Very warm greetings to all in Yeshua’s name!
We have all heard that there are viruses that God forbid we may pick up, that can lie dormant in our bodies for decades before manifesting themselves. They say that shingles is one of these if we’ve had chickenpox.
Several years ago, a brother mentioned the rise in anti-Semitism worldwide and asked me if I was aware of it. Yes, I replied; unfortunately nothing new, it’s thousands of years old, and unfortunately too, your Jewish Brothers and myself experience it in the Body also. I went on to say that if I told him what we far too often experience, he’d be shocked.
He replied, very thoughtfully I thought, that he wondered if even those who were supportive of a Hebrew and Jewish approach to Yeshua and Scripture, might perhaps be infected with anti-Semitism, even deep down without being aware of it? This is because of the teaching Christian’s receive from the Western Tradition System.
So dear ones, that is the spirit and impetus behind what follows. Please understand it is in no way meant to be critical especially of those who are trying to do their very best to get System teaching out of themselves, cf. esp. 2 Tim. 2:21-22.
Rather, it is meant to raise awareness in order to help.
A contemporary Orthodox Jewish rabbi in writing to fellow Jews, says it’s not enough for a Jew to merely complain about what he or she doesn’t like about Judaism. He goes on to say to merely complain is not sufficient for a Jew.
Instead, a Jew needs to suggest ways that Judaism and the Jewish Community can improve itself.
So, we will not merely learn the problems and what’s wrong/just criticize the Religious System. That is needed but in and of itself it does nothing to help improve things.
Rather, in a subsequent email God willing, we’ll suggest and encourage ways that followers can be even more Mashiach-like, and how they can be victorious overcomers as Yeshua speaks of in Rev 2-3.
Today’s context of course is different than Rev 2-3, however the same lesson can be learned.
Though unfortunately today’s Hebrew Roots and Jewish Roots movements have gone down the wrong path (another discussion for another time, and something we deal with on the website), here is a very appropriate Jewish practice that I would encourage my Christian to adopt.
Take An Account Of Ourself
A Jewish practice that is appropriate for Christians – unlike today’s focus by some on utilizing Judaica and certain Jewish practices which are not appropriate for Christians – is known in Hebrew as an accounting of one’s life/person/personal being.
When we receive the bill at a restaurant, don’t we carefully go over it to see that what we’ve been charged for is what we actually received and is correct?
So, the rabbis correctly point out that we should review our actions and where we are at spiritually. They advocate that ideally we do this at the end of every day. If we can’t then perhaps once a week or once a month or at least set some scheduled time aside to do so.
It is not – at all (!) – with the idea that we beat ourselves up for our failures and shortcomings. Rather, to be aware and encouraged, that if we missed an opportunity to be and do good, we want to be aware that next time we be it and do it!
That if we missed an opportunity today to be godly, especially towards others that He give us the opportunity again tomorrow!
For example, did I have an opportunity today to help someone but I didn’t? Why? Did I allow my Self to get in the way of the other? What do I need to do tomorrow so that when God gives me the opportunity to be a servant of His by helping someone, I’m sure to do so!
Did I take time to pray, not just in telling God what I need but rather, measuring myself against God standards and measures? Am I in line with them? Did I take time to study the Word, or am I allowing all the “things” and distractions of the World to interfere?
What can I do so that doesn’t happen? An Orthodox rabbi I used to know said that his rabbi taught “you plan your day around your time of prayer and study; not your time of prayer and study around your day”.
On the website in the About You and Us page we point out that we’re not here to tell you what to think – but to help you better think for yourself! What I put out is very much on me Jacob 3:1; what someone chooses to do or not do is to/on them to account for cf. 2 Cor. 5:10 etc. Incidentally this is a Jewish idea; I remember hearing about it at Hebrew school growing up!
One reason I’ve done so much audio teaching is since people have more opportunities to listen than to read – driving, chores at home, God forbid illness and if too tired to read but able to listen etc. With God’s help the site is able to feed and encourage you we hope through audio!
As Yeshua teaches, we are not to judge one another cf. Mt. 7:1-2. (Very quickly, there Yeshua utilizes the Torah based principle of “measure for measure”).
Judging is not the point of this; but rather if not so already, to be aware of a major possible spiritual impediment – and then to be able to overcome it cf. Rev. 2-3 and the one who overcomes and is victorious.
In the last few decades an increasing number of Christian scholars and writers have written about and brought to more awareness the terrible history of anti-Semitism – and its impact on the Body!
Let’s try to summarize for here, why this is before we look at the impact on followers. We will do so in summary form and God willing in a separate email, cf. Rom 15:20, send some suggested resources for further study I would very much encourage you to check out.
Given our heartfelt thought that some potentially very impacting things really need to be looked at, we’ll need to send out a second email ways to take stock and overcome if needed. As we say in Hebrew God willing the email will be out shortly (and will be shorter).
Beginning early in the second century, emerging Gentile leadership among followers began turning away from any and all things Jewish – including even their Jewish Brothers! (Since the Jewish followers remained steadfast to the Torah as Yeshua taught them; cf. Mt. 5:17-20, 7:21-28 etc. Cf. Acts esp. 21:20; 28:17).
The probable Biblical basis and spiritual dynamic of why Gentile leadership turned on and away from their Jewish Brothers, is best suited for a separate time of learning together.
Very quickly for here, the late former Chief Rabbi of England and any number of Jewish Brothers point out that there’s no Biblical prophecy about anti-Semitism in the way that it emerged post Biblically. Jewish Brothers point out that even Yeshua does not predict his Gentile sheep turning on the Jewish People or the Jewish sheep of his flock!
In short of course the very very key question is ” was there any Biblical teaching by Yeshua, that emerging Gentile leadership could choose Athens over Jerusalem as the source of Truth?
Early Gentile leadership jettisoned everything Hebrew and Jewish it could get away with – including even Jerusalem.
In abandoning Jerusalem for Athens as the source of Truth and embracing Greek later Latin, it also abandoned Hebrew’s wholeness connectedness totality and Oneness, and brought in Greek’s separation and compartmentalization.
This is a very key reason historically and unfortunately today the Body became splintered into so many pieces.
If we look at Acts 17:16-32, we can easily decide for ourselves whether it was a wise decision to abandon Jerusalem for Athens….
Again; in Scripture, where does Yeshua or Paul authorize Gentile leadership to do so?
Regarding anti-Semitism, like other diseases it comes in multiple forms. Just as some diseases are obvious and appear on the outside others are hidden inside.
Just as with some viruses that remain hidden for years -yet cause devastating effects on our health – so with the spiritual numbness that a follower may have towards the Jewish People or Jewish Brothers – yet be totally unaware of it.
We will explain how this very insidiously is brought about – and may be so even among the most well-intentioned followers!
Outer And Inner Forms Of Anti-Semitism
There’s the obvious outer form of anti-Semitism – the follower who follows Replacement Theology (please see ahead) and is hard-hearted towards Jews – and even the Jewish Brothers for that matter!
The hidden form can be most Insidious. This is because the well-intended follower does not realize they’ve been infected – and possibly impacted. If you ask them, they will say, “Spiritually I’m fine, I’m not anti-Semitic – I support Israel and the Jewish People”.
While one may not be anti-Semitic, the very key question is, is one “pro-Semitic”? We will explain this later. Cf. Gen. 12:3, etc. etc.
Beginning in the second century, here are the key components of the virus of anti-Semitism. We will partially enumerate them for you. We’ll explain how they can infect the host, i.e., the follower unaware who is not “vaccinated” – and what the symptoms are.
Also, how to recognize hidden symptoms – and the virus’ potential impact, spiritual help and then, how to start to overcome the virus!
Again, if I may please, some of this we will do for you out of our love for God and for you, in a second email.
Marcionism
Marcion was eventually excommunicated but it’s far far easier to excommunicate an individual than an idea of his that has taken hold.
Marcion (140’s) said only Luke’s Gospel and Paul’s Letters should make up the Bible. Marcion, probably drawing from some Eastern religions approach of “two gods one good one evil “, is the one who began the idea of “the OT God of wrath and the “NT God of love”.
This unfortunately still causes spiritual distress in followers who wrestle with this completely non-Biblical idea!
Praise God we started to deal with this in one of our audios in order to help our dear Christian brethren who struggle with this, to get past the difficulties this causes.
On the Teaching Page of the website please scroll to the Deep Hebrew Meaning of the Bible From A-Z Window, scroll to G God or L Love
Replacement Theology
Next: what scholars call:
The Preaching of Contempt
The Assembly Triumphant
Further:
The Attitude of Exceptionalism
“Me”- rather than the actual Biblical emphasis on We
The methodology the Western tradition system uses and it’s preaching & teaching – and the spiritual numbness that results
Replacement theology
This is the belief that the Gentile Institution “the Church” has replaced the Jewish People as the new or true Israel.
This is very easy to refute but we will not do so here. The key question is: does Gentile leadership have the authority to make pronouncements about the Jewish People and Jewish Brothers? If so, where in Scripture?
In short, the late 4th century/early 5th Century Bishop of Hippo Augustine cemented Replacement Theology in place in Western Tradition. He writes a book entitled “The City of God”.
Augustine looks at the references in Rev. 21 and the New Jerusalem and says it’s an “allegory” for the institutional Assembly on Earth.
In very very short for here:
The KG Text of Rev. 21 absolutely in no way supports this! The references to Jerusalem in v.2 & 10 in KG refer to the renewed/new in quality (kainos) Jerusalem – not a new in time (neos), i.e., “brand new”.
Further, of the almost 10 references to Jerusalem or the City in Rev. 21, all – all – are “the” – “the Jerusalem” or ” the City”. In short, the text absolutely in no way supports Augustine’s contention! They are all specific to Jerusalem/City.
This means it can only be interpreted literally as it is written – period. Since this doesn’t fit Augustine’s anti-Semitic agenda, he simply ignores the KG Text and seeks to replace what it actually says with an “allegorical” interpretation, in order to try to “fit” the Text to his anti-Semitic narrative.
We are sure when the KG Text in Rev. says “the God” or ” the Yeshua” Augustine didn’t allegorize those away to refer to someone else!
It must be noted that Augustine did not begin Replacement Theology; but he cemented it in place in Western Tradition preaching and teaching. It is still very very much promulgated – directly or subtlety – among Western followers today!
We will explain both the symptoms and impact of this very “baked in” teaching.
A couple of quick examples:
A mega ministry cited a poll taken a couple of years ago that found that only 40% of American evangelicals are theologically supportive of Israel. 60% either embrace Replacement Theology or are neutral (27/33%).
Mind you please, this is theologically speaking – never mind in real terms.
More recent polls show belief in God in the US is down, and those who identify as evangelical is down 10% (I believe) in the last decade.
I would posit bad the decline is not coincidence but rather there was a correlation with the amount of anti-Semitic Replacement Theology.
For those familiar with New England, a recent Boston Globe article cited of the largest 100 US cities, the five with the lowest assembly attendance are all in New England.
The main evangelical seminary in New England and one that is nationally known, is very well-known as promulgating Replacement Theology.
Do you think that the five lowest assembly attendance cities in the US are in New England, is a coincidence? That New England is known as the spiritual wilderness of North America, is a coincidence?
Some years ago, a young Jewish brother I had the privilege and responsibility of mentoring attended a Promise Keepers event with 10,000 pastors. When the event organizers asked how many would be willing to have a Jewish brother in to speak in your assembly – not learn together with or support, simply to have in to speak? My Jewish brother estimated only about one-third of the hands went up.
That meant of 10,000 American pastors about 6,600 wouldn’t even have a Jewish brother in – once – to speak!
For those familiar with New England, it’s not even half of that….
Some years ago, at a conference I met perhaps the most highly regarded RCS scholar of his generation. I had hoped to get an autographed copy of a Gospel commentary he just published. When I told him of my ministry, he literally walked away from me….
Ironically, more than his colleagues, he especially cites Hebrew Scripture and Talmud and rabbinic sources as the basis of Yeshua’s teaching!
What Is The Extremely Key Impact of Replacement Theology On Followers?
In short: a fundamental and foundational sea change now takes place! The Biblical model of blessing being through the Jew, the descendants of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, and loyalty and obligation to the Jewish People and Jewish Brothers – and to each other – is now replaced with loyalty and obligation to the Gentile Institution.
In the process, as we will explain, many followers are made “numb”, not just to the Jewish People but especially to the Jewish Brothers!
The Preaching of Contempt
This is both subtle and very direct. “Jew Judaism inferior/ Christian Christianity superior”.
This is perhaps most blatantly seen with preaching and teaching ironically, on the Book of Hebrews.
It is also seen in typical teaching and preaching of Acts. Acts is said to be “the Church moving away from Judaism and Jerusalem”.
In short this is absolutely not the case! Acts consistently – from beginning to end shows the Jewish Brothers continue as Torah observant Jews – Acts 21:20 et al – and as Yeshua instructs them Mt. 5- 7 etc.
It is not a council of Gentile leaders in the Jerusalem Council Acts 15, that make the decision regarding what Gentiles need to be and do at a minimum; it is the Jewish 12 and other Jewish Brothers.
The Jewish Brothers – in no way (!) – are spiritually moving away from Jerusalem and Judaism, rather they recognize that God has called Gentiles – as Gentiles.
The Jewish Brothers abandon ed absolutely nothing of their practices cf. Acts 21:20 et al. The key that is missed -and the huge huge mistake post Biblical Gentile leadership makes? – That while Gentiles are now seen as being included, the ways of the Gentiles are absolutely excluded!
You will probably be shocked to learn that Acts 15:5 tells us specifically that there were Pharisees who had steadfast trustworthiness in Yeshua! One technical commentator points out this was no fringe sect; but rather, these Pharisees were a part of the normative Jewish Brother community!
Though probably translated “sect”, “aireseos” is defined as “religious party”.
In other words, completely contrary to what you’ve probably heard or been taught, a group of Pharisees had steadfast trustworthiness in Yeshua, and again, were part of the normative Jewish Brothers.
Where you ever taught this? Why not?
The other major major mistake post-biblical Gentile leadership makes with Acts?
It takes the inclusion of the Gentiles as though the lead role is now passed to the Gentiles. Judaism is to be abandoned, the Jewish Brothers are pushed aside because it’s “now” Gentile leadership, the ways of the Gentiles, and, this is the beginning of the post Biblical Gentile Institution.
This is how – either very overtly preached and taught or very subtly – the Preaching of Contempt becomes infused instilled and inculcated, ” baked in” as one very dear Christian brother puts it.
“The Jews” or “Israelites”, are always always presented to Christians negatively; “the Israelites didn’t do this the Israelites did that”. This is especially so when preaching or teaching from the “OT” – a term they never told you that in fact Yeshua never uses!
Then, subtlety or directly is implied or stated, “but we Christians, we know better”.
“The Jews did this the Jews didn’t do that”, when it comes to the “NT”. “The Jews” are always the opponents of Yeshua. His first followers – who in fact are all Jews as he is (cf. Rev. 5:5, 22:16 etc.) – are no longer presented to you as Jews. They are “Christians” or ” Jewish Christians” – a term in fact never found in the Bible – period. Or, simply unidentified ” followers”.
Yeshua’s opponents however are always always always clearly identified to you as ” the Jews”.
The fact that in Rev. 2-3 Yeshua warns Gentile assemblies, that most of the Letters are replete with problematic Gentile followers, a post – Biblical history that incorporated in its own paganism, a history with more blood on its hands than any other religion, and a tragically splintered Body, is completely ignored….
Post Biblical leadership very unfortunately forgets Yeshua teaches “take the log out of your own eye”…
Yet Western Tradition teaching speaks about itself as though none of this ever happened….
Over 100 – over 100 – Assembly Conferences in history pass some sort of anti-Semitic resolution/s.
The only actual Biblical conference we see, as above, is Acts 15 – in which the Jewish Brothers make the decisions for their new Gentile brethren – not the reverse!
The Assembly Triumphant
The other side of the coin of the Preaching of Contempt is the Assembly Triumphant.
Scholars point out that the Assembly Triumphant means that Gentile leadership sees the Gentile institution on Earth as now “it”. ” We, Gentile leadership, have the Truth and we are the only ones who have the Truth”.
This too, is put forth both overtly and subtly. Christians are talked about as though they are the only ones that have the Truth, they know better than everyone else. The speck in everyone else’s eye is clearly pointed out; but the log in the eye of leadership and the System is conveniently forgotten.
(Quick note please; Rev. 2:9 & 3:9, in historical cultural context refer to what your Jewish Brothers call ” wannabes”. Christians who unfortunately somehow are not happy enough merely being Gentiles in Union with Yeshua, and understand they have a mission function purpose with that. Rather, they ” wannabe” Jews.
To be a Jew Is by no means all fun and games; it is a great great responsibility and a great price is paid….).
The Attitude of Exceptionalism
Exceptionalism is an offshoot of the Assembly Triumphant. Unfortunately, in the West it leads to what the brother I mentioned above, put very well as an “attitude of exceptionalism”. That is, how System taught Western followers may look at everyone else, rather than having great humility.
“Me” – Rather Than “We”
In short this too is due to the influence of Augustine. The late highly regarded evangelical scholar Krister Stendahl famously called Augustine the first modern Westerner because Augustine was the first one to turn inwardly on his own personal spiritual condition.
Augustine is considered by Christian scholars the most influential Christian theologian for a thousand years.
Thus, instead of focusing on others and “we” – as Scripture actually teaches and emphasizes – what one hears overwhelmingly is:
“My” spiritual focus and walk – also an entirely Jewish idea drawn from the Hebrew Scriptures – becomes centered on “me”.
Followers are taught to discover “my gifts” – which is not – at all (!) – what Paul actually speaks of in KG in the opening of 1 Cor. 12. Paul, significantly, uses two different Greek words in 1 Cor 12:1 and v.4, but both are translated “gifts”.
The first “pneumatikon” v.1 is defined as spiritual things or persons. The second use is “xarismaton” “gifts”. Paul goes on to write the Corinthians about a totally Hebrew and Pharisee based idea about the gifts given by the Ruach, in 1 Cor. 12:11; that of diversity for Unity.
The Biblical model is not- at all – everything somehow functioning in a disconnected, chaotic everything does its own thing its own way. As early as Gen. 1:5 it is revealed to us that various and diverse elements function together in Hebrew, to form an absolute compound oneness absolute one – as God is. Cf. the Hebrew of Dt. 6:4 cited by Yeshua Mk.12:28-34 vss. 28-30.
Paul does not – at all – speak of or teach the Corinthians “my gifts”, as though they are for “me”. This is completely completely contra what Paul is trying to get the Corinthians to be and do – esp. in 1 Cor. 12! Cf. vss. 12-27 also.
Our spiritual brother Paul is desperately trying to get the Corinthians away from the Greek influenced “me” he refers to in the opening of 1 Cor. 3!
As we repeatedly repeat in our teaching, it may surprise you that according to a Greek Concordance about 62% of the uses of you are plural – not singular. The concordance lists 778 more uses of you plural than you singular.
Further, there are 865 uses of “we us our”.
Nine of ten uses in KG of God as Savior are Savior of we/us. There is only one use of God as Savior of me.
Thus, and this is very very much in keeping with the Hebrew Bible, what the Greek Text shows us is a “we” picture – rather than a “me” picture. Of course, there’s no way to quantify this, but clearly clearly 90-98% of Western Tradition teaching and preaching unfortunately is not about “we”, it is focused on “me”.
Yeshua’s first century Israeli society and culture is very very much “we” focused – and still is today as is the rest of the Middle East. It is no more “me” focused than North America is “we” focused!
The focus on Self not only doesn’t exist in our Master’s Hebrew and Jewish world – and heart – it is completely contrary to his teaching and what is said about him! Cf esp. Mk. 8:30-36 v.34; cf. Mk. 10:40-45; cf. esp. Yochanon 12:24-26, Phpns. 2:2-4, vss. 5-11 etc.
The Methodology of Western Tradition Bible Preaching & Teaching
In short:
By and large the original languages are ignored or certainly certainly not the primary source of teaching.
The Bible is presented as though the speakers spoke “English” and are Gentiles who lived in the early 19th century American Bible Belt. Except of course for “the Jews”, “all of whom opposed Yeshua”.
That is further away from the truth than Los Angeles is from Jerusalem!
Frankly, I find it very very disturbing that English is seen today as though that’s the “actual” Biblical language!
Theological Biases in Translation
Let me very quickly point out that the problem is not at all – at all – with the remarkable Hebrew and Greek Text! Even the translators of the much-vaunted King James translation state in their Introduction that is the Hebrew and Greek Text that’s infallible – not their translation. The KJV is presented/ held by many as though “it’s the original”; rather than a translation!
(It’s actually not a bad translation of the Hebrew Scriptures as a straightforward translation. The problem – which is basically the same with all Western System translations – theological biases in the RCS).
The following occurs regardless of traditional translation:
Things are deliberately de-Hebraized and de-Judaized.
Miryam, Ya’akov, and Y’hudah, Mariam, Iakobus, Iouda in KG, Miriam, Jacob, Judah, become “Mary” ” James” “Jude”.
The KG “ekklesia” “assembly” which the Jewish Brothers used based on the Hebrew idea/meaning, is translated – with no word root basis – as “Church” “church”.
Thus, despite how the opening of Jacob’s Letter begins, it’s “James” and “church” in chapter 5. Jacob 2:2 has the KG “suvagwgnv” ” sunagogen” “synagogue” but is translated “assembly”. Yet in Rev. 2:9 & 3:9, it’s translated ” synagogue”.
Paul is typically portrayed to you as “an ex-Jew ex-Pharisee converted to Christianity” or “Paul the founder of Christianity and the first Calvinist”. This is completely contra Paul’s own words cf. Gal. 2, 2 Cor. 11:22, Phpns. 3:5; cf. esp. Acts 23:6!
The Anachronistic Revision
The original Jewish Brothers are referred to by terms they in fact never use for themselves:
“Christians” or “Jewish Christians”
“The church in Jerusalem”.
This makes them seem as though rather than being Torah observant Jews – as Acts consistently shows(!) – they instead are portrayed as the forerunners of Western Tradition.
The addition of a comma in 1 Thess. 2:14
This one little comma makes it seem as though Paul speaks of all Jews crucifying Yeshua; rather than just the very small group directly involved.
Though I’m not particularly thrilled with the translation, we must give the NIV due credit. They deleted the comma in 1 Thess. 2:14 several years ago in one of their updates
“The Jews”
This is more involved but there has been some thought that the KG “Ioudaios” ” Jews”, should – at least in some instances certainly – be translated “Judeans”, esp. in Yochanon.
Again: the problem is the opponents of Yeshua are baked into Christians that it’s ” the Jews”. Though his first supporters of course were also all Jews – primarily from his home region of the Galil, Galilee, they are not identified as Jews. They’re just somehow generic or anachronistically revised as ” Christians”.
What you are never taught is:
The first rejectors are also the first acceptors – the Jews!
Repeatedly Repeat
Things that maintain and buttress the Agenda and the System are repeatedly repeated, as one dear brother put it “baked in”, while what Scripture may actually emphasize is ignored or overlooked.
Some “key” examples
“OT”
Yeshua – in fact – never uses the term – period.
“Testament” is from the Latin “Testamentum“. The KG “diatheke” should be translated Covenant.
The term old covenant is used no more than a couple of times or so – again never by Yeshua – but then repeatedly repeated and conflated as though “OT is actually emphasized.
“NT”
Followers are taught about the “NT”, as though Yeshua makes a “brand new Covenant”. As we point out in our teaching it’s extremely significant to understand: that is not how Luke understood it Lk. 22:19-20.
The good doctor is not there – there were no Gentiles (if Luke was Gentile). Yeshua does not invite Gentiles to the Last Passover Seder. To have done so would have violated the Torah cf. Ex. 12:36 on.
Rather than presented as the Last Passover Seder it is presented as the “Last Supper”.
Thus in short: very clearly Luke understood that the original Jewish source who was at the Last Seder, understood that Yeshua makes a “renewed/new in quality” Covenant.
Luke uses a form of “kainos“, defined as renewed/ new in quality; like the new moon we get every month. Luke did not use “neos” ” new in time”.
Further, some astute evangelical commentators point out that only the 12 – who are all Jews, though called by Western Tradition “Christians” – are at the Last Passover Seder.
If it were not for the steadfastness and sacrifice of the Jewish Brothers, Gentile leadership would know nothing about the renewed/ new in quality covenant! Unfortunately, Gentile leadership tends to act as though the Covenant were made with them. Or, that it was either, take your pick, made with the Board of Directors of the Southern Baptist or the Assemblies of God who were at the Last Seder!
In no more than 1 or 2 instances are any of those of the Nations – never mind leadership – at any of the most seminal events of the Bible!
Calvin’s writings are de facto presented in contrast and as “superior” to ” the Law of Moses”. The fact that the LORD called Moshe and the Israelites to Sinai, that Moshe spent time with the LORD, is simply largely ignored. Why?
The Law – “A Legal Code Of Legal Laws Done Away With By Yeshua Who Replaces The Law with Grace” – Rather Than Torah.
Unfortunately, Greek has no word even close to what Torah means in Hebrew: Teaching, Direction, Revelation, Instruction, Law. Though it may not technically be so the late chief Rabbi of England astutely points out and includes the meaning “guidance”.
One of the great Torah teachers and word study experts also points out in Hebrew that it’s connected what’s a verb ” absorb seed in order to promote growth”.
Is the Torah written by the rabbis? Is Moshe the author of the Torah? The Torah says in Hebrew “upon the mouth (of the) LORD by the hand of Moshe.
The Torah – on more than one occasion(!) – clearly identifies the Torah as the word of the LORD. Cf. Ex..20, 24:12, 31:18, 34:1-7 etc.
God is praised – yet unfortunately His Torah – His direct Word to Man – through “the Jews” – is seen as ” secondary” ” outmoded” or ” replaced”…..
According to a Greek technical resource there are 167 direct citations of the Torah in the Good News.
By Paul, 190-195
These are only the direct citations; they do not include numerous allusions to the Torah.
Or, the Torah is reduced to/used as Bible stories for children such as Noah’s Ark etc.
A very key question then is:
Can Yeshua most especially, as well as Paul, be more fully and properly understood -and fully applied as intended – without an understanding and knowing the Torah that they draw so much from?
OT/NT Dichotomy
The Scriptures are talked about in this way – despite the fact that nowhere does Yeshua ever teach or speak of such a dichotomy! If Yeshua thought in those terms, wouldn’t we have expected him to do so at the Last Seder with the Jewish 12?
He in fact doesn’t. Based on what my very dear Christian brothers are taught, they should ask themselves why they’re hearing something emphasized that the Master never does…..
“Church” rather than Kingdom
The Kingdom is mentioned 111 times in the Good News; the universal Assembly? 1.
That one verse Mt. 16:18, is “baked in” by repeatedly repeating it; but widely ignoring or certainly not emphasizing it proportionately – the Kingdom!
Overall, it’s 137 to less than 30 to the universal Assembly, which totally intellectually dishonestly is called ” the Church”.
Christians or Brothers/Sisters?
The concordance shows 370 uses of primarily brothers, as well as sisters. Paul, uses the words roughly 125 to 150 times.
Number of uses of “Xpistianos” “Xristianos”? 3.
By Paul – 0
Brothers/Sisters 370
Christians 3
Which one is “baked in”?
Blessing and Obligation
Christians also very much have baked into them that their source of blessing and their obligation is to the “Church/church”. There is an essay in the Deeper Hebrew Meaning of the Bible from A-Z window under O Obligation, in which I’ve listed from a Greek Concordance, every verse that uses any of the forms of the Greek word for obligation.
Why do this for you? So that you can see/ check for yourself where your Biblical obligation actually is – or is not.
Blessing
We have several teachings on both blessing especially and tithing. I haven’t yet had the chance to do what I did with Obligation. However, there are no uses of the Greek words “blessings” used with any Gentile enterprise.
System leadership either takes Scripture out of or with no context and often exploits “Israel” as a reason to give to Gentile enterprises.
The head of one of the largest worldwide Christian TV networks once said ” there are 144 of you who are supposed to give $1,000 to this ministry”. Is this what Rev. 7 means?
The head of another major Christian TV network says to give because “pressed down and shaken together” Lk. 6, you’ll be blessed for doing so. When Yeshua said this, did he mean giving to a Gentile enterprise two thousand years and several thousand miles away from Israel?
Give to this network – but ignore the Jewish People Jewish Brothers? Cf. Gen. 12:3, Rom. 15:27 etc. etc.?
What Books and Scriptures Receive Emphasis
Though the Bible is 77% Hebrew (a few chapters in it’s very close sister language Aramaic) and KG is not uncommonly Hebraic/Jewish – especially in Matthew and Yochanon’s writings, as well as Luke’s Gospel, Paul – most of all in Romans – and Jacob, the emphasis and teaching of each language in Christian colleges and seminaries, is the opposite of what they are proportionately in Scripture.
Followers receive the vast amount of teaching/preaching from the “NT”.
Scriptures are not taken from Hebrew/KG, not taken in context, or generalized when there’s actually a specific application.
Prima fascia example: 2 Cor. 9:7 – “…God loves a cheerful giver”.
Cf. 2 Cor. 8-9 for the CONTEXT of Paul’s 5 year – 5 year – Collection effort from Gentile brethren to Jews and Jewish Brothers in Jerusalem.
Were you ever taught about Paul’s great effort & emphasis on truly reconciling Jew – Gentile? Ever taught that this is a major major focus of Paul’s ministry?
Ever hear anything on Rom. 15:27 – rather than 2 Cor. 9:7?
That the Jewish Brothers have the lead role? Cf. Phpns. 4:3 et al.
That the great Gentiles of the Bible had as one of the things in common in addition to reverence for God, that they helped the Jewish People or Jewish Brothers in some way?
Mt. 9:37-38 and Phpns. 4:18-19 especially are not taken with a specific application; but rather as though they’re a general appeal to support Gentile missions.
That just before the end of Mt. 9, that Yeshua was teaching in the synagogues, healing the diseases of his fellow Galilean Jews, and felt in his guts for them – is simply ignored!
What gets emphasized to you dear ones, is “supporting laborers to go out into the field for the Harvest”, as though Yeshua makes a general statement about supporting Gentile missionaries.
Even where there is some teaching/ emphasis on the engrafting in Rom. 11:17-24 Olive Root, it’s done from a Greek perspective. What does that mean? Greek is passive and position oriented. Hebrew is action active flow movement ‘be and do’ rooted.
The result of a Greek approach to the in grafting is that well-meaning Christians take a position about being in grafted; rather than acting upon it (cf. Rom. 11:20-22, in context, etc. etc.).
In short Yeshua doesn’t expect his fellow Galilean Jews to “believe” and then take that as a “position of faith” and be passive.
Yeshua expects steadfast trustworthiness in him to lead to godly and Mashiach like action and life!
“Waiting”
The KG “wait” is only found three times in the entire RCS. Yeshua does no teaching – whatsoever – about “waiting”.
Western teaching does a “slice and dice” of verses from the Psalms; without looking at the bigger overall picture.
Thus, what is taught is that as a follower rather than being empowered by the Ruach Hakodesh to make what is called in Hebrew an effort, I am to patiently wait for God to do everything for “me”.
Even with the teachers’ best intentions, this is a Greek based understanding and approach.
This is a very very very common technique of Western Tradition teaching.
The RCS actually uses several hundred uses each of “ginomai” “be/become” and “poio” “do/make”. Over 60% of these words are found in the Gospel.
Thus, Yeshua, totally Torah, Hebrew Bible, Hebrew, Jewish, – and Pharisee – emphasizes “be” & “do”.
“Everything’s Under The Blood”
This makes it seem as though everything has been forgiven and is “under the blood”, as though it doesn’t matter what we do as followers. “It’s all under the blood”. So, “there are no consequences for what I do or don’t do as a follower, “it’s all under the blood”.
Don’t keep my word to others? Pass up opportunities to help – especially my Jewish Brothers – when I’m in a position to do so? Don’t forgive others? It doesn’t impact me/there’s no consequences for me; “It’s all under the blood”. Cf. Mt. 6:8-10, 12:36-37.
The Result?
Thus, a decidedly non-Hebrew non-Jewish basis of everything – beginning first and foremost with God and Yeshua – is implemented, and then in order to support and buttress the Agenda and the Traditions of Men, this is all unfortunately dear ones repeatedly repeated until it is “baked in”.
In short: the preaching and teaching methodology is to emphasize those books and verses that buttress and support the Agenda.
Those things that do not, are largely very unfortunately for the most part simply overlooked or ignored in teaching followers.
The “Re-Formers”
In a sentence, what is presented to followers is that they “returned to the Bible”. Luther famously claims “sola Scriptura ” “solely Scripture”. Yet the writings of the “Re-Formers” are often in Latin and talk about God and Yeshua – from a Latin framework. This replaces the earlier Greek and in the last century and a half or so English replaces Latin and Greek in the English-speaking West.
In a sentence: unfortunately, the Re-Formers failed to repudiate their Romanism predecessor’s repudiation of the Torah, Hebrew, the Jew, his Judaism, and Jerusalem…
The Re- Formers kept Replacement Theology – and everything that goes with it. In a sentence, they basically just “Re-Formed” Romanism. They removed most of the paganism and Mariology. The Pope and the Vatican are replaced with the denominational board of directors and the denomination headquarters.
They don’t include the Apocrypha as Scripture. They do keep Romanism’s order of the Hebrew Bible – rather than the Jewish order Luke points out that Yeshua teaches about himself from Lk. 24:44; cf. v.27.
The veneration of the Saints is replaced with the veneration of the Re-Formers.
Followers often identify by denomination or the Reformer whose teachings they adhere to; though brothers/sisters is used, as above, 370 times.
As we’ve pointed out before – the Re-Formers are theologically anti-Semitic.
Luther’s book on the Jews is the basis of Hitler’s Final Solution. Hitler draws on historic Christian anti-Semitism.
Yeshua a Jew? No problem; Hitler says JC is an Aryan. Yeshua had already been de-Hebraized and de-Judaized by Western Tradition for 1900 years….
How does the insidious form of the virus of anti-Semitism potentially infect even the well-intentioned follower? How do they then remove a virus they may not have known they had?
God willing, we will answer this in the next part including the answer to:
“But Jacob, this doesn’t affect me, I’m out of the System”
The key question for us, dear ones, is it’s not one’s physical location – it’s our spiritual location that matters.
How does one recognize if they’ve been infected?
Does merely physically leaving the Building automatically mean that decades of baked in teaching and emphasis is suddenly gone – just like that?
How does it impact well-intentioned followers seeking the truth?
Most importantly – what can be done to remove it?
Mk. 8:30-35 v. 34, Yochanon 12:24-26; cf. esp. 2 Tim. 2:21-22 in the context of the preceding verses and wrong teaching.
Lastly for here, brothers and sisters, let me please reiterate that none of the above is meant to be negative or critical of you or the individual follower who strives to be godly.
It is aimed at Western Tradition and its System. More importantly as I mentioned above, not to tell you what to think but to present certain things you may not happen to be fully aware of and thus, encourage you to better think for yourself!
God willing in part 2 we will include some ways that not only understanding more deeply the above can help one grow but also be encouraging!
For those who stay in the System, we certainly cast no aspersions and in fact as we do with all of our brethren wish you godspeed and the very best! We are here for you!
It’s been said that good preaching afflicts the comfortable and comforts the afflicted.
I hope that good teaching does the same, and that there has been at least some good teaching to help you to better think for yourself
For those who kindly and graciously support and encourage Rachel and I please know and be encouraged that as Scripture teaches God blesses you!
Our love to all!
In His love in Yeshua’s name,
Jacob
assemblywithoutthewalls.org
Ps. 133 – Yochanon 17:20-23 Eph. 2:14