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”

Musing – How is being a Christian like playing in a Band?

 Hebraic Musing – How is being a Christian like playing in a Band?

Johanna’s parable about “Playing in a Band” is fascinating.*   Here’s her introduction:

I used to play the flute in a city band during the summers.  We played weekly concerts at the bandshell in the local park, thrilling our audiences with stirring marches, pop tunes and occasionally some really challenging pieces.  Each member of the band has a musical "score" to follow.  We are obliged to follow what the music tells us; what volume to play, what notes to play, when not to play, how fast to play and what rhythm to play.  If a band member plays a wrong note or plays when the music indicates a rest, or does anything contrary to the score or the director, they will be chastised by both the other band members and the director.  If a person repeatedly goes against what is written in the music they would, no doubt be asked to leave the band.

Does this have a parallel in the ideal behavior of Church members?  As Christians, we have been given a "score" and it is called the Bible.  The Word who became Flesh is our director and our fellow band members are the body of believers. 

But Society, and even those who claim to be fellow believers, repeatedly tell us not to follow the score, the Bible.  They tell us to stop being legalistic and do as we please.  They tell us to stop doing what the director, our creator, wants us to do.  Imagine the cacophony in Yehovah's ears as He listens to His children’s "loud, confusing, disagreeable sounds of noise and dissonance" while they are pretending to be Spiritual!!!

The problem – Everyone wants the band members to play their instrument according to what is written in the pages of the musical score; but not all church members are living their lives according to what is written in the pages of the Bible.

Each member picks out the parts where we play a beautiful melody, like John 3:16 “for God so loved the world…”, but then have trouble obeying commands like loving your enemies, turning our cheek, denying yourself, rejoicing when persecuted, etc.   Do those “bad notes” clash with the beautiful melody we are trying to play in His band?  

Meanwhile, here’s how Jesus, our Loving Band director, wants us to be – “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 NKJV   How well do we obey these words of our conductor?

If we are a band member, we cannot pick out which measures of music we will play.  We are bound to the musical score directed by the Director; as believers we need to be bound by the entire Bible.

Are today's denominations like sections of the band, each one saying our music is better than yours?  Who has written the music you are playing?  Did you write a solo for yourself to be seen, heard and admired?  Or worse yet, is your music one long rest after another as you sit back and do nothing, never even opening the Bible?

So, if you want to be in the “Kingdom’s band” you need to read the score, the Bible, and just like the band member holds their instrument properly, using their mouth to connect with the instrument and with the proper fingerings so their music blends in with others to accomplish the goal, and great is their reward!

Here is how Johanna summarized our goal:
If we are looking at a reward we must live according to the Bible, with all those seemingly complicated rhythms of the Torah and Prophets, in addition to the melodic Psalms.  We have had enough cacophony, now it is time to abandon man-made theology and focus on the timeless musical score of Yehovah.

Points to Ponder
What do non-believers hear about denominations and divisions in the “Church”?

How much dis-unity, cacophony and discord do we encounter within the Body of Christ?

What makes us think our own score might sometimes be better than HIS?

♫ We Are One in the Spirit, and One in the Lord, and We Pray that All Unity May One Day Be Restored. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                           October 21, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

*  Inspired by and excerpted from Johanna Hocker’s “Playing in a Band, parable”

Playing in a Band, parable, by Johanna Hocker

I used to play the flute in a city band during the summers.  We played weekly concerts at the bandshell in the local park, thrilling our audiences with stirring marches, pop tunes and occasionally some really challenging pieces.  Each member of the band has a musical "score" to follow.  We are obliged to follow what the music tells us; what volume to play, what notes to play, when not to play, how fast to play and what rhythm to play.  If a band member plays a wrong note or plays when the music indicates a rest, or does anything contrary to the score or the director, they will be chastised by both the other band members and the director.  If a person repeatedly goes against what is written in the music they would, no doubt be asked to leave the band. 

We have been given a "score" and it is called the Bible.  It has been called, Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.  Yehovah is our director and our fellow band members are the body of believers.  Society and even those who claim to be fellow believers repeatedly tell us not to follow the score (the Bible).  They tell us to stop being legalistic and do as we please.  They tell us to stop doing what the director, our creator, wants us to do.  Imagine the cacophony in Yehovah's ears with our spiritual "loud confusing disagreeable sounds of noise and dissonance". 

Everyone wants the band members to play their instrument according to what is written in the pages of  the music, but few want to live their lives according to what is written in the pages of the Bible. 

Oh we might pick out the parts where we play a beautiful melody, like John 3:16, but then ignore the parts like Leviticus where it tells us to worship Yehovah with total surrender, like an animal burnt to a crisp in a BBQ.  A band member can not pick out which measures of music they will play, they are bound to the music, just like believers need to be bound by the entire Bible. 

Today's denominations are like sections of the band, each one saying our music is better than yours.  Who has written the music you are playing?  Did you write a solo for yourself to be seen, heard and admired, or is your music one long rest after another as you sit back and do nothing, never even opening the Bible. 

If you want to be in the band, the Kingdom of Yehovah you need to read the score, the Bible, then just like the band member holding their instrument properly, using their mouth to connect with the instrument (typically), with the proper fingerings their music blends in with others to accomplish the goal, and great is their reward!

If we are looking at a reward we must live according to the Bible, with all those seemingly complicated rhythms of the Torah and Prophets, in addition to the melodic Psalms.  We have had enough cacophony, now it is time to abandon man made theology and focus on the timeless musical score of Yehovah. 

As you go on your way, may Yehovah go with you.

May He go before you to show you the way,

May He go behind you to encourage you;

Beside you to befriend you;

Above you to watch over you;

And within to give you peace.

In the mighty name of Yeshua, Amen

 

Johanna Shager Hocker, M.S.

 

Musing – If you have a dispute…

 

Hebraic Musing – If you have a dispute…

Or, how to discuss differences and avoid church splits.

Did you know that if you have two Rabbis, you will have three opinions?

Here is a quote that came out of a teaching from Acts 14  “Christian disputes should lead to discussion, but discussion avails nothing if hearts are not first humbled before God."

Who of us has not heard of an ugly church split, or experienced one ourselves?  Or have you encountered someone disagreeing with their Pastor, Priest or Rabbi and storming out the door…?

Did they handle it in a biblical way?  Sometimes they even claim they did.  They may even say they went to the person, then brought a friend, then took it before the church, etc.  That's all good, BUT... their hearts must truly be humble for that to work! 

The passage in Acts 14 refers to Pauls' first work in Antioch.  The Jerusalem church seemed to be focused on the issue of circumcision, so Paul and Barnabas went back and "discussed" it with them (this being the first Jerusalem Council).  The Jerusalem council, led by Yaakov (a.k.a. James), Yeshua’s half-brother, consisted of Jews/Israelites who were rather passionate about their point of view, customs, background and experience.  But eventually they were persuaded by the Ruach HaChodesh, a.k.a. Holy Spirit, to agree that the Gentiles could indeed be saved, and that the Gentile converts would not have to follow some of the symbolic portions of the Mosaic law, like the crucifixion of the flesh, circumcision. 

Today individuals and churches squabble and split over silly things; yet the original church had a pretty big issue, based on a 1,900-year-old ritual (Gen.17:10 re Circumcision) and yet they were able to come to an agreement.  Why?  Their hearts were humbled.   “…let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;” James 1:19 ESV

Point to ponder -

Who do I know who doesn’t see things my way?

Why should I need a humbled heart if I know I am right?

You really don’t know if you’re submitted to your Rabbi or Pastor until he says ‘No’.

♫   Humble Thyself In The Sight Of The Lord, And He Shall Lift You Up…
         Higher And Higher And He Shall Lift You Up.  ♫

Yosef  a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd             October 14, 2025
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Originally published as Hebraic Musing November 28, 2011; and here’s related information:

Here are some classic steps for Biblical Conflict Resolution

To resolve conflict biblically, follow principles of love, humility, and direct communication as outlined in scripture.

1.   Acknowledge the Conflict: The first step is to recognize that a conflict exists.  Avoiding or denying the issue can lead to further misunderstandings.  As Matthew 5:23-24 suggests, if you remember that someone has something against you, prioritize reconciliation before offering your gifts at the altar.

2.   Seek Peace and Pursue It: Actively seek peace in your relationships.  Psalm 34:14 encourages believers to "Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it."  This requires intentional effort to resolve disputes in a godly manner.

3.   Communicate Directly: Engage in honest and respectful communication.  Matthew 18:15 advises that if someone sins against you, go and tell them their fault privately.  This direct approach helps to clarify misunderstandings and fosters a spirit of reconciliation.

4.   Listen Attentively: When discussing the conflict, listen to the other person's perspective without becoming defensive.  This demonstrates respect and a willingness to understand their feelings.

5.   Practice Humility and Forgiveness: Approach the situation with humility, considering others' needs above your own (Philippians 2:3).  Ephesians 4:32 emphasizes the importance of forgiving one another as God forgave you, which is essential for healing relationships.

6.   Focus on Common Goals: Establish that the relationship is more important than the disagreement.  “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3   Encourage and maintain unity through keeping peace, which can help shift the focus from personal differences to shared values.

7.   Pray for Guidance: Seek divine wisdom through prayer.  Invite God into the situation, asking for clarity and understanding.  This spiritual approach can provide peace and direction in resolving conflicts.

By following these biblical principles, you can navigate conflicts in a way that honors God and promotes healing and reconciliation in your relationships.  These steps not only apply to personal disputes but can also be effective in various contexts, including family, work, and community interactions.