Israelites-part 2

Who Do We Follow Again?

My first introduction to this particular Christian sect focusing on reclaiming their identity as Israelites was a piece of paper explaining the identity of Jesus. If you have read any of my blogs, you will know that I have explored this very concept before (just briefly, but sufficiently for such a light matter in my view) in regards to Jesus's race. If you have not, you can follow the link provided here:

"Are You Going To Pay For That?" http://samanthareeser.blogspot.com/2014/07/are-you-going-to-pay-for-that.html

The point of the matter is Jesus is neither "white" or "black", he was middle eastern. But does it really matter? Does knowing what Jesus's skin & hair looked like really matter in the scheme of things? Are we really going to debate about this rather than debate about what He meant when He said, "I am the Way, the Truth, & the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me."?(John 14:6)

I almost feel as if this is a similar conversation as to  debating whether to call God father or mother-a new issue I have been witnessing among my Christian friends. This whole issue of masculinity in the Bible isn't something we should be shocked about, but neither should we be worried about it. It is no surprise that over the many centuries of human history that man has been proudly dominating themselves over women. Yes, there are a lot of men dominance displayed in the Bible, but this does not mean that God  has created the genders unequally nor does He not give the same calling to women as to the men. Many times in the Gospels we witnessed Jesus healing, witnessing, and telling women to spread the good news. So the real question isn't necessarily why the Bible addresses God as a He, but the question of the matter is again how we view our God. I personally don't mind what people address our Creator as, but again I do care when we hold this minor aspect higher than the teachings. Again let us remind ourselves of what scripture says, "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."-Jesus (John 4:24). Thus, my brothers & sisters (as you will see the newer translations of the Bible saying instead of just "brothers"), God is neither male nor female. God is much more grander than being simplified as male or female. God is much more magnificent then we can ever imagine.

So where do you fall? Are these "elementary teachings" so to speak tripping you up, why or why not? Do these minor aspects present themselves as a big issue to you? Why? Do these things make you feel uncomfortable? Do you feel that you cannot relate to your God? To this Jesus?

"Blessed is the man who does not stumble on account of me."
-John 11

I advise you to read the whole chapter & write your comments below. Let's talk about this.

My next exploration in this series will hopefully be more in depth as we dive into this notion of "God's Chosen People".

Israelites_part 1

What's your reason behind the spiritual acts you do? What truly motivates you to dive into the religion you follow? Is it because you are afraid? Is it because you think there are no other options? Or is it because you believe it will make you perfect? Too many times I catch myself chasing after a specific aspect in Christianity for that very reason-perfection. I was recently introduced to this sect in Christianity that focuses on reclaiming their identity as God's chosen people by following the practices & laws of the Israelites. I don't believe that as followers of Christ Jesus we should discourage such practices; but, encourage  along with such things that our brothers & sisters don't lose sight of what really matters. I'm going to dive more into this topic of facing the old testament laws presented in the Old Testament & Jesus's grace presented in the New Testament. I invite you to join along with me on this very intriguing journey, that together we may be strengthened in our walks with God as well as very much so challenged.

Stay tuned!

For You New Unbeliever

You say I don't want to hear, I want to hear...no matter how painful, no matter how pain- stricken.

I want to hear your heart break, because mine is breaking as you speak.

You tell of wars, secrets, and secret wars.

You tell of how they lied, how they stole, how they broke in and carved a hole no one can ever mend.

You then say God is not good.

You then say...God is not good.

Your lips utter that I don't want to hear, but I want all of you. I wanted to listen.

My lips were sealed as yours split wide.

I waited and patiently watched.

Did you think you frightened me? Did you think I'd fight you & prove my ways? No. I sit & I wait. I sit & wait.

You claim you're free, but there are chains. O God how these chains are bidding you!

You say you can do anything now that your faith isn't bound by four walls & a historic tale.

You say God is not good...you say God is not good....
But o my friend how He still cares for you!

Your breathe, your life, this house, these clothes upon you're back...
You're not alone!

You claim more sympathy for the fallen angel.

How many chances did God give you to repent?

How many times will God's arms be open wide?

O God open thy sinner's eyes!

We could quote scripture all day. We could debate and theorize. Yet, this Truth won't make way through that door until I open mine.

So I'll sit and listen.

But, brother, my brother, how inside I weep. I weep for you. For you were once alive and now your dead....dead....dead

What can I do? What can we do?

For God ordained all the days of our lives in His book. He spoke all of them to be...even this one...and the day after next.

Perhaps you were meant to find that pit, that hole, this funeral of once was & is.

Perhaps you were meant to ask all that you did & find the answers that lead you here.

I'm not here to prove I'm right. I'm here to show that He lives.

I'm not here to point fingers.
I'm here to point you to Jesus.

For He found me in the mire & clay. He created something new within. He restores my joy & has become my cornerstone. My mighty cornerstone!

You will hammer & hack away, but He is the only one that Will stay. He is the ONLY one who will stay!

He has blessed you with knowledge & wisdom. And He wants you to find Him just as you are.

So come new found unbeliever. Bring Him your best. Let Him find you & shine His light upon you. Washing away your shame, your rusted chains, your anger, & your hurts.

You say God is not good. Yet, everything around you says differently.

May my life do the same.