Bread and Wine

Dov Avnon • September 30, 2022

The cup of blessing & The bread which we break

(In not the Lords supper)


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By: Dov Avnon

16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 1 cor 10:16


There is much that we as saved people can bless God under this dispensation of Grace.  …who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Eph. 1:3 and the name of the gospel that Christ gave to Paul is “….the glorious gospel of the blessed God… 1 Tim 1:11

Christ gave Paul for this dispensation of grace the ordinance of the cup of blessing and not the Lord's supper. It may sound strange in the ears of many but it is an important subject that we should know. You will find many churches in all time that observe what they are calling “Lord's supper” while it is about The cup of blessing which we bless / The bread which we break. Lord's supper became so well known term, that it is hard for people to understand the differences. The cup of blessing which we bless / The bread which we break has to do with the Church body of Christ, the Lord's supper is the Passover meal that God gave to Moses for the nation Israel.

The cup / The bread


16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.


The teaching about the cup and the bread for the body of Christ is starting in 1 cor. Chapter 10. Paul is saying - 15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. Those are the wise brethren in all ages that going to follow Paul in this matter and not man. 1 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.

But why is it so hard for us to follow Paul in the ordinance of the cup and The bread in 2013?


The answer is very simple, we all learn what we know from someone. Catholic, protestant, Baptist, grace, and many other schools of teaching. All of them might have their way of interpreting Christ's words to Paul in 1 Corinthians chapters 10-11.

As for myself in 1980 I learned about the gospel of God's grace from reading C.R. stam book things that differ. His book helped many to come to the


knowledge of the dispensation of grace that Christ gave to Paul. C.R. Stam like many other grace teachers is using the term Lords supper for what Paul is calling. The cup of blessing which we bless and the bread which we break.


Many today lost the light on the truth of the cup of blessing and the bread because of religious theology. They are the ones who changed the meaning of the truth that Christ gave to Paul. In many places they even do not speak about “Wine and bread” but about “juice and crackers”

Another reason why people are rejecting the ordinance of Wine and bread as part of the revelation that Christ gave the apostle Paul for this dispensation of grace, is because of the teaching that is known as dividing Paul's letters into two ministries, groups, or bodies. Others, for some reason, teach that wine and bread are just a good reason to have a yearly church meal.

The cup of blessing which we bless. The bread which we break


The teaching about the cup and the bread is starting in 1 Corinthians 10. Paul is calling the brethren to learn from what happened before. All were baptized with Moses and eat and drink from the same spiritual rock which was Christ. ! The point is they were saved from Egypt through the blood Exodus 12;7 but God want more than just saving people from the slavery of sin into freedom in the promised land.

our examples


6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted:

If we want to understand the purpose of the cup of wine and the bread as Christ gave to Paul for the dispensation of grace, we should remember the following samples.


7 Neither be ye idolaters…. - 8 Neither let us commit fornication… 6 And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings, and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.7 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves: Exodus 32:6 –

1 And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.2 And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.3 And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel. Numbers 25:1


9 Neither let us tempt Christ…10 Neither murmur ye…. 1 cor 10

4 And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. 5 And the people spake against God, and Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. Num 21:4 

2 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: 3 And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. Exodus 16:2

Idolaters/ fornication/tempt Christ/murmuring are the foundation of satan evil plan against God's plan from creation.

When Paul is writing “29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily…” 1 Cor. 11. He is not speaking about our sinful nature that we receive from adam. He is talking about those certain sins as a sample. As saved people we should in all time understand the value of our redemption and “we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted”

Flee from idolatry


11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

Idolatry is not just a sin, it is a system and this system is still working today.

15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams. 15:23 For rebellion [is as] the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from [being] king. 15:24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. 1 SAMUEL Chapter 15


In a society where idolatry is reigning, there is also much witchcraft and fornication as the resolt of rejecting the Word of the Lord.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like Galatians 5

Just because idolatry is still active under the dispensation of grace Paul is telling us:

3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

So you see, Paul is not talking just about our sinful nature. He is talking about a system based on lust. The fact that we are saved and have forgiveness for our sins, does not free us from the possibility to “lust after evil things”

Standing and falling


12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.13

After we receive Christ as our savior, Paul is calling us to “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” Gal. 5:16. A saved pers

….walk ye in him…Rooted and built up in him…. stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught…….: Col. 2:6-7

and bringeth forth fruit…. since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: ….as ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant… Col. 1:6-7


11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts…..Titus 2

 

From reading those verses and many others, we understand that learning about the grace of God in the right way will and should affect our daily walk. This is also one of the reasons that Paul receive from the lord to tell believers:

 26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he comes. 1 Cor 11.

Paul is not talking here just about the historical death of Christ on the cross but concerning what he is teaching the churches

The death of Christ under the dispensation of Grace –

God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death

For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him

Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:1-7

Temptation


There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Idolatry.


14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

 flee from idolatry - worship of an idol

wise men; judge ye what I say

15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. 16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. 1 Cor 10

 

7 For we walk by faith, not by sight: 2 Cor 5:7

15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say – think about it

The cup of blessing – No juice no crackers – wine and bread

It has to do with blessing – it is a moment of remembrances of the effect of God's blessing in our life and giving God thanks.

 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Efe 1:3

is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. 1 Cor 10

We are one body in Christ –


12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.19 And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

The gifts are temporary not the cup of blessing


28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

 

 

The Lords Jesus Christ did not command  members of the Church which is His body to keep the ordinance of the “Lords supper/Passover” . There is no one place in Paul's letters, Romans till Philemon where we can find any instruction to keep the ordinance of the “Lords supper” under this dispensation of grace.


It may sound strange in the ears to hear such a statement while the majority in the Christian world including many grace believers do teach that the “Lord's supper/Passover” is also for this dispensation of Grace.

As a Bible believer, you heard about terms like  “Lord's supper/Last supper/Holy communion or the Eucharist.

There is much confusion among Christians in general about the “Lord's supper”. The reason is not everyone knows or believes that Christ gave the apostle Paul the dispensation of Grace and that we should rightly divide the Word of truth. Not many people know that it is a difference between the “Passover” also known as the “Lord's supper of the last supper” and the cup of blessing and the bread which we break.

Just for our clear understanding of this subject: The Lord Jesus Christ revealed to the apostle Paul about  the cup of blessing and the bread which we break and this is NOT the “Lords supper/Passover”

Why is it so important to understand the difference between “Lord's supper/Passover” and the cup of blessing and the bread which we break? The answer is very simple! The “Lord's supper/Passover” is part of the commandments that Moses gave only to the Children of Israel.

But what about the Words of Christ to the apostle Paul about the cup of blessing and the bread which we break?. Is this not the “Lord's supper” NO! It is almost 2000 years from Paul's days to our days that people are confused between “The Lord's supper/Passover” and the cup of blessing and the bread which we break.


15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. 16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. 1 Cor 10


So let be wise - I speak as to wise men – and follow the Words of Christ to Paul in order to understand this important subject and to understand the difference between the “Lord's supper/Passover” and the cup of blessing and the bread which we break?.

Did you know that according to the Bible and not the tradition of man, the Lord’s Passover and Lord's supper are the same?

1 CORINTHIANS 11:20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.

When Paul admonished the believers at Corinth, it is not because they were misusing the cup of blessing and the bread but because they were celebrating the Lord's supper/Passover which is something different and also with a wrong attitude.  

In order to understand much better the difference, we should first look and see what is the LORD'S Passover.

12:11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S passover


12:21 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the Passover.

12:26 And it shall come to pass when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? 12:27 That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD'S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped. 12:28 And the children of Israel went away, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they. EXODUS 12:11,21,27


12:48 And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the Passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land


23:5 In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD'S Passover. 23:6 And on the fifteenth day of the same month [is] the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. LEVITICUS Chapter 23

JOSHUA 5:10 And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho.

From reading those verses on the Old Testament and many others we know that the service of the PASSOVER was given by God only to the Children of Israel. What mean ye by this service? ….

It is the sacrifice of the LORD'S Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses


The Lord supper with the 12 disciples 


LAST SUPPER / LORDS SUPPER – Christianity teaches that the Last Supper is the final meal that, Jesus shared with his Apostles in Jerusalem before his crucifixion. The Last Supper provides the scriptural basis for the Eucharist, also known as "Holy Communion" or The Lord's Supper”

Christian theology emphasized the “last supper” on the cup and the bread while it was first about the Lords Passover part of the old covenant. The cup of blessing and the bread which we break under this dispensation of grace, is because Christ from heaven gave it to the apostle Paul.

to eat the Passover


When Christ was on Earth He lived under the Law of Moses like any other Jew. When He was on earth the Dispensation of Grace or the New Covenant did not start yet. So when Christ told His disciples to prepare a place for Him it was to eat the Passover.

Ye know that after two days is the feast of the Passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.

26:17 Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the Passover? 26:18 And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at thy house with my disciples. 26:19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the Passover. 26:20 Now when the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. MATTHEW 26:2, 17-20


MARK 14:12 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the Passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the Passover?


22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. 22:8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the Passover, that we may eat. John 22

after supper


26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 26:29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. MATTHEW Chapter 26


14:22 And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. 14:23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.14:24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. 14:25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God. Markus 14


22:17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide [it] among yourselves: 22:18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. 22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.


22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. Lucas 22:17-20

 

20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. 1 Cor 11:20

There is a great difference in the Bible between the “Lord/ Passover supper” or The cup of blessing & The bread which we break. The reason for so much confusion around what people often call: “Lords/ Passover supper” is because they are not rightly dividing the Word of truth. They come short to understand the difference between what Christ told to the 12 disciples/ the Children of Israel in this matter and what the same Lord from Heaven gave to the Apostle Paul for this dispensation of grace.


Even some so-called grace churches are confusing this subject when they are putting in their doctrinal statement the following:

The communion of the Lord's supper as revealed through the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 11:23-26 is for members of the Body of Christ to observe "until He comes


Christ from heaven never told Paul anything about  The communion of the Lord's supper. This is a confusing statement. I Corinthians 11:23-26 is NOT talking about the Lord's/ Passover supper but about:  


the communion of the blood of Christ 1 cor. 10:15-17

the communion of the body of Christ 1 cor. 10:15-17

The cup and the bread are not the Lords / Passover supper

 

MATTHEW 26:2 Ye know that after two days is the feast of the Passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified. 26:17 Now the first [day] of the feast of  unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the Passover?

26:18 And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at thy house with my disciples.


26:19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the Passover. MATTHEW 26:2,17,18,19


LORD'S Passover = Lord's supper


12:26 And it shall come to pass when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? 12:27 That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD'S Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed their head and worshipped.


From these verses, we understand that the term Lord’s supper that Paul is using in 1 cor 11:20 is the same like the LORD'S Passover that God gave only to the children of Israel.


Did Paul receive from the Lord the instruction that members of the body of Christ should hold yearly meals as Moses commanded the children of Israel? No!


The cup of blessing & The bread which we break


Let's see what Christ revealed to Paul concerning the CUP and the BREAD for this dispensation of grace.

23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as often as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he comes. 1 Cor 11

I am suggesting anyone to read few time 1 Cor 11:23-26 . When did the Lord take the Bread? When did the Lord took the Cup?

22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake [it], and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. Luke 22:19-20

after supper – You see the bread and the cup that Paul received directly from the Lord as part of the revelation of the mystery is not the Passover (Lords) supper that Moses commanded the Children of Israel.


The use of the term “LORDS SUPPER” as it was part of the dispensation of Grace brought much confusion even in Paul days:


 20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. 1 Cor 11:20

You see those believers were thinking that it is about meals and eating!

11:21 For in eating every one taketh before [other] his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. 11:22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. 1 Cor 11


Paul explains the Church in 1 Cor 11:23 what exactly the Lord told him:


 11:23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you…., 1 Cor.

Did the Lord tell him anything about the LORD's supper as he gave it to Israel?  NO? The Lord Jesus told him about the bread and the cup.

So what is the bread and the cup? Are you part of that group of people that Paul is calling WISE MEN who know how to judge what Christ gave to Paul as Part of the dispensation of grace? Or are you still confused as many others who do not understand the difference between The cup of blessing, The bread which we break, and the “Lords/ Passover supper”.


15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. 16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. 1 Cor 12


What Christ revealed to Paul is an ordinance (1 Cor 11:2) that has to do with remembrance.  People are willing to listen every Sunday for about 30-45 minutes to a man preaching. In many places, this man even never heard about the dispensation of Grace. People build according to their traditional “music service” you cannot imagine going to some Bible fellowship and they will tell you we are not singing every Sunday but only one time a month or year. But when it comes to the cup of blessing & the bread which we break Satan will do everything that he can to turn us from following Paul in this matter as Paul was following Christ. (1 Cor.  Chapters 10-11 are dealing with this subject).

 So let’s not forget that Christ never told a member of the body of Christ anything about the yearly Lords/ Passover supper as Moses gave to Israel. Christ gave us through Paul the cup of blessing & the bread which we break.


23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 1 Cor. 11

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you unless ye have believed in vain.3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 1 Cor 15

to testify the gospel of the grace of God acts 20:24

Jesus-God

By Dov Avnon • April 16, 2025
Jesus is God

האלוהות של האדון ישוע

By דב אבנון • October 19, 2024
אחדות האל

angels

By Thomas Bruscha. • September 22, 2024
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)

התקווה המבורכת

By דב אבנון • August 2, 2024
תקווה המבורכת אנחנו מאחלים לאנשים שנה מבורכת , או מקווים שבשנה הבאה יהיה יותר טוב. זה נקרא תקווה. הרבה אנשים חיים היום ללא תקווה. בארץ ישראל אנחנו עדים למלחמות, הרוגים והרבה סבל. הרבה אנשים פשוט חיים רק את היום, אין להם תקווה. האמונה בישוע המשיח היא לא דת למרות שהרבה אנשים מאמינים קשורים לאיזה אירגון דתי. ה לָכֵן אַחֲרֵי נִצְדַּקְנוּ בָאֱמוּנָה שָׁלוֹם לָנוּ עִם־הָאֱלֹהִים בַּאֲדֹנֵינוּ יֵשׁוּעַ הַמָּשִׁיחַ׃ 2 אֲשֶׁר בְּיָדוֹ מָצָאנוּ בָאֱמוּנָה גַּם־מְבוֹא הַחֶסֶד הַזֶּה אֲשֶׁר אֲנַחְנוּ עֹמְדִים בּוֹ וְנִתְהַלֵּל בְּתִקְוַת כְּבוֹד הָאֱלֹהִים׃ אִגֶּרֶת פּוֹלוֹס הַשָּׁלִיחַ אֶל־הָרוֹמִיִּים פֶּרֶק ה האמונה המשיחית עוסקת בצדקה. מי צודק ? אלוהים או בני האדם. אדם צדיק הוא לא אחד שעוסק בגמילות חסדים. אדם צדיק הוא זה שבאלוהים אומר עליו "אתה צודק". אלוהים מצדיק היום אנשים אך ורק על סמך האמונה שלהם באדון ישוע ומותו על הצלב. אחרת אף אחד לא היה יכול לומר "אני צודק" מכוון שכולם נחשבים לחטאים. אז אם נִצְדַּקְנוּ בָאֱמוּנָה יש לנו שלום עם האלוהים. בעולם אין כרגע שלום. אנשים לא שלמים עם עצמם. אם נסתכל לנעשה היום במזרח התיכון נראה עד כמה השלמות והשלום חסרים. בכל אופן אם אנחנו מאמינים שישוע הוא האדון שמת עבור החטאים שלנו ןקם לתחייה בעבור הצדקה שלנו . אנחנו יכולים להנות משלום עם האלוהים כבר היום כבר עכשיו. שלום עם האלוהים לא אומר שמרגישים כל היום טוב. ישנם הרבה מאמינים שלא מבינים את ההבדל בין מה שקבלנו בחסדו של האלוהים לבין ההתנסות היום יומית וההליכה ברוח. 6 אַל־תִּדְאָגוּ כִּי אִם־בִּתְפִלָּה וּבְתַחֲנוּנִים עִם־תּוֹדָה תָּבֹאנָה מִשְׁאֲלוֹתֵיכֶם לְכָל־דָּבָר לִפְנֵי אֱלֹהֵינוּ׃ 7 וּשְׁלוֹם אֱלֹהִים הַנַּעֲלֶה עַל־כָּל־שֵׂכֶל יִנְצֹר אֶת־לְבַבְכֶם וְאֶת־מַחְשְׁבוֹתֵיכֶם בַּמָּשִׁיחַ יֵשׁוּעַ׃ אִגֶּרֶת פּוֹלוֹס הַשָּׁלִיחַ אֶל־הַפִּילִפִּיִּים פֶּרֶק ד הפסיכולוגים מדברים על מצב של "דאגת יתר". דאגות בחיים לא חסרות. מצב בטחוני, כלכלי, בעיות אישיות ועוד. אצל המאמין המשיחי, דאגת יתר יכולה לגרום לאובדן של פרי הרוח. לכן נתנה לנו האפשרות לשאול את אבינו שבשמים. איך שואלים "בתודה" כלומר במקום רק לבקש אנחנו צריכים דברים ראשון להודות לאלוהים אבי אדונינו ישוע המשיח על עושר חסדו שכבר ניתן לנו. כלומר המטרה היא לא רכב חדש או ביגוד וכו גם אם אנחנו חושבים שזה לכבוד האלוהים. אלוהים תחת הנהגת חסדו, אינו מבטיח לנו תשובות. התשובה הכי טובה שנקבל היא שלום האלוהים – יש את השלום "עם האלוהים" שזאת הישועה שניתנה לנו אך ורק על ידי חסד דרך האמונה. יש את "השלום מהאלוהים" שזה תוצר של הליכה ברוח ופרי הרוח (אִגֶּרֶת פּוֹלוֹס הַשָּׁלִיחַ אֶל־הַגָּלָטִיִּים פֶּרֶק ה 16-26) וְתִקְוָה הִיא לֹא תָבִישׁ וְלֹא־עוֹד אֶלָּא שֶׁנִּתְהַלֵּל בַּצָּרוֹת מִפְּנֵי שֶׁיָּדַעְנוּ כִּי־הַצָּרָה מְבִיאָה לִידֵי סַבְלָנוּת׃ 4 וְסַבְלָנוּת לִידֵי עֲמִידָה בְנִסָיוֹן וַעֲמִידָה בְנִסָּיוֹן לִידֵי תִקְוָה׃ 5 וְתִקְוָה הִיא לֹא תָבִישׁ כִּי הוּצְקָה בִּלְבָבֵנוּ אַהֲבַת אֱלֹהִים עַל־יְדֵי רוּחַ הַקֹּדֶשׁ הַנִּתָּן לָנוּ׃ אִגֶּרֶת פּוֹלוֹס הַשָּׁלִיחַ אֶל־הָרוֹמִיִּים פֶּרֶק ה ישנם היום הרבה אנשים שחיים בלי תקווה. ישנם לפעמים מאמינים שמאבדים את התקווה. אני זוכר את הימים הראשונים בשנת 1979 שקבלתי את ישוע בתור האדון והמושיע. חשבתי שלהיות מאמין משיחי זה רק שמחה והרגשה טובה. משהו כמו סם להמונים. הייתי שמח בחלקי. רק יותר מאוחר התחלתי להבין את המשמעות האמיתית. שישוע הוא לא רק המשיח או מלך היהודים אלא דבר ראשון האדון שמת עבור החטאים שלי. אנחנו לא יכולים לאבד את התקווה גם אם אנחנו מרגישים אחרת או משהו לימד אותנו אחרת. התקווה המשיחית לא בנוייה על רגש אלא על האמת. צרות הן חלק מהחיים המשיחים. אם אתה מחפש חיים קלים בלי צרות "תעשה מה שכולם עושים" תאמין מה שהרוב מאמין. תתחבר עם אלו שרק מדברים על ישוע בתור איזה עושה נפלאות ולא מאמינים שהוא האלוהים שמת עבור החטאים שלנו. צרות, עמידה בנסיון רק מחזקים את התקווה. את התקווה עצמה שהיא האדון ישוע המשיח אנחנו לא יכולים לאבד מכוון שנחתמנו ברוח הקודש. 13 וַאֲשֶׁר גַּם־אַתֶּם שְׁתוּלִים בּוֹ אַחֲרֵי שָׁמְעֲכֶם דְּבַר הָאֱמֶת אֶת־בְּשׂוֹרַת יְשׁוּעַתְכֶם וַאֲשֶׁר בּוֹ כְּשֶׁהֶאֱמַנְתֶּם גַּם־נֶחְתַּמְתֶּם בְּרוּחַ הַהַבְטָחָה רוּחַ הַקֹּדֶשׁ׃ אִגֶּרֶת פּוֹלוֹס הַשָּׁלִיחַ אֶל־הָאֶפְסִיִּים פֶּרֶק א אִגֶּרֶת פּוֹלוֹס הַשָּׁלִיחַ אֶל־הָרוֹמִיִּים פֶּרֶק יב 12 שִׂמְחוּ בַתִּקְוָה הוֹחִילוּ בַצָּרָה שִׁקְדוּ עַל־הַתְּפִלָּה׃ 25 אֶלָּא אִם־נְקַוֶּה לְמַה־שֶּׁלּא רְאִינֻהוּ נְחַכֶּה לוֹ וְנוֹחִיל׃ 26 וְכֵן גַּם־הָרוּחַ תֹּמֵךְ אֹתָנוּ בְּחֻלְשׁוּתֵינוּ כִּי לֹא יָדַעְנוּ לְהִתְפַּלֵּל כָּרָאוּי אָכֵן הָרוּחַ הוּא מַפְגִּיעַ בַּעֲדֵנוּ בַּאֲנָחוֹת עֲמֻקּוֹת מִדַּבֵּר׃ 27 וְהַחֹקֵר לְבָבוֹת יוֹדֵעַ אֶת־מַחְשְׁבוֹת הָרוּחַ כִּי כִּרְצוֹן הָאֱלֹהִים יַפְגִּיעַ בְּעַד הַקְּדוֹשִׁים׃ 28 וְהִנֵּה יָדַעְנוּ כִּי אֹהֲבֵי אֱלֹהִים הַקְּרוּאִים בַּעֲצָתוֹ הַכֹּל יַעֲזֹר לְטוֹב לָהֶם׃ 25 אֶלָּא אִם־נְקַוֶּה לְמַה־שֶּׁלּא רְאִינֻהוּ נְחַכֶּה לוֹ וְנוֹחִיל׃ אִגֶּרֶת פּוֹלוֹס הַשָּׁלִיחַ אֶל־הָרוֹמִיִּים פֶּרֶק ח 6 כִּי הַמָּשִׁיחַ בְּעוֹדֵנוּ חַלָּשִׁים מֵת בְּעִתּוֹ בְּעַד הָרְשָׁעִים׃ 7 לֹא בִמְהֵרָה יָמוּת אִישׁ בְּעַד הַצַּדִּיק אֲבָל אֶפְשַׁר שֶׁיִּשָׂאֵהוּ לִבּוֹ לָמוּת בְּעַד הַטּוֹב׃ 8 וּבָזֹאת הוֹדִיעַ הָאֱלֹהִים אֶת־אַהֲבָתוֹ אֵלֵינוּ אֲשֶׁר מָשִׁיחַ מֵת בַּעֲדֵנוּ וַאֲנַחְנוּ עוֹד חַטָּאִים׃ 9 וְעַתָּה אֲשֶׁר נִצְדַּקְנוּ בְּדָמוֹ עַל אַחַת כַּמָּה וְכַמָּה שֶׁנִּוָּשַׁע בּוֹ מִן־הַקָּצֶף׃ 10 כִּי הִנֵּה הֻרְצִינוּ לֵאלֹהִים בְּמוֹת בְּנוֹ בִּהְיוֹתֵנוּ אֹיְבִים אַף כִּי־נִוָּשַׁע עַתָּה בְּחַיָּיו אַחֲרֵי אֲשֶׁר הֻרְצִינוּ׃ 11 וְלֹא־עוֹד אֶלָּא שֶׁמִּתְהַלֲלִים אֲנַחְנוּ בֵּאלֹהִים עַל־יַד אֲדֹנֵינוּ יֵשׁוּעַ הַמָּשִׁיחַ אֲשֶׁר בּוֹ עַתָּה הָיָה לָנוּ הָרִצּוּי׃ אִגֶּרֶת פּוֹלוֹס הַשָּׁלִיחַ אֶל־הָרוֹמִיִּים פֶּרֶק ה לֹא תֵּעָצְבוּ כַּאֲחֵרִים אֲשֶׁר אֵין־לָהֶם תִּקְוָה קורא יקר, התקווה המשיחית לא בנוייה על רגשות. האמונה המשיחית היא לא תוצר של פרי הדמיון או מכוון שאמרו לך ככה וככה באיזו קהילה. אמונה אמיתית בנוייה על הנאמר בדבר האלוהים. אִגֶּרֶת פּוֹלוֹס הַשָּׁלִיחַ אֶל־הָרוֹמִיִּים פֶּרֶק י 17 אִם־כֵּן הָאֱמוּנָה בָאָה מִתּוֹךְ הַשְּׁמוּעָה וְהַשְּׁמוּעָה עַל־יְדֵי דְבַר־הַמָּשִׁיחַ׃ הרבה אנשים חיים תחת עצבות מכוון שלהרבה אנשים אין תקווה. קשה מאוד להסביר למשהו שלא מאמין את המשמעות של התקווה המשיחית. איבדנו בן בשנת 2014 . אנשים אומרים לי " אתה נראה טוב או לא רואים עליך ועוד" . אני רק יכול לומר שהתקווה המשיחית נותנת הכוח. רוח הקודש שבו נחתמנו, הוא האלוהים שעובד בתוכנו. 13 וְעַל־דְּבַר הַיְשֵׁנִים אֶחָי לֹא־נְכַחֵד מִכֶּם דָּבָר לְמַעַן לֹא תֵּעָצְבוּ כַּאֲחֵרִים אֲשֶׁר אֵין־לָהֶם תִּקְוָה׃ מאמין משיחי שמת נקרא בכתוב "ישן" (לא לערבב עם תורת שקר שמסתובבת בין המאמינים שמלמדת שהמתים הם ללא הכרה וכו") שאנחנו מתים הגוף בקבר אבל הרוח עם האדון. לכן נאמר לנו לא להיות עצובים כמו אחרים שאין להם תקווה. התקווה שלנו זה הרגע שבו האדון יבוא לאסוף את הקהילה על מנת שניהיה יחד איתו. 14 כִּי אִם־נַאֲמִין אֲשֶׁר־מֵת יֵשׁוּעַ וַיֶּחִי כֵּן יָבִיא הָאֱלֹהִים גַּם אֶת־הַיְשֵׁנִים בְּיֵשׁוּעַ אִתּוֹ׃ 15 כִּי אֶת־זֹאת נֹאמַר לָכֶם בִּדְבַר יְהוָֹה כִּי אֲנַחְנוּ הַחַיִּים הַנּוֹתָרִים עַד־בֹּא הָאָדוֹן לֹאֹ נְקַדֵּם אֶת־הַיְשֵׁנִים׃ 16 כִּי הָאָדוֹן הוּא יֵרֵד מִן־הַשָּׁמַיִם בִּתְרוּעָה בְּקוֹל שַׂר הַמַּלְאָכִים וּבְשׁוֹפַר אֱלֹהִים וְאָז יָקוּמוּ רִאשׁוֹנָה הַמֵּתִים בַּמָּשִׁיחַ׃ 17 אַחֲרֵי־כֵן אֲנַחְנוּ הַחַיִּים הַנּוֹתָרִים נִלָּקַח אִתָּם יַחְדָּו בַּעֲנָנִים לִקְרַאת הָאָדוֹן לָאֲוִיר וּבְכֵן נִהְיֶה תָמִיד עִם־הָאָדוֹן׃ 18 לָכֵן נַחֲמוּ זֶה אֶת־זֶה בַּדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה׃ אִגֶּרֶת פּוֹלוֹס הָרִאשׁוֹנָה אֶל־הַתַּסְלוֹנִיקִים פֶּרֶק ד כי אם נאמין – כלומר התנאי היחידי להיות יחד עם האדון זאת האמונה שלנו ולא המעשים. השליח פולוס מדבר פה על אסיפת המאמינים. וְהִנְנוּ מְבַקְשִׁים מִכֶּם אֶחָי עַל־אֹדוֹת בִּיאַת אֲדֹנֵינוּ יֵשׁוּעַ הַמָּשִׁיחַ וַאֲסִיפָתֵנוּ אֵלָיו׃ אִגֶּרֶת פּוֹלוֹס הַשֵּׁנִית אֶל־הַתַּסְלוֹנִיקִים פֶּרֶק ב יש הבדל חשוב בין ביאת אדונינו ואסיפת המאמינים. ביאת אדונינו מדברת על הזמן שהאדון ישוע יחזור לארץ על מנת לכונן את מלכות 1000 השנים ( מעשי השליחים א 9-11) . אסיפתנו אליו. – תיהיה לפני שהאדון מכונן את מלכות אלף השנים. אסיפתנו אליו. נקראת גם בפי הרבה מאמינים "ההילקחות" מכוון שנאמר אַחֲרֵי־כֵן אֲנַחְנוּ הַחַיִּים הַנּוֹתָרִים נִלָּקַח אִתָּם יַחְדָּו בַּעֲנָנִים לִקְרַאת הָאָדוֹן לָאֲוִיר וּבְכֵן נִהְיֶה תָמִיד עִם־הָאָדוֹן׃ מדובר בחלק מהתגלות הסוד שנתנה לשליח פולוס ומדברת על תקוות מאמיני הקהילה "גוף המשיח" שאנחנו מדברים על "חלוקת דבר האמת" הכוונה בין השאר לדעת להבדיל בין התקווה של עם ישראל לבין התקווה של מאמיני גוף המשיח. 18 כִּי רַבִּים הַהֹלְכִים אֲשֶׁר אָמַרְתִּי לָכֶם פְּעָמִים רַבּוֹת וְעַתָּה גַּם־בִּבְכִי אֲנִי אֹמֵר כִּי־אֹיְבֵי צְלוּב הַמָּשִׁיחַ הֵם׃ 19 אֲשֶׁר אַחֲרִיתָם הָאֲבַדּוֹן אֲשֶׁר כְּרֵסָם אֱלֹהֵיהֶם וּכְבוֹדָם בְּבָשְׁתָּם וְקִרְבָּם הַבְלֵי חָלֶד׃ 20 כִּי אֶזְרָחוּתֵנוּ בַּשָּׁמַיִם הִיא וּמִשָּׁם מְחַכִּים אֲנַחְנוּ לְמוֹשִׁיעֵנוּ אֲדֹנֵינוּ יֵשׁוּעַ הַמָּשִׁיחַ׃ 21 אֲשֶׁר יַחֲלִיף אֶת־גּוּפֵנוּ הַשָּׁפֵל לִהְיֹתוֹ דוֹמֶה לְגוּף כְּבוֹדוֹ כְּפִי־פְעֻלַּת יְכָלְתּוֹ לִכְבּשׁ הַכֹּל תַּחְתָּיו׃ אִגֶּרֶת פּוֹלוֹס הַשָּׁלִיחַ אֶל־הַפִּילִפִּיִּים פֶּרֶק ג קורא יקר, אנחנו חיים בזמנים לא קלים וביחוד לאור המצב בארץ ישראל. למרות שאני כותב מהולנד ואולי יותר קל לי. אני מדגיש שאסור לנו לאבד את התקווה. אין צורך גם שנאבד את התקווה אם אנחנו מסתכלים לעבר האדון ישוע המשיח ואושר חסדו. בשורת חסד האלוהים שהאדון ישוע הפקיד בידי השליח פולוס עבור קהילת המאמינים, יש בכוחה לחזק אותנו ולבנות אותנו גם אם בחוץ הכל סוער. יום טוב לכולם והתחזקות באדונינו ישוע המשיח.

water baptism

By dov avnon • April 27, 2024
"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

By דב אבנון • February 9, 2024
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 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