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.

Musing – Is the NT “Armor of God” actually the OT “Priestly Garments”?

 Hebraic Musing – Is the NT “Armor of God” actually the OT “Priestly Garments”?

We are familiar with the articles of the “Armor of God” in Ephesians 6 that we wear so we can “stand against the devil's schemes… and stand against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  Here is the armor we are to put on.  “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Ephesians 6:14-18 NIV    The “Armor” Paul described in the NT prepares us for going into battle.  Were the OT Priests also preparing to do battle with evil forces?

Back in the OT God called for gifted artisans whom He “filled with the spirit of wisdom” to make the “Priestly Garments” for Aaron and his sons to serve Him.  Let’s look each of these items in Exodus 28:4.  “These are the garments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so they may serve me as priests.”

What might be the relationship of each of the OT “priestly garments” described in Exodus 28 with each piece of NT “Armor” in Ephesians?

The OT Breastplate of Righteousness had precious gems over his heart representing the 12 tribes.

The OT Helmet of Salvation was a turban with a goldplate saying “Holy to the Lord”, therefore set apart and belonging to the Father.

The Sword of the Spirit is used to smite the enemy with God’s Word. 

The Belt of Truth, or Spirit of Truth, is what holds our garments together!

Feet need fitted Footwear so we can walk in a manner worthy of bearing His name.  Priests tread on holy ground by taking the good news of the peace of the gospel into all the world.

The Sheild of Faith and the Armor of Light represents our faith that God, or Jesus, stands between us and the enemy.  God doesn’t need military armor; in Scripture He is dressed as a Priest.

A Priest is a minister who is given authority to teach the sacred information and perform the sacred duties to preserve and bring others to that faith.  Priests serve as representatives between the people and a higher power, God.  Priests serve as intermediaries between the people and God.  

In Revelation 19:12-15 Jesus is the warrior on a white horse coming to rule the nations.  How is He dressed?  “His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.  He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.  The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean.  Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations.”  Those sure sounds more like priestly garments than trench warrior fatigues!

All “born again” believers are priests, serving the go-between role between God and man; an awesome responsibility!

Points to Ponder

Are you wearing both OT and NT Armor?

What are our heavenly weapons?

Do we recognize your heavenly armor is priestly garments?   And are we serving as priests?!?!

Would donning priestly garments before we begin prayer change the way we view prayer?
Would we feel like we are prepared to enter the Tabernacle described in Exodus 30?

♫ In Heavenly armor we will enter the land, the battle belongs to the Lord.
         No weapon that is fashioned against us shall stand.  The battle belongs to the Lord.  ♫ 

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                           October 7, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Note – Inspired by Carole Urbas’ “Warfare Behind the Veil”; Ch.5 “Becoming the Holy Priesthood”