Thursday, October 16, 2025

Looking to Jesus - 仰望耶稣 - यीशु की ओर देखना - النظر إلى يسوع - イエスを見つめる - Взирая на Иисуса - Mirando a Jesús

 

One of the biblical authors used the metaphor of a race to encourage believers to be faithful to God, saying “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” The Greek word translated ‘fixing’ means “to turn one’s eyes away from everything else and look intently at, to fix attention upon, or regard with focus.” The best example of this is the account of Peter getting out of the boat and walking towards Jesus on the water but when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and began to sink. Peter was a fisherman he knew the perils of the sea, when he was totally focused on Jesus he did the impossible – he walked on the waves. However, when looked away from Jesus he began to sink in the water. He quickly looked back and asked Jesus to save him.

The message here is not that we can walk on water, or jump out of a window and expect to be saved. The message is that believers walk by faith not sight. We must focus on Jesus, read about him, listen intently to what he taught, and observe what the gospels reveal about his attitudes, his speech, and his behaviour. As the scripture says, “fix our eyes on Jesus.” Don’t be like Peter and focus on worldly issues, look to Jesus.

An important point in the account of Peter walking and sinking in the water is that Jesus reached out and save him. We are required to live by faith, but if like Peter we fail, and we will fail many times, like Peter we can turn back to Jesus and he will save us. As believers we are God’s children; he loves us and wants us to be with him in eternity. Faith is our connection with God through Jesus.

圣经的一位作者用赛跑的比喻来鼓励信徒忠于上帝,说:“让我们以忍耐奔那摆在我们前面的赛程,定睛在耶稣身上。”希腊文中被翻译为“定睛”的词,意思是“转移目光,不看其他事物,专心注视,聚焦于某人或某事”。最好的例子是彼得下船走向耶稣的故事。当他看到风浪很大,就害怕了,开始下沉。彼得是渔夫,熟悉海的危险;当他完全专注于耶稣时,他做了不可能的事——他在水面上行走。但当他移开目光时,就开始下沉。他迅速转回目光,呼求耶稣救他。

这里的信息不是我们能在水上行走,或从窗户跳下还能得救,而是信徒凭信心而行,不凭眼见。我们必须专注于耶稣,阅读他的事迹,认真听他所教导的,观察福音书所揭示的他的态度、言语和行为。正如经上所说:“定睛在耶稣身上。”不要像彼得那样专注于世俗的事,而要仰望耶稣。

在彼得行走并下沉的记载中,一个重要的点是——耶稣伸手救了他。我们被要求凭信心生活,但像彼得一样,我们会失败许多次。然而,只要我们回转向耶稣,他就会救我们。作为信徒,我们是上帝的儿女;他爱我们,愿我们与他同在永恒里。信心是我们通过耶稣与上帝相连的纽带。

बाइबल के एक लेखक ने विश्वासियों को परमेश्वर के प्रति विश्वासयोग्य बने रहने के लिए दौड़ की उपमा दी, कहते हुए, “हम अपने सामने रखी हुई दौड़ को धैर्य से दौड़ें, अपनी आँखें यीशु पर लगाए रखें।” यूनानी शब्द जिसका अनुवाद “लगाए रखना” किया गया है, का अर्थ है “अन्य सब चीज़ों से अपनी आँखें हटाकर किसी पर गहराई से ध्यान देना।” इसका सर्वोत्तम उदाहरण वह है जब पतरस नाव से उतरकर पानी पर यीशु की ओर चला, परंतु जब उसने तेज़ हवा देखी तो डर गया और डूबने लगा। पतरस मछुआरा था, वह समुद्र के खतरों को जानता था; जब वह पूरी तरह यीशु पर केंद्रित था, उसने असंभव कार्य किया – वह लहरों पर चला। पर जब उसने दृष्टि हटा ली, तो वह डूबने लगा। उसने तुरंत यीशु की ओर देखा और कहा, “मुझे बचा।”

यह संदेश यह नहीं है कि हम पानी पर चल सकते हैं या खिड़की से कूदकर बच सकते हैं। इसका अर्थ है कि विश्वासी विश्वास से चलते हैं, न कि देख कर। हमें यीशु पर ध्यान केंद्रित करना चाहिए, उसके बारे में पढ़ना चाहिए, उसकी शिक्षाओं को ध्यानपूर्वक सुनना चाहिए, और सुसमाचार में उसके दृष्टिकोण, वाणी और व्यवहार का अवलोकन करना चाहिए। जैसा कि शास्त्र कहता है, “अपनी आँखें यीशु पर लगाए रखो।” पतरस की तरह सांसारिक बातों पर ध्यान मत दो, यीशु की ओर देखो।

पतरस के पानी में चलने और डूबने की घटना का एक महत्वपूर्ण पहलू यह है कि यीशु ने हाथ बढ़ाकर उसे बचाया। हमें विश्वास से जीना चाहिए, परन्तु यदि हम असफल हों—और हम बार-बार होंगे—तो भी पतरस की तरह हम यीशु की ओर लौट सकते हैं, और वह हमें बचा लेगा। विश्वासियों के रूप में हम परमेश्वर की संतान हैं; वह हमसे प्रेम करता है और चाहता है कि हम उसके साथ अनंतकाल तक रहें। विश्वास यीशु के माध्यम से परमेश्वर के साथ हमारा संबंध है।

استخدم أحد كتّاب الكتاب المقدس تشبيه السباق ليشجع المؤمنين على الأمانة لله، قائلاً: «لِنَسْعَ بِصَبْرٍ فِي السِّبَاقِ الْمَوْضُوعِ أَمَامَنَا، نَاظِرِينَ إِلَى يَسُوعَ». الكلمة اليونانية المترجمة «نَاظِرِينَ» تعني «تحويل النظر عن كل شيء آخر والتركيز بانتباه تام». أفضل مثال على ذلك هو قصة بطرس حين خرج من السفينة ومشى على الماء نحو يسوع، ولكن عندما رأى الريح العاصفة خاف وبدأ يغرق. كان بطرس صيادًا يعرف أخطار البحر؛ وعندما ركّز تمامًا على يسوع فعل المستحيل – سار على الماء. ولكن عندما حوّل نظره بعيدًا بدأ يغرق. ثم نادى يسوع لينقذه.

الرسالة هنا ليست أننا نستطيع المشي على الماء أو القفز من نافذة وننجو، بل أن المؤمنين يسلكون بالإيمان لا بالعيان. يجب أن نركّز على يسوع، نقرأ عنه، ونصغي جيدًا إلى تعليمه، ونلاحظ ما تكشفه الأناجيل عن مواقفه وكلامه وسلوكه. كما تقول الأسفار: «ثَبّتوا أنظاركم على يسوع». لا تكن مثل بطرس الذي ركّز على أمور العالم، بل انظر إلى يسوع.

نقطة مهمة في قصة بطرس هي أن يسوع مدّ يده وأنقذه. نحن مدعوون لنعيش بالإيمان، ولكن مثل بطرس، عندما نفشل – وسنفشل مرارًا – يمكننا أن نرجع إلى يسوع وهو سيخلّصنا. كمؤمنين نحن أولاد الله؛ هو يحبنا ويريد أن نكون معه إلى الأبد. الإيمان هو رابطنا مع الله من خلال يسوع.

聖書の著者の一人は、信仰者が神に忠実であるようにと、競走の比喩を用いました。「私たちの前に置かれている競走を忍耐をもって走り抜き、イエスから目を離さないようにしなさい」と言いました。「目を離さない」と訳されたギリシャ語は、「他のすべてから目をそらし、熱心に注視する、注意を集中させる」という意味です。その最も良い例は、ペテロが舟から降りてイエスのもとへ水の上を歩いた時の出来事です。彼は強い風を見て恐れ、沈み始めました。ペテロは漁師で、海の危険をよく知っていました。イエスに完全に目を向けていた時、彼は不可能なことを行ったのです—波の上を歩いたのです。しかし、目をそらした瞬間、沈み始めました。彼はすぐにイエスに助けを求めました。

ここでのメッセージは、私たちが水の上を歩けるとか、窓から飛び降りて助かるということではありません。信仰者は見えるものによってではなく、信仰によって歩むということです。私たちはイエスに集中し、彼について読み、彼の教えに耳を傾け、福音書に描かれている彼の態度、言葉、行動を観察するべきです。聖書が言うように、「イエスに目を注ぎなさい。」ペテロのように世のことに気を取られてはいけません。イエスを見上げなさい。

ペテロが水の上を歩いて沈んだ場面で重要なのは、イエスが手を差し伸べて彼を救ったことです。私たちは信仰によって生きるよう求められていますが、ペテロのように失敗することもあります。それでも、イエスのもとに立ち返るなら、彼は私たちを救ってくださいます。信仰者として、私たちは神の子です。神は私たちを愛し、永遠にともにいることを望んでおられます。信仰はイエスを通して神と私たちを結ぶ絆です。

Один из библейских авторов использовал метафору бега, чтобы побудить верующих быть верными Богу: «будем с терпением проходить предлежащий нам подвиг, взирая на Иисуса». Греческое слово, переведённое как «взирать», означает «отвратить взор от всего остального и пристально смотреть, сосредоточить внимание». Лучший пример — рассказ о Петре, который вышел из лодки и пошёл по воде к Иисусу, но, заметив сильный ветер, испугался и начал тонуть. Пётр был рыбаком, он знал опасности моря; когда он полностью сосредоточился на Иисусе, он сделал невозможное — шёл по волнам. Но когда отвёл взгляд, начал тонуть. Он быстро обратился к Иисусу и попросил спасти его.

Послание здесь не в том, что мы можем ходить по воде или прыгать из окна и быть спасены. Смысл в том, что верующие живут верой, а не видением. Мы должны сосредоточить свой взор на Иисусе, читать о Нём, внимательно слушать Его учение и наблюдать за тем, что Евангелия открывают о Его отношении, речи и поведении. Как сказано в Писании: «взирайте на Иисуса». Не будьте как Пётр, отвлекающийся на мирские дела, но смотрите на Иисуса.

Важный момент в рассказе о Петре, идущем по воде, состоит в том, что Иисус протянул руку и спас его. Мы призваны жить верой, но, как и Пётр, мы будем падать — и много раз. Однако, если обратимся к Иисусу, Он спасёт нас. Как верующие, мы — дети Божьи; Он любит нас и хочет, чтобы мы были с Ним в вечности. Вера — это наша связь с Богом через Иисуса.

Uno de los autores bíblicos usó la metáfora de una carrera para animar a los creyentes a ser fieles a Dios, diciendo: “Corramos con perseverancia la carrera que tenemos por delante, fijando los ojos en Jesús.” La palabra griega traducida como “fijando” significa “apartar la vista de todo lo demás y mirar con atención, enfocar la mirada.” El mejor ejemplo de esto es el relato de Pedro que salió del barco y caminó sobre el agua hacia Jesús, pero al notar el fuerte viento tuvo miedo y comenzó a hundirse. Pedro era pescador y conocía los peligros del mar; cuando se concentró totalmente en Jesús, hizo lo imposible: caminó sobre las olas. Pero cuando apartó su mirada de Jesús, comenzó a hundirse. Rápidamente volvió su mirada y pidió a Jesús que lo salvara.

El mensaje no es que podamos caminar sobre el agua o saltar de una ventana esperando ser salvados. El mensaje es que los creyentes viven por fe, no por vista. Debemos concentrarnos en Jesús, leer sobre Él, escuchar atentamente lo que enseñó y observar lo que los evangelios revelan sobre su actitud, sus palabras y su conducta. Como dice la Escritura: “fijemos los ojos en Jesús.” No seas como Pedro, que se enfocó en los asuntos del mundo; mira a Jesús.

Un punto importante en el relato de Pedro caminando y hundiéndose en el agua es que Jesús extendió su mano y lo salvó. Se nos pide vivir por fe, pero si fallamos, y fallaremos muchas veces, como Pedro podemos volver a Jesús y Él nos salvará. Como creyentes somos hijos de Dios; Él nos ama y desea que estemos con Él por la eternidad. La fe es nuestra conexión con Dios a través de Jesús.


Sunday, September 28, 2025

信仰的革命 - विश्वास की क्रांति) - ثورة الإيمان - 信仰の革命 - Революция веры - Una revolución de fe - A Revolution of Faith

 

It is recorded that Abraham, who lived four hundred years before the Jewish nation was established, is the father of those who believe in Jesus. He is also called the father of the faithful. It is written that Abraham lived as an alien in the land looking ahead to the city of God. He and his heirs confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. They desire a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them. 

As believers in Jesus we like the faithful of old look forward to being with God in eternity. We like them are strangers on earth, aliens in a foreign land. Whatever our material status, it has no bearing on our relationship with God. Faith is our connection to God; belief in Jesus makes us his children. Our relationship with God is personal not institutional – we are God’s children. Because of the Jewish persecution of believers were scattered and went from place to place, proclaiming the word. Our lives are a message; Jesus said, “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Whoever said “actions speak louder than words” caught the essence of Jesus’ teaching. I believe it is better to have individuals living what they believe than preachers telling people what to do.

据记载,亚伯拉罕在犹太民族建立前四百年就已经生活,他是信耶稣之人的父亲,也被称为“信心之父”。圣经上写道,亚伯拉罕在那地作客,仰望神的城。他和他的后裔承认自己在地上是客旅和寄居的人;说这样话的人表明他们在寻求一个家乡,他们渴望那天上的家乡。因此,神不以称为他们的神为耻,并且已经为他们预备了一座城。
作为耶稣的信徒,我们像古时忠心的人一样,盼望与神同在永恒里。我们像他们一样,在地上是客旅,是异乡人。无论我们的物质状况如何,都不会影响我们与神的关系。信心是我们与神相连的纽带;信靠耶稣使我们成为他的儿女。我们与神的关系是个人的,而不是制度化的——我们是神的儿女。因为犹太人迫害信徒,信徒们分散到各处传扬神的道。我们的生命本身就是一个信息;耶稣说:“你们要让自己的光照在人前,好叫他们看见你们的好行为,将荣耀归给你们在天上的父。” 那句“行动胜于言辞”正抓住了耶稣教导的精髓。我相信,与其有传道人告诉人该做什么,不如有个人活出他们所信的。

लिखा गया है कि अब्राहम, जो यहूदी राष्ट्र के स्थापित होने से चार सौ वर्ष पहले जीवित थे, यीशु में विश्वास करने वालों के पिता हैं। उन्हें “विश्वासियों का पिता” भी कहा जाता है। लिखा है कि अब्राहम उस देश में परदेसी की तरह रहे और परमेश्वर के नगर की ओर देखते रहे। उन्होंने और उनके वंशजों ने स्वीकार किया कि वे पृथ्वी पर परदेसी और यात्री हैं; जो लोग इस प्रकार की बातें कहते हैं वे स्पष्ट करते हैं कि वे एक मातृभूमि की खोज में हैं। वे स्वर्गीय देश की इच्छा रखते हैं। इसलिए परमेश्वर उन्हें अपना परमेश्वर कहलाने में नहीं लजाता; वास्तव में उसने उनके लिए एक नगर तैयार किया है।
यीशु में विश्वास करने वाले के रूप में हम भी प्राचीन विश्वासयोग्यों की तरह अनन्त काल में परमेश्वर के साथ रहने की आशा रखते हैं। हम भी उनकी तरह पृथ्वी पर परदेसी हैं, विदेशी भूमि में अजनबी हैं। हमारा भौतिक स्तर चाहे जैसा हो, उसका परमेश्वर के साथ हमारे संबंध पर कोई प्रभाव नहीं है। विश्वास हमारी परमेश्वर से जुड़ने की कड़ी है; यीशु पर विश्वास हमें उसका संतान बनाता है। परमेश्वर के साथ हमारा संबंध व्यक्तिगत है, संस्थागत नहीं—हम परमेश्वर की संतान हैं। यहूदी उत्पीड़न के कारण विश्वासियों को बिखरना पड़ा और वे जगह-जगह जाकर वचन का प्रचार करते रहे। हमारा जीवन ही संदेश है; यीशु ने कहा, “अपनी ज्योति मनुष्यों के सामने चमकने दो, ताकि वे तुम्हारे अच्छे काम देखकर तुम्हारे स्वर्गीय पिता की महिमा करें।” जिसने कहा, “कर्म शब्दों से अधिक बोलते हैं,” उसने यीशु की शिक्षा का सार पकड़ लिया। मैं मानता हूँ कि लोगों का अपने विश्वास को जीना उन उपदेशकों से कहीं बेहतर है जो लोगों को बताते हैं कि क्या करना चाहिए।

يُسجَّل أن إبراهيم، الذي عاش قبل تأسيس الأمة اليهودية بأربعمائة عام، هو أب الذين يؤمنون بيسوع. ويُدعى أيضًا “أب المؤمنين”. وقد كُتب أن إبراهيم عاش كغريب في الأرض وهو يتطلع إلى مدينة الله. هو وورثته اعترفوا بأنهم غرباء ونزلاء على الأرض، فالذين يتكلمون هكذا يعلنون أنهم يطلبون وطناً. إنهم يشتهون وطناً سماوياً. لذلك لا يستحي الله أن يُدعى إلههم، بل قد أعدّ لهم مدينة.
وبصفتنا مؤمنين بيسوع، نحن مثل أولئك الأمناء قديماً نتطلع إلى أن نكون مع الله في الأبدية. ونحن مثلهم غرباء على الأرض، نزلاء في أرض أجنبية. ومهما كان وضعنا المادي فلا تأثير لذلك على علاقتنا بالله. الإيمان هو صلتنا بالله؛ والإيمان بيسوع يجعلنا أولاده. علاقتنا بالله شخصية وليست مؤسسية – نحن أولاد الله. وبسبب اضطهاد اليهود للمؤمنين تفرّقوا وانتقلوا من مكان إلى آخر معلنين الكلمة. حياتنا هي رسالة؛ فقد قال يسوع: «ليُضِئ نوركم هكذا قدام الناس لكي يروا أعمالكم الصالحة ويمجّدوا أباكم الذي في السماوات». ومن قال «الأفعال أبلغ من الأقوال» فقد أدرك جوهر تعليم يسوع. وأنا أؤمن أن من الأفضل أن يعيش الأفراد ما يؤمنون به على أن يكتفي الوعاظ بإخبار الناس بما يفعلونه.

アブラハムは、ユダヤ民族が成立する四百年前に生きていたと記録されています。彼はイエスを信じる者たちの父とされ、「信仰の父」とも呼ばれています。聖書には、アブラハムが神の都を見つめながらその地に寄留者として住んだと書かれています。彼とその子孫たちは、自分たちが地上では寄留者であり旅人であることを告白しました。このように語る人々は、自分たちが故郷を求めていることを明らかにしています。彼らは天の故郷を慕い求めていました。ゆえに神は、彼らの神と呼ばれることを恥とされず、実に彼らのために都を備えられました。
私たちイエスを信じる者も、昔の信仰者たちのように、神と共に永遠に生きることを望みます。私たちも彼らのように、この地上では寄留者であり、異国に住む者です。私たちの物質的な立場がどうであれ、それは神との関係には関係ありません。信仰こそが神へのつながりであり、イエスを信じることによって私たちは神の子どもとなります。神との関係は制度的ではなく、個人的なものです—私たちは神の子どもなのです。ユダヤ人による迫害のため、信者たちは散らされ、各地を巡りながら御言葉を宣べ伝えました。私たちの人生そのものがメッセージです。イエスは言われました、「あなたがたの光を人々の前で輝かせなさい。人々があなたがたの良い行いを見て、天におられるあなたがたの父をあがめるように。」 「行動は言葉より雄弁である」と言った人は、イエスの教えの本質をつかんでいます。私は、人々に何をすべきか説教するよりも、自分の信じることを生きる人の方がよいと信じます。

Записано, что Авраам, который жил за четыреста лет до того, как был образован еврейский народ, является отцом всех, кто верит в Иисуса. Его также называют «отцом верных». Написано, что Авраам жил как пришелец в земле, взирая вперёд на город Божий. Он и его наследники исповедали, что они странники и пришельцы на земле, ибо говорящие так ясно показывают, что ищут родину. Они желают небесной страны. Поэтому Бог не стыдится называться их Богом; ведь Он приготовил для них город.
Как верующие в Иисуса, мы, подобно древним верным, ожидаем быть с Богом в вечности. Мы, как и они, странники на земле, пришельцы в чужой стране. Каково бы ни было наше материальное положение, оно не влияет на наши отношения с Богом. Вера — это наша связь с Богом; вера в Иисуса делает нас Его детьми. Наши отношения с Богом личные, а не институциональные — мы дети Божьи. Из-за иудейских гонений верующие рассеялись и ходили из места в место, проповедуя слово. Наша жизнь — это послание; Иисус сказал: «Так да светит свет ваш перед людьми, чтобы они видели ваши добрые дела и прославляли Отца вашего Небесного». Тот, кто сказал: «Дела говорят громче слов», уловил суть учения Иисуса. Я верю, что лучше, когда люди живут в соответствии со своей верой, чем когда проповедники лишь говорят, что нужно делать.

Se registra que Abraham, quien vivió cuatrocientos años antes de que la nación judía fuera establecida, es el padre de los que creen en Jesús. También se le llama “el padre de los fieles”. Está escrito que Abraham vivió como extranjero en la tierra, mirando hacia la ciudad de Dios. Él y sus herederos confesaron que eran extranjeros y peregrinos en la tierra, porque quienes hablan de esta manera dejan claro que buscan una patria. Ellos desean una patria celestial. Por eso, Dios no se avergüenza de ser llamado su Dios; de hecho, ha preparado para ellos una ciudad.
Como creyentes en Jesús, nosotros, al igual que los fieles de antaño, esperamos estar con Dios por la eternidad. Como ellos, somos extranjeros en la tierra, forasteros en una tierra ajena. Cualquiera que sea nuestra situación material, no tiene influencia en nuestra relación con Dios. La fe es nuestro vínculo con Dios; creer en Jesús nos hace sus hijos. Nuestra relación con Dios es personal, no institucional: somos hijos de Dios. Debido a la persecución judía, los creyentes fueron dispersados y fueron de un lugar a otro proclamando la palabra. Nuestras vidas son un mensaje; Jesús dijo: “Así alumbre vuestra luz delante de los hombres, para que vean vuestras buenas obras y glorifiquen a vuestro Padre que está en los cielos”. Quien dijo “las acciones hablan más fuerte que las palabras” captó la esencia de la enseñanza de Jesús. Creo que es mejor que las personas vivan lo que creen, que tener predicadores que solo digan a la gente lo que debe hacer.

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

You - 你 – तुम – أنتَ - あなた – ты

 

You - तुम – أنتَ - あなた – ты

 

         Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.

信靠主耶稣,你就必得救。

प्रभु यीशु पर विश्वास करो, और तुम उद्धार पाओगे।

                                                                                                                                                                          آمِنْ بالربِّ يسوع فستخلُص.

     主イエスを信じなさい。そうすれば救われます。

Верь в Господа Иисуса, и спасёшься

 

No matter where you are in the world you have access to the love of God. Your relationship with God is personal, you do not need a church or any organization. You do not have to perform rituals or recite mantras. You have only to believe in Jesus. If you live in a country that suppresses belief in God you don’t have to challenge authorities, live as Jesus instructed – love God and love your neighbour. Your life is your worship.

论你身处世界何处,你都可以得到上帝的爱。你与上帝的关系是个人的,你不需要教堂或任何组织。你不必进行仪式或背诵咒语。你只需相信耶稣。如果你生活在一个压制对上帝信仰的国家,你不必挑战当局,只要按照耶稣的教导去生活——爱上帝,爱你的邻舍。你的生命本身就是你的敬拜。

दुनिया में आप कहीं भी हों, आपको परमेश्वर के प्रेम तक पहुँच है। आपका परमेश्वर के साथ संबंध व्यक्तिगत है, आपको किसी कलीसिया या किसी संगठन की आवश्यकता नहीं है। आपको कोई रीति-रिवाज निभाने या मंत्रों का जाप करने की ज़रूरत नहीं है। आपको बस यीशु पर विश्वास करना है। यदि आप ऐसे देश में रहते हैं जहाँ परमेश्वर में विश्वास को दबाया जाता है, तो आपको अधिकारियों को चुनौती देने की ज़रूरत नहीं है; बस जैसा यीशु ने सिखाया वैसे ही जीवन जिएँपरमेश्वर से प्रेम करें और अपने पड़ोसी से प्रेम करें। आपका जीवन ही आपकी उपासना है।

مهما كان مكانك في العالم، لك إمكانية الوصول إلى محبة الله. علاقتك بالله شخصية، ولا تحتاج إلى كنيسة أو أي منظمة. لستَ مضطرًا لأداء طقوس أو ترديد تعاويذ. عليك فقط أن تؤمن بيسوع. وإذا كنت تعيش في بلد يقمع الإيمان بالله، فلا حاجة لمواجهة السلطات؛ عِش كما أوصى يسوع – أحبب الله وأحبب قريبك. حياتك هي عبادتك.

世界のどこにいても、あなたは神の愛に触れることができます。神との関係は個人的なものであり、教会やいかなる組織も必要ありません。儀式を行ったり、マントラを唱えたりする必要もありません。あなたがすべきことは、ただイエスを信じることです。もし神への信仰を抑圧する国に住んでいても、権威に挑む必要はありません。イエスが教えられたように生きなさい神を愛し、隣人を愛しなさい。あなたの人生そのものがあなたの礼拝です。

Где бы ты ни находился в мире, у тебя есть доступ к любви Бога. Твои отношения с Богом личные, тебе не нужна церковь или какая-либо организация. Тебе не нужно совершать обряды или повторять мантры. Тебе нужно лишь верить в Иисуса. Если ты живёшь в стране, где вера в Бога подавляется, тебе не нужно бросать вызов властям; живи так, как учил Иисус — люби Бога и люби своего ближнего. Твоя жизнь — это твое поклонение.

Sunday, August 17, 2025

Jesus of Nazareth

 

Allow me to look back through the fog of history and re-introduce you to some notable men even though you may be acquainted with them. The first is Homer who wrote the Iliad circa 700 BCE. Next is Plato writing c 427-347 BCE, followed by Julius Caesar’s Gallic Wars c 50-40 BCE. The latest was Tacitus’ a Roman historian c 100 CE. There are no original texts available for any of these authors only copies made years later. The earliest surviving copies of Plato’s work is from c 900 CE, Julius Caesar’s copies were compiled in the 9th century CE and Plato c 900 CE, followed by Tacitus c 100 CE. The time gap between original writing and copies for Homer is from 400-1,000 years, Plato c 1,200 years,  Julius Caesar c 900 years, and finally Tacitus c 750 years. The number of manuscripts available for Homer is 1800, Plato 200, Julius Caesar 10, and Tacitus 2.

Now let me introduce you to Jesus of Nazareth from Jewish writings in the first century CE. The original writings date from c 40-70 CE. The earliest surviving copy is dated c 125 CE, the time gap c 55-85 years. The number of manuscripts, c 25,000+.
Greek (5,800): The originals’ language, closest witnesses.
Latin (10,000): Western tradition, early translations (Old Latin + Vulgate).
Other (9,300): Ancient translations (Syriac, Coptic, Armenian, etc.), giving cross-regional confirmation.

You will not learn about Jesus of Nazareth in school because writings concerning him are designated religious. Compared to other ancient works, the New Testament is exceptionally well authenticated in both time proximity and manuscript quantity. The man Jesus of Nazareth is one of the most influential figures in history. His life and teachings reshaped ethics, law, politics, art, education, and social institutions on a global scale.

John Locke (1632–1704)

Called the “father of liberalism.”
Argued for natural rights (life, liberty, property) grounded in human dignity.
In his Reasonableness of Christianity (1695), Locke claimed Jesus’ moral teaching was simple and universal, freeing it from scholastic theology.
His idea of religious tolerance (“no one should be forced to believe”) echoes Jesus’ teaching on conscience (e.g., “Render to Caesar…”).
Locke’s ideas shaped the American Declaration of Independence and modern democracy.

Voltaire (1694–1778)
Fierce critic of the Catholic Church (“Écrasez l’infâme” — “Crush the infamous thing”).
Yet admired Jesus as a moral teacher:
  • “His religion was holy and gentle, simple as his soul; he made men love God and their neighbor.” (Philosophical Dictionary).
Separated Jesus from the institutional church, using him as a model of virtue against clerical corruption.
Helped shape the secular Enlightenment view of Jesus as an ethical reformer, not a divine figure.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778)
In Émile (1762), he wrote:
  • “The life and death of Socrates are of a philosopher; the life and death of Jesus are of a God.”
Saw Jesus as the highest example of moral purity and natural religion, even as he distrusted organized Christianity.
His vision of the “social contract” was indirectly shaped by Jesus’ ethic of human equality.
His thinking inspired modern democracy and secular humanism.

Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)
Admired Jesus’ moral teachings but rejected miracles and divinity.
Created the Jefferson Bible (cutting out supernatural elements, leaving only Jesus’ ethical sayings).
Praised Jesus’ “pure and sublime system of morality.”
His vision of religious freedom (First Amendment) drew partly on Jesus’ teaching of personal conscience.
Jefferson fused Jesus’ ethics with Enlightenment rationalism, giving the U.S. founding documents their moral tone.

Immanuel Kant (1724–1804)
Developed the categorical imperative: act as if your behavior should be a universal law.
While Kant grounded this in reason, it closely parallels Jesus’ Golden Rule (“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”).
He considered Jesus the “personification of the moral ideal.”
Kant secularized Jesus’ ethics into modern moral philosophy.

The man Jesus of Nazareth is irrefutably the most influential person to have ever lived. From a secular point of view no other individual has had such a wide-ranging impact on world civilization. The importance of knowing Jesus the man has been overlooked. Jesus was born in Bethlehem. He grew up in Nazareth his  brothers were James, Joseph, Simon and Judas, he also had sisters. Jesus followed his father being a carpenter. Around the age of thirty he began teaching not as a rabbi since he had no schooling. He was an itinerant teacher who taught using parables and proverbs about ethics and social justice. Unlike most Jews he openly associated with tax-collectors, the irreligious, diseased people, women and foreigners. He liked children. His teaching included love of neighbours and enemies, forgiveness, humility and compassion. He wept for those grieving the death of a friend. He was angered by the hypocrisy of religious leaders. He experienced hunger, thirst, and tiredness. He was recognized as a wise man by Josephus. His teaching threatened the establishment who orchestrated a near riot to convince the governor to execute him. The historical documentation of Jesus of Nazareth is authoritative and sound. No other person has such credible validation.

Some will try to erase the history of Jesus of Nazareth, but they can’t. Many will ignore it. Some will see it as unimportant. Whatever your reaction to the man Jesus, weigh it next to the evidence supporting other historic figures that you accept as valid. That Jesus of Nazareth lived in what is now the Middle East is factual, proven by a wealth of evidence greater than that for any other notable person in history.
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In the scriptures it is recorded that Philip told his brother that they found the man Moses and the prophets wrote about – Jesus of Nazareth. Sarcastically Nathaniel responded, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Nathaniel quickly believed in Jesus. Many more would accept Jesus and believe in him. John in his gospel wrote, “Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book, but these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.”
God’s plan to save humanity is not complicated it is straight forward and clear – believe in Jesus of Nazareth.

In the Louvre Museum in Paris there is a large rock dating from before 1700 BCE, on it is the Code of Hammurabi; civil, criminal, and commercial laws. The stele also displays an image of Hammurabi receiving the law from the sun god Shamash. In the Hebrew scriptures it tells of the Ten Commandments being given by God to Moses, c 1500 BCE. Both the laws of Hammurabi and Moses were based on the principle of “an eye for an eye.” A millennium and half after Moses Jesus of Nazareth rebuked religious leaders for substituting human rules in place of God given laws.
Jesus emphasized the spirit of obedience to the law instead of grudging compliance. John wrote that the law came through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus. Jesus of Nazareth was not a law giver; he was the living message of God. The Pharisees accused the disciples of breaking the law; Jesus asked them if they had read that “the priests in the temple break the sabbath and yet are guiltless?” The temple was the centerpiece of Jewish life and religion but it was not as important as Jesus. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees, saying they should have known that God desired mercy not sacrifice then they would not have condemned the innocent.

The Pharisees institutionalized religion. Pharisees held that the written Law and its interpretations, traditions, and applications were equally authoritative. They saw themselves as the keepers and enforcers of Israel’s covenant obligations. They expanded the Law into detailed rules for daily life and created “fences” — extra rules to prevent people from coming close to violating the core commandments. They imposed priestly purity regulations on all Jews and developed rules on what constituted work. The Pharisees adapted the law to new situations substituting traditions in place of God’s commands. Jesus denounced the scribes and Pharisees baring their hypocrisy.

Jesus provided a prescription for discipleship; According to Matthew Jesus said “he who does not take his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me,” and Luke wrote Jesus’ saying “whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” Vincent’s comments on Matt 10:38 include the English proverb, “’Every cross hath its inscription’ - the name of him for whom it is shaped.” The proverb was based on the Roman practice of listing the crimes of the person being crucified above them on the cross. Each persons discipleship is unique, the Greek word Matthew used translated “take” can mean to physically grasp, hold or figuratively to accept. The gospel authors record Jesus saying “his cross” or “their cross” in the context demonstrating the personal nature of discipleship. While there are common traits there is no standard model of discipleship to which all must comply, it is individual. Our basic responsibility is to love God and love our neighbour. We are not to compare our discipleship to that of another person. Paul wrote “Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls.” People were arguing about eating meat or vegetables, Paul said, “Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgement on those who eat; for God has welcomed them.” Regarding special days Paul wrote, “Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds.” Discipleship has nothing to do with rules or rituals it is the pursuit and practice of love in daily life.  

A key feature in discipleship is denial of self interest; in the beginning disciples faced persecution and death because of their commitment to Jesus. Jesus rebuked those who wanted to attend to personal matters before committing to discipleship. One thing we must give up is the destructive notion we can save ourselves; discipleship is submitting to God’s grace. In the same way that in the beginning Jewish believers reverted to the Law and its regulations, believers since have turned to rules and rituals to appease guilt. Discipleship requires us to put our trust in the one we follow – Jesus of Nazareth. Discipleship is not doing things and going places, it is living the way that Jesus lived, treating people the way he treated them, showing love and compassion as he did.
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go to the place he was to receive as an inheritance, and he went out not knowing where he was going. The scriptures say that God’s people walk by faith not by sight. It is written of Abraham that he was looking forward to the city whose designer and builder is God. We too walk by faith along a path we do not see, all we know is that it stretches beyond the horizon. It is the narrow road of which Jesus spoke. We walk alone except for the gentle breath’s encouraging touch. There are no sign posts or distance markers only the faint footprints of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus is our example, he is our teacher and supporter.

God established Jesus of Nazareth as the one all must listen to while he was on earth, not the law or the prophets, but only his Son Jesus. In the period of the new covenant, Jesus must be listened to, not church practices or doctrines. Church membership or religious affiliation must not be confused with discipleship. Belonging to a church or having a religious affiliation can be encouraging and supportive for disciples, but it is not discipleship. Going to church doesn’t make someone a disciple any more than going to a synagogue or to the temple made Jesus the Son of God. To be a disciple one must pick up their cross and follow Jesus.

God denounced the people of Israel for their waywardness.
  •  I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt-offerings and grain-offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon. Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. 
  • I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt-offerings. 
  • With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with tens of thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?' He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? 
  • You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment, and a second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself.
  • Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others. 
  • Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord", will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?" Then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers." 
  • Rituals and sacrifices were part of the first covenant relationship between God and Israel, but God wanted more than a performance, he wanted people to be devoted to him and his ways. There are no ritual encumbrances in the new covenant, there are no temple ceremonies because, we are God’s people, our bodies are his temple. The cross of discipleship is uniquely individual. The four gospels record the teaching and life of Jesus.
Jesus said to him, 'Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not  seen and yet have come to believe.' Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name. 

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

The Tyranny of Church

 

Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the universe, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? Why do you submit to regulations, ‘Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch’?

When we believe in Jesus God accepts us as his children; we become citizens of his kingdom. There is no earthly institution to which we must belong or rituals we must perform. Jesus’ mission on earth was to preach the kingdom of God. On trial before Pilate, he stated that his kingdom was not of this earth.

·         Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. – “poor” in this context means acknowledging utter dependence on God. “…by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works.”

·         …strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness – “strive” suggests – a priority and ongoing pursuit of God's kingdom and his righteousness. “…not having a righteousness of my own that comes from regulation, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith.”

·         Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord", will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only one who does the will of my Father in heaven. “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples.”

·         …the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

·         …unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. “Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation.”

·         I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above. “Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word.

The author of Hebrews began by establishing Jesus as the spokesperson of God. Jesus of Nazareth was “the exact imprint” meaning he carried God’s essential nature. John referred to Jesus as the logos which means word – the word of God, the word of Christ, the word of truth, the word of life. Logos means a spoken or written message, but Jesus’ life was the living message. We are to follow Jesus’ teachings and examples. The scriptures provide life examples and principles; they do not legislate religious practices for believers after the end of the Jewish age. We must pattern our lives on the life and teachings of Jesus.

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”

The mindset of the followers of Jesus seen in the scriptures:

After Pentecost the characteristics of joy, peace, and assurance in believers is evident from the scriptures. Those were not passing emotions, but deeply embedded qualities rooted in in faith. Those characteristics provided strength even when suffering persecution. Joy, peace, and assurance were not dependent on circumstances but came from the conviction that Jesus was the Son of God and salvation was in his name.

·         the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 

·         May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

·         the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.

·         the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another. 

·         in spite of persecution, you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 

·         whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance

·         in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world.

·         since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 

·         the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

·         Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice.

·         Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

·         you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 

Unity of believers:

Unity of believers was a central theme in Jesus' teaching as well as in the writings of the apostles. It was not only a social or ethical requirement but a spiritual necessity. Unity is an expression of God's nature,   and the relationship between Jesus and God. The New Testament presents unity of believers a necessary  component of the kingdom.

Jesus required his disciples to avoid religious hypocrisy saying “you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah.” People have different abilities but in the family of God we are all his children.

·         …those who will believe in me … may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me

·         All who believed were together and had all things in common

·         I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you should be in agreement and that there should be no divisions among you, but that you should be united in the same mind and the same purpose. 

·         Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, 

·         Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 

Church:

First, we must understand the Greek word ἐκκλησία translated “Church”:

The strictly literal definition of ἐκκλησία can apply to any organized group of people gathered for a common purpose, especially if summoned, whether civic, military, ideological, or religious. Eκκλησία does not inherently connote goodness, truth, religion, or even legitimacy — it is a neutral term for a gathered collective, not a judgment on the nature of that group.

The word ἐκκλησία applies to groups like the Israeli army, the Islamic State, the Chinese parliament, the Catholic or other religious institutions, the Russian army, and the Rotary Club. By extension then the designation Church also applies to these same groups.

The first time ἐκκλησία is used in the LXX is in Deuteronomy 9:10 to translate the Hebrew word qâhâl. Moses recounting the giving of the ten commandments referred to “the day of the (ἐκκλησία) assembly.” From prophesy Jews looked forward to the Messianic kingdom. Matthew recorded Jesus saying that he would build his ἐκκλησία, which was a direct reference to the eternal kingdom. Jesus was not speaking of an earthly institution as seen from what followed – “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Using the word ἐκκλησία Matthew looked back to prophecy, he looked back to the gathering of Israel at the foot of Mount Sinai. Matthew used ἐκκλησία in the same framework as found in Hebrews – “you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the ἐκκλησία of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant…”

Had Jesus been speaking of an earthly institution he could have made it clear by using the term (συναγωγή) synagogue. James addressing gatherings of believers used synagogue “if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly synagogue (συναγωγή).” The early believers met in the temple area and were considered a sect of Judaism. Until Cornelius no Gentiles were included in the body of believers. The destruction of the temple ended the kingdom of Israel, the first covenant and the Law of Moses.

Moses was instructed to tell the Israelites:

Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation.

Peter wrote:

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

The first assembly was earthly governed by law; the second assembly is spiritual governed by grace.

Neither the word Church nor any likeness of the modern church is found in scripture. It is wrong to equate the Messianic kingdom or spiritual assembly with church. From its start the Church has been antithetical to the kingdom taught by Jesus. The kingdom Jesus spoke of was different to the kingdom of Israel. Jesus began his ministry by contrasting the old ways with his way.

·         I have come not to abolish but to fulfil. 

·         unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

·         You have heard that it was said - you shall not murder, I say to you…

·         You have heard that it was said – You shall not commit adultery, but I say to you…

·         It was also said – Whoever divorces his wife, but I say to you…

·         you have heard that it was said – You shall not swear falsely, but I say to you…

·         You have heard that it was said – An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, but I say to you…

·         You have heard that it was said – You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy, but I say to you.

Jesus taught life principles not church doctrine. He said, “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven,” not go to church. Jesus used everyday situations to describe the kingdom of God. He portrayed positive human attributes as requirements of his kingdom not religious practices. Jesus told the Pharisees that the kingdom of God had no physical manifestation, but it is inside you. Christianity is not a religion it is way of life. Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him. God looked on Noah as favourable because he was righteous not religious. Job was pleasing because he was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. The author of Hebrews catalogued people who lived by faith.

Church is a human organization.   

·         Church requires people to come to it. Jesus said we must love God, and love our neighbour.

·     Church requires membership and conformity with its doctrines. Discipleship requires we follow the teaching of Jesus.

·        Church develops programs to convert people. Jesus said “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”

·         Church is tied to its building. The Christian life is free from material hindrances.

·         Church has a hierarchy of leaders. Disciples have one master - Christ.

·         Church is a human institution. The kingdom of God is spiritual.

·         Church is religion. Christianity is a relationship.

 

 

Thursday, July 17, 2025

From Mount Sinai to Mount Zion

Heb 12:18 - 24 Exo 19:10-13

For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that has been burned with fire, and to darkness and gloom and storm, and to the sound of a trumpet and a voice of words, which those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them; for they could not bear the thing being commanded: “Even if a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned”; and so fearful was the appearance that Moses said, “I am terrified and trembling.” 

But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to a festal gathering and assembly of firstborn ones who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, judge of all, and to the spirits of righteous ones made perfect, and to Jesus, mediator of a new covenant, and to blood of sprinkling speaking better than (that of) Abel.  

Mount Sinai stands in contrast with Mount Zion. Mount Sinai is associated with fear, law, and judgment, whereas Mount Zion symbolizes grace, access to God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and the unshakable kingdom. Because Christ is our high priest; the scripture says, “let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” 

Heb 12:25 - 27   Hag 2:6

See that you do not refuse the one speaking; for if they did not escape who refused the one warning them on earth, much more (will not) we (escape), who turn away from the one (speaking) from heaven, whose voice shook the earth then, but now he has promised, saying: “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heaven.” Now the phrase “Yet once more” indicates the removal of the things being shaken, as of things having been made, so that the things not being shaken may remain. Therefore, receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us have grace, through which we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe; for indeed our God is a consuming fire.

The land of Israel, the material temple, physical laws and rituals represented the earthly kingdom. The prophet Daniel interpreting Nebuchadnezzar’s dream pointed to the Roman Empire when the God of heaven would establish his everlasting kingdom. The author of Hebrews referred to the prophesy given to the people of Israel, “Once again, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land; and I will shake all the nations, so that the treasure of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with splendour, says the LORD of hosts … the latter splendour of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts.” The kingdom of Israel would be destroyed, the temple would be torn down, the law and covenant would be annulled. Concerning the unshakeable kingdom, Jesus told an audience, “…the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Jer 31:31-34 

The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, 'Know the LORD', for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more. 

if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need to look for a second one. 

I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah

not like the covenant that I made with their ancestors (in Egypt)

I will put my laws in their minds

I will write them on their hearts

I will be their God

they shall be my people

they shall not say “Know the Lord,” for they shall all know me 

I will be merciful towards their iniquities

I will be merciful towards their iniquities 

Heb 12:18-29

In speaking of 'a new covenant', he has made the first one obsolete. And what is obsolete and growing old will soon disappear.

Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins

(Jesus) abolishes the first in order to establish the second

Christ offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins

in a very little while, the one who is coming will come and will not delay

my righteous one will live by faith

You have not come … (to Mount Sinai)

you have come to Mount Zion

to the city of the living God

to the heavenly Jerusalem

to innumerable angels in festal gathering

to the assembly of the firstborn

to God the judge of all

to the spirits of the righteous made perfect

to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant

(At Sinai) his voice shook the earth

once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heaven

once more' indicates the removal of what is shaken – that is, created things

so that what cannot be shaken may remain

we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken

give thanks

offer to God an acceptable worship with reverence and awe 

Peter speaking to Jews stated that all the prophets from Samuel on spoke of the events that occurred at that time. Jesus said he would return within the lifetime of some of his audience. The Hebrew letter claimed, “the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the sanctuary has not yet been disclosed as long as the first tent is still standing. This is a symbol of the present time…” Jesus was is the mediator of the new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance… 

Scriptural interpretation must be aligned with God’s plan and purpose. God’s plan was to provide a means of reconciliation. The scriptures are the record of God’s dealings with humans as he accomplished his plan. The period from John the Baptist to the destruction of the temple was transitional, the new covenant was in effect while the first covenant still applied to Jews. At the return of Jesus circa 70 CE the new covenant became of full effect. God’s plan was completed. 

God’s relationship in keeping with Jeremiah’s prophecy changed from religion and law to a relationship through faith. Paul points out that believers are the children of Abraham whose relationship with God was through faith. The rituals and regulation followed by believers prior to the destruction of the temple are superseded by walking by faith. There are no rituals and no doctrines bound upon God’s children from the ancient scriptures. Those scriptures provide examples and principles to help us draw close to God. Our spiritual obligation is to love God, and love our neighbour – nothing else. 

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God –  not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. 

Paul told the Corinthians that they were God's temples and that God's Spirit lived in them. And, that their bodies were temples of the Holy Spirit within them, which they received from God, and that they were not their own because they had been bought with a price; therefore they should glorify God in their bodies. We don’t worship God by going to church or performing rituals, we worship God with our lives. What religious practices we follow are personal preferences they do not determine our relationship with God. 


Looking to Jesus - 仰望耶稣 - यीशु की ओर देखना - النظر إلى يسوع - イエスを見つめる - Взирая на Иисуса - Mirando a Jesús

  One of the biblical authors used the metaphor of a race to encourage believers to be faithful to God, saying “let us run with endurance th...