The ‘ger’ was expected to do what??

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Pete Rambo

We’ve discussed ‘one law for all.’  Honestly, the alien/sojourner, the ger who joined him/herself to Israel is expected to do it all…  Look at this list of requirements from the Torah:

  • Keep the Sabbath (Ex. 20:10; Deu. 5:14)  (Targumim translate ‘within your gates’ as ‘in your cities/towns’)
  • Observe Pesach (Ex. 12:48-49)
  • Observe Feast of Unleavened/Chag HaMotzot  (Ex. 12:19) or be ‘cut off.’
  • Observe Shavuot (Deu. 16:10-11)
  • Observe Yom Kippur (Lev. 16:29)
  • Observe Sukkot (Deu. 16:13-14) (Same note as above on Targumim)
  • Participate in sacrifices (Lev. 17:8-9; 22:17-18, 31; Num. 15:14-16)
  • Observe all laws of purity!!  (Lev. 17:12, 15; 18:26; Num. 19:10;  (Proper observance of sacrifices and festivals required ritual purity!)
  • Obey moral laws (Lev. 24:16; Num. 15:14-16, 26, 29-30)

NOTE:  I was going to put an asterisk next to each verse where the Chumash incorrectly translates ger as ‘proselyte’ or ‘convert,’ but after looking all of them up I realized that at least they were consistent in their bias.  All of the preceding verses cited incorrectly translate ger. In doing so, they ‘anachronistically’ apply Second Temple Judaic proselyte conversion to the ger of the Torah, thus ‘adding’ to the Word of God.  But, we have written about that.  Hardly a… nuance.

But, there is hope.  Maybe the translators of the Chumash got tired or careless….  They got it right near the end of the Torah: Continue reading →

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The solid Rock of…. the Rabbis?!?

Posted on August 21, 2014 by Pete Rambo

I’m on whopping page 39 of Tim Hegg’s shifting-sandFellow Heirs and already have dozens of margin notes and thoughts.  While some come directly from his writing, others  not necessarily related to his topic have been generated  by something he says.  This is one of those thoughts…

Now, before I lay this thought out there, I have to state clearly, I am NOT unfairly addressing the Rabbis.  I am an “equal opportunity offender” and have dressed down many Christian theologians, Reformers, translators and doctrines. So, in addressing something with the Rabbis, it is not personal, just the business of seeking truth!  Fair?

Hegg, on page 21 said,

The Sages, following the destruction of the Temple, ruled that in lieu of the sacrifice an equivalent payment of money was required: “Our Rabbis taught: A proselyte in these days has to put aside a fourth [of a denar] for his sacrifice of birds.  Said R. Simeon: R. Johanan b. Zakkai held a vote on this rule and abolished it for fear of misuse.  Said R. Idi b. Gershom in the name of R. Adda son of Ahaba, The decision is according to R. Simeon.”   Once again, the fact that a Sage of the stature of Johanan B. Zakkai should seek to abolish the halachah because he saw it as potentially dangerous, should tell us that this requirement was also in some state of flux before the destruction of the Temple.  [Rabbinic quote footnoted from b. Keritot 9a in Fellow Heirs, by Tim Hegg]

Those two mentions of ‘abolish’ in regard to halachah hit me like a bolt of lightning!  Of course!  Halachah can change and is therefore Continue reading →

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Tales from the Bus. Wilfredo.

Posted on August 20, 2014 by Pete Rambo

I got emotional this morning as I picked up a new 2nd or 3rd grade passenger, a smiling chap named Wilfredo.0ebe777a684f562898a53431348553af

Just yesterday afternoon, the second day of school, I was introduced to this young immigrant from Guatemala who speaks not a word of English!  Apparently, the previous day he had accidentally gotten on the wrong bus and had no clue how to communicate anything, never-mind his new address, etc to the new bus driver.  After he wound up at the bus office with frantic parents and school officials trying to sort the situation, you can imagine why yesterday the whole family was standing in front of the house, visibly relieved, when I dropped him off at the right place and time.  Smiles, waving and the littlest children leaping for joy.  Wilfredo was home!!!

I was an immigrant once.  Growing up as the eldest son of missionaries in the jungles of South America, I remember not knowing anyone, the language, culture, etc.  I learned, but it took time and I never felt like I fit in.  Even today, being a ‘third culture kid,’ I never feel quite like I fit in, so my heart really went out to Wilfredo as he boarded my bus.  Brave!

“Buenos dias, Como le va?” I greeted and he replied, amazed as are a few other Hispanics on my bus that I speak semi-fluent Spanish with a correct accent.  I am so glad that I can help him adjust and feel safe and secure in this transition.

After I dropped him off, as we began rolling I was suddenly overwhelmed with emotion Continue reading →

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The ‘ger,’ the Chumash and Anachronism

Posted on August 17, 2014 by Pete Rambo

anach·ro·nism  noun \ə-ˈna-krə-ˌni-zəm\

: something (such as a word, an object, or an event) that is mistakenly placed in a time where it does not belong in a story, movie, etc.

: a person or a thing that seems to belong to the past and not to fit in the present

Full Definition of ANACHRONISMMerriam Webster Dictionary

1:  an error in chronology; especially :  a chronological misplacing of persons, events, objects, or customs in regard to each other
2:  a person or a thing that is chronologically out of place; especially :  one from a former age that is incongruous in the present
3:  the state or condition of being chronologically out of place  Merriam-Webster Dictionary

In one of the ongoing blog discussions that I participate in concerning the Torah and its applicability today in the lives of non-Jewish believers, a friend likes to point out ‘anachronisms,’ or, as he might phrase it, ‘an improper application of a commandment given in one time period by a person or group in another time period.’

Lately, one of the topics has been ‘One Law’ as explained by JK McKee in his recently reviewed book titled One Law for All, and a major point of discussion is whether the commandments concerning the ‘ger’ have any relevance today.  In fact, my friend, James, says, Continue reading →

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One Law for All? Reviewing JK McKee, Pt. 2

Posted on August 14, 2014 by Pete Rambo

It’s like dueling banjos, only James’ is a half step ahead of me…  LOL!

In part one of this review I took a general overview of JK McKee’s One Law For All and shared what I found to be the most significant message of the book, his call for grace and unity as this work of God unfolds in our generation. OneLawForAll In this portion we’ll dig into the meat of his One Law perspective and some of my thoughts.

I did mention in the first part that McKee limited himself to five texts from the Torah to make his case, while establishing that the Second Temple Judaic idea or system of ‘proselyte’ conversion did not exist until at least the Babylonian exile.  This was a bold move in opening the door for going back to the original texts and trying to understand them in the context of their original giving.  As such, he removes from the table a substantial portion of the historical layering of both early and later Rabbinic Judaism which can easily cloud the original Divine intent.

Presumably, the reason he selected these five texts, Exodus 12:48-49; Leviticus 7:7; Leviticus 24:22; Numbers 9:14; Numbers 15:15-16 & 29-30, is because these are the ones that many use in pointing to ‘one law’ for the ger/alien/sojourner as well as for the native of the land.  He correctly points out in a short addressing of Leviticus 7:7 that this sometimes misused verse need be taken off the table.  With the remaining four, however, he establishes the breadth of Torah that the sojourner was to learn and come to follow.

Exodus 12:48-49 is the first place we see the idea of the same law applying to both ger and to natural born sons of Israel.  McKee points out that this is significant in that it occurs before Sinai while they were still in Egypt.  Even more interesting was his pointing out that Continue reading →

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One Law for All? Reviewing JK McKee Pt. 1

Posted on August 13, 2014 by Pete Rambo

Lately, this blog and James Pyles, of My Morning Meditations, have had a considerable amount of interaction.  It really started with in the lengthy discussion after my negative review of Boaz Michael’s Tent of David and blossomed into a healthy discussion across multiple posts and an agreement to review and discuss the same book at the same time.  I suggested JK McKee’s One Law For All OneLawForAllbecause it covers subject matter that is historically divisive, yet James and I firmly believe we can have spirited interaction without abandoning the Fruit of the Spirit.

In that vein, I invite you to enter into discussion with the ground rule that we can agree to disagree, but we will treat each other with grace and kindness.

Several years ago, recognizing the number of divisive topics in the Messianic movement, McKee set out to create a series titled ‘confronting issues.’  While already being heavily published with a broad spectrum of Messianic scholarly works, this was a wise move, however, it sets up a small difficulty.

I really liked One Law For All, however, I’m not sure it can best be understood as a ‘stand alone’ book.  Truly, there are so many related pieces that can’t be covered without turning the very pleasing 178 pages into a tome, that the book, while very readable and reasonably short on a difficult topic, seems to leave much on the table.  Basically, it cannot be read and completely understood in a vacuum…  I reached for his Acts 15 (which I have barely started) and thought back often one of his commentaries, Galatians for the Practical Messianic as well as to recently reviewed A Part of Israel?

McKee limited himself to five texts from the Torah that speak to ‘one law’ Continue reading →

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“Torah-seeking Messianic gentiles are a work of God “

Posted on August 9, 2014 by Pete Rambo

Here is the beginning of an excellent post over at Kineti L’Tziyon.

“I am a non-Jewish Messianic Believer, and have been told that my calling as a ‘Messianic Gentile’ is to go back to a church and not become Torah observant.”

In the broad Messianic world, there has been a large movement of Torah-seeking gentiles.

In fact, many Messianic ministries like First Fruits of Zion, Outreach Israel Ministries, and Torah Resource, are supported largely by non-Jews who are seeking a Torah-based lifestyle.

This was unexpected. The Jesus Movement of the 1970s, when God’s spirit was poured out on millions of Jews and gentiles, spurring the birth of the modern Messianic movement, did not anticipate all these non-Jews seeking Torah. It’s been my experience that Messianic Jews don’t really know what to do with all the Torah-seeking gentiles, except be ashamed of them.

Some Messianic believers, particularly those in the Messianic Judaism sub-movement, have reacted negatively. “You’re Torah observant? Pfft! You’re just playing Torah, not following it in the proper manner. Go back to the Church!”

Such people will cite 1 Corinthians 7, Paul’s recommendation to “remain as you were called.”

You know, where Paul says, paraphrasing,….  Continue Reading…

 

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A Book Review By Invitation

Posted on August 6, 2014 by Pete Rambo

James, Ruth and I have had a few emails exchanged to clarify my misunderstanding and miscommunication. Bottom-line, James will be joining us for a review and book discussion. Ruth will not be able to at this time… maybe some future collaboration.

So, per comments on James’ acceptance post, we’ll be starting some time after August 15… Get yer book and prepare to dig/discuss, etc…

This should be fun!

James Pyles's avatarMorning Meditations

My recent post/review of Boaz Michael’s Tent of David has really fostered some good discussion. Probably one of the longest and best discussion thread on any post on this blog. At times it has been spirited, but peace and grace have been the general tenor. Thank you!!

Leaders in the discussion have been bloggers James Pyles of “My Morning Meditations” and Ruth of Sojourning With Jews. Both are friends I have gotten to know over the last year in the blogosphere and though we do not see eye to eye on all things Messianic, we all desire truth and enjoy the pursuit thereof. Each of us has publicly wrestled with thoughts and understandings as we search the Scriptures (though I envy both for being more open with their hearts than I have been…).

-Pete Rambo
“You are invited….”
natsab.com

Hebrew Roots (HR) blogger Pete Rambo has issued a challenge…

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…Mourn with those who mourn.

Posted on August 4, 2014 by Pete Rambo

Romans 12:15 (NIV) “…mourn with those who mourn.”

For the last ten years or so, 9/11 has been a day of remembrance and sorrow.  Nationally, 522px-North_face_south_tower_after_plane_strike_9-11we cannot forget that date.  It is forever burned in the memories of any who watched, and we have told our children who may not have witnessed the horror.

Imagine for a moment if, against massive statistical odds, we could look back at numerous disasters that fell on that same date: 9/11!  How then, as a people would we feel about that date?  What if the combined deaths from those tragedies, always on (or very near) that date, totaled in the tens of millions?  Blackness.  Grief.  Mourning!

There is such a date, and it begins at sundown tonight.  It is Tisha B’Av, or ‘the ninth of Av.’

Against all statistical odds, this date has proved more disastrous for the Jewish people than any other date in history! On this day,

  • 587 BCE Solomon’s Temple breached and burned/destroyed by the Babylonians.
  • 70 CE Second Temple destroyed by Romans.800px-Francesco_Hayez_017
  • 135 CE Bar Kokhba rebellion put down and 100,000 Jews slaughtered at Betar.
  • 1096 CE First Crusade began by killing 10,000 Jews in first month and 1.2 million before it ended.
  • 1290 CE Jews expelled from England.
  • 1306 CE (10th of AV) Jews expelled from France.
  • 1492 CE (7th of AV) Jews expelled from Spain.
  • 1941 CE SS Officer Heinrich Himmler received approval to implement the ‘Final Solution,’ i.e. Holocaust.
  • 1942 CE Jews in Warsaw Ghetto deported for Treblinka (death camp).

And those are just the biggies….  Many more tragedies fell on Tasha B’Av or within a day or so.  Very strange…  and sad.

How am I, as a non-Jewish follower of the Jewish Messiah, to react? Continue reading →

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You are invited….

Posted on August 2, 2014 by Pete Rambo

My recent post/review of Boaz Michael’s Tent of David has really fostered some good discussion.  Probably one of the longest and best discussion thread on any post on this blog.  At times it has been spirited, but peace and grace have been the general tenor.  Thank you!!

You-Are-Invited-300x199Leaders in the discussion have been bloggers James Pyles of My Morning Meditations and Ruth of Sojourning With Jews.  Both are friends I have gotten to know over the last year in the blogosphere and though we do not see eye to eye on all things Messianic, we all desire truth and enjoy the pursuit thereof.  Each of us has publicly wrestled with thoughts and understandings as we search the Scriptures (though I envy both for being more open with their hearts than I have been…).

In the process of our discussion, I mentioned to James via email that we ought to read and review/discuss a book at the same time and I offered J. K. McKee’s One Law as a possible candidate.  He accepted and I asked Ruth in the comments thread of the Tent of David discussion to which she also agreed.  So:  YOU are invited!!

If you would like to join us in this endeavor, Continue reading →

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JK McKee’s ‘Are Non-Jewish Believers Really A Part Of Israel?

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Pete Rambo

I knew when I wrote the review of Tent of David that it was going to spark some discussion…  I had no idea how much.  Frankly, in the midst of a spirited exchange, I have been encouraged by the grace and love between those who do not currently see eye to eye.

A Part Of IsraelIn writing the review, I mentioned that I had gone back to J.K.McKee‘s A Part of Israel? as a resource for scholarly exposition of Scripture related to the place of non-Jews who come to Messiah.  You’ll remember I lamented not having reviewed the book…  Well, I started reading it again and couldn’t put it down!  ‘Nuff said?

Actually, I have a few pages left on this second reading, but for the last couple days have been itching to write.

Wisely, McKee recognized some time ago that there are a number of issue in the Messianic (Messy-antic, as one friend calls it…) realm.  Thus, he began to author a series called confronting issues.  With more than a dozen books now in the series, and titles/topics such as the divinity of Messiah, One Law for All, Polygamy, Urban Myths, Gnosticism, etc, he has assembled an extremely useful collection of articulate books dealing with some of the major areas of contention within the Messianic movement.  Among those is his 2013 release of Are Non-Jewish Believers Really A Part of Israel? to counter bilateral ecclesiology’s assertion that non-Jewish believers really are apart of Israel.  I suspect McKee’s play on words is intentional, but either way,  the title makes me smile.

I have found that I really like McKee’s works for several very important reasons, Continue reading →

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Coming Home – To The Truth of Torah

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Pete Rambo

Always a blessing to read the testimony/journey of others.

When Abba Father began to open our eyes, we thought we were the only ones and questioned what we were seeing continually! Then as He showed us, He also began to lead us to others and eventually we found that literally, tens of thousands of people across the planet have gone through the same ‘lifting of the fog,’ here described by Deborah. And, ‘fog’ is an apt metaphor!

Enjoy!

goodnewsfromadistantland's avatarCold Waters to a Thirsty Soul

Becoming a Born-Again Believer inComing out of the fog-2b Messiah has been the greatest event in my life. It was truly as though I had finally come home, for the very first time!

Those who have received Yahushua [Jesus] as their Saviour know how magnificent it is to finally know the peace of God that surpasses understanding, and to be forgiven of their sins!

Now, after for many years of studying the Scriptures as a non-denominational Believer, something nearly equally amazing happened to me (and to my husband as well). Our Heavenly Father removed from us the lenses of ‘established Christian tradition and theology’ that had been fogging our vision, and confounding our understanding of His Word!

Oh what a change that took place when these glasses came off my mind and soul! The frame and lens of those glasses fell apart and crumbled when Abba Father graciously showed me and my husband in…

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“Isaiah 53 changed my life…”

Posted on July 20, 2014 by Pete Rambo

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Boaz Michael’s Tent of David.

Posted on July 18, 2014 by Pete Rambo

Some books are a joy to review and recommend.  This is not one of them.

Frankly, I have struggled to read Tent of David by Boaz Michael, the founder of First Fruits of Zion Ministry (FFOZ).  tentofDavidSeveral times I put it down and walked away from it hoping it would disappear under a pile of papers, or some such.  It is not that I was in any way challenged by the message of the book, rather, I was completely irritated that a brother would claim to present a ‘healing vision for the Messianic Gentile’ then instruct him/her to “go back to the church, we don’t really want you….  Oh, and when you go, be sure to send money in support of Messianic Judaism, and buy my stuff.”

Some time back I became concerned about the message I was hearing from FFOZ.  Scripture teaches ‘one body, one Lord, one faith,’ and for a time, this was FFOZ’s message.  Over the last several years they have morphed into ‘two bodies, one Lord, two faiths.’  They call it ‘bilateral ecclesiology,’ an error we have addressed on multiple occasions.

As I read this book, or, should I say, in the periods of avoidance between reading sections of the book, I went back to the Scriptures and several other authors to search again Continue reading →

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e-Sword! ***updated!!***

Posted on July 16, 2014 by Pete Rambo

***Update***  :  I do not know if the links below still work, so my fellowship has recently decided to burn and mail copies of this program as well as a small package of other dvds to any who are interested.  Email me through the contact page with an address and we’ll get this out to you ASAP!  Thanks.

I want to start a new category in which I can give links or direction for freebies!  My hope is to share finds on the web that are helpful in our walk/worship.

Here is a free resource that has proved invaluable!!  e-Sword!

This free download has literally a truckload of books, dictionaries, commentaries, Bible versions, resources, maps, files, etc.  FREE!!

Here is what is on this E-Sword install:

e-Sword v 10.1.0
e-Sword Screensaver
Tutorials

And ….

Bibles:
AHRC-Mechanical Translation
AHRC-Revised Mechanical Translation
Accurate New Testement
Accurate New Testament with Strongs Continue reading →

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