Do non Jewish Christians or their male babies get circumcised?
Eighteen years of the life of Jesus is unaccounted for in the biblical accounts of his life. Paul Davids has explored the mysteries of where Jesus was and what he was doing during those missing years.
Do Jews Believe In Jesus?
For 2,000 years Jews have rejected the Christian idea of Jesus as messiah. Why?
Why don't Jews believe in Jesus?
One of the most common questions we receive at Aish.com is: "Why don't Jews believe in Jesus?" Let's understand why – not to disparage other religions, but rather to clarify the Jewish position.
Jews do not accept Jesus as the messiah because:
- Jesus did not fulfill the messianic prophecies.
- Jesus did not embody the personal qualifications of the Messiah.
- Biblical verses "referring" to Jesus are mistranslations.
- Jewish belief is based on national revelation.
But first, some background: What exactly is the Messiah?
The word "Messiah" is an English rendering of the Hebrew word Mashiach, which means "anointed." It usually refers to a person initiated into God's service by being anointed with oil. (Exodus 29:7, 1-Kings 1:39, 2-Kings 9:3)
(1) Jesus Did Not Fulfill the Messianic Prophecies
What is the Messiah supposed to accomplish? One of the central themes of biblical prophecy is the promise of a future age of perfection characterized by universal peace and recognition of God. (Isaiah 2:1-4, 32:15-18, 60:15-18; Zephaniah 3:9; Hosea 2:20-22; Amos 9:13-15; Micah 4:1-4; Zechariah 8:23, 14:9; Jeremiah 31:33-34)
Specifically, the Bible says he will:
- Build the Third Temple (Ezekiel 37:26-28).
- Gather all Jews back to the Land of Israel (Isaiah 43:5-6).
- Usher in an era of world peace, and end all hatred, oppression, suffering and disease. As it says: "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall man learn war anymore." (Isaiah 2:4)
- Spread universal knowledge of the God of Israel, which will unite humanity as one. As it says: "God will be King over all the world – on that day, God will be One and His Name will be One" (Zechariah 14:9).
If an individual fails to fulfill even one of these conditions, then he cannot be the Messiah.
Because no one has ever fulfilled the Bible's description of this future King, Jews still await the coming of the Messiah. All past Messianic claimants, including Jesus of Nazareth, Bar Cochba and Shabbtai Tzvi have been rejected.
Christians counter that Jesus will fulfill these in the Second Coming. Jewish sources show that the Messiah will fulfill the prophecies outright; in the Bible no concept of a second coming exists.
(2) Jesus Did Not Embody the Personal Qualifications of Messiah
A. Messiah as Prophet
The Messiah will become the greatest prophet in history, second only to Moses. (Targum – Isaiah 11:2; Maimonides – Teshuva 9:2)
Prophecy can only exist in Israel when the land is inhabited by a majority of world Jewry, a situation which has not existed since 300 BCE. During the time of Ezra, when the majority of Jews remained in Babylon, prophecy ended upon the death of the last prophets – Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi.
Jesus appeared on the scene approximately 350 years after prophecy had ended, and thus could not be a prophet.
B. Descendant of David
Many prophetic passages speak of a descendant of King David who will rule Israel during the age of perfection. (Isaiah 11:1-9; Jeremiah 23:5-6, 30:7-10, 33:14-16; Ezekiel 34:11-31, 37:21-28; Hosea 3:4-5)
The Messiah must be descended on his father's side from King David (see Genesis 49:10, Isaiah 11:1, Jeremiah 23:5, 33:17; Ezekiel 34:23-24). According to the Christian claim that Jesus was the product of a virgin birth, he had no father – and thus could not have possibly fulfilled the messianic requirement of being descended on his father's side from King David. (1)
According to Jewish sources, the Messiah will be born of human parents and possess normal physical attributes like other people. He will not be a demi-god, (2) nor will he possess supernatural qualities.
C. Torah Observance
The Messiah will lead the Jewish people to full Torah observance. The Torah states that all mitzvot remain binding forever, and anyone coming to change the Torah is immediately identified as a false prophet. (Deut. 13:1-4)
Throughout the Christian "New Testament," Jesus contradicts the Torah and states that its commandments are no longer applicable. For example, John 9:14 records that Jesus made a paste in violation of Shabbat, which caused the Pharisees to say (verse 16), "He does not observe Shabbat!"
(3) Mistranslated Verses "Referring" to Jesus
Biblical verses can only be understood by studying the original Hebrew text – which reveals many discrepancies in the Christian translation.
A. Virgin Birth
The Christian idea of a virgin birth is derived from the verse in Isaiah 7:14 describing an "alma" as giving birth. The word "alma" has always meant a young woman, but Christian theologians came centuries later and translated it as "virgin." This accords Jesus' birth with the first century pagan idea of mortals being impregnated by gods.
B. Suffering Servant
Christianity claims that Isaiah chapter 53 refers to Jesus, as the "suffering servant."
In actuality, Isaiah 53 directly follows the theme of chapter 52, describing the exile and redemption of the Jewish people. The prophecies are written in the singular form because the Jews ("Israel") are regarded as one unit. Throughout Jewish scripture, Israel is repeatedly called, in the singular, the "Servant of God" (see Isaiah 43:8). In fact, Isaiah states no less than 11 times in the chapters prior to 53 that the Servant of God is Israel.
When read correctly, Isaiah 53 clearly [and ironically] refers to the Jewish people being "bruised, crushed and as sheep brought to slaughter" at the hands of the nations of the world. These descriptions are used throughout Jewish scripture to graphically describe the suffering of the Jewish people (see Psalm 44).
Isaiah 53 concludes that when the Jewish people are redeemed, the nations will recognize and accept responsibility for the inordinate suffering and death of the Jews.
(4) Jewish Belief is Based Solely on National Revelation
Throughout history, thousands of religions have been started by individuals, attempting to convince people that he or she is God's true prophet. But personal revelation is an extremely weak basis for a religion because one can never know if it is indeed true. Since others did not hear God speak to this person, they have to take his word for it. Even if the individual claiming personal revelation performs miracles, they do not prove he is a genuine prophet. All the miracles show – assuming they are genuine – is that he has certain powers. It has nothing to do with his claim of prophecy.
Judaism, among all of the world's major religions, does not rely on "claims of miracles" as the basis for its religion. In fact, the Bible says that God sometimes grants the power of "miracles" to charlatans, in order to test Jewish loyalty to the Torah (Deut. 13:4).
Of the thousands of religions in human history, only Judaism bases its belief on national revelation – i.e. God speaking to the entire nation. If God is going to start a religion, it makes sense He'll tell everyone, not just one person.
Maimonides states (Foundations of Torah, ch. 8):
The Jews did not believe in Moses, our teacher, because of the miracles he performed. Whenever anyone's belief is based on seeing miracles, he has lingering doubts, because it is possible the miracles were performed through magic or sorcery. All of the miracles performed by Moses in the desert were because they were necessary, and not as proof of his prophecy.
What then was the basis of [Jewish] belief? The Revelation at Mount Sinai, which we saw with our own eyes and heard with our own ears, not dependent on the testimony of others... as it says, "Face to face, God spoke with you..." The Torah also states: "God did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with us – who are all here alive today." (Deut. 5:3)
Judaism is not miracles. It is the personal eyewitness experience of every man, woman and child, standing at Mount Sinai 3,300 years ago.
Further reading: "Did God Speak at Mount Sinai?"
Waiting for the Messiah
The world is in desperate need of Messianic redemption. To the extent that we are aware of the problems of society, is the extent we will yearn for redemption. As the Talmud says, one of the first questions asked of a Jew on Judgment Day is: "Did you yearn for the arrival of the Messiah?"
How can we hasten the coming of the Messiah? The best way is to love all humanity generously, to keep the mitzvot of the Torah (as best we can), and to encourage others to do so as well.
Despite the gloom, the world does seem headed toward redemption. One apparent sign is that the Jewish people have returned to the Land of Israel and made it bloom again. Additionally, a major movement is afoot of young Jews returning to Torah tradition.
The Messiah can come any day, and it all depends on our actions. God is ready when we are. For as King David says: "Redemption will come today – if you hearken to His voice."
For further study:
- Jews for Judaism
- "The Real Messiah" by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan
- "Let's Get Biblical! Why Doesn't Judaism Accept the Christian Messiah?" by Rabbi Tovia Singer
- "Path of the Righteous Gentile" by Chaim Clorfene and Yakov Rogalsky
FOOTNOTES
(1) In response, it is claimed that Joseph adopted Jesus, and passed on his genealogy via adoption. There are two problems with this claim:
a) There is no biblical basis for the idea of a father passing on his tribal line by adoption. A priest who adopts a son from another tribe cannot make him a priest by adoption.
b) Joseph could never pass on by adoption that which he doesn't have. Because Joseph descended from Jeconiah (Matthew 1:11) he fell under the curse of that king that none of his descendants could ever sit as king upon the throne of David (Jeremiah 22:30; 36:30). (Although Jeconiah repented as discussed in Talmud Sanhedrin 37a and elsewhere, it's not at all clear from the early sources that his repentance was accepted to the degree that the royal line continued through him. See e.g. Bereishit Rabbah 98:7 that the line continued through Zedekiah.)
To answer this difficult problem, apologists claim that Jesus traces himself back to King David through his mother Mary, who allegedly descends from David, as shown in the third chapter of Luke. There are four basic problems with this claim:
a) There is no evidence that Mary descends from David. The third chapter of Luke traces Joseph's genealogy, not Mary's.
b) Even if Mary can trace herself back to David, that doesn't help Jesus, since tribal affiliation goes only through the father, not mother. cf. Numbers 1:18; Ezra 2:59.
c) Even if family line could go through the mother, Mary was not from a legitimate messianic family. According to the Bible, the Messiah must be a descendent of David through his son Solomon (2-Samuel 7:14; 1-Chronicles 17:11-14, 22:9-10, 28:4-6). The third chapter of Luke is irrelevant to this discussion because it describes lineage of David's son Nathan, not Solomon. (Luke 3:31)
d) Luke 3:27 lists Shealtiel and Zerubbabel in his genealogy. These two also appear in Matthew 1:12 as descendants of the cursed Jeconiah. If Mary descends from them, it would also disqualify her from being a messianic progenitor.
(2) Maimonides devotes much of his "Guide for the Perplexed" to the fundamental idea that God is incorporeal, meaning that He assumes no physical form. God is eternal, above time. He is infinite, beyond space. He cannot be born, and cannot die. Saying that God assumes human form makes God small, diminishing both His unity and His divinity. As the Torah says: "God is not mortal" (Numbers 23:19).
with thanks to Rabbi Michael Skobac - Jews for Judaism
FAQs:
Do Jewish People Believe In Jesus?
- Jewish people believe Jesus existed but they do not accept him as the messiah. This is due to several reasons; 1) he did not fulfil the messianic prophecies, 2) he did not embody the personal qualifications of the Messiah, 3) textual mistranslations, and 4) Jewish belief is based on national revelation.
Was Jesus Jewish?
- According to some, Jesus was in fact Jewish. However, others say that historically speaking, very little is known and the limited narrative we find in the Talmud about Jesus does not match anything from the Gospel. Learn more about this topic here.
What Do Jews Believe About Jesus?
- There are a wide range of opinions amongst Jewish people about what to believe about Jesus. Some believe he was Jewish and others disagree due to the limited historical accuracy and knowledge. Read more about what Jews believe about Jesus here.
Where in the bible Jesus claimed to be God?
When Truth Is Absent
We miss God's best when we choose to compromise our integrity.
We often don’t realize how important something is until it’s not there. For example, we may not think much of a light bulb until we’re fumbling in the dark. Similarly, to appreciate how much truth matters, consider the impact of its absence.
When our faith isn’t grounded in truth, we ...
Become vulnerable to wrong teaching.
Develop habits that don’t align with God’s will, because we don’t know what it is.
Can stay trapped in emotional bondage.
Experience continual disappointment because our peace is gone.
Can’t grow spiritually.
Grieve God’s heart.
All relationships require honesty. If we develop a reputation for not telling the truth, our friendships and testimony will be damaged. Not only that, but our self-image will also suffer. And unless we repent, we won’t reach our full potential. This isn’t how God wants us to live—He wants so much more for us.
Today’s passage tells us “to put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth” (v. 24). He made us for a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11) and wants us to live in truth so we can walk with Him, enjoying all the blessings He has in store for us.
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. In other words, ignorance is bliss, but only for the ignorant.
@Keith posted:You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. In other words, ignorance is bliss, but only for the ignorant.
That explains your blissful happiness.
Anyway you are misquoting the proverb.
@Mitwah posted:That explains your blissful happiness.
Anyway you are misquoting the proverb.
You are still lacking comprehension.
The phrase "ignorance is bliss, but only for the ignorant" suggests that not knowing or being unaware of certain unpleasant or difficult truths can sometimes lead to a sense of happiness or contentment. However, this happiness is often short-lived or superficial, and it is only experienced by those, such as yourself who remain ignorant or uninformed about the harsh realities of a situation.
The phrase can also imply that seeking knowledge and understanding, even when it reveals difficult truths, is ultimately more valuable than living in blissful ignorance because it allows for personal growth and the ability to address and solve problems.
I'm curious, have you had the opportunity to pursue higher education? This information would greatly assist me in understanding your perspective.
@Keith posted:You are still lacking comprehension.
The phrase "ignorance is bliss, but only for the ignorant" suggests that not knowing or being unaware of certain unpleasant or difficult truths can sometimes lead to a sense of happiness or contentment. However, this happiness is often short-lived or superficial, and it is only experienced by those, such as yourself who remain ignorant or uninformed about the harsh realities of a situation.
The phrase can also imply that seeking knowledge and understanding, even when it reveals difficult truths, is ultimately more valuable than living in blissful ignorance because it allows for personal growth and the ability to address and solve problems.
I'm curious, have you had the opportunity to pursue higher education? This information would greatly assist me in understanding your perspective.
Dear Door Knob,
What Truth Does for Us
Making honesty our habit enables us to experience the joy and freedom our Savior desires for us.
Before you buy a used vehicle or a house, it’s wise to have an inspection. If there are faulty brakes in a car or mold in a home’s basement, you want to know, right? The truth can help you avoid making a costly—even deadly—mistake. Truth protects us.
This principle applies to our spiritual life too. In today’s passage, Jesus said, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (vv. 31-32). The Jews were confused. They were, after all, Abraham’s descendants and had “never been enslaved to anyone” (v. 33). Jesus told them that everyone is a slave to sin but that He came to set them free. And He sets us free too.
The truth of the gospel allows us to enter into relationship with our heavenly Father. Then, as we read and study God’s Word, His truth becomes more and more ingrained in our heart. We become so familiar with it that we’re able to recognize wrong teaching. Biblical truth provides guidance, wisdom, strength, courage, comfort, and faith. Living in God’s truth lets us experience the life He wants for us—a life of joy and freedom. How has truth protected and liberated you?
@Mitwah posted:Dear Door Knob,
The phrase was coined by Thomas Gray in his 1742 poem, Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College: “Thought would destroy their paradise. / No more; where ignorance is bliss, / 'Tis folly to be wise.”Keep your verbal diarrhea to yourself.Christ did not die on the cross and he was not the final human sacrifice for anyone's sins.
Missy, look up Ricky Gervais, let me know if you find anything in reference to the quote. "Ignorance is bliss, but only for the ignorant. For the rest of us it's a right pain in the arse."
@Keith posted:Missy, look up Ricky Gervais, let me know if you find anything in reference to the quote. "Ignorance is bliss, but only for the ignorant. For the rest of us it's a right pain in the arse."
LOL. Grasping at straws eh. RG is a comedian who makes jokes at the expense of folks like you.
Where in the Bible, it contains a description of the actual wooden stake to which Jesus was nailed?
Why do Christians bow down or genuflect to the cross? Is this not paganism?
How to Build Truth
When we are firmly rooted in God's truth, we can withstand the storms of life.
Many of us are familiar with the fable of the three little pigs who each build a house—one of straw, another of sticks, and the last of bricks. A wolf “huffs and puffs” to blow their homes down and is successful with the first two. But the house of bricks stands. Does that story ring a bell?
Jesus taught the same principle. He said one man built his house on a rock while another built on sand (Matthew 7:24-27). In rain and wind, the home on the solid foundation was protected. But Jesus was teaching about obedience, not construction. The point is that life must be built on the dependability of the gospel if we’re to withstand the storms that arise.
Today’s proverb says, “Do not let kindness and truth leave you … Write them on the tablet of your heart” (v. 3). Truth should be an intrinsic part of life, as second nature as breathing. But how do we build it in? Here are five steps to take:
Evaluate the results of past failures regarding truthfulness.
Accept the Bible as the ultimate guidebook for truth.
Practice communicating with love and compassion.
Ask God to give you an ever-increasing desire for truthfulness along with ever-increasing humility.
Feast on the Word of God daily.
Remember, truth delights the Lord (Proverbs 12:22) and is a blessing for us as well.
@Mitwah posted:Where in the Bible, it contains a description of the actual wooden stake to which Jesus was nailed?
Why do Christians bow down or genuflect to the cross? Is this not paganism?
,
"I and the Father are one." (John 10:30) - This statement is often cited as evidence of Jesus' divinity, as it suggests a unique and close relationship with God the Father.
"Before Abraham was, I am." (John 8:58) - In this passage, Jesus uses the phrase "I am," which is reminiscent of God's self-identification in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14). Some argue that this is a claim to eternal existence and divinity.
Acceptance of worship - On several occasions in the New Testament, Jesus is depicted as accepting worship from his followers (e.g., Matthew 14:33, Matthew 28:9). In Jewish tradition, worship is reserved for God alone, so some argue that Jesus accepting worship implies his divinity.
Forgiving sins - In Mark 2:5-7, Jesus forgives a man's sins, which leads some to argue that only God can forgive sins, and therefore, this is a claim to divinity.
@Keith posted:"I and the Father are one." (John 10:30) - This statement is often cited as evidence of Jesus' divinity, as it suggests a unique and close relationship with God the Father.
Jesus said, “The Father and I are one.” It means being one in purpose, not essence.
"Before Abraham was, I am." (John 8:58) - In this passage, Jesus uses the phrase "I am," which is reminiscent of God's self-identification in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14). Some argue that this is a claim to eternal existence and divinity.
These verses reinforce the idea that Jesus is not God, but rather a messenger sent by God to fulfill a specific purpose.
Acceptance of worship - On several occasions in the New Testament, Jesus is depicted as accepting worship from his followers (e.g., Matthew 14:33, Matthew 28:9). In Jewish tradition, worship is reserved for God alone, so some argue that Jesus accepting worship implies his divinity.
- John 5:30 – Jesus emphasizes that he is not acting on his own will but following the will of the Father who sent him, indicating his subordinate position to God.
Forgiving sins - In Mark 2:5-7, Jesus forgives a man's sins, which leads some to argue that only God can forgive sins, and therefore, this is a claim to divinity.
The term “Trinity” is not even found in the Bible. ( My responses in bold)
It is true that Jesus never said the exact words, “I am God.” He did, however, make the claim to be God in many different ways, and those who heard Him knew exactly what He was saying. For example, in John 10:30, Jesus said, “I and the Father are one.” The Jews who heard Him make that statement knew well that He was claiming to be God, as witnessed by their reaction: “His Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him” (John 10:31). When He asked them why they were attempting to stone Him, they said, “For blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God” (John 10:33). Stoning was the penalty for blasphemy (Leviticus 24:16), and the Jews plainly accused Jesus of claiming to be God.
Jesus made another statement claiming to be God when He said, “Very truly I tell you, . . . before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:58). The Jews, upon hearing Him, clearly understood that He was claiming preexistence and, more than that, to be Yahweh, the great “I AM” of Exodus 3:14. On this occasion, too, they tried to stone Him for blasphemy.
The Gospel of John begins with a statement of Jesus’ deity: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1, emphasis added). In verse 14, John identifies the Word: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John is affirming that the Word (Jesus) is God, and He left heaven to come to earth in the form of a man to live with men and display the glory of God the Father.
The disciples of Jesus distinctly heard Him declare His deity. After Jesus’ resurrection, Thomas the doubting disciple finally understood Jesus’ deity, declaring Him to be “my Lord and my God” (John 20:28). If Jesus were not Lord and God, He would have corrected Thomas, but He did not; Thomas spoke the truth. After seeing Jesus walking on the water, His disciples worshipped Him (Matthew 14:33). When He appeared to them after the resurrection, they fell at His feet and worshipped Him (Matthew 28:9). The disciples were well aware of the Mosaic Law’s penalty for blasphemy, yet they worshipped Him as God, and Jesus accepted their worship. Jesus never rebuked people for worshipping Him, accepting their worship as good and proper.
Jesus’ deity is recognized throughout the New Testament. Paul eagerly awaited “the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13) and encouraged us to do the same. Both Paul and John declared that Jesus created the universe (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16–17), yet Genesis 1:1 clearly says that God created the heavens and the earth. This can only mean that Jesus is God. Even God the Father referred to Jesus as God: “About the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever’” (Hebrews 1:8, quoting Psalm 45:6).
Did Jesus say He was God? Yes, in many ways, including applying the names and attributes of God to Himself. He made it clear that He was God incarnate, proving it by His words, by His miracles, and finally by His resurrection from the dead. Although they doubted at first, those who were finally convinced of His deity understood why He had to die on the cross. If He were a mere man, His death would have been only sufficient to pay for His own sins, but because He was God in the flesh, His sacrifice was infinite and holy and able to pay for all the sins of the world.
Source
@Mitwah posted:The term “Trinity” is not even found in the Bible.
The doctrine of the Trinity means that there is one God who eternally exists as three distinct Persons — the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. What's your definition of Trinity?
@Keith posted:The doctrine of the Trinity means that there is one God who eternally exists as three distinct Persons — the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. What's your definition of Trinity?
God does not change, and He did not evolve into a trinity. This was not formulated until the great councils in the early years of Christendom.
This doctrine of Trinity has its roots in Paganism. It wasn't formalized until long after the Bible was completed and the apostles were long dead in their graves, and long after the man who introduced the word Trinity was dead and in his grave. It took later theologians centuries to sort out what they believed and to formulate the belief in the trinity!
Barriers to Intimacy With God
What is keeping you from the joy and peace that come from a close relationship with God?
What do you want more than anything else in life? Is it a relationship? An opportunity? Most of the things we wish for involve someone else. We all want to be loved. But even our closest relationships can leave us feeling disappointed or lonely at times, despite our best efforts.
Consider our relationship with the Lord. He says he loves us “with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3), but it can be difficult to know what true intimacy with Him looks or feels like. In Psalm 63, David compares his soul’s great hunger for God to feeling thirst “in a dry and exhausted land where there is no water” (v. 1) Have you ever felt that kind of longing for God’s company? It’s exactly the kind of closeness He wants for us.
Perhaps you struggle to feel near to the Lord. It could be pride that’s preventing you from admitting your need for Him. Maybe you feel life’s too hectic to sit in His presence. Or it’s possible you’re afraid to be transparent. That’s understandable, especially if you’ve been betrayed in the past. But remember, God will never fall short the way humans do. Whatever the case, simply start spending a few minutes with Him each day, and you’ll notice you have a bit more margin than you thought.
Pray to discover any barriers standing in the way of a deeper connection. And ask God to reveal steps you can take to experience more oneness and closeness with Him. He will answer.
Matthew 7:13
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
@Keith posted:Matthew 7:13
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
You have to die first. When you die your body is either buried or cremated. So what is going thru the strait gate? Where is this place? Is it in this universe?
"few there be that find it" HMMMMMM? Did Jesus really die for our sins?
@Keith posted:Matthew 7:13
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Guess she is not for the strait gate. LOL.
Present Yourself to God
We can fully trust the Lord because He is fully trustworthy.
Giving absolute power over our life to another human being would be an intimidating proposition. But that’s not true when it comes to the Lord. Unconditional surrender to Him is joyous. But to do so, we must ...
Yield ourselves to the lordship of Christ. One way of identifying with the Lord is by surrendering all that we have and all that we are. As we decrease, Jesus increases. And the first place surrender must occur is in our attitude. Then we live it out in obedient action.
Place no limit on what we’re willing to do or become. This means we have no restricted areas in our life where Jesus is not invited. Also, nothing is set aside for our exclusive use. We make ourselves totally available to God’s will.
Transfer ownership of our body, soul, and spirit to Christ. By doing so, we embrace the principles of the Beatitudes and the hierarchy of the kingdom (Matthew 5:3-12; Mark 9:35).
Relinquishing control of our life can feel scary, but when we put it fully in God’s hands, only good can result. What is keeping you from abandoning yourself to the Lord Jesus?
Although Muslims hold a high regard for Jesus, they don’t believe He is divine.
What We Lose, What We Gain
Surrender makes it possible for God's fruit to blossom in our life.
Yesterday, we talked about giving control of our life to God and what we gain as a result. But now let’s go a step further and ask, How do we know whether we are wholly surrendered? We are fully yielded when …
We say, “No matter what, Lord, Your will be done.” We start by acknowledging His right to be in control of our life. Then we follow, even if we don’t fully understand His reasons for where He is leading us.
We stop bargaining with God. As sinners saved by grace, we have no reason to negotiate with God. He redeemed us with the shed blood of His Son and made us part of His family. Our allegiance to Him must be wholehearted.
We let go of everything in order to receive from the Lord. Absolute surrender means we willingly give up our independence and personal preferences (Matthew 10:39). By doing so, we position ourselves to be truly useful to the Lord and to experience deep fellowship with Him. Because we are an open channel ready for God’s use, nothing obstructs the flow of His Spirit through our life and work. It won’t necessarily be easy, but we will always receive more than we’re asked to give up.
@Keith, how come you have not surrendered?
Your Perspective in Prayer
An accurate view of God is crucial for hearing Him correctly.
Sometimes our conversations with God are fruitful. Other times prayer feels like talking to a wall. But in fact, we shouldn’t be surprised by such variation. Why would we expect our prayer life to remain uniform when we ourselves aren’t the same every day?
How we speak and listen to God depends on ...
Our understanding of who God is. The way we view the Lord changes the way we hear Him. For example, if you see God as a loving Father, you will hear His encouraging voice and accept His loving discipline. But if you see Him as a harsh, demanding Father, then you may feel as though you can never live up to His expectations.
Our attitude toward God. If we come to the Lord with a proud or rebellious nature, we’re less likely to hear His voice or accept His authority. However, when we have an open or curious nature, we’re more prepared to hear—and joyfully receive—what He is communicating.
Next time you pray, take a moment to ask yourself, How am I picturing God right now? Is my heart open to Him? If anything negative comes to mind, remember verse 7 of today’s psalm: “We are the people of [God’s] pasture and the sheep of His hand.”
@Mitwah posted:@Keith, how come you have not surrendered?
I take it that you're asking this question because you may not fully understand what is being conveyed in the paragraph below.
"We let go of everything in order to receive from the Lord. Absolute surrender means we willingly give up our independence and personal preferences (Matthew 10:39)."
Matthew 10:39 reads: "He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."
This verse is attributed to Jesus Christ and is often interpreted as a call to prioritize one's faith and commitment to Him over worldly concerns. It suggests that those who are willing to "lose" or sacrifice their own lives and desires for the sake of their faith or for Jesus' sake will ultimately find a more meaningful and fulfilling life. It emphasizes the idea that self-sacrifice and devotion to God can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper connection with God.
Every day, I strive to surrender myself to God, allowing me to reflect Christ in my daily walk with Him, it's a struggle every day, it's not easy. I'm writing this with a smile because I understand that you may not fully grasp what I'm saying, and that's okay because I know you're not a Christian. I hope that answer your question.
Who Are You Following?
SCRIPTURE READING — JEREMIAH 2:1-8, 13
“What fault did your ancestors find in me, that they strayed so far from me?”
One hazard of technology today is the temptation to scroll aimlessly on social media or web feeds. Maybe we begin by looking for a recipe, but our search turns up a distracting new diet program, or we see a juicy update on a friend we haven’t seen in years—and before we know it, we’ve spent an hour wandering around the internet without a clear sense of direction.
Something similar can happen in our spiritual lives. Sin rarely captures us out of the blue. Instead, we begin small—with a little lie, or a grudge we can’t let go of, or a few too many drinks—and later we discover we have wandered far into places we never thought we would go.
The prophets reminded God’s people Israel that they had wandered from God’s way. They had followed idols—representing the sinful desires of the human heart—rather than walking with the Lord and obeying his directions. They stopped asking, “Where is God in our lives?” They turned away from the living water and dug cisterns that only ran dry.
When Jesus came, he declared that he is the “living water” who fills us with his guiding Spirit (John 7:37). Rather than scrolling aimlessly through life, let’s follow this Savior to keep close to God.
Lord, sometimes we don’t realize when or how far we stray from you. Guide us by your Spirit, we pray. Lead us to worthwhile endeavors that honor you, through Christ. Amen.
Very interesting, what a testimony coming from a once Hindu priest.
Growing to Hear Him Better
When you approach God, remember that He receives you with love, compassion, and tenderness.
Have you ever noticed that the more time you spend with someone, the better you understand where that person is coming from? Our relationship with Jesus is similar. When we have a close connection with Him, we’re not praying to some cold and distant deity “out there somewhere.” Instead, we are speaking with a God who loves us, sustains us, and molds us into His own image. That changes how we approach Him, doesn’t it?
In today’s passage, Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration and were terrified. Though the sight must have been shocking, it’s as if the three men momentarily forgot that they served a loving and forgiving king. While it’s important to revere and respect the Lord, we should not be frightened of Him. After all, it’s His love and grace that makes Him a Savior worth following.
Coming to the three disciples, who’d fallen to the ground, Jesus “touched them and said, ‘Get up, and do not be afraid’” (v. 7). That’s the kind of compassionate, personal God we serve, and we should keep that picture in mind when we spend time with Him.
If you’re struggling to connect with God, remember that He loves you, forgives you, and rejoices in your prayers.
Waiting in Prayer
If you don't know what to do, just be faithful where you are.
Micah’s prophecy to the people of Judah sounded bleak: The nation had fallen into idolatry and other sins and as a result would face God’s judgment of suffering and exile. (See Micah 1-3.)
But in chapter 4, the book’s tone changes abruptly, and Micah is left with what we might call “waiting words”—a common feature in biblical prophecy. These are phrases that encourage Israel to be faithful even when hope seems lost. In the first verse of today’s passage, the waiting words are “It will come about,” sometimes translated as “It shall come to pass.” God asks Israel not merely to wait—but to wait in faith. How does Micah reconcile this hope with reality?
From that point on, the book takes on a more hopeful tone as God shows Micah what will come later: The Lord will restore and revive the nation, providing peace and healing. In addition, He promises the appearance of their Messiah, a shepherd-king who “will arise and shepherd His flock in the strength of the lord” (Micah 5:4).
Micah’s words near the end of the book capture his prayerful posture: “I will be on the watch for the lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me” (Micah 7:7). Watching for the Lord, looking to Him alone, and expecting Him to hear us is the right stance when things seem bleak.
@Keith posted:Waiting in Prayer
If you don't know what to do, just be faithful where you are.
Micah’s prophecy to the people of Judah sounded bleak: The nation had fallen into idolatry and other sins and as a result would face God’s judgment of suffering and exile. (See Micah 1-3.)
But in chapter 4, the book’s tone changes abruptly, and Micah is left with what we might call “waiting words”—a common feature in biblical prophecy. These are phrases that encourage Israel to be faithful even when hope seems lost. In the first verse of today’s passage, the waiting words are “It will come about,” sometimes translated as “It shall come to pass.” God asks Israel not merely to wait—but to wait in faith. How does Micah reconcile this hope with reality?
From that point on, the book takes on a more hopeful tone as God shows Micah what will come later: The Lord will restore and revive the nation, providing peace and healing. In addition, He promises the appearance of their Messiah, a shepherd-king who “will arise and shepherd His flock in the strength of the lord” (Micah 5:4).
Micah’s words near the end of the book capture his prayerful posture: “I will be on the watch for the lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me” (Micah 7:7). Watching for the Lord, looking to Him alone, and expecting Him to hear us is the right stance when things seem bleak.
How does this help the thousands of child beggars in Guyana?
@Mitwah posted:How does this help the thousands of child beggars in Guyana?
How the caste system helps the poor?
The Courage to Wait
When life seems impossible, choose to move forward, work hard, and trust God for a good result.
Farming requires hard work, from plowing to planting to harvest. But as the farmer looks at an unplowed field, the work begins in his imagination long before the first seed is ever planted. The farmer must hope for a good end, a rich harvest—and that hope fuels his hard work when the end is not in sight.
The Jews who returned to Jerusalem after almost 70 years in exile faced a similar dilemma. They found ruins where their beautiful temple once stood, and rebuilding it seemed impossible. The people needed hope to renew their imaginations for the hard work ahead.
“I am with you,” God said, giving them the hope of His presence and power. He “stirred up the spirit” of Israel’s leaders, Zerubbabel and Joshua, and also did the same for the people (Haggai 1:13-15). Then He gave a word about waiting—saying that things would change “in a little while.” For them to see the glory ahead, God told them to take courage and work. Then He promised, “The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former … in this place I will give peace” (2:4-9).
When our own hopes for the future weaken, we can remember God’s plan to make the “latter glory” greater also applies to us. He redeems all things—even those that seem unredeemable. So we can take courage and work.
@Keith posted:The Courage to Wait
When life seems impossible, choose to move forward, work hard, and trust God for a good result.
Farming requires hard work, from plowing to planting to harvest. But as the farmer looks at an unplowed field, the work begins in his imagination long before the first seed is ever planted. The farmer must hope for a good end, a rich harvest—and that hope fuels his hard work when the end is not in sight.
The Jews who returned to Jerusalem after almost 70 years in exile faced a similar dilemma. They found ruins where their beautiful temple once stood, and rebuilding it seemed impossible. The people needed hope to renew their imaginations for the hard work ahead.
“I am with you,” God said, giving them the hope of His presence and power. He “stirred up the spirit” of Israel’s leaders, Zerubbabel and Joshua, and also did the same for the people (Haggai 1:13-15). Then He gave a word about waiting—saying that things would change “in a little while.” For them to see the glory ahead, God told them to take courage and work. Then He promised, “The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former … in this place I will give peace” (2:4-9).
When our own hopes for the future weaken, we can remember God’s plan to make the “latter glory” greater also applies to us. He redeems all things—even those that seem unredeemable. So we can take courage and work.
How does this help the thousands of child beggars in Guyana?