התקווה המבורכת

THE EARLY DAYS OF PAUL'S MINISTRY by Dov Avnon The early days of Paul's ministry (The key to understanding the Dispensation of Grace) Dear reader! I use the term 'The early days of Paul's ministry' and not, as many say, 'Paul's early ministry,' because the Lord Jesus Christ gave the apostle Paul one ministry and not two. Regarding the fall of the nation of Israel, or perhaps better said, Israel's partial blindness, it occurred shortly before Paul was saved and not throughout the entire book of Acts, as many still teach. The fall of Israel as a nation is the reason that Christ from heaven saved Paul and gave him the dispensation of grace. If you understand this part, it will be much easier to comprehend that all the truths/teachings written in Paul's letters, from Romans to Philemon, are written to and about the Church, which is His body. Rightly dividing the word of truth is not about drawing a line in Paul's letters between different groups of believers or bodies of believers so it appears as though Paul had two ministries. 2 Timothy 2:15 is about studying—presenting yourself so God can approve what you are doing or saying under grace. It is about doing things for God without the need to be ashamed. Rightly dividing the word of truth goes back to 2 Timothy 2:1: '...be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.' 2 Timothy 2:2: 'And the things that thou hast heard of me.' Yes, it goes back to one important truth: to make as many as we can see the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery that Christ from heaven gave to the apostle Paul. 25Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:29Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. Colossians Chapter 1 Download the study

Jews and Gentiles in one body By Dov Avnon You will find in a few places in Paul's letters to the Churches the doctrine about Jews and Gentiles in one body. After knowing the doctrine of salvation and the assurance of the believers in Christ, the position of Jews and Gentiles under the dispensation of grace is a very important doctrine that I am afraid many Bible teachers no longer teach. 11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; Paul had to remind the believers in his letter to the Ephesians of a very important truth that he was teaching the churches already in his first letter. In the time past, before the beginning of the dispensation of Grace, the Gentiles could know the real God only through Israel. But now it is different. This change in God's dealing with the Gentiles is already mentioned in Paul's letter to the Galatians, which was Paul's first letter to the Churches. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Gal 3 Now, after the beginning of the dispensation of Grace, there has been a great change in God's dealing with the Gentiles. They are now Children of God only by faith and put on Christ in the same way that a Jew has to do. 1 Cor. 12:13. It is now under this new dispensation that all those who are in Christ are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Gal 3 Paul became an apostle of a new dispensation because God temporarily set Israel aside as a nation. So now, any Jew who trusts Christ as their Savior becomes a member of the same body as any Gentile who does the same. This is because God is now dealing with sinners on an individual basis and not with nations based on the Old Testament covenants. So Paul asks the churches, mostly made up of sinners from the nations, to remember a few important things that it seems many have already forgotten by 2025 Paul is talking here about Gentiles in the flesh, just as in other places he spoke much about Jews in the flesh. For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh: 2:29 But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. Rom 2 Sinners from the nations = Gentiles, or the sinner Jew = the nation Israel, are both under what Paul called the dispensation of grace: the mystery among the Gentiles. 25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Col. 2 When Paul said that he became a minister and that God gave him the dispensation of Grace, it was for both Gentiles and Jews who trusted Christ as their Savior. In order to understand it, it is important to take a look at the book of Acts. When Christ was on earth, He did not come to teach the Gentiles (John 7:35) but to the lost sheep of Israel. When Peter, on the day of Pentecost, talked about repentance (Acts 2:37-38), it was to the nation of Israel with some proselytes (Acts 2:10). Then we come to Peter, James, and John, the apostles from Jerusalem with the gospel to the circumcision. They were the first to talk to a Gentile but just for a while. ACTS 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. ACTS 11:1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. ACTS 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. This repentance of the Gentiles is NOT part of the dispensation of Grace that Christ gave to Paul. It is not a part of what Paul said: the mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you - this will come soon but not yet. 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. 11:20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. Acts 11 From reading the above verses, we learn that Peter and the other brethren from Judea had the commission to go only to the Jews. Some went also to the Gentiles, but let’s not forget they did not have any gospel to them and could only tell them what Christ gave them for the Jews. It is Paul who, for the first time, received the mystery among the Gentiles. Paul, Jews, Gentiles, and the synagogue ACTS 13:42-48 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles – ISAIAH 42:6, 60:2 – From reading the words of Isaiah, we learn that the nation of Israel was chosen among the other nations to be a light to the Gentiles through the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. But they rejected this purpose and persecuted those who talked about it to the nation. 1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. Acts. You see it is with Paul for the first time that salvation goes to the Gentiles as part of a new dispensation. ACTS 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord. ACTS 21:19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. ACTS 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. 26:21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. 26:22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: 26:23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. Some, after reading the words 'repent and turn to God,' started to build their own doctrine as if Paul, like Peter at Pentecost, was teaching repentance and baptism as part of the earthly kingdom. I suggest anyone who understands the spirit of Paul's letters and his gospel to read these verses: 1 THESSALONIANS 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 2 TIMOTHY 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. TITUS 1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. Now, after Christ saved Paul, the Gentiles did not have to go to the synagogue, as some did, in order to hear something about the living God of Israel. Now they can get it directly by listening to Paul's gospel. There is a great difference between the synagogue, the temple, or the tabernacle. All are supposed to be appointed meeting places with God. But for Israel, God appointed only one place where He would meet them. 22 And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel. Exodus 25 The temple in Jerusalem in Paul's days or the synagogue of the Jewish religion was not that meeting place. When Paul went first to the synagogue of the Jews, it was not to meet the leaders of the Jewish nation and to speak with them about the return of Christ to earth with His kingdom. (See the difference with John 3:1-9). There were, in Paul's days, many synagogues around. It was the meeting place, till today, of the Jewish religion after the destruction of the first temple. The synagogue in Paul's days was the only place where people read God's word: 21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Acts 15 It is in the synagogue of the Jews and not in the Greek temple that we find people reading from God's word. Sometimes when I am listening to some of the arguments that brethren are using in order to promote their two bodies or two group theologies, I am amazed at how ignorant people can be when it comes to some simple truths about the place of the synagogues during the early days of Paul's ministry. When we take the verses about Paul visiting the synagogues during the early days of his ministry, we get a global picture of what he was preaching. However, it is from his letters to the Churches of the dispensation of God’s grace that we learn what Christ wants us to make all men see. ACTS 9:20 ….preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. ACTS 13: …preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews 13:14 …..went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. 13:15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, [Ye] men [and] brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on. 13:38 …. And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. So again – the synagogue of the Jews is not the appointed place by God to meet the leaders of Israel. It is the prayer house of the Jewish religion. Paul did not go there to perform any kingdom miracles or to tell them about the return of Christ to earth with His kingdom and that they should repent and be baptized. It is more important to see what Paul said to the people when he was visiting Jerusalem. 6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. Acts 23:6 Nothing about the earthly kingdom or the promises of the return of Christ to earth but only: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question 11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. Acts 23 And this is what Paul did later as he wrote to us in the letter to the Churches of the dispensation of grace: 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification Rom. 4 at that time ye were without Christ Now after we understand more about terms like synagogues and Gentiles during the early days of Paul's ministry, let's see what he is going to remind the Gentiles in the body of Christ: 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: Gentiles: 1- without Christ, 2- being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, 3- and strangers from the covenants of promise, 4- having no hope, 5- and without God in the world: Jews/Israel: 1- Christ came first to Israel, 2- Israel the chosen nation, 3- God made the covenants with the fathers of Israel, 4- Israel had the hope of the resurrection. It was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Paul asks members of all time to remember how it used to be before the dispensation of grace started. I remember my first years in the Netherlands in 1980. When I told people that I am from Israel and saved through the blood of Christ, some told me that they thank God for Israel because through them they received the Gospel. This was for me a good opportunity to tell those people that it was the opposite. Israel as a nation rejects Christ. It is because of the dispensation of grace that Christ gave to Paul that the Gentiles have an open door to be saved. Paul and but now 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. ROMANS 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; ROMANS 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. ROMANS 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. Paul wants us to remember the difference: how it used to be and how it is now under the dispensation of Grace. The point is that Christ on the Cross accomplished everything for us, but it was not known until Christ himself revealed it to Paul. Peter and but now 1 PETER 2:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God. 1 PETER 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls. When we are going through the words of Christ in Ephesians 2:13, it is important to know the difference between the NOW of Paul, which represents the present days of the dispensation of grace, and the NOW of Peter, James, and John, the apostles from Jerusalem, which refers to the future days after the end of the dispensation of grace. He is our peace: 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances, for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace. We can find much ignorance regarding what Paul wrote afterwards to the Churches. The reason for this carnal ignorance is not because it is not written or because Christ was not clear when he gave Paul the dispensation of grace. It is because you and I, in 2025, are living in a time when Satan has already introduced to the world one of his false teachings: dividing Paul's ministry into different bodies or groups and, as a result, rejecting some of his letters as if they were not written to the body of Christ. This is false teaching. It is false because, as a result, people are learning to reject the ordinances that Christ gave to Paul for the Church. 19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. 1 Cor 11 It is about the teaching or some parts of it and not about the people. There is no doubt in my mind that people like Ethelbert William Bullinger or Charles Henry Welch were great Bible teachers. Like there is no doubt that Johannes Calvijn or John Nelson Darby were great Bible teachers. Or Adolph Ernst Knoch. All of them, each one in his time, wrote many books and gave many Bible studies and have many followers even till our days. God uses people to spread His gospel like Paul says: 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 2 Tim. 2  No one is free from errors in their teaching, but some errors are not just a mistake but a part of a complex of wrong teaching that went into the world. When I use the term false, I am talking only about those issues that are contrary to what Christ gave to the apostle Paul under the gospel of God’s grace.

Jesus is God

אחדות האל

Fast Facts About Angels By Thomas Bruscha "Angel" means: Messenger: Angels are the servants of the Lord doing service to God - Hebrews 1:7,14. They have been used to deliver messages to people - Genesis 19:15. Holy Angels carry out God's will on earth or heaven - Genesis 28:12. They report to God and give account - Job 1:6; 2:1. They praise and worship God - Psalms 148:2; Revelation 5:11,12. They comprise God's army - the "Heavenly Host" - Daniel 8:10. Angels are called: "Sons of God" - Job 1:6; 2:1 "Heavenly Host" - Luke 2:13 "Holy Ones" or "Holy Angels" - Daniel 4:7; Matthew 25:31 "Watchers" - Daniel 4:17 Their Being: Angels are celestial (Heavenly) beings - I Corinthians 15:40. They are just one kind of race of many heavenly beings such as: Seraphim - who according to Isaiah 6:2-7 have six wings and praise God's holiness. Cherubim - who according to Ezekiel 10:1-15 have four wings and surround God's glory. The Four Beasts - of Revelation 4:6-8 who may or may not be one of the above; these also have six wings. There are many differing descriptions of demonic type beings - Zechariah 5:5-9. This is the only mention of winged women in the Bible and remember it's demonic! There are also heavenly animals mentioned in scripture such as horses - Revelation 19:11 Within the Angels are Ranks of Authority: Archangel (meaning: "Chief") As is "Michael" among the Holy Angels - I Thessalonians 4:16; Jude 9 And "Beelzebub" prince among the devils - Matthew 12:24. Principalities - As above, an office held by a Prince, Chief among others - Ephesians 1:21. Thrones - An office held by one who would be a regional King - Colossians 1:16. Powers - An office held by one having legal jurisdiction - Ephesians 1:21. Might - An enforcer; as in military or police or judge - Ephesians 1:21. Dominions - Assigned governmental authority over a territory - Ephesians 1:21. These same offices of varying authority exist on the earth, visible to us as Kings or Presidents and Legislators and Governors and Judges and Police. The same exists in the heavens, invisible to us but just as real - Colossians 1:16,16. Heavenly counterparts to earth are warring the heavens - Daniel 10:12, 13,20,21. How Angels Appear: They are "Spirits" - Hebrews 1:7. They are not made of the earth as we are - I Corinthians 15:48. They are "Invisible" - Colossians 1:16, II Kings 6:17. They are spoken of as "Men"; never as women or as children - Mark 16:5; Daniel 9:21. They however, are not necessarily sexless: As men, fallen angels have procreated with "the daughters of men" - Genesis 6:1-4. They were and are created by God to be celibate: God did not create them to marry nor to be given in marriage - Matthew 22:30 They are "Wingless" i.e.: the Bible never says they have wings. So we assume they don't and there is no reason to assume otherwise. They are powerful; exceeding man in strength and ability - Psalms 103:20; II Peter 2:11. They possess the ability to appear as "ordinary men" - Hebrews 13:2. They sometimes appear as men and yet there is something that distinguishes them as Angels - Genesis 18:1-3...19:1. Perhaps they appeared larger than normal men - Genesis 6:4; Revelation 21:17. They also have the ability to appear as "supernatural men" with radiant glory - Luke 24:4. They are "Created" beings - not born - as is said of the Cherub Lucifer - Ezekiel 28:15. They were created in Genesis 1:1 because they viewed the rest of creation - Job 38:6,7. Because they are Spirit Beings they do not and cannot physically die - Luke 20:36. This is why God created hell - Matthew 25:41 Because they are Spirit Beings they never age. This is seen by the fact that the angel Gabriel appeared to Daniel - Daniel 8:16 then approximately 500 years later he appears unaged to Mary - Luke 1:19,26,26. As Spirit Beings they do not take up space: In Mark 5:9 there were a "Legion"=6,000+ in one man. They are always viewing what happens on the earth - Daniel 4:17; I Corinthians 4:9. They have been wondering, trying to figure out the prophetic plan of salvation God promised mankind in the earth - I Peter 1:12. There is much joy among the Angels; over God's victories - Luke 15:10; Revelation 12:12. Their estate is Heaven - they are called "The Angels of Heaven" - Matthew 24:36 And yet some of them left - Jude 6 They are associated with the stars - Revelation 1:20; 9:1. Most likely they live on and rule territorially within the stars - Amos 5:26. They are not to be worshipped! - Revelation 22:8,9. They are not to be idolized! - Exodus 20:4,5; Acts 7:43. They are not to be prayed to! - II Samuel 24:17. Prayer in scripture is always directed to God - Matthew 6:6; Luke 11:2. They are not to be looked to for guidance! - Isaiah 47:13. God's Holy Spirit through His written Word leads and guides us - Ephesians 5:18. They are not sent, nor are we to receive a gospel message from Angels today! - Galatians 1:8. Our worship, our obedience, our trust and dependence which we owe to God aloone, is the desire of Satan and his Angels and is therefore the source and the reason behind all idolatry - Isaiah 14:12-14 Assignments of the Angels: They have been sent from God to bring messages to certain people - Daniel 9:20-23. Since Jesus Christ is called "The Word of God" - John 1:1; there were times in the Old Testament when He appeared himself as "The Angel of the Lord" - Exodus 3:2. Angels were also sent to assist certain people - Acts 12:7-10. They were sent to protect certain people at particular times - II Kings 6:15-18. They were also sent to inflict punishment at other times - I Chronicles 21:16. Angels were assigned to Nations - Daniel 12:1. Some were assigned to Children - Matthew 18:10. Angels will be assigned to Churches - Revelation 1:20; 2:8,12,18; 3:1,7,14. Angels are seen throughout the Book of Revelation executing God's wrath - Rev. 15:1. They will be used at the second coming of Jesus Christ to gather Israel back to their promised land - Matthew 24:31. The references to time in the above statements, alluding to the past and future days, such as "were" or "have been" and "will be" are deliberate. Since the Children of Israel were God's people and the heirs of Salvation; angelic ministry is especially associated with that Nation and God's Kingdom blessings promised to them upon this earth. Keep this point in mind as we consider this final question: Do Members of the "Body of Christ" have Guardian Angels? Paul's epistles are written to the "Body of Christ" which comprises all believers through the "Gospel of the Grace of God" (Jew or Gentile) from the beginning of his special ministry until a future day in which the "Body" (whether asleep in the grave or alive) will be called up into the air to meet our Lord Jesus Christ in the heavens. (Acts 20:24; I Corinthians 12:27; I Timothy 1:12-16; I Thessalonians 4:13-18.) This church called "The Body of Christ" is a "New Creature" distinct from God's people of Israel who were called "An Holy Nation." The church which is Christ's Body was brought into being for God's secret purpose called "The Mystery" - "Which He kept hid from ages and generations but now is made known..." as Paul writes; "To the intent that now unto the principalities and power in the heavenly places might be made known by the church the manifold witness of God." (Ephesians 1:22,23; II Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15; I Peter 2:9; Ephesians 3:1-10) In other words, God's purpose in saving us today in this "the dispensation of the grace of God" is for the prpose of teaching the angels in heaven, things that even they never knew concerning the many sides of God's wisdom. Most importantly it teaches the Angels how God's wisdom in the Cross has defeated Satan and openly displays Satan's ignorance as God reveals the triumph of His wisdom and powever over him. (I Corinthians 2:7-9; Ephesians 1:8; Colossians 2:13-15) In God's grace to us, He is using us to teach the Angels, and He will display us in the Heavens forever to demonstrate to the Angels "the riches of His kindness in His grace toward us" - Ephesians 2:4-7. Since God's program for us involves teaching the Angels, and since this truth exposes the defeat, failure and doom of the devil and his angels, this truth and those who know it are in a spiritual warfare with "spiritual wickedness in high places" - Ephesians 6:10-12. The armor God has given us is not "guardian Angels," but is the "truth," "righteousness," "peace," "faith" and "hope" found in our position in Christ. Furthermore, II Corinthians 10:4 tells us that the "weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds." They are not carnal (fleshly), but spiritual, for we do not fight against flesh and blood. Our weapon is spiritual. It is the Word of God. Therefore Jesus Christ through Paul, his Apostle to us, warns us over and over not to be deceived; nor lured into the worship of Angels; nor to be spoiled of our rewards through Angels appearing to teach us another gospel or any other doctrine not found in Paul's epistles for us. (Colossians 2:18; Galatians 1:8; II Corinthians 11:13-15; I Timothy 4:1,2) Interestingly, Colossians 2:18 implies that those who would have you believe a message from an Angel or to adore the Angels in worship, they have never even seen an Angel, though they may testify that they have seen an Angel. To the contrary, the Apostle Paul says much about Angels observing, listening and learning of God's grace from us: "We are made spectacles to the Angels..." - I Corinthians 4:9. "We shall judge the Angels" - I Corinthians 6:3. We ought to obey the authority God has established "because of the Angels" - (perhaps because they are watching our obedience) - I Corinthians 11:10. Our position "in Christ in heavenly places" is a show of the kindness and grace of God to the Angels who never had seen such grace - Ephesians 2:4-7. And it was God's intent in forming the Body of Christ to teach the Angelic Host about His "manifold wisdom" - Ephesians 3:10. Paul acknowledges that his words are heard before "the Elect Angels" - I Timothy 5:21. Today, we have the privilege and the ministry of using "the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God" (particularly "the Word of His grace" to us;) and by using it we can assist God in "spoiling principalities and powers" by the preaching of the Cross and thereby, through faith, save those (Jews or Gentiles) who were part of the kingdom of Satan - "the power of darkness" and "translate them into the Kingdom of God's dear Son." (Ephesians 6:17; Acts 20:32; Colossians 2:15; Ephesians 2:8,9; Colossians 1:12-14) As God's purpose for Israel centers around His kingdom in the earth, so God's purpose for us - the Body of Christ centers around His kingdom in the heavens. Angels were used to help Israel by informing them and protecting them as a nation, in fulfillment of God's intent for the earth. However, today God is using the church which is His Body to help the Angels by informing them and warring against the spiritual wickedness in high places in fulfillment of God's intent for the heavens. The more one understands the uniqueness of the age in which we live and how it is that we battle in a spiritual warfare for the heavenly places the more insight is gained as to the ministry of Angels today. We the Body of Christ are teaching and warring in their behalf in the heavenly places. We accomplish unseen victories as we "stand fast in the Lord and in the power of His might" using as the weapons of our warfare "the sword of the Spirit" and "praying always" for "boldness" to proclaim "the mystery of the gospel." From that point of view, why would we have guardian Angels? Rather than Angels helping us, God has given unto us something much more comforting and powerful. He has given to us His Holy Spirit who strengthens us with "power" and "might in the inner man" and "seals" us as God's possession unto the day of our redemption; all to His glory. (Ephesians 3:14-21; Ephesians 1:13,14) Instead of protecting us from all the evils that may befall us in life we are instructed to be "filled with the Spirit" and to learn that God's grace is sufficient. In fact we begin to understand that in our weakness God is made strong in us so that while we may suffer need, go hungry, be afflicted with pain, or suffer loss; we "can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth us!" What a testimony this is to the power of God's grace in us, both unto man and the Angels. (Ephesians 5:18; Galatians 5:22,23; II Corinthians 12:7-10; Philippians 4:11-13)  There is an amazing truth which can only be received by faith. We are told in scripture that our afflictions in this life are working for us. As we walk by faith, motivated by grace, strengthened by God's Spirit, guided by His Word through all the difficulties of life we will be rewarded "a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." If guardian Angels prevented such afflictions, they would be working against you, robbing you of rewards, and the glory God receives through His working in your life. (II Corinthians 4:16-18; Romans 8:16-18; II Timothy 2:9-13; 4:6-8)

"I like to write about the Bible, about God's word. Today, I want to talk to you about 'water baptism.' I am not going to argue about whether you should participate in any religious ritual or not because I am not concerned with what millions are doing. I care more about letting people know about the Gospel of God's grace that Christ from heaven gave to the apostle Paul." 1 Corinthians 1:17 “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” Whether we will go through the ritual of water baptism or not, we cannot change the truth that Christ did not send Paul to baptize. Would Paul be able to be a member of the "Baptist or reform organizations" of our days? Maybe yes. Paul himself was baptized in water and he baptized others. Acts 9:18 “And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.” 1 Corinthians 1:16 “And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. I have been living in the Netherlands for the last 42 years, a lifetime. I will soon be 67 and have spent most of my life in the Netherlands. Why? Maybe because of the easy life. However, I have used my time here very well to preach the Gospel of God's grace. No, we do not have large church meetings. After I started teaching the truth of women's head covering for this dispensation of grace in 2009, based on 1 Corinthians 11:1-16, many left. No, they did not leave the gospel of God's grace. They just chose not to follow Paul in this matter. Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. 3But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. I wanted to talk to you about water baptism, the ritual, and standing for the truth of "one baptism" as mentioned in Ephesians 4:5 - "One Lord, one faith, one baptism." There is a significant difference between knowing the truth, agreeing with any truth, or standing for it. Standing for the truth is far from easy in our days. I was 22 years old with a Jewish background in the land of Israel when I stood for the faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Years later, when I learned about the dispensation of Grace and the gospel of God's grace, I took a stand for this truth once again. I married a woman whom I knew would stand with me for God's truth. It was not easy, but we have been together for 42 years. I am writing these words not because I care to argue about what others teach or believe. We do not engage in such discussions in the Netherlands. I have spent my life presenting the truth of the gospel to those who are willing to listen. Nowadays, most people use the internet to follow my video preaching. They choose not to visit the fellowship for various reasons, such as distance or not standing for the truth. There is a lady whom I know. She was a child when I spoke with her parents or mother about the gospel of God's grace. She lives not far away and follows the online studies, if I am not mistaken, she also visits a large local charismatic church. She knows the truth, but she does not stand for it as I would. Some try to justify it by saying “but I talk about it with other members etc” "Water baptism" is not just water; it has become a religious system. Compromising with the truth does not always happen because you don't believe it. It is often because people want to be part of the majority and avoid persecution. Galatians 6:12 “As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.” Many are teaching salvation by grace alone. Many will say that Paul is the apostle to the gentiles. It does not say that the same “many” are willing to stand with Paul for the truth of one baptism see Romans 6:1-11. Last Sunday, I learned new things. We had a visitor, an old member whom I met when he was 25 years old. Now he is a grandfather. 1 Corinthians 12:27 “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular .” We are in one body with everyone who is saved and has been baptized by the one spirit 1 corinthians 12:13. members in particular will be when the church comes together. 1 Corinthians 11:20 “When ye come together therefore into one place, - today with many using only the internet to learn about God's word. Not many know what is “” members in particular”. I did not see this brother for some years. They left for some reason but sometimes he still followed the teaching through the internet. His wife is joining another church that is not teaching the gospel of God's Grace as I do. Some people will say “I want to have fellowship with fellow believers” Others say “When it is Sunday I want to join a church service”. Sometimes when you are living In a small community this is the place where you will meet other members of the same body. Some need say that they need social contact. We spoke about our children his children, they learned in the past about the Gospel of God's grace in Sunday school. He left the fellowship in 2008. During our conversation, this brother mentioned his children. He said, "My daughter is more focused on the world." In our place, when someone is not interested in a spiritual life with Christ, we say they are more worldly. Yes, even those who grew up with sound doctrine can later choose not to read the bible, have a fellowship, or simply walk in the spirit. Most people care only if they are saved. In our small village, some will say “I am happy that I baptized my child as a baby” or “ I know he is a member of the covenant” The conversation was mainly about his son. They live in a small Dutch reform town with about 20 churches. Although it used to be a village, with families having 5-10 children, it has grown into a town. Some churches have more than 1000 people on Sunday mornings. Years ago, I led their Bible study group, but it was challenging for them economically to stand for the truth, especially if they had a small business. People were hesitant to buy from them once they knew they no longer part of the Dutch reform theology. Sometimes even the preacher would support this attitude. Do not buy from those who are not coming to our church building. In some villages with Roman Catholic and Protestant populations, it was common to have two bakeries, each serving a different group of people based on their religious affiliation. Many young people want to get married, have children, and build their homes. There are not many who are into the teaching about the dispensation of grace. Some have found their beloved ones, who may be non-believers or come from different religious backgrounds. In my life, I have witnessed people entering and leaving relationships. I have seen marriages end in divorce because one partner wanted to stand for the truth while the other not. Being married to an unbeliever is a different story. 1 Corinthians 7:2 “Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.” Read chapter 7 When your partner is an unbeliever, it can be challenging or even impossible to raise your children in the ways of the Lord. It may also be difficult to maintain a home fellowship like we had all those years. Romans 16:5 “Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.” I began writing about "water baptism" not because of the water itself, but because of the principle of standing for what you believe in. Are you willing to stand for anything in your life? Our lives are built on those who have stood for the truth in the past. Imagine how different my life would be if Brother C.R. Stam had not stood for the truth of the gospel and if I had not known https://bereanbiblesociety.org/ this just a sample. Last Sunday we had visitors at our small home fellowship. Old fellow brethren that I have known for more than 30 years. They were young people when I met them and told them about the gospel of God’s grace. Now they are fathers and grandfathers. Like always, we ask first about the children. Like in every family, some will continue in faith, some not. Some will stand for the truth of the gospel, some not. Last Sunday I learned new facts. While talking about the children, some of them choose to marry an unbeliever, and some of them get married to a person from another church organization. We know that today people get divorced, even saved people, so I do not want to say that just getting married to a saved person gives any advantage. You will always need to work on your marriage and walk in the spirit as much as possible. 21Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 22Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Ephesians Chapter 5 So here we are again. A young man or woman who understands that Christ gave Paul the dispensation of grace gets married to a member of the Dutch Reformed Church. They stand for infant baptism, and if you want to participate in the Lord's Supper, you have to be a church member. This involves going through the church confession procedure. The Dutch Reformed Churches confess Infant Baptism. It is not just about water. It is a large system. If you live in a small village with many Dutch Reformed churches and you want to be part of the majority, you need to join this church. You don't need to do anything if you choose to stand for the truth, but in many situations today, young people just don't want to be alone. There are hardly any so-called grace churches today, and not many people will start a church at home like it used to be. They are in love with someone, and this is what matters to them. I was surprised to hear that those children who grew up in the grace teaching and now have a Dutch Reformed partner. Some of them became a church member to please the wife or the man or for the future of the children in this village. In order to be member of those churches and if you was not baptized as a child. You will need to go through Dutch reform adult water baptism ceremony. Like I said before, I don't care what others are doing. It is just sad to hear how far people can go. 1 Corinthians 1:17 “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” No effect - infant baptism sounds reasonable for millions of people. It is a rigid religious system. It is not easy for people to leave their religious system because in many cases, it means having conflicts with their natural family. "Why Does It Take So Long to Explain Infant Baptism?" - "I Will Be A God To You And To Your Children" helps many to understand and accept infant baptism. In reality, the biblical and Reformed view on infant baptism can differ. But who really cares in our days about God's words to the apostle Paul? "God promised to be a God to believers and to their children. He gave a sign to Abraham to illustrate that promise, and he repeated the promise in the New Testament and gave a new sign to illustrate that promise." This is a brief explanation that millions in the world are following. I know all about it because of my Jewish background. I still remember the first days in 1979 after I heard about the Lord Jesus Christ. I was so happy to go home and tell my parents the good news in my life. For them, it was a sad day. Philippians Chapter 3 2Beware of dogs, …. 3For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, no confidence in the flesh. 4…. have confidence in the flesh….. Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 7But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; It is not easy to criticize others. Most people on earth never hear the truth of the gospel or are not willing to follow it. I thank the Lord today that I was able to build my life with the truth of the Gospel. I thank the Lord today that I was able to be an instrument in His hand and to share with people the greatness of the Gospel of God's grace under the dispensation of grace. 1 Corinthians 1:17 “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” To all those who know the truth and for some reason starting to compromise just remember that those “spiritual wickedness in high places” will do anything to prevent you from telling others the truth of the gospel of God’s grace. 10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places . Ephesians 6:10

האיש העשיר ולעזר משל או מעשיה מאת דב אבנון אִישׁ עָשִׁיר הָיָה וְהוּא לָבוּשׁ אַרְגָּמָן וָשֵׁשׁ וַיִּתְעַנֵּג וַיִּשְׂמַח יוֹם יוֹם׃ 20 וְאִישׁ אֶבְיוֹן וּשְׁמוֹ לַעְזָר מֻשְׁכָּב פֶּתַח שַׁעַר בֵּיתוֹ וְהוּא מָלֵא אֲבַעְבֻּעוֹת׃ 21 וַיִּתְאָו לִשְׂבֹּעַ מִן־הַפֵּרוּרִים הַנֹּפְלִים מֵעַל שֻׁלְחַן הֶעָשִׁיר וְגַם הַכְּלָבִים בָּאוּ וַיָּלֹקּוּ אֲבַעְבֻּעוֹתָיו׃ 22 וַיְהִי כַּאֲשֶׁר מֵת הָאֶבְיוֹן וַיִּשָׂאוּהוּ הַמַּלְאָכִים אֶל־חֵיק אַבְרָהָם וְגַם־הֶעָשִׁיר מֵת וַיִּקָּבַר׃ 23 וַיְהִי בִשְׁאוֹל וּכְאֵבוֹ גָּדוֹל מְאֹד וַיִּשָׂא אֶת־עֵינָיו וַיַּרְא אֶת־אַבְרָהָם מֵרָחוֹק וְאֶת־לַעְזָר בְּחֵיקוֹ׃ 24 וַיִּצְעַק וַיֹּאמֶר אָבִי אַבְרָהָם חָנֵּנִי וּשְׁלַח־נָא אֶת־לַעְזָר וְיִטְבֹּל אֶת־רֹאשׁ אֶצְבָּעוֹ בַּמַּיִם לְקָרֵר אֶת־לְשׁוֹנִי כִּי נֶעֱצַבְתִּי בַּמּוֹקֵד הַזֶּה׃ 25 וַיֹּאמֶר אַבְרָהָם בְּנִי זְכֹר כִּי־אַתָּה לָקַחְתָּ טוּבְךָ בְּחַיֶּיךָ וְלַעְזָר לָקַח אֶת־הָרָעוֹת וְעַתָּה הוּא יְנֻחַם וְאַתָּה בְמַעֲצֵבָה׃ 26 וְלֹא עוֹד אֶלָּא שֶׁגֵּיא גָדוֹל מַפְרִיד בֵּינֵינוּ וּבֵינֵיכֶם אֲשֶׁר לֹא־יוּכְלוּ לַעֲבוֹר הַחֲפֵצִים לָלֶכֶת מִפֹּה אֲלֵיכֶם וְגַם לֹא יַעַבְרוּ מִשָּׁם אֵלֵינוּ׃ 27 וַיֹּאמֶר אִם־כֵּן אָבִי שֹׁאֵל אֲנִי מֵאִתְּךָ לִשְׁלֹחַ אֹתוֹ אֶל־בֵּית אָבִי׃ 28 כִּי חֲמִשָּׁה אַחִים לִי וְיָעֵד בָּהֶם פֶּן־יָבֹאוּ גַם־הֵם אֶל־מְקוֹם הַמַּעֲצֵבָה הַזֶּה׃ 29 וַיֹּאמֶר אַבְרָהָם יֵשׁ לָהֶם משֶׁה וְהַנְּבִיאִים אֲלֵיהֶם יִשְׁמָעוּן׃ 30 וַיֹּאמֶר לֹא־כֵן אַבְרָהָם אָבִי כִּי אִם־יָבֹא אֲלֵיהֶם אֶחָד מִן־הַמֵּתִים אָז יָשׁוּבוּ׃ 31 וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו אִם־לֹא יִשְׁמְעוּ אֶל־משֶׁה וְאֶל־הַנְּבִיאִים גַּם כִּי־יָקוּם אֶחָד מִן־הַמֵּתִים לֹא יַאֲמִינוּ׃ לוקס טז 19-31 הנאמר על ידי לוקס, הוא לא מעשיה שנאמרה על סמך פרי הדמיון. מדובר פה במשל שמבוסס על האמת. הנאמר בפסוקים האלו הוא הבסיס ללימוד שמדבר על ההבדל בין ישועה לבין אבדון לעולמי עולמים. כל מה שקשור לישועה או אבדון לעולמי עולמים, הוא נושא שרבים מעדיפים לא לדבר על עליו או ללמד אותו. ישנן קבוצות שמרחיקות לכת ומלמדות שהאבדון הוא זמני ושבסופו של דבר הסוף טוב הכל יהיה טוב. זה מה שנקרא השליה שעוטפים אותה בפסוקים מכתבי הקודש. אף אחד לא אוהב לשמוע או לדבר על כך שישועה היא אך ורק דרך דם המשיח ומי שאנו מקבל את זה ילך לאיבוד. זה גם לא תמיד קל לדבר על זה מכוון שרבים מסבבנו לא שמעו את בשורת הישועה או שהם דוחים אותה כבר מראש. לכן בכל מה שקשור לישועה או אבדון, חשוב שנתייחס אך ורק לנאמר בכתוב ולא לרגש או ההגיון על פי הבשר. המשל הזה מדבר על אמת מסויימת. אלו שמלמדים שאבדון הוא עניין של זמן ובסוף כולם יוושעו, מלמדים שמשל הוא משהו רוחני ולא יותר. מדובר פה כמובן בתאורים מסויימים כמו - אֶל־חֵיק אַבְרָהָם אבל חשוב לדעת שהמשל מלמד אמת ולא עוסק במעשיות. פסוק 16 הַתּוֹרָה וְהַנְּבִיאִים נִתְּנוּ עַד־יוֹחָנָן וּמִן־אָז וָהָלְאָה בְּשׂוֹרַת מַלְכוּת הָאֱלֹהִים וְכָל־אִישׁ בְּיָד חֲזָקָה יָבוֹא בָהּ׃ המשל עוסק באיש עשיר ואיש אביון – לא מדובר פה שעשירים הולכים לאבדון ואילו רק אביונים יכולים להיוושע . מדובר פה במשל שקשור לבשורת המלכות על הארץ. המשל מתאר לנו את המקום שאליו המתים הלכו לפני שהאדון מת עבור חטאי העולם על הצלב. 8 כִּי גַם־הַמָּשִׁיחַ מֵת פַּעַם אַחַת עַל־חַטֹּאתֵינוּ הַצַּדִּיק בְּעַד הָרְשָׁעִים לְקָרֵב אֹתָנוּ אֶל־הָאֱלֹהִים הוּמַת בַּבָּשָׂר וַיְחִי בָרוּחַ׃ 19 וּבְכֵן הָלַךְ וַיִּקְרָא לָרוּחוֹת אֲשֶׁר בַּמִּשְׁמָר׃ הָאִגֶּרֶת הָרִאשׁוֹנָה לְפֶטְרוֹס הַשָּׁלִיחַ פֶּרֶק ג כאשר האביון מת המלאכים לקחו אותו –לחיק אברהם – כאשר העשיר מת ונקבר הוא הגיע למקום שנקרא – שאול אל אותו בור שהוכן להילל בן שחר - השטן שְׁאוֹל , מִתַּחַת רָגְזָה לְךָ לִקְרַאת בּוֹאֶךָ עוֹרֵר לְךָ רְפָאִים כָּל־עַתּוּדֵי אָרֶץ, הֵקִים מִכִּסְאוֹתָם, כֹּל מַלְכֵי גוֹיִם׃ 10 כֻּלָּם יַעֲנוּ , וְיֹאמְרוּ אֵלֶיךָ גַּם־אַתָּה חֻלֵּיתָ כָמוֹנוּ אֵלֵינוּ נִמְשָׁלְתָּ׃ 11 הוּרַד שְׁאוֹל גְאוֹנֶךָ הֶמְיַת נְבָלֶיךָ תַּחְתֶּיךָ יֻצַּע רִמָּה , וּמְכַסֶּיךָ תּוֹלֵעָה׃ 12 אֵיךְ נָפַלְתָּ מִשָּׁמַיִם הֵילֵל בֶּן־שָׁחַר נִגְדַּעְתָּ לָאָרֶץ , חוֹלֵשׁ עַל־גּוֹיִם׃ 13 וְאַתָּה אָמַרְתָּ בִלְבָבְךָ הַשָּׁמַיִם אֶעֱלֶה , מִמַּעַל לְכוֹכְבֵי־אֵל אָרִים כִּסְאִי וְאֵשֵׁב בְּהַר־מוֹעֵד בְּיַרְכְּתֵי צָפוֹן׃ 14 אֶעֱלֶה עַל־בָּמֳתֵי עָב אֶדַּמֶּה לְעֶלְיוֹן׃ 15 אַךְ אֶל־שְׁאוֹל תּוּרָד אֶל־יַרְכְּתֵי־בוֹר׃ ישעיה יד 9 ראו אחד את השני וַיְהִי בִשְׁאוֹל וּכְאֵבוֹ גָּדוֹל מְאֹד וַיִּשָׂא אֶת־עֵינָיו וַיַּרְא אֶת־אַבְרָהָם מֵרָחוֹק וְאֶת־לַעְזָר בְּחֵיקוֹ׃ מהמשל הזה אנחנו למדים שהאיש העשיר ממקומו בשאול ראה את לעזר – המשל מלמד על הפרדה שקימת במקום שאליו הולכים המתים, בין השאול לבין המקום שנקרא חיק אברהם. לדוגמא שנאמר עַל־כֵּן הוּא אוֹמֵר עָלָה לַמָּרוֹם שָׁבָה שֶׁבִי וַיִּתֵּן מַתָּנוֹת לָאָדָם׃ 9 וְעָלָה שֶׁאָמַר מַה־הוּא אִם־לֹא שֶׁיָּרַד מִקֹּדֶם לְתַחְתִּיּוֹת אָרֶץ׃ 10 אל האפסים ד מדובר פה שהאדון ישוע ירד לתחתיות ארץ לחלק שנקרא חיק אברהם ולא לשאול מכוון שהוא לא ידע חטא 27 כִּי לֹא־תַעֲזֹב נַפְשִׁי לִשְׁאוֹל לֹא־תִתֵּן חֲסִידְךָ לִרְאוֹת שָׁחַת׃ מעשי השליחים ב נאמר את זה על המשיחץ הנפש שלו לא הלכה לשאול אלא למקום שנקרא חיק אברהם, מכוון שהוא לא ידע חטא. מקום חם ומלא עצבות וַיֹּאמֶר אָבִי אַבְרָהָם חָנֵּנִי וּשְׁלַח־נָא אֶת־לַעְזָר וְיִטְבֹּל אֶת־רֹאשׁ אֶצְבָּעוֹ בַּמַּיִם לְקָרֵר אֶת־לְשׁוֹנִי כִּי נֶעֱצַבְתִּי בַּמּוֹקֵד הַזֶּה הפסוק הזה מלמד אותנו שאברהם עצמו לא יכול לחון אף אחד – כלומר ברית המילה שהיתה אות בין עם ישראל לאלוהים היא רק אות ואין באפשרותה להושיע אותנו. באותו הקשר יוחנן אמר להם 9 וְאַל־תַּחְשְׁבוּ בִלְבַבְכֶם לֵאמֹר אַבְרָהָם הוּא אָבִינוּ כִּי אֲנִי אֹמֵר לָכֶם כִּי מִן־הָאֲבָנִים הָאֵלֶּה יָכוֹל הָאֱלֹהִים לְהָקִים בָּנִים לְאַבְרָהָם׃ מתי ג וגם האדון ישוע אמר להם וַיַּעֲנוּ וַיֹּאמְרוּ אֵלָיו אָבִינוּ הוּא אַבְרָהָם וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵיהֶם יֵשׁוּעַ לוּ הֱיִיתֶם בְּנֵי אַבְרָהָם כְּמַעֲשֵׂי אַבְרָהָם עֲשִׂיתֶם׃ 40 יוחנן ח הדבר הראשון שאברהם עשה זה היה – להאמין – בלי אמונה אף אחד לא יכול להיוושע האיש עשיר הגיע לשאול כתוצאה של חוסר אמונה ולא מפני שהיה לו כסף. עצבות – אצבע – לקרר – לשון – מוקד אני אזכיר שוב ושוב לקורא שמדובר פה במשל שעוסק באמת – לא מדובר פה במטפורה או מעשיה אלא משל שמעיד על האמת. אני מדגיש את זה מכוון שקיים היום לימוד שקר שעוסק בריצוי כללי, שמשתמש בכל המושגים האלו על מנת שמאמינים לא יתיחסו לנאמר בכל הרצינות. שאול הוא מקום לא נעים. שמחת הישועה לא נמצאת שמה. וּשְׁאַבְתֶּם־מַיִם בְּשָׂשׂוֹן מִמַּעַיְנֵי הַיְשׁוּעָה׃ ששון אמיתי הוא רק עקב הישועה דרך דם המשיח אין מעבר חזרה. וַיֹּאמֶר אַבְרָהָם בְּנִי זְכֹר כִּי־אַתָּה לָקַחְתָּ טוּבְךָ בְּחַיֶּיךָ וְלַעְזָר לָקַח אֶת־הָרָעוֹת וְעַתָּה הוּא יְנֻחַם וְאַתָּה בְמַעֲצֵבָה׃ 26 וְלֹא עוֹד אֶלָּא שֶׁגֵּיא גָדוֹל מַפְרִיד בֵּינֵינוּ וּבֵינֵיכֶם אֲשֶׁר לֹא־יוּכְלוּ לַעֲבוֹר הַחֲפֵצִים לָלֶכֶת מִפֹּה אֲלֵיכֶם וְגַם לֹא יַעַבְרוּ מִשָּׁם אֵלֵינוּ׃ מהנאמר בכתוב אנחנו למדים שגם העשיר הוא בנו של אברהם כלומר חלק ממה שנקרא בני ישראל – בניו של אברהם יצחק ויעקב. הכתוב מלמד אותנו שלפני מות האדון ישוע על הצלב, המאמינים והרשעים כאחד, הלכו למקום שנקרא שאולה. חשוב מאוד להבין שקיים הבדל בין ללכת לשמים בהקשר לזמן החסד וגוף המשיח, לבין לרדת שאולה 36 וַיֹּאמֶר אֲלֵהֶם יַעֲקֹב אֲבִיהֶם , אֹתִי שִׁכַּלְתֶּם יוֹסֵף אֵינֶנּוּ וְשִׁמְעוֹן אֵינֶנּוּ, וְאֶת־בִּנְיָמִן תִּקָּחוּ, עָלַי הָיוּ כֻלָּנָה׃ 37 וַיֹּאמֶר רְאוּבֵן אֶל־אָבִיו לֵאמֹר , אֶת־שְׁנֵי בָנַי תָּמִית, אִם־לֹא אֲבִיאֶנּוּ אֵלֶיךָ תְּנָה אֹתוֹ עַל־יָדִי, וַאֲנִי אֲשִׁיבֶנּוּ אֵלֶיךָ׃ 38 וַיֹּאמֶר לֹא־יֵרֵד בְּנִי עִמָּכֶם כִּי־אָחִיו מֵת וְהוּא לְבַדּוֹ נִשְׁאָר , וּקְרָאָהוּ אָסוֹן בַּדֶּרֶךְ אֲשֶׁר תֵּלְכוּ־בָהּ, וְהוֹרַדְתֶּם אֶת־שֵׂיבָתִי בְּיָגוֹן שְׁאוֹלָה׃ בראשית מב 38 נוֹדַע יְהוָה מִשְׁפָּט עָשָׂה בְּפֹעַל כַּפָּיו נוֹקֵשׁ רָשָׁע הִגָּיוֹן סֶלָה׃ 18 יָשׁוּבוּ רְשָׁעִים לִשְׁאוֹלָה כָּל־גּוֹיִם , שְׁכֵחֵי אֱלֹהִים׃ תהילים ט 18 שֶׁגֵּיא גָדוֹל מַפְרִיד וְלֹא עוֹד אֶלָּא שֶׁגֵּיא גָדוֹל מַפְרִיד בֵּינֵינוּ וּבֵינֵיכֶם אֲשֶׁר לֹא־יוּכְלוּ לַעֲבוֹר הַחֲפֵצִים לָלֶכֶת מִפֹּה אֲלֵיכֶם וְגַם לֹא יַעַבְרוּ מִשָּׁם אֵלֵינוּ מהנאמר בכתוב אנחנו למדים שבאותו מקום שנקרא שאולה יש גיא שמפריד בין אלו שמאמינים והם בחיק אברהם לבין אותם אלו שנחשבים לרשעים. למרות שהם רואים אחד את השני ומבינים, אין אפשרות לעבור מצד אחד לשני. כמו שכבר ציינתי בתחילת השיעור, מדובר פה במשל ולא במעשיה. המשל מבוסס על אמת. המשל הזה מתאר לנו את השאול לפני שהאדון מת על הצלב עבור חטאי העולם כלומר גם עבור אלו שחיו לפני בוא המשיח ובר ירדו שאולה. בית אבא 27 וַיֹּאמֶר אִם־כֵּן אָבִי שֹׁאֵל אֲנִי מֵאִתְּךָ לִשְׁלֹחַ אֹתוֹ אֶל־בֵּית אָבִי׃ 28 כִּי חֲמִשָּׁה אַחִים לִי וְיָעֵד בָּהֶם פֶּן־יָבֹאוּ גַם־הֵם אֶל־מְקוֹם הַמַּעֲצֵבָה הַזֶּה בית אבא הוא בית של אנשים שומרי תורה כביכול והם חלק מעם הבחירה מכוון שהם בניו של אברהם יצחק ויעקב כלומר הם בני ישראל בבשר. האם זאת אומרת שכל מי שעבר ברית מילה הוא כבר מראש נושע ולא יגיע לאותו מקום המעצבת הזה? כמובן שלא ! ואת זה קשה לאנשים לקבל. 29 וַיֹּאמֶר אַבְרָהָם יֵשׁ לָהֶם משֶׁה וְהַנְּבִיאִים אֲלֵיהֶם יִשְׁמָעוּן חשוב מאוד שנקשיב למה שאברהם עונה לו. אברהם הוא זה שעל סמך האמונה שלו אלוהים כרת איתו ברית 9 וַיֹּאמֶר אֱלֹהִים אֶל־אַבְרָהָם, וְאַתָּה אֶת־בְּרִיתִי תִשְׁמֹר; אַתָּה וְזַרְעֲךָ אַחֲרֶיךָ לְדֹרֹתָם׃ 10 זֹאת בְּרִיתִי אֲשֶׁר תִּשְׁמְרוּ, בֵּינִי וּבֵינֵיכֶם, וּבֵין זַרְעֲךָ אַחֲרֶיךָ; הִמּוֹל לָכֶם כָּל־זָכָר׃ 11 וּנְמַלְתֶּם אֵת בְּשַׂר עָרְלַתְכֶם; וְהָיָה לְאוֹת בְּרִית, בֵּינִי וּבֵינֵיכֶם׃ בראשית יז חשוב לציין שאברהם אומר לו שמעבר לברית המילה הם צריכים לשמוע גם למשה והנביאים. אז מה כל כך חשוב במשה והנביאים שהם צריכים לדעת? הֵן משֶׁה אָמַר אֶל־אֲבוֹתֵינוּ נָבִיא יָקִים לָכֶם יְהוָֹה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם מִקֶּרֶב אֲחֵיכֶם כָּמֹנִי אֵלָיו תִּשְׁמָעוּן כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר יְדַבֵּר אֲלֵיכֶם׃ 23 וְהָיָה כָּל־הַנֶּפֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר לֹא תִשְׁמַע אֶל־הַנָּבִיא הַהוּא וְנִכְרְתָה מֵעַמֶּיהָ׃ 24 וְגַם כָּל־הַנְּבִיאִים מִשְּׁמוּאֵל וַאֲשֶׁר נִבְּאוּ אַחֲרָיו כֻּלָּם הִגִּידוּ מֵרֹאשׁ אֶת־הַיָּמִים הָאֵלֶּה׃ 25 אַתֶּם בְּנֵי הַנְּבִיאִים וּבְנֵי הַבְּרִית אֲשֶׁר כָּרַת הָאֱלֹהִים עִם־אֲבוֹתֵינוּ בְּאָמְרוֹ אֶל־אַבְרָהָם וְנִבְרְכוּ בְזַרְעֲךָ כֹּל מִשְׁפְּחוֹת הָאֲדָמָה׃ 26 לָכֶם בָּרִאשׁוֹנָה הֶעֱמִיד הָאֱלֹהִים אֶת־עַבְדּוֹ יֵשׁוּעַ וַיִּשְׁלָחֵהוּ לְבָרֵך אֶתְכֶם בְּשׁוּבְכֶם אִישׁ מֵרֹעַ מַעַלְלֵיכֶם׃ מעשי השליחים ג המשל הזה מלמד אותנו בפרוש שבני ישראל אינם משוחררים מהשאול רק מפני שהם זרע אברהם בבשר. על מנת להגיע לשאול ולהיות בחיק אברהם עליהם גם להאמין ולקבל את הנאמר במשה והנביאים בנוגע לאדון ישוע המשיח. אִם־יָבֹא אֲלֵיהֶם אֶחָד מִן־הַמֵּתִים 30 וַיֹּאמֶר לֹא־כֵן אַבְרָהָם אָבִי כִּי אִם־יָבֹא אֲלֵיהֶם אֶחָד מִן־הַמֵּתִים אָז יָשׁוּבוּ׃ 31 וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו אִם־לֹא יִשְׁמְעוּ אֶל־משֶׁה וְאֶל־הַנְּבִיאִים גַּם כִּי־יָקוּם אֶחָד מִן־הַמֵּתִים לֹא יַאֲמִינוּ׃ יש אנשים שאומרים "אם ישוע יבוא היום אז אני בטח האמין" דבר ראשון האימרה הזאת היא לא הכי נכונה. אמונה קשורה לנאמר בכתוב ולא מה שאנחנו רואים. גם שהאדון היה על הארץ לא כולם האמינו לדבריו הרי הנביא ישיעהו אמר " מי האמין לשמועתנו" או " וּכְמַסְתֵּר פָּנִים מִמֶּנּוּ, נִבְזֶה וְלֹא חֲשַׁבְנֻהוּ׃" כלומר אפילו שאלוהים התגלה בבשר, אנשים לא האמינו לדבריו לכן שוב כל הנביאים מדברים על המשיח ולכן גם אם משהו יקום מהמתים זה עדין לא אומר שיאמינו לו. לסיום – המשל על האיש העשיר ולעזר הוא לא איזו מעשיה – זהו משל שעוסק במציאות שאנו יכולים לקבל או לדחות. נכון לזמן החסד הבשורה שלנו היא מאוד פשוטה טו וַאֲנִי מַזְכִּירְכֶם אַחַי אֶת־הַבְּשֹׁוֹרָה אֲשֶׁר בִּשַּׂרְתִּי אֶתְכֶם וְאַתֶּם קִבַּלְתֶּם וַעֲמַדְתֶּם בָּהּ׃ 2 וְגַם תִּוָּשְׁעוּ בָהּ אִם־תַּחֲזִיקוּ בַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר בִּשַּׂרְתִּי אֶתְכֶם רַק אִם לֹא־הֶאֱמַנְתֶּם לַשָּׁוְא׃ 3 כִּי רֵאשִׁית כָּל־דָּבָר מָסַרְתִּי לָכֶם מַה־שֶּׁקִּבַּלְתִּי כִּי־הַמָּשִׁיחַ מֵת לְכַפֵּר עַל־חַטֹּאתֵינוּ כַּכָּתוּב׃ 4 וְנִקְבַּר וְהוּקַם בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁי כַּכָּתוּב׃ אִגֶּרֶת פּוֹלוֹס הָרִאשׁוֹנָה אֶל־הַקּוֹרִנְתִּיִּים פֶּרֶק טו

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