Musing – What am I thinking while reading my Bible slowly?

 Hebraic Musing – What am I thinking while reading my Bible slowly?

My usual routine is to read the Bible with the goal of finishing a chapter or a book.  However, sometimes I feel called by the Holy Spirit to read slowly and cogitate.  What happens?  What’s going through my mind?  For example, when reading the book of James (NIV) slowly, what am I thinking?  What questions pop-up?

James 1:1   James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, -- What do I hear?  I wonder what being a “bondservant” really involves?  Do I really want to be one?!?!   Who is James writing to?   
To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.  –  I wonder if I might have somehow become part of the 12 tribes throughout the world that James is trying to reach! 

v2   Profiting from Trials - My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, -- That doesn’t sound logical.  I’ve learned to avoid trials, but God’s Word tells me I will gain!  I wonder how that works?

v3   knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. – Lord, you know I am not patient by nature.  I want it now!!!  Especially “faith”; I need it now!

v4   But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. – I like the “lacking nothing” part, but how much patience will it take to become “perfect and complete”?  Is it attainable?

v5  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. – I like the idea of getting more wisdom, but will God really give it to me “liberally”?  There’s got to be a catch!  You say all I need to do is “ask” and I will receive!?  Do I have enough faith to believe that!

v6   But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. – Sounds like I need perfect faith, but I doubt it will work.  Yes, my faith is tossed about by the winds of life.  I’m not capable of perfection.  I wish I were!

v7   For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; -- But I think I have faith that I will receive something from the Lord.  Can’t believe He’ll not answer by requests, just because I doubted?

v8   he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. – Maybe to some extent I am the “double-minded man”?  These ways of thinking have got me thinking… so let’s go on.

v9   The Perspective of Rich and Poor – Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. – But that doesn’t sound fair, that the rich loses even more!  I thought money wouldn’t count.  Got to think about this a little more.  What’s God’s point here?

v11   For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits. – So all my striving for the various forms of riches is for naught!  Now I think I understand!  But that’s not the way I was brought up!!!

Conclusion – I wonder what I will have to resolve if I read the rest of these groups of God’s Word in James Chapter 1, or in the rest of God’s Word, or if I read the rest of my Bible slowly and thoughtfully:
   Loving God Under Trials – vs12-18           – Why does a loving God let me go through trials?  
   Qualities Needed in Trials – v.19               – Sounds like God thinks I need some “qualities”!
   Doers—Not Hearers Only – vs.21-27         – You mean it’s for me to do!?!?  Not the other guy!

Points to ponder

Does your mind also drift while reading God’s Word?  About what?

How fast should we read God’s Word?

Should we pay more attention when the LORD of the Universe is speaking to us?

Do we really let God’s perfect, true and loving Word sink in?

Am I the only one who thinks like this when listening to My Lord speaking to me?

“Only one life ‘twill soon be past.  Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd              July 21, 2026 

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Hebraic Musing – What is His Prosperity Message for Us?

 Hebraic Musing – What is His Prosperity Message for Us?

Are we entitled to prosperity just because we are Christians?  The Torah portion Deuteronomy 26:1 - 29:9 is called Ki Tavo or "when you come."   G-d instructs His people that when they receive the promise He has given them, that they should not forget from whence it came.  That’s preachable, especially since we have received phase one of His promise, we’ll be entering the promised land!  In Chapter 26 & 27 Moses sets requirements on His people regarding first-fruit offerings; and the curses for disobedience.  Then chapter 28 starts with “If…”

Note the ‘if, then’ conditions in Chapt.28!  All too often the quotes of phrases/sentences from this passage are taken out of context.  Rarely do I hear mention of the ‘if, then’ conditions on the blessings, as well as ‘if, then’ consequences/curses resulting from not obeying.  Chapter 28 needs to be understood in its entirety.  Try reading without picking and choosing!   And note the frequent mention of “if”!

Deut.28:1-14 NIV “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.   All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God:  You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country.  The fruit of your womb will be blessed, and the crops of your land and the young of your livestock  . . .   Your basket and your kneading trough will be blessed.   You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out.    The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven.   The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.  The Lord will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands …   The Lord will grant you abundant prosperity …   The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.    The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.”    Wow – Let’s seek those blessings.   But let’s keep reading…

Dt.28:15…   “However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: …”   (Note that there were 13 verses of ‘blessings’ while the next 54 verses (v15 to v68) define the curses!

Too often preachers promise blessings available to their flock based on phrases in the first 14 verses.  Words such as "You shall be the head and not the tail;" or "Blessed shall you be as you go in and bless shall you be as you go out" are readily applied to our friends and our prayer partners.  But, unless we walk in obedience to God's instruction, to His Torah, the Lord has NOT promised those blessings.

God asks us to bring the first fruit of your produce to Him and in addition we are to feed those "Baby Christians" and those who are still growing in their walk with Him.  Feeding means more than just paying your tithe and giving an offering; it means giving your life in the work of raising up Believers so that all may become strong enough to feed others.  What did Yeshua tell Peter, in red letters? “Feed my lambs.” “Take care of my sheep.” “Feed my sheep.”  What might that be telling us what to do?  Although this was spoken to His Chosen People, might it also apply to us Gentile Believers who are grafted in?

His atoning sacrifice on the cross was not to relieve us from obedience requirements.  If anything, we should be more desirous of obedient living because of what He did for us.  The final words of Moses to Israel are recorded in the final words of His Covenant; and His words to them are the best advise for you and for me today.  He closed his instructions by saying, "Therefore keep the words of this covenant, and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do." Deut.29:9 NKJV

Points to ponder

God’s love may be unconditional; but are His blessings conditional?

God’s blessings are based on “If we obey”; but If Jesus is our LORD, shouldn’t we want to obey?

“if you do not obey … and do not carefully follow all his commands…, all these curses will come upon you”

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd              June 14, 2026  (Update of October 6, 2009 Hebraic Insight)
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Musing – Evangelism - is it work or fun?

 Hebraic Musing – Evangelism - is it work or fun?

And the best one-word answer is “rewarding.”  So, let’s find out why.

Let’s get personal.  Where were you when you got saved?   Church service; Revival service; Vacation BS; Church camp; home; personal evangelism (not parents)?    There’s an interesting assortment of answers, so maybe it can happen anywhere!  And it doesn’t have to happen at a church service?!?!   Who planted the seeds?

A challenging question to get the attention of the congregation:  “How many of you have led someone to the Lord in the past 6 months?  Year?  5 years?   (Attention getter!?!?)

Why do we struggle with the challenge of leading someone to the Lord?  Here’s some reasons or excuses; and what’s wrong with these excuses.
1.    Lack of opportunity                                 How many people do we meet in a day?
2.    Fear of man                                              The Bible tells us to Love our neighbor, not fear them!
3.    Don’t know what to say                           Just ask questions AND listen!
4.    Personal life doesn’t match the gospel    Maybe your sins demonstrate your qualifications to share! *  
5.    Doesn’t feel the burden                           What did Jesus mean when He told us to go into all the world…

What does the Bible tell us about these two evangelism opportunities in which Jesus exposed their sin?
Jesus Counsels the Rich Young Ruler.  “Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”  So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”  He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’  ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”  The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”  Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”  But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” Matt. 19:16-22 NKJV    Problem -- The Rich young Ruler was unwilling to acknowledge his sinfulness!   
The Samaritan Women at the well recognized her sins, and she recognized Jesus for who He is and “The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men, ‘Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?’”  John 4:28-29     
Key Takeaways – Both people had ‘spiritual’ backgrounds; Jesus cared about them both; Jesus treated them each uniquely; Jesus let them talk.  Not everyone is ready to acknowledge Jesus!  The Rich Young Ruler was unwilling; but the Samaritan Woman took the words to heart.

Keys to successful evangelism:

1.   Who has God has laid on your heart; begin praying for them; and don’t limit yourself to just those people.

2.  Care about people, this isn’t a scorecard.

3.  Remember, you are saved because someone shared the gospel with you.

4.  Start the conversation but let them talk…and you just listen. 

5.  See the Appendix ** for examples of opening questions, starters!

Points to ponder

Make sure you are saved!

What lesson did we learn in Kindergarten?    A - Sharing!

Who do you know that needs Jesus?

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd              July 7, 2026 
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Message/musing inspired by Pastor Chris Cooper’s Sunday School lesson July 5, 2026

*  Ray Comfort is an evangelical Christian minister and author, known for street preaching, using the Ten Commandments to highlight sin before sharing the gospel.

** APPENDIX – Opening question options:

1.            So, what do you believe about God?

2.            Do you have a Bible translation you enjoy reading?

3.            What religion were you raised?

4.            What do you think about heaven and hell?

5.            Follow up ‘spiritual’ conversations with, “do you know what the Bible teaches about that?”

6.            If you died today, do you think you would go to heaven or hell?  Why?

7.            Do what Jesus did, take them to ‘the problem’. Sin, righteousness, and Judgement (John 16:8)

8.            Ask questions and let them talk.

9.            You are fishing. If the bobber goes under, set the hook…if not, that’s ok. You are chumming the waters:
  There were probably several people and instances in your life that God used to open your eyes.
  Some plant, some water, God makes it grow.   1 Cor. 3:5-9

10.           Leave open the opportunity to have another conversation in the future and pray fervently for them.

 

NOTES

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

Personal evangelism

Where were you saved?

-church service

-revival service

-vbs

-church camp

-home

-personal evangelism (outside of parents)

 

How many of you have led someone to the Lord in the past 6 months?

 

Reasons people struggle (answer as we go)

    1.    Lack of opportunity

    2.    Fear of man

    3.    Don’t know what to say

    4.    Personal life doesn’t match the gospel

    5.    Doesn’t feel the burden

 

Way of the Master

2 accounts

    1.    Rich young ruler (Matt 19:16-22)

    2.    Samaritan woman  (John 4:4-34)

 

Both instances Jesus showed them their sin

One encounter was “successful”

Both people had ‘spiritual’ backgrounds

Jesus cared about both of them

Jesus treated them each uniquely

Jesus let them talk

 

Steps to evangelism

    1.    Make sure you are saved

    2.    Listen to who God has laid on your hear and begin praying for them, but don’t limit yourself to just those people

    3.    Care about people, this isn’t a scorecard

    4.    Remember, you are saved because someone shared the gospel with you

    5.    Start the conversation, but let them talk…and you should listen

    1.    So, what do you believe about God

    2.    Do you have a Bible translation you enjoy reading

    3.    What religion were you raised

    4.    What do you think about heaven and hell?

    6.    Follow up lose ‘spiritual’ conversations with, “do you know what the Bible teaches about that?” And let them answer

    7.    If you died today, do you think you would go to heaven or hell? Why?

    8.    Do what Jesus did, take them to ‘the problem’. Sin, righteousness, and Judgement (John 16:8)

    9.    Ask questions and let them sit quiet or talk

    10.    If the bobber goes under, set the hook…if not, that’s ok. You are chumming the waters

    1.    There were probably several people and instances in your life that God used to open your eyes.

    2.    1 Cor. 3:5-9

    3.    Open up opportunity to have another conversation in the future and pray fervently for them

Musting – Why are there Contrasting Views in our Bible?

Hebraic Musting – Why are there Contrasting Views in our Bible?

There are many contrasts between the Old Testament and the New Testament.  It’s challenging to believe that both messages belong in the same book, the Bible!  What can we learn from these sharply contrasting messages.

The OT starts with a Creator – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Gen.1:1 NKJV   But, in the NT “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10 NKJV    Why?  Did Almighty God change His mind?

We live in Spiritual darkness – “They do not know, nor do they understand; They walk about in darkness; All the foundations of the earth are unstable.” Psalm 82:5.    Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’” John 8:12.

Satan was victorious in the OT – “And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.” Gen. 3:6-8.    But Satan is finally defeated – “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Rev.20:10.  

Man was cursed - “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, …  Till you return to the ground,” Gen. 3:17-18.   But in the NT Christ is our Redeemer – “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”) Gal. 3:13.  Also, Almighty God provided a remedy in the NT - “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

Death reigned in the OT – “Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.” Gen. 3:19.   But Jesus assures us of a remedy in John 5:24 - “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.”

Bloody sacrifices were required in the OT – “And they shall take some of the blood (of the unblemished lamb) and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it. Then they shall eat the flesh on that night; roasted in fire, with unleavened bread and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.” Exod. 12:7-8.   In John 1:29 we hear – “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”   Which lamb is the OT pointing to?

We are in bondage in the OT because – “(Our) own iniquities entrap the wicked man, And he is caught in the cords of his sin.” Prov.5:22.   Thank you LORD - “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Rom.8:2   Thank you LORD Jesus!

In the OT we are given the “10 Commandments” in Ex 20:1-17.   But in Romans 1:16 we learn that our salvation is from the Gospel – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”  Do we still need the decalogue?

Job cried out “Oh, that I knew where I might find Him.” Job 23:3    But when Philip, a new believer, found Nathanael he proclaimed to him “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” John 1:45   “Jesus answered and said to him, Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” v.50.

Points to ponder

How many more contrasts have you found between the OT and the NT?

Our paradise was lost; but now it can be gained!

We have more than a majestic God!  We have “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.” Mt.6:9

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd              June 30, 2026 

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 

“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings” 

Musing – What do we have to do to keep the Victory?

 

Hebraic Musing – What do we have to do to keep the Victory?

The Israelites won an important battle when they conquered the Promised Land.  They fought and won, BUT… the LORD chastised them.  “And you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall tear down their altars. But you have not obeyed My voice. Why have you done this?” Judges 3:2 NKJV   I might ask a similar question of us Christians; why do we drift away from the LORD?   Are we truly discerning?

The LORD had already warned the Israelites in Judges 2.  “You shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall tear down their altars.  But you have not obeyed My voice.  Why have you done this?  Therefore I also said, ‘I will not drive them out before you; but they shall be thorns in your side, and their gods shall be a snare to you.’  So it was, when the Angel of the LORD spoke these words to all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voices and wept.” Judges 2:4 NKJV   Another warning!

What was the start of the problem?  “Thus the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.  And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons; and they served their gods.” Judges 3:5-6   Were mixed marriages the LORD’s idea?  Were the Israelites to serve God, or other gods?!?!

Judges 3:7-11 describes the result, the problem.  “the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD. They forgot the LORD their God, and served the Baals and Asherahs.”  Then “the LORD raised up a deliverer for the children of Israel, who delivered them: Othniel…” and “So the land had rest for forty years.”

But again, Judges 3:12-30 describes how “the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD.”  As a result -- “So the children of Israel served Eglon king of Moab eighteen years.  But when the children of Israel cried out to the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer for them: Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a left-handed man.”  Ehud’s method of killing the fat Eglon is a favorite children’s story!  Then Ehud’s followers “killed about ten thousand men of Moab, all stout men of valor; not a man escaped.  So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest for eighty years.”

But once again, Judges 3:31 tells us that after Ehud’s deliverance “was Shamgar the son of Anath, who killed six hundred men of the Philistines with an ox goad; and he also delivered Israel.”  That’s a rather miraculous accomplishment considering that an ox goad is not an effective weapon!   Do we need the ‘right’ weapons when we have the LORD on our side?

There is a penalty for worshipping the other gods of this world.  We see above how the Israelites learned that.  “For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.” Deut.5:9-10   Do we hate God, or do we love Him and keep His commandments?

How might this apply to us?  We too have become leaders in our church, family, and/or fellowships.  What can we do to be sure we do not fall away by becoming like the world around us?  Equally important, how do we help the next generations to grow up as mighty Christians?  

Points to ponder

Do you and I as mature believers want to “pass on” our faith to the next generation(s)?

Did the Israelites practice discernment?   Or were they satisfied with being “almost right”?

How important is bold leadership amongst Christians?

Do we need to “wait” for the right weapons when we have the LORD on our side?

How often do we find ourselves serving the gods of the world?

♫  Be bold, be strong. For the Lord thy God is with thee.  We are not afraid, we are not dismayed,
            Because we’re walking in faith and victory. For the Lord your God is with thee. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                         June 23, 2026         
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Inspired by Dennis Rittle’s June 3, 2026 message at New Hope Assembly

Musing - Does the Church have Biblical Discernment?

 Hebraic Musing - Does the Church have Biblical Discernment?

What is “discernment”?  Charles Spurgeon says “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong.  It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.”  How does that apply to our Biblical Worldview?  Our worldview is like a lens that we see everything through.  How do you view Morality, Politics, Society and Social issues?  Research shows that even committed Christians struggle with application since an overwhelming majority of U.S. adults lack Biblical basics; they don’t even know their Bible!  Ouch!

According to Barna’s study 65-80% of U.S. adults claim to be Christian, but only 4-7% hold a Complete Worldview defined as Biblical Authority, Absolute Truth, God’s Nature, Human Sinfulness, Salvation, Life’s Purpose, and Biblical Obedience.  Alarmingly, only 1-2% of those younger than 25 years old hold a Complete Worldview according to Barna!

Where does this begin?  Of the senior pastors in the U.S. only 37-41% have a complete Biblical Worldview according to Barna!  The rest hold to a form of syncretism blending Biblical theism with fragmented secular subjective ideas.  Jesus contended with this.  “You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.” Matthew 16:3   And 98% of the pulpits are not preaching about the 2^nd coming.  Most Christians now have a version of “Replacement Theology” and distance themselves from Israel’s role.

Were these days expected?  “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 NKJV

Would Jesus claim that we have become lukewarm like the Laodicean Church in Revelation 3:14-22?   “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.  Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.  As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.  Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.  To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”  NKJV   Read that again; does that sound like today’s church?

We had a similar warning from John MacArhur. “There is no one further from the truth that the one who makes an idle profession but never experiences genuine saving faith.  No one is harder to reach for Christ than a false Christian.”

In contrast, we look ahead to our heavenly inheritance as Peter advised us.  “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,  that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, “ 1 Peter 1:6-7 NKJV    And “So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.” Romans 11:5    Might this refer to our role?  What are we to be doing?   “in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,” 2 Timothy 2:25

Here’s a “Baptism Questionnaire” from a church in South Asia.  How would our congregations answer?
  - Are you willing to lose your job?
  - Are you willing to go to the village of those who persecute you, forgive them, and share God’s love?
  - Are you willing to be beaten rather that deny your faith?
  - Are you willing to go to prison?
  - Are you willing to die for Jesus?

In Summary –   Remember James’ words. “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1.27 NIV     So: “… 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

Points to ponder

Are today’s churches Hot, Lukewarm or Cold?   Your church?   You?

What are we to do when the Worldview is promoted in our church(es)?

Should we evangelize even those who claim to be a Christian?

Has the time come when “they will not endure sound doctrine”?  2 Tim.4:3

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd              June 16, 2026 

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Recap of Pastor Jason Buss’ message on May 31, 2026 at Immanuel Baptist Church

 

Musing – What is Church? How important is Fellowship?

 Hebraic Musing – What is Church?  How important is Fellowship?

A friend shared his Sunday’s “Church” experience in His 2,000-member Fellowship.  He always sits in same section and therefore knows the folks in that section because of the traditional “meet & greet” time during the service.  Is that what “Church” is about?  What is “Church”?  What’s the purpose of “Church”?  Why do we go to “Church”?

In Christian doctrine, the “Church” is the Christian religious community as a whole, or a body, or an organization of Christian believers.   It is people assembled for a religious purpose such as hearing the Law or fellowshipping:  “Then the LORD delivered to me two tablets of stone written with the finger of God, and on them were all the words which the LORD had spoken to you on the mountain from the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly.”  Deuteronomy 9:10 NKJV   In the New Testament the word “Church” is used in reference to the entire body of believing Christians throughout the world.  “I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church…”  Matthew 16:18.   

And what is the purpose of a “Church”, or of “Fellowship”, especially when it is part of the church’s name? 

·      Building Community & Partnership:  In the very beginning, God said, “It is not good that man should be alone.” Genesis 2:18 NKJV   Known as koinonia, fellowship is more than socializing; it is a partnership where believers share life together, accountable to one another.  It helps members grow in their faith, offering a sense of belonging that confirms they are not alone.

·      Mutual Encouragement and Support:  Fellowship allows Christians to bear one another's burdens, offering comfort and encouragement through both happy and difficult times.  It is a means of grace that prevents believers from feeling isolated and helps sharpen one another spiritually.

·      Growing in Faith and Truth:  Regular, intentional interaction helps Christians grow with believers learning from each other and holding one another accountable to live in accordance with God’s word.

·      Glorifying God Together:  A major purpose of fellowship is to unite in worship and mission, showcasing God's love to the world through a united community.  Example - “Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.” Acts 14:22

·      Using Spiritual Gifts:  The fellowship provides the environment for members to exercise their spiritual gifts to serve each other, rather than acting independently.

In other words, the purpose of fellowship in the church is to foster deep, accountable, purposeful, and mutually beneficial relationships among believers, rooted in their shared union with Christ.  It serves to encourage spiritual growth, provide support during life’s challenges, and build up the community through shared faith, prayer and study.

It’s interesting that the word ”Church” is mentioned almost 100 times in the NT; and “Synagogue” is mentioned over 40 times in the NT; but neither is mentioned in the OT!?!? 

A road sign entering Bella Vista reads “The Churches of Bella Vista Welcome You”.  Shouldn’t that sign say “The Church of Bella Vista Welcomes You”?

Points to ponder

How well does your “Church” fulfil all the above purposes?   What’s your role?

Why do we call our fellowship a “Church”, not recognizing the Christian Community as a whole?

How much “accountability” do we have in our traditional “churches”?   Or in your church?

What us the purpose of “Church”?  Why do we go to church?

I wonder if we could convert the whole world if all the “Churches” worked together in unity?

“And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,” Ephesians 1:22

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd              June 9, 2026   

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”