As I continue to use NotepadLM to create Podcasts & videos, etc., of my theology articles, today i tried it on 2 articles at once, namely my 2 articles on John 1:1c. (see links below).
And the resultant Podcast ‘deep dive’ discussion just frankly amazes me! Apart from some incorrect pronunciation, the whole manner of the presentation of my articles gives their argument a fresh, very impactful & profound face imo!
While I am not trying here to argue against the Trinity, the rejection of the Hellenistic perspective on John’s (Yochanan) prologue certainly highlights some serious challenges to Trinitarianism:
This podcast examines the validity of Sabbath observance for Gentile followers of Yeshua. By re-evaluating often-misinterpreted New Testament passages and historical evidence, the source suggests that early believers and the Apostles themselves remained loyal to Torah customs. The Sabbath is shown to be an enduring spiritual discipline that provides freedom, holiness, and a vital connection to the Creator.
In a Blog Post I wrote about relationships many years ago I stated: “We can often learn more from the imperfect lives of the great characters of the Bible, than from the explicit teachings contained therein. Often, it is the mistakes that the Biblical heroes make that help us to better see ourselves reflected in their human frailty, and in turn, this enables us to reject their mistakes and instead turn from error to truth, from distance to close communication, and heal our relationships.” – see https://globaltruthinternational.com/2012/11/15/isaac-and-rebekah-a-failure-to-communicate/
I think the depth of ethical teaching that is contained in the Bible is so poorly appreciated by most of us, most of the time.
In this ‘Deep Dive’ AI generated Podcast based on my article ‘Feeling for Rebekah’ I think this issue is exposed in a very clear and impactful manner.
This podcast, using AI, is based on a article of mine that explores the life and theological importance of James the Just, identified as the brother of Yeshua (Jesus) and the primary leader of the early Jerusalem community. I argue that the Book of James was likely the earliest written work in the New Testament, predating the letters of Paul and the inclusion of Gentile converts. Because it was written for a strictly Jewish audience, the text focuses on practical ethics and Torah observance rather than the apparently complex Hellenistic doctrines found in later Christian writings. I highlight James’s insistence that genuine faith must be evidenced through righteous deeds, reflecting a “deeds over creeds” philosophy. By re-evaluating this legacy, I suggest that James maintained a uniquely Hebraic vision for the movement that remains central to understanding its original foundation.
I wrote this 3 years ago and was reminded of it today: Stephen Meyer’s third book, ‘The Return of the God Hypothesis: Three Scientific Discoveries That Reveal the Mind Behind the Universe ‘ is most impressive!
His other 2 main books, ‘Signature in the Cell’ and ‘Darwin’s Doubt’ were absolute classics that give abundant support for the scientific paradigm of Intelligent Design (ID).
Some of the historical facts that he introduces have really surprised and delighted me. Having spent many years at University studying Physics, and even reading some biographies on Physicists like Einstein I still found some of his insights really illuminating. I am also dismayed and a little disappointed with myself to learn that there were certain great questions of Physics that I don’t ever remember asking, such as how gravity actually works!
I learned all the laws of Universal Gravitation, etc., and could apply them as needed, but I don’t remember asking some of the deeper questions.
In learning Physics and doing research in areas of Physics (for me it was mainly Electronics, Microwave Theory and Atmospheric Physics) I didn’t really need to know much of the history of Physics beyond what I learned in a few years of Physics classes at High School but Meyer has specialized in the history of Science, so he brings a wealth of great insights and historical narratives.
A couple that have really struck me: I knew a fair bit about Isaac Newton and the fact that he spent more time on his theological studies than his scientific research (if the church and government had known of some of his doctrinal positions they would have dumped him in prison, such as his rejection of the Trinity). And I knew his mathematical model of Universal Gravitation was a massive advance at the time.
But I was not aware that it had led him to argue for an infinite Universe (to balance the gravitational forces of the stars, etc.). This position was problematic for him from a theistic perspective.
Almost three hundred years later, Albert Einstein introduces his General and Special Relativity theories and turns the world of Physics on its head. But as he understood his own theories at the time, and as he rejected the idea of a Creation of the Universe from nothing (i.e the Genesis story), he had to introduce a special ‘fudge factor’, his cosmological constant to try to argue for a steady state Universe that had existed eternally. While the evidence mounted against his cosmological constant for years, it took him close to 20 years to finally overcome his own ego and accept he was wrong!
This from one of the greatest minds in all human history!
If an intellect as great as Einstein can so struggle to place facts and logic ahead of his own pet pre-suppositions and biases, how hard must it be for the rest of us!!
I am firmly convinced that this book should be read be all who wish to reject atheism and the evils that it engenders. This book should also be required reading in Senior High School Science classes.
In Meyer’s ‘Return of the God Hypothesis’ he argues that Theism provides a better explanation of how the first cell was created along with subsequent innovations in the history of life.
He states that “there are 3 keys facts about biological and cosmological origins:
the material universe had a beginning
the material universe has been finely tuned for life from the beginning, and
large discontinuous increases in functionally specified information has entered the biosphere since the beginning.
Deism can explain the first two of these facts, but Theism can explain all three.”
Science today is increasingly finding supporting evidence for Theism and for a Creation event as described in the Bible. The worm has turned! Science truly supports a Creation event ‘ex-nihilo’ (creation out of nothing).
Some 12 months ago I reflected on the Torah Portion Vayechi (see here).
I started off with the comment that Yosef (Joseph) states to his brothers who had rejected and betrayed him, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.”
In my post I discussed how the Almighty worked through a very trying time for Yosef and ultimately placed him in an exalted position where he was able to help his brothers who had much earlier rejected and punished him.
But where are we now 12 months later in terms of the world-wide challenges facing us as a result of the Corona virus.
Many are now being, in a very real sense, ‘sent to prison’, as Yosef was. Who are these people?
In my opinion it is a great many of the most educated among us, but not only are these ‘outsiders’, these newly designated ‘unclean’, well educated but more importantly they are the ones who clearly have well-developed critical thinking skills and reasonable logical thinking skills as well.
Here in Queensland, these ‘outsiders’ include some 6000 teachers and 7000 nurses (according to the leading unions for these professions).
These outsiders need to hear the prophetic and extremely powerful words of Yosef:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.”.
These teachers, nurses, police, hospitality workers and others in allegedly ‘high-risk’ workplaces are being fired from their vital roles and facing the prospects of having to sell their homes and leave family and friends behind in pursuit of new ways of putting a roof over their heads and food on their tables.
There clearly is a lot of pain and serious financial hardship as we see a growing discrimination and segregation in our society that so easily and ignorantly accepts medical apartheid (erringly similar to what happened to the Jewish People in Germany in the 30’s).
But despite the battles lost so far, and the set-backs being experienced at this time, we know who the ultimate winner is.
The Almighty will prevail!
He will somehow make it work for good.
As I stated 12 months ago, we really need to draw close to Yehovah and trust Him and know that He is at work through all this and He will find a Way where there seems to be no way.
We need to hold onto to Him as we continue to stand for truth and justice and against the increasing tyranny (both intentional and blind) of most of those in leadership over us.
“I am doing something new; it’s springing up — can’t you see it? I am making a road in the desert, rivers in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:19 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
At this time, as the darkness and madness grows daily, we may not be able to see how we will be like Yosef and able to help the world when it wakes up and escapes into the Light, but we are called to #holdtheline and trust Him.
Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1–5:26) (וַיִּקְרָא — Hebrew for “and He called,”) is the first word in this week’s Torah Portion.
When you look out from within, the world in a very real sense revolves around you.
You see it, feel it, experience it, though your senses and your perspective. You can heighten specific senses to then perhaps experience something a little different, a little more enhanced or deeper, and you can significantly change your perspective and this can bring about huge and life-changing epiphanies. Yet it is still you and it is still a world that surrounds you.
But if you try to fly out (in your mind’s eye) beyond the atmosphere, beyond the moon, past the sun and the solar system, out of the Milky Way galaxy to view a trillion+ other galaxies, then from this perspective, you are now less than a dot, less than a grain of sand and less significant than a moon or planet or star. From this perspective, you may seem to be pointless and valueless.
Yet, the Creator of this vast Universe, created you.
He choose you, a totally unique person and placed you into this world at a specific time and place for a purpose. He wanted you here as He has a task for you. A task or tasks that you are uniquely qualified for. While it may be true that if you reject His purpose for your life, He is more than capable of finding another way to achieve His purposes.
But His hope really is in You!
Yehovah has called you. He has a task, a vocation for you. It could be a gift to give the world; a kindness to ease someone’s pain, a love to share that heals a broken life, or a smile to light a dark corner.
Discerning that task, hearing Vayikra, God’s call, is one of the great spiritual challenges for each of us.
For example, being a care-giver for a partner or parent or even parent-in-law with Alzheimer’s Disease is a modern day example of a sacrifice almost beyond reason, beyond rationale foresight. Yet many willingly take on this sacrifice.
Rabbi Sacks argues that “We are willing to make sacrifices when we feel they are part of the task we are called on to do.”
Obviously, if the family member with Alzheimers for example is very much loved, then it may seem very natural to take up the challenge of being a care-giver and sacrifice much of your own life for a season.
Whether the care-giver would see this as the task or role that Yehovah has called them to is another matter. Perhaps though, the lessons learned though this great challenge and sacrifice may prove crucial in future situations where the call may even be more vital.
The very nature of spiritual challenges and the natural changes over time in a persons life journey would seem to me to suggest that discernment and clarity of purpose is never easy and even when attained it may prove only temporary and fleeting.
Rabbi Sacks also argues that “Where what we want to do meets what needs to be done, that is where God wants us to be.”. This certainly has a synergy about it and perhaps may resonate with your soul.
I think we all need to stop and take stock at times (this is actually one of the reasons that the Almighty gave us the gift of Shabbat!). So to seek this synergy and find our unique task and purpose, we may also need to refresh and replenish our soul.
And it also seems timely that once again Passover (Pesach) approaches, as this too is an ideal time for some soul-searching and seeking of your higher-calling.
In this week’s Torah Portion, Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1–40:38) Moses assembles the people of Israel and reiterates to them the commandment to observe the Shabbat (Sabbath):
Exodus 35: “1 Moses assembled the whole community of the people of Israel and said to them, “These are the things which Yehovah has ordered you to do. 2 On six days work is to be done, but the seventh day is to be a holy day for you, a Shabbat of complete rest in honour of Yehovah…”
Why is the Sabbath so important. Of what significant benefit to mankind is it?
These are worthwhile and important questions to ask. What follows is just a small attempt to offer some of the answers.
The Sabbath was and is one of the most significant indicators of freedom ever!
In the ancient world no other people group had a day off each week; no other nation had such freedom. The Sabbath is one of the greatest gifts God has ever given man – a day free from labour and a day to honour the King of the Universe, our Creator! In the desert wanderings of the Exile from Egypt, a double portion of the manna was collected on the 6th day to last through the Sabbath. When this was tried on other days the manna rotted. God demonstrated in this miracle alone, how important it was Him, that His people observed a day of ceasing or abstaining from their normal labours of providing for themselves and their families.
The Sabbath day; a day spent with community and family in study, prayer, discussion, and peace, reminds us how we should regulate and perfect our spiritual, intellectual, physical, domestic and social behaviours. Observing the Sabbath reminds and instructs us to sanctify our lives, the way God has sanctified the Sabbath day.
This commandment does not limit our freedom, it gives us distinct guidance toward holiness and therefore meaningfulness for our lives.
The first six days God made good, the seventh He made holy.
We may struggle to stop working on the Sabbath (‘Shabbat’ in Hebrew), but because it is commanded by God, their should be no guilt about having some downtime.
The Sabbath also reminds us of our potential for doing good. We, human beings, created on the 6th day are the bridge between the worldly and the divine – between the rest of creation (on the first 5 days) and the sanctified 7th day.
The appreciation of a non-productive day is predicated on a week of labour. “Six days you shall labour, and do all your work”Ex 20:9 (ESV)
During the week we emulate the creative side of God.
The Sabbath is then the culmination of a productive week on which the non-productivity can be appreciated only when preceded by creativity.
Community prayers and fellowship are an important part of the Sabbath. The Sabbath was given to the Israelites as a reminder of God’s freeing them from slavery – as a reminder then of both God and the sanctity of human freedom. It should serve the same purpose for all followers of Yeshua who, along with all his disciples and the Apostle Paul also observed Shabbat every week.
On the Sabbath we search for the essence of God.
Shabbat is the antidote to the tendency toward self-idolatry.
Every time we live a day dedicated to holiness we have the opportunity to bring some residual effect into our daily lives. The Sabbath is not about time off, it is about sacred time.
The Sabbath is a real day, NOT some theoretical, spiritual inner delusion of rest when the real man/woman continues to sweat blood and tears!
“The Sabbath is spirit in the form of time.” (Abraham Joshua Heschel – ‘The Sabbath’ 1951)
For more on the Sabbath I recommend my book ‘Doctrinal Pitfalls of Hellenism’ (available from Amazon.com as a Kindle eBook It is also available in paperback or as a free pdf on the Links page at circumcisedheart.info).
Also I highly recommend: “The Ten Commandments: The Significance of God’s Laws in Everyday Life” by Dr Laura Schlessingger and Rabbi Stewart Vogel.
This week’s Torah Portion, Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11–34:35) introduces an interesting question about anger, and about sin. Is anger always bad? Is it wrong and unhelpful or is it good when properly directed?
Firstly, here is part of the Chabad’s ‘Torah Portion in a Nutshell’ summary:
“When Moses does not return when expected from Mount Sinai, the people make a golden calf and worship it. G‑d proposes to destroy the errant nation, but Moses intercedes on their behalf. Moses descends from the mountain carrying the tablets of testimony engraved with the Ten Commandments; seeing the people dancing about their idol, he breaks the tablets, destroys the golden calf, and has the primary culprits put to death. He then returns to G‑d to say: “If You do not forgive them, blot me out from the book that You have written.” G‑d forgives, but says that the effect of their sin will be felt for many generations. At first G‑d proposes to send His angel along with them, but Moses insists that G‑d Himself accompany His people to the promised land. Moses prepares a new set of tablets and once more ascends the mountain, where G‑d reinscribes the covenant on these second tablets …” – from https://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/2833/jewish/Ki-Tisa-in-a-Nutshell.htm
As in every Portion, there is so much great insight and wisdom that can be drawn from these narratives. I would argue that the most significant event here is the giving (twice) of the Ten Commandments (the Ten Words). I have already addressed this a little in an earlier blog post, so for now I wish to consider Moshe’s anger.
If you read Exodus Chapter 32 from the start you will note that God informed Moses that the people had made a golden calf. So Moses descends the mountain already knowing this and yet when he sees it with his own eyes he gets angry and throws down and smashes the Ten Commandments, the Instructions of God!
The most important instructions ever given to mankind are destroyed!!
But Moses already knew about the sin of the golden calf, so why did he bring the Tablets down the mountain at all, and why did he still lose it and smash them in anger?
Well notice that the verse states: “It happened as he drew near the camp, he saw the calf and the dances, and Moses became angry, he threw the tablets down from his hands and shattered them at the foot of the mountain” (Ex 32:19).
The new information here is that the people were dancing. Not only had they sinned in creating this idol to worship, but they were so lost in their sin that they were celebrating it, dancing around it and fully embracing it, perhaps to the point of not even noticing Moses. So perhaps his anger and smashing of the very words of Yehovah was needed to open their eyes; for them to see him; to hear him and to have any chance of recognizing and repenting of their error.
Moses anger was righteous anger, and his anger and corresponding actions (read on with horror) would have clearly stopped many in their tracks and lead them to recognize the gravity of their actions. So we read: “The next day Moshe said to the people, “You have committed a terrible sin. Now I will go up to Yehovahi ; maybe I will be able to atone for your sin. …” – Exodus 32:30
If many or most of the people had not recognized and repented of their sins, then it is most unlikely that Moses would have make this statement of intent and shared some hope that Yehovah might accept their repentance and have their sin atoned. (It seems that this concept is not well understood – please see my blog post on what atonement really means – https://globaltruthinternational.com/2020/06/20/atonement-covering-our-sins-from-ourselves/).
So on reflection we should see that Moshe’s anger and consequent actions ultimately lead to a positive outcome. His righteous anger has a positive effect. It did not mitigate the sin of the people nor in any way reduce the reality of their sin, but it does appear to have lead to much repentance from the children of Israel, and a consequent return to fellowship with Yehovah.
Now consider as well the anger of Yeshua:
13 “It was almost time for the festival of Pesach in Judah, so Yeshua went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the Temple grounds he found those who were selling cattle, sheep and pigeons, and others who were sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 He made a whip from cords and drove them all out of the Temple grounds, the sheep and cattle as well. He knocked over the money-changers’ tables, scattering their coins; 16 and to the pigeon-sellers he said, “Get these things out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market?” 17 His disciples later recalled that the Tanakh says, “Zeal for your house will devour me.” – John 2:13-17
Yeshua also displayed righteous anger here. It was not a total spur of the moment thing either. He saw a serious lack of respect for the Temple and went and made a whip from three or more chords before using it to angrily usher these sacrilegious business people out of the Temple of Yehovah.
Did Yeshua’s anger bring a positive benefit (apart from its immediate, though probably very temporary, restoration of the sacred and holy)?
Yes, because it helped confirm to his disciples that they could trust in the Tanakh and in the words of Yeshua as well: 22 “Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they trusted in the Tanakh and in what Yeshua had said.” – John 2:22
These are just two examples of righteous anger. Mussar (a form of Jewish ethics which has now been around for 600+ years), argues that all attributes of our characters and personality can be used for good if controlled and directly in the correct and godly way.
Anger can be bad, yet anger at injustice helps motivate us to try to correct that injustice.
May you seek to see injustice in the world that also drives you to righteous anger and further helps motivate you to do ‘tikkun haolam’. It is a sin not to serve – we all have talents; we are all are called to use those talents to help repair or better the world. – https://globaltruthinternational.com/2012/12/21/the-rarity-of-repentance/
Global Truth International 