Podcasts about jewish messiah

Paul recounts the dramatic encounter with Jesus which resulted in his radical transformation as a believer in Jesus of Nazareth, the Jewish Messiah. [29 minutes]

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible. This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this podcast. 

If the Holy Spirit is not the third person of the Trinity, what is it? This week's episode examines how the biblical authors repeatedly describe the Spirit of Yahweh as his power. God's powerful Holy Spirit is shown to be active in creation, empowering key human beings, and even equipping the human Jesus for his ministry as the Jewish Messiah. Visit Amazon to buy your copy of my book Wisdom Christology in the Gospel of John: https://a.co/d/6nFEbZg                      Please consider supporting this Podcast and future projects by donating at: https://www.paypal.me/10mintruthtalks                           To view the notes from this episode please click the link below: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wsafmPM9Jm5nDoOOLBP3BHZXVi_0NX73g2PjpZKtxl8/edit?usp=sharing  Check out some of my videos on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@BiblicalUnitarianPodcast              Follow us on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/OneGodPodcast 

Will antisemites enjoy the afterlife? In this ironic episode, Levi Hazen reviews biblical passages on the millennial kingdom and eternity future, where God's heart for the Jewish people will be as prominent as the Jewish Messiah seated on the throne.

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible. This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this podcast. 

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible.  This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this … Continue reading "False Christ – Appendix – Two Horns Like a Lamb"

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible. This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this podcast. 

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible.  This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this … Continue reading "False Christ – Chapter 14 – Faking the Gog Magog War and Armageddon"

Download study notes for this chapter.Download study notes for this entire book.**********Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.  Used with permission.BIBLICA, THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY, provides God's Word to people through Bible translation & Bible publishing, and Bible engagement in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God's Word so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.Support the show

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible. This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this podcast. 

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible.  This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this … Continue reading "False Christ – Chapter 13 – Problems with the “Psalm 83 War”"

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible. This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this podcast. 

In this powerful message, Pastor Karl dives into Romans chapter 11, exploring God's cosmic plan to save anyone who desires salvation. He unpacks the heartbeat of Romans: God's unstoppable mission to redeem sinners by grace through faith and our response of worship and service. Focusing on the Greek word "sozo" (salvation), Pastor Karl traces God's saving work through Israel's past, present, and future, showing how His promises to Israel shape His promises to us as Gentiles. He emphasizes that God uses us to make His chosen people jealous, drawing them back to Him, while warning against pride and anti-Semitism in today's world. With passion and clarity, Pastor Karl calls us to humility, readiness to share our hope, and active participation in God's global plan through church planting and proclaiming the Word. Discover how you're part of this divine story—and why grace is greater than disobedience.Watch all our sermons on our youtube channel "Flipside Christian Church"Join us in person 9:00am & 10:30am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible.  This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this … Continue reading "False Christ – Chapter 12 – The Gog-Magog War Part 2: Which Countries Are Involved?"

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible. This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this podcast. 

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible.  This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this … Continue reading "False Christ – Chapter 11 – The Gog-Magog War Part 1: Intro and Timing"

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible. This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this podcast. 

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible.  This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this … Continue reading "False Christ – Chapter 10 – Will the Antichrist Claim to Be Jesus?"

Series: Signs & GloryTitle: "What does authentic faith look like?Scripture: John 4:43-54John 1:9-12; 8:31-32Bottom line: Authentic faith looks like an actual commitment, built on an informed belief, and a growing dependency of God.INTRODUCTIONCONTEXTSERMON OUTLINECONCLUSIONNOTESOUTLINESQUESTIONS TO CONSIDER DISCUSSION QUESTIONSMAIN REFERENCES USEDMy opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. INTRODUCTIONToday we're answer the question, "What does authentic faith look like?" When I think of the word authentic, I think of collections where value is based on the something rare being authenticated or declared the real thing.The most valuable American coin today is a 1794 silver dollar called the Flowing Hair Silver Dollar. It has lady liberty on one side and an American eagle on the other. Many believe that it was the first coin minted by the US government. There were only 1800 made and experts think only about 120 remain. It last sold for 12 million dollars. But it's only worth 12 million dollars if it's an authentic Flowing Hair Silver Dollar.The question today is what does authentic faith look like. We're asking this question to setup the more important question, "Is my faith authentic?"CONTEXTJesus has been talking with the woman at the well. He and the 12 got to see a whole town come to Christ. It has been an amazing day. The enemies of the Jews (the Samaritans) have trusted the Jewish Messiah! There is no earthly reason why they would do this. Only God.John will use this town of people in Sychar to expose the contrast with the way the Jews are responding (en masse) to Jesus. (Cf. John 1:11-12)John will also contrast the nobleman's growing faith with the hesitant faith of Nicodemus.What does authentic faith look like?Is my faith authentic?SERMON Bottom line: Authentic faith looks like an actual commitment, built on an informed belief, and a growing dependency on God.What does authentic faith look like? (Help from Matt Carter's commentary)I. Actual commitment--not just spiritual curiosity.Nobleman embraced Light of the world and Savior of the world.Overall response is rejection of Jews (cf. John 1:9-12); still some exceptions; not unlike us today.This contrast shows us what authentic faith looks like.Spiritual curiosity ≠ Authentic faithJesus condemns them for lack of faith and desire for "signs and wonders""You" is plural meaning the Jews and not just the nobleman. Maybe even in further contrast (like the Centurion)Samaritans have authentic faith in that town--they took Jesus as his word. No signs and wonders needed.II. Informed belief--not just emotional feelings.Requires understanding certain truths about Jesus.Content of our faith. Word > ExperienceAre you a follower? Why? For what he did or who he is?Nobleman looking for a miracle? Yes, but takes Jesus at his word instead of having to see it happen instantly. Similar to Samaritans.We aren't called to a blind faith or emotional faith, though it can be emotional. We have a reasonable faith. Who is Jesus? Title so far in John include:Son of GodSon of ManMessiah/ChristWord of GodKing of IsraelLamb of GodIII. Growing dependence--not just a single decision.2X it says nobleman "believed." (4:51-53)Same with Samaritans. (39-41)In neither case are we told WHEN they were saved. John shows it's a continual belief that truly saves or demonstrates authentic faith. It starts with a moment and decision--but it never ends. We persevere in the faith over time.Pointing to a past decision isn't enough if not walking in it. We'll know your status based on your fruit. Cf. Hebrews 3:12-14; Galatians 5:23-24John 1:!2 those who are believing (present tense) in his name.John 8:31 if you "continue" in my word.To "continue" or "hold to" his word is to "abide" or "remain" in Christ.Applications/questions:Are you spiritually curious? That's fine. Just don't think you're secure and good with the Lord just because you're spiritual or open. Christ calls us to follow him the rest of our life. Until you surrender to that, you're just curious. It's not a convenient faith that he calls us to--it's a costly faith. He calls us to ultimately come and die. Is your faith rooted on how you feel? I feel close to God today but not tomorrow. Emotions are a legitimate part of the human experience--even in our spiritual life. But we root our faith in truth--God's word is truth. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth..." We have an informed faith; a reasonable faith; not a blind faith. Is your faith growing? Are you abiding in Jesus daily? Are you walking with God daily? These are different ways of asking the question, am I growing in dependence on the Lord?CONCLUSIONBottom line: Authentic faith starts with an actual commitment, and an informed belief on the word, and a growing dependence. What about you? Is your faith authentic?Here's another way to look at it.How do you know that you're married?Well, you might say, I have a wedding ring and a marriage license. I could respond, well, I know people who have a marriage license and maybe even still wear their wedding ring. But they are no longer married.The only way to truly know you're married is because you live the married life with your spouse. You raise the kids together. You take care of the house together. You do life together.The same is true with authentic faith. What does authentic faith look like? It looks like an actual commitment, built on an informed faith, and a growing dependence.What about you? Is your faith authentic?If not, what can you do?Repent--turn from the way you're living life and turn back to the trust and follow Jesus' words, ways and works.Believe--Rest on the calling you've received; build on the word of God; pray towards growing in Christ.`Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬InvitationHow do we respond? Answer 2 questions:Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions: What is God saying to me right now?What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper. What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don't have to get too specific to give him praise.Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)PrayNOTES"Jesus was saying, "Your experience with the Samaritans is one of reaping where you did not sow," and that surely was the case. They had not sowed, but they reaped. In our age some of us may sow, and some of us may reap. The thrust of these verses is that there is going to be a good deal of reaping, but the implication also is that sometimes we may sow and never see the results. I am reminded of the story of George Müller who founded many orphanages in the last century. Early in his life Müller made the acquaintance of three men, and he began to pray for their salvation. Müller lived a long time, but when he died, none of those men had yet trusted Christ. It is recorded in his diary that he prayed for these men daily during all those years. But that is not the end! The glorious fact is that all three of those men did meet Christ-two of them in their seventies and one in his eighties! Müller sowed, but someone else reaped. Whether we find ourselves sowing or reaping, our lives are to be permeated with a sense of urgency. Jesus' harvest mentality was part of the secret of his life. We also are meant to be harvesting!" -Kent Hughes, p. 139"This reality should motivate us to labor with all our might to make Jesus Christ and his gospel known and loved throughout the world. Augustine wrote this beautiful reflection about Jesus Christ:You are ever active, yet always at rest. You gather all things to yourself, though you suffer no need. ... You welcome those who come to you, though you never lost them. You release us from our debts, but you lose nothing thereby. You are my God, my Life, my holy Delight, but is this enough to say of you? Can any man say enough when he speaks of you? Yet woe betide those who are silent about you! (Confessions [IX 1], 181)May we, by the grace of God, never be silent." -Matt Carter"I'll Do It Later (v. 35):Jesus asks the disciples a pointed question: "Don't you say, 'There are still four more months, and then comes the harvest'?" (v. 35). He's saying, "Do you guys think you need to wait before reaping the fruit of the gospel? Are you hoping it will come later? You're wrong; look at the Samaritans coming right now. What are you waiting for? The time is now!" Jesus is driving the urgency of the gospel home to the hearts of his disciples. We don't wait for a different time or a better time; the harvest is now. Go, do the work of sharing the gospel right now. Charles Spurgeon, preaching on this passage, challenged his congregation:Some of you good people, who do nothing except go to public meetings, the Bible readings, and prophetic conferences, and other forms of spiritual [indulgence], would be a good deal better Christians if you would look after the poor and needy around you. If you would just tuck up your sleeves for work, and go and tell the gospel to dying men, you would find your spiritual health mightily restored, for very much of the sickness of Christians comes through their having nothing to do. All feeding and no working gives men spiritual indigestion. Be idle, careless, with nothing to live for, nothing to care for, no sinner to pray for, no backslider to lead back to the cross, no trembler to encourage, no little child to tell of a Savior, no grey-headed man to enlighten in the things of God, no object, in fact, to live for; and who wonders if you begin to groan, and to murmur, and to look within, until you are ready to die of despair? (Cited in Hughes, John, 132) - Matt CarterOUTLINESN/AQUESTIONS TO CONSIDERWhat do I want them to know? Why do I want them to know it?What do I want them to do?Why do I want them to do it?How do they do this?DISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/Read the passage together.Retell the story in your own words.Discovery the storyWhat does this story tell me about God?What does this story tell me about people?If this is really true, what should I do?What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)Who am I going to tell about this?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastAlternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:Who is God?What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)What do I do? (In light of who I am)How do I do it?Final Questions (Write this down)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?MAIN REFERENCES USED“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent HughesExalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh WredbergThe Gospels & Epistles of John, FF BruceJohn, RC SproulJohn, KöstenbergerThe Gospel According to John, DA CarsonThe Light Has Come, Leslie NewbiginThe Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.orgThe Bible Project https://bibleproject.comNicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersionClaude.aiChatGPT Google Gemini

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible. This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this podcast. 

Followers of Yeshua are called to take up their cross—to become martyrs. This mandate inspired one filmmaker, Reed Smith, to explore the lives of those disciples who are risking everything to follow Yeshua. In the process, he found that the gospel message was inextricably tied to the exile and redemption of Israel. In this episode, filmmaker Reed Smith discusses the themes of his new film, Sojourners and Exiles, which explores the cost of discipleship for modern-day disciples of Yeshua. – Episode Takeaways – • The Call to Martyrdom and Discipleship – Followers of Yeshua are called to take up their cross, a theme that inspired filmmaker Reed Smith to explore modern discipleship and persecution. • The Gospel's Connection to Israel – Smith discovered that the message of the gospel is deeply tied to the exile and redemption of Israel, emphasizing that God's plan is Israel-centric. • "Sojourners and Exiles" Film – The documentary explores the cost of discipleship, focusing on real-life martyrs and their sacrifices for faith. • Western Christianity Lacks a Theology of Martyrdom – The podcast discusses how many Western Christians have not seriously considered martyrdom, while believers in other parts of the world face real persecution. • The Film's Unexpected Shift – While initially about martyrdom, the film evolves into a broader message about the Gospel of the Kingdom, the role of Israel, and the Jewish Messiah's return. • A Palestinian Jordanian's Journey – The film features a Palestinian Jordanian Christian who, despite cultural and religious opposition, embraces an Israel-centric gospel, demonstrating deep personal sacrifice. • Persecution for Supporting Israel – The discussion highlights how supporting Israel is becoming increasingly controversial, even within Christian circles, leading to potential persecution in the West. • The True Meaning of Matthew 25 – The film presents a compelling interpretation that Jesus' "least of these my brethren" in Matthew 25 refers to the Jewish people, challenging traditional Christian views. • Torah Club's Role in Spiritual Growth – Smith shares how joining a Torah Club has deepened his understanding of the Jewish context of Scripture, reinforcing the need to see Jesus within His Jewish identity. – Episode Resources – Sojourners and Exiles Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqSp8VmjHV0 Sojourners and Exiles Film: https://49tenfilms.vhx.tv/ I See Nations Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvgNZir8ns8 I See Nations Film: https://youtu.be/mDun8p4u9LM?si Messiah Podcast is a production of First Fruits of Zion (https://ffoz.org) in conjunction with Messiah Magazine. This publication is designed to provide rich substance, meaningful Jewish contexts, cultural understanding of the teaching of Jesus, and the background of modern faith from a Messianic Jewish perspective. Messiah Podcast theme music provided with permission by Joshua Aaron Music (http://JoshuaAaron.tv). “Cover the Sea” Copyright WorshipinIsrael.com songs 2020. All rights reserved.

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible.  This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this … Continue reading "False Christ – Chapter 9 – Will the Antichrist Be an Assyrian?"

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible.  This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this … Continue reading "False Christ – Chapter 8 – Will the Antichrist Be a Roman?"

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible. This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this podcast. 

In the closing chapter of his book, Zechariah writes of the wonderful promise of the return of Yeshua the Messiah. He states, "...his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives which is before Jerusalem on the east..." (Zechariah 14:4).If "his feet" are to stand on the Mount of Olives then he must appear in an incarnate state. To be sure it will be his resurrected and glorified incarnate self, but it will be his incarnate self.One day soon, Yeshua's feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives once again. When they do, they will be the feet of the Jewish Messiah who has come to rule and to reign.Link to download Zechariah chart: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BkFtNcDKe32mzcqZGek_HXqXlVUVEO7C/view?usp=sharingYouTube: https://youtube.com/live/KBkm4Du8DVYSend us a text

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible.  This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this … Continue reading "False Christ – Chapter 7 – The Disastrous Results of Jewish and Islamic Eschatology"

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible. This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this podcast. 

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible. This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this podcast. 

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible.  This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this … Continue reading "False Christ – Chapter 6 – Islamic Eschatology"

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible.  This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this … Continue reading "False Christ – Chapter 5 – Jewish Eschatology"

A Sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany St. Matthew 8:1-13 by William Klock   Have you ever met someone with leprosy?  Probably not.  Today it's extremely rare.  We hardly give it a thought.  But in the ancient world it was one of the most dreaded diseases.  It began with the loss of feeling in your extremities and nodules that would turn into ulcers.  The loss of feeling spread.  The ulcers never healed.  Your hair would fall out and your eyes would go blind.  Ulcers would form on your vocal cords, leaving your voice hoarse and rasping.  Gangrene would set in.  Eventually you would lose fingers and toes and sometimes whole limbs.  Sometimes it led to madness.  Eventually it would lead to death, but not quickly.  Some forms of leprosy would take a decade to run their course and others twenty or thirty years. But as bad, if not worse than the physical misery was the fact that it was contagious.  That made lepers outcasts.  The Jewish historian Josephus tells us that lepers were treated “as if they were, in effect, dead men”.  When a person was diagnosed with leprosy, they were immediately banished from family and community.  In Leviticus 13:46 the Lord had commanded, “He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease. He is unclean. He shall live alone. His dwelling shall be outside the camp.”  And people didn't get better from leprosy.  That's why it was a miracle when the Lord intervened to heal Naaman the Syrian of his leprosy.  Consider that in medieval Europe, before he was cast out, a leper was brought to the church one last time so the priest could read the burial service over him.  So to be a leper was, for all intents and purposes, to be dead.  Not, of course, to yourself, but dead to your family, your friends, and your community.  In Israel lepers were barred from Jerusalem and from any walled town or city.  The law described over sixty types of contact that would render a person unclean and contact with a leper was second only to contact with a dead body.  If a leper so much as poked his head through the door of your house, your house would be rendered unclean.  One rabbi boasted that he threw stones at lepers to keep them at a distance, because that's where they belonged.  Keep that in mind as we look again at today's Gospel.  Look with me at Matthew 8:1-4. When Jesus came down from the mountain, large crowds followed him.  Suddenly a leper came to him and knelt down in front of him.  “Lord,” he said, “if you want, you can make me clean!”  Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him.  “I do want to,” he said.  “Be clean!”  And at once his leprosy was cleansed.  “Take care,” Jesus said to him, “that you don't say anything to anyone.  Instead, go and show yourself to the priest, and make the offering which Moses commanded.  That will be the proof to them.”   For the last three chapters Jesus has been preaching the Sermon on the Mount.  So he's been preaching to the crowds about the kingdom of God—what it's going to be like and who's going to be part of it.  And I can imagine the people in the crowd nodding in approval as they listened—but the real weight of it not really sinking in.  It's often like that when he hear God's word.  Something like “Love your neighbour.”  We agree.  We think, “Oh, that's good.”  But the real radicalness of it doesn't sink in.  And then something happens—we're faced with a choice, we encounter a person—and the Spirit brings that lesson to mind and we realise just how much God and the gospel expect of us.  Sometimes we fail the test.  Imagine the crowd that had been listening to Jesus preach, now following him into town and this leper approaches Jesus.  And everything Jesus has been saying about the kingdom is forgotten.  People are thinking, “Stupid leper!  Doesn't he know he shouldn't be here!  How dare he come so close to the rabbi!”  They've just heard Jesus preaching at length about the kingdom, but I expect at least some of them saw the leper and were thinking to themselves that if Jesus were a good rabbi, he would tell this man to take a hike—to obey torah and get out of town—maybe even throw rocks at him. Imagine their surprise when instead of quoting Leviticus at the man and telling him to get lost, Jesus stops as the man kneels at his feet.  That says something right there.  When this leper saw Jesus he saw the Messiah.  Jews didn't prostrate themselves before any old person.  This posture was reserved for the Lord.  In some way, shape, or form he saw in Jesus the God of Israel.  And with his hoarse and damaged voice he rasps out, “Lord, if you want, you can make me clean!  Please make me clean.”  And to their horror, Jesus reaches out and touches the man.  The law said that a leper could come no closer to a healthy person than a cubit and Matthew makes a point describing Jesus reaching out, stretching out his arm to its full length across that distance to bridge the gap between himself and the leper, so that he could make contact with him, to touch the untouchable, to draw in the outcast.  And Jesus says to him, “I want just that.  Be clean.” Uncleanness should have passed from the leper to Jesus.  Obviously you couldn't see something like that, but everyone knew that that was the law, ever since the Lord had spoken it through Moses.  Touch a leper and you become unclean.  So imagine their surprise when they did see something happen.  They saw cleanness pass from Jesus to the leper.  As they watched the man was healed.  His sores healed and disappeared.  His sight cleared.  His voice became whole again.  Maybe fingers and toes even grew back before their watching eyes.  The leprosy was gone.  The man was restored.  His death sentence was lifted. Now, the sermon on the mount wasn't just an abstract ethical manifesto that Jesus delivered to a group of people who could have been from anywhere or any time.  It was a declaration that the kingdom of God had come in fulfilment of the prophets, a declaration that the Messiah had finally come to set God's people to rights.  They desperately need and longed for that.  Ever since they had been called in Abraham, ever since they had, as a nation, been adopted by the Lord as his covenant people, they had in one way or another failed him and failed to be the people he had called and delivered them to be.  They gave their hearts to idols.  They gave their hearts to kings.  They put their trust in horses and chariots.  They oppressed the widow and the orphan and took advantage of the poor and the stranger.  Their rabbis threw stones at lepers who dared get too close.  The nation had repeatedly known the Lord's discipline.  The faithful remnant amongst the people had cried out for centuries to the Lord for help and through the prophets he had promised that he would come, that he would deliver, that he would forgive, that he would put his own Spirit in the hearts of his people and turn them away from sin and self and fill them with love for him and for their neighbours. And now, here it is.  There's a reason we read this Gospel during this season in which we recall and celebrate Jesus' epiphany, his manifestation.  Jesus has just preached about the restoration of fallen Israel, the adulterous bride, to her Lord and the first person he meets as he heads down the mountain and into town is this poor man, cut off from his people, for all intents and purposes dead.  He has lost his covenant status.  He has lost his family—not just his biological family, but his covenant family.  He hasn't known the temple or the Passover for who knows how many years.  In the Lord's providence this man is symbolic of the whole nation of Israel.  Israel hadn't heard the Lord's voice or known his presence in the temple for almost six hundred years.  She was governed and oppressed by pagans.  But as he has humbled himself so far as to take on human flesh, to be born of a Jewish woman, to become one of his own rebellious people, to reach out to them, just so Jesus stretches out his hand across the distance between himself and this believing leper and makes him whole.  This lost son who was dead is alive again. And Jesus doesn't leave it at that.  He sends this man—in accordance with the law—to see the priest so that the priest can see that he has been healed and so that he can restore him to the covenant family.  There are other times in the Gospels that Jesus bypassed the temple and the priests to make a point, but early here in his ministry he instead sends this man to the priests.  It backs up the message he had just preached when he said that he had come not to abolish the law and the prophets, but to fulfil them.  And, too, it sent a message to the priests of Israel.  Like I said, people didn't recover form leprosy.  If they got better and the diagnosis was lifted by a priest, it was probably because it wasn't leprosy in the first place.  I doubt this priest had ever seen a bona fide healing from leprosy.  They might talk about Naaman the Syrian, but no one had ever seen a healing like that for themselves.  And now this man shows up at the home of the local priest—maybe even the priest who had diagnosed him and declared him unclean—and he served as a message from Jesus: the kingdom is at hand.  Israel was about to be set to rights and restored.  And it was all centred in Jesus the Messiah.  The people—and their priests—had a choice before them: Repent and believe in Jesus or find yourself weeping and gnashing your teeth in the darkness when judgement comes—on the outside of the covenant family as this leper had been for so many years.  Repent and believe that in Jesus the Lord was finally here to visit his people, to answer their prayer, and these lost sons and daughters would be invited into their Father's great banquet.  Jesus had come to set Israel to rights. Many of the people in the crowd watched this with joy.  The Messiah really had come.  That great feast Israel had been waiting for was being prepared.  According to one Jewish tradition the main courses at that feast would be Behemoth, the great mythical land monster, and Leviathan, the great sea monster.  Some in the crowd, having heard Jesus preach and having seen the leper healed could already smell the great beasts roasting in the oven like Thanksgiving turkeys.  And then as they reach Capernaum a Roman centurion approaches Jesus.  If the Lord's great banquet was being prepared, this man certainly didn't belong there! Centurions were the backbone of the Roman army and a reminder to the Jews that they were a conquered people.  Matthew doesn't tell us if this centurion was a kind man or a cruel one or how he used his authority.  None of that really matters.  He could have been the kindest man in the world, but he was still a local representative of Rome and a gentile.  He didn't belong in that joyful messianic throng.  But down the main street of the town he came.  Look at Matthew 8:5-9. When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came up and pleaded with him, “Lord,” he said, “my son is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.”  And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.”  But the centurion replied, “Lord, I don't deserve to have you come under my roof!  Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.  I know what authority is all about, you know—I've got soldiers answering to me, and I can say to one of them, “Go!” and he goes, and to another “Come here!” and he comes, and I can say, “Do this,” to my slave, and he does it.”   The centurion appeals to Jesus.  Matthew's word choices stress the man's desperation.  He addresses Jesus as “Lord”.  He'd surely heard the talk about Jesus being the Jewish Messiah—the Lord—but being a Roman he probably didn't care about that.  He simply knew that Jesus could heal, that he could fix his desperate situation.  He'd heard the stories.  Maybe he'd even seen the leper, running into town to show himself to the priest.  Exactly who or what Jesus was, that wasn't really his concern.  He simply saw in Jesus a man with power and authority.  A man who could, as Tolkien once put it, make the sad things of this world come untrue, and such a man, Jewish or not, Messiah or not, was worthy of respect.  “Lord, my son is at home, paralysed, sick, and suffering.”  As Luke and John tell this story, the young boy was near death.  But if Jesus could heal others, he could heal this man's son. And Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”  At this point everyone—the Centurion, the Jewish crowd following Jesus, everyone—they stopped and gasped.  They shouldn't have, but I'm sure they did, because that would have been the natural response of anyone when an upright and godly Jew—a rabbi no less—went to the house of a gentile.  The Mishnah declared in no uncertain terms, “The dwelling places of gentiles are unclean,” and even though it came centuries later, we know the Jews of Jesus day thought no differently.  Gentiles were ritually unclean, but everyone present should have known that this wasn't a problem for Jesus.  Jesus touched the leper and instead of contracting his impurity, passed purity to the leper, restoring him to the community of the people of God.  Jesus could enter the home of a gentile and do the same thing. So the Centurion was shocked by Jesus' offer to come to his house.  He refuses with those words so often misused in celebrations of the Lord's Supper: “No.  Don't come to my house.  I'm not worthy that you should come under my roof.”  It's not that the Centurion thought he was personally unworthy, but that he knew the Jewish customs.  His job was to maintain order and the last thing he wanted was a ruckus resulting from a popular rabbi entering his house.  That would just stir up trouble and that was the last thing a Centurion wanted.  His job was to the keep the peace.  And so he says to Jesus, “You don't need to come to my house.  You and I are alike.  We both have authority.  I know how it works.  I have authority over the men in my command.  I send orders for this man to come and he comes.  I send orders for this man to go and he goes.  If you truly have the authority over sickness and demons that I think you have, then you can do the same.  If you order this disease to go, it will go.  If you order that demon to come, it will come.  Give the orders and my little boy will be healed.” Now it was Jesus' turn to be surprised.  Matthew says he marvelled.  He was amazed by what he'd just heard.  Look at verse 10: When Jesus heard this, he marvelled and said to the people who following him, “I'm telling you the truth.  I haven't found faith like this—not even in Israel!  Let me tell you this: lots of people will come from east and west and join the great feast with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.  But the children of the kingdom will be thrown into outer darkness, where people will weep and gnash their teeth.”  Then to the Centurion he said, “Go home.  Let it be for you as you believed.”  And his son was healed at that very moment.   Notice how Jesus turns to the crowd, to his fellow Jews.  Here they are, following Jesus down the mountain, ready for him to lead them into the age to come when everything is set to rights, ready to sit in his presence at that great banquet and feast on behemoth and leviathan.  And the parade is stopped by this dog of a gentile who has no place in that feast.  When the day comes, they're thinking, the Lord will take care of men like him.  He may strut around Capernaum, in charge of the place today, but one day he would be out in the darkness, weeping and gnashing his teeth.  Some probably thought—maybe even expected—Jesus to give him a little foretaste of that right now.  But instead, Jesus turns and commends the man's faith to everyone.  (This is why people didn't like Jesus!)  He contrasts the faith of this gentile—a pagan they considered the enemy—Jesus uses it to expose the lack of faith he has seen in Israel.  And he quotes from the Old Testament.  Psalm 107:3 and Isaiah 43:5 (and Baruch 4:37) all speak of the Lord's promises to restore scattered Israel, bringing her lost sons and daughters from east and west.  But here Jesus puts a twist on those prophecies and promises.  “When Israel is restored,” he's saying, “When you sit at the Lord's great feast with your fathers, with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and feast on behemoth and leviathan and celebrate your restoration and the great faithfulness of the Lord, your brothers and sisters from east and west will be there, and this man represents them.  Yes, the Lord will bring Jews from east and west, but he will bring others and they, too, will have a share in the Lord's new covenant and in the age to come.  And many of those who think that by birth alone they have a right to be in that banquet…well…they will find themselves out in the dark, weeping and gnashing their teeth.” Jesus knew that it wasn't yet the time for gentiles to come flooding into the kingdom, taking hold of the robes of Jews, as Zechariah had prophesied, and saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”  But in this centurion he saw a foretaste of that day not so far off.  It was a promise most of his fellow Jews had forgotten—or deliberately ignored—in favour of the promises of the great banquet, the setting things to rights, the restoration of Israel.  But this was the reason for Israel's existence as a people, even if few remembered it.  Simeon was one of those who remembered and having met the infant Jesus at his presentation in the temple he sang those familiar words: Lord, now lettest thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word.  For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou has prepared before the face of all people; to be a light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the glory of thy people Israel.  (Luke 2:29-32) Jesus would be the glory of Israel in that he would fulfil their mission to be a light to the nations—bringing them to the God of Israel.  In that he would fulfil the law and the prophets and manifest the faithfulness of God.  Again that great theme of epiphany. Jesus commended the centurion's faith and sent him home to his healed little boy, the firstfruits—after a fashion at any rate—of the nations who would see the faithfulness of the God of Israel manifest in Jesus, come to him in faith to give him glory, and would themselves not only be healed and set to rights, but incorporated into this covenant family as sons and daughters of God, seated at the great banquet to feast on behemoth and leviathan. So, Brothers and Sisters, come to the Lord's Table this morning.  In the bread and wine we recall and participate in the great exodus that Jesus wrought at the cross, here we remember and are assured that we belong to him.  Here we take hold of his blood-stained robe and say, “Take us with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”  And here the veil is lifted on the age to come as Jesus gives us a foretaste of the great banquet that awaits us on the day when he will, finally and once and for all, set us and all of his creation to rights.  In the meantime, Friends, take the grace you have found at his Table out into the world and live it for all to see.  Take the good news of Jesus, crucified and risen, with you and proclaim it to all.  As sons and daughters of God, you are stewards of the gospel.  Let every day be Epiphany.  Make the Gospel, make the life of Jesus and the Spirit manifest in what you do and what you say so that the people around you will say, “Take us with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” Let's pray: O God, you know us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: grant to us such strength and protection as may support us in all dangers and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

Our next guest on A2 THE SHOW is Noah Kennedy, a writer, researcher, and historical myth explorer. He challenges the narratives we often take for granted, from ancient biblical myths to modern geopolitical ideologies. In this episode, we uncover how ancient scriptures began as political tools, the influence of figures like David and Solomon in shaping Jerusalem, and the enduring impact of religious traditions on global conflicts. With a deep understanding of history's complexities, Noah reveals how myths shape political power—and why questioning these stories is more crucial than ever. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion!

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible. This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this podcast. 

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible.  This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this … Continue reading "False Christ – Chapter 4 – Mystery Babylon"

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible. This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this podcast. 

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible.  This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this … Continue reading "False Christ – Chapter 3 – The Wars of Antichrist"

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible. This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this podcast. 

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible.  This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this … Continue reading "False Christ – Chapter 2 – Biblical Support"

A Sermon for the Epiphany Ephesians 3:1-12 & St. Matthew 2:1-12 by William Klock   Imagine the magi, the wisemen, on their long trek from “the East”—from Persia—to Judah.  They followed the trade routes through deserts and through cities, through mountains and across rivers for weeks.  Oasis to oasis, city to city, village to village to make their way to Jerusalem, to King Herod's palace, and eventually to Bethlehem.  And they carried those expensive gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  They were astrologers and they had seen a star.  They knew all the stars, but this one was different.  I wish we knew what made it so different, but we'll have to wait to find that out.  However they worked it out, that star told them the King of the Jews had been born, and so they made this long trek, not just to visit this new king, but to worship him. Now, consider that Jesus was hardly the first King of the Jews, but as far as we know, no Persian magi ever visited those others when they were born.  Something extraordinary had happened this time.  Maybe these men had studied the Israelite prophets.  It's not a stretch to think that they'd met Jews and heard of their scriptures.  However they knew it, these men knew—again—that something extraordinary had happened, so they came to pay homage to this foreign king.  In the ancient Near East that meant that they worshipped the king's god.  Maybe they knew, maybe the star was heralding the birth of Israel's God in human flesh.  They had to know something, otherwise it makes no sense.  Judah was a conquered nation.  The King of the Jews was a loser—and so was his god.  That's how people in that world thought.  But somehow these men knew—I wish Matthew had been more specific—but somehow these men knew that this was no ordinary king.  And so they made this long trek to honour him and to give glory to his god.  It was an epiphany: God made manifest in Jesus.  First to his own people, represented by the shepherds we read about on Christmas, and now made manifest to the gentiles, represented by these kings from the East. We'll come back to magi and to our Gospel, but first, listen again to St. Paul in our Epistle, Ephesians 3, as he writes to his brothers and sisters in Ephesus:   It is because of all of this that I, Paul, a prisoner of Messiah Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles…   Ephesus was a predominantly gentile church that Paul had started when he visited the city on his second missionary journey.  Now he's writing to them some years later as he sits in prison, having been arrested for proclaiming the good news about Jesus.  He goes on:   —assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me to pass on to you, how the secret purpose of God was made know to me, as I wrote briefly just now. Anyway…  When you read this, you'll be able to understand the special insight I have into the Messiah's secret.  This wasn't made known to human beings in previous generations, but now it has been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets.  The secret is this: that through the gospel, the gentiles are to share Israel's inheritance.  They are to become fellow members of the body, along with them, and fellow sharers of the promise in Jesus the Messiah.   This was, as we say, Paul's “thing”.  This was for him the great secret or mystery—the great, earth-shattering revelation that changes everything.  We might say an “epiphany”.  For Paul the great secret was first the revelation that Jesus really was the Messiah, but then when he'd had the chance to work through all the implications of that great truth he was confronted with this one: “the gentiles are to share Israel's inheritance.  They are to become fellow members of the body, along with them, and fellow sharers of the promise in Jesus the Messiah.”  Most people would have thought this was a thoroughly un-Jewish thing to say.  Even that it was blasphemy that gentiles—unclean dogs!—were coheirs with the people of God.  A few of them, sure, but only after they'd been purified and circumcised and committed to observing torah.  And then they weren't really gentiles anymore.  But Paul's realised that, in fact, once you get the story of God and Israel straight, it would be hard to come up with anything more Jewish than this conclusion that the gentiles are, in Jesus, fellow heirs, members of the same body, and part of Abraham's family.  This is what the story was working towards all along, even though hardly anyone realised it anymore.  As he says as he continues, ministering this truth was his calling: This is the gospel that I was appointed to serve, in line with the free gift of God's grace that was given to me.  It was backed up with the power through which God accomplishes his work.  I am the very least of all God's people.  However, he gave me this task as a gift: that I should be the one to tell the gentiles the good news of the Messiah's riches, riches no one could begin to count.  My job is to make clear to everyone just what the secret plan is, the purpose that's been hidden from the very beginning of the world in God who created all things.  This is it: that God's wisdom, in all its rich variety, was to be made known to rulers and authorities in the heavenly places—through the church!  This was God's eternal purpose, and he's accomplished it in Jesus the Messiah, our Lord.  We have confidence, and access to God, in full assurance, through his faithfulness.   The Jews of Paul's day had got their own story wrong and no longer had any sense that “salvation is for the Gentiles”.  As far as they were concerned, they were God's people, God cared about them, God would deliver them from their oppressors and put them on top, and one day he would rain down destruction on all the unclean people of the word.  Salvation was for the Jews, they might have said.  Even those first Jewish Christians were still thinking in this vein.  Jesus was their Messiah.  There were a few gentiles who believed, but they had to first become Jews.  And there were the Samaritans who believed.  That was a challenge to this kind of thinking, but until Paul, no one seemed to have this vision of the deliverance, of the salvation of the Gentiles—at least not on a large scale. The irony is that today we've made the opposite mistake.  We've so dehistoricised, flattened out, and universalised the story that we've all but forgotten that “Salvation is from the Jews.”  “Salvation is from the Jews.”  That's what Jesus said to the Samaritan woman and it ought to ring in our ears too.  Those words ought to remind us of the great story of the God of Israel and his people.  St. Paul writes in today's Epistle to explain his unique apostolic ministry to proclaim the good news about Jesus to the Gentiles.  It has been my experience that many Christians have never stopped to consider just how odd Paul's ministry would have seemed at the time.  They've never stopped to think, because we have largely removed the gospel from its narrative and historical context and we've unnecessarily flattened it out to communicate its universal nature.  Sometime we need to stop and remember that, even though “God so loved the world,” it is also true that “salvation is from the Jews”.  That might not seem important, but think again of the big story.  Out of a world that had lost all knowledge of him, the Lord chose and called Abraham and from him created a people whom he made holy and in whose midst he lived.  He gave this people his law and his presence and made them unique amongst the nations.  And he promised that through them he would save his whole creation.  So Jesus was born a Jew—one of those special people.  He was the Jewish Messiah.  He fulfilled the Jewish law and the words of the Jewish prophets.  He proclaimed good news about a coming kingdom and a coming judgement to Jews and for Jews.  And while gentiles were welcomed when they came to him, he made it clear that his ministry was to his own people.  The evangelists lay the blame for Jesus' death with Jews.  The gentiles had their part in it—hinting that they would eventually also have a share in his salvation—but it was Jesus' own people who betrayed him and demanded his death.  Even in his death by crucifixion, Jesus foreshadowed the means of execution that the unrepentant Jewish rebels would face when judgement came a generation later.  Jesus literally took the death of his people on himself in that sense.  It cannot be stressed enough that Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, lived and died for the sake of the Jews and to bring their story to its climax in fulfilment of God's promises. We can't just skip all that to get to John's announcement that God so loved the world that he gave his Son, because when we do that, we short-circuit the story, we leave out most or all of the bits that show us how God, in Jesus, has been faithful to his promises made under the old covenant.  And in that, we cast a veil over his glory.  It was necessary for Jesus to fulfil the story of his own people, because only then would the Gentiles see the faithfulness of Israel's God, be drawn to what they saw, give him glory, and in the process be incorporated into the new people of God by faith.  In this, too, we see that the means by which the Gentiles are incorporated into the new Israel fulfils the message of Israel's prophets and glorifies the Lord.  While it is certainly true that a dehistoricised and flattened gospel has brought millions to the Lord Jesus, it is also true that communicating the gospel within its context better communicates the faithfulness of God as the basis for our own faith with a greater depth and builds upon a firm foundation.  In contrast, our evangelism today, rather than centring on proclaiming the faithfulness of God, is centred on our needs and wants.  Our culture is obsessed with the therapeutic, with feeling good and so we've tailored our gospel.  And it's not wrong to talk about what God, in Jesus, does for us, but if that's the focus, we end up with a small and truncated gospel.  Brothers and Sisters, when we get the gospel the right way round; when we make the gospel about the faithfulness of God revealed in Jesus, the gospel is so much bigger, so much greater—so much more powerful.  What we see in Paul's ministry—and what we see especially in Revelation—is the gentile nations being drawn to the God of Israel by the revelation of his glory in Jesus the Messiah.  In the New Testament, the gentiles come to Jesus, because in him they see a God who is faithful and worthy of glory—a God unlike anything or anyone known in the pagan world.  Again, Christians today need to understand just how weird Paul's ministry would have seemed in his day—even, at first, to the other apostles.  Again, most believed that the good news about the Jewish Messiah was for other Jews, and of little interest (or even relevance) to gentiles.  Jesus radically changed what it meant to be the people of God, but in many respects, it was not until St. Paul emerged from his wilderness sojourn that this dramatic change was really grasped by the fledgling Church. Of course, Israel's ministry to the Gentiles was there all along.  The Lord set Israel apart before the watching nations.  She was to be his witness.  Through her he would restore and reconcile humanity to himself.  But as Paul points out in our Epistle, this “mystery” was largely lost on Israel.  And yet there it was from the beginning, all the way back in Abraham's day—if anyone was paying really close attention—that the Lord's intent was to one day bring the Gentiles into his family and to make them fellow heirs with those who were children by birth rather than adoption.  This truth had been revealed by the Spirit to the prophets of old and, in the same way, had been revealed to the apostles—who took some time to parse it out—and to Paul it was a personal commission: to proclaim the good news about Jesus to the Gentiles.  Paul adds here that this mission is not simply to ordinary people, nor is it a matter of personal piety.  As Gentile believers come into their inheritance in the Messiah, the Church becomes both a witness and a challenge to the rulers of the Gentile world.  This diverse body of Jews and Gentiles of every sort, living in unity the inheritance given them by Jesus, announces that he is Lord and that a new age is breaking in.  Just as was the case with Israel, the lords of the earth can submit in faith to the lordship of Jesus or face the judgement to come. Now, let's go back to today's Gospel, Matthew 2:1-12, which dovetails with what Paul has written in the Epistle.  Here's the truth that Paul writes, manifest in the story of Jesus.  Matthew writes:   When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea, at the time when Herod was king, some wise men came to Jerusalem from the East.  Where is the one,” they asked, “who has been born to be king of the Jews?  We have seen his star rising in the east and we have come to worship him.”  When King Herod heard this, he was very disturbed and the whole of Jerusalem was as well.  He called together all the chief priests and scribes of the people and inquired from them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem of Judaea,” they replied.  “That's what it says in the prophet: ‘You, Bethlehem, in Judah's land Are not the least of Judah's princes; From out of you will come the ruler Who will shepherd Israel my people.' Then Herod called the wise men to him in secret.  He found out from them precisely when the star had appeared.  Then he sent them to Bethlehem.  “Go,” he said, “and make a thorough search for the child.  When you find him, report back to me so that I can come and worship him. When they heard what the king said, they set off.  There was the star, the one they had seen rising in the east, going ahead of them.  It went and stood still over the place where the child was.  When they saw the star, they were beside themselves with joy and excitement.  They went into the house and saw the child, with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him.  They opened their treasure chests and gave him presents: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  And being warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their own country by a different way.   While St. Luke recalls the events of the night Jesus was born and shows us the shepherds visiting one of their own, one who will follow in the footsteps of David as both king and shepherd, St. Matthew tells of Jesus' birth in passing and puts all the emphasis on Jesus as King.  Wise men, these astrologers from the East, have seen a heavenly sign that heralds the birth of a king in Israel.  They desire to worship him and to give him gifts.  As I said earlier, they knew that this was no ordinary king.  There had been no star heralding Herod's birth. So naturally, they looked for the King of the Jews in Jerusalem.  Herod knew nothing of the birth of a king, but was politically astute enough to recognise the political nature of the magi's claim and paranoid enough to take action.  Matthew makes it clear that if Jesus is indeed the King, then Herod was not.  Again, Matthew emphasises the kingship of Jesus in the report of the priests to Herod.  They cite Micah 5:2—and it's not clear if this is their paraphrase or Matthew's—but they point Herod to Bethlehem.  And yet, in the paraphrase we see again an important bit of context.  Micah speaks, not of a universal king per se, but of one who will be king over Israel.  This king will shepherd the Lord's flock—a bit from verse 4 that the priests add to their paraphrase of verse 2.  The Messiah is the King of Israel.  It is only once Micah has established that the Messiah will be King over Israel that he goes on to tell us that this King “shall be great to the ends of the earth” (5:4).  Both the Magi and the priests highlight Jesus' kingship specifically over Israel.  Again, “salvation is from the Jews”.  It is because Jesus is King of Israel, in fulfilment of the Lord's promises through the prophets, that the good news about him goes out to the Gentiles.  The magi are the first, who foreshadow the future.  Matthew bookends his Gospel with Gentiles.  Here the magi come at Jesus' birth, Gentiles come to worship a very uniquely Jewish king and to give him glory.  And at the end of the Gospel, Matthew records the commissioning of the disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations”.  The good news is only good news to the Gentiles because it reveals that the God of Israel is unlike the gods of the nations: he does what he says he will do and he fulfils his promises to his own.  Think again of Revelation and how the nations there, the nations that worshiped the beast and frolicked with the great prostitute, discovered in the downfall of the beast that the kings and gods of this world can't hold a candle to the God of Israel revealed in Jesus, to his power and might, and most importantly, to his faithfulness.  Specifically, he fulfils his promises to his people in Jesus.  It is this faithfulness just as much as the amazing report of Jesus risen from the dead and the defeat of his enemies that draws the Gentiles to give glory to the God of Israel and to submit in faith and to give their allegiance to Jesus, the King of the Jews.  Of course, this carries the same ramifications for Caesar and the other rulers and gods of this age as it did for Herod.  This is what Paul stresses in the final verses of our Epistle.  Their days are numbered, for as the royal summons to the King goes out, Jesus “shall be great to the ends of the earth”. Brothers and Sisters, the gospel about Jesus is good news, because it reveals the faithfulness of God.  He does what he says he will do.  He fulfils his promises.  He does so like no other.  And that's reason for us to trust him, to give him our allegiance, to worship him and to give him glory.  And to proclaim his good news to the world. I want to close with the Collect for today, because it offers a wonderful comparison between the magi and ourselves.  They were drawn to Jesus by sight and we by faith, and so we look forward in hope to the day on which we, too, will see his majesty on full display.  It's the prayer of Gentiles who have seen the glory of the God of Israel revealed in the life, the death, and the resurrection of Jesus the Messiah.  It is a thanksgiving for what God has done in Jesus, creating a new Israel in which the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and it looks forward in hope to the day in which Jesus will set the cosmos to rights and will be revealed in all his glory as both King and God.   Let's pray: O God, who by the leading of a star manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: mercifully grant that we, who know you now by faith, may at last behold your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

This is a chapter from my book: False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible.This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this podcast.

This is a chapter from my book False Christ, Will The Antichrist Claim to be the Jewish Messiah available on Amazon and Audible. This book was originally written by me Chris White in 2014, but the audiobook has been digitally remastered and is being released for free on a week by week basis on this … Continue reading "False Christ – Chapter 1 – Intro and Early Church"

In his study of the Bible, including the Torah, Jonathan Bernis, a respected Messianic Rabbi found overwhelming evidence that Jesus of Nazareth really was the Jewish Messiah. With warmth and transparency, he will talk about discovering Jesus in history, and how it was that the Jewish Yeshua became the Gentile Jesus. By presenting historic evidence that Jesus is Messiah and refuting common Jewish objections, our guest gives Christians the knowledge and tools needed to share their Lord with their Jewish friends in a loving, effective way.Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The visit of the wise men is an important story in the Christmas narrative, especially as we consider how these Gentile men even knew about this prophesied Jewish Messiah.From Genesis to Revelation, God has declared that the gospel will reach every nation. God's heart for the whole world is why we, like the Magi, get to know Christ and worship Him as our Lord. 

Andy Ferrier is Representative of the Midwest Messianic Center. Andy is burdened with reaching Jewish people with the good news that Jesus (Yeshua) is the Jewish Messiah. Andy served on the staff of a small Christian College in Israel while living and working on a kibbutz, an Israeli farm. He previously served 25 years with the Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry.As we read the narrative in Scripture regarding the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ, we do so through our Western eyes without considering Jewish culture. Today our guest unfolds some of these matters to help us better understand the goings on at the time of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Andy Ferrier is Representative of the Midwest Messianic Center. Andy is burdened with reaching Jewish people with the good news that Jesus (Yeshua) is the Jewish Messiah. Andy served on the staff of a small Christian College in Israel while living and working on a kibbutz, an Israeli farm. He previously served 25 years with the Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry.As we read the narrative in Scripture regarding the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ, we do so through our Western eyes without considering Jewish culture. Today our guest unfolds some of these matters to help us better understand the goings on at the time of the birth of Jesus Christ.

This sermon by Greg Boyd explores the Christmas story of the Magi's search for Jesus. Greg provides historical background that opens our eyes to seeing the surprising and radical nature of their journey to find the Jewish Messiah. In addition, it reveals implications about who God is and how he relates to us. 

This sermon by Greg Boyd explores the Christmas story of the Magi's search for Jesus. Greg provides historical background that opens our eyes to seeing the surprising and radical nature of their journey to find the Jewish Messiah. In addition, it reveals implications about who God is and how he relates to us. 

How is it that today's church can read a Bible rooted in Israel, focused on a Jewish Messiah, and authored by Jewish voices, yet somehow feel disconnected from the Jewish story? Have we really allowed the narrative of God's chosen people to end 2,000 years ago, when in reality, it's just getting good? In this episode, "How Does A Church Stand With Israel?" we dig into the undeniable link between our faith and the ongoing story of Israel - a story still unfolding and intensifying in ways that truly demand our attention. With longtime friend Pastor Jeremy Mercer of Connection Church in Corona, CA, we look at what it means to stand with Israel as a church. Jeremy shares how his church actively supports and prays for the Jewish people, building a community that stands with Israel not out of politics but as a fulfillment of biblical promises. Together, we walk through strategies for making Israel a priority in our own churches and why, now more than ever, this matters deeply. On the other side of this conversation, you'll have a better idea of how to embrace God's promises for Israel and move from passive awareness to active blessing. Key Points: Faith in Action: Pastor Jeremy emphasizes how his church's love for Israel goes beyond words, actively supporting and praying for the Jewish people. Scriptural Foundation: The importance of understanding scripture in context, seeing the connection between Old and New Testaments, and grasping the Jewish roots of the faith. Genuine Connection: Through long-lasting friendships and community support, Pastor Jeremy illustrates the power of relationships in ministry. Responding to Current Events: Reflecting on the significance of supporting Israel during turbulent times, especially following recent events in Israel. Teaching Contextually: The need for pastors to preach boldly on Israel's role in God's plan, countering replacement theology and embracing the full narrative of scripture. Pull Quotes: "Without the Jewish story, we miss the full picture of God's love story for His people." "Our role as the church is not political but biblical when it comes to standing with Israel." "Supporting Israel is more than a stance, it's a journey of faithfulness to God's promises." Chapter Markers: 0:10 - 4:30: Introduction: Reconnecting with Pastor Jeremy and His Journey to Ministry 4:30 - 9:15: Faith and Friendship: Growing Up with Israel in Their Hearts 9:15 - 13:50: Biblical Foundations: How Scripture Informs Our Stand with Israel 13:50 - 18:30: Ministry Focus: Connection Church's Commitment to Israel 18:30 - 23:00: Responding to Current Events: Praying for the Peace of Jerusalem 23:00 - 28:30: Humility in Ministry: How Pastors Can Seek Support and Wisdom 28:30 - 33:20: Supporting Israel Practically: Tips for Churches and Individuals  

Join us today as we found an interview of a French Jewish man who was bound with depression and then he found his Jewish Messiah, Jesus!!! Listen in and be encouraged.  

In this Bible Story, Jesus speaks hard truths about being the bread of life. He speaks of how he was sent by God from heaven, and whoever eats his flesh and drinks his blood would inherit eternal life. Although Jesus spoke metaphorically, his words cause many to leave. However the disciples stayed, for they knew that only Jesus held the words of eternal life. This story is inspired by John 6:22-71 & Matthew 15:21-28 & Mark 7:24-30. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is John 6:35 from the King James Version.Episode 194: The very next day as He and His disciples were on the other side of the sea, the crowd had tracked Him down. They wanted another miracle but Jesus cared more about their hearts than their bellies. And as Jesus was trying to teach them these things, they became confused and frustrated. The teaching was too hard for many of those in the crowd to accept, so they left. Later on, the disciples that stayed learned a lesson about God's grace to those outside of the family of Israel, as a Canaanite woman begged the Jewish Messiah for help, hope, and healing.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.