importance, the Holy Bible also contains a truism of great value:

By their fruits you shall you know them. (Matt 7:20)

Given during the Great Sermon, it is a standard we can use to discern, decode or measure beliefs and opinions to determine their worth, intent and morality. It is a concise and practical tool given by Jesus, which anyone can use no matter their situation or education; described by John Wesley as a short, plain, easy rule to distinguish true from false prophets.

So let’s first look at supposed democracy. While the ‘tree’ of democracy is allegedly ‘for the people by the people’ it is usually not the case due to the fragmented party-political systems most countries operate under. As many democracies can govern with less the half the votes cast, the majority of the electorate is effectively disenfranchised. Over the last few years with lockdowns and mandates, most elected governments have, in essence, operated a form of dictatorship. In terms of democracy as a balanced and just form of government for all, its ‘fruit’ is for all intents and purposes corrupt. And much of the fruit of governments has gotten a whole lot worse since then.

As far as the movies are concerned its damaged fruit is pretty obvious, there are so many examples it’s not possible to list them all. And while the feature of the Harry Potter movies, for example, is bravery, friendship, and self-sacrifice, their fruit is the promotion of witches, wizardry and baffling messages for at risk minds. The Back to the Future trilogy has a young Michael J. Fox blaspheming the name of Jesus on a regular basis letting everyone know it’s OK. He is not alone. The Holy Name of Jesus is commonly abused in film and television displaying the foulness of its crop.

As for the theology of the church when compared to the Gospel, bad fruit abounds; the first and most significant, the trinity creed. Every denomination has tainted fruit of one type or other, and each has strayed from the truth of Christ and the Gospel in some respect. Some directly oppose the sound teaching and principles of Jesus and the Apostles, while others simply ignore it. The thing to be alert to is the ounce of poison in a lake of truth, and why Jesus gave us this way of sorting the good from the bad, and how to recognize wolves dressed as sheep.

Now, while we have taken a brief look at the fruit of church and worldly things, we must look at our own fruit also. Is it of profit to those around us? Do we live by the command to love our neighbour or is it time for some reflection. As Paul reminds us: what fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? (Rom 6:21) But as we see in Galatians (5:22-23) he outlines the fruit of the Spirit as opposed to the flesh, which fall subject to the laws of men. Conversely, Godly fruit is not condemned being of the Spirit: ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; (Rom 7:4)

Of the Holy Bible, it has wonderful fruit in abundance from which we should take freely each day. It is the source of truth and life through the Spirit in it, the LORD Jesus Christ, thus we can in confidence eat of this tree without fear, and are in fact encouraged to. It is the fruit of promise, the fruit of prophesy, it reveals the fullness of love from the LORD and His Christ for all mankind.

So let us be alert to the wiles of this world, armed with the tools given us by Jesus to discern the good from the bad that we do not become exposed to the duplicity of rulers, religions and men. Rather, by being grafted into the one true vine, let us bring forth its perfect fruit to clothe those around us by our charity and peace and in doing so: offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His Name. (Hebrews 13:15)

In love and peace as always,

James
Jesus Israel

Quick Read #22: Unequally Yoked

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion has light with darkness? (2Cor 6:14)

When I looked again at how the churches use this Scripture, it is mainly applied to marriage; most noticeable in the Catholic Church, which forbade marriage between Catholics and Protestants unless there was a conversion to the Catholic faith. And while they are more relaxed today, so-called mixed marriages are still frowned upon. This position continues to be upheld within other denominations; Mormons, for instance, pursue conversion to their belief with some vigour. It is used primarily as a means of accord, which does have a measure of logic when we consider a house divided.

However, the majority appear to adopt this scripture for other matters like business and political leanings, and in creating blocs of influence domestically and globally. And yet, Paul was preaching on spiritual integrity, which has nothing to do with these secular concerns where we see it most often applied. Again we see God’s Word misused.

But there is another issue to consider; what part does a believer have with an unbeliever (2Cor 6:15) as it underscores the mistaken idea the Christian faith sits well with the Jewish when it cannot. So where is the division? It is found in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which completed the Prophets, a work refused by Jewish orthodoxy and other beliefs. True Christianity must stand apart, free of adultery and secure in its conviction.

Therefore come out from among them and be separated, says the LORD, and do not touch an unclean thing. And I will receive you and will be a Father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the LORD God Almighty. (2Cor 6:17-18)

The Faith of Jesus is an unbroken inheritance from Abraham, Jacob and David to the LORD made flesh; an inheritance spoken of in the Gospels and Letters of the New Testament. So, what does this mean for those who support non-Christian ideals, for example, Zionism? Does it sit well with Paul’s teaching? The short answer is no when they serve opposing dominions under different laws.

Similar can be said of those attending Trinitarian Churches knowing though their own studies; Jesus is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, a clear example of being unequally yoked to church belief. But now Jesus is calling us to a pure faith undefiled. Our equal yoking is with the LORD Jesus Christ when we believe on Him and keep His Commands.

Come out of her, my people, that you may not be partakers of her sins, and that you receive not of her plagues. (Rev 18:4)

Paul’s second letter is an account of his spiritual labours; directions about collections for the church, and the defence of his apostolical character, which had been under challenge since his earlier epistle. It is therefore no surprise to see him raise the topic of being unequally yoked in this letter, but within its framework laid down the theme of reconciliation, not only in terms of settlement between men, but by implication, the reconciliation wrought through Christ for all. And why he laboured the point the Temple of God must be free of impurity, while leaving unsaid no man can serve two masters.

So it is appropriate to end here with Paul’s closing words to the Church at Corinth, words we could do well to follow. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss…

In love and peace as always,

James

Quick Reads #5 – How the Trinity happened

I once overheard a conversation that went like this…. “The reason we have a trinity is God’s fault..!’ “Why?” someone asked. “Because if He had come himself we wouldn’t be having this debate..!” As you can see it was getting a little tense and arguments about religion will sometimes do that. I imagine it was much the same at Nicaea in 325AD, when many learned men and bishops convened the Council, which...

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