Rabbi Eric's commentary on Messianic Judaism and life in our community here in Cleveland, Ohio.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Romans 11 אגרת פולוס השליח אל-הרומיים
1. Is there any doubt where Paul stands on the topic of “Replacement Theology”, and what proof statement does Paul make to argue against this false theology?
2. What other proof from the Prophets does Paul give as an example to argue against replacement theology?
3. What is the “Remnant” that Paul mentions in vs. 5? Who exactly is this?
4. If it is true that “Replacement Theology” is false and should be rejected; then how is it equally true that Israel has indeed “stumbled and fallen”, how does Paul explain this, and what text does he use from the Prophets to support his argument?
5. What is the classic rabbinic argument that Paul employs now in vs. 12, what is it called and how does he apply its logic regarding transgression and reconciliation?
6. How does Paul bring out the full implication of God’s purpose to bless all the nations of the world through Abraham?
7. What is the illustration regarding a batch of dough, and where does this concept come from? Use Scriptural references to explain…
8. Was Paul the first writer in the Bible to introduce the concept of Israel being a “branch”? If not, where did this concept come from and how did Paul build upon this foundation? Give Scriptural references to explain…
9. After Israel has fallen so far from faith in Yeshua, is it possible for them to be saved? If so, how? Do they need to convert to the religion of Christianity?
10. What exactly is this “mystery” that Paul is so emphatic about his audience to not be ignorant of…?
11. Define what is the “fullness of the Gentiles” according to Shulam or other scholars?
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Romans 10 אגרת פולוס השליח אל-הרומיים
1. How does Paul demonstrate the true heart and vision of the Good News, and how is this vision central to Messianic Judaism? If this is the central vision of our movement and the Good News in general, how should all believers relate to Paul’s true heart and vision?
2. Are Jews “ignorant”; and what does Paul mean that the Jews’ zeal for God is not based on “knowledge”; is this an accusation of stupidity or something else? What is the definition of “seeking to establish their own” (what does this mean)?
3. What is the Greek translation of “end” or “goal” in vs. 4, how is this verse typically translated differently in various English translations, and what does this word really mean?
4. What are the two ways of finding “righteousness” (or ‘life’), and what two passages from Tanakh does Paul use to illustrate this truth and which is the best way to achieve righteousness according to Paul? How is the disappearance of the body of Moses also related to this argument?
5. If Israel have not “believed” in Yeshua, but have stumbled over the stone, then how will they be saved? What does Paul say and what are two solutions offered by Shulam?
6. On the other hand, how can Gentiles who walk in darkness, without hope and God in the world (cf. Isaiah 9:1-2, Eph 2:12, IPet. 2:9) “believe” without a witness to enlighten them? What does Paul say? Give Scriptural references…
7. In the “But I say…” statement (vs. 18) it is not clear who exactly Paul is referring to: Gentiles or Jews? In your opinion who exactly is the subject he’s referring to and why? Give proof statements/verses to support your answer.
8. How does Paul prove what the purpose of the Gentiles are in the Messianic revival movement, describe that purpose and define it.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
IDF Ambushes Arab Firebombers in Gush Etzion
IDF Ambushes Arab Firebombers in Gush Etzion
IDF has declared war on terrorists who throw Molotov Cocktails at passing cars. On Monday night an observation post spotted three Arab Palestinians nearing the wall adjacent to road 60, near the village of El-Hader in the Etzion region. The three were carrying Molotov Cocktails and intended to throw them on the road. The Nitzan battalion placed an ambush in the area and managed to catch one of the offenders redhanded.
The prophets tell us:
Isaiah 43:2 Tree of Life Version (TLV)
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you,
or through the rivers,
they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned,
nor will the flame burn you.
IDF has declared war on terrorists who throw Molotov Cocktails at passing cars. On Monday night an observation post spotted three Arab Palestinians nearing the wall adjacent to road 60, near the village of El-Hader in the Etzion region. The three were carrying Molotov Cocktails and intended to throw them on the road. The Nitzan battalion placed an ambush in the area and managed to catch one of the offenders redhanded.
The prophets tell us:
Isaiah 43:2 Tree of Life Version (TLV)
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you,
or through the rivers,
they will not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned,
nor will the flame burn you.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Chodesh Tov!
Shalom & Chodesh Tov, friends,
Today is not only Dec. 1, but it is also Kislev 1, 5777 - this is the month of Hanukkah, (the month of Dedication), when the Lord delivered our people from the hands of our enemies, yet again, and allowed our fathers to cleanse and rededicate the Holy House.
I and the intercessors are praying for you all, for health and victory, and breakthrough, power and authority in Messiah, miracles, deliverance and answers from Heaven for all of your prayers.
As we approach this new season, a season of "New Beginnings", please consider the article below recently published in Forward (an International Jewish publication); all about "Messianic Jews". I think you'll find this article very interesting and encouraging.
God is giving us favor, and despite the challenges we are all facing, I want to encourage you that our Movement, and the Ruach Adonai is moving and changing the hearts of our people. Revival of our people Israel is coming, more and more. Be encouraged in this New Beginning.
R' Eric
http://forward.com/news/355474/are-jews-for-jesus-a-secret-weapon-in-anti-semitism-fight-with-the-alt-righ/
Today is not only Dec. 1, but it is also Kislev 1, 5777 - this is the month of Hanukkah, (the month of Dedication), when the Lord delivered our people from the hands of our enemies, yet again, and allowed our fathers to cleanse and rededicate the Holy House.
I and the intercessors are praying for you all, for health and victory, and breakthrough, power and authority in Messiah, miracles, deliverance and answers from Heaven for all of your prayers.
As we approach this new season, a season of "New Beginnings", please consider the article below recently published in Forward (an International Jewish publication); all about "Messianic Jews". I think you'll find this article very interesting and encouraging.
God is giving us favor, and despite the challenges we are all facing, I want to encourage you that our Movement, and the Ruach Adonai is moving and changing the hearts of our people. Revival of our people Israel is coming, more and more. Be encouraged in this New Beginning.
R' Eric
http://forward.com/news/355474/are-jews-for-jesus-a-secret-weapon-in-anti-semitism-fight-with-the-alt-righ/
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Romans 9 אגרת פולוס השליח אל-הרומיים
1. Who are the “witnesses” to Paul’s sorrow and anguish?
2. What are the “advantages” of being Jewish, and how does Paul pick up again on this topic?
3. What Six things preceded the creation of the world according to the sages of Israel and how does it relate to Paul’s point about Israel’s election?
4. What does Paul really mean when he says for not all those who are descended from Israel “are Israel”? explain…
5. How does Paul use the theme of twins to illustrate a point about this “promise”?
6. How does Paul deal with the argument against Israel’s Election by God as being unfair and unjust? Explain…
7. Who are the vessels of wrath designed for destruction, and who are the vessels of mercy referring to according to Paul?
8. What then is the basis for God’s calling of people for salvation?
9. What is the Talmudic formula that Paul uses that determines the understanding of the next two chapters?
10. Do the Gentiles replace Israel as God’s chosen people, if not, explain who then is the “Remnant of Israel”?
2. What are the “advantages” of being Jewish, and how does Paul pick up again on this topic?
3. What Six things preceded the creation of the world according to the sages of Israel and how does it relate to Paul’s point about Israel’s election?
4. What does Paul really mean when he says for not all those who are descended from Israel “are Israel”? explain…
5. How does Paul use the theme of twins to illustrate a point about this “promise”?
6. How does Paul deal with the argument against Israel’s Election by God as being unfair and unjust? Explain…
7. Who are the vessels of wrath designed for destruction, and who are the vessels of mercy referring to according to Paul?
8. What then is the basis for God’s calling of people for salvation?
9. What is the Talmudic formula that Paul uses that determines the understanding of the next two chapters?
10. Do the Gentiles replace Israel as God’s chosen people, if not, explain who then is the “Remnant of Israel”?
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Romans 8 אגרת פולוס השליח אל-הרומיים
1. What exactly does Paul mean by saying in vs. 1 that there is no “condemnation”?
2. What was impossible for the Torah, and how does this statement disagree with rabbinic theology? give an example, and explain…
3. Why is it critical and required that God send His own Son in the “likeness of sinful flesh”? explain why it must be this way according to Paul…
4. What is required for those who want to fulfill the requirements of the Torah and overcome the flesh?
5. What is the “hostility” that Paul describes that is against God and His Spirit, how is it described?
6. How is the Ruach described as “dwelling” and how does this correlate with the Hebrew Scriptures?
7. How is Paul’s concept of “sons of God” a “Jewish Concept”? and, describe the difference between the Spirit of Slavery and the Spirit of Adoption, what is the key to understanding the difference?
8. How is apokaradokía (ἀποκαραδοκία) similar to ta’arog (תַּעֲרֹ֥ג) and how are they related to what Paul is saying in vs. 19? Give the infamous Tanakh reference from the Psalms.
9. Explain, what does Paul mean by “groaning”, both by Creation and us; what is this a reference to?
10. Explain how the Ruach helps us in our weakness?
11. What does Paul mean by “Predestined”? Who is Paul really talking about? explain…
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Romans 7 אגרת פולוס השליח אל-הרומיים
1. Who is Paul now addressing in vs. 1 and what is the meaning of קא משמע לן “ka mashma lan” and how does Paul use it?
2. How does Paul use the analogy of marriage to make a point regarding how observing Torah has no effect on the יֵצֶר הַרַע yatzer hara, the evil inclination, and how is his conclusion similar to that of Rabbi Simon & Rabbi Jonathan in the midrash?
3. Explain the Halacha (Jewish Law) of marriage, what does the Torah say about a woman who’s husband dies or one who divorces her and how does this apply in Romans 7? Does this mean the Torah dies to us?
4. What therefore is the effect of the Torah according to Paul?
5. What is the meaning of חליצה Chalitzah and Yibbum and how does it correspond to "dying to sin"?
6. What is the connection between “coveting” and the themes of divorce, and the “spirit of the flesh” in which Paul is describing?
7. Furthermore, what connection is there between coveting and idolatry and adultery; and how do we see this since the Creation?
8. How does Paul say that the Torah deceived and killed him, and is there any evidence that this is supported by Rabbinic literature?
9. What does Paul mean when he says, “for I do not understand what I am doing..” when we sin, what does this mean?
10. Paul describes the struggle between the Spirit and the Flesh that is in all of us, and also describes his “intentions” to do good but his/our inability to do it. Is he making the point that what really matters is what a person “intends” to do or something else? Explain…
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