Can A Man Become God? by Sam Nadler
(Continue to read more...)
Though some say in December, others say in the fall (around Sukkot), yet it is mere speculation when exactly Yeshua the Messiah was born. However, the fact that He was born is both historical and wonderful! But, one of the Jewish objections to faith in Yeshua is: “a man cannot become God.” This objection is born out of a mistaken notion that Yeshua, a man, became God. This is not the message of the Scriptures, nor the faith of the Messianic believing community anywhere. The Hebrew Scriptures prophesy and the New Covenant declares that in Yeshua, God Himself, Adonai, became a man—He took on human flesh. Three questions raised on this issue help us consider it more fully: 1) Can God come in the flesh? 2) Was Messiah expected to be God? 3) Did the New Covenant declare Him as such?
Can God Come In The Flesh?
To find the answer let’s look at the visitation to Abraham in Genesis 18:1. The passage begins, “the Lord appeared to him by the Oaks of Mamre”. The next verse states that as he lifted his eyes, three men stood by him. Abraham and Sarah then prepared food for these guests (18:3-8). Was it merely a vision? Impossible, for not only do you not prepare food for a vision, but visions don’t eat, and these men did (Genesis 18:8).
Now, two of these three men are later identified as angels (Genesis 18:22; 19:1). However, the third, who ate (v.8), spoke (v.10), and walked with Abraham (v.16, 22), is identified as “the Lord” Himself. In Genesis 18:13, the text states, “And the Lord said to Abraham…”
The word translated “Lord” throughout this portion is called the Tetragrammaton— the four Hebrew letters that make up the sacred Name of God (yud, hey, vav, and hey). Do the Hebrew Scriptures teach that God came in the flesh? Clearly, the answer is yes!
However, what was the Biblical expectation for the Messiah? Was he to be God incarnate? The Prophets, especially Isaiah and Micah, most directly answer this. Isaiah wrote: “For a child shall be born to us and a son shall be given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called: Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).”
This is traditionally recognized as referring to Messiah: “I have yet to raise up the Messiah, of whom it is written, for a child is born to us [Isaiah 9:6]” (Deuteronomy Rabbah 1:20).
Isaiah predicts that one coming from the Galilee will bring light, joy and victorious peace because He is the Prince of Peace (Sar Shalom) and, indeed, the Mighty God (El Gibbor, Isaiah 9:1-5). This child to be born is the theme of Isaiah 7:12, where it states He would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14). He is the root of David that Gentiles will trust in (Isaiah 11:10), as well the remnant of Israel (Isaiah 10:20-23).
The truth of who this One will be is tolerated when the Scripture says that not every Jewish person will believe, but only a remnant: “the remnant shall return, the remnant of Jacob, to the Mighty God [El Gibbor]” (Isaiah 10:21).
Micah the prophet gives further detail about Messiah’s Divine Nature and specifically from where He would come:
“But you, Bethlehem Ephratah, little among the thousands of Judah, out of you will go forth for Me, One who will be ruler in Israel, whose goings forth have been from days of eternity.” (Micah 5:2)
Micah clearly states that Israel’s ruler would not only come from Bethlehem, but his goings forth would be from eternity. That is, He who would be born in Bethlehem is God, the Eternal One! Thus the Messiah—the One to bring peace, joy and life to all who would believe (the remnant); the One who would be born in Bethlehem, yet live in Galilee—this One is the Lord, the Mighty God Himself!
Does The Scripture Proclaim Yeshua as Messiah and God?
Hundreds of times the New Covenant unequivocally declares Yeshua to be the Messiah. (The word “Christ” is a transliteration, not a translation, of the Greek word Christos, translated correctly into English as “Messiah” or “anointed one.”) His Deity is indicated repeatedly by His title “Lord” and His identification as the Lord of the Hebrew Scriptures. Please note that when referring to Yeshua, the New Covenant repeatedly uses portions of the Old Testament (Tanakh) that actually refer to God (Mark 1:1-3, Heb. 1:8-12).
The New Covenant writers were clear regarding Messiah’s Divine nature: “In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God, the Word was God… and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John1:1, 14).
Mostly, Yeshua’s divinity was assumed and written about in order to make an application for our lives:
Each of you should not look merely to your own interests but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Messiah, who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but humbled Himself, taking on the form of a servant, coming in human appearance. Being found in human form, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even death by the cross (Philippians 2:4-8).”
What amazing love is demonstrated in the humility of our Messiah! The One who is the Eternal God, Adonai, came in the flesh to die for our sins and conquer death, that anyone might have forgiveness, life, joy, and peace by trusting in Him. No man can become a god, but in accordance with the Scriptures, God Himself took on human flesh in the person of Yeshua, the Messiah of Israel. May you be blessed as we celebrate Messiah’s birth.
READ MORE
God Is Doing Great Things! by Sam Nadler
. (Continue to read more...)
The Midwest Messianic Conference Report by Sam Nadler
There were giants in the land, as Messianic leaders from as far away as Maryland, along with those from Wisconsin and Chicagoland, gathered for the Midwest Regional “Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations” Conference hosted by both Devar Emet Messianic Synagogue and Olive Tree Congregation (host site). It was a blessed opportunity to establish even stronger Messianic congregations for even greater impact in reaching the greater Jewish community. Besides the biblical instruction and the amazing and edifying interaction between all the leaders, there were three breakout classes that specifically addressed the discipleship of children, women and men in the Messianic congregation (facilitated by Debbie Holford, Miriam Nadler, and myself respectively).Some may wonder, “How can a Messianic congregation (or any congregation) make a difference in reaching the greater Jewish community?” This question arises from the misunderstanding of the role of the local congregation in their local community. Too many people assume that most congregations (Messianic synagogues or traditional churches) are quite content developing their attendance through ‘transfer growth’–that is, having various disgruntled people come from other congregations, or from believers moving into their communities from another area of the country.
Sadly, very, very few congregations do any evangelism, Jewish or otherwise. Though Messiah commanded us to “Go make disciples” many congregations merely wait for people to “come to their services.” Therefore, many assume that only a parachurch mission organization can do the ‘real work’ of evangelizing the Jewish people. This is not the way it should be! The local congregation must take responsibility to reach that community where they are located.
Therefore, Word of Messiah plants Messianic congregations that do just that. Our conferences are meant to establish and develop Messianic congregations to effectively reach out “to the Jew first and also to the Gentile” (Romans 1:16). There are several principles that, when implemented, help accomplish this more effective outreach.
The Principle Importance of the Power of Prayer: Scripture states, “You have not because you ask not” (James 4:2). God expects us to ask, believing that He wants to bless and fully supply our needs to fulfill our calling in Messiah (Philippians 4:19; 1 John 5:14-15). As Israel could only win while Moses’ hands were lifted to God (Exodus 17:11), so too for our lives, homes and congregations. The spiritual victory is won in the prayer closet to be experienced on the field of battle. We are in a spiritual warfare for the souls of people, To “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) the heart, home and congregation must first be “a house of prayer” to be the place of victory and blessing.
The Principle Focus of Family First: As I often teach, “The congregation can be no stronger than the families that make it up. Thus, to have a strong congregation we must first have strong families, not merely a strong front man.” Though singles and empty nesters are also a wonderful part of that community, we are still, under mandate of “m’dor l’dor”–from generation to generation–we must have families that will raise their children as Messianic disciples to demonstrate that Yeshua is God’s faithfulness to Israel! The vibrant, evangelistic Messianic congregation made up of fervent faithful Messianic families is the most effective testimony about Yeshua to the greater Jewish community. When Jewish believers attend the traditional church, they generally have to give up their Jewish identity to do so. Most often their children no longer live as Jewish believers, even though their bible-believing church may love Israel. This reinforces the concern of the Jewish community that faith in Jesus is the end of the Jewish people. However, for those faithful Messianic families that are faithfully part of that vibrant Messianic congregation, they effectively testify to the greater Jewish community, “Am Yisrael Chai Ba’Shem Yeshua! (The People of Israel Live in the Name of Yeshua!). We must have Messianic congregations with strong Messianic families.
The Principle Dynamic of Dedicated Discipleship: Yes! Yeshua sent us to “make disciples” not merely to make decisions, and merely to have our pews filled with carnal, uncommitted believers. There must be personal discipleship of every believer in Messiah, for the undiscipled believer is the dysfunctional member of the Body. We must have strong Messianic families that pray, feeding themselves in the word, committed in love to the Messianic congregation, and are desirous to reach their neighbors, friends and family with the Good News. Only properly discipled parents can develop properly discipled children. The undiscipled family produces a dysfunctional home. Every effective contact the congregation made must become a dedicated disciple before becoming a congregational member. Otherwise, you will have a congregation of undiscipled people who are merely acculturated to the faith. They only understand their faith by their cultural expression and are unable to communicate their faith “wisely to those outside” (Colossians 4:5), and think that any change of their culture is a change of their faith! It is no wonder that they’re not reaching out! Only the properly discipled Messianic believer will effectively reach out to others. We evangelize to make more disciples, who will evangelize and make disciples, from generation to generation until Yeshua returns. It’s only out of the properly discipled membership that we develop our properly discipled leadership, who can model the Messianic values of the Messiah exalting community (Hebrews 13:7) in the home and congregation.
The importance of these principles is reflected in the feedback from the leaders attending the Midwest Conference: “I learned the importance of discipling people before they become members.” “I finally understand the real purpose of membership!” I realize the need to pray about everything before attempting anything.” “I now understand what makes a healthy congregation healthy.” “Our whole leadership is going to study through the “Developing Healthy Messianic Congregations” workbook, as well, and discuss how we can improve our Discipleship and Membership program. Thanks!”
Yes, God is doing great things! So please pray as we follow up on helping those attending congregations with the application of the principles to their communities, and for Word of Messiah as we prepare for the next US conference in Phoenix, Arizona on February 18-19, 2018, hosted by Arrowhead Messianic Congregation. (All Messianic leaders, register your whole leadership teams right away for the earliest bird specials!)
READ MORE
Upcoming Events
Chanukkah Service
at 7:00 PM
Hope Of Israel Congregation
11630 Elm Lane
Charlotte NC 28277
Sam NadlerSam's Speaking Events:
- Dec 6, 6:30 pm: Eastside Community, Charlotte NC
- Dec.10, 9:30 am: Southlake Presbyterian, Huntersville NC
- Dec.17, 11:00 am Bethesda Romanian, Maiden NC
- Dec.24,10:30am The Journey at Lake Wylie, LakeWylie SC
From the BOOKSTORE
+ Shipping & Handling
The Scriptures are filled with metaphors and symbols which God uses to communicate His eternal truth. The symbol of the bride of Messiah and the wedding ceremony is woven throughout the fabric of the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Covenant. In this book, we will explore the customs of the ancient Jewish wedding, and parallel them with Scripture. Since a wedding is one of the most joyful events in life, it serves as a perfect way to understand the joy, provision, and security of His love towards those who are in Messiah. As His bride, each one of us is eternally desired by Him. Your Groom, Yeshua (Jesus), has chosen you to be His own special treasure. 117 pages
VISIT OUR BOOKSTORE
TODAH! (Thank you!)
Your prayers and support are invaluable as we share the Good News, establish healthy Messianic congregations, and equip the Body of Messiah around the world in our shared calling to bring the Good News of Yeshua "to the Jew 1st and also to the Gentile."
GIVE ONE-TIME GIFT
Follow us on:
Word of Messiah Ministries
P.O Box 79238
Charlotte, North Carolina 28271, United States
-------
-------
No comments:
Post a Comment