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The idea of “salvation by works of the Law” was not a theology that characterized 1^st-century Judaism (any more than it does 21^st-century Judaism). The “Law” was given to the Jewish people after they were redeemed from Egypt! It was designed not only to be a way of life for them in the Promised Land but to equip them for their ministry among the Gentiles. After all, Israel was called to be a “light to the nations” (see Exo 19:5-6; Deu 4:1-8; Isa 51:4; 60:1-22). …

Law and Legalism, Pt.2Read More »

“… know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in (Yeshua the Messiah). So we, too, have put our faith in (Messiah Yeshua) that we may be justified by faith in (Messiah) and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified” (Gal 2:16 NIV). …

Law and Legalism, Pt.1Read More »

Why do we refer to Jesus as Yeshua?

Because, Yeshua is the masculine form of the Hebrew word “salvation.” Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ) is the proper Hebrew name of Jesus. “Jesus” is derived from the Greek Iêsous (!Ihsou'"). Iêsous is a Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Y’ho-shua or Joshua (יְהוֹשֻׁעַ) and means “the Lord is salvation.”

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“Jesus” or “Yeshua”Read More »

The connection that Jews have with one another is not based on shared doctrinal views—their connection is organic. It is a “living” connection based on a shared history, a shared culture, a shared language, a shared struggle and perhaps more importantly, a shared covenantal “calling.” But, you may say, “The Jewish people have been scattered all over the earth, what do they really have in common?” All of this and more! …

Satement of Faith, Pt. 2Read More »

I am often asked for a “Statement of Faith” which very specifically defines what I “believe.” No doubt, you are familiar with them—most if not all Christian organizations use a “Statement of Faith” to distinguish themselves from others. And, distinguished from each other they are—to the tune of thousands and thousands of separate “groups.” Most of these distinctions are “doctrinal” based on what the members of any given group “believe.” Unfortunately in Greek, the words “believe” (πιστεύω [pisteuo]) and “faith” (πίστις [pistis]) connote something that does not reflect the Jewish World-view of Yeshua (Jesus) and his disciples. …

Satement of Faith, Pt. 1Read More »