The Observer
Monday, March 21, 2016
Thursday, March 17, 2016
It's Time To "Lay Down the Law" - Part 15
Let's continue our study of the word "Law" in the New Testament.
If you've followed this series you know that, in general summation, we have discovered Peter (Kefa/Cephas) telling us to be aware when reading Sha'ul (Paul). Peter tells us we will make the error of the "lawless" if we misread Paul. We also have Paul continually reaffirming Torah at each step and using the word "law" in various ways to make his points. We have learned that Salvation is just the first step in our refinement in Messiah, that if we do not actually do what He instructs, we do not love Him! We have learned that our "works" do not give us Salvation, rather they are the fruit of our Salvation, showing others that we love Him enough to actually do what He says to do. We have learned that these things He wishes us to do is Torah and everything else is man's Tradition.
I have often been asked the question, "How can you believe that our Church Fathers and all the great men that have come before us got it so wrong?" The answer is; does any Protestant think the Roman Catholic Church got "things wrong"? Do we ignore history? Do we ignore the plain truth of the biblical text? Do we ignore the historical evidence of manuscript manipulation and outright textual malfeasance in our Bibles? Why has Tradition taken over?
because ...
When one is faced with torture or going along with the "system", most people go along with the system. I once asked a Muslim neighbor of mine; "Where are the reformation Muslims?" "Where are the ones who want peace, love, and charity?" He answered, "They are all dead, murdered by radical Islam"! Is it any wonder why peaceful Muslims stay quiet? Well, guess what, Christians have been murdered throughout history as well. For those who can't believe things have gone so wrong, here is some history to consider. Remember, the early Christians were "Jews" who had Christ; who attended Synagogue, who celebrated the Sabbath, Feasts, and Torah! Something changed! And all of you Protestants out there! You are really just protesting Catholics! Before we continue to Galatians, I suggest you watch this well documented video on Church history and ask yourself if the modern day Church is following Yehovah-Yeshua, or Rome - Christ, or Antichrist!
Galatians is the "go to" book of the New Testament for "Christians" who wish to say Torah has been done away with. We will go through it slowly because it's easy to misunderstand. I also recommend another video; The Pauline Paradox 5b: Galatians, by 119 ministries. It goes into much more detail.
The Context of Chapters 1-2:
Gal 1:1 Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead),
Gal 1:2 and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:
Gal 1:3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
Gal 1:4 who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
Gal 1:5 to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen.
Gal 1:6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel;
Gal 1:7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
Gal 1:8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!
Gal 1:9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!
[Note: Please remember, man has placed chapter beginnings and endings to Scripture. This is actually one whole letter to the Galatians. Sha'ul makes it clear that he was sent by God, not man, according to who's will? The Father's will - Yehovah! Has the Author of the Torah ever said His Torah is now finished? Have you ever read 1 Timothy 4? That's the passage relating to "Doctrines of Demons". I have actually had Christians tell me that by following Torah, I'm following a doctrine of Demons. I point out to them they are calling the Father a Demon and I ask them if that's wise? You see, they have it backwards. When people deny others to marry and deny certain foods or meats "sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer", they are breaking Torah. Required vegetarianism and Catholic Priests not marrying are doctrines of demons. Saying that 1 Timothy 4 allows one to eat pig is a misunderstanding of what food is, biblically. Food is never considered to be unclean animals in Scripture! What do we believe when the Bible says, "sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer"? This statement means it's sanctified in Torah. These people who say it's OK to force vegetarianism, keep Priests from marriage, and eat unclean animals are all followers of doctrines of demons. They are denying Torah. So, what "gospel" are the Galatians deserting? They are deserting Torah! Which "gospel" does the B'rit Hadashah say we should follow? The same one given to Israel in the desert! The "gospel" once delivered to the Saints! See Gal. 3:8, 2 Cor. 11, and all of James. Do a word study on "gospel" in the New Testament. What gospel does it reference? It references the gospel given to the Israelites - you know - Torah. What Scripture is Paul referencing here in Galatians? The Torah and the Prophets! Why are these men who preach a contrary gospel accursed? See Deuteronomy 11, 28, 30. I give you blessings and curses! The context of Galatians is clearly stating they have abandoned the true gospel - Torah!]
...
Gal 1:10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Gal 1:11 For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.
Gal 1:12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
(Paul is laying a foundation here. He is saying, what he teaches is not Tradition, but Gospel!)
Gal 1:13 For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it;
Gal 1:14 and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions.
(He used to be zealous in Jewish Tradition (Oral "Law")! Men's Tradition! Paul will bring up the Galatians "tradition problem" in chapter 2!)
Gal 1:15 But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, was pleased
Gal 1:16 to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood,
Gal 1:17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus.
(To this day, the Church thinks Mt. Sinai is in the Sinai Peninsula because Constantine's pagan mommy, Helena, said it was. No, Mt. Sinai is in modern day Saudi Arabia where the Bible says it is. Some say Paul went to the cave of Elijah which is located there.)
Gal 1:18 Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas (Peter), and stayed with him fifteen days.
Gal 1:19 But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord's brother.
Gal 1:20 (Now in what I am writing to you, I assure you before God that I am not lying.)
Gal 1:21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.
Gal 1:22 I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea which were in Christ;
Gal 1:23 but only, they kept hearing, "He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy."
Gal 1:24 And they were glorifying God because of me.
...
Gal 2:1 Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also.
Gal 2:2 It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain.
Gal 2:3 But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.
(Ah! Now we see the introduction to the tradition problem.)
Gal 2:4 But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage.
Gal 2:5 But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.
Gal 2:6 But from those who were of high reputation (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)--well, those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me.
Gal 2:7 But on the contrary, seeing that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised
Gal 2:8 (for He who effectually worked for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised effectually worked for me also to the Gentiles),
Gal 2:9 and recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.
[Note: Folks, when a Catholic tells you Peter was the First Pope, show them these verses. Peter was the Apostle to the Jewish people. Paul was the Apostle to Gentiles. If they wish to claim a First Pope, it should have been Paul.
False Brethren, later described as the "Circumcision Party", were telling new converts they must be circumcised in order to receive Salvation. But as Sha'ul states, God shows no partiality. The Egyptians who accompanied the Israelites into the desert were not circumcised until later. Abraham received Salvation first and was circumcised later. If one wishes to join Judaism, even today, one must be circumcised first! This requirement is Talmud, man made Tradition, just as it was in Paul's time!
Yes, the Torah requires circumcision, but only after the individual makes the choice and understands why he is doing this. He wants to officially become part of the Olive Tree, called Israel. Salvation was the first step, even for Abraham! The Church is stuck on Salvation, still drinking milk, and not caring to eat the real meat of Scripture!]
Gal 2:10 They only asked us to remember the poor--the very thing I also was eager to do.
Gal 2:11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.
Gal 2:12 For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision.
Gal 2:13 The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy.
(Peter weakened and rejoined his Jewish friends in man made Tradition. Paul "disciplined" him.)
Gal 2:14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, "If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?
(That is, by man made Tradition!)
Gal 2:15 "We are Jews by nature and not sinners from among the Gentiles;
Gal_2:16 nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.
(Just like Abraham!)
Gal_2:19 "For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God.
Gal_2:21 "I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly."
[Note: Churchy Christians will actually say, "See! The Law is dead! We are dead to the Law!" No, Paul is simply saying that in order to follow Torah correctly, one must die to Torah as a legalistic means of achieving Salvation, and only follow Torah with a circumcised heart, out of Love, Obedience, and Devotion to Yehovah! Only then can Torah perform the purifying work it does to go beyond Salvation. This, in a nutshell, is the entire context of Galatians, Ch. 1 & 2.
You see folks, the Church, just like me years ago, is still following man made tradition and teaching. They don't realize it (yet), but they are actually following Antichrist. It is my desire to awaken them, so they may come out of Babylon, just as I did.]
If you've followed this series you know that, in general summation, we have discovered Peter (Kefa/Cephas) telling us to be aware when reading Sha'ul (Paul). Peter tells us we will make the error of the "lawless" if we misread Paul. We also have Paul continually reaffirming Torah at each step and using the word "law" in various ways to make his points. We have learned that Salvation is just the first step in our refinement in Messiah, that if we do not actually do what He instructs, we do not love Him! We have learned that our "works" do not give us Salvation, rather they are the fruit of our Salvation, showing others that we love Him enough to actually do what He says to do. We have learned that these things He wishes us to do is Torah and everything else is man's Tradition.
I have often been asked the question, "How can you believe that our Church Fathers and all the great men that have come before us got it so wrong?" The answer is; does any Protestant think the Roman Catholic Church got "things wrong"? Do we ignore history? Do we ignore the plain truth of the biblical text? Do we ignore the historical evidence of manuscript manipulation and outright textual malfeasance in our Bibles? Why has Tradition taken over?
because ...
When one is faced with torture or going along with the "system", most people go along with the system. I once asked a Muslim neighbor of mine; "Where are the reformation Muslims?" "Where are the ones who want peace, love, and charity?" He answered, "They are all dead, murdered by radical Islam"! Is it any wonder why peaceful Muslims stay quiet? Well, guess what, Christians have been murdered throughout history as well. For those who can't believe things have gone so wrong, here is some history to consider. Remember, the early Christians were "Jews" who had Christ; who attended Synagogue, who celebrated the Sabbath, Feasts, and Torah! Something changed! And all of you Protestants out there! You are really just protesting Catholics! Before we continue to Galatians, I suggest you watch this well documented video on Church history and ask yourself if the modern day Church is following Yehovah-Yeshua, or Rome - Christ, or Antichrist!
Galatians is the "go to" book of the New Testament for "Christians" who wish to say Torah has been done away with. We will go through it slowly because it's easy to misunderstand. I also recommend another video; The Pauline Paradox 5b: Galatians, by 119 ministries. It goes into much more detail.
The Context of Chapters 1-2:
Gal 1:1 Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead),
Gal 1:2 and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia:
Gal 1:3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
Gal 1:4 who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,
Gal 1:5 to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen.
Gal 1:6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel;
Gal 1:7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
Gal 1:8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!
Gal 1:9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!
[Note: Please remember, man has placed chapter beginnings and endings to Scripture. This is actually one whole letter to the Galatians. Sha'ul makes it clear that he was sent by God, not man, according to who's will? The Father's will - Yehovah! Has the Author of the Torah ever said His Torah is now finished? Have you ever read 1 Timothy 4? That's the passage relating to "Doctrines of Demons". I have actually had Christians tell me that by following Torah, I'm following a doctrine of Demons. I point out to them they are calling the Father a Demon and I ask them if that's wise? You see, they have it backwards. When people deny others to marry and deny certain foods or meats "sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer", they are breaking Torah. Required vegetarianism and Catholic Priests not marrying are doctrines of demons. Saying that 1 Timothy 4 allows one to eat pig is a misunderstanding of what food is, biblically. Food is never considered to be unclean animals in Scripture! What do we believe when the Bible says, "sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer"? This statement means it's sanctified in Torah. These people who say it's OK to force vegetarianism, keep Priests from marriage, and eat unclean animals are all followers of doctrines of demons. They are denying Torah. So, what "gospel" are the Galatians deserting? They are deserting Torah! Which "gospel" does the B'rit Hadashah say we should follow? The same one given to Israel in the desert! The "gospel" once delivered to the Saints! See Gal. 3:8, 2 Cor. 11, and all of James. Do a word study on "gospel" in the New Testament. What gospel does it reference? It references the gospel given to the Israelites - you know - Torah. What Scripture is Paul referencing here in Galatians? The Torah and the Prophets! Why are these men who preach a contrary gospel accursed? See Deuteronomy 11, 28, 30. I give you blessings and curses! The context of Galatians is clearly stating they have abandoned the true gospel - Torah!]
...
Gal 1:10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
Gal 1:11 For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.
Gal 1:12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
(Paul is laying a foundation here. He is saying, what he teaches is not Tradition, but Gospel!)
Gal 1:13 For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it;
Gal 1:14 and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions.
(He used to be zealous in Jewish Tradition (Oral "Law")! Men's Tradition! Paul will bring up the Galatians "tradition problem" in chapter 2!)
Gal 1:15 But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, was pleased
Gal 1:16 to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood,
Gal 1:17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus.
(To this day, the Church thinks Mt. Sinai is in the Sinai Peninsula because Constantine's pagan mommy, Helena, said it was. No, Mt. Sinai is in modern day Saudi Arabia where the Bible says it is. Some say Paul went to the cave of Elijah which is located there.)
Gal 1:18 Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas (Peter), and stayed with him fifteen days.
Gal 1:19 But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord's brother.
Gal 1:20 (Now in what I am writing to you, I assure you before God that I am not lying.)
Gal 1:21 Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.
Gal 1:22 I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea which were in Christ;
Gal 1:23 but only, they kept hearing, "He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy."
Gal 1:24 And they were glorifying God because of me.
...
Gal 2:1 Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also.
Gal 2:2 It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain.
Gal 2:3 But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.
(Ah! Now we see the introduction to the tradition problem.)
Gal 2:4 But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage.
Gal 2:5 But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.
Gal 2:6 But from those who were of high reputation (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)--well, those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me.
Gal 2:7 But on the contrary, seeing that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised
Gal 2:8 (for He who effectually worked for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised effectually worked for me also to the Gentiles),
Gal 2:9 and recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.
[Note: Folks, when a Catholic tells you Peter was the First Pope, show them these verses. Peter was the Apostle to the Jewish people. Paul was the Apostle to Gentiles. If they wish to claim a First Pope, it should have been Paul.
False Brethren, later described as the "Circumcision Party", were telling new converts they must be circumcised in order to receive Salvation. But as Sha'ul states, God shows no partiality. The Egyptians who accompanied the Israelites into the desert were not circumcised until later. Abraham received Salvation first and was circumcised later. If one wishes to join Judaism, even today, one must be circumcised first! This requirement is Talmud, man made Tradition, just as it was in Paul's time!
Yes, the Torah requires circumcision, but only after the individual makes the choice and understands why he is doing this. He wants to officially become part of the Olive Tree, called Israel. Salvation was the first step, even for Abraham! The Church is stuck on Salvation, still drinking milk, and not caring to eat the real meat of Scripture!]
Gal 2:10 They only asked us to remember the poor--the very thing I also was eager to do.
Gal 2:11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.
Gal 2:12 For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision.
Gal 2:13 The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy.
(Peter weakened and rejoined his Jewish friends in man made Tradition. Paul "disciplined" him.)
Gal 2:14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, "If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?
(That is, by man made Tradition!)
Gal 2:15 "We are Jews by nature and not sinners from among the Gentiles;
Gal_2:16 nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.
(Just like Abraham!)
Gal_2:19 "For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God.
Gal_2:21 "I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly."
[Note: Churchy Christians will actually say, "See! The Law is dead! We are dead to the Law!" No, Paul is simply saying that in order to follow Torah correctly, one must die to Torah as a legalistic means of achieving Salvation, and only follow Torah with a circumcised heart, out of Love, Obedience, and Devotion to Yehovah! Only then can Torah perform the purifying work it does to go beyond Salvation. This, in a nutshell, is the entire context of Galatians, Ch. 1 & 2.
You see folks, the Church, just like me years ago, is still following man made tradition and teaching. They don't realize it (yet), but they are actually following Antichrist. It is my desire to awaken them, so they may come out of Babylon, just as I did.]
The Observer
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Friday, February 05, 2016
It's Time To "Lay Down the Law" - Part 14
Corinthians 1 and 2 are most remarkable! If I were not doing a word study I would love to just ramble on for hours on these two scrolls. Apologies ahead of time for the length of this one. I want to get to Galatians! Let's look at Paul's introductory salutation:
1Co 1:1 Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
1Co 1:2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:
1Co 1:3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Please notice; Believers are saints. No man or no man's organization can "create" saints. This fact alone should keep you away from any "religion" that proposes to name saints, especially the RCC! Also, please notice how Paul references both Yehovah and Yeshua.
To set the stage; Sha'ul is addressing a problem in Corinth that still plagues the church today. People were dividing into groups and following after individual men. Sound familiar? Yes, our many Christian denominations today are a direct result of emphasizing men's teachings instead of God's. Paul also admonishes these saints and specifically points out another problem they are having:
1Co 5:1 It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father's wife. (Corinth had a sizable Jewish population)
...
1Co 5:11 ... I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler--not even to eat with such a one.
1Co 5:12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church?
1Co 5:13 But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES. (See Deut. 17:7)
So, why is it that some churches nowadays allow similar behavior within the congregation? It is because they are NOT following Christ! But, before I get carried away, let's continue with the word study. : )
1Co 6:1 Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law (kree'-no) before the unrighteous and not before the saints?
1Co 6:2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law (kree-tay'-ree-on) courts?
1Co 6:3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life?
1Co 6:4 So if you have law (kree-tay'-ree-on) courts dealing with matters of this life, do you appoint them as judges who are of no account in the church?
1Co 6:5 I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not among you one wise man who will be able to decide between his brethren,
1Co 6:6 but brother goes to law (kree'-no) with brother, and that before unbelievers?
[Note: The word "law" is used in this set of verses 4 times. None of them have anything to do with Torah, directly. The words in Greek are pronounced; "kree'-no" and "kree-tay'-ree-on". "Kree'-no" means to; distinguish, decide, condemn, or damn. "Kree-tay'-ree-on" means; a rule of judging criterion. Paul is using "civil" law to point out the difference between the breaking of law and judgment in general society as compared to breaking Torah. I've continued with Chapter 6, btw, because it's important. Paul is telling these folks they must impart judgment and justice on themselves to keep themselves and their congregation "clean", Torah-wise. Also, please notice once again how we MUST get past our native language to understand Scripture. The word "law" here is not Torah, but some think it is.]
1Co 6:7 Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits (kree'-mah) with one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?
1Co 6:8 On the contrary, you yourselves wrong and defraud. You do this even to your brethren.
1Co 6:9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous (the opposite of "Right-Standing in Torah") will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,
1Co 6:10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.
1Co 6:11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.
[Note: Folks, how many churches nowadays say it's OK to do these things because none of us are perfect and cannot follow Torah perfectly? The Bible says the exact opposite! When you have the Spirit of Yehovah-Yeshua in you, you will not want to go near these things! And if you do make a mistake, as all of us are capable of doing, you will feel shame and guilt and will want to very much come back to the Spirit you once had! You see folks, "once saved, always saved" is a lie! And if we keep on sinning, after knowing the truth, we are condemned. If your church has these sins in it's midst and permits them, run away, as quickly as possible! Our guide in these things is always Torah.]
1Co 6:12 All things are lawful (ex'-es-tee) for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.
1Co 6:13 Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food, but God will do away with both of them. Yet the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body.
1Co 6:14 Now God has not only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His power.
1Co 6:15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take away the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? May it never be!
1Co 6:16 Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a prostitute is one body with her? For He says, "THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH." (See Gen. 2:24)
1Co 6:17 But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.
1Co 6:18 Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body.
1Co 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
1Co 6:20 For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
[Note: I've actually had Church folks argue with me, telling me these verses are saying we can do anything, but because we have Christ. They claim it's OK and we are forgiven, because Paul is saying, "All things are lawful for me". Guys, these verses are saying the exact opposite! It's saying DO NOT allow these things to have control over you and your body because if you do, Christ is NOT in you! Again, Paul is using civil/societal law to show that a particular behavior may indeed be "lawful", but not good! In the state of Nevada, in America, prostitution is legal. This does not make it good! Nor does it make it OK in light of Torah. This also brings up the concept of man thinking he can decide what is good or bad. Man cannot do this! This is why we were given Torah (to know what is good or bad). Think about it! If you are against Torah, you are against it's author - Yehovah!
This plucking out verses or portions of a verse is a trick the Church uses all the time. Context is everything! In fact, historically speaking, Paul is describing Gnosticism, an early Church error (thinking one can do everything because of divine protection). Another error the Church makes is to proclaim a single verse over and over again, as if it is the ultimate summation of ALL Scripture. The best example is probably John 3:16!
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
I've had people repeat this to me over and over again, saying that, because they believe in Jesus everything is fine - they have eternal life! As wonderful as this verse is, making one verse your foundation is very problematic. It ignores the rest of Scripture. The Bible is like a 5000 piece puzzle. One puzzle piece can be expounded upon and loved, but one must have the puzzle box top (the whole picture) to fully understand where the single piece fits. This overall picture is the very CHARACTER and KNOWLEDGE of GOD HIMSELF! Knowing and loving the ENTIRE picture is the GOAL, not just emphasizing one small piece, as beautiful as it may be. Please remember, there will be those who say they love Jesus, but are told to, "depart from Me"! We must try our best to "know" the whole picture of GOD. Please consider the following verses and go and read its context:
Matt 7:21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.
Luke 6:46 "Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?
Both verses reference the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew should be read from Chapter 5 through 7. What does Yeshua say to "do"; what is the context of this famous Sermon? Most people have never been told that the famous Sermon on the Mount is all about TORAH! So, if you call Him Lord, do you mean it? If you mean it you will do what He says to do! If not, He is NOT your Lord, no matter how much you love and believe in John 3:16! The whole picture is necessary!]
... continuing to Ch. 9 ...
1Co 9:8 I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I? Or does not the Law also say these things?
1Co 9:9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, "YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING." (See Deut. 25:4) God is not concerned about oxen, is He? ...
1Co 9:20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law;
1Co 9:21 to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law.
[Note: The words "law" in this section means Torah. In Ch. 9 (verses 1-19 approx.) Paul is giving a speech on his Apostleship credentials and arguing that workers such as himself should expect a little material reward for their efforts. In essence, this is a plea to place something in the offering, just as most of us have heard a pastor do in a church. However, Paul also explains how he has accepted none of this reward and has done all this work free of charge! In the following verses, to 21, Paul is showing how he teaches people from different cultures and backgrounds by adjusting his teaching technique to fit the expectations of the listener. The Church has taught that Sha'ul actually becomes a Gentile when he speaks to Gentiles and a Jew when he speaks to a Jew. This is LUDICROUS, of course, and is simply an effort to justify anti-Torah sin in the church. The reason people will say this is because of verse 20. The phrase, "though not being myself under the Law" is true! Then Paul complicates things further, in verse 21, when says he's not without the law of God, but under the law of Christ. Whoa! Wait a minute! You've been arguing Torah all this time and now you and Paul say we're not "under the Law"? Yes! This conundrum has been explained in many ways, so here is my take on it. I always go back to Yeshua when these issues come up with Paul. I listen to the warning Peter gave us concerning Brother Sha'ul. BTW, we believers in the Messiah, who have accepted the free gift are under a more stringent set of rules than the letter of Torah only! What did Jesus say?
Mat 5:17 "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.
(to Fill Full!)
Mat 5:18 "For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
(has heaven and earth passed away?)
Mat 5:20 "For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
(we actually must SURPASS these Experts in TORAH! Remember, "Righteousness" means Right-Standing in Torah)
and ...
Mat 5:27 "You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY';
(the LETTER of the LAW - TORAH)
Mat 5:28 but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
(the SPIRIT of the LAW - TORAH)
You see? Torah still exists. It is still valid. We are not under the LETTER of the LAW. We are under the SPIRIT - a much more stringent "work"! We must have the Spirit of Christ in us to hold ourselves to the Spirit of the Law and therefore Torah!
Later on, Sha'ul will say we are under Grace, not the Law. This is saying the same thing Jesus said. We are under the Spirit, not the Letter. But this doesn't mean the Law is gone or done away with!
People seem to go two ways with Paul. They either become a "Paulist"; one who believes he did away with Torah, or, an anti-Paulist; ones who think Paul is an anti-missionary or antichrist figure. Actually, Sha'ul is neither:
Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase?
Rom 6:2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?
Tit 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
Tit 2:12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,
Tit 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,
Tit 2:14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
Tit 2:15 These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.]
... continuing,
1Co 14:21 In the Law it is written, "BY MEN OF STRANGE TONGUES AND BY THE LIPS OF STRANGERS I WILL SPEAK TO THIS PEOPLE, AND EVEN SO THEY WILL NOT LISTEN TO ME," says the Lord. (See Isaiah 28:11 & 12)
...
1Co 14:34 The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says.
...
1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law;
(See Hos. 13:14)
[Note: So much more to say, but I better end it here. BTW, verse 34 is yet another study! Verse 15:56 is simply saying that sin is measured and defined by Torah.]
1Co 1:1 Paul, called as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
1Co 1:2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:
1Co 1:3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Please notice; Believers are saints. No man or no man's organization can "create" saints. This fact alone should keep you away from any "religion" that proposes to name saints, especially the RCC! Also, please notice how Paul references both Yehovah and Yeshua.
To set the stage; Sha'ul is addressing a problem in Corinth that still plagues the church today. People were dividing into groups and following after individual men. Sound familiar? Yes, our many Christian denominations today are a direct result of emphasizing men's teachings instead of God's. Paul also admonishes these saints and specifically points out another problem they are having:
1Co 5:1 It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father's wife. (Corinth had a sizable Jewish population)
...
1Co 5:11 ... I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler--not even to eat with such a one.
1Co 5:12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church?
1Co 5:13 But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES. (See Deut. 17:7)
So, why is it that some churches nowadays allow similar behavior within the congregation? It is because they are NOT following Christ! But, before I get carried away, let's continue with the word study. : )
1Co 6:1 Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law (kree'-no) before the unrighteous and not before the saints?
1Co 6:2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law (kree-tay'-ree-on) courts?
1Co 6:3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life?
1Co 6:4 So if you have law (kree-tay'-ree-on) courts dealing with matters of this life, do you appoint them as judges who are of no account in the church?
1Co 6:5 I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not among you one wise man who will be able to decide between his brethren,
1Co 6:6 but brother goes to law (kree'-no) with brother, and that before unbelievers?
[Note: The word "law" is used in this set of verses 4 times. None of them have anything to do with Torah, directly. The words in Greek are pronounced; "kree'-no" and "kree-tay'-ree-on". "Kree'-no" means to; distinguish, decide, condemn, or damn. "Kree-tay'-ree-on" means; a rule of judging criterion. Paul is using "civil" law to point out the difference between the breaking of law and judgment in general society as compared to breaking Torah. I've continued with Chapter 6, btw, because it's important. Paul is telling these folks they must impart judgment and justice on themselves to keep themselves and their congregation "clean", Torah-wise. Also, please notice once again how we MUST get past our native language to understand Scripture. The word "law" here is not Torah, but some think it is.]
1Co 6:7 Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits (kree'-mah) with one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?
1Co 6:8 On the contrary, you yourselves wrong and defraud. You do this even to your brethren.
1Co 6:9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous (the opposite of "Right-Standing in Torah") will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,
1Co 6:10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.
1Co 6:11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.
[Note: Folks, how many churches nowadays say it's OK to do these things because none of us are perfect and cannot follow Torah perfectly? The Bible says the exact opposite! When you have the Spirit of Yehovah-Yeshua in you, you will not want to go near these things! And if you do make a mistake, as all of us are capable of doing, you will feel shame and guilt and will want to very much come back to the Spirit you once had! You see folks, "once saved, always saved" is a lie! And if we keep on sinning, after knowing the truth, we are condemned. If your church has these sins in it's midst and permits them, run away, as quickly as possible! Our guide in these things is always Torah.]
1Co 6:12 All things are lawful (ex'-es-tee) for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.
1Co 6:13 Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food, but God will do away with both of them. Yet the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body.
1Co 6:14 Now God has not only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His power.
1Co 6:15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take away the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? May it never be!
1Co 6:16 Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a prostitute is one body with her? For He says, "THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH." (See Gen. 2:24)
1Co 6:17 But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.
1Co 6:18 Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body.
1Co 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?
1Co 6:20 For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.
[Note: I've actually had Church folks argue with me, telling me these verses are saying we can do anything, but because we have Christ. They claim it's OK and we are forgiven, because Paul is saying, "All things are lawful for me". Guys, these verses are saying the exact opposite! It's saying DO NOT allow these things to have control over you and your body because if you do, Christ is NOT in you! Again, Paul is using civil/societal law to show that a particular behavior may indeed be "lawful", but not good! In the state of Nevada, in America, prostitution is legal. This does not make it good! Nor does it make it OK in light of Torah. This also brings up the concept of man thinking he can decide what is good or bad. Man cannot do this! This is why we were given Torah (to know what is good or bad). Think about it! If you are against Torah, you are against it's author - Yehovah!
This plucking out verses or portions of a verse is a trick the Church uses all the time. Context is everything! In fact, historically speaking, Paul is describing Gnosticism, an early Church error (thinking one can do everything because of divine protection). Another error the Church makes is to proclaim a single verse over and over again, as if it is the ultimate summation of ALL Scripture. The best example is probably John 3:16!
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
I've had people repeat this to me over and over again, saying that, because they believe in Jesus everything is fine - they have eternal life! As wonderful as this verse is, making one verse your foundation is very problematic. It ignores the rest of Scripture. The Bible is like a 5000 piece puzzle. One puzzle piece can be expounded upon and loved, but one must have the puzzle box top (the whole picture) to fully understand where the single piece fits. This overall picture is the very CHARACTER and KNOWLEDGE of GOD HIMSELF! Knowing and loving the ENTIRE picture is the GOAL, not just emphasizing one small piece, as beautiful as it may be. Please remember, there will be those who say they love Jesus, but are told to, "depart from Me"! We must try our best to "know" the whole picture of GOD. Please consider the following verses and go and read its context:
Matt 7:21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.
Luke 6:46 "Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?
Both verses reference the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew should be read from Chapter 5 through 7. What does Yeshua say to "do"; what is the context of this famous Sermon? Most people have never been told that the famous Sermon on the Mount is all about TORAH! So, if you call Him Lord, do you mean it? If you mean it you will do what He says to do! If not, He is NOT your Lord, no matter how much you love and believe in John 3:16! The whole picture is necessary!]
... continuing to Ch. 9 ...
1Co 9:8 I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I? Or does not the Law also say these things?
1Co 9:9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, "YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING." (See Deut. 25:4) God is not concerned about oxen, is He? ...
1Co 9:20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law;
1Co 9:21 to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law.
[Note: The words "law" in this section means Torah. In Ch. 9 (verses 1-19 approx.) Paul is giving a speech on his Apostleship credentials and arguing that workers such as himself should expect a little material reward for their efforts. In essence, this is a plea to place something in the offering, just as most of us have heard a pastor do in a church. However, Paul also explains how he has accepted none of this reward and has done all this work free of charge! In the following verses, to 21, Paul is showing how he teaches people from different cultures and backgrounds by adjusting his teaching technique to fit the expectations of the listener. The Church has taught that Sha'ul actually becomes a Gentile when he speaks to Gentiles and a Jew when he speaks to a Jew. This is LUDICROUS, of course, and is simply an effort to justify anti-Torah sin in the church. The reason people will say this is because of verse 20. The phrase, "though not being myself under the Law" is true! Then Paul complicates things further, in verse 21, when says he's not without the law of God, but under the law of Christ. Whoa! Wait a minute! You've been arguing Torah all this time and now you and Paul say we're not "under the Law"? Yes! This conundrum has been explained in many ways, so here is my take on it. I always go back to Yeshua when these issues come up with Paul. I listen to the warning Peter gave us concerning Brother Sha'ul. BTW, we believers in the Messiah, who have accepted the free gift are under a more stringent set of rules than the letter of Torah only! What did Jesus say?
Mat 5:17 "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.
(to Fill Full!)
Mat 5:18 "For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
(has heaven and earth passed away?)
Mat 5:20 "For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
(we actually must SURPASS these Experts in TORAH! Remember, "Righteousness" means Right-Standing in Torah)
and ...
Mat 5:27 "You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY';
(the LETTER of the LAW - TORAH)
Mat 5:28 but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
(the SPIRIT of the LAW - TORAH)
You see? Torah still exists. It is still valid. We are not under the LETTER of the LAW. We are under the SPIRIT - a much more stringent "work"! We must have the Spirit of Christ in us to hold ourselves to the Spirit of the Law and therefore Torah!
Later on, Sha'ul will say we are under Grace, not the Law. This is saying the same thing Jesus said. We are under the Spirit, not the Letter. But this doesn't mean the Law is gone or done away with!
People seem to go two ways with Paul. They either become a "Paulist"; one who believes he did away with Torah, or, an anti-Paulist; ones who think Paul is an anti-missionary or antichrist figure. Actually, Sha'ul is neither:
Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase?
Rom 6:2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?
Tit 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
Tit 2:12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,
Tit 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,
Tit 2:14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
Tit 2:15 These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.]
... continuing,
1Co 14:21 In the Law it is written, "BY MEN OF STRANGE TONGUES AND BY THE LIPS OF STRANGERS I WILL SPEAK TO THIS PEOPLE, AND EVEN SO THEY WILL NOT LISTEN TO ME," says the Lord. (See Isaiah 28:11 & 12)
...
1Co 14:34 The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says.
...
1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law;
(See Hos. 13:14)
[Note: So much more to say, but I better end it here. BTW, verse 34 is yet another study! Verse 15:56 is simply saying that sin is measured and defined by Torah.]
The Observer
Wednesday, January 06, 2016
Are You In the New Covenant?
Do you believe in Yehovah's instructions? Do you try your best to follow Torah - out of Love and Obedience - not for any Salvific purpose? If you don't, the Bible says you're not part of the New Covenant!
The Observer
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