Monday, June 24, 2024

Musing – Theme song of the dying church – “You Be You, I’ll Be Me”

 Hebraic Musing – Theme song of the dying church – “You Be You, I’ll Be Me”

We serve a triune God and we identify Him as “Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”  But the American church is bending scripture to justify things that are warped or anti-scriptural.  The triune god that the world recognizes is “Me, Myself and I”.  This, to me, is the summary statement encompassing all the deviations from God’s Truth that we are seeing in the world today.  Do I need to list them all?

A recent article (source unknown) discussing this “You Be You, I’ll Be Me” theme song, referred to it as a tragic display of spiritual bankruptcy.  This so-called “church”—like so many other false churches—recently gathered with their children to sing the swan song of their demise—"You Be You, I'll Be Me."

With rainbow flags waving, they chant the mantra of self-indulgence and self-idolatry, a fitting anthem for a congregation that has utterly abandoned the gospel of Jesus Christ.  This pitiful spectacle, masquerading as worship, reveals the hollow core of so many congregations that have traded the truth of God for the lies of the world, embracing a message that glorifies sin. 

Every time I see something like this, I can only pity such a tragic display of spiritual bankruptcy.  It's the final breath of a dead church, a congregation or a denomination that has long since been forsaken by God and given over to their own depravity.  This is not the song of the redeemed; it is the defiant chant of the reprobate. 

What are some teachings being promoted in churches claiming to be Christian? 

 - Must add something to grace, when in reality, it is a free gift of God (Eph 2:8-9)
 - Easy believism – said a prayer but only fruits of the flesh (Gal 5:19-21)
 - Legalism - if you’re not baptized in their church, then you’re lost and headed to hell.
 - “I’m not a sinner” – yet “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23)
 - Salvation thru the Sacraments by Works of Obedience?
 - Universalism – but will God really save someone against their will?
 - Gave My Heart to Jesus – But “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked:…” (Jer 17:9)
 - Jesus is Not God - Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Muslims, and most world religions.
 - Prosperity Gospel - “Name it and claim it.”, but where is their Faith based?
 - Robbing God – saying “I got baptized,” instead of saying, “God saved a wretch like me and brought me to repent…praise the Lord.”

And today’s media will be promoting rainbows, abortion rights, gender equality, equality, rights, racial differences… and on and on while they add the chorus “You Be You, I’ll Be Me”.  Who is their lord?

Here’s 10 more teachings to avoid - Jesus Christ Isn’t Divine; No One Can Be Holy; You Can’t Be Sure Of Your Salvation; There Is No Hell; The Prosperity Gospel; Once Saved Always Saved; All Religions Are Basically The Same; Universalism; Salvation By Works; There Is No Trinity; etc.

How serious did Paul consider this issue?  “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!” Galatians 1:8 NIV

Points to ponder

How many professing Christians are caught up in these self-serving doctrine(s)?

How seriously do people take the “Word of God”, the Holy Scripture?

Are false teachings producing “still borns” who are not “born again”?

What’s your best defense against false teachings?

“They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.” Romans 1:25 NIV

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                     June 25, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Musing – How would you approach a pagan sacrifice in progress?

 

Hebraic Musing – How would you approach a pagan sacrifice in progress?

Here is a scenario question from a friend that challenged me years ago.   One morning you walk out front to get your newspaper and you see that your pagan next-door neighbor has built an altar on his front lawn and is preparing to rip the heart out of his young daughter's chest as a gift to his gods.  Will you rescue the child -- and thereby "impose" your monotheistic religious values on your "devout" neighbor -- or are you a "pluralist"?  Will your religion govern all of your life (including what’s going on in your neighbor’s front yard), or will you keep it in a spiritual compartment reserved for a church building on Sunday mornings (and/or the friendly confines of your home)?
Good question, so I shared this response which has been on my heart ever since we toured the Mayan ruins in Copan, Honduras.*

Friend, in response to your hypothetical ‘scenario’, I’ve contemplated a similar response to the Mayans who cut the heart out of the chief warrior to give to their god. The movie Apocalypto was a very graphic portrayal of the Mayan culture.  I’d strike up a conversation something like this:

·      Excuse me. I see you are about to sacrifice your child. If you don't mind my asking, why are you doing that?  ["My god says for me to do this."]  I know that you are sincere in your beliefs, but how do you know whether what you have been taught to believe is true? ["Yadayadayada."]  That's interesting, so please excuse me for being a little dense.  How can you be absolutely certain that sacrificing your child will make your god happy?

·      Before you rip the heart out of your child and thus lose him/her forever, would you consider an alternative?

·      My religion or belief system is actually quite similar!  I too believe we need to give our hearts to God, the creator of the universe.  It is an ultimate act of reverence to the God we worship.

·      Is this a little, or big, difference?  In our belief system we offer ourselves, our whole being to God. The difference is that we get to go on living a life for our God.  We certainly acknowledge Our God as the ultimate authority; and as a God of love, He does not want the physical life of our children.  He does not want us to die but to live, and to live a life more abundantly!

·      Your child can remain here with you but give him/her to God spiritually rather than physically. 

·      You obviously recognize the importance of spiritual life, don’t you?

·      (Trust the Holy Spirit to guide the rest of the conversation and, hopefully, during the conversation the neighbor would in turn ask us what we believe and why, and we could cite your testimony and/or relevant Scripture.)

Thus, we have initiated a friendly, helpful salvation opportunity which is far better than finding ourselves in a hostile promotion or defense or argument over a political or religious agenda.

Points to ponder

Might some of this approach work when witnessing to a non-believer?

Which is more important?
To justify our belief?  Or to preach the Good News and save souls?

Or would you call the police first!?!?  And lose a salvation opportunity?

“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matt.16:25                                                                       

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      June 18, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

* Recommended reading -- Eternity in their Hearts: Startling Evidence of Belief in the One True God in Hundreds of Cultures Throughout the World – by Don Richardson

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Musing – Are we paying attention to Conjecture, or to the FACTS?

 

Hebraic Musing – Are we paying attention to Conjecture, or to the FACTS?

The church has been paying a lot of attention to predictions of The End Times.  We conjecture about the significance of the four blood moons and eclipses, i.e. Jonathan Cahn’s book “The Harbinger”, etc.  Here are a few familiar Biblical warnings that we easily recognize and then we conjecture as to when and how:

·         Daniel 12:4   “Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.”

·         Matthew 24:37   “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.”

·         1 Timothy 4:1   “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”

·         Revelation 13:17   “no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark,”

Meanwhile there are actual happenings, FACTS, not being fully revealed by our news media.  Below is a (November 2009) message in its entirety from Geert Wilders, a Dutch Member of Parliament, describing the factual situation in Europe.  To be safe, I sent the message to a trusted, well-informed friend living in Belgium to check the veracity and he said “I see absolutely nothing in it with which I disagree.”  Furthermore, he said “The facts are not in doubt.  What is in doubt is how long God still puts up with all this before HE pulls the plug.”  

This is longer than my customary one page ‘Musing’, but the Spirit has prompted me to be a Watchman.  Read it carefully and thoughtfully as his predictions are coming true!  (I lived in Belgium 1988-91 and felt these beginnings.)

Points to Ponder after reading

Who else needs to consider these FACTS?

What will America be like in ten years?  Five years?

Chazak, Chazak, v’Nit chazak!   (Be strong, be strong, and may we be strengthened!) 

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd              June 11, 2024    (Reprint of October 20, 2015 article)          
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”    insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com

 

The Lights are Going Out All Over Europe 
 By Geert Wilders, Dutch Parliament Member     
November 16, 2009

Dear Friends,

Thank you very much for inviting me.  I come to America with a mission.  All is not well in the old world. There is a tremendous danger looming, and it is very difficult to be optimistic.

We might be in the final stages of the Islamization of Europe.  This not only is a clear and present danger to the future of Europe itself, it is a threat to America and the sheer survival of the West.  The United States as the last bastion of Western civilization, facing an Islamic Europe.

First I will describe the situation on the ground in Europe. Then, I will say a few things about Islam.  To close I will tell you about a meeting in Jerusalem.

The Europe you know is changing. You have probably seen the landmarks. But in all of these cities, sometimes a few blocks away from your tourist destination, there is another world. It is the world of the parallel society created by Muslim mass-migration.

All throughout Europe a new reality is rising, entire Muslim neighborhoods where very few indigenous people reside or are even seen. And if they are, they might regret it. This goes for the police as well. It's the world of head scarves, where women walk around in figureless tents, with baby strollers and a group of children. Their husbands, or slaveholders if you prefer, walk three steps ahead.  With mosques on many street corners. The shops have signs you and I cannot read.  You will be hard-pressed to find any economic activity.  These are Muslim ghettos controlled by religious fanatics.  These are Muslim neighborhoods, and they are mushrooming in every city across Europe. These are the building-blocks for territorial control of increasingly larger portions of Europe, street by street, neighborhood by neighborhood, city by city.

There are now thousands of mosques throughout Europe with larger congregations than there are in churches. And in every European city there are plans to build super-mosques that will dwarf every church in the region.  Clearly, the signal is: we rule. 

Many European cities are already one-quarter Muslim: just take Amsterdam, Marseilles and Malmo in Sweden. In many cities the majority of the under-18 population is Muslim. Paris is now surrounded by a ring of Muslim neighborhoods.  Mohammad is the most popular name among boys in many cities.

In some elementary schools in Amsterdam the farm can no longer be mentioned, because that would also mean mentioning the pig, and that would be an insult to Muslims.

Many state schools in Belgium and Denmark only serve halal food to all pupils. In once-tolerant Amsterdam gays are beaten up almost exclusively by Muslims. Non-Muslim women routinely hear 'whore, whore'. Satellite dishes are not pointed to local TV stations, but to stations in the country of origin.

In France school teachers are advised to avoid authors deemed offensive to Muslims, including Voltaire and Diderot; the same is increasingly true of Darwin. The history of the Holocaust can no longer be taught because of Muslim sensitivity.

In England sharia courts are now officially part of the British legal system. Many neighborhoods in France are no-go areas for women without head scarves. Last week a man almost died after being beaten up by Muslims in Brussels, because he was drinking during the Ramadan.

Jews are fleeing France in record numbers, on the run for the worst wave of anti-Semitism since World War II.  French is now commonly spoken on the streets of Tel Aviv and Netanya, Israel.  I could go on forever with stories like this. Stories about Islamization.

A total of fifty-four million Muslims now live in Europe. San Diego University recently calculated that a staggering 25 percent of the population in Europe will be Muslim just 12 years from now.  Bernhardt Lewis has predicted a Muslim majority by the end of this century.

Now these are just numbers.  And the numbers would not be threatening if the Muslim-immigrants had a strong desire to assimilate. But there are few signs of that. The Pew Research Center reported that half of French Muslims see their loyalty to Islam as greater than their loyalty to France. One-third of French Muslims do not object to suicide attacks.  The British Centre for Social Cohesion reported that one-third of British  Muslim students are in favor of a worldwide caliphate   Muslims demand what they call 'respect'.  And this is how we give them respect.  We have Muslim official state holidays. 

The Christian-Democratic attorney general is willing to accept sharia in the Netherlands if there is a Muslim majority.  We have cabinet members with passports from Morocco and Turkey.

Muslim demands are supported by unlawful behavior, ranging from petty crimes and random violence, for example against ambulance workers and bus drivers, to small-scale riots. Paris has seen its uprising in the low-income suburbs, the banlieue (suburbs).  I call the perpetrators settlers, because that is what they are.  They do not come to integrate into our societies; they come to integrate our society into their Dar-al-Islam.  Therefore, they are settlers.

Much of this street violence I mentioned is directed exclusively against non-Muslims, forcing many native people to leave their neighborhoods, their cities, their countries.  Moreover, Muslims are now a swing vote not to be ignored.

The second thing you need to know is the importance of Mohammed the prophet. His behavior is an example to all Muslims and cannot be criticized.  Now, if Mohammed had been a man of peace, let us say like Ghandi and Mother Theresa wrapped in one, there would be no problem. But Mohammed was a warlord, a mass murderer, a pedophile, and had several marriages - at the same time. Islamic tradition tells us how he fought in battles, how he had his enemies murdered and even had prisoners of war executed. Mohammad himself slaughtered the Jewish tribe of Banu Qurayza.  If it is good for Islam, it is good. If it is bad for Islam, it is bad.

Let no one fool you about Islam being a religion.  Sure, it has a god, and a here-after, and 72 virgins. But in its essence Islam is a political ideology. It is a system that lays down detailed rules for society and the life of every person. Islam wants to dictate every aspect of life.  Islam means 'submission'.   Islam is not compatible with freedom and democracy, because what it strives for is Sharia.  If you want to compare Islam to anything, compare it to communism or national-socialism, these are all totalitarian ideologies.

Now you know why Winston Churchill called Islam 'the most retrograde force in the world', and why he compared Mein Kampf to the Quran. The public has wholeheartedly accepted the Palestinian narrative and sees Israel as the aggressor.  I have lived in this country and visited it dozens of times.  I support Israel.  First, because it is the Jewish homeland after two thousand years of exile up to and including Auschwitz.  Second because it is a democracy.  And third because Israel is our first line of defense.

This tiny country is situated on the fault line of jihad, frustrating Islam's territorial advance.  Israel is facing the front lines of jihad, like Kashmir, Kosovo, the Philippines, Southern Thailand, Darfur in Sudan, Lebanon, and Aceh in Indonesia.  Israel is simply in the way.  The same way West-Berlin was during the Cold War.

The war against Israel is not a war against Israel.  It is a war against the West.  It is jihad.  Israel is simply receiving the blows that are meant for all of us.  If there would have been no Israel, Islamic imperialism would have found other venues to release its energy and its desire for conquest.  Thanks to Israeli parents who send their children to the army and lay awake at night, parents in Europe and America can sleep well and dream, unaware of the dangers looming.

Many in Europe argue in favor of abandoning Israel in order to address the grievances of our Muslim minorities.  But if Israel were, God forbid, to go down, it would not bring any solace to the West.  It would not mean our Muslim minorities would all of a sudden change their behavior and accept our values.  On the contrary, the end of Israel would give enormous encouragement to the forces of Islam.  They would, and rightly so, see the demise of Israel as proof that the West is weak, and doomed.  The end of Israel would not mean the end of our problems with Islam, but only the beginning. It would mean the start of the final battle for world domination. If they can get Israel, they can get everything.  So-called journalists volunteer to label any and all critics of Islam as a ’right-wing extremists' or 'racists'.  In my country, the Netherlands, 60 percent of the population now sees the mass immigration of Muslims as the number one policy mistake since World War II.  And another 60 percent sees Islam as the biggest threat.  Yet there is a greater danger than terrorist attacks, the scenario of America as the last man standing.  The lights may go out in Europe faster than you can imagine.  An Islamic Europe means a Europe without freedom and democracy, an economic wasteland, an intellectual nightmare, and a loss of military might for America - as its allies will turn into enemies, enemies with atomic bombs.   With an Islamic Europe, it would be up to America alone to preserve the heritage of Rome, Athens, and Jerusalem

Dear friends, Liberty is the most precious of gifts.  My generation never had to fight for this freedom, it was offered to us on a silver platter, by people who fought for it with their lives.  All throughout Europe, American cemeteries remind us of the young boys who never made it home, and whose memory we cherish.  My generation does not own this freedom; we are merely its custodians.  We can only hand over this hard-won liberty to Europe's children in the same state in which it was offered to us.  We cannot strike a deal with mullahs and imams.  Future generations would never forgive us.  We cannot squander our liberties.   We simply do not have the right to do so.

We have to take the necessary action now to stop this Islamic stupidity from destroying the free world that we know.

Please take the time to read and understand what is written here, please send it to every free person that you know - it is so very important."

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Musing – Does a Good Life Require Three Bones?

 Hebraic Musing – Does a Good Life Require Three Bones?

            Reply “Stop” if you no longer want to receive future “musings”.

I just read somewhere; but can’t find it again.  “A Good Life Requires Three Bones. – A Wish-Bone; a Back-Bone and a Funny-Bone.”  Then I wondered if that was sound Biblical thinking?

Are we supposed to WISH (like on a Wish-Bone)?

“Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast.  Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’”  John 12:20-21 NKJV

Paul had a wish for the Corinthians.  “I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.”  1 Corinth.14:5

Jesus had, or has, a wish for us.  “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.” Revelation 3:15

But be careful of what we wish for.  Consider the source of some of our “wishes”!  Listen to what the devil said in his attempt to tempt Jesus.  “And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I (the Devil) give it to whomever I wish.” Luke 4:6

Does a Christian need a BACK-Bone?

There are, however, five explicit covenants that form the back-bone of the Bible: those God makes with Noah, Abraham, Israel, and David and the New Covenant inaugurated by Jesus.

There are five covenants are crucial for understanding the story of the Bible and God's redemptive plan.
 - Noahic Covenant,
 - Abrahamic Covenant,
 - Mosaic Covenant,
 - Davidic Covenant,
 - New Covenant.

There is a need for each of us to have the Back-Bone to do our part in these covenants with God.

Does God, or Jesus, have a Funny-Bone?

“The One enthroned in heaven laughs;” Psalm 2:4 (NIV).   Sounds promising, until we read the rest of the verse: “the Lord scoffs at them.”  The Lord laughs at earthly rulers who stand against Him and His anointed.

“The LORD laughs at him, for He sees that his day is coming.” Psalm 37:13 NKJV.

But what makes God laugh?  “I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes.”  Now why would a loving God do that?  Prior verse - “Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke,” Proverbs 1:25-26

There's an old Yiddish proverb, "We plan, God laughs" that expresses a degree of truth; when we humans plan something, why might things turn out different than planned, hoped or expected?

“A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.” — Proverbs 17:22

Points to ponder

Our flesh causes us to wish for ungodly, fleshly desires.  How to wish for God honoring things?

God made covenantal promises to us.  Do we have Back-Bone to do our part?

"If you want to make God laugh, tell Him about your plans." (Woody Alen)

Lord, please give us a Wish-Bone, a Back-Bone and a Funny-Bone.

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          June 4, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”    Weekly “Hebraic Musings” at   InsightsByYosef.blogspot.com

Notes - No Hebraic Musing last week since the tornado damage cost me power for 6 days!

Monday, May 20, 2024

Musing – Do we view Our World through a Greek or a Hebrew mindset?

 Hebraic Musing – Do we view Our World through a Greek or a Hebrew mindset?

Did you know that your thinking is more Greek than Hebrew?  We have been trained to see the world and the Bible from a Greek mindset!  BUT, the Bible is written in a Hebrew framework.  This has nothing to do with language or nationality!  There are distinctive differences in our thought processes:
Process Oriented:
Greek    - Cognitive; Appealing to the intellect; Heavy program emphasis; Emphasizes education
Hebrew - Active; Appeals to the heart; Emphasizes direct participation; Emphasizes age & wisdom
Biblical Application:
Gr        - Belief without cost to self; Bible is data that must be taught
Heb     - Doers of the Word; Bible is reality that must be confronted
Ministry Activity:
Gr        - Large impersonal groups: Leader-directed, controlled
Heb     - Small intimate groups; Leader as facilitator
Fruit:
Gr        - Mutual toleration; Transparency discouraged
Heb     - Love, acceptance, forgiveness; Transparency encouraged

We in the U.S. have been raised with a Greek mindset.  We are…
 - Competitive – Winning; Focus on accomplishments like Learning, Money, Status
 - Dichotomy of opposed parts, chose either, can’t integrate: Must be either Good or bad,  Yes or no

The Bible was Written primarily in the Hebrew language, using Hebrew “idioms”, by Hebrews, in the Hebrew way of thinking.  The Bible’s Hebrew “mind set” is all about behavior or doing, not understanding; Learning or accomplishing; Just DOING!   Life is seen as walking (moving), Living out one’s faith, expressed as “Halakah”, walking in faith; Hearing (Shema) isn’t just hearing, it is doing what was heard; People participate as equals; Skills are learned by demonstration and practice.

Biblical/Hebrew Culture is based on FAMILY, with FATHER as leader!  Metaphors for Abba & Kingdom.
In Greek thinking, the EDUCATED (teachers, doctors, lawyers, pastors) have a special place, and generally are not challenged. 
In the Hebrew Bible, leaders are chosen from among the common, then empowered by Yehovah for service: 
 - David the shepherd boy became King
 - Moses an escaped murderer became the leader of Israel
 - Fishermen became the leaders of the believers
 - Sha’ul (Paul) worked as a tent maker while doing ministry

Torah – to aim at the Mark.  It is NOT the pass-fail, right-wrong, good-bad of Greek thought. 
The Greek concept of either “Law or Grace” began with the Greek Septuagint translation of Old Testament, about 275 B.C.  It was Ordered by Egyptian King Ptolemy Philadelphus and used by Jews in Alexandria (Egypt).  In the Septuagint, Torah (meaning teaching or aiming at a target) was translated “nomos” meaning “law”.  From there on it unfortunately has became a dichotomy of either law or grace.  Luther took the church away from the unity of the Bible by making “law and grace” the foundation of the protestant movement.  Torah became just history, less relevant or not relevant.

Hebrew allows for many levels of interpretations with both literal and figurative meanings:
 - Outside of time constraints – Allowing for past, present and future as we read it
 - Often a figurative prophetic meaning(s)
 - Four Hebraic ways of interpretation of Scripture:
            - P’shat – the obvious, words mean what they say
            - Remez – hints at something deeper, even prophetic
            - Drash – a diligent search for meaning and practical application (could be personal)
            - Sod – deep, hidden message that is buried in the text

Ministry method differences:
Greek:  Large groups, Clergy over laity, Use of 5-fold ministry to justify un-Biblical role avoidance, Teaching by programs, Audience not involved, as spectators, Meet in “Church”
Hebrew:  Small groups, Peer facilitator, Discussion, All participate, Share various gifts of Holy Spirit, Takes place in any location, typically homes.

Meaning of SOUL?
Greek:             The immaterial part of a person – spirit; Deep feeling or emotion
Hebrew:          “neh-fesh”; Body; Man, person; Mortality; Vitality

Understanding SPIRIT
Greek:             State of emotions; Spirit being; Supernatural being; Life force
Hebrew:          Mind; Courage; Disposition; Seat of emotions; Seat of mental acts; Seat of moral character

Greek misconceptions of Yehovah
 -
If HE loves us, how can he allow bad things to happen?
 -
Why did HE instruct Moses and Joshua to kill the natives living in Canaan?
 -
How can HE send people to hell?

Yehovah is not Greek. HE is Hebrew and He is:
 - Sovereign (can do as HE wants)
 - Just (HE will not go against our free will)
 - HE will give us challenges to allow us to grow
 - Willingly forgives when we repent

CONCLUSION:
  When we look at the Bible through Hebrew eyes, it will become more alive and we gain new understanding!

Points to ponder

Which is more important?  Our Greek view, or the Bible’s Hebrew view?

Which language would you like to study?  Greek or Hebrew?

Shalom,                                              

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          May 21, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

*   Transcribed & edited from a .PPT received from Johanna Shager Hocker, February 5, 2014

 

Here are a few more Hebrew words, concepts & sayings to consider:

Unique concepts of Hebrew
 - Covenant – “Berith” in Hebrew, eternal promise of love and provision between Yehovah & Israel.
 - Sabbath – based on 6 days of creation, then rest.  Sets apart the people of Israel and those adopted, grafted in.
 - Circumcision – covenantal sign.

Names in Hebrew perspective: Child’s name can describe situation at birth; Child’s name could be based on marital issues; Name is descriptive of the person; Expresses relationship with Yehovah, with “yah” or “el” at the beginning or end of the name; New Names given by Yeshua prophetically calling the person to a new level:
 - Simon - Peter, from impulsive to “rock”
 - Abram - Abraham, from “high father” to “father of a multitude”; Added “Hei”, the breath of God!
 - Jacob – Israel, from “heel catcher” to “he will rule as Elohim”

Hebrew Idioms are expressions whose meanings can not be inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up:  “Evil eye” – a stingy person; “Good eye” – a generous person; “good & evil” – all things, anything or nothing; “open the eyes” – receive new knowledge; “apple of His eye” – ‘His very life’; “three days journey” – a long distance; “Dan to Beersheva” – all of Israel.

Hebrew words - with interesting meanings:   - Know: variety of meanings: recognition, intimacy (sex);  Upon my knees: figuratively means adoption;  Fat: rich; Merry: drunk;  Shiloh: “tranquil” but refers to Messiah (until Shiloh comes);  Going “UP” to Jerusalem: elevation, not direction;  Congregation: the whole country of Israel;  Hand: power;  High Hand: confidently and fearlessly;  (2)Great Hand: power and achievement;  Salvation: help deliverance, blessings Divine;   Uncover: disgrace and reveal;   Uncover nakedness: incestuous sex, Lev. 18;  “His father’s skirt”: sex, as in Ruth 3:9;   Stiff necked: obstinate, as ox that refuses to submit to yoke;   Afflict your soul: fasting,   Arm: “strength”

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Musing – Take on a Giant Challenge and how might the LORD use you?

 Hebraic Musing – Take on a Giant Challenge and how might the LORD use you?

How can any of us take on a Giant Challenge like “Saving” the world?  A little personal testimony:

I accepted the Lord on August 28, 1977.  When I came home two days later and told my wife that I accepted Jesus Christ as my LORD and Savior, she informed me that she and all our children had already accepted Jesus.  Typically, when the man of the house gets saved, he wants to assure that his whole family also gets saved; but my family was already saved.  So what should I do?   So, ever since then I have always felt it was my job to evangelize the rest of the world.  But isn’t that a Giant Challenge?

After becoming involved with the FGBMFI (Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International) we moved to Escondido, and found myself elected president of the FGBMFI chapter in Vista, CA.  I found myself sharing my testimony as the speaker at various Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner meetings in Southern CA.  An evangelist friend who ministered world-wide kept inviting me to the Philippines.  While it sounded interesting, the Holy Spirit kept saying “No”.   A few months later I was seated at the head table at a dinner meeting alongside the featured speaker, Garmond Mindt, who had his evangelistic ministry in the Philippines, holding large and very successful crusades.  After a short discussion, Garmond invited me to come do a tour in the Philippines with him and his team.  This is when I took on a Giant Challenge!  I said “Yes” and made arrangements to go, despite the fact that I was unemployed and had a family of 6 hungry children to support! 

After an indescribably impactful three weeks ministering in the Philippines, I came home still unemployed; but the Lord had His surprise for me.  In a few weeks and after a few phone calls, I committed to employment with my old consulting firm, Alexander Proudfoot, to work and live with my family in Belgium, Europe, for two years.  After making all the “move” arrangements in Escondido, CA, I found myself on that long flight to Europe with time to spare and some curiosity, so I opened my diary from the Philippines trip and tallied up the cost of that trip – it totaled $3,200, money spent on faith!  More time to kill so I recapped the compensation package for this Belgium employment with salary, housing, tax benefits and education allowances for the two children, etc.  It totaled $320,000.  As I looked at that number I recalled one of the big messages I picked up in the Philippines – “Give to God and He will provide a 100-fold blessing”!  I was in tears, realizing that the Giant Challenge I took to go evangelize in the Philippines resulted in a 100-fold blessing!

Since working, living, and ministering in Europe for three years (they kept me an extra year), my jobs and my heart have had me doing an extraordinary amount of international travel enabling me the experience of sharing the Gospel rather freely in 33 countries outside of the States in the years ever since. 

Thank you, Lord, for providing me with a Giant Challenge, and the H.S. boldness to say yes!

Points to Ponder

If we feel called to do foreign missions, shouldn’t we also be evangelizing at home?

What happened to the Bible characters who accepted Giant Challenges?

How much faith does it take to accept a Giant Challenge?

What might happen if the Lord asks you to take on a Giant Challenge?

What Giant Challenge does the Lord have in front of you?

“The light that shines the farthest, shines brightest close to home” – Garmond Mindt’s favorite saying.

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                          May 14, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Musing – How Powerful is your Testimony?

 Hebraic Musing – How Powerful is your Testimony?

Here is my testimony in three parts – before, what happened, and since.

I am Joe Brusherd, a retired CPA, Int’l consultant and CFO for a variety of companies.  Some 80+ years ago I grew up in Cicero, Illinois, as the oldest of eight children.  After college, my career started as a CPA.  My wife and I raised six children which has multiplied into a family of 38 so far, and still growing.

I had limited understanding of God during the first 37 years of my life; did not know God’s purpose for my life despite these Three Questions and Answers from my first grade catechism class that stuck with me all my life:

Q. – Who made me?                          A. – God made me.
Q. – Who is God?                              A. – God is the Supreme Being who created all things.
Q. – Why did God make me?           A. – God made me to worship Him; and to praise Him forever.

During those years my selfish ways, my anger, my unclean thoughts plagued me; and in desperation I agreed to go on a Catholic Marriage Encounter weekend to enrich our marriage, which desperately needed enrichment.  After that experience in 1976, I became a curious seeker of the God I had known as a child.  I enjoyed the fellowship with other married couples, but one couple I especially admired and respected.  Bill and Mary Blessing had something I wanted; and they frequently referenced their “Cursillo” experience. 

On a Thursday in August 1977 friends of Bill Blessing drove me the 80 miles for a three day “Cursillo” retreat.  As I got out of the car, I asked them “Aren’t you coming in?”  They answered, “No, we were just giving you a ride” and they drove off.  That act of sacrificial love was just the beginning.  On the second day a priest, Father Tony Tascheta, spoke and his message, presentation and style was awesome.  I kept thinking that he missed his calling; he should have been a VP of Sales!  I was in a daze, so we went to the Chapel. 

As we walked into the Chapel, I saw Father Tony Tascheta on his knees praying and thanking Jesus for all the words Jesus had given to him for “the men out there”, like me. 

My knees gave out and I found myself kneeling, crying crocodile tears and saying almost out loud “Jesus Christ, you are real.  I need to learn more about you.”  At that moment I knew I would never be the same.  The peace in my inner being was unimaginable.  I no longer had the feelings of desperation that resulted from knowing I was a sinner and, most of all, that I had been trying to hide them from God, my Creator.

At the closing ceremony we entered a big hall and I saw Bill and Mary Blessing there; they had cut their vacation short in order to be there for me.  I fell apart.  As part of the closing ceremony, we each were to stand up as the Spirit led and tell what the week-end meant to us.  Eventually I went to the podium, froze, fell apart and finally blurted out “I talked to Jesus!”  That’s all I could say!  That’s not much of a speech but it meant volumes.  I was never so choked up in my life.

Very late Sunday night the Blessings gave me a ride home.  I immediately woke up Peggy, my wife, and said, “Peggy, guess what happened to me on the week-end?”     She said, “What?”      I told her, “I talked to Jesus”.   She asked, “Does that mean you’re ‘born again’?”    I answered “I don’t know what you call it, but all I know is that I talked to Jesus. … And I want you and all our kids to experience what I experienced.”     She replied, “Too late Joe, we already have.  We’ve all been praying for you.” (She could have added “…for 10 years.”)

That was in August 1977.   I was 39 years old.  So I know how blind a man, a husband and a sinner can be.  I found out why Jesus told Nicodemus “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”  And since by family was already “saved”, it is now my job to witness to the rest of the world! 

That is how Jesus came into my life.   What is YOUR testimony?    Please share it with me.

Points to Ponder

What life was like before?
What happened at that revelational moment?
What has life been like ever since?

People may argue with your teachings & preachings, but they cannot argue with your testimony!

“And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,” Acts 4:33

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      May 7, 2024
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”