Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." - Jesus, John 14:6
3 Now as Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. - Jesus, Matthew 24:3-13
16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. 18 You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; 20 for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. 21 “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. - Jesus, Matthew 10:16-22
28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven. - Jesus, 10:28-33
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Let the Bible Speak for God: Lawlessnes Will Abound...
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Mixing Business With Brazil...
Evening Sets over Macae's Broadwalk
Early morning, before the Sun shows up
Early Morning Sunshine on the South Atlantic
The Southeast Side of Macae
But my trip wasn't all sunrises and sunsets ... Divisional Office in Brazil
We head out to the drillship late Friday morning
Bob tells me about Macae's port, which is a little over 100 years old. I enjoyed the scenery and the ride - a little reminiscent of my Coast Guard days.
A what? A personnel basket hoisted high overhead by a crane is the only way onboard.
My first ride in a personnel basket, but no worries... always looking for an adventure!
We take a tour
Behind the Bridge of the ship lies the control room... six thrusters dynamically position the ship during drilling operations - the ultimate in station-keeping - making it capable of drilling in over 7,000 feet of water.
A steady hand. Deep in the hull - the engine room - Bob and Elton walk past the ship's original engine as I shoot. I love this shot - the shutter holds itself wideopen to capture the natural lighting, which is of course very dark. The camera captures the seeminly whispy human images in front of it. How ghostly... how I held my hands so steady is beyond belief!
By the look on Elton's face, they must be discussing business. We enjoy lunchtime in the ship's galley - very good food!
The real reason we're there... Elton shows the Materials Coordinator how to use the new SAP system that's now onboard all of our fleet
I get in the last shot of the drillship
Chow!
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But then the weekend... what's a girl to do?
Saturday afternoon, we were invited to join Israel's friends and family for food and fun.
Our very gracious hosts, Israel, our Brazilian colleague, and Helena, his lovely wife. Helena is an EXCELLENT cook! Wish you could have been there.
Removed from the rain and wind pounding down on Houston, we can't help but enjoy our hosts and their company.
But we kept a close eye on Hurricane Ike all day... how could we not?
Man, I was one white "gringa" among the dark skinned Brazilian beauties!
* * *
We leave Macae a few days later and head for Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro, in my estimation, tops as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I will believe so until I see otherwise.
The cable car to and from the top of Sugar Loaf
Corcovado in the backgroud... a picture shot from Sugar Loaf. (007 fans know the infamous landmark, Sugar Loaf, from "Moonraker")
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Shots of Rio from Sugar Loaf (below)
One of the last shots of the day... Copacabana Beach lies behind me
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Thank you, LORD, for being so kind and gracious to me - You continue to give me the desires of my heart. Bless Your Holy Name!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Hurricane Ike: My Family and Friends Are Safe
Galveston, Texas after devestating hurricane that killed more than 8,000 in 1900
(ABC News)
Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, business had me in Brazil. Unfortunately, I couldn't be there to take care of my own home and my kitty, Beauregard.My friend, Lynette, and her husband, Bob, were so very gracious... Lynette packed up and picked up Beauregard before Ike hit to take him into their home. Thankfully, Beauregard did not have to ride out the storm alone nor did he have to endure being in an apartment without ventilation in the wake of the Ike. Many thanks, Lynette and Bob!
Furthermore, I was not there to ensure there was not any water entrusion in my home. My friend, Tom, however, went out of his way to run by my apartment to survey for damage - none to report - thank you so much, Tom! Hugs and kisses!
My grandbabies and daughter-in-law were safe in northern Texas, near the Oklahoma boarder. My son was in Houston but stayed at his friend's home to ride out Ike. Please, pray for my son and his family, though. They have certainly lost the new vehicle they bought last March to Ike's storm surge, winds, and rain along the Louisiana coast. Last week, the car broke-down somewhere along Hwy 82, about 20 to 25 miles east of Port Arthur, Texas, when Josh was driving to Cameron, Louisiana, to catch the crewboat going out to the offshore drilling rig on which he works. Josh did not have enough money to get his car towed and fixed until he got paid this past Friday. But obviously, Hurricane Ike altered Josh's plans to get the car to a garage to get it fixed. Please pray for them... pray God will give them wisdom and bless them beyond their expectations! They are very young and inexperienced... and now, they have to deal with an insurance claim in trying to recoup the loss. Josh and Collette really need two cars since Josh drives 8 to 12 hours round trip every two weeks to work and Collette has two babies to raise by herself while Josh is offshore for two weeks of every month.
The only fortunate thing about being in Brazil right now is that I am sitting in an air conditioned hotel room that has a beautiful veiw of the Atlantic ocean.
I want to thank all of you for your prayers for my family and friends... thank you!!!! From all reports, my loved-ones are safe. Even though Josh and Collette lost their new vehicle, they are safe and sound... and that's all that counts! Thank you, LORD God, for your lovingkindness!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Without Leaven
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As the disciples of Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah), we see a deeper and prophetic meaning in the Exodus of Israel from Egypt. The Exodus served to show us that the Messiah (HaMashiach), like Moshe (Moses), would one day deliver those who believe in Him from the bondage of sin forever (just as Moshe delivered Israel from Egypt forever (Exodus 14:31). The Exodus depicted the future spiritual deliverance through the Messiah from the Pharaoh's of our lives (whatever form that may take), and from sin and spiritual death.
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Praise God! Praise God from whom our salvation, Yeshua, came to deliver from sin (leaven) the first time and who will come again to deliver us (Israel and the righteous Gentiles) from the hand of our enemies!
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Blessed Israel... Recepient of the Promise... What Is Going On?
Months ago, the Israeli government raided my dearest friend's home as well as their neighbor's homes.
Why?
I'll tell you why... to confiscate their gas masks. All gas masks were taken from Israeli citizens and from those identified as pro-Israel - those who are absolutely supportive of Israel as a nation.
All gas masks were confiscated from my friends and their children in lieu of a promise to replace them... which has not yet happened.
In addition to the situation with the gas masks, I received an email a couple of months ago regarding the confiscation of guns from Israeli citizens living in "settlements".
Why would the Israeli government confiscate guns and gas masks from its citizens - from those who love Israel and who have sent and lost loved ones for the sake of Israel's existence? Why?
What is the Israeli government thinking?
...The ONLY thing I can attribute this type of egregious line-of-thinking and action to is the fact that God is allowing "men" to expend themselves on all known [self-sufficient] measures in trying to defend themselves and the existence of the Nation of Israel.
Once "men" are at the end of themselves, God will show up. God will follow through. It is God who will follow through on the execution of His promises! Israel, the decedents of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, will indeed inherit the promises! Blessed be His holy Name forever!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Ami Ortiz Better Than His Enemy....His Father Speaks of His Healing and Forgiveness
"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive." - Joseph, Genesis 50:20
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." - Paul, Romans 8:28
"You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..." - Yeshua, Matthew 5:43-44
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Never Forget: Stop The Murder of Jews! Who's Pointing Guns at Jews Now?
..."You have become a traitor, that is what you have become," fumed the man. "Now you are no longer a Jew."
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"No longer a Jew. How can I no longer be a Jew? I was born a Jew; I will die a Jew. The only difference in me now from last week is that I have become a whole Jew. I have come to know the Jewish Messiah who died for my sins."...
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..."I cannot understand," Karl said bitterly, "how after all you have suffered at the hands of Christians, you could do this thing."
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"You see," Zvi replied, "I have not joined the ones who hate and persecute us, no matter what name they choose to call themselves. I have read the New Testament through many times, and I find nothing there that tells anyone to do what they have done to Jews. Jesus only speaks of loving and helping, never hating and killing. He sat right across that valley, on the Mount of Olives, and wept for our people."
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"I can tell you this, Karl. I am a Jew. Before, I was a Jew with an empty life. Today I am a Jew who has found peace. And who did this for me -- Hitler, Caesar, Pharaoh, the Crusaders, some pope? No! It was One who came to this earth as a Jew -- a Jew who was put to death on a Roman cross; a Jew who, for many years, was followed by believers who were altogether Jewish people. Of course, Gentiles began to believe too. But this did not change how He felt toward Jews or what He, himself, was. What men have done against us and against His own Word cannot be laid at His feet -- He would not have it so.
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"My friend, Karl, I cannot help how you feel toward me -- I only wish that I could cause you to feel differently. I will only say this. When we were in the army together, I was reading the Tenach; and I found some words that meant a great deal to me then, as they do now. David said, 'When my father and mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.' I believe this also applies if a friend forsakes you. If I no longer have your friendship, I believe God will do this for me. But I will tell you this, Karl, no matter how you feel about me, or what you believe, I will never cease being a friend to you."
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Karl stood for a moment and looked at Zvi. He started to speak but found he could not -- tears were flowing from his eyes. "Zvi," he managed to say finally, "I ask you to forgive me. I have misunderstood. Our friendship should not be affected by what you believe. I will be a friend to you, too, for as long as I live."
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Over the years that have passed since that meeting on that street in Jerusalem, these two have kept their pledge.
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Excerpts from, ZVI: The Miraculous Story of Triumph Over The Holocaust, by Elwood McQuaid
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* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Recently, an Israeli Messianic Jewish teenager, Ami Ortiz, was severely injured when a dirty bomb, disguised in a Purim gift basket delivered to his home, exploded in his face. The Jerusalem Post article (see link to JP article in "Human Life is Precious to God" post below) could not definitively attribute the crime to Muslim terrorists but was forced to say that the basket could have been sent by radical Jews as well. Either way, the crime is condemnable!
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In the excerpts from the book, ZVI: The Miraculous Story of Triumph Over The Holocaust, by Elwood McQuaid, it is obvious that misunderstanding, tension, and hatred, has been manifested for a very long time, and especially since the Holocaust, in the relationships between Jews who have accepted their Jewish Messiah and Jews who have not.
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Today, the misunderstanding between these Jewish sects and a refusal to seek understanding by most perpetuates the tension and hatred... to the point of engendering murderous thoughts. It remains to be seen in the outcome of the Ami Ortiz investigation if murderous thoughts have become a murderous act.
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So, who is pointing guns at Jews now? Is it known enemies of the Jewish people, who today comprise those who fundamentally adhere to Islam, or will it prove to be brothers of Messianic Jews? The situation and misunderstanding between these Jewsish sects, those who have accepted the Jewish Messiah and those who have not, sounds so familiar... Cain and Abel comes to mind and much for the same reason: who brings the better offering to God? One brings an offering of his own doing, the works of his own hands, while the other brings an offering he, himself, cannot possibly provide through his own works, but through the sacrificial blood that stands in as a substitution for his own.
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No matter who commited this crime, the Ortiz family forgives the perpetrators, Muslims or Jews, and is praying for their enemy. The Ortiz's love for their Jewish brethren remains fully intact while their Jewish brethren remain under investigation.
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The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is compassionate, kind, and faithful - He is answering the hundreds of thousand of prayers that have gone up to Him for Ami ... Ami is recovering rapidly despite the nearly fatal injuries. On Monday of last week, I received an email from my dearest friend who lives in Israel conveying the latest news concerning Ami:
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"A week and a half ago, a 15 year-old Israeli boy was injured by a bomb hidden in a gift basket for Purim (Mish loach Menot). The father is a congregational leader in Ariel, who was the likely target. At first the police weren’t sure who it was from because the congregation has had outreaches to the Moslem community as well as their own community. There is great concern that it was from extremists within the Jewish community. The investigation is ongoing and the Body of Messiah is praying that the perpetrators will be caught and brought to justice. We are all praying for Ami, the teenager who was injured. He has gone through multiple surgeries and has an infection. We are praising the Lord that his eye surgery went well and there is hope that his eyesight will be fine. There is concern that he will have permanent hearing loss. He still has shrapnel in his lungs. One major concern is that there is a large bolt that the doctors feel they might have to remove. He has burns as well and will have to have reconstructive surgery. We are praying for him emotionally and spiritually because he is reliving the incident over and over. We are praying that this will be turned around for good since God’s Word says that He will do this for those who love Him. It has brought Messianic Jews into the Media with some recognition that they are still Jews even if they are calling them part of a cult. That is something since in the past they have not been considered Jews any more. The older children are part of the military and the family is viewed as model citizens. They have had visits from the ultra religious community who have come to condemn the attack. The mayor of Ariel has been to visit the family. The police recently took up a collection for the family. So the community is gathering around them at this moment. We pray for the Lord to move in the hearts of the people."
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Baruch HaShem! Blessed be His holy Name forever!
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Prayers that the perpetrators will be brought to justice prevail; even so, the Ortiz family remains resolute on forgiving the perpetrators regardless of the penalties they will have to pay by the loss of their freedom in prison.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
1 Give ear to my prayer, O God, And do not hide Yourself from my supplication.
2 Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily,
3 Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked; For they bring down trouble upon me, And in wrath they hate me.
4 My heart is severely pained within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me.
5 Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me.
6 So I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.
7 Indeed, I would wander far off, And remain in the wilderness. Selah
8 I would hasten my escape From the windy storm and tempest.”
9 Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues, For I have seen violence and strife in the city.
10 Day and night they go around it on its walls; Iniquity and trouble are also in the midst of it.
11 Destruction is in its midst; Oppression and deceit do not depart from its streets.
12 For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; Then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; Then I could hide from him.
13 But it was you, a man my equal, My companion and my acquaintance.
14 We took sweet counsel together, And walked to the house of God in the throng.
15 Let death seize them; Let them go down alive into hell, For wickedness is in their dwellings and among them.
16 As for me, I will call upon God, And the LORD shall save me.
17 Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice.
18 He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, For there were many against me.
19 God will hear, and afflict them, Even He who abides from of old. Selah Because they do not change, Therefore they do not fear God.
20 He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; He has broken his covenant.
21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords.
22 Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
23 But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruction; Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in You. - Psalm 55
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Human Life is Precious to God!
Mar 20, 2008 17:40 Updated Mar 20, 2008 23:32
Son of Ariel pastor injured in blast
By REBECCA ANNA STOIL
The 16-year-old son of a prominent Christian pastor, David Ortiz, was seriously wounded in Ariel on Thursday by a powerful explosion in his home.
The youth was alone at the time and suffered shrapnel injures and burns to his neck and chest.
The bomb, which was apparently in a Purim gift basket, also caused extensive damage to the family's apartment.
Judea and Samaria Police spokesman Ch.-Supt. Dani Poleg said police had not ruled out any motive - including that radical Jews or Muslims may have targeted the family....(cont.)
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Shameful and sad! It appears Ami Ortiz, the 16-year old boy is going to recover, Baruch HaShem! Blessed be HIS HOLY NAME! L'Chaim, Ami!!!!!!!!!!! Ami, meaning "My people" in Hebrew... Yes, L'Chaim, Ami Ortiz... and to God's chosen people, Chaim! My prayer: "Dear HaShem, my heavenly Abba, if this heinous crime was perpetrated by Your own people, please forgive them, convict their hearts, and bring them to true repentance! If perpetrated by enemies of those who love You, we rest in knowing Your vengeance is highly adequate... vengeance belongs to You, HaShem, and it is truly a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God! Beshem Yeshua HaMashiach. Amen."
"And they overcame [hasatan] because of the blood of the Lamb (Yeshua, "God's Salvation") and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their [earthly] life even when faced with death." -Revelation 12:11
I pray this heinous crime was not perpetrated by God's chosen - the very covenant people that Zionist Christians love and support - who are called by God to uphold the sanctity of human LIFE! David Ortiz, the boy's father and a Jewish believer in Yeshua, takes the truth of the One and True GOD to the Palestinian people, not to the Jews... David shares the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob with Ishmael and Esau's descendants, who now believe and serve a moon god. It is terrible that this happened, period(!), but more understandable if perpetrated by radical muslims, who require the life of those who they consider infidels. Islam is truly the enemy of all Zionists, whether Jew or Christian.
-Deborah
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
The Word of Our God Shall Stand For Ever...
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: .
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18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass,
19 Whosoever therefore shall break
Thursday, January 24, 2008
No Tricks Up My Sleeve...
"And another sidenote for those who have been involved in my anti-missionary discussion: Coincidentally, the Canadian head of 'Jews for Judaism' gave a speech at my synagogue the other day so I know all of the typical missionary tricks." - BK
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(NOTE: I can't speak for the others who are my brothers and sisters through Yeshua, I can only speak for myself, here, but I will refer to the community on my side of these debates in trying to get my point across. )
BK, why do we debate these issues? These debates serve purely as an intellectual exercise for you, do they not? If so, why get offended and/or caught up in name-calling and hurling accusations? If all of these debates and discussions have been in the order of intellectual enlightenment, then why bother getting caught up emotionally and communicating your disgust for others who hold to a different takeaway or understanding of the shared knowledge? You have assumed all, or some, of us are intent on “missionazing” you.
I initially approached you in defense of a lovely Messianic Jewish woman whom you had criticized in a not-so-nice manner; it was not my intention to “missionize” you. As we know, Karin is perfectly capable of standing up for herself (and regardless of her husband’s beliefs, he surely stood up to protect her heart) – she is smart and strong by all means – but I’ve always been one to defend others when I see them being mistreated or dealt with harshly, I was being true to character… no hidden agenda, no tricks. So, please, remember I did not come to you in a dishonest fashion with the intent of “missionazing” you. However, in all honesty BK, based on what I know and believe, I inherently/ intrinsically/ naturally have a concern for your eternal disposition! However, why should the revelation of my unspoken concern (to this point) bother you if you're sure about what you believe?
What is the purpose of these debates and discussions? Why are you so offended by Christians outside of the history we had no control over? Why be concerned about non-Jews “sinning” because you think we believe in errant, pagan theology? According to Orthodox Judaism, we will all get a chance to correct our misguided and errant beliefs after death, Jews and non-Jews alike, right? Why bash Messianic Jews, Karaite Jews, Reform Jews, and atheistic Jews when they will get the chance to ascend from Gehinnom after an adequate period of introspection and remorse? Why bash Christians and Messianics for their beliefs? According to your community’s belief about the after-life, even Adolph Hilter and Eichmann get a second chance if they are truly remorseful during their 12-months in Gehinnom, right? Why are you so worried about Christians stealing the souls of Jews? Apparently, their souls will be restored after they have felt the pain of their wrong-doing and are truly remorseful… then they will ascend from Gehinnom, right?
Wait a minute… is there a possibility that their heretical Jewish souls and our pagan Gentile souls might not make it out of Gehinnom or that the essence of our lives will be snuffed out all together according to your belief regarding the after-life? If your answer is “yes” to either of those questions, then you have treated me most egregiously! I thought there was a higher purpose to our debates other than intellectual enlightenment. I thought you cared about my eternal disposition! If you believe I may be forever stuck in Gehinnom in an unending, deep state of remorse, void of any sense of joy, or my life’s essence will forever cease and you have not been proselytizing, then you have failed in your calling to be a “light to [this] Gentile!” If you’re not proselytizing in any way, shape, or form… you continue to fail at every opportunity to ensure I understand the truth of the Torah and Oral Torah, and you could cost me my life, and at the least, any sense of eternal joy (Ezekiel 3:18-21).
If the above is an adequate rendering of your belief, how awful of you to not have it in your heart to see me convert to Judaism while there’s still hope! You see, I really don’t know what you believe, but how can I fix what I don’t know unless you teach me about the Torah, right? Most sincerely, I don’t ever foresee denying Yeshua, but you don’t know what may or may not happen, right?
BK, again, my intent is not to “missionize” you. My intent is to learn more about the Hebraic/Jewish roots of my faith and the Hebrew language in an effort to correctly understand my Jewish Messiah in the context of His Judaism, His Tanakh, and His culture. I don’t mind that we disagree about the translation of pivotal Scriptures; I am learning, none-the-less. You do need to understand, though, that I have an inherent concern for your eternal disposition based on what I believe. (I wish you had the same concern for me.) Do I pray for you based on what I believe? Yes, but have I ever expressed my belief and concern for you, "missionazing" you, in any of our debates absent of you asking me what I believe about the after-life and how my belief applies to you? No, I have not. I have only answered your questions regarding such.
Do you want to know why I have not explicitly stated my belief without being prompted by your questions?
(1) Yeshua said, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.” (John 6:44-45)
(2) I haven’t said anything because I know you’ve been inundated with the knowledge of Yeshua and our belief that He was G-d, veiled in flesh, the Messiah – the rescuer and redeemer of our souls. He was the formless G-d who draped Himself with flesh, not a mortal man that He should lie.
Yet, you choose not to believe Yeshua is who He claimed to be – and you have every right to choose not to believe Him!
I’ve never gotten upset with you for teaching me about your perspective and beliefs regarding the Scriptures we both adhere to, even though our interpretations are different regarding the Messiah. I may argue passionately, but I'll not purposefully insult you. (I did inadvertently insult you the other day, but I didn't know it was going to insult you! I wasn't trying to use a derogatory term... now, I know better.)
You think I'm a pagan and a heretic because I do not rely on the Oral Torah, although, a lot of it is beautiful and meaningful to me, but not where it flies in the face of G-d's written Torah or the rest of the Tanakh. The only thing that bothers me in your posts or comments is when you make erroneous or derogatory blanket-statements about Christians or Messianic Jews, such as "...I know all of the typical missionary 'tricks.'" Is that really necessary when we’ve all entered these debates based on wanting to teach each other and learn from each other - its an intellectual exercise that has enlightened the lot of us. Like Karin used to tell us, “As iron sharpen iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17.) (G-d bless you, Karin!)
But really, in summary, shouldn’t I expect you to be proselytizing me if you care about my end? The thought of you intrinsically proselytizing me during these debates doesn't bother me in the least. I wish you would flip that notion around and apply it to me and others so we can enjoy our debates. Besides, if someone explicitly tells you that you're in error based on their heart-felt beliefs, you should be honored that he/she cared enough about you to want to inform you. You shouldn't feel "tricked." I felt honored when you shared the Noahide Laws with me when we first started debating, even though I believe it takes much more than living in accordance with the Noahide Laws to stand rightly before G-d.
You haven't offended me, by the way, I just wanted you to know that I don't have any tricks up my sleeve!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The Historicity of Yeshua
The Fate of Christians at the Hands of Romans Dear BK,
"And we're off...!" This isn't where I intended to start, but I don't blame you for forcing the issue! Had you given me any more time to research, I might have come away with an honorary degree in Judeo-Christian History. :-) (It's good you forced me to the table.)
In reading through some of the persons you presented below, it is worth quickly noting that Philo-Judææus [sic], though a Hellenized Jew, helped Christians apply the understanding of the Greek word "logos" as found in the book of John chapter 1, and that Pliny [the] Younger officially complained about his Christian subjects and asked the Emperor Trajan of Rome how he should deal with them.
It occurs to me that in my readings of my favorite poet, Emily Dickinson, she never mentions the U.S. President who was in term during the height of her writing years, Franklin Pierce (March 4, 1853 - March 4, 1857), nor did she mention Abraham Lincoln (March 4, 1861 - April 15, 1865), the most famous and controversial U.S. President of his time who held office and was assassinated while she was still writing; even so, she makes no mention of him. Nor did another favorite author of mine, Edgar Allen Poe, mention famous U.S. Presidents, James Madison and John Quincy Adams, who served during his lifetime. Nor did Harvard historian William Leonard Langer mention Emily Dickison in any of his historical research and publications. Therefore, it is safe to assume that not all of the men you mention had their attention rivited upon Israel - not upon its politics nor upon its religious debates.
I also noticed when reading through the profiles of the men you presented below (not all of which were historians, by the way, but authors (of fiction in some cases), poets, and philosophers) that none of them mentioned the great Rabbis who lived just before or during their own lifetimes. Nor did any of them mention Israel or the Great Sanhedrin. Perhaps you can produce as many non-Jewish contemporary sources as proof that these Rabbis and the Sanhedrin actually existed. Here's a list to start. Please add you own Rabbis if you come across non-Jewish sources regarding any who lived between 100 BC and 100-150 AD.
1. Sanhedrin http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanhedrin
2. Shammai http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shammai
3. Hillel the Elder http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillel_the_Elder
4. Rabbi Eleazer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleazer_ben_Shammua
5. Rabbi Gamaliel I http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamaliel
6. Rabbi Akiva http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbi_Akiva
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You presented the following:
Suetonius was a secretary and historian to Hadrian, Emperor of Rome from 117 to 138 AD. Regarding Emperor Claudius (41-54 AD) and the Riot of Rome in 49 AD, Suetonius wrote: As the Jews were making constant disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus [Christ], he [Claudius] expelled them from Rome.
It is a rule, Sir, which I inviolably observe, to refer myself to you in all my doubts; for who is more capable of guiding my uncertainty or informing my ignorance? Having never been present at any trials of the Christians, I am unacquainted with the method and limits to be observed either in examining or punishing them. Whether any difference is to be allowed between the youngest and the adult; whether repentance admits to a pardon, or if a man has been once a Christian it avails him nothing to recant; whether the mere profession of Christianity, albeit without crimes, or only the crimes associated therewith are punishable -- in all these points I am greatly doubtful.
Tacitus, writing about the fire in Rome in A.D. 64. Tacitus (A.D. 55- c.120) was made governor of the province of Asia soon after Pliny’s appointment to Bithynia, and something of his reputation as a historian may be discerned in part of the letter written to him by his friend Pliny:
Thank you for asking me to send you a description of my uncle’s death so that you can leave an accurate account of it for posterity. . . . I know that immortal fame awaits him if his death is recorded by you. (Epistles 6.16)
In his Annals of Imperial Rome written at about the same time as Pliny wrote the above letter, Tacitus describes how the emperor Nero attempted to divert blame from himself to a new and detested religious sect for lighting the fire that destroyed three-quarters of Rome:
It appears that Tacitus, like Pliny, despised but perhaps also feared this new movement. He describes the Christians as “a class hated for their abominations . . . a deadly superstition . . . evil . . . hideous . . . shameful.” He accuses them of “hatred of the human race,” which may refer to the Christian refusal to acknowledge Caesar as a god and the Roman state as divine.
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1. The public career of Christ occurred in the time of the emperor Tiberius (Lk 3:1).
2. Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor when Christ died (Mt 27:2; Mk 15:1; Luke 23:1; Acts 3:13 and 13:28).
3. Christ was executed as a criminal (Lk 23:2).
4. This occurred in Judea (Mk 11:16).
5. The movement did not die with Jesus, but “broke out” again.
6. The movement spread from Jerusalem to Rome (Acts 1:4 and 28:14).
This sentence agrees, in a broad sense, with the geographic sweep of Luke-Acts, a two-volume work that begins with Jesus in Judea (Lk 2:4) and ends with Paul in Rome (Acts 28:14). Tacitus confirms both the existence of Christ and the spread of early Christianity. (http://www.ivpress.com/title/exc/2768-3.pdf)
JEWISH SOURCES
Benediction Twelve.
References in the Talmud indicate that the “minim” and the “Nazarenes” usually refer to Christians. This bitter prayer clearly attests the existence of Christians in Judea in the post-70 period, and it represents a tragic contrast with the frequently happy relations of Christian Jews with their fellow Jews in the period before the war. From Christian sources we read of Jewish Christian priests (Acts 6:7) and Christian Pharisees (Acts 15:5) and of “many thousands . . . among the Jews . . . who have believed . . . all zealous for the law” (Acts 21:20). Opposition there may have been from Sadducean high priests (Acts 4:1-3) and Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:1-3), but the Pharisees appear either to have been neutral, as was Rabbi Gamaliel (Acts 5:34-39), or well-disposed like those who protested at the unjust death of James brother of Jesus (Josephus Antiquities 20.197-203). The grim sentiments of Benediction Twelve reflect the thorough separation of synagogue and church after the end of the war in A.D. 70. (http://www.ivpress.com/title/exc/2768-3.pdf)
The Talmud.
It was taught:
Josephus.
Those who were “strict in observance of the law” must refer to Pharisees, which suggests they showed a degree of sympathy to James, brother of Jesus, who was leader of the multitudinous Jerusalem church. The members of that church, Paul had been informed, were “all zealous for the law” (Acts 21:20), which explains why the Pharisees were favorably disposed towards
James. James’s reference to “many thousands” of such Jerusalem believers (Acts 21:20), while possibly an exaggeration, nevertheless confirms the impression given elsewhere of large numbers of people involved in Christianity, and that it was a worldwide movement.
In this extract, the authenticity of which is not in doubt, Josephus confirms two important pieces of information from the New Testament.
2. James was his brother (cf. Gal 1:19).
Josephus indicates no doubt as to the genuine existence in history of either Jesus or James. (http://www.ivpress.com/title/exc/2768-3.pdf)
- At this time there was a wise man who was called Jesus. And his conduct was good, and he was known to be virtuous. And many people from among the Jews and other nations became his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. And those who had become his disciples did not abandon his discipleship. They reported that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion and that he was alive; accordingly, he was perhaps the Messiah concerning whom the prophets have recounted wonders. 1
- After the death of the procurator Festus, when Albinus was about to succeed him, the high-priest Ananius considered it a favorable opportunity to assemble the Sanhedrin. He therefore caused James the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, and several others, to appear before this hastily assembled council, and pronounced upon them the sentence of death by stoning. All the wise men and strict observers of the law who were at Jerusalem expressed their disapprobation of this act...Some even went to Albinus himself, who had departed to Alexandria, to bring this breach of the law under his observation, and to inform him that Ananius had acted illegally in assembling the Sanhedrin without the Roman authority. 2
- Now some of the Jews thought that the destruction of Herod's army came from God, and that very justly, as a punishment of what he did against John, that was called the Baptist: for Herod slew him, who was a good man, and commanded the Jews to exercise virtue, both as to righteousness towards one another, and piety towards God, and so to come to baptism; for that the washing [with water] would be acceptable to him, if they made use of it, not in order to the putting away [or the remission] of some sins [only], but for the purification of the body; supposing still that the soul was thoroughly purified beforehand by righteousness. 3
In fact, as far as probabilities go, no believing Christian could have produced such a neutral text: for him the only significant point about it could have been its attesting the historical evidence of Jesus. But the fact is that until modern times this particular hare (i.e. claiming Jesus is a hoax) was never started. Even the most bitter opponents of Christianity never expressed any doubt as to Jesus having really lived. 4
Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Logan, the Sky Angel Cowboy, Learns A Lesson...
A remarkable phone call from a 12-year old boy to Houston radio station, KSBJ FM 89.3.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Here's What "Makes Me So Mad!"...
My friend, Isaiah, has posted two excellent articles in his blog that in my estimation relate to the failure of modern theology and the doctrines derived therefrom. I'm providing links to Isaiah's articles below since I can't say it any better myself and find no need to try to rephrase words already well spoken - thank you, Isaiah!
Isaiah addresses the issues of "prosperity teaching" and "hating sin." But before linking you to his blog and in keeping with the themes of his two articles, I wanted to share one of my own frustrations with a modern day belief that is has been pervasive within most denominations of Christianity and has now been carried over into evangelical Christian sects.
In addition to prosperity teaching and the rising tolerance for sin, there is an insidious but rarely mentioned sin that is increasingly taking place beneath the noses of careless shepherds (pastors) that "makes ME so mad!": sexual immorality. Not necessarily their own sexual immorality, but the sexual immorality within their evangelical congregations.
I can tell you from experience that the vast majority of 30-50'something single men and women sitting in Christian congregations have bought into the lies that tout: God is not so cruel as to require people to marry to have sex, single people can't possibly be expected to go without sex for an undetermined period of time, and people shouldn't be expected to get married without knowing if they're sexually compatible. These lies are further upheld by the erroneous application of "none of us are good, we're all sinners saved by grace" so God readily forgives such indulgences. This is where Isaiah's article, Hating Sin, deals spot-on with that lie!
As a 43-year old single woman, I can tell you that I am unable to attend singles groups in good conscience for the lack of teaching about being chaste and doing all to avoid sexual sin. I don't attend singles groups anymore because of the increasing expectation to engage in a sexual relationship when dating the professing "Christian" men I meet there. Leadership doesn't teach its singles about sexual immorality any longer because they don't want to offend or 'make a row hard to hoe,' so-to-speak. Why, if they did, attendance will drop... and we can't have that now, can we?
By not addressing sin for fear of offending, it sometimes appears that leaders have forgotten that God said, “Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die; because you did not give him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand. Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man that the righteous should not sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he took warning; also you will have delivered your soul.” (Ezekiel 3:20-21.) They have also forgotten that "narrow is the way and few there be that find it" and that God perserves for Himself a remnant who are faithful while the majority of people are left to their vices and their enemies. These types of leaders are more concerned about drawing in the masses for their own personal gain rather than teaching the truth (see Isaiah's article, Ooh, This Just Makes Me So Mad). May God remind them that He has always dealt severely with corrupt or uncaring shepherds and false prophets/teachers.
If God does someday bless me with a godly husband who desires to hold-the-line against sexual sin so as not to sin against God and his own body, I will know God truly blessed me with such a man and brought us together by a miracle. Too many so-called Christian men nowadays are able to enjoy sex without committing to marriage since as many so-called Christian women and/or pornography accommodate their lusts and ungodly fears regarding intimacy and commitment.
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves .... unloving .... without self-control .... lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
Some of you may be thinking "What a prude. What a Polly Anna," but allow me to attest to God's truth: I've walked the path of compromise and I can tell you from experience, "God is not mocked for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption." (Galatians 6:8a.) Too many years spent running from God and living in rebellion yielded nothing but corruption and death in relationships along the way, which left nearly intolerable pain in their wake. The rest of Galatians 6:8b and 9 says, "...But he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." 'Tis the 'truth' I know, I live... and I've lived on both sides of this truth!
There is liberty and joy in loving and obeying God! Even if it mitigates my chance of marrying again, I will no longer compromise and willfully sin against God - I love God more than I love corruption and pain! I am no longer a glutton for self-induced punishment nor for the discipline of God. I know God disciplines those whom He loves, but discipline is DISCIPLINE (been there, done that... I have the t-shirt) so as much as I can help it, I do not want to dissappoint Him and I desire to remain in good standing with my Heavenly Father so as not to incur His discipline.
If you can't relate to what I'm saying and feel like you're getting along just fine in having sex outside of its rightful boundaries of marriage, well... hummm... I'd be very concerned if I were you! God only disciplines those whom He loves, while punishment on Judgment Day awaits those who turned their backs on Him and denied Him the opportunity to love them.
