We are going to continue our discussion on Baptism and how we can relate it to the teachings of Jesus. Last week we introduced the word Mikvah it is a ritual bath designed for the purpose of ritual immersion in Judaism. The word "Mikvah", as used in the Hebrew Bible, literally means a "collection" generally, a collection of water as defined by Wikipedia.
As we pointed out last week this was the ritual John the Baptist would have been performing. A Mikvah pool is a specially crafted and designed pool used to perform a spiritual cleansing, although they are now performed in pools, any body of water, such as a lake stream or flowing water can be used to perform the Mikvah cleansing. Starting with the Tabernacle and following through the Temple eras it was a requirement for any Jewish person to undergo a Mikvah before he/she could enter onto the Temple grounds, and no the baths outside the Temple were not used to perform this those baths and pools were part of the cleaning process prior to going through the Mikvah process.
Baptism (from Greek baptizo: "immersing", "performing ablutions", i.e., "washing")[1] is the ritual act, with the use of water, by which one is admitted to membership of the Christian Church as defined by Wikipedia. As we pointed out last week if one wants to convert to Judaism that person is required to go through the Mikvah or immersion process.
This is a quote from and article found on Chabad.org site written by Rivkah Solonim. “In many ways mikvah is the threshold separating the unholy from the holy, but it is even more. Simply put, immersion in a mikvah signals a change in status -- more correctly, an elevation in status. Its unparalleled function lies in its power of transformation, its ability to effect metamorphosis.”
Do these words look familiar to any of you? Sounds like what happened to Jesus after being Baptized by John. Elevated just prior to entering the desert for 40 days to be confronted by Satin
Ok so I’m sure by know you are wondering what is the point here, so Jewish people call it a Mikvah, Christians call it Baptism, our point is that although Christians view it differently than their Jewish counter parts, Jesus does not, for us Jesus’ view is what it was meant to the Jewish people, it was a reconnection or rededication to God the Father Almighty in a ritual cleansing of ones Soul in order to accept the Torah and the Laws as found in the 5 Books of Moses.
Again we call on these verses from Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus himself confirms that the Mitzvoth of Torah will still be in effect long after his death. In verse 20 he is expressing to those listening that a persons that expects to enter the Kingdom of Heaven better be a person who will follow the Torah with a greater zeal then that of a Scribe or a Pharisee.
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!
The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX
Monday, August 24, 2009
Stepping out of the Comfort Zone 15
This week we wish to begin a discussion on the Christian ritual of Baptism and where its roots begin in Jewish Culture.
The beginning of the Jewish faith wasn’t started until the entire family of Jacob was removed from Slavery out of Egypt. When Adonai came down and gave the people of Israel his laws at Mount Sinai. On must keep in mind that Moses’ wife as well of many of the wife’s of Jacobs children were a diverse group. For instance Joseph married and Egyptian women, Moses wife was the daughter of a Priest from a different culture; it is told that many of the other wife’s of Jacobs Sons were Canaanites.
So how did it all begin for the people of Israel, Exodus 19:10 “And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes”. The Jewish traditional understanding of this verse is that the people of Israel were immersed in water. It is not important if you believe this or not the important point is that the Jewish people were required to cleanse themselves before entering the Temple grounds period. To the Jewish believer they would have understood this as being part of the rich tradition of ones acceptance of the Torah that their forefathers took part in at Mt. Sinai.
So why is John the Baptist out baptizing people, what was he doing and why? Well this was a time when Adonai had left the presentence of his people for several hundreds of years. Adonai had kept his silence and left his people go about their business alone, without his directions. It was obvious from reading scripture he was at a point where he was allowing them to suffer at their own hands for as many put it their failure to comply with Torah Laws (Written) and not what mans interpretations were Talmud (Oral).
So just what was John out doing?, he was trying to bring the people of Israel back to the Torah, in his baptisms his attempt was to instill in the people a rededication to Adonai and his Torah. Which is why when Jesus came to him to be baptized John complained he wasn’t worthy of baptizing him, that Jesus was the Messiah and John was not worthy of the position of baptizing the Messiah found in Matthew 3:13-18. It wasn’t until Jesus told him in order to fulfill the prophets did John consent to do so.
The bottom line is no matter how we try to envision baptism or justify its meaning, if you fail to understand it’s meaning to the Jewish people, and why it was so significant for Jesus to be baptized. Even though Jesus is the Messiah and the Living Torah he has established and confirmed a need for the Jewish followers to recommit themselves to the Torah and the Mitzvoth contained within.
The Jewish culture and tradition during the Thousands of years before Jesus, any person who married outside of the Faith, would have been converted to Judaism in a ceremony called a Mikvah. Although the Bible doesn’t give details about these being performed it would have surly been obvious to its Jewish readers. It would be like me telling you my friend Kevin received his Doctorate in History. It is surly obvious and understood that Kevin wrote a Thesis and defended it.
So the next time you are attending a baptism or your Pastor does a service to rededicating your baptism understand that its true meaning is you are converting your self to following the Torah and the Mitzvah contained therein.
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!
The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX.
The beginning of the Jewish faith wasn’t started until the entire family of Jacob was removed from Slavery out of Egypt. When Adonai came down and gave the people of Israel his laws at Mount Sinai. On must keep in mind that Moses’ wife as well of many of the wife’s of Jacobs children were a diverse group. For instance Joseph married and Egyptian women, Moses wife was the daughter of a Priest from a different culture; it is told that many of the other wife’s of Jacobs Sons were Canaanites.
So how did it all begin for the people of Israel, Exodus 19:10 “And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes”. The Jewish traditional understanding of this verse is that the people of Israel were immersed in water. It is not important if you believe this or not the important point is that the Jewish people were required to cleanse themselves before entering the Temple grounds period. To the Jewish believer they would have understood this as being part of the rich tradition of ones acceptance of the Torah that their forefathers took part in at Mt. Sinai.
So why is John the Baptist out baptizing people, what was he doing and why? Well this was a time when Adonai had left the presentence of his people for several hundreds of years. Adonai had kept his silence and left his people go about their business alone, without his directions. It was obvious from reading scripture he was at a point where he was allowing them to suffer at their own hands for as many put it their failure to comply with Torah Laws (Written) and not what mans interpretations were Talmud (Oral).
So just what was John out doing?, he was trying to bring the people of Israel back to the Torah, in his baptisms his attempt was to instill in the people a rededication to Adonai and his Torah. Which is why when Jesus came to him to be baptized John complained he wasn’t worthy of baptizing him, that Jesus was the Messiah and John was not worthy of the position of baptizing the Messiah found in Matthew 3:13-18. It wasn’t until Jesus told him in order to fulfill the prophets did John consent to do so.
The bottom line is no matter how we try to envision baptism or justify its meaning, if you fail to understand it’s meaning to the Jewish people, and why it was so significant for Jesus to be baptized. Even though Jesus is the Messiah and the Living Torah he has established and confirmed a need for the Jewish followers to recommit themselves to the Torah and the Mitzvoth contained within.
The Jewish culture and tradition during the Thousands of years before Jesus, any person who married outside of the Faith, would have been converted to Judaism in a ceremony called a Mikvah. Although the Bible doesn’t give details about these being performed it would have surly been obvious to its Jewish readers. It would be like me telling you my friend Kevin received his Doctorate in History. It is surly obvious and understood that Kevin wrote a Thesis and defended it.
So the next time you are attending a baptism or your Pastor does a service to rededicating your baptism understand that its true meaning is you are converting your self to following the Torah and the Mitzvah contained therein.
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!
The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX.
Stepping out of the Comfort Zone 14
This week we want to continue our discussions from the last several weeks on Reincarnation of ones Soul. As we had explained last week that the verse in Hebrews 9:27 is one statement many Theologians claim that rebukes this reality, and is what we will continue to address this week.
Since we are unable to research the Talmud online it was important to seek a response from someone who would be able to give us Talmudic references to Judgment upon death to better illustrate the Jewish perspective on this subject. Here are three different excerpts from the Talmud which reference this subject.
Ethics of our Fathers 3:1 Akavia the son of Mahalalel would say: Reflect upon three things and you will not come to the hands of transgression. Know from where you came, where you are going, and before whom you are destined to give a judgment and accounting. From where you came--from a putrid drop; where you are going--to a place of dust, maggots and worms; and before whom you are destined to give a judgment and accounting--before the supreme King of Kings, the Holy One, blessed be He. ibid 3:16 He would also say: Everything is placed in pledge, and a net is spread over all the living. The store is open, the storekeeper extends credit, the account-book lies open, the hand writes, and all who wish to borrow may come and borrow. The collection-officers make their rounds every day and exact payment from man, with his knowledge and without his knowledge. Their case is well founded, the judgment is a judgment of truth, and ultimately, all is prepared for the feast. ibid 4:22 He would also say: Those who are born will die, and the dead will live. The living will be judged, to learn, to teach and to comprehend that He is G-d, He is the former, He is the creator, He is the comprehender, He is the judge, He is the witness, He is the plaintiff, and He will judge. Blessed is He, for before Him there is no wrong, no forgetting, no favoritism, and no taking of bribes; know, that everything is according to the reckoning. Let not your heart convince you that the grave is your escape; for against your will you are formed, against your will you are born, against your will you live, against your will you die, and against your will you are destined to give a judgment and accounting before the king, king of all kings, the Holy One, blessed be He.
I guess when one looks closer at these reflections from the Talmudic Laws it will give us a greater in sites into understanding the reason for the statement made in Hebrews. Keep in mind the Jewish people were the ones he was addressing in this text. As we explained in last weeks article this was just another reason why we think Paul was the author of this book, Paul would have been educated in these Talmudic teachings.
Although many of the teachings of Jewish and Christian Theologians wish to portray the non-existence of Reincarnation of Ones Soul, for the purpose of showing that to them the important point is not that it doesn’t exist, but what is important is that we are following God’s directions while we are here today, Love our neighbors, help the poor use the resources God has provided to us to care for others and not be selfish and use them only for our selfish desires.
The absents of any great details of just what Adonai’s Judgments will be is enough information for our belief that although this physical body will not return to this Physical plane our Soul will be judged for our merits and our wrong doings, as Jesus spoke of many times What you have done to unto the least of my brotherin you, you have done it unto me. Now it is important to note that anytime Jesus referred to his brotherin, he was referring specially to the Jewish people.
In closing this discussion one important point Jesus made to us all found in –Matthew 7:7 or Luke 11:9, Jesus tells us this “Seek and Yea Shall find Ask and it shall be given unto you Knock and it shall be opened unto you.” The point in closing is Jesus never told us that in giving us what we seek we would like what we are shown in truth. It is for us to choose to believe and follow Jesus or listen and follow Man’s interpretations of God’s directions.
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!
The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX
Since we are unable to research the Talmud online it was important to seek a response from someone who would be able to give us Talmudic references to Judgment upon death to better illustrate the Jewish perspective on this subject. Here are three different excerpts from the Talmud which reference this subject.
Ethics of our Fathers 3:1 Akavia the son of Mahalalel would say: Reflect upon three things and you will not come to the hands of transgression. Know from where you came, where you are going, and before whom you are destined to give a judgment and accounting. From where you came--from a putrid drop; where you are going--to a place of dust, maggots and worms; and before whom you are destined to give a judgment and accounting--before the supreme King of Kings, the Holy One, blessed be He. ibid 3:16 He would also say: Everything is placed in pledge, and a net is spread over all the living. The store is open, the storekeeper extends credit, the account-book lies open, the hand writes, and all who wish to borrow may come and borrow. The collection-officers make their rounds every day and exact payment from man, with his knowledge and without his knowledge. Their case is well founded, the judgment is a judgment of truth, and ultimately, all is prepared for the feast. ibid 4:22 He would also say: Those who are born will die, and the dead will live. The living will be judged, to learn, to teach and to comprehend that He is G-d, He is the former, He is the creator, He is the comprehender, He is the judge, He is the witness, He is the plaintiff, and He will judge. Blessed is He, for before Him there is no wrong, no forgetting, no favoritism, and no taking of bribes; know, that everything is according to the reckoning. Let not your heart convince you that the grave is your escape; for against your will you are formed, against your will you are born, against your will you live, against your will you die, and against your will you are destined to give a judgment and accounting before the king, king of all kings, the Holy One, blessed be He.
I guess when one looks closer at these reflections from the Talmudic Laws it will give us a greater in sites into understanding the reason for the statement made in Hebrews. Keep in mind the Jewish people were the ones he was addressing in this text. As we explained in last weeks article this was just another reason why we think Paul was the author of this book, Paul would have been educated in these Talmudic teachings.
Although many of the teachings of Jewish and Christian Theologians wish to portray the non-existence of Reincarnation of Ones Soul, for the purpose of showing that to them the important point is not that it doesn’t exist, but what is important is that we are following God’s directions while we are here today, Love our neighbors, help the poor use the resources God has provided to us to care for others and not be selfish and use them only for our selfish desires.
The absents of any great details of just what Adonai’s Judgments will be is enough information for our belief that although this physical body will not return to this Physical plane our Soul will be judged for our merits and our wrong doings, as Jesus spoke of many times What you have done to unto the least of my brotherin you, you have done it unto me. Now it is important to note that anytime Jesus referred to his brotherin, he was referring specially to the Jewish people.
In closing this discussion one important point Jesus made to us all found in –Matthew 7:7 or Luke 11:9, Jesus tells us this “Seek and Yea Shall find Ask and it shall be given unto you Knock and it shall be opened unto you.” The point in closing is Jesus never told us that in giving us what we seek we would like what we are shown in truth. It is for us to choose to believe and follow Jesus or listen and follow Man’s interpretations of God’s directions.
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!
The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX
Stepping out of the Comfort Zone 13
Two weeks ago we addressed the issue of Reincarnation of the Soul through the teachings of Jesus himself. Today we would like to elaborate on this subject as well as the words in Hebrews chapter 9:27 how many Christians are taught to use this verse in order to rebuke this issue.
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.
The Quest Study Bible NIV that we draw information from, explains that the author of the book of Hebrews is unknown, that most think it was written by Paul, or Luke. It claims that this book was written as a warning to the Jewish believers who were considering reverting to the ways of the Old Testament.
In looking at the context of chapter 9 in Hebrews starting with verse 19 going onto verse 26, the author is confirming our argument that Jesus has taken the place for our need to take a physical sacrifice to the High Priest in order for him to interceded on our behalf. That Jesus being before Adonai is interceding on our behalf.
After much research we are still trying to figure out how this statement even relates to the context of the rest of the paragraph, this statement just doesn’t fit into the context of the author’s argument, nor is there any other direct Biblical reference to this statement what so ever in the Old Testament, so where is the author gaining this information from in the first place? What we have been able to obtain is that there are references to Judgment after ones passing. So in this case the author has placed his own perception here in this statement.
So lets go out on a limb here, and go with Paul being the Author of the Book of Hebrews, Paul being a Pharisee, we can put him in the same category as Nicodemus that we addressed several weeks ago when Jesus himself was speaking to Nicodemus, found in John Chapter 3.
10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
But lets look at this from a humans view point, If our Soul is Reincarnated it most assuredly would not enter the same physical body we currently exist in.
So as Jesus told Nicodemus “that we must be born again in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven,”
These statements of Jesus follow the Ancient Jewish Mystical Teachings, This in fact does follow our though process on how our soul can be given the chance to arise to the levels of the Ten Sefirot we have been discussing in these articles. Prior to the arrival of the Jesus the Messiah we were required by Adonai to have the High Priest intercede on our behalf.
The real issue then becomes do you listen to the Words and teaching of Jesus, or do you allow yourself to be taken by those of and unknown author of a document that was written to address Jewish believers, ones who followed the Laws of the Old Testament, and continued to do so after Jesus death and resurrection? Keeping in mind that these words Jesus spoke to us found in Matthew chapter 5:17-18.
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!
The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.
The Quest Study Bible NIV that we draw information from, explains that the author of the book of Hebrews is unknown, that most think it was written by Paul, or Luke. It claims that this book was written as a warning to the Jewish believers who were considering reverting to the ways of the Old Testament.
In looking at the context of chapter 9 in Hebrews starting with verse 19 going onto verse 26, the author is confirming our argument that Jesus has taken the place for our need to take a physical sacrifice to the High Priest in order for him to interceded on our behalf. That Jesus being before Adonai is interceding on our behalf.
After much research we are still trying to figure out how this statement even relates to the context of the rest of the paragraph, this statement just doesn’t fit into the context of the author’s argument, nor is there any other direct Biblical reference to this statement what so ever in the Old Testament, so where is the author gaining this information from in the first place? What we have been able to obtain is that there are references to Judgment after ones passing. So in this case the author has placed his own perception here in this statement.
So lets go out on a limb here, and go with Paul being the Author of the Book of Hebrews, Paul being a Pharisee, we can put him in the same category as Nicodemus that we addressed several weeks ago when Jesus himself was speaking to Nicodemus, found in John Chapter 3.
10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
But lets look at this from a humans view point, If our Soul is Reincarnated it most assuredly would not enter the same physical body we currently exist in.
So as Jesus told Nicodemus “that we must be born again in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven,”
These statements of Jesus follow the Ancient Jewish Mystical Teachings, This in fact does follow our though process on how our soul can be given the chance to arise to the levels of the Ten Sefirot we have been discussing in these articles. Prior to the arrival of the Jesus the Messiah we were required by Adonai to have the High Priest intercede on our behalf.
The real issue then becomes do you listen to the Words and teaching of Jesus, or do you allow yourself to be taken by those of and unknown author of a document that was written to address Jewish believers, ones who followed the Laws of the Old Testament, and continued to do so after Jesus death and resurrection? Keeping in mind that these words Jesus spoke to us found in Matthew chapter 5:17-18.
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!
The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX
Stepping out of the Comfort Zone 12
Last week the opportunity came up to minister to a young friend, Young I say she is 35, but what was so unusual about the whole encounter really hit me like a ton of bricks. This is the whole purpose of this Ministry and what this Series is all about. How do we reach people whose Comfort Zone lies in the belief that the New Testament is the spoken word of Adonai. During the conversation it was pointed out that there are many inconsistencies in Paul’s teaching and his writings in the New Testament text. Cindy asked if it was our belief that God allowed this text to be placed in the Bible with false truths. When she receive the response I saw a very upset and confused individual,
This was the perfect gift from Adonai on how to bring this issue to the fore-ground many have expressed to us that the New Testament is ordained by Adonai as his word and it is truth, or he would not have allowed it to be published.
Question then why did Adonai not destroy the people of Israel after the Golden Calf, or when the 10 spies came back and told of lies of Giants living in the promised land? The people of Israel decided to follow the spies instead of following Adonai, so Adonai made them walk for 40 years in the desert to die so only their Children would enter into The Promised Land.
We have written several pieces about the Tallis and Tefflin as well as one on “Surrounding Yourself in the name of God” in all our writings and teachings of how Jesus would have followed the Laws of Torah, we have been very consistent to the fact that these ways were designed by Adonai, for us to always remember that he is in control of our lives, that he is always watching over us, and that he Loves us and protects us from evil.
Let’s look at an inconsistency in the New Testament. For those of you who believe that the writings in the New Testament are in fallible this is going to be a thought pill to swallow. Found in Matthew chapter 1:1-17 is the genealogy of Jesus this is the one we find to be false because it traces the line of Jesus through Jeconiah who was cursed by Adonai. Adonai would have never brought his Kingdom through the Children of Jeconiah. Found in Luke chapter 3:23-37 we find a completely different genealogy this particular one we believe to be the true one for one reason it doesn’t come through Jeconiah but through Nathan.
However the most glaring fact is that they are different! Irrespective of the one we chose to believe to be true one must be incorrect. News flash the New Testament infallibility argument dead on arrival one simply cannot explain away the fact that the two genealogies are totally different from Solomon forward.
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!
The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX
This was the perfect gift from Adonai on how to bring this issue to the fore-ground many have expressed to us that the New Testament is ordained by Adonai as his word and it is truth, or he would not have allowed it to be published.
Question then why did Adonai not destroy the people of Israel after the Golden Calf, or when the 10 spies came back and told of lies of Giants living in the promised land? The people of Israel decided to follow the spies instead of following Adonai, so Adonai made them walk for 40 years in the desert to die so only their Children would enter into The Promised Land.
We have written several pieces about the Tallis and Tefflin as well as one on “Surrounding Yourself in the name of God” in all our writings and teachings of how Jesus would have followed the Laws of Torah, we have been very consistent to the fact that these ways were designed by Adonai, for us to always remember that he is in control of our lives, that he is always watching over us, and that he Loves us and protects us from evil.
Let’s look at an inconsistency in the New Testament. For those of you who believe that the writings in the New Testament are in fallible this is going to be a thought pill to swallow. Found in Matthew chapter 1:1-17 is the genealogy of Jesus this is the one we find to be false because it traces the line of Jesus through Jeconiah who was cursed by Adonai. Adonai would have never brought his Kingdom through the Children of Jeconiah. Found in Luke chapter 3:23-37 we find a completely different genealogy this particular one we believe to be the true one for one reason it doesn’t come through Jeconiah but through Nathan.
However the most glaring fact is that they are different! Irrespective of the one we chose to believe to be true one must be incorrect. News flash the New Testament infallibility argument dead on arrival one simply cannot explain away the fact that the two genealogies are totally different from Solomon forward.
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!
The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX
Stepping out of the Comfort Zone 11
We speak to many Christians who insist that they believe that “ALL” things are possible where Adonai is concerned. So when our conversation turns to Reincarnation of ones Soul, or Ancient Jewish Mystical Teachings such as the Ten Sefirot which we have been discussing, We hear from some Christians that even though they espoused to believing “ALL” things are possible with Adonai. It is there belief that this only applies to how they read and interpret to texts of the Bible from with in the confines of their doctrinal beliefs.
How can one claim to be a Christian and deny what Jesus him self had said in Matthew 11:9-14
9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come
Many Christians will attempt to refute this by claiming that Reincarnation of ones Soul is an Eastern Culture concept foreign to Judaism. However this is not true at all. In the days of Jesus, there were 2 distinctly different thought processes’, the Phariseedic process, which included the Pharisee's and the Essense, and various other Jewish sects. Who believed in life after death including Reincarnation of ones Soul, for the greater purpose of perfecting ones spirit with the ultimate goal of reaching the Kingdom of Heaven. The second being, that of the Sadducees which included several of sub sects. The Sadducees did not believe in life after death at all, and thought the definition of life everlasting was to be remembered by others.
It is interesting to note that the way a person becomes a Christian is through and act of ritual Reincarnation of the Soul, i.e., Baptism. Remember the words of Jesus himself, “no man shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven least he be born again”. As Jesus addresses this issue with Nicodemus in John Chapter 3, he answers Nicodemus, with these words.
10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
The point Jesus made was how could this man be well versed in Torah and Ancient Jewish Mystical Teachings and not even be able to see or understand that, Jesus was referring to the Reincarnation of the Soul.
The reason for the Title of this series “Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone” is to assist you in seeing that through Paul’s writings some Christian Theologians use his words in a context to fit a doctrinal belief that the Laws of Torah no longer apply. It is our belief that if we replace Nicodemus with Paul in this story Jesus’ question would be the same. How could Paul be a Master of Israel and not understand that Jesus’ taught the Disciples from the Ancient Jewish Mystical Teachings. In addition it is interesting to note, that while Paul was teaching that the Law of Torah no longer applies, he still taught that we should tithe and personally chastised Peter for eating with the Gentiles, both of which are found only in the 613 Mitzvoth. If we taught such things we would be in fear of our Lord saying to us from Matthew 7:23 from Youngs Literial Translation
23 and then I will acknowledge to them, that -- I never knew you, depart from me ye who are working lawlessness.
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!
The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX.
How can one claim to be a Christian and deny what Jesus him self had said in Matthew 11:9-14
9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come
Many Christians will attempt to refute this by claiming that Reincarnation of ones Soul is an Eastern Culture concept foreign to Judaism. However this is not true at all. In the days of Jesus, there were 2 distinctly different thought processes’, the Phariseedic process, which included the Pharisee's and the Essense, and various other Jewish sects. Who believed in life after death including Reincarnation of ones Soul, for the greater purpose of perfecting ones spirit with the ultimate goal of reaching the Kingdom of Heaven. The second being, that of the Sadducees which included several of sub sects. The Sadducees did not believe in life after death at all, and thought the definition of life everlasting was to be remembered by others.
It is interesting to note that the way a person becomes a Christian is through and act of ritual Reincarnation of the Soul, i.e., Baptism. Remember the words of Jesus himself, “no man shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven least he be born again”. As Jesus addresses this issue with Nicodemus in John Chapter 3, he answers Nicodemus, with these words.
10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
The point Jesus made was how could this man be well versed in Torah and Ancient Jewish Mystical Teachings and not even be able to see or understand that, Jesus was referring to the Reincarnation of the Soul.
The reason for the Title of this series “Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone” is to assist you in seeing that through Paul’s writings some Christian Theologians use his words in a context to fit a doctrinal belief that the Laws of Torah no longer apply. It is our belief that if we replace Nicodemus with Paul in this story Jesus’ question would be the same. How could Paul be a Master of Israel and not understand that Jesus’ taught the Disciples from the Ancient Jewish Mystical Teachings. In addition it is interesting to note, that while Paul was teaching that the Law of Torah no longer applies, he still taught that we should tithe and personally chastised Peter for eating with the Gentiles, both of which are found only in the 613 Mitzvoth. If we taught such things we would be in fear of our Lord saying to us from Matthew 7:23 from Youngs Literial Translation
23 and then I will acknowledge to them, that -- I never knew you, depart from me ye who are working lawlessness.
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!
The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX.
Stepping out of the Comfort Zone 10
The Ancient Jewish Mystical Teachings; were always handed down, from Master to Student. Jesus picked 12 men to Master, during his ministry. Much like a Teacher Student relationship, he used the world of his time, to teach his pupils all they needed to know about how God created the Universe, and how to use the Ten Sefirot in order to achieve these wonderful miracles of healing, they were able to perform. Jesus sends them out to minister to the people, on their own, see Luke 9:1-6, Matthew Chapter 10. Bear in mind, when Jesus was teaching the masses, he spoke in Parables, while he gave explanations to the 12 disciples. Yet they also followed Jesus’ lead in as much as they gave explanations, but left some little details out of what he taught them
As Jesus himself paraphrased from Isaiah 6:10 “You will keep on hearing, but never understanding, and keep on seeing but never perceive, because the heart of this people has become dull with their ears they barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, so as not to see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart and do repentance, so that I may heal them.”
At this point, let us take a step back in time, and review the Book of Numbers Chapters 13 & 14. Adonai directs Moses to pick 12 leaders from the 12 Tribes of Israel, and send them out to the land I promised to your Fathers. Moses does as he was directed, and as we read; picks 12 leaders, from the Tribes of Israel. These leaders go forth and scope out the Lands before them. There are many views on the out come and choices that were made by these men. The one that we will address is a view point of power and control. In this account 10 of the 12 report this was not a good time to invade the land was filled with Giants and to disobey Adonai.
Let’s look at these men from the perceptive of human nature. These men had just come from Egypt only recently. Moses had only placed these men in there positions a very short time before this event. What is their reaction?
When giving their report 10 of the 12 gave false negative reports of the land they had been ordered to observe. Where they lazy and didn’t do there Job? Where they afraid of losing there new found power after entering the land? We may never know, what we do know is that even after they had witnessed all the Miracles Adonai had performed, in bringing them out of bondage they still showed that they were more concerned with the Physical world then that of the Spiritual world. It is amazing to us that these people can witness all these miraculous events yet still lack in their faith in Adonai.
Joshua and Caleb on the other hand step out of their Comfort Zone, and are willing to live beyond the physical, and stand up to the others and recognize the great blessings Adonai is offering his people.
The question we each need to ask ourselves is are we a Joshua or Caleb, or are we following the other 10 refusing to follow Adonai’s directions and live in the physical world were hearing we will never understand and seeing we will never perceive?
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!
The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman,
As Jesus himself paraphrased from Isaiah 6:10 “You will keep on hearing, but never understanding, and keep on seeing but never perceive, because the heart of this people has become dull with their ears they barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, so as not to see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart and do repentance, so that I may heal them.”
At this point, let us take a step back in time, and review the Book of Numbers Chapters 13 & 14. Adonai directs Moses to pick 12 leaders from the 12 Tribes of Israel, and send them out to the land I promised to your Fathers. Moses does as he was directed, and as we read; picks 12 leaders, from the Tribes of Israel. These leaders go forth and scope out the Lands before them. There are many views on the out come and choices that were made by these men. The one that we will address is a view point of power and control. In this account 10 of the 12 report this was not a good time to invade the land was filled with Giants and to disobey Adonai.
Let’s look at these men from the perceptive of human nature. These men had just come from Egypt only recently. Moses had only placed these men in there positions a very short time before this event. What is their reaction?
When giving their report 10 of the 12 gave false negative reports of the land they had been ordered to observe. Where they lazy and didn’t do there Job? Where they afraid of losing there new found power after entering the land? We may never know, what we do know is that even after they had witnessed all the Miracles Adonai had performed, in bringing them out of bondage they still showed that they were more concerned with the Physical world then that of the Spiritual world. It is amazing to us that these people can witness all these miraculous events yet still lack in their faith in Adonai.
Joshua and Caleb on the other hand step out of their Comfort Zone, and are willing to live beyond the physical, and stand up to the others and recognize the great blessings Adonai is offering his people.
The question we each need to ask ourselves is are we a Joshua or Caleb, or are we following the other 10 refusing to follow Adonai’s directions and live in the physical world were hearing we will never understand and seeing we will never perceive?
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!
The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman,
Stepping out of the Comfort Zone 9
Last week we ended with our being told to try to maintain our conversations with main stream academia since many Christians would not understand where we are coming from, while most of the educated Biblical Scholars, Pastoral and Biblical Academics would, have a considerable knowledge of our concepts and teachings. Although not readily spoke of or taught they would have some form of knowledge, where these details are concerned.
A good example of this; was a program from Back to the Bible dated 05/08/2007, by Dr. Woodrow Kroll. Upon listening to this program several questions came to mind. One was isn’t Judaism and Eastern Culture? The second was why he didn’t use the Ancient Jewish Mystical Teachings (Kabbalah), to disavow the idea of Reincarnation. He chose not to use them because although Christianity is rooted in Judaism this part of Jewish culture is known, but not spoken of, to the normal everyday person. Dr. Kroll explains in his response, he was not addressing Jewish beliefs. Yet to the Orthodox and Chassidic communities of today, were the Pharisaic class of Jesus’ time period all this knowledge and understanding was well known and taught.
Below was the response that was received from Dr. Kroll about this program.
“I went back to look at the transcript to see what I said and the context in which it was said. I'm sure I didn't mention the Kabbalah, not in an attempt to avoid it, but because I was not addressing Jewish belief but the syncretism in American belief in general. Because most Americans do not have a good handle on the teachings of the Bible, they have adopted Eastern beliefs, such as reincarnation, without knowing their origin, source, or end. If my intent was to highlight Jewish thinking alone, I'm sure the Kabbalah would have been mentioned. As you know, there are many people (ironically many in Hollywood) who are today discovering Kabbalah, but not in the traditional Jewish sense. Again, people untaught in the inspired Word of God are easily influenced by other religious writings without an ability to compare them to God's Word. Just another reason to campaign to regain Bible literacy in America.”
This is the important difference; the Professor from LeTourneau was trying to enlighten us about last week. Those of Academia and Theologians know about these issues, so why do they refuse to give the everyday person what they are seeking.
Christianity has its roots based in Jewish Torah and its Savior the Jewish Messiah. It is our belief and mission to bring this information to the everyday Christian that to us is the only way to bring them Back to the Bible to feed them with all its glory and might. Even if it means going against everything they are out there teaching. Dr. Kroll’s final statement reveals and important point. How important it is to revive Bible literacy in America, the difference is, by approaching people with the truth, when you truly understand what Jesus was teaching His Disciples.
We always find it amazing, how many people can read the New Testament and become confused about its content. They ask questions of Christian Academics and Theologians and get the common doctrinal answers based on there individual church. It is no different than a Jewish person going to his Rabbi and asking the question, what about the fact that the Torah says nothing about separating Meat from Dairy products. So why do we have to keep them separate? The answer is only found in the Oral Law (Talmud). This is the Jewish Doctrine.
This to us is the exact point Jesus was trying to make in his parable teachings to the masses. The one which comes to mind first is the Sower of the Seeds. In this we see him referring to how one plants the seeds of knowledge in another. Do you address this issue by teaching your students or your children to dig deeper for answers or do you try to keep yourself empowered, by giving them an answers that suits your desired status or doctrinal theology.
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!
The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX
A good example of this; was a program from Back to the Bible dated 05/08/2007, by Dr. Woodrow Kroll. Upon listening to this program several questions came to mind. One was isn’t Judaism and Eastern Culture? The second was why he didn’t use the Ancient Jewish Mystical Teachings (Kabbalah), to disavow the idea of Reincarnation. He chose not to use them because although Christianity is rooted in Judaism this part of Jewish culture is known, but not spoken of, to the normal everyday person. Dr. Kroll explains in his response, he was not addressing Jewish beliefs. Yet to the Orthodox and Chassidic communities of today, were the Pharisaic class of Jesus’ time period all this knowledge and understanding was well known and taught.
Below was the response that was received from Dr. Kroll about this program.
“I went back to look at the transcript to see what I said and the context in which it was said. I'm sure I didn't mention the Kabbalah, not in an attempt to avoid it, but because I was not addressing Jewish belief but the syncretism in American belief in general. Because most Americans do not have a good handle on the teachings of the Bible, they have adopted Eastern beliefs, such as reincarnation, without knowing their origin, source, or end. If my intent was to highlight Jewish thinking alone, I'm sure the Kabbalah would have been mentioned. As you know, there are many people (ironically many in Hollywood) who are today discovering Kabbalah, but not in the traditional Jewish sense. Again, people untaught in the inspired Word of God are easily influenced by other religious writings without an ability to compare them to God's Word. Just another reason to campaign to regain Bible literacy in America.”
This is the important difference; the Professor from LeTourneau was trying to enlighten us about last week. Those of Academia and Theologians know about these issues, so why do they refuse to give the everyday person what they are seeking.
Christianity has its roots based in Jewish Torah and its Savior the Jewish Messiah. It is our belief and mission to bring this information to the everyday Christian that to us is the only way to bring them Back to the Bible to feed them with all its glory and might. Even if it means going against everything they are out there teaching. Dr. Kroll’s final statement reveals and important point. How important it is to revive Bible literacy in America, the difference is, by approaching people with the truth, when you truly understand what Jesus was teaching His Disciples.
We always find it amazing, how many people can read the New Testament and become confused about its content. They ask questions of Christian Academics and Theologians and get the common doctrinal answers based on there individual church. It is no different than a Jewish person going to his Rabbi and asking the question, what about the fact that the Torah says nothing about separating Meat from Dairy products. So why do we have to keep them separate? The answer is only found in the Oral Law (Talmud). This is the Jewish Doctrine.
This to us is the exact point Jesus was trying to make in his parable teachings to the masses. The one which comes to mind first is the Sower of the Seeds. In this we see him referring to how one plants the seeds of knowledge in another. Do you address this issue by teaching your students or your children to dig deeper for answers or do you try to keep yourself empowered, by giving them an answers that suits your desired status or doctrinal theology.
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!
The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX
Stepping out of the Comfort Zone 8
This week we will conclude our look at the Ten Sefirot as it pertains to us through Jesus the Messiah. The upper 5 Sefirot represents the spiritual side of life. The steps of the upper 5 Sefirot is the place where our very Soul exists in direct communication with Adonai.
Through our mind we see the physical aspects of this world. This is the place where our 5 senses dwell. This is the place where we inhabit the lower 5 Sefirot of the physical world. In our efforts to achieve a greater spirituality we must show a willingness to remove the mind to these aspects of the truth, this is the meaning of true faith. We must show a true desire where our Soul achieves this state of spirituality that we may be in direct connection with the Kingdom of Heaven.
(5) The Geburah is Power; this is the place where we are able to receive the power of healing. The best descriptions I can use to explain this position is when Peter walked on the water towards Jesus. When he stepped out of the boat and headed towards Jesus, he was not thinking about the consequences of his actions in fact based on the information provided in the NT he wasn’t thinking at all. It wasn’t until his mind caught up with his actions did he take a swim.
(4) The Chesed is Love; this is the place where we can obtain the Spiritual love, a love that abounds no limitations, one in which we see the Blessing and Grace of even our worst of enemies.
(3) The Binah is Understanding; this is, what our Lord was referring to, when he used the term “let he who hath an ear”…it doesn’t mean hearing,
it means understanding what was heard. This is the level of spiritual understanding achieved by the prophets to understand the visions that they were given by Adonai (The Lord God Most High) Blessed be He.
(2) The Chokhman is Wisdom; this is the wisdom achieved only through the spirit, which allows one such as Job to praise the Lord with all his heart even though he had suffered so much, the knowing that each loss was a lesson and each pain was a test of faith. This is the Wisdom that King Solomon prayed of the Lord to receive that he may become a good and Just King.
(1) The Kether is the seat of Adonai (The Lord God Most High) this is the Lord our God the Father in Heaven who directs all, through the use of the lower levels of the Ten Sefirot Through these Ten Sefirot we find the true Ancient Jewish Mystical meanings to the Tree of Life that Jesus the Messiah spoke of.
Please keep in mind that in order for us to achieve these upper levels of the Ten Sefirot we must have and show a willingness to remove our minds from the physical world. The test is if you are willing to shut off the things of this Physical world and open up your Soul to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Several Christian authors such as Rick Warren in his book “The Purpose Driven Life, and John Ed Mathison in his book “Treasures of the Transformed Life”, it is unknown to us if Christian authors like Rick Warren and John Ed Mathison understand that the concepts they are sharing in their material is just what we have shared in our last 3 articles.
In having a discussion with a Letourneau University Professor this past week, he made the comment that most of our material should be addressed and discussed biblical Academics and scholars only and not the ordinary Christian. It seems that his concern is that most everyday Christians would not understand this material, while most in the biblical Academic field would.
To me this is a sad statement when those of the academic world know of these things yet refuse to teach them to the up and coming Pastors of this world. It is our goal to bring the truth about these teachings to the everyday Christian, Just as The Lord Jesus did throughout his ministry to the Disciples and the predominantly Jewish following. This does require something of the reader to take a large leap of Faith and Step out of Your Comfort Zone.
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!
The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX.
Through our mind we see the physical aspects of this world. This is the place where our 5 senses dwell. This is the place where we inhabit the lower 5 Sefirot of the physical world. In our efforts to achieve a greater spirituality we must show a willingness to remove the mind to these aspects of the truth, this is the meaning of true faith. We must show a true desire where our Soul achieves this state of spirituality that we may be in direct connection with the Kingdom of Heaven.
(5) The Geburah is Power; this is the place where we are able to receive the power of healing. The best descriptions I can use to explain this position is when Peter walked on the water towards Jesus. When he stepped out of the boat and headed towards Jesus, he was not thinking about the consequences of his actions in fact based on the information provided in the NT he wasn’t thinking at all. It wasn’t until his mind caught up with his actions did he take a swim.
(4) The Chesed is Love; this is the place where we can obtain the Spiritual love, a love that abounds no limitations, one in which we see the Blessing and Grace of even our worst of enemies.
(3) The Binah is Understanding; this is, what our Lord was referring to, when he used the term “let he who hath an ear”…it doesn’t mean hearing,
it means understanding what was heard. This is the level of spiritual understanding achieved by the prophets to understand the visions that they were given by Adonai (The Lord God Most High) Blessed be He.
(2) The Chokhman is Wisdom; this is the wisdom achieved only through the spirit, which allows one such as Job to praise the Lord with all his heart even though he had suffered so much, the knowing that each loss was a lesson and each pain was a test of faith. This is the Wisdom that King Solomon prayed of the Lord to receive that he may become a good and Just King.
(1) The Kether is the seat of Adonai (The Lord God Most High) this is the Lord our God the Father in Heaven who directs all, through the use of the lower levels of the Ten Sefirot Through these Ten Sefirot we find the true Ancient Jewish Mystical meanings to the Tree of Life that Jesus the Messiah spoke of.
Please keep in mind that in order for us to achieve these upper levels of the Ten Sefirot we must have and show a willingness to remove our minds from the physical world. The test is if you are willing to shut off the things of this Physical world and open up your Soul to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Several Christian authors such as Rick Warren in his book “The Purpose Driven Life, and John Ed Mathison in his book “Treasures of the Transformed Life”, it is unknown to us if Christian authors like Rick Warren and John Ed Mathison understand that the concepts they are sharing in their material is just what we have shared in our last 3 articles.
In having a discussion with a Letourneau University Professor this past week, he made the comment that most of our material should be addressed and discussed biblical Academics and scholars only and not the ordinary Christian. It seems that his concern is that most everyday Christians would not understand this material, while most in the biblical Academic field would.
To me this is a sad statement when those of the academic world know of these things yet refuse to teach them to the up and coming Pastors of this world. It is our goal to bring the truth about these teachings to the everyday Christian, Just as The Lord Jesus did throughout his ministry to the Disciples and the predominantly Jewish following. This does require something of the reader to take a large leap of Faith and Step out of Your Comfort Zone.
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!
The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX.
Stepping out of the Comfort Zone 7
We find that many Christian Theologians and people who have done extensive study in the New Testament when they read the beginning of the Book of John they assume that John is speaking about Jesus being the living word. This site will address this issue and help explain John’s true meaning. This is an article called “The way the truth and the Light, by Jeff A Benner, http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/50_way.html. It will help explain that John a Disciple of Jesus was referring to the Torah and of the Ancient Jewish Mystical Teaching we have been covering over the past several weeks.
Due to size constrains we will have to cover the Ten Sefirot individually in two different articles this week will address the bottom 5 Sefirot and completing with the upper 5 Sefirot next week. Since the 10th Sefirot of Malkuth represents the starting point for our spiritual walk we will start at this point looking at the Ten Sefirot and working our way up to Kether which represents Adonai (The Lord God Most High). Just as there are many different ways of interpreting the Bible there are just as many ways of seeing the Ten Sefirot based on our Studies this is our perception of them.
Please keep in mind due to limited space you can find the diagram of the Ten Sefirot here on our blog http://thelightinchristministry.blogspot.com/.
(10) The Malkuth is Presence or the Physical Kingdom this is the place we live in day to day. This would be called by many the 99%. This is the place where we strive to have the things of the Physical, answers where we can see touch and feel. This is the image as we see it of Jesus’ Feet on the Cross.
(9) The Yesod is Foundation, this is the place of the foundation of our faith. This is where we start to seek a better understanding of the world we live in. This is the place where we start our walk with the Lord and seek to have a greater understanding from him. This is the image as we see it of Jesus’ Body on the Cross.
(8) The Hod is Splendor, this is the place that as we grow stronger in our faith and knowledge of the Torah, we can begin to see the splendor in everything Adonai has created. This is the image as we see it of Jesus’ Left arm on the Cross.
(7) The Netzakh is Eternity, at this point in our walk we start to gain a better understanding that there is more to our lives than just what we perceived to be in the physical. This is the image as we see it of Jesus’ Right arm on the Cross.
Take a close look at the detailed image that we are creating. Jesus spreads his arms and what do you behold, Splendor and Eternity. If that doesn’t make you stop and look at the Cross from a different point of view then we surly don’t know what else will.
(6) The Tiphareth is Beauty or Compassion, This is the point we reach as we strive to be more Christ like. At this point in your walk you should have started to become more compassionate of other around you, and be striving to show others the beauty of the Lord through your walk with him, through all of your actions and deeds. We image this to be the point of Jesus’ head on the Cross covered with the crown of thorns. For as he spoke the only way to the Father is through me. This we believe to be his meaning, that with out achieving this point in your walk, will you ever be able to achieve your walk in the Upper 5 Sefirot.
Please keep in mind when reading our Articles and even in your daily reading of the Bible that Jewish culture is covered throughout with images. It is for us as humans a gift from God to help us to visualize their contents and their meanings.
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!
The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX
Due to size constrains we will have to cover the Ten Sefirot individually in two different articles this week will address the bottom 5 Sefirot and completing with the upper 5 Sefirot next week. Since the 10th Sefirot of Malkuth represents the starting point for our spiritual walk we will start at this point looking at the Ten Sefirot and working our way up to Kether which represents Adonai (The Lord God Most High). Just as there are many different ways of interpreting the Bible there are just as many ways of seeing the Ten Sefirot based on our Studies this is our perception of them.
Please keep in mind due to limited space you can find the diagram of the Ten Sefirot here on our blog http://thelightinchristministry.blogspot.com/.
(10) The Malkuth is Presence or the Physical Kingdom this is the place we live in day to day. This would be called by many the 99%. This is the place where we strive to have the things of the Physical, answers where we can see touch and feel. This is the image as we see it of Jesus’ Feet on the Cross.
(9) The Yesod is Foundation, this is the place of the foundation of our faith. This is where we start to seek a better understanding of the world we live in. This is the place where we start our walk with the Lord and seek to have a greater understanding from him. This is the image as we see it of Jesus’ Body on the Cross.
(8) The Hod is Splendor, this is the place that as we grow stronger in our faith and knowledge of the Torah, we can begin to see the splendor in everything Adonai has created. This is the image as we see it of Jesus’ Left arm on the Cross.
(7) The Netzakh is Eternity, at this point in our walk we start to gain a better understanding that there is more to our lives than just what we perceived to be in the physical. This is the image as we see it of Jesus’ Right arm on the Cross.
Take a close look at the detailed image that we are creating. Jesus spreads his arms and what do you behold, Splendor and Eternity. If that doesn’t make you stop and look at the Cross from a different point of view then we surly don’t know what else will.
(6) The Tiphareth is Beauty or Compassion, This is the point we reach as we strive to be more Christ like. At this point in your walk you should have started to become more compassionate of other around you, and be striving to show others the beauty of the Lord through your walk with him, through all of your actions and deeds. We image this to be the point of Jesus’ head on the Cross covered with the crown of thorns. For as he spoke the only way to the Father is through me. This we believe to be his meaning, that with out achieving this point in your walk, will you ever be able to achieve your walk in the Upper 5 Sefirot.
Please keep in mind when reading our Articles and even in your daily reading of the Bible that Jewish culture is covered throughout with images. It is for us as humans a gift from God to help us to visualize their contents and their meanings.
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!
The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX
Stepping out of the Comfort Zone 6
We introduced the Ten Sefirot last week and explained the three columns and their meaning. The diagram of the Ten Sefirot and the meanings we are using can be found on our Blog site by using this link,
http://thelightinchristministry.blogspot.com/. This week we are going to discus the aspects of the separation between the Upper 5 Sefirot and the Lower 5 Sefirot. These aspects are taught as the Upper Kingdom and the Lower Kingdom.
To start with this explanation we need to evaluate the Garden of Eden, prior to Adam and Eve eating the fruit of the Tree of Good and Evil. When Adonai created the earth, these two worlds were combined; Physical and Spiritual were as one. We can explain it this way, Adams mind was able to be in both the Spiritual realm and the Physical realm at the same time. This meaning he was able to maintain 50% in the Physical world and 50% in the Spiritual world.
It is explained in Jewish Mystical teachings that today we live in the 99% Physical world and 1% Spiritual world. The keys to the Ten Sefirot are for one to use these tools to achieve a greater percentage in the Spiritual thereby reducing the amount in the Physical.
It is our observations of Jesus that he walked in this reality of 50% - 50%. In order to illustrate so you may understand our though process, we have chosen three different Scriptures. Let us look at Matthew 3:17, Matthew 17:2 and the third is Acts 9:3. In the first 2 of these Scriptures Jesus is still living in the Physical world, the area of the bottom 5 Sefirot. The first is where he is baptized by John and the second is on the Mount of Transfiguration. In both of these instances we see the Light of the Or Haganuz while in both of these situations there are no stories of this Light blinding any who were present. Much like when the people of Israel were in the desert and Adonai came to them in a cloud to give them the Torah at Mt. Sinai. Now to the third situation, Jesus had been put to death and had risen to the 5 Upper levels of the Sefirot, he was living in the 99% Spiritual and 1% Physical at this time, he meets Saul on the Road to Damascus and the Light projected from the Or Haganuz is so great it blinds him. The point in this illustration is that the best we can ever hope to achieve in our Physical existence is to strive to achieve a 50% - 50% mix between the spiritual and the Physical. It is only when our Soul returns to the 99% Spiritual and the 1% Physical do we really achieve the full Light of the Or Haganuz.
Have you ever stopped to look at the little child after their birth? Did you ever wonder what there were thinking when they came into the light, and out of the womb?
Jesus speaks Blessed are the little Children for they are the Kingdom of God. Most theologians try to explain this by saying they are our further. To a Mystical Jew this has a very different meaning. When we are born we are the closet to the Kingdom. What is meant here is they are still more in the spiritual than the physical, they still maintain that connection with the upper parts of the Ten Sefirot. The sad part of all this is as we grow we parents try to bring them into reality by telling them that there imaginary friends are not real, and what they see and feel is wrong.
In reading about the life of Edgar Cayce as a child he could place a school book under his pillow at night before he went to sleep and in the morning had the knowledge of all that was in that book.
We live in the Physical world so we try to explain these things in terms of the Physical aspects of what we can see, touch and feel. If something comes along which is beyond those senses we claim it to be a miracle of God. Did you ever stop to think that these are not Miracles, but how Adonai created the universe to be?
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX.
http://thelightinchristministry.blogspot.com/. This week we are going to discus the aspects of the separation between the Upper 5 Sefirot and the Lower 5 Sefirot. These aspects are taught as the Upper Kingdom and the Lower Kingdom.
To start with this explanation we need to evaluate the Garden of Eden, prior to Adam and Eve eating the fruit of the Tree of Good and Evil. When Adonai created the earth, these two worlds were combined; Physical and Spiritual were as one. We can explain it this way, Adams mind was able to be in both the Spiritual realm and the Physical realm at the same time. This meaning he was able to maintain 50% in the Physical world and 50% in the Spiritual world.
It is explained in Jewish Mystical teachings that today we live in the 99% Physical world and 1% Spiritual world. The keys to the Ten Sefirot are for one to use these tools to achieve a greater percentage in the Spiritual thereby reducing the amount in the Physical.
It is our observations of Jesus that he walked in this reality of 50% - 50%. In order to illustrate so you may understand our though process, we have chosen three different Scriptures. Let us look at Matthew 3:17, Matthew 17:2 and the third is Acts 9:3. In the first 2 of these Scriptures Jesus is still living in the Physical world, the area of the bottom 5 Sefirot. The first is where he is baptized by John and the second is on the Mount of Transfiguration. In both of these instances we see the Light of the Or Haganuz while in both of these situations there are no stories of this Light blinding any who were present. Much like when the people of Israel were in the desert and Adonai came to them in a cloud to give them the Torah at Mt. Sinai. Now to the third situation, Jesus had been put to death and had risen to the 5 Upper levels of the Sefirot, he was living in the 99% Spiritual and 1% Physical at this time, he meets Saul on the Road to Damascus and the Light projected from the Or Haganuz is so great it blinds him. The point in this illustration is that the best we can ever hope to achieve in our Physical existence is to strive to achieve a 50% - 50% mix between the spiritual and the Physical. It is only when our Soul returns to the 99% Spiritual and the 1% Physical do we really achieve the full Light of the Or Haganuz.
Have you ever stopped to look at the little child after their birth? Did you ever wonder what there were thinking when they came into the light, and out of the womb?
Jesus speaks Blessed are the little Children for they are the Kingdom of God. Most theologians try to explain this by saying they are our further. To a Mystical Jew this has a very different meaning. When we are born we are the closet to the Kingdom. What is meant here is they are still more in the spiritual than the physical, they still maintain that connection with the upper parts of the Ten Sefirot. The sad part of all this is as we grow we parents try to bring them into reality by telling them that there imaginary friends are not real, and what they see and feel is wrong.
In reading about the life of Edgar Cayce as a child he could place a school book under his pillow at night before he went to sleep and in the morning had the knowledge of all that was in that book.
We live in the Physical world so we try to explain these things in terms of the Physical aspects of what we can see, touch and feel. If something comes along which is beyond those senses we claim it to be a miracle of God. Did you ever stop to think that these are not Miracles, but how Adonai created the universe to be?
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Stepping out of the Comfort Zone 5
Last week we introduced the Ten Sefirot of Ancient Jewish Mystical Teachings, in order to give some clarity to this we are going to try to illustrate the Ten Sefirot and how we relate them to Jesus.
Although all Hebrew words have several different meanings for the purpose of our discussions here the following is the definitions we will use.
(1) The Kether is Adonai (The Lord God Most High)
(2) The Chokhman is Wisdom
(3) The Binah is Understanding
(4) The Chesed is Love
(5) The Geburah is Power or (Judgment)
(6) The Tiphareth is Beauty or Compassion to us this is the place that
represents Jesus Christ.
(7) The Netzakh is Eternity
(8) The Hod is Splendor
(9) The Yesod is Foundation
(10) The Malkuth is Presence or the Physical Kingdom.
First thing that we wish to cover here is that the Ten Sefirot, are looked upon as Left, Center, and Right. Just look at the Trintiy, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The Left Side of the Sefirot represents the Spiritual Kingdom, The Kingdom of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) the female side of Creation.
The Center represents the Adonai (The Lord God Most High) and how we are all part of his world. It represents both Male and Female and the Ideal balance between Divine Mercy and Devine Justice.
The Right Side of the Sefirot is the Physical Kingdom, the male aspects of this world.
If we take a look at the words of the Lords Prayer found in the book of Matthew given by Jesus these are some key words to look at. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!
The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX.
(1) The Kether is Adonai (The Lord God Most High)
(2) The Chokhman is Wisdom
(3) The Binah is Understanding
(4) The Chesed is Love
(5) The Geburah is Power or (Judgment)
(6) The Tiphareth is Beauty or Compassion to us this is the place that
represents Jesus Christ.
(7) The Netzakh is Eternity
(8) The Hod is Splendor
(9) The Yesod is Foundation
(10) The Malkuth is Presence or the Physical Kingdom.
First thing that we wish to cover here is that the Ten Sefirot, are looked upon as Left, Center, and Right. Just look at the Trintiy, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The Left Side of the Sefirot represents the Spiritual Kingdom, The Kingdom of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) the female side of Creation.
The Center represents the Adonai (The Lord God Most High) and how we are all part of his world. It represents both Male and Female and the Ideal balance between Divine Mercy and Devine Justice.
The Right Side of the Sefirot is the Physical Kingdom, the male aspects of this world.
If we take a look at the words of the Lords Prayer found in the book of Matthew given by Jesus these are some key words to look at. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!
The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Stepping out of the Comfort Zone 4
As we listen to the song “I Want To Know You” by SonicFlood the question that comes to mind for us is just what was it like to be one of the 12 disciples of Jesus? To walk with him during his Ministry, to listen to him preach, for him to teach us how to reach out and receive all the gifts and power of the universe that Adonai (The Lord God Most High) created at the inception of this world.
It is told in Ancient Jewish Mystical teachings that when Adonai created the world he knew many people will not be able to access the Light. When Saul met Jesus on the road he was blinded by the Light. In this example it is meant to show that one is unable to be in direct contact with such Light without the proper spiritual preparation to accept such a gift. God has protected us from accessing this Light by requiring us to perform certain duties or Mitzvoth in order to achieve this spiritual blessing. This Spiritual Light we are referring in Aramaic is called “Or Haganuz” which also means the Lofty Light, or literally the Concealed Light. This Light originates from the upper spiritual dimension known as Binah, which is the eight dimensional level of the Tree of Life. In each one of us is a connection to the Or Haganuz, in previous generations it was only for the righteous to enter and connect to the Or Haganuz.
We would like to make an important point here that before Jesus it was the Job of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) to spread this spiritual Light, everything that the Kohen Gadol did was for the purpose of sharing and doing the spiritual work for all the people. With the advent of Jesus’ death on the Cross it removed the need for the Kohen Gadol to intercede on our behalf to bring this Light of Binah to us. The example we will use here is that we could achieve this level by following the Mitzvoth directed in Torah. Bringing our first fruits to be sacrificed before Adonai where the Kohen Gadol would intercede on our behalf.
So just what was it that Jesus taught the disciples in private? Let’s look at it this way. It is our belief that Jesus taught them how to achieve this level of Binah. There are many aspects of his teachings which are lost, and it is our belief with justifiable cause. Adonai is still concealing the Or Haganuz from all. This can only be achieved by means of prayer and devotion to his Mitzvoth. How are the disciples able to achieve the miracles?
Most Christian theologians desire you to believe that this was only achieved by the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit). It is there understanding and teachings that only through the Ruach HaKodesh are these miracles possible for one to achieve. One thing that is interesting is Peter did not have the Ruach HaKodesh upon him when he walked on the water towards Jesus. When he falls into the water and Jesus saved him the question Jesus asked him can lead one to really think about the event. What did Jesus really mean when he told him oh yea of little faith? Maybe he was really saying all that I have taught you and you still don’t see, what you can achieve.
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX.
It is told in Ancient Jewish Mystical teachings that when Adonai created the world he knew many people will not be able to access the Light. When Saul met Jesus on the road he was blinded by the Light. In this example it is meant to show that one is unable to be in direct contact with such Light without the proper spiritual preparation to accept such a gift. God has protected us from accessing this Light by requiring us to perform certain duties or Mitzvoth in order to achieve this spiritual blessing. This Spiritual Light we are referring in Aramaic is called “Or Haganuz” which also means the Lofty Light, or literally the Concealed Light. This Light originates from the upper spiritual dimension known as Binah, which is the eight dimensional level of the Tree of Life. In each one of us is a connection to the Or Haganuz, in previous generations it was only for the righteous to enter and connect to the Or Haganuz.
We would like to make an important point here that before Jesus it was the Job of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) to spread this spiritual Light, everything that the Kohen Gadol did was for the purpose of sharing and doing the spiritual work for all the people. With the advent of Jesus’ death on the Cross it removed the need for the Kohen Gadol to intercede on our behalf to bring this Light of Binah to us. The example we will use here is that we could achieve this level by following the Mitzvoth directed in Torah. Bringing our first fruits to be sacrificed before Adonai where the Kohen Gadol would intercede on our behalf.
So just what was it that Jesus taught the disciples in private? Let’s look at it this way. It is our belief that Jesus taught them how to achieve this level of Binah. There are many aspects of his teachings which are lost, and it is our belief with justifiable cause. Adonai is still concealing the Or Haganuz from all. This can only be achieved by means of prayer and devotion to his Mitzvoth. How are the disciples able to achieve the miracles?
Most Christian theologians desire you to believe that this was only achieved by the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit). It is there understanding and teachings that only through the Ruach HaKodesh are these miracles possible for one to achieve. One thing that is interesting is Peter did not have the Ruach HaKodesh upon him when he walked on the water towards Jesus. When he falls into the water and Jesus saved him the question Jesus asked him can lead one to really think about the event. What did Jesus really mean when he told him oh yea of little faith? Maybe he was really saying all that I have taught you and you still don’t see, what you can achieve.
The Lord Bless you and Protect you!
The Lord deal kindly and graciously with you!
The Lord bestow His favor upon you and grant you peace!The Articles presented here are copy written by The Light In Christ Ministry in Sherman, TX.
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