Musing – How important are the differences between Greek and Hebrew thinking?

 

Hebraic Musing – How important are the differences between Greek and Hebrew thinking?

It was the Greeks who ignored the Old Testament after the New Testament came into being.  They were quick to accept the new in place of the old.  No wonder the Old Testament is often ignored by our Sunday Church.

The ancient Greeks celebrated man’s supremacy over nature.  Columns that were designed to resemble human muscles support massive stone roofs.  The columns bulge as if they were muscles clenching under a great weight.  They express man’s triumph over gravity, and the Greek concept of beauty.

The ancient Hebrews celebrated YHVH In contrast.  They were more transcendent in their outlook on life.  They looked to Elohim for answers.  Today we tend to see Hebrew only as a language not a culture, but the Bible is a culturally Hebrew book, even though we are reading it in English.

We, 21st century Americans are devoted to science and technology, walking in the footsteps of the Ancient Greeks who upheld virtues of logic, philosophy, science, beauty, athletics and taming nature.  Greeks gave us sports.  Democracy with voting began in Greece city states, each of which maintain its own laws, goals and customs.  Greek ideas, values and habits have influenced North America with reasoning, governing, treating the sick, and educating the young, to pursue excellence modeled after the Ancient Greek civilization.  The scattered Greek cities each became their own state, maintaining its own goals, laws and customs.  Democracy was first established in Ancient Greece, with each citizen voting by placing a white stone for “yes” and a black stone for “no” in a large clay jar.  Remember the “White Stone” in Revelation 2:17 NKJV – “And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written…” 

Hebrews and Greeks have two completely opposite worldviews regarding religion, culture, government, reasoning and logic.  They are polar opposites.  Greeks were highly visual, expressing perfection through beautiful objects.  For the Greeks, beauty was seen as holiness, whereas emotions represent weakness.  Greek thinkers require logic.  When confronted with contradicting ideas, one must be wrong while the other must be right.  Greek reasoning is linear, following a straight line.  Each new idea on the line redefines or eliminates the previous ideas on the line.  Old ideas are redefined or eliminated by any new idea.  A Greek thinker reading Paul, assumes his reasoning is linear.  They assume Paul replaces the Torah with grace, therefore abolishing the Law of Moses with the New Covenant.  We see this in the Sunday church which began under Greek influence by ignoring the teaching of the Old Testament instructions for Sabbath.  Paul was exposed to Greek as well as Hebrew, so he debated but upheld both Torah Law and Grace.

Hebrew thinking thrives on what appears to be inconsistencies and contradictions in Scripture because they point to the unfathomable wonders of an awe-inspiring Elohim.  In contrast, each step in a Greek argument is tightly linked to the next step, creating rational and orderly arguments.  Hebrew thinking is full of inconsistencies, because Hebrews are comfortable with two opposites both being true.  

Greek thinking has influenced believers who live in the Western world.  Many of us believers act like Greek thinkers and argue theology.  Our Greek thinking drives us to separate from those who interpret scripture differently.  Greek thinking compels Bible believers to be right.  Greek thinkers would rather be right, than to be part of a unified body of believers; but Jesus taught.  “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:” John 17:21-22 NKJV.  Why do we have so many denominations?

Alexandria, Egypt, was the world center for Greek learning in that day.  The Greeks believed Greek philosophy and religion could transform the world.  Many Hebrews learned Greek mythology in the Royal Library of Alexandria, but Greek mythology is symbolic, allegorical, and diametrically opposed to Hebrew thinking

Ancient Greece was wealthy and advanced enough for people to sit and discuss ideas for a living.  Their job was to explore knowledge.  The ancient Greeks pursued a lifestyle of abstract thinking and their own mythological gods.  What did Paul encounter in Athens?  “Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols.  Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there.  Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak?  For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean.”  For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing.” Acts 17:16-21 NKJV  The Greeks loved the idea of new thoughts and ideas.

The wise men of Greece taught followers to “know self,” and that is the foundation of Western philosophy today, including ours!  Plato understood philosophy to be the best preparation for a good death.  For Greeks, man’s thinking defined who he was; the Hebrews see man as his actions demonstrate purpose.  For Plato, man’s soul was divine, the body was the prison of the soul.  He urged the Greeks to see themselves as imprisoned in the body.  But Paul taught “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NKJV   And that is why when Paul saw the Olympian gods he declared “for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you:  God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.” Acts 17: 23-24  What a contrast in objects of worship!!!  But, what do we worship today?!?!

Points to Ponder

Have we become so accustomed to Greek thinking, we consider it the norm?
Do we recognize the huge conflicts between Hebrew and Greek thinking?

Why have Christians changed the “Sabbath” to Sunday?

Why does Acts 15:28-29 have to tell us to abstain from (1) what has been sacrificed to idols?
(2) from blood? (3) from what has been strangled? (4) from sexual immorality?

Read the whole Bible as a Hebrew book.  The NT did not replace the OT. 

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          December9, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

P.S.  These highlights are from “GREEKS, getting rid of the OLD & moving on to the NEW” by Johanna Hocker (behockers@bevcomm.net)   Her 4 page document with the above points and a lot more is available on request from either Johanna, or from me.

Musing – What happens when the Father’s role is missing?

 Hebraic Musing – What happens when the Father’s role is missing?

Teachers (in Public and Christian schools) all seem to agree with this statement: “Less than 10% of school children go home to both of their original parents.”  And these teachers are bemoaning the discipline issues they contend with daily.  How did our society here in the “Bible Belt” wind up so far out of touch with God’s plan for our families?  Thankfully, this does not apply to every family; some families are wonderfully functional and have overcome past re-structuring; and then, some traditional families have become dis-functional.  But the 10% view is still what teachers see (in both Public and Christian schools!).

My personal perspective begins with growing up in WWII days when divorce was verboten; then after the war divorces were more common.  I can remember my uncle came home after the war and divorced his sweet and respected wife, our loving aunt!  And our family was surprised he did not move to California where “divorced” people normally escaped to back then.  Over the generations, California had developed the reputation for divorces and broken homes; but in more current generations, the rate of divorces and broken homes in the Midwest “Bible Belt” is sadly now more comparable to California’s rate years ago!!!

The traditional role of God’s two parent system is to raise children with a combination of a nurturing mother AND a disciplining father.  I grew up as a boy and I’ll willingly testify that as a boy, I needed discipline!  God knew that.  “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?” Hebrews 12:7 NIV  So the Bible agrees, sons need discipline (and respect) provided by a father.  And it goes on in vs.8-9:  “If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.  Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it.”  And then in v.11 we find the purpose for discipline.  “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11 NIV

What does the Bible say about the role of and need for discipline in Hebrews 12:4-11?
 - Biblical discipline deters destruction of angry kids done in love. (v. 4)
 - Biblical discipline “do not lose heart when he rebukes you,” (v. 5)
 - The motive in biblical discipline is to express love. (vv. 6-8)
 - Biblical discipline teaches obedience (v. 9)
 - The result of discipline: short-term pain and long-term gain (vv. 10–11)

If only 10% of children have their original birth father available for discipline as a son, how do we apply Proverbs 15:18 to the raising of today’s generation of boys?  “Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death.” Proverbs 19:18

To be fair, I know of a few instances where a step-father is doing an admirable job, but it is rare and fraught with challenges.

Points to Ponder

Are today’s teen boys seeking “discipline” by joining “Gangs?

Are non-biblical ideologies being promoted in school by non-Christian teachers?

What’s happening to today’s crime rate?  Why?

How can we minister to boys who do not have a parenting father?
(Are “Youth Pastors” a sufficient substitute?)

Do we recognize and appreciate the collateral damage from divorces?

“A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.” Proverbs 15:5

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                         December 2, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Musing – Which of the 7 churches in Revelation is your church like?

 Hebraic Musing – Which of the 7 churches in Revelation is your church like?

Apostle John heard messages from the Lord in Revelation 2&3 to be shared with each of seven churches in Galatia, western Turkey.  What can we learn about “our” church from these messages from the Lord?  

Ephesus was an Apostolic Church that had forsaken its first love.  It was known as a wealthy, influential seaport city 2^nd only to Rome in the Empire.  To Ephesus he wrote “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil…” but “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” NKJV   And He tells them to “repent and do the first works.”   Many churches around the world have lost their passion for the Gospel.  Going to church is just something to do, while practicing the faith means very little.  God warned the Ephesian church; He warns us!  We must go back to our first love; if we hope to eat from the tree of life, we must repent and fall in love with Christ again.  Every day?!?!

Smyrna was a small and persecuted church known for its beauty, wealth and pride, but suffering Roman Catholic persecution.  To the persecuted church in Smyrna he wrote “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer.”  In this verse, God tells this small church that their persecution will continue, but only for a little while.  In the meantime, they should lean on their faith, professing Christ even if it leads to death.  Those who persevere will receive the crown of life.  Persevere!   Notice – No condemnation!

Pergamum was a compromising church that needed to repent.  It was a powerful cultural, political and religious center with magnificent temples, libraries and theaters.  Some began to compromise, blending worldly practices with their faith.  The church in Pergamos struggled against false teachers.  Some began to follow the doctrine of Balaam, mixing idolatry and immorality into worship.  He warns the church in Pergamos to repent.

Thyatira was a Corrupt church (Roman Catholic Church, a false prophetess in Middle Ages) which he disciplined.  “I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.  Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.”   And Paul warned us “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12   Love of the prophetess was allowing tolerance!!!

Sardis was known as a Dead or a sleeping Church (like the Reformation period).  The church of Sardis did not struggle with false teaching or sexual impropriety; but instead, it was completely and utterly void of any passion for the Gospel.  According to Revelation 3:1, the church was well-known for its godly works, but the people lacked any real relationship with God, which is why God declared them dead.  “…you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.”  Sardis was a city complacent in its comfort and self-reliance.  Like the previous churches, God exhorts them to repent.  If they didn’t, He promised to come upon them “as a thief” at an unknown hour and judge them accordingly.  But “You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.”  Sardis was steeped in pagan gods. (like many of today’s American government’s historical sites!)

Philadelphia is a small, Faithful Church that endured patiently with no condemnation!  They experienced many visitors and soldiers, many not friendly to Christians, yet, the church thrived, and it did not escape God’s notice.  They “have kept my word, and have not denied My name.” v.8   As a reward, God makes several big promises in v.10  “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth…”   No condemnation!

Laodicea was a Lukewarm Church (like our modern-day era of spiritual complacency?).  The warnings they received?  “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.  So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” Since they don’t think they need anything … “do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.” vs.15- 17

These seven churches are frequently recognized as stages of church history:

-       Ephesus (Apostolic Church) Had forsaken its first love, AD 30-300.

-       Smyrna (Small Persecuted Church) — Martyred church suffering Roman persecution, 100–313.

-       Pergamum (Compromising Church) — The church that needs repent, 314-590.

-       Thyatira (Corrupt Roman Catholic Church) — A false prophetess in Middle Ages, 590–1517.

-       Sardis (Dead or sleeping Church) — The Reformation period, 1517 to 1700.

-       Philadelphia (Small Faithful Church) — They endured faithfully & patiently, 1700-1900

-       Laodicea (Lukewarm Church) — Reflecting the modern era of spiritual complacency.

Key Questions – Might today’s church be Spiritually complacent?  Why did the two smallest churches receive God’s commendations, while the larger churches had serious problems?

Points to Ponder

What does “repent” mean?  Why is that a central theme?

How did they overcome tribulation?     ♫Are you ready for that judgement day?♫

What does my/your church need?    What’s my/your action plan(s)?

Revelation 2:7 says if we hope to eat from the tree of life, we must repent and fall in love with Christ again. 

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                           November 25, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Inspired by Carole Urbas’ teachings at Joppa House – November 2025

Musing – How important is the “Bond of Peace”?

 Hebraic Musing – How important is the “Bond of Peace”?

 All of Paul’s letters to the Church start with essentially the same greeting, wishing “grace and peace” of the Lord to all.  While he could have started with any wording, it is noteworthy that his constant and consistent use of “grace” and “peace” was the most important things he could wish for us.  What is the “The Bond of Peace”?

 In Ephesians 4:3 says “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.’ NIV   What’s meant by “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”  Peace is a paramount goal; it is how we should be bonding with other Christians.  But peace isn’t always obtainable when dealing with other people, including other Believers.  Paul saw this was starting to happen with the church at Ephesus.  And today unfortunately, denominations have fractured much of what the early Church cherished and protected.  Paul needed to warn them about it.  It was originally supposed to be always about Jesus, and just Jesus; but departures from this purity were starting to occur with interpretations of His words, opinions taught as truth, and legalism creeping into doctrine. 

And as centuries go by, the enemy’s desire has been to weaken Christ’s Church  with disputes and arguments. (BTW - There is only ONE Church and it’s His)  Scripture and its application to our lives has produced a quagmire of confusing teachings and has broken the “bond of peace” that all Believers were instructed to adhere to in dealing with one another. 

We find denominations that conflict with each other in their doctrines and compete with one another for baptisms, salvations and service attendance numbers. (“Nickles & noses”)  Unbelievers see this and shy away from a “religion” that cannot agree among itself about what it believes.  And who can blame them?!?!

Paul was very specific in how to deal with and solve this problem.  “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Romans 14:19   Paul spends a great amount of time telling us not to let minor differences in our Christian walk get in the way and erode the “bond of peace” that we should be working toward constantly in dealing with others.   BTW – “Peace” appears almost 400 times in Scripture!!! 

Paul points out that it doesn’t matter how a person dresses, or what he eats or drinks or what day he celebrates a holiday as long as Jesus is the center of all of it and the Father is glorified by their practices.  Yet we find denominations squabbling over how much water should be used in baptisms, whether speaking in tongues is good or bad, and rules and regulations in a church body comparable to the legalisms in Judaism in Jesus’ day.

 So, how do we get back to the relationship between Believers that Paul is calling for?  It starts with each one of us and our attitude toward fellow believers whose church has a different sign out front than the one we attend. Again, the answer lies in Ephesians 4:3 “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”  It doesn’t matter what other Believers do or say in minor matters that Scripture isn’t specific about.  If God wanted something done a certain way on a certain day, He would have said so.  So let them do it.   If it is not specified in Scripture, then it doesn’t matter to God, and therefore should not matter to us.  Letting differences split and divide the “bond of peace” that holds us in the “unity of the Spirit” is contrary to what Christ desires for us to practice.  The Lord loves all of us, no matter what we wear to church, what music we use in a service, or how we baptize.  The only thing that is required and paramount in our walk with Christ is making Him the reason for any and all of what we do.  Just Him.  Always Him.  He is LORD!

The sign in a city near me reads “The Churches of Bella Vista welcome you.” 
I wish that sign could simply say “The Church of Bella Vista welcomes you.”

Points to Ponder

What keeps the churches in a city from worshipping together?

How many churches are in the community? 

♫  In Christ alone my hope is found; He is my light, my strength, my song;
      this Cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                           November 18, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Inspired by John Drexler’s “The Bond of Peace”

Musing – Are the O T pagan gods still with us today?

 Hebraic Musing – Are the O T pagan gods still with us today?

The Old Testament is replete with admonitions against the influence of ungodly nations and individuals.  For good reason, God commands the Israelites not to intermarry with the pagan nations surrounding them.  “Nor shall you make marriages with them. You shall not give your daughter to their son, nor take their daughter for your son.  For they will turn your sons away from following Me, to serve other gods; so the anger of the LORD will be aroused against you and destroy you suddenly.” Deuteronomy 7:3-4 NKJV

The New Testament also addresses the danger of false teachers within the church who can lead believers astray with deceptive doctrines.  We are warned in 2 Peter 2:1, “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.”  Is this occurring in today’s churches?

1 John 4:1-6 tells us how to test the spirits; here’s the first 3 verses – “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.  By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.”  Yes, even today?!?!

Similarly, Paul expresses concern over the influence of those who distort the gospel stating, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,” Galatians 1:6 NKJV  These warnings serve as a reminder to remain vigilant and discerning in matters of faith and doctrine.   “And there is nothing new under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:9    Thus the Bible says that what has happened in the past will happen again.  Is it already happening again?!?!

What does the world worship today?  What is distracting Christians today?  Who are these gods?  What kind of thinking is creeping into “Christian” churches today?  Are they doctrines of demons?!?!  “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,” 1 Tim.4:1   What are the names of today’s demons?  

Are these the new gods?  “Progressivism” “Tolerance” “Social Justice” “Inclusivity” “Critical Race Theory” “Gender Identity” “LGBTQ+” just to name a few!?!?   Have we begun to accept pseudo-Christian Pagan ideologies which are counter to the foundations of Christianity?  …like “New Age” “Universalism” “Cleansing rituals” “Financial wealth” etc.?      How can one determine which of the world’s messages are harmful?  What is “Paganism”? A – Ultimate de-constructive practice of personal self expressions that are not Christ-like.

What do we encounter when we try to speak the truth?  A - Forced spiritual conversions acting as modern day inquisitions; or a cancel culture; or a public shaming; or a societal ostracization; or a deplatforming; or a loss of employment?  Christians must brace themselves for escalating tension and opposition, both politically and spiritually!!!  We need to commit to biblical truth while engaging the culture with grace and conviction.

The true version of Christianity is not always polite, nor is it always “nice”, but it is always on fire for the Lord and His truth(s).  Are you equipped, emboldened, seeing clearly, seeking truthfully and standing firmly in the face of these “modern day gods”?  If we don’t speak up, is the foundation of our Christian nation at stake?  Will we stand up with courage to confront errors like the early church had to amidst persecution? 

So, “…have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:11

Points to Ponder

Do we want to serve the world, or serve our Lord Jesus”

Is there a difference between “WOKE” ideology and Paganism?

Will you be listening more carefully to underlying messages from the news media?

“…and do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:27

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                           November 11, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Inspired by Charlie Kirk’s “Forward” to the book “Pagan Threat” by Lucas Miles.
          (BTW – “Pagan Threat” is a book with more than you’ll ever want to know about paganism!)

Musing – Are we successful at Repenting?

 Hebraic Musing – Are we successful at Repenting?

Do most of us believers have a day during the year when the focus is on repenting for sin.  On October 1^st this year, the Jews had a day called Yom Kippur, the most solemn and holiest of Jewish holidays when Jews seek to expiate their sins and achieve reconciliation with God.  Why should we do that?  Because the Lord told us to.  The Lord told Moses “Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the LORD.  And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the LORD your God. …  31 You shall do no manner of work; it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.” Leviticus 23:26-31 NKJV

Thus, we have been called to be humble and to acknowledge and repent of our sins.  The Israelites did it via an animal sacrifice, while today they usually fast and repent.  If we are trying to observe the Biblical Calendar, can we admit that all too often nothing significant happens during this day of repentance?  I have yet to hear of any one actually repenting for their sins on Yom Kippur or any other time.  

Have you ever “woke up and realized” that you were holding a grudge?  And the Holy Spirit would not let it go!

What’s going on?!!?!  When we are wounded we are so hurt we just retreat and try to ignore the rejection.  We ignore the person and deal with offenses by trying to forget them.  Yet we all remember the message in the popular Lord’s prayer.  “And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors”…. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:12, 14-15 NKJV  This passage should remind us that we will not be forgiven unless we forgive others. 

We are warned in 1 John 2:9 “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness.”   Yet we’ve been clearly told what needs to be done. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 NIV

Peter came to Jesus and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”  Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22   And Jesus had a further warning in v 35.  “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”  That’s a pretty serious warning!

Jesus had a solution.  “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:25-26   Is this also the way to get prayers answered?

Is “holding grudges” like “Judging” others?  What did Jesus say?  “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37

Forgiving others appears to be the foundation of our faith.  Joseph was so hated by his brothers that they sold him into slavery.  Yet Joseph was able to forgive his bothers and reconcile with them.  The consequences for lack of forgiveness are for eternity.   Yes, we are to Repent for our Sins and Forgive! 

Points to Ponder

Might we need an annual day of Repentance? 
                      Or a week, or a daily habit,  or a Spirit of Repentance?

How long are the rewards for forgiveness?  And for non-forgiveness?

How does the command to “love your neighbor” apply here?

♫  Create in me a clean heart, oh God, And renew a right spirit within me.  Create in me a clean heart, oh God, And renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from Thy presence, oh Lord, And take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.  Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation. And renew a right spirit within me. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                           November 4, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Inspired by Johanna Hocker’s “Repenting for Sin!”

Musing – How might America be like the church in Pergamum?

 Hebraic Musing – How might America be like the church in Pergamum?

In Revelation 2 & 3, the Apostle John shared a vision/message from the LORD about each of the seven churches and each provides us with food for thought.  As we studied the third church, Pergamum, I couldn’t help but observe some troubling parallels to America today.  What did John write about the Church of Pergamum?  (NKJV)

Rev.2:12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:  The city had temples for all the pagan gods, but John warned “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword,” Hebrews 4:12 

 13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.   Yes, Satan has his throne here in the world we live in, and we Christians have had to hold fast in our conflicts with the world around us.  And we reflect on the news we hear of martyrs and the Charley Kirks of the world who have and will stand strong for the Kingdom.

14 “But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.  “But” is an attention-getting word!  We tend to compromise, like Balaam who was an example of compromise and moral decline; he was instructed by God not to curse Israel but fell into sin and followed Balak.  Meanwhile, today we have Christians who are swallowing the ungodly culture around us and giving in to sexual morality and the breakdown of God-ordained family structure.

15 “Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.    The doctrine of the Nicolaitans refers to a heretical belief system in early Christianity that misused the concept of grace, promoting a lifestyle of indulgence and immorality.  Do we see that in our churches today?

16 “Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.   Repent is the urgent Action is required!  “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness?” 2 Corinthians 6:14 reminds us to avoid being unequally yoked!  We need to rely on the "sword of my mouth" which represents the spoken word of Christ, which has the authority and power to bring about judgment and to overcome all opposition.

17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”’    “Him who overcomes” - John has already reminded us that we are overcomers,  “Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:5   And in John 6:35 Jesus said “I am the Bread of Life.”  Is Jesus also that “Hidden manna”?

What did Jesus mean when he promised the overcomers a White Stone?  The Greeks and Romans had a custom of noting friendship by means of a white stone that would be divided, and each person’s name was inscribed on the two parts and they were exchanged.  Producing either half insured friendly aid, so the divided stone became identification.  The king would retain one part and the other part would be given to a special ambassador.  The white stone is symbolic of a precious token of the love of Jesus.  The new name written in the stone suggests that Jesus will give a personal name to each who overcomes and receives a heavenly reward.  This indicates a secret relationship between the great King of kings and the individual!

Points to Ponder

Has the “doctrine of the Nicolaitans” crept into today’s church(s)?

Do we find ourselves still worshipping false gods?

What are you going to do with the “White Stone” that the King of Kings gave you?

What is your Ambassadorial role and responsibility?

♫ There's a new name written down in glory,  And it's mine, O yes, it's mine!. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                           October 28, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”