A Guy Like Job (A view on Job and Christians Today)

It seems almost a joke I am speaking on the book of Job because it is known by my family and Rob I really do not have much positive consideration for this book. The first time I read it all the way through from beginning to end was torture until I got to chapter 38, which talks about who God is. Honestly I just got tired of hearing Job whining and his friends being really lame from chapter 3 to 37. God has a funny sense of humor when it comes to these things.

Job 1:1-3,6 - 2:10
1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. 2 And seven sons and three daughters were born to him. 3 Also, his possessions were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very large household, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the East…
6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan {the Adversary} also came among them. 7 And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?”
So Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”
8 Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”
9 So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”
12 And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

Job Loses His Property and Children
13 Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house; 14 and a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, 15 when the Sabeans raided them and took them away—indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
16 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
17 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
18 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 19 and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
20 Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked shall I return there.
The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the LORD.”
22 In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.

Job 2
Satan Attacks Job’s Health
1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD. 2 And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?”
Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”
3 Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.”
4 So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. 5 But stretch out Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”
6 And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life.”
7 So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD, and struck Job with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. 8 And he took for himself a potsherd with which to scrape himself while he sat in the midst of the ashes.
9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!”
10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

As my friend and I were reading and I was further explaining the situation, a few verses stuck out to me in chapters 1 and 2 where Job was described as blameless and a man of integrity. I said to my bible study partner (who you will see I am very relaxed with), “Wow, okay so Job is the guy who is blameless, Satan asked for him, and God allowed Satan to tempt Job and put Him through rough times. Remember this guy had lost his livestock and his crops from fire that appeared to have come from God, lost his sons and daughters, he’s been raided and lost the rest of his possessions and servants, and now he has boils all over his body. Crazy, I mean this guy did nothing to deserve this. To be honest it seems a bit unfair if you put our human understanding to it. God sees this guy as blameless first off and then He lets Satan do those things to Job? I mean who can you even think of today who are seen as blameless by God?”
My brain began to roll to the “superstar Christians” I knew and then something hit me…”You are.” And then almost with a shout I said, “Dude, WE ARE!” We are seen as blameless! We are because Jesus came and died for our sins, you and I have both accepted Him into out life, given Him our hearts and minds, and are pursuing a life that looks like Jesus, so that His life as the ultimate sacrifice has covered our sins! God sees us as blameless!”
Yes, my friend looked at me a bit strange by the crazy eyes I am sure I had at this point, but it is too late because we are rolling! So to you now…if you have turned your life over to Christ…YOU ARE BLAMELESS. Satan the accuser has nothing on you! He will try and He will come to God pointing out all our wrongs and God’s response will be, “I see my Son, there is no sin in them.” Revelation 12:10, “Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down...””

Here is a question I am sure you are thinking at the moment: If Job was seen as blameless and I am seen as blameless why does God allow all those terrible things to happen? This story demonstrates that when bad things happen to us here on earth, it has nothing to do with God getting back at you or punishing you. Job was seen as blameless by God, same as you. Let’s go back to Job 2:10, ““You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.” Will you only take the good? As a Christian, bad things will still happen to you because you are still living in the fallen world called ‘Earth.’ Heaven is where there are no tears or sorrow. The cool thing though is that God uses those rough times for you to finally see who God is and to develop a relationship with Him, making those bad times for your good as it says in Genesis 50:20 if you let Him.

Another thing that sticks out to me here as well is that Job really did do nothing to deserve anything that happened to him, and if you think about your own life, we deserve every bad thing that happens to you and me and more. We actually do not even deserve to live because of what a sinful selfish life we are all living. Yet God sees us the same way he sees his servant Job who really was a man of integrity. We have been made righteous by Christ Jesus alone.

Now who of you think God is a betting man? Do you think God knew how Job was going to react? Do you think He knew Satan would ask for Job? Luke 22:31-32, “31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.””

So the group conclusion is that God knew, correct? If God knew Satan would ask, He knew how Job would react, meaning he knew Job’s timeline or life path in a way…does that mean God knows your TIMELINE as well? Yes! God knows exactly who you are in present and who you are becoming and where you have been. He knows your strengths, He knows what truth you know of Him, and He knows what you can handle and better yet what you can handle with Him fighting right by your side. Your timeline to Him is in 5D or in other words beyond our understanding. 1 Corinthians 10:12-13, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”” God knows what you are made of. He will not throw anything at you that you cannot bear without Him by your side. He knew Job would stand strong in God when everything was going miserably around him. (Romans 8:26, 28, 34, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans…And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose… Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”)

A question to ask yourself: Are you willing to do what Job did? In the story his wife told him to let go of his integrity and to “Curse God and die!” How many times are we cursing God by throwing our sins in His presence without a thought? How many of you have compromised your integrity for trash on this earth? Yes, we are blameless in God’s sight, but as it says in Romans 6:1-2, “1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” Ask yourself what decisions can you begin to make to not just be seen blameless by God, but to live a blameless life, a life of integrity to the world to show them what being Christ-like really means?

Here is a point I feel God showed me through my friend Adam’s story with his baby: I had asked Adam how his new baby was and his response was “Much better now.” I laughed because honestly this was a strange response and I gave him a look saying ‘explain.’ Adam went on to tell me he is away at work all day so he does not get the interaction his wife gets with their baby and even when he would come home the baby just drooled, ate, and slept and really did not interact with him. He loved his baby so much and he wanted so badly to connect with him, but really was not getting anything returned yet. Well now the baby is maturing, starting to smile with Adam, interacting with him by flailing his arms and making noises back and Adam loves this because He is starting to feel like a dad. As I left for my walk my mind kept rolling on what Adam had said. I began to think how the baby will continue to grow and Adam’s interaction will increase as well and soon Adam will be showing his son new games, explaining the world to him, teaching him life lessons, and continually protecting him from dangers in the world. It then clicked to me that what Adam is feeling with his baby God feels the same way with us as Christians. He desires to interact, to teach us, to play with us and laugh with us. God desires to feel like our Father! But like so many Christians we never grow past the milk phase and never really experience a relationship with God. It does not mean that God loves us any less; just the same way that Adam does not love his baby any less. It means that God is not experiencing the joy of interacting with His child and we are not experiencing the joy of having our Father teaching, leading, and protecting us in our life. It is when we begin to grow spiritually and eat the meat God is giving us through our daily experiences, reading His word, and through prayer that a relationship with God begins to develop.

Excerpt from a write up I found:
“We should not forget that every year has its many challenges and unexpected trials. These, too, are a part of the goodness of God if we face them with faith and trust in Him. Job found this out and has taught us that the highway to God’s blessings is the road of patience.
America today is a most blessed nation and the evidence of God’s unfailing love is everywhere to be seen. There are great challenges in the land, but I hope that instead these will awaken in us trust, prayer and patience, for “out of Zion (the Christian Church) will radiate the perfection of beauty”. So said the ancient Psalmist of Israel and thus, morning by morning throughout the year, we will experience God’s mercies and love.”

Job 42:12-16, “Now the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning… Job lived one hundred and forty years, and saw his children and grandchildren for four generations. 17 So Job died, old and full of days.” God wants to bless your time here and knock off anything that is not of Him so you can end your life here on earth knowing you have walked the walk God has called you to in Him.

Trust God and wait on Him so you can be an adornment to Him and be blessed by Him. I do not know about you, but I want God to say this to me when I get to heaven as the master says to his servant in Matthew 25, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’”

Take aways:

1. You are righteous in God’s eyes once you have…
a. Putting your faith in Jesus Christ as your savior
b. Accepted Him into your heart and so into your life
c. Life meaning a change of direction by following a life in Christ
d. In doing this you are laying your life and sins at His feet and accepting Christ’s righteousness as your own

2. What is happening in your life is not because God is angry with you and getting back at you
a. God LOVES you!!
b. God desires to be your father, so let Him.
c. Hebrews 10:16-17, “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”

3. God is your Father who wants to show you Himself and His creation.
a. Your Father wants to teach you many things.
b. Your Father wants to help you conquer and come out victorious the mountains in your life


Questions:

1. Do you consider yourself righteous by God’s eyes? Why or why not.
a. Galatians 2:16, “…knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”
b. Romans 3:22-24-5:1-2, “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus… Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.”

2. What areas of your life have you been giving to the trash of this world and not to God?
a. Galatians 2:20-21, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”
b. Romans 6:1-2, “1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?”

3. Are you willing to trust God since He sees your past, present, and future, He knows what He is doing with your life when you give it to Him?
a. Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you (for peace and not of evil), plans to give you hope and a future.”
b. Psalm 56:8, “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.”

4. Ask yourself what decisions you can begin to make to not just be seen blameless by God, but to live a blameless life, a life of integrity to the world to show them what being Christ-like really means…to be an adornment for Him.
a. Acts 11:20-24, 26, 29 “However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. 21 The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord. 22 When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. 24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord…Both of them [Barnabus and Saul] stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians… the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the disciples in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could.)”
b. They did not name themselves, but instead those watching how they lived in Antioch named them Christians. Do you think those around you would “name” you a Christian by your actions?

5. How do you begin to move from milk to meat in your life so you can keep growing as a mature Christian in a relationship with God where He really can be your Father?
a. Joshua 1: 6-7, “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Proverbs 13:7

Proverbs 13:7

“There is one who pretends to be rich, but has nothing;
Another pretends to be poor, but has great wealth.”

My friend sent me this verse and upon reading it I laughed and sent a ‘haha’ back to my friend. He responded with why the ‘haha.’ My response was this. “The verse. We are so lost in who we are. Never claiming who God created us to be. We are so incredibly wealthy in Him (power, love, joy, hope, saved) yet claim empty. The world screams fulfilled yet empty. Messed up. So I laughed.”

How many of us are still selling out to the lie from Satan that we have no real power in us? That you are weak, insignificant and replaceable. Instead of just listening to Satan, listen to what God has to say about that…

Power:
James 5:16 – “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Ephesians 1:18-23 – “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”

Love:
Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.”
Zephania 3:17 – “The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Joy:
Nehemiah 8:10b – “…Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Psalm 5: 11 – “But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You.”

Hope:
Lamentations 3:22-24 – “Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 24 “ The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “ Therefore I hope in Him!””

Saved:
Titus 3:5 – “…not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit”
Isaiah 12:3 – “Therefore with joy you will draw water From the wells of salvation.”

Irreplaceable:
Psalm 139
Luke 12:22-32 - "Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes...Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life...Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom."

These are just a few verses in the arsenal God has given you in His story to you. Read it. Pray to Him. Develop a relationship with Him. Trust Him. Give Satan the boot.

Encounters: Who are the Jews

I found this page most interesting in talking about the Jewish ethnic divisions. I had no idea it was so diverse until I read this write up concerning it. I hope that the people I met can read this and see the diversity as well. It ranges from European Jews; Caucasus and the Crimea Jews; North Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Jews; Sub-Saharan Africa Jews; South and East Asia Jews; and about the Jews in the Americas being mainly European, Hispanic-Crypto, Amazonian Jews. As well there was mentioned the Jews who had converted to Judaism.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_ethnic_divisions

There are so many people in the Bible who are considered Jews and a huge part of God’s plan in bringing all His people back to Him who were not originally Jews. Ruth, Rahab, and Job were all “proselytes” who converted to Judaism and were grafted into God’s family. They converted to the covenant which God had established at the time and by faith were taken in as family. God does not look at genes, but at the heart and only God knows the heart. God desires a pure and contrite heart, not empty sacrifices according to Psalm 51:17. Now we are under the new covenant and along with it God’s establishments under it as well.

According to the True Hebrews there are only these that represent the Twelve tribes of Israel. http://biblicalhebrewsofthebible.ning.com/

The Twelve Tribes of Israel

REUBEN
Seminole Indians

SIMEON
Dominicans

LEVI
Hatians

JUDAH
Black Americans

ZEBULON
Guatamala to Panama (Mayans)

ISSACHAR
Mexicans (Aztec)

MANASSES
Cubans

GAD
North American Indians

ASHER
Columbia to Uraguay (Incas)

NAPHTALI
Argentina to Chile

EPHRAIM
PUETO RICANS

BENJAMIN
West Indians

Encounters: The True Hebrews

After a lot of researching I believe I have finally found more specifically the group who I encountered on the street. They have not really given themselves a name except for the name “True Hebrews,” which sticks out in discussions everywhere on their site, so I shall discuss them in this manner. They most likely do have roots in Black Liberation Theology, but are definitely an occult or branch off of it in that part of part of Black Liberation Theology is making the church or the gospel relevant to the black population since they feel Christianity was originally forced upon them by slavery.

This belief system that has seemed to pop up gives the impression to have foundation in this. This is perceived by me by them placing God in a box claiming Him as only the God of the 12 tribes of Israel. There main foundation and focus is discovering who the true tribes are and who those people groups are today. For each of the twelve tribes they have designated a people group and the tribe of Judah supposedly represents the African Americans. This in a sense gives them power and superiority over everyone else who is not from these tribes. They even give God and Jesus specific names, claiming if you pray to God with another name (such a Yahweh or Jehovah according to this post: http://biblicalhebrewsofthebible.ning.com/profiles/blogs/is-lucifer-the-god-of-judaism) you have been deceived and are praying to Satan. God is to be called Yahuwah, meaning the ‘Most High,’ and His Son is to be called Yahushuwah Ha Mashiyach.

The group I encountered on the streets believed there was no room in heaven for Gentiles, but the web page I found that is answering most of my questions concerning this group has stated that God is not only the God of the Hebrews, but also the God of the Gentiles. This I found refreshing in they see the purpose in Jesus coming to save everyone, but after further research I have come to find this web site says they believe for a Gentile to be saved the “Gentiles (whites) must be brought into Israel by an Israelite such as Cornelius was and taught the Israeli ways by an Israelite. They must also accept who the true Israelite are.” (http://biblicalhebrewsofthebible.ning.com/forum/topics/gentiles-must-be-brought-in). This rule they claim as fact never mentioned as a requirement said in the New Testament scriptures, but one that has been manifested by someone. The New Testament more in fact points away from the Israelite ways and from the Chosen being only the Israelites, to the Chosen now including the Gentiles and the Greeks and the rest of the world. (Philippians 3:9; Romans 1:16-17, Romans 3:9-18)

"As He says also in Hosea,
"I WILL CALL THOSE WHO WERE NOT MY PEOPLE, 'MY PEOPLE,'
AND HER WHO WAS NOT BELOVED, 'BELOVED.'"
AND IT SHALL BE THAT IN THE PLACE WHERE IT WAS SAID TO THEM, 'YOU ARE NOT MY PEOPLE,' THERE THEY SHALL BE CALLED SONS OF THE LIVING GOD.'" Romans 9:25-26

The True Hebrews are going back to works as the Pharisees did in cleaning the outside of the cup, but leaving the inside dirty with bitterness, pride, slavery to hate, man’s wisdom, judgment, contempt, greed for power and many more (Luke 11:39). The True Hebrews see their way as this, which was stated on the same page as the previous quote, “This is not a luke-warm people...it is all the way believing and going by the Laws of the Most High. This is not an easy way...There is no Holidays of man celebrated...no eating of unclean food...no sunday worship...This is a total life change...This is knowing the whole world is deceived and by accepting the True Hebrews we join in their cause, and that is all a part of Yahs master plan...Yah has given us this site to learn from and from this we learn and share what we know, to help bring Yahs plan together. By believing we are joined to the family (grafted so to speak)...They have been given the Truth and we have been blessed to be drawn to it.” They see themselves as the enlightened true Hebrews and people who call themselves Christians today as godless. They believe that God actually started as a man and then became God because everything has to have a beginning and that includes God. Then where did that man come from? So many flawed thoughts, to read more on whom they see God as go to: http://biblicalhebrewsofthebible.ning.com/profiles/blogs/what-ifalmost-everything-you.

We are not saved by works but by faith in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 11 goes all through who were considered righteous and as it says in Romans 4:3, Abraham was considered righteous for faith. That is why he was CHOSEN…for his faith. Not his genes, not his DNA, but his faith. Why do men get so stuck in what we think is right when God has already told us? Why must we weigh people down with rules and laws and walls that kill men, when Jesus wants to carry the burden with us (Matthew 23:4, Luke 11:21, 29-30)? According to Galatians 4:5, "God sent Him {Jesus} to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that He (God) could adopt us..." We are no longer under the old covenant and slaves to its laws, but the new covenant that frees us from our sins. If you want to be under the old covenant by making your own laws and regulations, then you are under the original punishment for sin which is death. That is all you have earned with all your work because no one can come to the father except through Jesus according to John 5:24 and John 14:6.

I found this sermon online and wanted to share this man’s take. He stated it so well and simply. You can read his full sermon on this website: http://bible.org/article/call-discipleship-invitation-rest-matthew-1128-30

“One of the most beloved passages in the New Testament is Matthew 11:28-30. In it the Lord summarizes the invitation to discipleship that characterized His earthly ministry, but to understand the invitation of this passage, we need to understand the background
Those who were under the Mosaic Law were said to be yoked to Moses. Those who were under the authority of the Pharisees were said to be yoked to the Pharisees. As an illustration, see Acts 15:7-11.
Then, in Matthew 23:4, the Lord warned the people of the oppressive and legalistic ways of the Pharisees. He said, “And they tie up heavy loads, and lay them on men’s shoulders.” He was speaking about the way they had hidden the true meaning of the Old Testament Law with all the religious rules and regulations that these religious externalists had instituted as the way to God, to true spirituality, and as a way to receive God’s blessing in life. They had codified the Mosaic law into 365 prohibitions and 250 commandments
Lord is talking about more than the simple acquisition of information. He has in mind a change of life, a transformed life-style through intimate relationship with Him. Let’s compare a number of passages—Deut. 17:19; Ezra 7:10; Ps. 119:11; Jam. 1:22; Luke 6:47-49; 8:21; 11:28. We are talking about having the attitude of a learner, someone who takes in and seeks to apply the information that comes from God.”

This is what the True Hebrews are moving towards again. On their home webpage they state, “I UNDERSTAND THAT WE ARE ALL COMING INTO TRUTH AS YAHUWAH OPENS EYES.... ALL I ASK IS ONCE YOU LEARN TRUTH....DON'T REGRESS.....IT IS THAT IMPORTANT IN THE PROCESS OF GROWING. OUR FATHER, The Most High "Yahuwah" Elohym and His Son "Yahuwshuwa Ha Mashiyach" names have been purposely HIDDEN by those who continously PLOT to Deceive and cause Salvation to be LOST.” In truth they are the ones regressing from the beautiful message of Grace (Ephesians 2:8) that God has given to us. Instead they are bringing distractions into their faith that have no true foundation in what it means to truly follow Christ. They are causing disunity between themselves and the rest of the body of Christ His church. They believe that we “the Gentiles” actually know all of this and are purposefully hiding it from them so they do not know who they are as the True Hebrews. They are throwing their time into running after conspiracies in the church and genes that they are missing what their ultimate calling is in Matthew 28:19-20 which says, “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Personally I see this group as actually being manipulated by Satan. He is distracting them by having them waste their time in things that do not matter instead of fulfilling what their purpose here on earth is. They will not even end their prayers with “Amen” anymore because of they fear the god “Ramen” will think they are praying to him. I mean how small do they think God is that He does not know their heart and when they are praying to Him? They are hurting the kingdom of God more than helping. They think everyone is lying to them about the Truth (John 5:24) and are against them. The True Hebrews are actually a sick part of the body of Christ and when one part of the body suffers we all suffer. Our job as Christians is to show our brothers their wrong and lead them back to God’s Truth, so if you encounter this, be ready, pray for God’s intervention, and pray for their eyes to be opened. I will be adding more writings on this over time as I do more research, just wanted this to be up for you to start your own.

Encounters

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope" Romans 5:1-4

My story of an encounter with a group I believe follows Black Liberation Theology:

It was a Saturday late afternoon as I was driving to the OKC Bombing Memorial. A block away from my destination I was stopped at a light and sharing that corner was a group of men, dressed in white with red hangings and a red wrap around their waist. They were holding signs and bouncing with purpose as they yelled phrases. My window was up so I really had no idea what it was they were yelling, but the thought Muslim crossed my mind. Though thinking their attire was too showy for Muslim groups.
I continued onto the Memorial, read God’s word, looked around and realized how hypocritical I was in forgetting all that had occurred and all that was still occurring. Reflection times are much needed and I really felt a peace. After a while I left and took the long way around by walking a block over so I could walk by the group I had seen earlier. What was going through my head: “If they see Truth they cannot deny it. God please use this.”
As I rounded the corner towards them and crossed the street I began the long walk down the block towards them. Immediately I met hate. I heard them yelling after a woman calling her wicked and a detestable b****. She yelled something back not friendly and waved them off. Every phrase they yelled after that went something like this…

“God hates the wicked!”
“The white man is the most wicked of all creatures!”
“The pale man is cursed!”
“They belong to Satan!”
“God hates the white man and will wipe him from the face of this earth!”

Then seeing me walking towards them…

“The white woman is the most deceptive and hated of all creatures!”
“Pale women lead the Chosen Ones astray!”
“God hates the white woman!”
“The whites are evil in walking form!”

They said many other phrases and these are from memory and I was praying the whole time I was walking so these might not be word for word….but pretty much correct.

Upon finally reaching them, I stopped at their corner 3 feet away from the closest one and listened. Their ranting continued. One man led the rant, one stood almost as a guard (the closest to me) and he smiled at me in a humoring way, and then 5 boys ranging from 13 to 20 in age stood in a line apparently in “training,” with one of them holding a Bible (the translation is questionable…could have been of the groups making). Upon my arrival the group seemed to get riled up from this more and laughed at a chance to pick on another “white” woman (though they probably thought I was a teenager since I look like I’m 14 according to my latest age guess…ha). The leader changed his rant and now would yell “READ!” and then the scripture reference to the one holding the Bible. He would then yell out the scripture and repeat what the leader instructed him to. Between scripture readings he would inform me what that verse says about me. I now wish I had recorded with my phone what scripture they had used because it escaped me then and now.
All the scripture they read at this point talked about the wicked and what God thought of wickedness, which are correct because God does hate the wicked and the Bible is very clear about what happens to those in sin. The verses were mostly from the Old Testament and Revelation.
The guard looked at me and said “So you carry a Bible.” I nodded my head. He said, “Read it, check it.” I responded, “I do read it.” He did not counter me.
The leader then said the phrase again of God hating the wicked white man because he is evil.
I responded: God is a God of love.
“Leader”: Except for the white man.
Me: We all came from Adam so why does me being white matter.
“Leader”: Oh, but Adam was black!
Me: Yeah I’m sure He was very dark skinned.
“Leader”: READ! Verse….that supposedly supported God hating whites but all was about is God hating wickedness.
Me: So what does color matter?
“Leader”: What does it matter?
Me: God does not look on the outside. We are taught in the Bible to look at the person on the inside.
“Leader”: Oh really. So if I was to snatch your purse, how would you describe me to the police?
Me: I would say a man wearing a white gown with some weird red thing took it.
“Leader”: Nothing to say about me being black?
Me: I would probably say you were black. (I said in a joking, well of course way)
“Leader”: So you would not describe my insides to the police?
READ! Verse….
My thought but chose to refrain: (police can not see your inside as well…analogy that makes no sense) Verse going through head is one in Proverbs that says in some form ‘arguing with a fool is foolishness.’
After the scripture reading I asked, “Do you believe in Jesus?”
“Leader”: Oh yes, I believe in Jesus. Jesus was black too. Did you know that?
Me: Well, Jesus was definitely not white, probably not black, but more middle eastern looking.
“Leader”: Oh no He was black. And God is black too. Do you know who Jesus is?
Me: The son of God who came to save us from our sins.
“Leader”: Good. READ…some scripture.
At this point 3 other men had joined the circle and came over ready for fun according to their appearance. Two were dressed like the others and one was dressed in all black.
“Leader”: He’s God’s son. So he’s black. Even says it in the Bible. And He didn’t come for you.
READ Revelation 1:12-16
“Leader” as the Bible was being read: White hair…ebony skin….now tell me that is not important now. God IS black!
As he was saying this he was holding up a poster of what apparently God looked like and pointing at his characteristics. The poster was of a youthful older black man with a mild white fro. Below his face were other scripture references of where else is said in the “bible” God looked like this.
- Later on that night I looked up that passage because I never remembered reading God had ebony skin…This passage is actually talking about the son of man (Jesus) and the Bible passage actually says: “12I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13and among the lampstands was someone "like a son of man,"[b]dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.” There version might say God is black, but God’s word never shows any partiality. Also, it’s talking about Jesus. That really kills credibility. Further showing they have and will manipulate the Bible to prove their agenda.
While they were saying theses things concerning appearance I Samuel 16:7 kept coming into my mind in what the Lord said to Samuel: “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Me: God does not look at appearance. All men are equal. He sent Jesus for us all.
As I was saying this the “Leader” began spouting more drills and drowned me out slightly. Before I would let him talk once he began, but now I was seeing the “Leader” was just ridiculous.
Me: So all whites are wicked?
“Leader”: Yes. Only the blacks who are from the tribe of Judah, the Indians (Native Americans), and Mexicans here in America can go to Heaven because they are descendants from one of the 12 tribes of Israel and you are not.
Me: I believe in Jesus and His blood covers my sins.
READ…some scripture
Each time the “Leader” would yell for scripture to be read I would make eye contact with each student or participant there and give them a look. The look I was trying to give was one that none of this was affecting me because I knew the truth and I hope they search for the truth too. I prayed for each one as I looked at them that the veils would be lifted and God’s truth would penetrate them.

Me: So what is the point of you being here?
“Leader”: What? (acting like he could not hear me so I would have to repeat myself…a control mechanism)
Me: What is the point? Why are you yelling on the street corner all whites being evil and you guys being the only ones to go to heaven? It’s not benefiting anyone but yourself.
“Leader”: Oh I’m not doing this for you. We’re doing this for that guy over there.
I look over and 50 feet away I see a single middle aged black man sitting on a bench facing perpendicular to us. The leader yells out to him, “What does God say about the black man?”
Guy in bench: He is the chosen one of God.
“Leader”: Who are the whites?
Guy on bench: Wicked!
The “Leader” looks at me: See he get’s it. I’m only talking to you because I hope I hurt your feelings.
Me: Well you aren’t because I know the truth.
“Leader”: So where do you think you are going when you die?
Me: Heaven
“Leader”: No you aren’t. I pray you hang yourself tonight. (smile)
Me: I believe in Jesus and He has covered me.
“Leader”: If you get into heaven I’m not….
(What I think the “Leader” wanted to say bit realized the hypocrisy of it: “If you get into heaven I’m not going there”)
Instead the “Leader” turned his back and walked away for a circle. READ…some verse.
Me: Who are you guys with?
No answer really. I asked again.
Then the “Leader” said to the side: A church that if you walk in the door of we will show you out the other door.
They all laughed. I’m thinking…the other door is nothing good.
I studied their attire more. On their head was a covering with a cut out on the top of it in the shape of the Star of David in gold trim. They are basing all their salvation on their apparent heritage they claim. Nothing to do with grace even though they say they believe in Jesus.
When the “Leader” faced me again I said: “You are a false prophet.”
I looked to the rest of them: “What he is saying is not true. Please get into God’s word and see the truth for yourself.”
“Leader”: I wanna slit your throat.
Me: I’ll just go to heaven faster.
The “Leader” began walking away and the body guard and another followed.
“Leader”: You’re not going to heaven.
Me: According to Jesus I am.
Body guard: The only way you would be in heaven is as a slave… (with a laugh) you can be my slave.
Me: I’ll be praying for you.
“Leader”: God does not hear your prayers.
Me: He does.
“Leader”: Because you are wicked.
Me: False Prophet.
The “Leader” yelled something as he was still walking away too far away for me to understand. So I raised my hand indicating I could not hear him.
Walking back to my car was terrible. All of a sudden realizing how much evil I had been surrounded by consumed me and I cried.
All those faces have kept passing through my mind. They have no idea what real truth and real freedom in Christ in. I know I myself am not fully grasping it as well, but at least I am on God’s path to better understanding it and living it. They are being fed constant lies.
Another fear that came to me is for that “Leader” and anyone else who is proclaiming this “truth.” The verse Matthew 18:5-6 has not left my head since it happed. It says, “And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” In other words, in caring for and protecting the innocent, the weak, the unlearned, the vulnerable, and the needy, we prove our love for the Lord. A huge responsibility of being a Christian is looking out for the innocent and naive, doing all that we can to keep others from stumbling. The “Leader” basically needs to tie a millstone around his neck because the later would be worse for him. But more so for him to be awakened is my ultimate prayer.
This verse has as well been convicting me in my interactions with my youth that look up to me to show them Jesus. Pray hard for them and pray hard to only speak and display God’s truth and character to them to not lead them astray; otherwise that millstone needs to go around my neck.

Healthcare is NOT a 'right'

By: David E. Smith

Like many Americans across the nation, I watched intensely as Congress debated and ultimately passed the onerous healthcare "reform" bill Sunday evening. One main point of contention is the idea -- affirmed by some radically "progressive" lawmakers -- that healthcare is a "right." This is nothing short of socialistic propaganda.

The implicit claim in the assertion that healthcare is a "right" is that it is a constitutionally protected right. All experts agree that healthcare is neither a constitutional nor a legal right. In America we understand that our rights to the free exercise of religion, to speak freely, to bear arms, and to be secure from unwarranted search and seizure come from God. To see the difference in government-mandated healthcare and real rights, look at how they are exercised.

Historically, American citizens have been free to exercise their real, constitutionally protected rights -- or not -- as they see fit. For example, the government does not compel citizens to attend church in the name of religious freedom. The government does not compel citizens to own a gun in the name of the Second Amendment. And the government does not force citizens to engage in the political process in the name of free speech. In contrast, our radically "progressive" friends are eager to compel every American using the heavy hand of government to exercise their so-called "right" to healthcare.

Should we celebrate the passage of a bill that in the service of non-existent rights actually diminishes our liberty? What is really at issue is not whether healthcare is a "right," but whether citizens have a right to taxpayer-funded healthcare. What other cherished American "right" has ever required that we diminish another's liberty? Does the right to free speech require newspaper owners to print every op-ed and editorial? Does the right to bear arms require the government to arm its citizenry? Does the freedom of religion require government-funding of churches, mosques, and synagogues? Of course not! Why then, does this "right" to healthcare require the government to take from some to give to others? When in the history of our country have we had to secure a right by trampling on the liberties of others? Make no mistake...that is exactly what is happening with this government takeover of the healthcare industry. This new healthcare "right" will be forced on every American; and it will be made possible -- in the words of Karl Marx -- by taking from citizens "according to their ability" and giving to others "according to their needs."

According to U.S. Representative John Boehner (R-Ohio), this legislation will create 160 new governmental boards, commissions, and mandates, and will require $500 billion in tax increases to pay for it. Of course, that will be only the beginning, as additional taxpayer funds will most certainly be needed. Healthcare lawyer and policy analyst John S. Hoff illuminates the troubling questions left unanswered by the phrase "right to healthcare," which he argues "does not address the relevant issues that must be considered in considering taxpayer subsidies for healthcare":
How much healthcare is to be paid for by the taxpayer, for what beneficiaries, and under what circumstances? Does it include the most advanced or experimental treatment? Indeed, what is healthcare? Long-term care? What are the parameters of self-responsibility? Should there be taxpayer subsidies for smokers, drug abusers, and dare-devils? And which taxpayers should be paying? Should the working young and low-income workers subsidize the healthcare costs of those who are wealthier and sicker?

These are political judgments that we have barely addressed, and they are camouflaged by invocation of a broad principle of a "right" to healthcare.

President Obama and many in Congress are celebrating the passage of this ominous legislation -- legislation that forces American citizens into the newly created, socialized healthcare system.

Sadly, the costs of this new government program are much higher than we think. Although the financial cost to taxpayers is substantial, the cost to personal liberty is incalculable.