Musing – What did Paul have to say to Pastors?

 Hebraic Musing – What did Paul have to say to Pastors?

Apostle Paul tells us what he preached to pastors in Acts 20:17-38 NKJV.*  Who is Paul addressing?  “From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.” v.17   Pastors have three roles, or titles (1) overseer, (2) Shepherd, (3) Elder.  What might leaders in today’s church fellowships learn from Paul?

Paul testifies of his own activities.  “…he said to them: ‘You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house.’” vs.18-20    In other words, Paul explains he lived among them and with them as a testimony of how to live the “New Life.” 

Then he proceeded to testify of his own life in vs.21-24.  “testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.  And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.  But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”  His stated testimony becomes a standard for all “elders” to achieve.  Read it again!

Then Paul provides them with a parting encouragement.  “And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more.  Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.  For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.”  vs.25-27     He points out that they are on a chosen Career Path.  “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”  v.28 

Be forewarned of the challenges you will face in your role as Overseer, Shepherd or Elder.  “For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.  Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.”  vs. 29-31 Therefore, as a leader you need to avoid distraction while striving for unity of direction.

Good News!  “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” vs. 32

Paul recognizes the Bi-Vocational Roles that he, and many of them, and many today, are serving in.  “I have coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.  Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me.”  But what is important is our attitude.  “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak.  And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” vs.33-35

The love and respect that Paul had for them, and they for him, is touchingly portrayed in the closing.  “And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.  Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more.  And they accompanied him to the ship.” vs. 36-38

In SUMMARY, Paul is telling Pastors, Overseers, Shepherds and Elders to…
            Live and Speak Biblical Truth while Reaching the World for Christ.

Point(s) to Ponder

Is your role one of an Overseer, a Shepherd, or an Elder?  With the title of “Pastor”?

What Shepherd in the church has not experienced wolves attacking the flock?

How important is it to stand strong and be a living testimony?

Lord I give my life as a living sacrifice, to reach a world in need, and to be Your hands and feet.

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          April 19, 2022

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

*  Inspired by “Preaching to Pastors”, a Sunday message from Pastor Tom Hatley on April 10, 2022

Musing –Why are Marriages and Our Society Both Crumbling?

 Hebraic Musing –Why are Marriages and Our Society Both Crumbling?

I have recently heard young people say, more than once – “Why get married?”  While I was shocked to hear it, why would we be surprised considering the influence of today’s media?  Our world’s anti-Judeo/Christian viewpoints prevail. There are broken homes, a lack of instruction in morality and confusion over the role of sex.

Covenantal Marriage was the basis for OT culture.  The patriarchs and those who followed them live by Godly principles based on marriages and families.  This was all part of God’s original plan in Genesis Chapter 2:24 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”   “Therefore” refers to what Adam said in verse 23 “This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.”  BTW, in the NT Jesus’s first miracle was at a wedding!

Today’s society has moved to a contractual marriage, rather than the convent marriage that God planned for us. What’s the difference?  Contracts are temporary, have a time limit and are based on terms to be met by each of the parties.  In contrast, a Covenant is intended to be permanent, “until death do us part”, with no conditions!   BTW, the word “Covenant” appears over 300 times in our Bible!  The beginning of no-fault divorce has opened the floodgates for divorce in our culture, effectively making marriage contractual instead of covenantal.

After WWII there were a rash of divorces when men came home and marriages fell apart.  Remember the “Dear John letters”?  One of my earliest memories was of a close relative divorcing his wife after the war; and the family was surprised he did not move to Los Angeles, the haven for divorcees back then (late 40”s/early’50’s).

What are the problems and/or results of crumbling marriages?

·      God’s plan was for children to be raised by two loving parents (“go forth and multiply”) with one parent to nurture and the other providing support & leadership?  “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Eph.6:4 NKJV  Is that happening?  What happens to children after multiple generations of broken families, and missing fathers?

·      God scolded them/us in Malachi, last OT book - “Another thing you do: You flood the LORD's altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer pays attention to your offerings or accepts them with pleasure from your hands.  You ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD is acting as the witness between you and the wife of your youth, because you have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.” Malachi 2:13-14 NIV 

·      God considers marriage to be an agreement between a husband and a wife as well as a covenant between the couple and Him.  The wedding vows were also vows to the Lord, or should have been!

I have authored a number of books but my favorite, the one I consider to be most important, is “Biblical Marriage – His plan for Courtship, Engagement, Wedding and Marriage.”  It is available at Amazon (search “Biblical Marriage Yosef”).  There is so much more to say and ponder on this topic.

In closing -
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” Eph.5:25 NIV
“Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives” 1 Peter 3:1    BTW, that is how I came to Christ!

Point(s) to Ponder

What impact are “broken homes” having on the younger generations?
What percentage of dysfunctional people are from “broken homes”?

Do children’s TV, media, Hollywood, etc. support Biblical Marriage?
Too many examples to list of programs, etc. with ungodly content! 

If you have had a divorce in your past, please remember that
 God is more concerned about your future than your past.

We are the “Bride of Christ”!    Hallelujah!

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                April 12, 2022

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

Note – Inspired & excerpted from “Marriage in 2022” by Johanna Hocker & The Epoch Times” 3/30/22:

“Marriage in 2022 by Johanna Hocker & The Epoch Times”   March 30, 2022

The marriage rate in the United States is 6.1 per 1,000 - the lowest ever. Marriage is one of the worst prospects imaginable for men. Society has moved from a convent marriage to a contractual marriage. It is the worst legal contractual liability a man can enter into. A contractual marriage is based on mutual support and insurance and assurance that this support will continue even if the marriage itself dissolves. This began with no-fault divorce, that opened the flood-gates for divorce in our culture.

Women are demanding more; they claim that 80% of men are unattractive. A man must also be economically attractive. Women want a 6 - 6 - 6, which means he is 6 feet tall, has a 6 figure income and sports a 6 pack.

70% of divorces are initiated by women. Educated women have a 90% divorce rate. Women are now 60% of all college students. These college women are even pickier with higher standards that one might say makes a slave of the sucker who might marry her.

Statistics show that people who are married tend to live longer, are healthier, have lower stress levels, and are less prone to suffer from depression, but there is little to no incentive to marry, which is seen as a no-win situation.

For those who are truly committed to each other, marriage still works and is the best and only way to raise healthy children.

 

More stats from Google search:

Also, 70 years ago a large majority of U.S. households, approximately 80 percent, were made up of married couples. In 2020, the proportion of households consisting of married couples fell to 49 percent.

Some of the major factors behind the long-term decline in the marriage rate have been female education and labor force participation, women’s economic independence and gender equality. America is also experiencing growing numbers of women and men living alone as well as increasing unmarried cohabitation. In addition to the 15 percent of U.S. adults living alone, no less than one-quarter of those aged 25 to 34 years are living with an unmarried partner.

American attitudes about childbearing and marriage have also changed markedly. For example, whereas in 2006 about half of U.S. adults said it was very important for couples having children together to legally marry, by 2020 that proportion had fallen to 29 percent. Today, the proportion of U.S. births to unmarried mothers is about 40 percent, double the percentage in 1980.

“Biblical Marriage” book cover

Musing – What Happens the Moment You Get Saved?

 Hebraic Musing – What Happens the Moment You Get Saved?

Have we really considered the dynamics of “What Happens” the moment we recognize Jesus Christ as our Savior and acknowledge Him as our Lord.  Let me propose six very important changes that take place:

·         First – You come into position as a child of God.  You are a Prince, Royalty, a child of the King of Kings and welcomed into a new family.  “once were not a people but are now the people of God,” 1 Peter 2:10

·         Second – You become a Holy Person.  The Gospel “called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began…” 2 Tim. 2:9   You are “Set Apart” for the Gospel, the Good News.

·         Third – You become a member of the Army of God.  The battle is on, so you need armor – “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Eph. 6:11 NKJV

·         Fourth – You encountered trouble, trials & tribulations.  Expect it!  This world is no longer your home!
  ♫ This world is not my home, I'm just a-passing through. My treasures are laid up Somewhere beyond the blue. ♫

·         Fifth – You were given a Great Commission testimony.  You have had a unique experience that is to be used to win souls.  Your testimony is the most powerful tool to win souls to Christ.  You get to tell others what happened to you, it’s the truth!  “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony,” Rev. 12:11 NKJV

·         Sixth - You will have a message of Truth.  You will quickly recognize that you are in a world that is lying to us in these “last days.”  False prophets (ministers preaching false & misleading doctrines) are preaching to please man.  “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,…” etc.  2 Tim.3:1-2 “…my children walk in truth.” 3John 4  NKJV

What is that new life be like?  What changes in your life?

The new babe in Christ is changed, and he will be adjusting to a vastly different world than he had known. 

The new babe in Christ needs teaching and the encouragement of fellowship.  Why did the first century church grow exponentially?  “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Act 2:42 NKJV

The new babe in Christ learns who he really is, and why.  “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Rom. 8:31  “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15 NIV

At the end of life in this world, there are only two possible destinations! 

1.   The destination for all who are not saved is clear – “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” Rev. 20:15 NKJV

2.   On-the-other-hand – The new babe in Christ fulfils God’s desire for each of us, as revealed at the end of book of Revelation.  “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them.  They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” Rev. 21:3 NIV

Point(s) to Ponder

Did you experience all those changes?   If not, what have you experienced?

If you have professed Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, aren’t you glad?!
Who else do you know who needs to experience that special moment?

If we “Love our Neighbor,” what’s the best gift we can give to them?
Answer -- Get their name into the “Lamb’s book of Life”?

♫ I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God, I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
     Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, For I'm part of the family, The Family of God” ♫ 

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          April 5, 2022

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

Musing – Is the Power of the Holy Spirit Evident in Our Churches?

 Hebraic Musing – Is the Power of the Holy Spirit Evident in Our Churches?

I was just told “If every Bible believer were empowered with the Holy Spirit, congregations would be on fire.  We are settling for much less than what Yehovah has for us.”*   And none of the Church-goers I’ve met will say that the church they attend is accomplishing anything like the first century church’s accomplishments!  What’s changed?  What’s different?

What do we know about the early church?  In Acts 2 they were all together and in “one accord” when they were “filled with the Holy Spirit.”  What does it mean to be in “One Accord”?   Wow, that’s a big topic of its own!

How important is the felt presence of the Holy Spirit?  David wrote “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.” Psalm 51:10-11 ESV (p.s. I love that as a song!)   And David spoke this desperately in the midst of his repentance for his behavior regarding Bathsheba and the killing of her husband.  

Repentance and the Holy Spirit seem to be related!  Example – In Acts 2 Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and we have record of him preaching Jesus.  “Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brethren, what shall we do?’ And Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”  Acts 2:37-38 NKJV    So it’s repent first, and then receive the gift.

And then Peter quoted the prophet Joel in order to describe this phenomenon.  “And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.” Act 2:17 and Peter continued to quote thru verse 21 describing the requirement for salvation.  “And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.”

Power!   Before leaving earth, Jesus promised power in Acts 1:8  “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” NKJV  What power will the H.S. provide you with?  A. – To be witnessing witnessers.

Years ago I heard** that leaders of both the Catholic and the Lutheran church conducted a conference to settle their different views on the significance of Jesus’ mother Mary.  After much discussion back and forth they still did not agree.  However the Catholics did admit they had given too much attention to Mary; and the Lutherans acknowledged that they had not given enough recognition to Mary. 
In the same way, do we have denominations and churches that have given either too much or too little attention to the role of the Holy Spirit’s operation in our churches, and in our lives?

Point(s) to Ponder

Is the church of Jesus Christ in “one accord”?

Do we accept Jesus as our Lord and then let the Holy Spirit bring about repentance?
Or should we repent first, then the Holy Spirit brings on the Power?

Does the church preach repentance enough for people to call on the Holy Spirit?

♫ “Spirit Of The Living God, Fall Afresh On Me. Spirit Of The Living God, Fall Afresh On Me.
            Melt Me, Mold Me, Fill Me, Use Me, Spirit Of The Living God, Fall Afresh On Me.”♫ 

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          March 29, 2022

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

*   Inspired by and excerpted from “The Presence of the Holy Spirit” by Johanna Shager Hocker, Oct.8, 2020

** - Source unknown   

Musing – How would you Define the Levels of Love?

 Hebraic Musing – How would you Define the Levels of Love? 

I sincerely would like to hear your perspective(s).  RSVP

The word “Love” in our daily usage has a plethora of meanings, including a wide range of examples of intimacy (some of which I do not want to share in a PG musing).  Let’s explore the definition(s) of “Love” from Biblical perspectives.  The Bible in Greek uses four different words to differentiate the types of “love.”*   Why?  There are distinctly different relationships and situations for each; and our English use of the word “love” can be downright awkward and misinterpreted!

Eros – is a passionate love that is aroused by romantic feelings; emotional and sexual love focused on one’s own gratification from an intimate relationship with little or no regard for the feeling of the other person.

Phileo – is a neighborly care and platonic relationship with those we know.  It is natural for us to desire friendly relationships with others we meet and know, i.e. Philadelphia, the “city of Brotherly Love”.

Storge – is the family love that parents naturally feel for their children and members of the family have for each other.  There is dependency on each other; herding together for protection and survival in dependent clan-like relationships.  Biblically we become related as Brothers and Sisters in the Family of God!

Agape – is an unconditional love that sees beyond the surface and accepts and cares for the other person, the recipient, regardless of whom he/she is; regardless of faults, etc.  This kind of love is all about sacrifice as well as giving and expecting nothing in return.  It is a committed, chosen and self-sacrificing love for others.

We can view the four “loves” based on the range from self-centered-ness all the way to a total focus on other(s).  I sense that the types of “Biblical Love” range from mostly selfish to totally selfless:

 Eros, is about pleasure, sometimes selfishly, to
     Phileo, desiring a friendly relationship, to
         Storge, a need for one another with willingness to share our resources, to
              Agape, a willingness to give oneself or to die for another…Christ being the ultimate example:

1 Cor. 15:3      “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,”   NIV
1 Peter 3:18     “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”
Rom. 5:6         “Christ died for the ungodly.”
Rom. 5:8         “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Points to ponder

What have we lost in our English bible translations by using only one word for “Love”?
For example - What is meant by the expression “making love” with someone? 

When we tell someone “I love you”, what do we really mean?
Which of the four levels?

Are we capable of Agape Love this side of Heaven?   Why try?    RSVP

♫ What the world needs now is love, sweet love.  It's the only thing that there's just too little of.
         No not just for some but for everyone.. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                         March 22, 2022  

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

*  The definitions of the Greek words are my interpretations from numerous wordy sources.  Here are condensed examples from the overly wordy Merriam Webster definitions as a noun:
(1) : strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties,
(2) : attraction based on sexual desire : affection and tenderness felt by lovers
(3) : affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests
(4) : an assurance of affection  i.e. give her my love
(5) : warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion
(6)  : the object of attachment, devotion, or admiration
(7)  : a beloved person : DARLING —often used as a term of endearment
(8)  : unselfish loyal and benevolent (see BENEVOLENT sense  or 1a) :concern for the good of another: such as
     (a) the fatherly concern of God for humankind  (b) brotherly concern for others  (c) a person's adoration of God     
(9)  : an amorous episode : LOVE AFFAIR

Musing – Did the Bible Predict Growing Popularity of Psychedelic Drugs Use?

 

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Hebraic Musing – Did the Bible Predict Growing Popularity of Psychedelic Drugs Use?

The stock market jumped* and headline gave the reason – “Psychedelic Drugs (PD) Market Projected to Reach $6.85 Billion by 2027”   The stock market increase was due to anticipated growth in PD companies. 

Another article says “We can no longer ignore the potential of psychedelic drugs to treat depression.”  And we all recognize that the Covid lockdown has had a significant impact on mental health, depression and anxiety (in my own case, stir-craziness).  Pharmaceutical funds have been in focus ever since the Covid-19 pandemic caused a global lockdown.  Why?  PD are used for treatment of anxiety, depression and addiction, a re-emerging therapeutic paradigm. 

What is the Biblical perspective?  Revelation 18:23 describes the finality of Babylon's Fall.  “The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived.”  NKJV   The Greek word “Pharmakeia” is translated to “Sorceries” 6 times in NKJV.  If you substitute the Gr. “pharmakeia” for the word “sorceries”, verse 23 reads “For by thy pharmakeia were ALL nations deceived”   BTW - “Pharmakeia” is where we get our English word “pharmacy”!

Are PD being promoted?  A quick, but unreliable, Google search reveals many articles claiming psychedelic stimulants are beneficial and even Biblically justified!  For example, articles explain “Moses encountered God 'because he was stoned - again.”  And they contend that Moses’ “Burning Bush” was an hallucination.  Many Bible accounts are explained away as visions and quotes resulted from PD influence.  So use of PD is now being justified as Biblical (by and for those who need to rely on Googled internet articles to justify their behavior).

Pharmaceutical companies are a well-organized and professionalized system benefiting from the large profits dependent in great part on sales of PD.  The Bible reveals that Babylon will deceive all nations by the use of pharmaceuticals that are connected to “magical arts” and idolatry; both have deep roots in witchcraft and the occult world.  

We don’t have to do a deep Bible study to know that Satan is directly behind the magical arts and mind alterations.  God’s people should have nothing to do with it.  Some professing but deceived Christians today use “magical arts” under the disguise of contemplative prayer, “Christian humanism”, meditation, yoga, etc.  These involve sorcery, witchcraft, and magic and rely on use of “magic” potions to “heal”, deceive, poison, control, or kill someone.  

BTW – An interesting Wikipedia comment – “Many Christian denominations disapprove of the use of most illicit drugs.  However many permit the moderate use of socially and legally acceptable drugs like alcohol, caffeine and tobacco.  And some denominations permit smoking tobacco, while others disapprove of it.”

So let’s ask the original question: Did the Bible Predict Growing Popularity of Psychedelic Drugs Use?
            (And you can peruse more Bible quotes to consider at the end of this musing.)

Points to ponder

What is the long-term cost of using PD for the immediate gratification?

What did Peter mean in 1 Peter 5:8 when he told us “Be self-controlled and alert.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

♫ “Spirit of the living God, Fall afresh on me.
            Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the living God, Fall afresh on me.. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      March 15, 2022
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”  Weekly “Hebraic Musings”   insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com/

*  News Headline on February 26. 2021.

 

 

More Bible references to consider

Old Testament:

Leviticus 10:9   “Drink no wine or strong drink, you or your sons with you, when you go into the tent of meeting, lest you die. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations.” ESV

Isaiah 5:11   “Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine.” NIV

Isa 47:9    “But these two things shall come to you In a moment, in one day: The loss of children, and widowhood.  They shall come upon you in their fullness because of the multitude of your sorceries, (Pharmakeia) for the great abundance of your enchantments.”   NKJV

Isa  47:12   “Stand now with your enchantments And the multitude of your sorceries, In which you have labored from your youth—Perhaps you will be able to profit, Perhaps you will prevail…. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, And the monthly prognosticators Stand up and save you From what shall come upon you.”  NKJV

Proverbs 20:1   “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”  NIV

Proverbs 23:29-35   “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?  Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.  Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly!  In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.   Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things.  You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging.  “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?”  NIV

Proverbs 25:28   “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.”  NIV

Micah 5:12   “I will cut off sorceries from your hand, And you shall have no soothsayers.”   NKJV

Nahum 3:4   “Because of the multitude of harlotries of the seductive harlot, the mistress of sorceries, Who sells nations through her harlotries, And families through her sorceries.” NKJV

New Testament:

Acts 8:11 (Dealing with a deceiver)  “And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.” NKJV

Galatians 5:19-21  “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”  NKJV .

Ephesians 5:18   “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”

1 Corinthians 10:13  “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” NIV   This verse has to do with temptations and addictions, the key point that addicts and loved ones of addicts should take from this verse is the last sentence: 

1 Peter 5:8   “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”  NIV

Revelation 9:21  “And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries (Drugs) or their sexual immorality or their thefts.”  NKJV

Musing - What Does the Bible Say About Immigration?

 Hebraic Musing - What Does the Bible Say About Immigration?

You have probably heard that God’s Word says we should "show love to the foreigner" as a support for sanctuary cities and open borders.  Their supporting verse might be “When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born.  Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt….”  Lev.19:33-34 NIV   We need to address three important contextual questions before applying that Old Testament Israelite law to today’s situations:

 1.  Was there such a thing as territorial sovereignty in OT times?

 2.  What ancient Hebrew words described “stranger” or “foreigner” or “aliens”?  What do those words really mean?

 3.  What was the purpose of Sanctuary Cities or Cities of Refuge?

TERRITORIAL SOVEREIGNTY    Even in biblical times, nations had clearly recognizable borders typically demarcated by natural features like rivers and mountains.  During biblical times, and even now, wars were fought over those boundary lines, and forts were placed at those boundaries to defend each nation’s territory.  Ancient equivalents of the modern visa were required before people could enter another sovereign territory.  After the exodus from Egypt, God’s people requested permission to pass through Edom in Numbers 20:14-21, and when that permission was denied, the Israelites were turned away.  Foreigners had to obtain a permit to enter another land.

HEBREW WORDS (Stranger, Alien, Sojourner, Foreigner) IN CONTEXT   The most significant Hebrew word is “ger” which has been frequently translated as “stranger” in KJV and as “alien” in NIV.  It typically means “to sojourn” or “to live as an alien.”  (I lived in Europe for 3 years as an alien!)   BUT problems have arisen as some modern translations began interpreting the “ger” simply as “foreigner” because in Hebrew the words “nekhar” and “zar” represent the concept of “foreigner.”  But what are the differences?   
All three are foreigners who might enter another country, but the “ger” had obtained the legal permission to enter from the appropriate authority.   For instance, when Joseph’s family traveled to Egypt in Genesis 47:3-6, they appealed to no less than the king of Egypt and were granted permission to reside in Egypt as legal residents, “gers.”  Another example is when Moses received permission to “sojourn” in the land of Midian after he fled Egypt.  Moses was accepted into the family of Jethro, marrying his eldest daughter, Zipporah, and Moses took on responsibilities caring for Jethro’s flock.  This enabled Moses to call himself a sojourner (ger) not a foreigner (nekhar) even though he lived in a foreign land. 

So the “ger” are those who follow the path of a legal immigrant while “nekhar” or “zar” are “illegal immigrants.”  God makes a distinction, in the Old Testament, and that distinction holds true today.   Important – the “ger” in Israelite society could receive social benefits such as the right to glean fields (Lev. 19:9-10), and they could receive resources from the tithes (Deut. 26:12-13).  In legal matters, the citizen and the “ger” were to be treated equally with one law applying to both (Num. 15:15-16).  In employment, the citizen and the “ger” were also to be paid alike.  In all these cases, no such provision was extended to the “nekhar” or “zar” – “illegals.”

SANCTUARY CITIES or CITIES OF REFUGE     Exodus 21:12-14 establishes the practice that if anyone kills someone accidentally, they may flee to a “Sanctuary” city where they may be safe until the case could be heard, thus protecting them from the law of retribution – an “eye …, tooth… life for a life.”  The cities of refuge were not places to avoid trial or punishment, but places to make sure that the offender had the opportunity to a fair trial.  Note – American cities that try to use biblical justification for circumventing the rule of law by creating sanctuary cities for the illegal aliens are misappropriating Scripture and corrupting laws which uphold justice and order.

The New Testament is still very clear about being kind.  “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2 NIV

Points to ponder

Are we Christians sojourners/aliens in a strange land with Jesus Christ as our City of Refuge?

♫  “May we be a shining light to the nations, A shining light to the peoples of the earth,
      Till the whole world sees the glory of Your name.  May Your pure light shine through us.” ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      March 8, 2022
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”    Weekly “Hebraic Musings”     InsightsByYosef.blogspot.com/
Note – Inspired & excerpted from “What Does the Bible Say About Immigration?” Debbie Wuthnow, Pres., iVoterGuide.
            Full article available on request.