 Today, June 15th, marks the 20th anniversary of getting baptized and committing my life to Jesus. The following story is how I went from bass guitar to shofar.
I grew up with a love for music. I would spend hours at my local record store. Before graduating high school, I was playing bass guitar for a rock band in the night clubs of downtown Atlanta. We recorded albums and our music was played on college radio stations. As well as playing music, I started making and selling musical instruments like Didgeridoos. Music was my life, and I didn’t have any room for God. While working for an audio & video company that provided space for a cable access show, I met my wife who came in as an intern for the show. We hit it off very quickly and through a series of events she helped me become a believer in Jesus. A few days after making my profession of faith and getting baptized on Father’s Day 2003, I opened the Bible and started reading the book of Ephesians. For the first time in my life the words of the Bible were alive and active, speaking to my spirit and soul like nothing I had ever experienced. I realized that something had changed within me and now I know it’s what Jesus spoke of in John chapter 3 when He said, “unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God”. He has filled me with the Holy Spirit and has given me a burning passion for Him. I have received forgiveness for my sins and have been brought into a relationship with the creator of heaven and earth. The words and instructions of the Bible are alive to me. No longer are they black and white words on a page but words of living color as they now speak to my spirit and soul. Transforming my thoughts and actions in a way that can only be supernatural. Showing me how-to walk-in holiness and show love to others. No longer bound by unforgiveness, bitterness, addictions, or ungodly attitudes. Not only I, but untold millions of others have experienced personal revelation from God’s word after believing that Jesus died on a cross to pay the price for their sins and rose from the dead on the third day so that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life and escape the judgment of hell. After surrendering my life to Jesus, God gave me a passion to share His message with others. The Shofar has become a great witnessing tool for me. After hearing stories of American missionaries sharing the Gospel in other countries by using musical instruments to gather crowds in public settings, I felt that God was telling me to use the Shofar for evangelism. This ancient Jewish instrument is a perfect conversation starter. I sound the Shofar, and as people take interest, I share its history and how it relates to Jesus. By using this tool, I have been able to share the Gospel with a multitude of people with diverse backgrounds. Almost everyone loves to hear the trumpet blast of the Shofar. Now that I have been walking with Jesus for 20 years, I can say with extreme confidence, there is nothing in this world that compares to knowing God and following Him. I’ve experienced supernatural events that can only be the hand of God. I’ve seen His supernatural provision and healing. I’ve heard the testimonies of countless others that verify what the Holy Scriptures say and what I have experienced. It is my desire for you and everyone who reads this post to experience the transforming power and love that comes from a life devoted to Jesus. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2Corinthians 5:17 Blessings, Scott
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 In various parts of the United States, you will find African Americans who claim to be the original Israelites of the Bible. They believe after their dispersion from the land of Israel, they came to America via the trans-Atlantic slave trade of the 1600's. There are historical documents showing that some African American slaves have Jewish heritage, but to make the claim that only the descendants of North American slaves are the real Jews is not factual. Deuteronomy 28:68 is one of their main proof texts for their assertions.
“And the LORD will take you back to Egypt in ships, by the way of which I said to you, ‘You shall never see it again.’ And there you shall be offered for sale to your enemies as male and female slaves, but no one will buy you.” Deuteronomy 28:68 Please notice that the slaves in this passage were sent to Egypt, not North America. As the slaves arrived no one bought them. However, the slaves of the trans-Atlantic trade were bought and sold. Also notice that in the same 28th chapter of Deuteronomy, it states that they will eat one another while being besieged at their gates and never find rest. North American slaves never had to eat one another and have found rest. Many Black Hebrew Israelites will metaphorize Deuteronomy 28:68 and say that Egypt means ‘House of Bondage’ and that not being bought means ‘No Redemption’. If their interpretation is true, the curse is still in effect and the descendants of the disobedient Israelites are being cut off and dying without redemption or salvation (House of bondage with no redemption). This Chapter mentions being ‘Destroyed’ six times; Verse 20,24,45,48,51 & 61. This would answer the question ‘Why did the North America Israelites lose their Identity?’ The Black Hebrew Israelites believe Caucasians are the descendants of Esau and refer to them as Edomites. They justify their dislike for Edomites based on scriptures referring to God’s love for Jacob and His hatred for Esau. (Ref. Romans 9:13 & Malachi 1:2-3) However, in the Holy Scriptures, which Black Hebrew Israelites claim to believe, God specifically refers to the Edomites as the brothers of the Israelites. “You shall not abhor an Edomite, for he is your brother…” Deuteronomy 23:7 ’Now Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom. “Thus says your brother Israel: ‘You know all the hardship that has befallen us’ Numbers 20:14 (Also see Obadiah 1:8-12) Anyone who hates the Edomites (Israel’s Brother) will not inherit salvation. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 1John 3:15 God can hate whoever He wants but He has commanded us to love and forgive our enemies. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, Matthew 5:44 Revelation chapter 5 reveals to us that God will make kings and priests from people of every tribe, tongue and nation. (Ref. Revelation 5:9-10) However, Black Hebrew Israelites believe that Caucasians will be slaves in the kingdom of God. There are no slaves in Christ Jesus according to Galatians 3:28, There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28 The extreme views of the Black Hebrew Israelites that God will grant salvation or favor to someone based on their genetic or racial background is in direct contradiction to God’s proclamation in the scriptures that He is no respecter of men but accepts anyone who fears Him. Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. “But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. Acts 10:34-35 “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, Acts 17:26 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. Colossians 3:11 The Apostle Paul warns against making genealogies an issue. But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Titus 3:9 Black Hebrew Israelite teachings have led people to believe that Caucasian Jews of European descent are fake Jews. Israel has always been a multicultural mix race. Joseph married an Egyptian, Moses married an Ethiopian, a mixed multitude came out of Egypt (Exodus 12:38), Rahab the Harlot, Ruth the Moabite, many converts to Judaism from India to Ethiopia during the time of Esther (Esther 1:1 & 8:17), 32,000 Midianite virgins grafted into Israel (Numbers 31:35). God has always accepted converts from any nation including the nations of Europe. If the Israelites have always been a mixture, why is it hard to believe that there could be white Israelites today? Doctrines of hate against any group of people are not from God. He has called us to love our enemies. Jesus died on the cross for all people, rose from the dead on the third day, so that whoever believes in Him and commits their life to Him will have eternal life with the Most High. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:29 We are saved by grace not by race!  Let me tell you a story about two very unique individuals, Keith Green and Randy Rhoads. Now there is a good chance that you have probably heard of at least one of these men but I’m guessing a smaller chance that you have heard of both. Even though these two musicians had some incredible connections to each other their lives took them into completely different social circles that were miles apart. With only a three-year difference, both Keith and Randy were born in the 1950’s and as children became skilled musicians. By the age of 12, Keith was such an advanced singer, songwriter, and piano player that he signed a recording contract with ‘DECA Records.’ Randy was so talented on the guitar that by the age of 16 he was playing in rock bands and was a guitar teacher for a music school. By the mid 1970’s, Keith Green and Randy Rhoads were both residing and playing music venues in the Los Angeles area and on their way to becoming celebrities. Now if you were a fan of heavy metal music, you probably know about Randy Rhoads journey to fame. In 1979 the famous singer Ozzy Osbourne was looking to start a new band. At that time Randy had been with Quiet Riot, a band that was successful in L.A. but had not been able to get national attention. Randy auditioned for Ozzy and was hired on the spot. They went on to record ‘Crazy Trian’ and ‘Flying High Again’ as well as many other hit songs. Now unless you grew up in certain Christian circles, you probably don’t know that much about Keith Green’s story. As a young man playing in the night clubs of L.A., Keith was on a spiritual quest. Both Keith and his wife were Jewish and after a short time of searching they both accepted Jesus as their Messiah. Keith’s life was radically changed as he now wrote songs for Jesus and devoted his life to following the teachings of the bible. In 1976 Keith signed a record contract with ‘Sparrow Records’ and quickly became a popular Christian artist. Which brings us to 1982, by 1982 Keith and Randy are both well known artists in their respective fields. As I mentioned, Keith and Randy had some incredible connections to each other but this final connection is almost beyond words. On March 19th, 1982 Randy Rhoads went up in a small airplane for a joy ride and lost his life. The airplane’s wing clipped Ozzy’s tour bus and crashed into a nearby house. Four months later, on July 28th,1982 Keith Green also loses his life from a joy ride in a small airplane that crashes just after takeoff. To this very day, both Keith and Randy influence and inspire people from around the world. So, what can we learn from these two unique men? Whether we are famous or not, we are all influencing others. Whether we are known by many or not, only God knows how much time we have on this earth. Psalm 90:12 says ‘So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.' So, what is the message we are leaving? Leonard Ravenhill said “Are the things you are living for worth Christ dying for?” The inscription on the top of Keith Green’s tombstone reads “Gone to be with Jesus.” The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus has made a way for all who believe in Him to have a life full of purpose with the promise of everlasting life. A life devoted to Jesus will have an influence on others that echoes into eternity. Now is the time to get right with God. We have all broken His commandments but thankfully, God in His mercy provided a way for us to be forgiven. Admit you have sinned against Him and turn away from sin. Believe that God sent His Son Jesus to die as a sacrifice for your sin and raised Him from the dead. Commit your life to following Jesus and have eternal life with God.  If you have an extremely important message to convey, what would be the best way to ensure that it was delivered? How about telling the person directly and then leaving a written copy of the message? Essentially, this is what God has done for us, Jesus came and personally shared His message with humanity and now we have a written copy preserved in the Bible. God even sent His prophets to foretell His arrival.
I know what the critics say, “The Bible is just a book written by men that has been pass down and altered over the years.” Could that be true? Do we have a God powerful enough to create the universe but not powerful enough to preserve and protect His written word? I say He has preserved it and here’s why. The Bible, was written by approximately 40 different authors who were directed by the Holy Spirit over a period of about 1600 years. Its main theme and message stays uncannily consistent despite the diversity of the writers. It is the most printed and distributed book in the history of mankind despite numerous attempts to ban or destroy it. What does the Bible say about itself? "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," 2 Timothy 3:16. I can hear the critics saying “That’s circular reasoning" but there is nothing wrong with self-authentication if it’s true. Since the Bible claims to be from God how can we test its credibility? The answer is prophecy. Hundreds of years before the modern state of Israel was established the Bible prophesied that God would select a unique group of people to be His chosen ones (2 Samuel 7:24). He would give them their very own land (Psalm 105:10-11). Scatter them around the world because of disobedience (Jeremiah 31:10). Regather them back to their land and the city of Jerusalem, which will be a place of international controversy (Jeremiah 16:15 & Zechariah 12:2). All of these prophesies have come to pass or in the case of Zachariah 12:2 are unfolding before our eyes. Hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus, the Bible prophesied that God would send the Messiah to be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), a preacher and miracle worker (Isaiah 61:1-2), crucified (Psalm 22:16-18), die as a sacrifice for sin (Isaiah 53:5-6) and be raised from the dead (Psalm 16:10). Precisely what Jesus did as He fulfilled these prophesies. And for the critics who claim Jesus was just a myth, there are non-biblical accounts of Jesus and the events of his ministry found in the non-Christian writings of Josephus, the Jewish Talmud, Pliny the Younger and Tacitus. My favorite proof that the bible is of divine origin comes from my own personal experience. There is no criticism brought against the Bible that can change the fact that . . . after I repented of my sins, put my faith in Jesus and got baptized . . . the words and instructions of the Bible became alive to me. No longer are they black and white words on a page but words of living color as they now speak to my spirit and soul. Transforming my thoughts and actions in a way that can only be supernatural. Showing me how to walk in holiness and show love to others. No longer bound by unforgiveness, bitterness, addictions or ungodly attitudes. Not only I, but untold millions of others have experienced personal revelation from God’s word after believing that Jesus died on a cross to pay the price for their sins and rose from the dead on the third day. I am now alive to the things of God and understand why Jesus said “Unless one is born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God”. (Ref. John 3:3) Christians have been accused of having blind faith for trusting the Bible, saying “It’s just a book written by men.” The very same argument can be said to the critic who puts his faith in the writings of other critics. So where will you put your faith? For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edge sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thought and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12  By the 1800’s some new and persuasive ideas in the field of philosophy and science began taking root.
Charles Darwin brings forth the theory of evolution and now the stage is set for a group of influential German theologians to share their ideas of ‘higher criticism’ against the Bible. American theologians bring these teachings to the states and liberal Christianity is born. It’s the birth of the ‘social gospel’. What is the ‘social gospel’? It’s a focus on social issues rather than focusing on spiritual transformation. So what’s the problem with liberal Christianity? Jesus is all affirming: ‘LC’ teaches that Jesus hung out with sinners so He has no problem with their sin. However, Jesus never affirmed people in their sin but He came to save us from our sin. As stated by Dr Michael Brown "He practiced transformational inclusion not affirmational inclusion". The message is 'come as you are and be transformed by the love of God and be set free from sin, no longer a slave to sin.' (Ref. John 8:11) Everyone goes to Heaven: ‘LC’ teaches that eventually everyone will make it to heaven. The Holy scriptures are clear that we have one life to live in the natural and then we are judged. (Ref. Hebrews 9:27, John 5:24 & Daniel 12:2) Paul writes, ‘Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.’ 1Corinthians 6:9-10 There is no Hell: ‘LC’ teaches that Hell is merely bad circumstances or the struggles of life on earth. Jesus speaks of the unrighteous being cast out into a place of outer darkness and tormented with everlasting punishment. (Ref. Matthew 25:30 & Matthew 25:46) Jesus never said anything about Homosexuality: ‘LC’ teaches Jesus never addressed the issue of homosexuality so he must be fine with it. Jesus said that He came to fulfill the Law. The Law of Moses which Jesus came to fulfill condemns all forms of homosexuality. (Ref. Matthew 5:17 & Leviticus 18:22) Jesus confirmed the definition of marriage in Mark 10:6-8 ‘But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.' 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh.’ Jesus also said that sexual immorality defiles a person. (Ref. Mark 7:20-23) There is a multitude of sinful behavior that Jesus didn’t name while teaching, but there’s no reason to believe He affirms those sins just because he didn’t mention them. Good works trumps repentance: ‘LC’ puts an unbalanced emphasis on the benevolence scriptures to the point that if you mention sinful behavior they will attack you with accusations of not ‘selling all you have and giving to the poor’, ‘feeding the homeless’ or ‘living like Mother Teresa’. The Bible is clear that putting good works before repentance will void the credibility of those works and be seen as filthy rags in God’s sight. (Ref. Isaiah 64:6) Ephesians 2:8-10 says ‘For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.’ First we get right with God through faith, and then He directs our steps into all kinds of wonderful acts of benevolence. Notice that the earliest followers of Jesus were not all called to give or serve the Lord in the same way. Some gave up property and houses while others kept theirs. Some went on missions and others stayed home. Everyone’s calling from the Lord is personalized. (Ref. The Book of Acts) Believes evolution is a fact: Despite the fact that no evidence confirming macro evolution has ever been found, ‘LC’ puts blind faith into this theory and teaches it as fact. The fact remains that no form of cosmic, chemical, stellar, organic or macro evolution has ever been proven. What we do see are variations within the same species called micro evolution. When analyzing the fossil record, there are no transitional examples hence the term ‘missing link’. What is seen in the fossil record is more in line with the Biblical narrative of a global flood in the days of Noah. (Ref. Genesis Ch. 6 & 1Corinthians 15:39) Secular science trumps Biblical interpretations of science: Because ‘LC’ does not view the Bible as the final authority in all areas of life, secular science is the foundation for their world view. Secular scientist and creationist both have the same scientific data to analyze. If your presupposition cancels the idea of supernatural evolvement by God then your interpretation of the data will automatically be bias. Thankfully, the scientific community of today has seen an increase of Intelligent Design proponents who question the validity of Darwinian evolution. (Ref. Colossians 2:8) Men decided what books make up the Bible: ‘LC’ will focus on certain regional councils that voted which books of the Bible should be the cannon of Scripture. This is used as a tactic to bring doubt regarding the reliability of the Bible. God decided the cannon of Scripture and has been confirming it in various ways since the beginning of Church history. Just look at the writings from Church fathers of the 1st and 2nd century to see their acceptance of our current 66 books and their denial of false gospels. (Ref.2Timothy 3:16) Conclusion: By denying the authority of the Holy scriptures and the deity of Jesus, Liberal Christianity is nothing more than a works based religion. The social gospel is in danger of accomplishing nothing more than making the world a better place from which people will to go to hell. Solution: Despite the fact that many Liberal Christians don’t believe in the supernatural events of the Bible there is one supernatural event that must take place for one to be accepted by God. Jesus said “unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." & “unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (Ref. John 3:3-5) Believe that God did the most loving act imaginable when He took on the form of a man to experience human life first hand. Jesus was tempted like us but did not sin. He died on the cross to pay the price for our sins and was literally raised from the dead on the third day so that whoever believes in Him and commits their life to Him will have eternal life with God and escape the torment of everlasting separation from His kingdom. For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 2Peter 1:16 
God created man in His own image.
Man disobeys God bringing sin and death into the world separating man from God. God sends His Son Jesus into the world. Jesus walks among us without breaking any of God's commandments, teaching us the Truth. Jesus dies on a cross as the perfect sacrifice for our sins, paying the price for our disobedience. He was buried and rose from the dead on the third day. By turning away from sin and following Jesus man can be reconciled back to God for eternity. By rejecting God's gift of mercy found in Jesus, man is eternally separated from God, going to a place of anguish. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 We have all broken God's commandments but thankfully, in His mercy He provided a way for us to be forgiven. Admit you have sinned against Him and turn away from sin. Believe what Jesus did for you and commit your life to Him. Confess Jesus as Lord and get baptized. Read the Bible and believe God's words above all else.  In the spirit of gentleness and humility I feel the need to express my position on these issues with love and respect.
First let me say that I love all people and love diversity. It has been wonderful living in Gwinnett County with its multitude of immigrants from around the world. I have made great friends with many diverse backgrounds. Over the years I have had many homosexual friends who I love and care deeply about. It’s not out of hate or the traditions of men that I stand opposed to the agenda of redefining marriage. Please let me explain my position… As many of you know, in 2003, I had a life changing event occur when I made my profession of faith in Jesus, got baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit. The words of the Bible became alive and its instructions brought on radical transformation in my life such as no longer being held captive to ungodly behavior. I’ve been set free from the sin of not forgiving and bitterness toward others, pornography, southern pride and a long list of other sins. So knowing firsthand the transforming power of God’s word I must hold to its teaching above all else. There are many misconceptions regarding the Bible and its teaching on same sex relationships and unfortunately there have been many in the church community with the wrong attitudes and approach to this subject. The following is my attempt to bring some clarity and understanding from a Biblical prospective on the issue. The overall message of the Bible is one of liberation and freedom. The children of Israel were held in bondage, as slaves in Egypt. God frees them and brings them out but they had to walk in the wilderness 40 years with many trials and temptations before they could enter into the promise land. Jesus comes into the world to set people free from the bondage of sin. After being set free from sin people still have to live their lives with many trials and temptations before entering into Heaven. If someone struggles with the temptation of same sex attraction it is not a sin. Just like any other temptation, it is only sin when acted upon. I know that many people who struggle with same sex attraction believe that they were born that way. The fact is that we were all born into a fallen world where we have within us from birth or have develop over time thought patterns that lead to sinful actions. In my own life, I practiced a long list of sinful behavior before coming to Christ. Now with God’s help I’ve been set free from practicing those sins over and over again. I still have temptations but with God’s grace He helps me overcome them. Whenever the Bible addresses the subject of homosexuality it is always negative. There is not a single example of a homosexual relationship in the Bible that is viewed as acceptable. Jesus confirmed the definition of marriage in Mark 10:6-8 ‘But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.' 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh.’ Heterosexual relationships are actually secondary to the fact that God requires holiness above all. We see examples in the Bible of those who remain celibate because of their devotion to God. Matthew 19:12 For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it." Jesus never affirmed people in their sin but He came to save us from our sin. As Dr. Michael Brown has stated, "He practiced transformational inclusion not affirmational inclusion". The message is 'come as you are and be transformed by the love of God and be set free from sin, no longer a slave to sin.' Jesus said to the women caught in adultery ..."Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more."John 8:11 The following verses show the seriousness and the eternal consequences of living a lifestyle out of God’s will. Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. 1Corinthians 6:9-11 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 Jesus Said: "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' Matthew 7:21-23 These verses address the issue of continuing with actions that are outside of God’s will. The consequence for this is exclusion from the kingdom of God. Thankfully, He doesn’t leave us without help. There are countless numbers of heterosexuals and homosexuals alike that have been able to turn their backs on lifestyles that were outside of God’s will. His promise to those who fully commit themselves to Him is that He will always provide a way of escape from any temptation that comes (1Corinthians 10:13). His grace that brings salvation will teach us to deny ungodliness and live righteously (Titus 2:11). He gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him and it leads and guides us into all truth (Acts 5:32, John 16:13). There is a common misunderstanding regarding God’s laws. God chose the Jewish people to be his special people set apart from all the other nations. He gave them unique ceremonial laws related to the way they should eat, dress and do business as well as many other traditions. Most of these laws are not for all people for all times. God’s moral laws, like the ones related to sexual behavior are upheld in the New Testament and in some cases elevated to a higher standard by Jesus. So to criticize a Christian for being against the breaking of a moral law while he eats shellfish or has a shirt of mixed linen is a misunderstanding of the biblical text and teaching. God never commands us to do something that we are not able to do. Change is possible with God’s help. This is my biblical understanding of this subject after much study. I know you can find all kinds of support and affirmation for same sex relationships from our society, media and even many churches. However, is it ok with God? It’s not out of hate that I stand in opposition to same sex marriage but out of love for the homosexual and heterosexual alike. God offers a better way and is willing to help anyone who calls upon his name. We have all sinned and have not lived up to God’s standard but He forgives and transforms when you are committed to Jesus. If you truly believe in diversity and equality for all than you must be willing to include Christians otherwise you are not showing love and inclusion but doing exactly what you stand against. Jesus died for homosexual and heterosexual alike and He grants eternal life to all who commit their life to Him. Sincerely, Scott Myers  He is the most influential Jew in the history of the world. More people have come to know the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob because of Him than any other Jew. He is a light to the nations. (Ref. Isaiah 49:6)
Because of Him former atheists, agnostics, Muslims, Hindus, and all types of God haters from around the world have come to love the God of Israel and the Jewish people. Through Him Gentiles from around the world cherish the Hebrew Scriptures and are able to keep the ethical requirements of the Law. The reason we have a “Common Era- CE” and a “Before Common Era- BCE” is because of Him. (Ref. Isaiah 42:6) What did the prophets say? He was born where the prophets said... Out of Bethlehem shall come the One to be Ruler in Israel. (Ref. Micah 5:2) He suffered, died and rose from the dead just as the prophets said... His hands and feet where pierced. They divided His garments among them. He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. He was cut off from the land of the living but His soul was not left in Sheol nor was He allowed to see corruption. (Ref. Psalm 22:1-18, Isaiah 53:1-12, & Psalm 16:10) He lived the way the prophets said... He preached good tidings to the poor, healed the brokenhearted and proclaimed liberty to the captives. (Ref. Isaiah 61:1-2) He had to come before the destruction of the 2nd Temple The Lord, suddenly came to the 2nd Temple to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity and bring in everlasting righteousness before its destruction. Haggai states that the glory of the 2nd Temple would be greater than the glory of the 1st Temple. The scriptures reveal that the Messiah had to come before the demise of 2nd Temple. ( Ref. Malachi 3:1, Daniel 9:24-26 & Haggai 2:7-9) Yoma 39b The Talmud states that during the Yom Kippur service in the Temple, a red thread would be tied to the doorway of the sanctuary. If the sacrifice was acceptable and Israel’s sins forgiven, then the thread would turn white. The Talmud shows that during the last 40 years of the 2nd Temple, this miracle ceased to occur and the thread would remain red. Yeshua died and rose from the dead 40 years before the destruction of the 2nd Temple; this signifies that the sacrificial system was no longer effective and that another system for atonement had been established. The Forever Commandments The priest shall make atonement for the children of Israel, for all their sins, once a year. It's an everlasting statute. (Ref. Leviticus 16:32-34) If Yeshua is not the Messiah then God gave Israel commandments and left them without a way to keep them since there’s no standing temple. Yeshua is the Messiah and the Torah commandments are fulfilled in Him. Yeshua said: "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. (Ref.Matthew 5:17) Yeshua is Jesus Yeshua took care of the sin problem by going to the cross and dying as the perfect sacrifice, paying the price for our disobedience. He rose from the dead so that whoever follows and confesses Him will have his name written in the Book of Life. He will return again to fulfill the remaining messianic prophecies, establish His kingdom and then be recognized by all the world as the Messiah. Jesus came the first time lowly and riding on a donkey. Died on Passover as the Lamb of God. Rose from the dead on the feast of firstfruits. He sits at the right hand of the Father and will return with the clouds of heaven as the trumpet sounds. (Ref. Zechariah 9:9, John 1:29, Luke 24:46,Psalm 110:1, Daniel 7:13 & Zechariah 9:14) Yeshua the Messiah said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (Ref. John 14:6) |
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