The Israel of God

Jesus Israel

No More Remembered (P1)

Part 1: context

From a simple cell to the expanse of the universe everything is governed by rules: cells cannot exist without a membrane, rain can’t fall from a cloudless sky, motion requires force, and nothing is created of itself. Without rules there is confusion. Out of rules comes stability and harmony. Paul wrote: for God is not of confusion, but of peace; (1Cor 14:33) thus the Word of God brings forth fidelity, wisdom and serenity through rules and order.

At the start of the Bible we see sequence, thought and development, in the beginning God created. The Spirit of the LORD brought order out of chaos when He moved over the void and the darkness of the deep, making darkness invisible by the breath of His voice: let there be light. The act of creation therefore a progression of thought, effect and reality; we see its permanence in the Earth, Sun, Moon and the Heavens. And in Scripture, we see this enduring state of being in terms of foundation, not only to emphasise its durability, but also its timeless creator.

Now, in Isaiah we find this declaration from the Existing One: I form the light, and create darkness; I make peace, and create evil; I am the LORD that does all these things. (Isaiah 45:7) Affirmation the LORD is also the author of rules, symmetry and foundational laws.

In Genesis 1:7, He divided the waters above from the waters below placing an expanse (firmament) between them, and then divided the earth and waters below, forming land and seas. Job tells us the LORD hangs the earth upon nothing (Job 26:7)

And Peter writes; that by the word of God the heavens were of old standing out of the water and in the water: through which the world that was being overflowed with water perished: but the heavens and earth, which are now, by the same Word are kept in store: (2Peter 3:5-7)

Peter explains the earth was changed by the Flood of Noah’s day; the result of the LORD loosing the waters above to fall upon the Earth; Jesus confirmed the deluge in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. The rainbow His sign of promise it cannot happen again, His word assured by a timeless oath. And when to Abraham He said; by myself have I sworn, (Genesis 22:16) He swore on His own name as there was none greater than His.

As it is with the Flood, so it is with our sins.

The corruption of Adam and Eve is also a onetime event. The flight of Israel from Egypt, the giving of the Commandments and the virgin birth through the work of Holy Spirit, will never happen again. Equally, the Resurrection is set in time; yet our Redemption wrought by the Blood of Christ comes with a never-ending pledge, and everlasting promise.

Whereof the Holy Spirit also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, this is the covenant I will make with them after those days, said the LORD, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them; and their sins and iniquities I will remember no more. Now, where remission of these is there is no more offing for sin. (Hebrews 10:15-18)

So, the redemptive Blood of Christ is also a once only event, and like Noah’s Flood, it will not repeat. Yet, if our sin was remembered by God then the sacrifice, as Paul said, was of no effect and the event an illusion. But how can we speak of such things, when any delusion is ours; still God came down to do His Work as history shows. His blood spent on an accursed tree to break sin’s hold, governed by rules He set for Himself: but why? Because He so loved the world as John said, well yes of course, but there is more to it than that. He is the Light, and cannot live in darkness where sin holds sway.

End of part one…
Jesus Israel

No More Remembered (P2)

Part 2: obligation and possession

The Holy Bible is a record of God’s interaction with men; the Old Testament of foundation, hope and promise, which points to the Christ. The New is the fulfilment of that promise through God made flesh, and the reconciliation of sin through the Blood of Remission. It is a story of love and concern under the mantle of Mercy and Grace.

When people are asked why Jesus came the answers are often quite vague; when Jesus was asked, His answer was clear: my meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work. (John 4:34)

And so: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (1Timothy 3:16)

Now, the debate on sin is enduring; one part has its origin in the schedule of sin fixed by the Roman Church; another in the rolling discussion of faith over works. Both are distractions, which obscure the work of Christ, causing blindness to the root of sin and ignore its progenitor. Eve did not eat an apple; Pharaoh did not fail through weakness; they had one thing in common, they failed to believe. It is time in detail at the expense of what’s relevant, which distracts us from God’s pledge about the forgiveness of sin in its fullness. So let’s look at what was said of the Christ and His purpose.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shall call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)

The auxiliary verb ‘shall ’appears three times in this sentence. It is used to underline something that will occur or exist in the future; also to describe an order, promise, requirement or obligation. Mary gave birth to a son as promised, and their requirement to name him JESUS was fulfilled. The second part of Gabriel’s statement relates to the self-imposed obligation of the LORD for the removal of sin as declared in the Prophets, now upon His physical form of promise. Bear in mind, Isaiah said Jesus was God with us (Immanuel: Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23) and Paul wrote

God was manifest in the flesh.

The next day, John sees Jesus coming to him and said, ‘behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.’ (John 1:29)

The intransitive verb ‘take:’ To get into one’s hands; possession of; to have power over; to capture, seize, remove, secure, defeat; to receive into one’s body; to move against; to acquire by authority.

In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sin, according to the riches of His Grace: (Eph 1:7)

And lastly the intransitive ‘have:’ to possess as a trait; to hold; to own; a feature or constituent part: and the noun ‘forgiveness’ in the context of Paul’s statement: pardoned; released from; the state of being forgiven; absolved; free of or from: assurance that true believers enjoy mercy as an integral feature of their faith and being.

And so, in the announcement from the Angel Gabriel, and in the declaration from John the Baptist we find Jesus under obligation through proclamation and pledge to capture sin; to remove it, secure and defeat it. The reason is reconciliation: the cleaning of a divided house to delete Satan’s barrier between God and men. Thus, Jesus came to rectify our fallen state so we can be free of blame and debt, to take what we cannot remove. His is the Kingdom, the Power to defeat sin, and the Glory of righteousness where sin has no place. It has been cast down to the earth where it will remain among men, until repentance is sought.

End of part two…
Jesus Israel

No More Remembered (P3)

Part 3: the curse removed

Now, we need to confirm our Redeemer. By whose blood was purchase made and now the owner of the debt? We find the answer in much of Scripture, also the Psalms, where the circumstances are described; and in Isaiah where we first meet the LORD and His Christ.

I, I am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. (Isaiah 43:11)

And all flesh shall know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob. (Isaiah 49:26)

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels (Psa 22:14); the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. (Psa 22:16) For thou will not leave my soul in hell; neither will thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption: (Psa 16:10) which speaks of the Resurrection.

He will swallow up death (sin) in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces, and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken. (Isaiah 25:8)

Paul speaks to this often, and in Hebrews and Romans highlights the LORD’S promise to His Israel given through the Prophet Jeremiah: for I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more: (Jeremiah 31:24)

For sin shall not have dominion over you, as you are not under the law, but under Grace. (Romans 6:14) For the Law of the Spirit of Life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)

Watch now! When he said you have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings (these are offered according to the law) then he added, behold, I have come to do your will; He does away with the first in order to establish the second. And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ‘once.’ (Hebrews 10:8-10; ESV)

In the Greek text, verse 10 ends with the word ‘ephapax’ translated on-once or once, which means on one occasion, or one time only. In the pure eternal sacrifice of Christ, our sin was redeemed and atonement made; where there is forgiveness of these is there is no longer any offing for sin. (Hebrews 10:18) Jesus has satisfied the requirement He placed upon Himself to remove sin’s debt under the New Covenant, which came into force with His act of Redemption. Having purchased its burden by the shedding of Blood, Jesus now owns sin’s debt, it being taken away so He can be with us. Jesus has divided flesh and spirit by removing the law of sacrifice, creating faith without arrears.

Guided by His Comforter Spirit, those under the Law of the Spirit of Life believe through Scriptural proof, Jesus is both LORD and Christ. As Paul states, One LORD, One Faith, One Baptism wherein they keep the Commandments of Jesus (Mark 12:29) and Faith in Him only. Under His promise, sin is now put aside as they worship the LORD in Spirit and Truth; (John 4:24) He in us, we in Him, a spiritual union of sinless perfection through Grace and Mercy under the Blood.

As in the Flood of Noah’s day, the sacrifice of Christ only happens once. Jesus said

….it is finished. (John 19:30)

His work is done. The redeeming of our sin has broken the chains of the law, sacrificial works and attendance. All that remains is faith in Jesus only. As Jesus declared; he who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not will be condemned. (Mark 16:16) And that condemnation is the sin we hold on to. But Mercy is greater than pride, and His Blood greater than sin. And in our belief, repentance and baptism in Christ, our sins are remembered no more…

In love and peace as always,

James
Jesus Israel

The Use and Abuse of God’s Word – P1

Part One: Preface

One of my younger brethren had a fairly difficult time coming to grips with the Scriptures; an often testing journey towards the truth of Christ and the Word of God; he now has a good understanding of what spiritual and personal tribulation actually means. The LORD put this young brother through the fires of hell to teach and correct, out of which has come a hardened steel and refined faith, yet he admits he has some way to go. And when we reflect honestly upon our own journey through God’s Word, so do we all. The LORD loves him dearly, the perfecting continues, and a word will come.

While most Christians read the Bible sincerely to learn and grow in faith, there are some, perhaps not well enough schooled to fully understand Scripture, who find it hard going and often distracted. But there are others, who in their delusion use God’s Word to openly promote religious and worldly themes, and in this group especially we find the Denominational Church.

A phrase to explain the arbitrary exploiting of Scripture is touching God’s Word. It is absolutely not to be touched, corrupted, distorted, or changed in any way to suit one’s thinking, or sway others at the expense of its literal and prophetic truths. It does not need interpreting, as Scripture interprets itself. As an easy example, Isaiah 7:14 uses the term ‘Immanuel’ to show Jesus when announcing the virgin birth. In Matthew 1:23, we find it means ‘God with us’ but I wonder how many actually understand or accept this truth.

Now, the Testimony of Jesus (Revelation 19:10) is the Spirit of Prophesy.

Jesus sent His Angel to testify He is the root and offspring (the Father and son) of David’s line. (Rev 22:16) It was Paul who declared, Jesus Christ is unchanged throughout time; (Hebrews 13:8) and again in Revelation 19, we see Jesus called Faithful and True and the Word of God. So we are talking about the author of Holy Writ, the inspiration of its writers, the LORD Jesus Christ. So, every time we touch His Word we ram the thorny crown upon His head once more.

The first time we see God’s Word challenged is in the Garden of Eden, when described as a serpent, Satan tempted Eve. It was extremely subtle as he questioned God’s instructions regarding the penalty for touching the tree of good and evil, casting doubt in Eve’s mind. Adam and Eve were charmed by his ruse, and sin and death entered the world through unbelief. Satan planted the seeds of uncertainty, which have come down the generations and reside in us still.

It is therefore vital for our eternal well-being that we know and understand the Scriptures are to be used for spiritual growth, to gain understanding, and to learn about God. They were given so we may discern the light from the darkness and its place in our lives. They were also given so we can come to an understanding of Christ; who and what He is and what He has done. To this end, they hold teaching and rules, especially the two Great Commands in the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, given to help order and make sense of our life, thinking and faith.

It is also important to understand that the Holy Bible is primarily concerned with spiritual matters; as Paul told the Church at Corinth, flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. (1Co 15:50)

Jesus informed the Woman at Jacob’s well; the LORD seeks those who will worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. (John 4:23) The Word of God is not to be touched, abused, or changed in any way, which we will look into in part two, when foolish men made themselves Gods…

To Philip, my lovely brother in Christ, whose enthusiasm for the Word of God, and love for his fellow man knows no bounds…

In peace and love as always,

James.
Jesus Israel

The Use and Abuse of God’s Word – P2
Part Two: Historical

The abuse of God’s Word comes in many forms; directly tampering with it, altering context, using it in vulgarity or arrogance; but when it comes to total disregard Ancient Israel was top of the class. There are countless examples of the LORD warning Israel of what would befall them if they stayed on that path. When the LORD’S patience finally ran out they were banished from the land, taken into captivity and then sifted into the nations. With rare exceptions, all the Kings of Israel flouted the Commandments and Laws. They worshiped false gods and built groves on Temple grounds. But the worst was at Gilgal when Saul replaced the LORD as king.

All their wickedness is in Gilgal: for there I hated them: for the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of mine house, I will love them no more: all their princes are revolters. (Hosea 9:15)

But Ancient Israel was not alone in its sin. The Jews of the First Century hunted down, killed and imprisoned the disciples of Jesus, imprisoned His Apostles, and with the chant of ‘his blood be on us and our children’ murdered the Christ. And yet, it was ordained for a higher purpose, a purpose thwarted ever since. And at the core of this impiety was the Nicaean Council of 325.

With the writings of the Prophets available, and the Epistles now in circulation outlining the truth of the Christ, the Nicaean Council chose to design a three-part God of their own instead. They reduced the Mighty God and Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6) to an obedient son, and to add insult to injury, half-heartedly agreed on the prospect of a Holy Spirit. They completely trampled God’s Word professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into and image made like to corruptible man: (Rom 1:22)

Over the centuries, the Papal Roman Church extended its power across Europe, and then much of the known world. They concealed early manuscripts declaring the Pope the final authority on God and salvation, exacting compliance under threat of damnation. They changed the Commandments, instigated a register of sin value, the holy family trinity; purgatory as a halfway house, to abstain from meats, daily attendance at the altar, the confessional, forbade priests to marry, and decreed the Pope Christ’s official messenger. The Papal Roman Church has altered and deconceptualized virtually every facet of God’s Word in order to have power over men.

Woe to them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20)

While the Reformation set out to redress past wrongs, Protestantism also has its failings, above all the preservation of the Trinity Creed. Though it did enable the emergence of the Bible, its printing, distribution, and translation into various languages, which over time, shone a light on this and other errors, and those held and promoted within new and growing congregations. The Church of England and its breakaways have since fallen into a place where never the Gospel was preached.

Evangelism spread, and with it diverse opinion and interpretation resulting in the denominational church structure. With significant internecine conflict, and ongoing opposition to Rome, millions of lives were tragically lost for the sake of opinion and creed. Apostolic teaching of forgiveness and peace, the Godhead truth ignored, saw the Word of God abused at every turn. Now, listen to the LORD Jesus Christ on the subject of touching just one part of His Word…

For I testify to every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add to these things, God shall add to him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Rev 22:18-19)

The Christian belief is predicated on the fact Christ conquered death. It is built on the testimony of Jesus, the writings of the Evangelists, and the letters of Peter, Paul, John, James and Jude all of whom bore witness. It was foretold by the Prophets through the Spirit of Prophesy in them; for the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2Peter 1:21)
- The Christian Faith is a direct and personal relationship with the LORD Jesus Christ in Spirit and in Truth.
- The Christian Religion was made by men who corrupted and abused Scripture; constructing religious systems, which sit upon creeds, rules and laws.
One comes down from Heaven; the other is of the earth.

Many shall say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesised in thy name? And in thy name cast out demons? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then I shall say unto them, I never knew you: depart from me you workers of wickedness. (Matthew 7:22-3)

End of part two…
Jesus Israel

The Use and Abuse of God’s Word – P3

Part Three: the Way, Truth and Life

As the Church of Rome and daughter churches of the Reformation have obviously touched God’s Word through errant doctrine, where do we find dependable teaching and the truth of Christ Jesus in all this confusion? With so many claiming the truth, with all manner of theological answers on offer, the task can appear daunting. Yet, Paul cuts through the rhetoric in six simple words.

One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism. (Ephesians 4:5)

Let the Spirit of Jesus guide your understanding and let no man influence you, not even me. All I will do is point you in the right direction, I cannot teach you only Jesus does that. He knows His flock and His sheep follow Him. If you are around like-minded people, find a fellowship and the LORD will place a teacher in your midst. Listen to your heart, be open to your spirit; avoid church-based religion as best you can.

The most difficult thing many find is putting aside preconceived ideas; we actually have to unlearn everything we have been taught at variance with the Gospel. It can be tough, yet its reward is more than I can express in words. It truly is a new sense of liberty, gifted from Heaven through Grace. Jesus has told us that; if we believe and are baptised we will be saved, He cannot lie so it must be the truth. He also said: come to me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

It’s true, He does.

But before He will begin to open His Word there are a few things to attend to. The first and most obvious is to believe, the second is repentance; next is baptism into His Name. Until these are done in their order, we are missing a vital component. Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)

Unless the Spirit of Jesus is within us the fullness of His Word will not be revealed, as it is the Holy Spirit who does the teaching. Amen. When we study the Bible, read it in the knowledge its wisdom and instruction was given by Jesus. As Paul informs us; for I neither received it of man, neither was I taught, except by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:12)

The letters of Paul in particular are among the most edifying in the New Testament, he was the LORD’S chosen vessel to bear His name. (Acts 9:15) But all of the writers; Prophets and Apostles, are treasures that adorn the Kingdom of the LORD through His Spirit.

The Bible is a great gift, treat it with respect and you will be treated the same. Use it in humility to clothe one another, not to expose perceived failings, to act in love and forgiveness. As Paul reminds us, let all your things be done with charity. (1Cor 16:14) And Peter agrees; above all things have fervent charity among you: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (1Peter 4:8)

Never abuse it, or use it in self-righteousness or in anger to prove a point, because it comes at a price.

The LORD will not spare him, but the anger of the LORD and His jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven. (Deuteronomy 29:20)

Jesus wants us in His Kingdom, but to get there we all must be washed clean by His Word and keep a pure faith in Him alone. You don’t need to know the Bible inside out, but a good understanding is surely a joy. Yet, as someone who has trouble reading once told me, ‘I believe Jesus is both LORD and Christ, my sins are forgotten, and He lives in me.’ And to that I say a big Amen…!

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...

Jesus Israel

Quick Reads #4 – One or Three?

Moses said: The LORD our God is one LORD. (Deuteronomy 6:4) David said: Salvation belongs unto the LORD. (Psalms 3:8) The LORD said to Isaiah: Is there a God besides me? I know not any. (Isaiah 44:8) The LORD said to Isaiah: I am the LORD and besides me there is no saviour. (Isaiah 43:11) Zechariah said: There shall be one LORD and His name One. (Zechariah 14:9) Isaiah...

Jesus Israel

Quick Reads #3 – The Second Coming

To say that we have been through a difficult few years is putting it mildly. And if commentators are to be believed, it will become a whole lot worse. The reasons are many and varied. No matter your standpoint it’s pretty clear the world is at a moment of truth. It makes no difference who is responsible or to whom you may wish to apportion blame. But, the fact that people are taking...

Jesus Israel

Quick Reads #2 – Israel, Israel, and Israel

. Ancient Israel The first is Ancient Israel, which began in the mid 16th Century BC. The Kingdom was established under Saul in the 11th Century, and they were removed from their homeland by the Assyrians starting in 721BC; it took 19 years to remove them all. All that remained were the few descendants of Judah and Benjamin returned from Babylon (the Jews) who lived with many other cultures in Palestine at the...

Jesus Israel

Quick Reads #1 – Who is Jesus

While this can be a big subject it can also be quick and easy. So, in the first of the ‘Quick Reads’ we will look at some key Scripture to discover who JESUS is. The first is from the one who announced Him, the Prophet Isaiah. His first obvious citing is in chapter seven when he met with King Ahaz. So, the LORD himself shall give you a sign. Behold, the virgin will conceive...

Jesus Israel

Quick Reads #1 – Who is Jesus

Jesus Israel

LORD or Lord?

I often wondered if the early redactors of the Bible were correct in their rendering of Acts 2:36 when referring to Jesus as ‘Lord and Christ.’ My basis for thinking this way is due mainly to Isaiah, but there are many reasons found in the Prophets, Gospels and letters to support the use of the upper case “LORD” when referring to Jesus. So, let’s have a look at some Scripture. Click to read the...

Jesus Israel

LORD or Lord?

Jesus Israel

No More Remembered (P1)

Part 1: context From a simple cell to the expanse of the universe everything is governed by rules: cells cannot exist without a membrane, rain can’t fall from a cloudless sky, motion requires force, and nothing is created of itself. Without rules there is confusion. Out of rules comes stability and harmony. Paul wrote: for God is not of confusion, but of peace; (1Cor 14:33) thus the Word of God brings forth fidelity, wisdom...

Jesus Israel

No More Remembered (P2)

Part 2: obligation and possession The Holy Bible is a record of God’s interaction with men; the Old Testament of foundation, hope and promise, which points to the Christ. The New is the fulfilment of that promise through God made flesh, and the reconciliation of sin through the Blood of Remission. It is a story of love and concern under the mantle of Mercy and Grace. When people are asked why Jesus...

Jesus Israel

No More Remembered (P3)

Part 3: the curse removed Now, we need to confirm our Redeemer. By whose blood was purchase made and now the owner of the debt? We find the answer in much of Scripture, also the Psalms, where the circumstances are described; and in Isaiah where we first meet the LORD and His Christ. I, I am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. (Isaiah 43:11) And all flesh shall...

Jesus Israel

The Use and Abuse of God’s Word – P1

Part One: Preface One of my younger brethren had a fairly difficult time coming to grips with the Scriptures; an often testing journey towards the truth of Christ and the Word of God; he now has a good understanding of what spiritual and personal tribulation actually means. The LORD put this young brother through the fires of hell to teach and correct, out of which has come a hardened steel and refined faith,...

Jesus Israel

The Use and Abuse of God’s Word – P2

Part Two: Historical The abuse of God’s Word comes in many forms; directly tampering with it, altering context, using it in vulgarity or arrogance; but when it comes to total disregard Ancient Israel was top of the class. There are countless examples of the LORD warning Israel of what would befall them if they stayed on that path. When the LORD’S patience finally ran out they were banished from the land, taken into...

Jesus Israel

The Use and Abuse of God’s Word – P3

Part Three: the Way, Truth and Life As the Church of Rome and daughter churches of the Reformation have obviously touched God’s Word through errant doctrine, where do we find dependable teaching and the truth of Christ Jesus in all this confusion? With so many claiming the truth, with all manner of theological answers on offer, the task can appear daunting. Yet, Paul cuts through the rhetoric in six simple words. One...

Jesus Israel

Quick Read #30: The Liberty of Christ

And there was delivered to Him the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: the Spirit of the LORD is upon me because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set them at liberty them...

Jesus Israel

Quick Read #29: The Ubiquitous Christ

We are inherently linear beings; and while our actions progress from one to the next like words on a page, we think and visualize differently. It is not sequential like walking or reading, rather an internal subliminal conversation we have every waking moment. Within this background chatter we also reason and analyse; when a subject comes to the fore it becomes an aware process removed from the noise where deliberation and decision takes place....

Jesus Israel

Quick Read #28: Distractions…

And this I speak for your own profit, not that I may cast a snare on you, but for that which is right, and that you may attend on the Lord without distraction. (1 Cor 7:35) While Paul was addressing the unmarried and widowed at the time, we have another issue where this Scripture could be equally applied in light of a world gone more than a little mad; odd agendas, conflicts and...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Jesus Israel

Quick Read #21: Is this our Pentecost moment..?

Has the State of Israel become a stumbling stone for Christians? It’s not hard to imagine that recent events will have many wondering if modern Israel is the intention of God; are the Jews meant to be there at all. Was it correct and accurate prophesies, which brought it about or is the Zionist State the creation of men? If the latter, what are the ramifications for the Christian Church? In asking such...

Jesus Israel

Quick Read # 20: What do Rabbis say about Zionism

The plan for a Jewish homeland was not Jewish, but Christian; an idea, which came with considerable appeal for those pushing for a more open and secular Jewry though with much in-house opposition. Rabbis held sacrosanct the Jews were in exile by God, only to be united through divine intervention. Until then, they remain cast into the nations due to their sin; any thought of dominion or statehood deemed an abomination in God’s eyes....

Jesus Israel

Quick Read #19: Israel and Christianity

Early in the morning of the 7th October 2023, Hamas launched numerous rockets aimed at the State of Israel, many managed to evade their defences causing damage and loss of life. More have followed with similar results. Needless to say Israel responded; not immediately and not in kind, but with a mindset to wipe everyone in Gaza from the face of the earth. So it came as no surprise to learn Christian churches around...

Jesus Israel

Quick Read #18: The Devils Finest Trick

… Then the Devil comes and takes the Word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. (Luke 8:12) It was Charles Baudelaire who wrote the devil’s finest trick is to persuade you that he does not exist, and when we look at the state of the world today it’s clear he’s done a pretty good job. Since the Industrial Revolution we live in a world of science, evolution and...

Jesus Israel

Quick Read #17: The Alleged Christian Church

Woe to them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. (Isaiah 5:20) On June 12, 2023, at the conclusion of the annual gathering of Germany’s Lutheran pastors, the words were uttered: “God is Queer.” The assembled church leaders responded with enthusiasm, though not mirrored by others in attendance. The backlash was swift, direct and vigorous,...

Jesus Israel

Quick Read #16: Influences

In general, Western culture is American culture. It slipped into western consciousness and practise its roots firmly planted in the Second World War. It came by way of movies and television, literature and music; progressed with clothing, food, and beverage brands, American franchises now govern the market, and American sayings are now commonly heard around the world. We see similar in the Americanisation of Christianity; turning the Gospel into a profit centre. The...

Jesus Israel

Quick Reads #15: Rainbows

And God said this is a token of the covenant which I make between me and you, and every living creature with you for everlasting generations: I set my rainbow in the cloud. And it shall be a token of a covenant between me and the earth. (Genesis 9:12-13) So, June is rainbow month. I saw a wonderful rainbow recently, which sat in the sky for several hours its intensity of colour a...

Jesus Israel

Quick Reads #14: Persecutions today

The most recent list from Open Doors International (ODI) shows the persecution of Christians continues to rise, most notable in non-Christian countries. The country cited as the current worst offender is Nigeria, slightly ahead of Afghanistan and India. Iran is also mentioned but not Israel, where harassment of local Christian communities by more militant zealots is growing. Of course none of this is new; Christians have been persecuted for their faith since the...

Jesus Israel

Quick Reads #13: Woman of the New Testament

There are several women who spring to mind when we think of the New Testament; the mother of Jesus, her cousin Elizabeth, the sisters Mary and Martha and Mary Magdalene. Mary, the mother of Mark was the sister of Barnabas. And there were others not so fondly disposed; Herodias and her daughter named Salome by Josephus, who sought the head of John the Baptist in order to kill his testimony; and another possessed of...

Jesus Israel

Quick Reads #12 – Peter’s keys

And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matt 16:19) It can be said with certainty; Pentecost was a defining moment for Christianity. Not only did we see the coming of the Holy Spirit and the emergence of First Fruits, we were also given...

Jesus Israel

Quick Reads #11 – Works or the Blood

In 1971, English composer, Gavin Bryars was given a tape of a destitute homeless man singing the same words over and over, his recollection of the chorus to a hymn he once knew. He was recorded along with others living rough in parts of London. Bryars found the length of the recording fitted neatly into 13 bars, and he made a repeating loop lasting several minutes. The door to his studio opened onto...

Jesus Israel

Quick Reads #10 – The Lord’s Prayer

But you, when you pray, enter into your room. And shutting the door, pray to your Father in secret; and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly. But when you pray, do not babble vain words … for your Father knows what you have need of before you ask. (Matthew 6:6-8) These are some of the things Jesus told His disciples when He taught us how to pray. The prayer...

Jesus Israel

Quick Reads #9 – Marks and Signs

There is a lot of talk of digital currencies, ID cards, facial recognition and smart technology looking to record our every move. While we are right to be concerned by these things, they are not the Mark of the Beast as some imagine, and cannot diminish the Salvation of JESUS in us. Yet they will likely have us examine our faith. So to better understand the Mark of the Beast, it is helpful to...

Jesus Israel

Quick Reads #8 – Where have the Christians gone?

Like a lot of things today Christians appear in short supply; Church turnout at its lowest ebb since attendance records began. Since the 1950s those professing Christianity has dropped by almost half in much of the western world. In Europe at an all time low, albeit 90% of people surveyed in the last five years, claim to have been baptised. Survey results for all mainstream churches show disaffection and a steady fall since the...

Jesus Israel

Quick Reads #7 – What is it about Russia

More to the point, what’s up with American Evangelism and their skewed opinion on Russia, the East and the Jewish State? Evangelicals have a strange mindset Moscow is the Biblical enemy of Israel and the West, which is of course nonsense. Along with other spurious items their ‘evidence’ is selected Bible verses used to lobby the Administration and with some success when it comes to Israel. Still, where would we be without imaginary foes...

The Israel of God

Part 1: context

Part 2: obligation and possession

Part 3: the curse removed

Jesus Salvation

Jesus Kingdom

The LORD’S Christ

Jesus Baptism

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