Current Events Archives • Jesus Pattern Son

Austin events Bible Study Controversial Issues Current Events Politics Questions and Answers

What Does Christian Nationalism Mean?

May 28, 2024 Published by: Pastor Sharon

Second in our little series on what the Bible says about government, I answer the question, “What does ‘Christian Nationalism’ mean?” It is an important question for sure. At the end of our first face to face teaching session, on of the gentleman asked, and very insistently. The answer is “it depends.” But! yes, it depends upon who is speaking.

Basically, it is an accusation, based on projection, that Christians want to control the government from the far right. Of course, that is silly, comical, preposterous — and demonstrably false from the founding of this nation until today. Christians, by contrast, tend to stay out of the political arena. When they are adept and at the center of it, such as in the founding days, they work very clearly and competently to keep the discussion and the general political area open to diversity of opinions. That is why America was founded the way it was: with freedom of religion and freedom of speech first. With no establishment of religion. Because the people in the majority were Biblical Christians, and having known persecution from the Anglican and Roman churches, were not willing to engage in it themselves.

However, given this charge by authoritarian communists and world controllists, common Americans with either first or second naivete, have taken up the claim and called themselves Christian Nationalists. Just like Christians and Methodists used the moniker that was meant to cast aspersions upon them. Some people will say, “Yes. I am a Christian. And yes, I am a patriot.”

But what about dominionism? What about the NAR? Listen, I have all the answers for you.

And please share with you friends.

And, btw, apologies for late posting. We have had , indeed still have a very difficult situation of connection to the internet, molasses slow loading, and an impossibility of uploading. Please pray for this ministry to overcome these challenges.

Austin events Bible Study Controversial Issues Current Events Government Politics Questions and Answers

7 Mountains Apologia

May 21, 2024 Published by: Pastor Sharon

Finishing up our series on what the Bible has to say about government, let’s talk about this new idea, 7-mountains. The basic concept is also called, in different circles, “the cultural mandate.” Given the perspective of those I know, this is an important topic to discuss when we consider how we should interface with society and with government. So often, conservative Christians, pentecostals especially, and women, just thought they should stay out of politics. By contrast, some fundamentalist Baptists or conservative Reformed folks seem to hold political views co-terminus with theology. Both groups have, in my hearing, questioned this 7 Mountain Mandate talk. On the other hand, my Spirit-filled educated friends are thrilled with the opening of the door to application of Christian life, of Spirit, and of Bible, to all of life. They often felt stifled and hemmed in in the lower middle class perspective of separation defined as not getting involved, and simply staying quiet in a corner.

I can hear people get offended as I state this clearly and precisely. Read it again. Admit it. The upper middle class, mainline folks were in charge of civics and politics in the 1950s and 1960s. Since then, increasingly the secularist and socialists have been in ascendancy. But in the ’50s and ’60s, conservative Christians eschewed both education and civic involvement. With the advent of the charismatic movement more educated people joined these churches and adopted this theology. That portion of the church expanded its market share steadily. At the same time, these churches, along with their SES segments, experienced great economic growth.

In this century, however, growth slowed, and communists (meaning authoritarian socialists) arose to prominence in the marketplace of ideas as in politics. Socialism took a stronger hold in the mainline churches. The most conservative churches split off, but struggled for direction, carrying with them more leftest ideas than they realized. At the same time, pentecostal churches fell back into their ways. Word of Faith continued to grow and are a home for middle class pentecostal/charismatics. The upper middle class tended to search for a home mostly in the Apostolic and Prophetic movements, precisely the sector most likely to accept the 7 Mountain Mandate. Why? because they needed faith direction for vocation and civic engagement.

Then, the question arose: is this Biblical? Because neither of the two promoters of the 7 Mountain Message are either theologians or professional sociologists (tho both have in-depth Bible knowledge, and tremendous practical insight (one in management and the other I judge as a pastoral sociologist) — and both have a great following among business and government leaders — no apologia has been made. Detractors have popped up. So, here is the answer: yes: The 7 Mountain Message is Biblical and theologically orthodox.

Listen, and I will tell you why.

While the last post was about 10 days late because of technical issues with uploading to the podcast platform, this episode is about a month early. Normally, this would be our June installment of our study on what the Bible says about government and politics. However, coincidentally, Johnny and Elizabeth Enlow have been able to publish their long-awaited documentary. So, since I had this made, and was successful at getting it uploaded, I decided to go ahead and publish it.

The Government of God

March 10, 2024 Published by: Pastor Sharon

Here is a new perspective on the Government of God, different from what we were used to hearing in “The Move of God.” I think it is more in line with growing to maturity that what we have heard, and a good deal less tyrannical.

The government of God is aimed at being primarily self-governance, directly under God, through the Holy Spirit. The more self governance one has, the less family government one needs, and the more family government one has, the less church government one needs, and it all of that is working well, then one needs very little civil government indeed.

Notice, that this is different from other systems. One would put church government over all, substituting themselves even for God. Another would put civil government overall, again substituting themselves over all. This is upside down. And evil.

This was constructed for the sonship discussion, but may be useful for anyone interested in topics relating to Bible and government.

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Current Events Feasts of Israel

Light of the World – Revelations from Hanukah

December 10, 2023 Published by: Pastor Sharon

Light of the world — the whole world. Gentiles, women, and what it all means for today.

The story of the Macabeean revolt, the miracle of the oil in the “candlestick” in the holy place, freedom and continuation of civilization! Then Jesus proclaiming Himself the Light of the World. What it all means today: God meeting us in our dedication, fueling from Holy Spirit, and hope in dark times.

Rabbi Smith: What a non-Jew Can Do for Chanukah?

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Current Events

Hitler Takes Power, Lied to the Church, Diminished Freedoms

August 27, 2023 Published by: Pastor Sharon

Continuing in our review of Erwin Lutzer’s Hitler’s Cross, we cover how Hitler lied to the church, made deals promising religious freedom for political support, but private said he intended to completely shut down churches. The state could dedicate babies and make holidays! He appeared to be a Roman Catholic but was really practicing occultism. Most churchmen went along.

Here what Lutzer says, and a little by James Dobson and R. Rushdoony.

I think you will make many connections with what is going on today. Don’t be a church leader who makes similar mistakes.

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Current Events Feasts of Israel Holidays Moedim

Lessons from Hanukah and the Maccabees

December 21, 2022 Published by: Pastor Sharon

You probably have heard about Hanukah, the winter festival of the Jews in which they light the menorah. However, you probably don’t know the story of the Maccabees behind it. There is lots to learn.

First, I tell you the basic history, and then a little about how the rabbis interpret it, and how the Jews celebrate today. Then, I offer some thought questions.

The wildest thing is how it parallels today! Stick with it to the end. Then, really think. What were the issues then? Now? So, what does it mean to be faithful to YHWH?

Notice, that the Macabees were lauded for serving the good of the whole even at cost to themselves. But wouldn’t have the Antiochus officials said that they should have Hellenized and gone along, and given them more money? Sometimes you judge how much someone has contributed by how much they lost and not how much they gained.

Teaser: I didn’t find the miracle of the oil in I Maccabees. Not in II Maccabees. Hmmm. But I did read about the Battle of Emmaus! Wow!

More resources.

Get the text.

2. Rabbi Sobel gives you amazing number study https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVjpUHT_slE

My A&P and messianic friends will like this.

3. Here is the consensus rabbinical explanation. (So very funny: I asked a respected rabbi here this question and he referred me to Rabbi Google. I figured I had so little knowledge that such would not be a reliable source. Was he perhaps unwilling to face public pressure because the people like Hanukah? I may never know.)

https://www.myjewishlearning.com › article › transforming-hanukkah

Why Were the Rabbis So Uncomfortable With the Maccabees?

That being the case, why do the Rabbis decide to focus entirely on this miracle of the oil? The 16th-century Maharal of Prague, Rabbi Judah Loew, offers a concise answer to this puzzling rabbinical emphasis on the miracle of the oil: The main reason that the days of Hanukkah were instituted was to celebrate the victory over the Greeks.

4. Here is the Lubavitcher word on the holiday. They are very conservative, millenial, and evangelistic.

https://www.chabad.org › holidays › chanukah › article_cdo › aid › 4588772 › jewish › 13-Facts-About-the-Maccabees-Every-Jew-Should-Know.htm

13 Facts About the Maccabees Every Jew Should Know

13 Facts About the Maccabees Every Jew Should Know By Menachem Posner 1. The Maccabees Are the Heroes of Chanukah The Maccabees were Jewish fighters who led the revolt against the Syrian Greek ruling class, who had suppressed Jewish religion in an effort to spread their Hellenistic customs and idolatrous beliefs.

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Current Events Leadership Replication

HOW TO PRAY IN PUBLIC *** How to Lead in Prayer

October 30, 2022 Published by: Pastor Sharon

I was asked to be the lead for prayer in a Christian political group recently. Surprisingly to me, people were surprised and appreciative. Then, someone was angry — whether from jealousy or from insecurity or more likely from demonic control. No matter. This became the impetus to share what I know. We need prayer leadership. Other ministers teach how to pray, but no one teaches how to pray in public, or how to lead in prayer. Prayer is not for applause. Prayer is not for arguing. Prayer is for acknowledging God in our meetings; prayer is for aligning with the purposes of God; and prayer is for receiving miracles.

It is time to offer prayers for all these reasons! Let’s have no more mumbled meaningless ditties! Let us pray God for intervention in our situation! Let us pray to thank the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Further, let’s lend some leadership in this space that is so very much needed. We need leadership in prayer.

So, for those who don’t yet know, or don’t yet feel comfortable, here is how.

Clarification: short advice is: pray according to the Bible and according to the Spirit. I am guessing that you already knows that, but felt now I needed to say this clearly. This course is to get someone over the hump of being shy, intimidated, or bewildered. Once you have begun, always throw out your notes and go where the Spirit leads — which always will be exactly aligned with the Bible.

How to Pray in Public, Introduction

Mistakes People Make

Structure of Prayer

Content of Prayer

Delivery Tips

Praying in Mixed Groups

How to Pray in Public Conclusion

Examples

These files will be posted here temporarily, probably only until the coming mid-term elections. After that, when I have time, they will be available on some platform as a course.

Blessings Controversial Issues Current Events Feasts of Israel Holy Spirit guidance Perfection Sonship Tabernacles

Feast of Tabernacles – NOW! Wow!

October 10, 2022 Published by: Pastor Sharon

Today we define and explain the original Feast of Tabernacles, also called the Feast of Booths, or Sukkoth. We talked about how Jesus fulfilled this feast also, in being Emmanuel, God with us. We talk about the not yet of the prophetic meaning of the end-times. That eschatological means is proleptic: both now and not yet. The real point is the real walking out spiritually now. It is one thing to say that, but what does that look like? How is it done?

Answer: It looks like Jesus. And what was his first foot forward? And How is it done? The inner work of laying it all on the altar. Oh my goodness … old words with disappointment on them. Check out this episode. I have new revelation — at least it was for me. It is right there in the text: the sacrifices, the rest, the deliverance from slavery. That is a picture of the FEAST of TABERNACLES.

Please hear; please share.

Conference (that was mentioned) website: https://www.setapartwomen.co/

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Controversial Issues Current Events Feasts of Israel Moedim

Do the The Feasts of Israel Have Prophetic Meaning?

October 3, 2022 Published by: Pastor Sharon

Do the The Feasts of Israel Have Prophetic Meaning? Is it legitimate to try to find prophetic meaning in the “Feasts of Israel” (or better named the “moedim” the appointed times of God)? Shouldn’t we just take the Scripture at face value? Who is to say what they mean? And then, if we do take any meaning, isn’t that an open door for people to “find” some future prophetic meaning?

HOW THIS CAME UP

In a messianic group I visit this was the question posed. First time it was posed, rather than asserted. As a question, it is worthy of being answered. Are there “types and shadows” in the Bible. Is it legitimate to find allegorical meaning? Do these scripture speak of a time beyond the basic commandment? Is there possibly future prophetic meaning?

We can answer all of these questions surely and definitely, based on the text of the Bible, especially the New Testament. Yes, the Bible itself witnessed to, in clear language, that the Old Testament, the Torah especially, was written with types and shadows in mind. Yes, the Bible itself gives examples of finding allegorical or typological meaning in Scripture, and in the moedim in particular.

WHAT ABOUT FALSE PROPHETS?

Having said that yes, there are prophetic meanings, does not mean that ANY BODY AND ANY interpretation is correct. There is a pattern, a trajectory, and other Scriptures. Standard hermeneutical rules apply. Nevertheless, yes, there are prophetic meanings in the text. And most especially, yes, the feasts do have prophetic meanings — of course!

CALL TO A DECISION — FOR JESUS

Scripture is deep. Those who want to reduce it to face value want to do so because they want to control it. They want to justify themselves. Those, who look deeply into Scripture will find more. Think Jesus speaking to the pharisees. Think the Bereans. Love the scripture; love to hear the Spirit; focus on Jesus! It is all about Jesus. It is not about the law. It is not even about the text, as precious as it is. It is about Jesus. (And it is not so much about us as it is about Jesus, the Pattern Son.)

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Controversial Issues Current Events Holidays Moedim Repentance

Day of Atonement : What is Sin?

September 30, 2022 Published by: Pastor Sharon

There seems to be quite a lot of confusion about what sin is, how sin is best dealt with, and to what extent gentiles should keep the Mosaic Law. All answered here. And a great time to answer them, as we approach the Day of Atonement.

The Day of Atonement is a moed, an appointed time, one of the “7 feasts of Israel”, and appointment of the people with God. The Day of Atonement a time to repent, to seek forgiveness of God, to reconcile with God and with others.

I will cover the basic scriptures on this topic from Torah, cover briefly the consensus Jewish thinking and the Chabad/Lubavitcher viewpoint. Then, let’s go into the New Testament about what sin is and how sin is best dealt with.

SHOULD WE KEEP THE LAW? IS SIN MERELY FAILURE TO KEEP TORAH?

We should have a great deal of respect and gratitude for Torah and Tanakh, for without them, we could not understand Jesus/Yeshua. On the other hand, we should not trample the greater gift of Jesus/Yeshua. Nor should we think we, in our unlettered and prideful state are so much smarter than Peter, James, and John, or Paul. Let’s consider what all of these teachers had to say, shall we?

We will find that both in original Hebrew thinking and in New Testament thinking that sin is “missing the mark.” What mark? For Paul: the glory of God. High mark. So, how would be come up to that bar? Only Jesus Christ/ Yeshua HaMesiach/Son of God could help us that far up.

This is not rabbinic thought. Nor is it sloppy Christian “messianic” — shall we say messy legalism.My position is we should have more respect for the Jewish traditions today, more learning about the Torah, and a full understanding of our own New Testament. We get into trouble when the unlearned take part of a Scripture and blithely take away others’ faith. They feel very spiritual and righTeous doing so, but…. the results are very regrettable, first for others who are made worried… but later themselves when they find they have disrespected Jesus.

RETURNING TO THE FAITH; RECONCILING WITH GOD

Today I am most concerned to help concerned Christians back to settled faith, and comfort in the grace of God, after they have been pummeled and battered by ignorant messy-anic folks who want to make them feel guilty because they are not fully keeping the Mosaic law. Sin is much more than merely transgressing the Mosaic Law. It is pretty hard to keep the Mosaic Law. Always was. particularly, now when there is not Temple and no sacrifice.

Sin is bad and we should acknowledge that sin exists. This failure to acknowledge sin is rampant. Sin is foolish, harmful, but also knowing about sin is an opportunity to return to God. Wonderful Hasidic wisdom. But the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, our wonderful Messiah who is more than we ever imagined, has come and invited us into His own righteousness. This is the wonder. Let’s not overlook that. This is the awesomeness of the sonship message. It is all of grace; it is all of faith; it is not without works.

https://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/2093-atonement-day-of

https://www.reformjudaism.org/jewish-holidays/yom-kippur/yom-kippur-customs-and-rituals

https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/177886/jewish/What-Is-Yom-Kippur.htm

https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/2830/jewish/What-Is-Sin.htm

https://free.messianicbible.com/tag/kol-nidre/#.YzbaPUzMI5s

https://perrystone.org/the-day-of-atonement-leviticus-chapter-16/