Why Christendom MUST rethink evangelizing Jews.

Posted on November 24, 2016 by Pete Rambo

Have you ever wondered why God divided Israel?  By that I mean, what was His purpose?  And, what does that purpose have to do with the respective roles of Judah and Ephraim?  Further, how does this relate to evangelizing/missionizing?  All of these are interesting and progressively more serious questions that challenge some of our established (inherited) thought patterns.  So, let’s explore some recent ponderings I have had.  We may not answer all of the questions, but we can begin to wrestle with a new level of understanding.

mizpahAt the Second B’ney Yosef Congress, Tommy and Dorothy Wilson led the Shabbat midrash from the first Genesis portion, focusing on Adam and Chava in the second and third chapters.  We considered that at the completion of creation, it was ‘tov meod,’ ‘very good,’ yet, just a few verses later we see that God says, ‘it is not good that the man should be alone…’  Adam was complete within himself, perfect, however there was something more that God wanted to do to display His glory to and in Creation.  Thus, He reached into Adam and drew out a part of him that was then fashioned into Chava, the help-meet and partner.

The Creation Story is about dividing and bringing together.  We see in day one a separation and gathering of light from darkness.  Day two waters of earth and sky are separated and gathered.  Day three water and earth are separated and gathered.

Each of these separations and gatherings shows us something of the majesty of Creation and thus the majesty of the Creator.  If we had only light, we could not see the magnificent stars and Continue reading →

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The missing ‘yod’ arrived…. (pics)

Posted on November 22, 2016 by Pete Rambo

Hey, guys!  A couple days ago I told you about the Shema I ordered from WallWritten.com, and some sharper eyes than mine noticed that I overlooked a missing ‘yod.’  Well, it came yesterday and I have had time this evening to finish the lettering I was using for a border on the east side of our living room.  Following are a couple pics for your enjoyment.

The second two phrases are Psalm 137:5-6,

If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
May my right hand forget.

Continue reading →

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The Jerusalem Debate: An excellent series on a challenging topic….

Posted on November 19, 2016 by Pete Rambo

20161023_093414-1Having just returned from Jerusalem and celebrating my second feast in the Land, I can tell you that being there changes me.  You may also understand from numerous travel posts concerning our most recent trip, being in Israel at the pilgrim feasts has a profound effect on Judah to see us in the Land.

Oddly, there are a number of objections given for why some people do not go up for the feasts.  Following is an introduction to the subject written by Sue Wyatt with some forewords by the Barking Fox and then a series of short articles written by Bob Parham and hosted by Lamb’s Servant.

I HIGHLY recommend taking the time to think through and wrestle with this material.  You will be challenged and, I think, changed!   Buckle your seat belt….

The Jerusalem Debate – Introduction | The Lamb’s Servant

 

The Jerusalem Debate – Eleven Objections and Responses | The Lamb’s Servant

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Shema!! Here is something SPECIAL for you!! (Updated!)

Posted on November 17, 2016 by Pete Rambo

Wall Written has corrected MY oversight and the missing yod has been found….  😉  Updated pics below and on their website.  Available in various sizes and 0ver 45 colors!!

I am quite excited!!  I was going to wait to share this cool information, but the cat is out of the bag!

detail_4659_12771_-_detailWe have recently repainted our living room and I wanted a border high on the wall.  After playing with some ideas I came to the conclusion that it would be really cool if I could have several verses in the original Hebrew script….  But, the cost!

Well, the idea is still in development as it has continued through some additional twists, but the first part is finished as a wall vinyl…  and, you too can have one at a most reasonable price, in the color and size of your choice! First, look at this shot of how the Shema will look.  It even has the enlarged ayin and dalet.

It started with me reaching out to WallWritten.com and asking if they could do Hebrew Script.  Melissa replied that if I could send the text, Continue reading →

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Spirit-filled Orthodox Jews? Paradigm-shifting.

Posted on November 15, 2016 by Pete Rambo

My right knee is pretty sore.  I really should have stretched before starting to inline skate, but such is the way with a 49 year old that thinks he is 19 years old!  The bottom line is that I am thankful I have nothing more than a stretched (strained) ligament in my knee and though it is quite sore, I will recover.

I have learned that our Father is a bit more tender than the pavement in stretching us and 20161024_215220-2generally, He is quite patient if we will work with Him and allow Him to stretch us.  My family and I began this Hebraic/Messianic walk about five years ago and it has been a process of stretching and recovering from each successive step that our Father has led us through.

Each step has taken us out of this box or that box, shifting our paradigms and helping us to learn and grow and understand Him and His Word more.  Some steps have been HUGE.  The first six to eight months of this journey was like wrapping my mouth on a firehose.  My head almost exploded!  But, graciously, after each new step, Father gives us periods of time wherein we can recover and process and adjust to our new paradigm before He leads us farther forward.

The past five weeks or so have been one stretching paradigm-shifting event after another.  We had been in a somewhat relaxed/recovery phase before our recent trip to Israel, but He shook us up good on this trip and so stretched us that it has been much like those early days drinking from a fire hose.  I am still processing so much. Continue reading →

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Davening in the rear galley of a 777

Posted on November 14, 2016 by Pete Rambo

There are still so many stories bubbling up from our recent trip to Israel.  It was such an  incredible trip that I am still processing the many events.  Even our flight home was ‘off the chain…’

20161114_200619During our 21 days in the Land, we were blessed to have many close and personal encounters with Brother Judah.  It is what we had prayed for, but the Father’s answers far exceeded our expectations.  I prayed for more on the flight home knowing there would be many Orthodox on the plane.

With five of us traveling and the 777 having three seats across the center section, Kelly and I chose to sit in the center section and leave the boys in the three seats that were on the window side of the aisle.  I selected the aisle seat for a little more leg room and put Kelly in the center.  Initially a lady was trying to get situated in the seat to Kelly’s left.  I helped her put away luggage, etc…  Then, just before we pushed back from the concourse in Tel Aviv, an Orthodox gentleman in black hat and coat stepped up and through very broken English asked if Kelly and I could change places.  At first, I was confused by his sudden appearance, then, understanding that he was related to the woman and did not want to rub elbows with Kelly, I quickly made the switch.  I wanted to protect him.

Quietly, I thanked Abba for putting him next to me.

We settled in for a 12 hour flight and I Continue reading →

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The beauty of a bridge…

Posted on November 12, 2016 by Pete Rambo

The events of this past week on the US Presidential stage as well as in global economic and military arenas have been nothing short of amazing.  But, something far greater has begun taking shape and though it is invisible to all but a few, it will be more earth shaking than we can imagine.  Scripture paints a grim picture for the latter days, so in the Trump Presidency, at least for the near term, we appear to have been granted a narrow window of opportunity.  Time will tell just how large or small that window.

calatrava-1Quietly, another revolution is in the making, and it will soon shake the world.  Prophecy demands that it does.  I’m not talking, at least not directly, of the growing Hebrew roots movement as hundreds of thousands of Christians are being awakened by the Spirit to their roots and heritage of Torah, though that is certainly part of the equation, rather, I want to share a bit about what I have witnessed over the last month, culminating in an amazing letter I will share.

It is now about ten days since we returned from a three week period in Israel.  Most of my family along with dear friends and fellow B’ney Yosef North America executives, Tommy and Dorothy Wilson as well as Al and Char McCarn and their daughter, Katie, went to the Land with the prayerful hope that Abba would reveal Himself and what He is doing in our day.  We wanted to interact with Judah and experience in a small way the prophesied future of dry bones living and two sticks becoming one.  I did not think Abba could have spoken any more clearly or filled our cup in any greater way.  Just read the numerous posts from the last four weeks concerning experiences in the Land!!  Then, I received the following letter. Continue reading →

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Behold! Geulah draws nigh!

Posted on November 8, 2016 by Pete Rambo

Miriam was more than perplexed.  She was filled with awe and wonder and holy fear.  Who was she that she should be given the incredible favor to be visited by a brilliant messenger 20161015_165354_001and hear not only that the promises of the Most High were about to be fulfilled, but that she, a humble righteous one would actually get to participate!

She could share some of what she knew, but most had to be held closely to the vest and wait on the Lord to unfold in His time.  What wonder and excitement she must have felt.  Then, to gather with Elizabeth who had another piece of the puzzle, another part of the whole, and compare notes?  It brought a flood of tears of joy!!  Not only was she not crazy and not alone, but the sudden revelation that the Father was working in multiple ways, through multiple people and yet keeping hidden, for a time the plan that was being manifest.

What must that heady cocktail of emotion, Divine Presence and deep conviction have felt like?  How joyous to share with a few who knew and understood?  How challenging to stand, even move forward, in the face of the myriad doubters and question filled observers?

I woke this morning pondering Ezra, Nehemiah, Miriam (Mary), Joseph, Elizabeth, Moses and many others who ‘happened’ to live at a critical juncture in prophecy and were gifted not only with the eyes to see, but the opportunity to participate! Each had a journey Continue reading →

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Excellent Article in Breaking Israel News

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Pete Rambo

Following is a link for a terrific article in Breaking Israel News by Eliyahu Berkowitz.  Overall, this is a terrific article about some of the amazing things that happened in Ariel Israel.  Maybe a couple little details that I would present differently, but I am so happy that Eliyahu has given us a little coverage and is watching to see what amazing thing our father is doing among the non-Jews.

Read and enjoy!

B’ney Yosef Declares Birth of New Nation: Brothers of Judah

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A day in the Golan…

Posted on November 6, 2016 by Pete Rambo

We’ve been home several days now, but there is still so much to share from our 21 days in Israel.  Maybe tomorrow I can share about davening in the rear galley of a 777 and two incredible conversations on the way home, but this evening I want to share some video and pictures from our last day of touring.

Last year, I made the mistake of booking flights that caused us to miss the last half day of the Congress, so I overcompensated this year by scheduling us to leave two days after the Second B’ney Yosef Congress ended.  Frankly, it was a good choice as I needed to just lounge around the hotel for a day before getting back in gear.  The last day we were in the Land, we had the option of joining the Connect to Israel Tour with Hanoch Young and Mikel Clayton, for their trip to Shiloh, Itamar and Har Bracha, or we could set out in our rental cars and drive all over the Golan.  Honestly, it was a tough choice, but Mike reviewed the map with me and said he thought the boys would enjoy and get more out of Gamla and the Peace Overlook than riding a bus to Elon Morei and the wine tasting at Har Bracha.

We set out at dawn, driving through the quiet winding roads of eastern Samaria being careful to avoid a few Palestinian towns known to be less than pleasant.  Our first stop was 20161101_075708at an overlook of the Jordan valley as we got onto the eastern side of the mountains for our descent to route 90.

Once in the valley we took a left and paralleled the Jordan River up the valley until the base of the Knerret, or Sea of Galilee.  From there we drove east a few kilometers to find route 98 and wound our way us the steep slopes onto the very flat plateau known as the Golan Heights.

The Golan Heights are a critical piece of real estate that Israel captured in the 1973 Yom Kippur War with Syria and Egypt among others.  20161101_092104Until this war, the very high plateau of the Golan had been used to shell Israeli farmers and settles in the much lower valley around the Sea of Galilee.  Capturing this key area was a prime objective to insure the security of Israeli citizens.  Further, it added very fertile plains for cattle (think: fat cows of Bashan) and farming.

The Summers in Israel are hot and dry.  Sukkot is a time to pray for rain and usually, during the feast, the first rains of Fall arrive.  We did not see any during the Feast, but experienced a torrential downpour on our way to the Peace Overlook, our first stop on this day tour of the area. Continue reading →

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Where’s Wald…, er, Rambo?

Posted on November 5, 2016 by Pete Rambo

I guess you guys can tell, I’ve finally gotten over the writing hold up.  A combination of fatigue and being too full of all the incredible stuff I have been processing that I have not been able to write. Mostly, I just felt overwhelmed and have had no idea where to start…

Well, here is a fun quick post.

Friend Greg Raley sent me a picture titled ‘Where’s Wald…, er, Rambo?’  Of course, I immediately got the allusion and then, seeing the pic made it fun and funny.  I didn’t realize he was on the way to the Mount as we approached the Kotel, but here is the pic he took of us…  See if you can find us… (click for larger pic…)

Oh, and Al McCarn is in the pic, too.  He’s a bit harder to find.

20161029_191259

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Dividing and Gathering

Posted on November 5, 2016 by Pete Rambo

20161029_165208During last week’s Torah Portion, Tommy and Dorothy Wilson, while leading the Shabbat discussion at the Second B’ney Yosef Congress, made a statement that I found very interesting and insightful.  Of course, the Portion was Bresheit and their focus was on the creation and fall of Adam and Chava.

As we read the Portion, we noted the dividing and bringing together of light and dark into one day, the dividing of waters below waters and the sky, then the dividing of waters and land, etc, etc.  In each case, the dividing revealed something and the bringing together revealed something else in how each relates to the other and how together he parts reveal aspects of the Creator.

This process culminates in the dividing out of Chava from Adam.  He was perfect, yet, Abba chose to divide him, taking Chava out of him and then immediately bringing the two back together.  We know, quite well, that men and women are different and that each reveals different aspects of the Father.  Man and woman started as one, were divided.  Fell in rebellion and are in the process of being restored.

All of this we know.  Continue reading →

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There shall be signs in the heavens….

Posted on November 5, 2016 by Pete Rambo
20161030_223553

Al and Char McCarn, Mark and Polly Webb, Pete and Kelly Rambo, David Altman

As we were touring parts of Israel in the days prior to the Second B’ney Yosef National Congress, I found myself, more than a few times, looking forward to talking to BYNA Elder Mark Webb who I knew would be in attendance.  As Father’s plan would have it, Kelly and I were seated at the same table with Mark and Pollyanna the very evening we arrived at the Eshel Hashomron.

Mark is a gentle giant that I had the pleasure of meeting last year at the First Congress and have gotten to know better at each step along the way.  While speaking with him on a cool March evening outside of a Thai restaurant in St Petersburg before the BYNA Summit, I learned that he and Polly are avid students of astronomy and the signs that appear in the heavens.  Knowing that he has really believed for some time that 2017 is a significant time period, my immediate question, once caught up on each other’s lives and families, was to ask what new things he has been seeing and what his current thoughts are regarding eschatology.

Mark did not disappoint.  Because there were several other couples seated at the table who may not have been aware of Biblical astronomy and the Hebrew use of the mazeroth, Mark began with some quick background and examples, such as Daniel, for studying the stars. Then, he shared a HUGE piece of information. Continue reading →

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Two great lights and a lot of fireworks…

Posted on November 5, 2016 by Pete Rambo

20161030_134238We had had a wonderful day with several Breaking Israel News reporters on the last day of the Second B’ney Yosef Congress when Al McCarn and I had the privilege of driving Eliyahu Berkowitz back to his home in Katsrin, north of the Knerret.  When we arrived, he invited us in for coffee and gave us a copy of a fictional work he has written titled The Hope Merchant.  As we were preparing to leave for the two hour drive back to the hotel he said, “We need to conclude with a lesson.  I have just the one from the Gemara.”

He hunted a rather large book case for a reference book, then found the directions to a particular volume and page that contained the nugget he wanted to share.  After sitting with the large volume, Eliyahu began to read in Hebrew and translate on the fly into English.

I must have been really tired because I was having trouble focusing and following the story, then, BAM!  Fireworks went off in my head!

Eliyahu read, Continue reading →

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Ephraim and Rimona Frank’s concluding thoughts on the Second B’ney Yosef Congress

Posted on November 4, 2016 by Pete Rambo

Following are thoughts penned by Ephraim and Rimona Frank upon the conclusion of the Second B’ney Yosef Congress.  They are published with permission.

Overview of the Second Bney Yosef National Congress

The dedication of the First Temple in Jerusalem took place on the 7th month, during Succot, and beyond, with additional seven days of celebration (ref. 1 Kings 8:65, 66). Similarly, the celebration of Succot was restored in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah, but following that celebration, on the 24th day of the 7th month the returning remnant from Babylon donned sackcloth and ashes and took stock of their disobedience to YHVH and His Torah (ref. Nehemiah 8:16 ff).

20161027_102544-1These two monumental events in the lives of our forefathers were echoed in some small way in the 2nd Bney Yosef National Congress which commenced immediately after Succot (on the 24th day of the 7th month), on the hills of Ephraim in the town of Ariel. Yes, the event was almost an overflow of the joy of the Feast, and went on for the next 5 days. Yet, it was also a time of humbling and repentance for the Israelite family gathered from 14 countries; from as far as the islands of Indonesia and Fiji, to the southern tip of Africa and all the way to North and South America and other continents and countries in between. Fourteen representatives gave brief reports on their countries of origin, and thus we were privileged to meet and hear from lesser known people groups, such as an Australian Aboriginal lady, Indonesian Papuans, and a Peruvian sister, not to Continue reading →

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