September 2023 – Jesus ~ Amazing Grace!

In the Beginning…

YES! From the very beginning of the Bible, our Heavenly Father and the SON made a plan to save us ALL from our sins! Some Christians like to say that the “OLD TESTAMENT” or “Tanakh” was written only for Israel and only pertains to the Jews today, but they are so very wrong! The covenant made with Abraham said he would be the Father of Nations, and through Isaac and Jacob (renamed Israel by God), the nation of Israel was born. What people seem to miss, though, is that we all originated from the seed of Adam, then through Noah after the flood and other figures in the Bible. People seem to have forgotten about all of the Gentiles in the Bible for thousands of years before the New Testament was written and before Jesus – Yeshua came down from His place in Heaven to die for ALL humanity. Most of today’s churches recognize Gentiles only from the New Testament.

First of all, do you know who or why we are called Gentiles? It’s because we aren’t Jewish/Hebrew; we aren’t a member of any of the nations of Israel. It also refers to those who participated in Pagan/Heathen rituals. But when a non Hebrew person in the Old Testament feared and trusted in God, they won God’s favor. So technically, if you’re not Jewish or of Hebrew descent, no matter what religion you may profess, according to the Bible, you are considered to be a Gentile. However, when you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who died on the cross for your sins and was raised from the dead to sit at the right hand of God the Father, then you are SAVED!

I will include a couple of significant Gentiles in the Bible who are integral to the family tree of Jesus – Yeshua (means Salvation in Hebrew).

I will start with Rahab, who saved the spies sent to Jericho by Joshua (read the book of Joshua). Rahab feared God, acknowledged His Power, and hid the spies until they safely escaped Jericho. Rahab was not only a Gentile, but she was also a harlot, and she made a declaration of faith to the spies:

Joshua 2:11 “The LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below”.

When she made this declaration of faith, God saved her when Jericho fell to the Israelites and her entire family. Rahab went back to the camps of Israel after Jericho fell, and she married a man named Salmon from the tribe of Judah. If you look at the family tree of Jesus – Yeshua, you will see that Rahab and Salmon are the great-great-grandparents of David (King of Israel).

Have you read the book of Ruth? If not, it’s an awesome book to read. Every book in the Bible is Awesome; it’s the WORD of GOD! Ruth was a Gentile whose mother-in-law, Naomi, took her back to Bethlehem with her after Naomi’s husband and sons died. Ruth met and married Boaz, who was Jewish. Ruth and Boaz were great-grandparents of David (King of Israel), and Obed was their son. Obed was the father of Jesse, and Jesse was the father of David, a humble shepherd whom God anointed King of Israel. David made many mistakes as King, but God said that David was a man after His own heart. In other words, when David messed up, and boy did he mess up more than once, he would humble himself before God and ask forgiveness.

Jesus is called the “Son of David,” even though he was born centuries after David.

When Jesus – Yeshua died on the cross for our sins, he shed both Jewish and Gentile blood.

So YES! Jesus is Jewish, and if it weren’t for the Jewish people of Israel, we would not have the Bible, and most importantly, we would not have Jesus – Yeshua, and we would not have a Savior!

So, if you’re reading this today and you don’t know Jesus Christ the Messiah – Yeshua HaMashiach, personally, my exhortation is for you to place your faith and trust exclusively in Jesus because God set up Israel to raise up a nation so that Jesus could come to planet Earth. Study your Bible and see everything God did to get the Gospel to us. The Gospel is good news, and it’s good news because Christ’s final words on the cross were “IT IS FINISHED,” and if it’s finished, there’s nothing for me or you to add to what he’s already done for us on the cross! The only thing left for you to do is to receive what he’s done for us as a gift. The only way to receive a gift from God (Romans 4:4-5) is to trust in the one that he has sent, and so my exhortation is for people who come under the convicting Ministry of the Holy Spirit as they read this is to place their faith in Christ alone for salvation. You don’t need to walk an aisle, join a church, or give money or anything else to receive this gift from Heavenly Father. He’s done ALL the work…the Gospel is so simple: BELIEVE in the one God sent to save us from our sins!

God means what He says and says what He means! My hermeneutics are “literal.” Take the initiative to study the scriptures yourself and make your own decisions! Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

God has given us the solution: His Son Jesus Messiah – Yeshua HaMashiach!

As we approach the anticipated return of Jesus the Messiah – Yeshua HaMashiach, the spiritual warfare escalates, marking an increase in activity from our adversary Satan (the devil) and his demonic forces. They aim to undermine and destroy those who eagerly anticipate the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus – Yeshua. This spiritual conflict is not confined to a specific region but is a global phenomenon. We can observe an intense surge in evil activity every passing day, which is evident not only in America but also worldwide. The current escalation in evil activity is a solemn reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle foretold in biblical prophecy, compelling believers to remain steadfast in faith and prepared for the challenges ahead.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Ephesians 6:11-18 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

The “GOOD NEWS” is this: as Christians, our allegiance transcends earthly boundaries. We are not merely citizens of America or any earthly nation; our true citizenship resides in the heavenly realm!

Philippians 3:20-21 (NKJV) For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

In the current state of the world, the influence of Satan’s deception is evident as various forms of evil proliferate. Leaders who claim authority promote ideologies and policies that stand in opposition to the principles of God. These powers prioritize materialism, fostering a culture of consumerism that values possessions above spiritual growth. Furthermore, self-indulgence runs rampant, with individuals pursuing unchecked gratification of their desires at the expense of moral integrity. Sexual ethics are disregarded, with practices such as adultery, fornication, and homosexuality becoming normalized and even celebrated. Additionally, the sanctity of life is undermined, with murder disguised as euthanasia and abortion touted as expressions of freedom of choice. The resurgence of witchcraft and sorcery further illustrates society’s departure from God’s truth.

Moreover, while offering potential benefits, technological advancements are often exploited to manipulate and control individuals through social platforms. Environmental concerns are sometimes exaggerated or mismanaged, adding to the anxiety and fear already prevalent in society. The myriad of societal ills we face today is staggering, with the consequences touching every aspect of human existence. In this turbulent landscape, the faithful are called to discernment and vigilance, standing firm in their commitment to God’s principles amidst the prevailing moral decay.

Isaiah 5:20 (KJV) Woe unto 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!

The Bible provides reassurance through its repeated exhortation to “fear not,” particularly in the context of physical harm inflicted by humanity. Both the Old and New Testaments emphasize the importance of rejecting a spirit of fear and instead living in faith and trusting God’s providence.

In the Old Testament, numerous passages convey the message of courage in the face of adversity. For example,

Psalm 27:1 declares, “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”

Similarly:

Isaiah 41:10 assures believers, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself repeatedly encourages His followers not to be afraid:

Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Living without fear does not mean disregarding caution or prudence; rather, it means trusting in God’s sovereignty and provision, even in the face of uncertainty or danger. It involves acknowledging that God is in control and that He will ultimately work all things together for the good of those who love Him:

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Therefore, the biblical injunction to “fear not” reminds believers to maintain a perspective of faith, courage, and trust in God’s unfailing protection and guidance, even in the midst of life’s challenges and trials.

2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

To clarify, a thorough study of the Scriptures reveals two distinct meanings of the term “fear.” One context pertains to the apprehension or dread we may experience in anticipation of bodily harm or danger. The other, often referred to as the “Fear of the Lord,” denotes a profound reverence and respect towards our Heavenly Father and His Word, embodied in the person of Jesus-Yeshua.

The fear associated with bodily harm is a natural human response to threats to our physical well-being. Throughout the Bible, individuals faced perilous situations that stirred fear, yet they were encouraged to trust God’s protection and deliverance. This type of fear is temporal and situational, arising from our finite understanding and vulnerability as mortal beings.

In contrast, the Fear of the Lord transcends mere apprehension and encompasses a deep reverence for God’s holiness, wisdom, and authority. It reflects an attitude of awe and humility towards the Almighty Creator, acknowledging His sovereignty over all creation.

Proverbs 9:10 (KJV) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Furthermore, the Fear of the Lord entails obedience to His commands and a sincere devotion to His Word. This reverence for God’s Word finds its ultimate embodiment in Jesus-Yeshua, who came to reveal the Father’s will and demonstrate perfect obedience to it.

Psalm 112:1 Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

While fear of bodily harm is a natural instinct, the Fear of the Lord represents a spiritual posture characterized by reverence, obedience, and devotion to God and His Word. By understanding and embracing these distinct meanings of fear, believers can cultivate a deeper relationship with their Heavenly Father and walk in His ways with humility and reverence.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

John 3:17 (KJV) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

John 14: 1-3 (KJV) Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

When Jesus – Yeshua comes, He will arrive as the ultimate herald of hope, poised to extinguish the long-standing reign of terror that Satan has ruthlessly inflicted upon the planet since the fateful fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. With divine authority, He will bind Satan for 1,000 years, ushering in an era of unparalleled peace and righteousness. When the Kingdom on Earth is established, His presence will radiate boundless love and justice, transforming the world into a reflection of divine grace. This anticipated reign offers the promise of freedom from the chains of darkness.

Titus 2:13 (KJV) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;

1 John 2:28 (KJV) And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

God means what He says and says what He means! My hermeneutics are “literal”. With that being said, take the initiative to study the scriptures yourself and make your own decisions! Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.