Why would a Christian use a Menorah?
As Christians we believe by faith in Jesus Christ. We do not need candle sticks to remind us who Jesus Christ is because we have the Holy Spirit abiding in us. The Menorah is part of the Jewish faith – a Christian should not be entertaining symbols from other faiths.
What’s the difference between the 7-candle Menorah and the 9-candle Menorah?
7-branch Menorah:
God said to Moses in Exodus 25:31-38: 31 “Make a lampstand of pure gold and hammer it out, base and shaft; its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms shall be of one piece with it. 32 Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand-three on one side and three on the other. 33 Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on one branch, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand. 34 And on the lampstand there are to be four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms. 35 One bud shall be under the first pair of branches extending from the lampstand, a second bud under the second pair, and a third bud under the third pair-six branches in all. 36 The buds and branches shall all be of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold. 37 “Then make its seven lamps and set them up on it so that they light the space in front of it. 38 Its wick trimmers and trays are to be of pure gold.
9-branch Menorah:
The Talmud (Menahot 28b) states that it is prohibited to use a seven-branched menorah outside of the Temple. The Hanukkah menorah therefore has eight main branches, plus a ninth branch set apart as the shamash (servant) light which is used to kindle the other lights. This type of menorah is called a hanukiah in Modern Hebrew. — Birnbaum, Philip (1975). A Book of Jewish Concepts. New York: Hebrew Publishing Company. pp. 366-367
The story of Hanukkah:
Hanukkah or Chanukah, also called The Feast of Lights or Feast of the Maccabees which is celebrated on the 20th December is a Jewish celebration that commemorates the re-dedication or cleansing of the Temple after the success of a Jewish military victory over the Greeks of Syria in about 166 BC. It is said that the victorious Jews (Maccabees) could find very little oil to light their lamp, enough oil for only for a day. But miraculously, the oil lasted for eight days before they could find an alternative source of oil.
This so called miracle started a tradition of lighting eight candles on nine branched candle stick. Each day during Hanukkah one arm is lighted. The candle that is used to light all the arms is kept at the centre. For many it’s very much a children’s holiday, similar to Christmas with special food prepared, decorated bushes and wrapped gifts. But Hanukkah is not a children’s holiday at all, in fact it’s story is tainted.
“History tells us that the original name for the festival was not the Feast of Lights but the Feast of Fire. [1] The story of the Maccabees and the Maccabean Revolt, was reportedly commissioned by the Maccabees themselves, and is found in the Apocrypha’s 1st & 2nd Maccabees, which are found in Catholic and some Protestant Bibles. However, those writings are not found in Jewish Bibles, but rather, the Maccabean Revolt is found referenced to in the extra-biblical writings of the Talmud.
From those and other historical sources such as Josephus’ Antiquities, we know that Antiochus or “Epiphanes”, outlawed the practice of Judaism prior to the second century BC. Idols and altars were established throughout Jerusalem where sacrifices were made to the various ‘gods’. In full rebellion to Almighty God, an idol was erected on the great Temple, with many historically believing it to be an image of Zeus. Jews who disobeyed the directive to burn their Torah scrolls and cease from practicing Judaism were murdered. Some suggest by about 167 BC, Mattathais Maccabees and his sons determined to stop the sacrilege of the Temple and proceeded to overthrow the Syrians. Judah Maccabees took the lead and the Jews recaptured the Temple. According to the various writings they rededicated the altar on the 25th of Kislev or November-December. The celebration for the dedication of the altar went on for eight days followed by the rededication of the Temple to God. [2] Many venerated Judah Maccabees as the awaited Messiah.
For many years, Hanukkah in essence symbolized the overthrow of pagan Gentile influence from Jewish spirituality, and the rededication to God and the Mosaic Law. However, history reveals that the wrath that was dealt out by the Maccabees did not end the path of disaster which Israel had been treading. Whether reading ‘gentile’ historical or Jewish resources, the end result was that the Maccabees or Hasmoneans as they are called, became power hungry and corrupt. What started out for many as a zealous spiritual endeavor based on wrath, became immersed in corruption, murder and destruction, and the eventual act of Jews killing Jews. The war and rebellion became a civil war. According to Josephus, in his Antiquities, within 65 years of the initial revolt, a challenge was put forth by a number of Pharisees towards one of the corrupt leaders of the Maccabees, one Alexander Janneus. His response was to quell the revolt by having the Jewish soldiers under his command crucify 800 of the Pharisees. He then ordered the throats of their children and wives cut, while they watched. While many celebrate Hanukkah and the Maccabees, what many do not realize is that the Maccabees themselves became a destructive force to Judaism.
The initial Revolt lasted about four years, from 167-163 BC. By 66 AD, the Zealots again revolted against their Gentile oppressors. Just as with the earlier Maccabees, again the revolt ended with Jews killing Jews, and many would agree that it changed the course of Jewish history forever. Many know that by 70 AD the Romans destroyed the Temple, burned Jerusalem, and slaughtered thousands of people. The last stronghold at Masada ended with the rebel Jews committing suicide. The surviving Jews were exiled from the land, until 1948.”
Hanukkah itself was added to Jewish celebrations by Pharisees and was not God ordained in the Scriptures. —www.seekgod.ca/legend.htm
The miracle of the oil burning for 8 days is just a legend, nothing more.
Why is the celebration of Hanukkah and the use of the 9-branch Menorah becoming so popular?
Universally the menorah symbolises the ideal of universal enlightenment. The seven or nine branches of the candle stand allude to the branches of human knowledge, represented by the six or eight lamps inclined in wards towards, and symbolically guided by, the light of God represented by the central lamp. The 7 or 9 branches are also symbolic of many faiths leading to one Universal Christ (reference to Jewish Mysticism (Chakras / Tree of Life / Kaballah) and the 7 colours of the rainbow) The center candle is called ‘The Servant’ because this candle is used to lite the surrounding candles. Because of this, this candle is supposed to symbolize Jesus who is a ‘servant’ and the light of the world. But as Christians we know this is not Jesus Christ of the Bible. Notice how Jesus Christ is continuously reduced to the level of a servant, when He is in fact a KING seated at the right hand Father in heaven.
Menorah as the symbol for interfaith understating?
About the Centre for Interreligious Understanding CIU: With more than 30 years of experience in interreligious affairs, the CIU is a trusted resource for insight, analysis and positive action. Through educational programs and policy leadership, the CIU brings people of all faiths together to learn about our history, our shared values and why we must live and work together toward a society of justice and peace. By exploring the theological foundations and common goals of the world’s religions, the CIU fights religious stereotypes and intolerance to foster genuine understanding.
Education. The CIU educates theologians, academics and laity about interfaith issues among Christians, Jews and Muslims including sacred texts, Holocaust revisionism and the Middle East. The Vatican also invites CIU Director Rabbi Jack Bemporad to teach seminarians about Judaism and interreligious cooperation at the Angelicum University in Rome.
Insight. The CIU analyzes major theological developments through articles, conferences and speeches at leading institutions such as the United Nations, New York University and at temples, churches and mosques around the world.
Awareness. Through its historic Menorah Project, the CIU places Holocaust menorahs in major Catholic centers throughout the United States, bringing Christians and Jews together to remember the six million Jews killed during the Holocaust and raise awareness of anti-Semitism.
Recognition. Through its “Faith in Dialogue Award” the CIU recognizes extraordinary individuals who have fostered interreligious dialogue and understanding throughout the world. —www.faithindialogue.org/update/story.cfm?chnl=18&storyid=47
Christians would need to use a Minora to shave? The more blades the better, I didn’t realise they were up to 9 already!
Now thats a stupid comment, if ever I made one:)
Grant
LOL. Stupid, but funny 😉
Deborah, in this article you make an assumption, namely that Jesus came to start a new religion. Have you ever considered if that is really true? Does the Bible support it?
I would use it to burn some candles and have some light – before i used the blades to shave if my electricity had been cut off again…..If if I had a pure gold one I’d probably sell it and get my electricity reconnected actually.
Andrew
Seeing that you are not a Christian but an Emergent (Cosmic Jesus follower), and therefore have never heard of the New Covenant (which is not a new religion) I would have to say you have no idea what you are speaking about. I do recommend a book called the bible for you to read, start at page 1.
Andrew
That is simply one of the most ridiculous questions I’ve ever seen on a blog of this nature.
The Bible does not simply support it, it is what the entire Christian faith is about, therefore ditto the Bible. “Christ-ian” as in one who follows the Gospel of Christ, Andrew. Christianity is found in the Bible, Andrew.
Huh? What a ques… What a ques…!
Debs, Elmarie, Cecilia!
Kees kraayenoord published a song… and I smell a rat.
Ever heard of him?…
Looks like some kind of ecumenical effort.
God of the gay- and singles bars
…God of the fragile hearts we are, I come to you
God of our history, god of the future that will be
What will you make of me, I come to you
God of the meek and mild,
God of the reckless and the wild
God of the unreconciled, I come to you
God of our life and death
God of our secrets unconfessed
God of our every breath, I come to you
God of the rich and poor
God of the princess and the whore
God of the ever open door, I come to you
God of the unborn child
God of the pure and undefiled
God of the pimp and paedophile, I come to you
God of the war and peace
God of the junkie and the priest
God of the greatest and the least, I come to you
God of the refugee
God of the prisoner and the free
God of our doubt and certainty, I come to you
God of our joy and grieve
God of the lawyer and the thief
God of our faith and unbelief, I come to you
God of the wounds we bear
God of the deepest dreams we share
God of our unspoken prayer, I come to you
God of a world that´s lost
God of the lonely cross
God who has come to us, I come to you
Moet nou nie met my raas as ek weer op die verkeerde bladsy is nie Debs!!!
seeming as Christ stands in the midst of the Menorah in first chapter of the final book of the Bible then its importance was paramount to the early Jewish believers in Christ. Just because the later Christianity of Rome segregated itself from the religion of Christ, all the Apostles it doesn’t make it any less significance. This is a typical article by mislead gentiles who have no real notion of the truth but who believe in the religion of Constantine.
Read the bible and do some research into history. you will find Jesus was a Jew, not like yourself a gentile of which it says. ‘Do not give your pearl to swine because they’ll trampen it into the ground.’ Exactly what your shallow religion has been doing for the last 1800 years.
ps Did Jesus die on the cross for you to eat pork
Did Jesus die so you didn’t have to observe the sabbath (check it out it says in the Torah, what you naively call old testament, that Sabbath is an eternal decree for all generations.
Aso te lighting of the menorah signifies the seven spirits of G-d and its lighting by the Priesthood is guess what. an eternal decree for all generations.
One who breaks the least of the commandments has brken the all. who said this. Moses? actually Jesus did.
Its about time someone educated gentiles and stopped their ridiculus claims on the sacred and Holy texts. also if your a woman why don’t you listen to Paul and keep quiet and only have your husband explain things to you at home.
G-d bless
Alex Slade
Alex
Oh my goodness no one here said Jesus was not a Jew nor claim HE was as gentile ….did you even read and understand what was said?
You are being insulting to us? by calling us shallow, do you know anyone here? NO you don’t so stop the insults and lies.
We will keep an eye on your future comments and please stop your insults and before you comment again please read here and read it carefully.
Have you got the love Jesus and the Apostles had in your heart to “educate” the gentiles as you call it? It surrely does not seem that way by your comment Alex.
All the ladies here have husbands who do a wonderful job explaining to us at home did you know that? A Big Fat No, why? Because you have no clue who you are dealing with on this blog.
2 Timothy 2:15-17 (Amplified Bible)
15 Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.
16 But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.
17 And their teaching [will devour; it] will eat its way like cancer or spread like gangrene. So it is with Hymenaeus and Philetus,
Having a menorah at home or on our website, is not going to lead anyone down a path of idolatry. The menorah is a biblical item that God instructed in detail to be constructed for temple use. Now we do not have the temple and we know Yeshua is our light, for the millenial temple will no longer have a menorah, yet, to insinuate that a menorah is a symbol that will lead people to damnation is really speaking from a lack of understanding what is in the bible.
I would like to mention that the early brethren during the days Yeshua walked this earth, and even in the 1st century, had the menorah inscribed on their walls or synagogue walls. Please try to refrain from publishing views that can tend toward anti-semitism. I know some of you fear people getting caught up in new age beliefs, but the menorah is not one of those. I am a Christian and have a menorah at home, and no I am not one of John Hagee’s followers.
Incidently, just because some other religions take the menorah of the bible and try to use it as an interfaith thing, does not make the menorah an ungodly symbol. If that is the logic to go by, then what about Hindus and new agers who say they believe in “Jesus” and also use him in their teachings of Hinduism? I know a Hindu who goes to catholic church because her Hindu religion teaches such. Does this make the Lord Jesus a fake? No.
So balking at the biblical items such as menorah, really is done out of ignorance in my opinion. In any case, isn’t the menorah also mentioned in Revelation? It is mentioned in book of Zechariah chapter 4, in relation to the two witnesses of the Last Days even.
Another thought, do you know that the cross is also being misused by some cults? I am sure you have seen pictures of these interfaith cults. That does not make the symbol of the cross an ungodly one. You get the idea.
Wow! What language I see.
For what it’s worth. I follow the Messiah of the scriptures, the “son of David”, the savior of the world. And He says that to ‘love Him’ means to obey Him (John 14). He followed the “instructions” given to His people by the Father through Moses, and since He is to be ‘our example’, and we are to ‘walk as He walked’, I’d say that you at least find out what He did, and follow in His footsteps.
It’s not abandoning the faith is salvation by grace, for no one was ever saved by obedience, but only through the sacrifice of our blessed Messiah. If Moses were to tell you to obey the commandments, which ones would you obey? If the Messiah were to tell you to obey the commandments, would those be any different? The faith that was once delivered to the saints is just that. The faith of the forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who obeyed the same “Torah” (instructions) handed down directly from the Father in heaven to guide His people in their behavior.
The Messiah never once spoke a word against anything that had already been written in the scriptures. In fact, in Acts 15 we read about the four prerequisites required of the PAGAN Gentiles before they can fellowship with believers and thus read from the writings of Moses in order to learn about righteousness by faith, which, by the way, is all over the ‘old testament’.
The ‘new testament’ is not new…it’s just TRUE. The Father never changes, He never lies, He never changes His mind…He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
At least learn what the Messiah did. How He lived His life. And then follow in His footsteps.
I pray for all of you who wish to have discernment. Amen.
Shalom
What language?
I am a little concerned by the sentence that I read on the site – ‘The Menorah is part of the Jewish faith – a Christian should NOT be entertaining symbols from other faiths.’
I am a non Jew and I do agree that Christians should not be using symbols of other faiths, or really any symbols but Judaism is the completion and fulfillment of our faith manifested in the life of Jesus Christ. As there are Gentiles who haven’t seen the light of Chr-st there are also Jews that have not seen the light of Chr-st and don’t follow their Savior yet. We gentile believers have been grafted in. The New Testament wasn’t to start a ‘new’ religion. It really captured the time from when G-d sent his Son and the ministry He had.
Pro 4:5 Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding;
do not forget and do not turn aside from the words I speak.
6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will guard you.
7 Wisdom is supreme – so acquire wisdom,
and whatever you acquire, acquire understanding!
8 Esteem her highly and she will exalt you;
she will honor you if you embrace her.
9 She will place a fair garland on your head;
she will bestow a beautiful crown on you.”
Sar Shalom
I would have thought that the Menorah is also symbolic of the seven Spirits of God in Revelation. In fact, I’ve heard it argued that the Cross is a pagan symbol (I was in a church that claimed as much and refused to have crosses or allow us to wear them. Yet the same church allowed us to wear Magen Davids.) I can understand that of a crucifix!
It depends whether or not a symbol–providing it is not pagan or anti-Christian–honours God or dishonours Him. God gave Israel the Menorah but not the Magen David.
I think the Menorah honours God and reminds me of his symbol of the seven spirits of God in Revelation. I honestly don’t know what it means but I am happy having one in my home. It also shows people that I support Israel and the Jewish people.
Martin
Did you read the article properly? There are 2 types.
Yes Deborah, I know there are two types, thanks.
I have a minorah in my house and I am also in support of using a mezuzah on the doors.
Jesus is a Jew who brought us Salvation except for the fact that Jesus became the way to God Most High nothing else have changed. Jesus did not destroy anything that was He actually added to it and we can learn more from the true way of Worship of God Most High than what is presently going around.
harry
>> I am also in support of using a mezuzah on the doors.
Why? When Jesus came to fullfill the law and the law was written in your heart when you become born again?
Why are you following after OT law?
Beloved Sister in Messiah (Christ),
I would first like to say you are right in calling out the star of David symbol as well as many other things. We should not be swayed by doctrines of men nor mans teaching but search the scriptures diligently being led by the Ruach (Spirit) to teach us Father YHWH’S truth.
Yes the law is upon the heart, it is the same spirit that is turning the hearts of the children of Elohim (God) back to Him.
I would like to share some verse with you to make a few points:
(Deu 30:1) And it shall come to pass, when all these things are come upon thee,the blessing and the curse, which I have set before thee, and thou shalt call them to mind among all the nations, whither YHWH thy Elohim hath driven thee,
(Deu 30:2) And shalt return unto YHWH thy Elohim, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul;
(Deu 30:3) That then YHWH thy Elohim will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither YHWH thy Elohim hath scattered thee.
(Deu 30:4) If any of thine be driven out unto the outmost parts of heaven, from thence will YHWH thy Elohim gather thee, and from thence will he fetch thee:
(Deu 30:5) And YHWH thy Elohim will bring thee into the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt possess it; and he will do thee good, and multiply thee above thy fathers.
(Deu 30:6) And YHWH thy Elohim will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love YHWH thy Elohim with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.
(Deu 30:7) And YHWH thy Elohim will put all these curses upon thine enemies, and on them that hate thee, which persecuted thee.
(Deu 30:8) And thou shalt return and obey the voice of YHWH, and do all his commandments which I command thee this day.
(Deu 30:9) And YHWH thy Elohim will make thee plenteous in every work of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy land, for good: for YHWH will again rejoice over thee for good, as he rejoiced over thy fathers:
(Deu 30:10) If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of YHWH thy Elohim, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, and if thou turn unto YHWH thy Elohim with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.
(Deu 30:11) For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off.
(Deu 30:12) It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?
(Deu 30:13) Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?
(Deu 30:14) But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.
(Deu 30:15) See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;
(Deu 30:16) In that I command thee this day to love YHWH thy Elohim, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and YHWH thy Elohim shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.
(Deu 30:17) But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other elohim, and serve them;
(Deu 30:18) I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it.
(Deu 30:19) I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
(Deu 30:20) That thou mayest love YHWH thy Elohim, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which YHWH sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
Father YHWH knew they were going to choose the way of disobedience thus bringing the curse upon them, but the choice to live in His ways brought the blessing and life just like Messiah Yahushua (Jesus) said, I am the way the truth and the life no man come to the Father but by me.
We see disobedience caused them to be scattered now only a portion of Yahudah (Judah) returned but the rest of them did not. The reason Yahushua died was to break the curse for disobedience and bring us to obedience. Yahushua said I came for the lost sheep of Israel:
(Mat 10:5) These twelve Yahushua sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
(Mat 10:6) But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
(Mat 10:7) And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Many of the Talmadim (Disciples) letters were addressed to the aliens, or the lost tribes in the diaspora (dispersion). It is a beautiful thing to realize what is taking place among the nations over these past 2,000 + years. We see in Hoshea (Hosea) those called not my people (gentiles) were once part of Israel.
(Hos 1:2) The beginning of the word of YHWH by Hosea. And YHWH said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath committed great whoredom, departing from YHWH.
(Hos 1:3) So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim; which conceived, and bare him a son.
(Hos 1:4) And YHWH said unto him, Call his name Jezreel; for yet a little while, and I will avenge the blood of Jezreel upon the house of Jehu, and will cause to cease the kingdom of the house of Israel.
(Hos 1:5) And it shall come to pass at that day, that I will break the bow of Israel, in the valley of Jezreel.
(Hos 1:6) And she conceived again, and bare a daughter. And Elohim said unto him, Call her name Loruhamah: for I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away.
(Hos 1:7) But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by YHWH their Elohim, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen.
(Hos 1:8) Now when she had weaned Loruhamah, she conceived, and bare a son.
(Hos 1:9) Then said Elohim, Call his name Loammi: for ye are not my people, and i will not be your Elohim.
(Hos 1:10) Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living El.
(Hos 1:11) Then shall the children of Judah (Yahudah) and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Jezreel (Yizre’el which means El (God) will sow)
We see here upon the gathering they will be a size uncountable absolutely amazing what an awesome Father we serve, He is so merciful and patient.
In the Old Testament we see many times YHWH says the stranger and sojourner among you who serves Him will be as native born. He also says He has one law for all people not separate. He wants us all to be one people. The New Testament teaches that over and over. The Pharisees were blind to this because while they built fences around the law they neglected the more important parts of it like having compassion and mercy especially for the sick, poor, widowed, and strangers in the land were being treated like strangers Father YHWH did not want that.
I am so sorry this is so long but I would like to share one last thing with you dear Sister in Ezekiel we find the Kingdom to come when Messiah reigns for 1,000 years. In this Kingdom we see the Tribes receiving their land inheritance again and the stranger who sojourns with whatever tribe they live among will be part of that tribe. Now those who were faithful and receive glorified bodies upon return will be like priests for Him. We even see Messiah keeping animal sacrifice in the Kingdom (Ezekiel 45) He even keeps the Sabbaths and feasts. The New Jerusalem has 12 gates each assigned to a tribe…Here is the verses from Ezekiel.
(Eze 47:22) And it shall come to pass, that ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you, and to the strangers that sojourn among you, which shall beget children among you: and they shall be unto you as born in the country among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel.
(Eze 47:23) And it shall come to pass, that in what tribe the stranger sojourneth, there shall ye give him his inheritance, saith the Master YHWH.
So the stranger and sojourner is as natural born, this is the beauty of it all no division that wall has come down. No separate Jew and Gentile no separation. One people serving one Elohim (God) with our High Priest and King Yahushua (Jesus) Messiah (Christ).
I hope this has blessed you and I am keeping you in prayer may your heart be filled with Shalom (Peace).
Much Love,
Your Sister in Messiah (Christ)
Adinah
Without the law we will not know sin: Paul
We must know the difference between abolish and fulfilling the law.
The only laws that was “scrapped” by Jesus was the sacrifices of animals because he became the ultimate sacrifice for sins.
There are also mant ritual laws that was implemented by rabbis and ohter priests and some by Moses which is nill and void today.
Yet the Ten Commandments and other laws are still standing.
They are all repeated in the new Testament by the Apostles.
I do not really want to go into it here due to time and space.
The star of david never existed and was not used by King David. Actually the Minorah is the symbol for Israel not the star.
Shalom
I came on here because I was trying to find out if Christians used the Menorah at Christmas, and, after reading all the comments, I still don’t know.
John
My question to you is why are you celebrating Christmas? It is a known fact that Jesus was not born on the 25th, but the Egyptian God Horus was born on this day and we Christians have hoodwinked all these years to follow a Catholic holiday as they worship the Sun God.
Now the other question is why would you want to incorporate Jewish faith into your Christian faith? What ‘feelings’ are you going to get out of this statue lampstand?
harry wrote:
Is it true that Jesus is a Jew? He was certainly born of Mary who was Jewish, but Jewishness was determined (in the OT) from the father. Who was the father of Jesus? Our Heavenly Father was the Father and Jesus was conceived (within Mary) by the Holy Spirit.
It is true and correct to say that the body of Jesus is of Jewish descendancy, but to say He is Jewish is not strictly accurate. Jesus was, is and always will be the eternal SON OF GOD. He has always existed and therefore WAS NOT Jewish before Israel existed. The BODY of Jesus may or may not have had Jewish blood but the body was merely a tabernacle (shell) to house the eternal Son of God. Although the body being permeated by the very Glory of God was sinless, perfect and powerfully glorious. The body may have been Jewish (in a sense) The body may have been Jewish but the Son of God certainly was not.
God chose Israel as His holy (separated) people for the purpose of being HIS presence (through a select people) on Earth to declare the Glory of God throughout the Earth to ALL people.
They of course failed miserably, many times, to do this. However, God’s purpose has always been and STILL is to fulfil this (it WILL happen during the thousand years) through this people. Jesus said “salvation is of the Jews” meaning that He and His Father have always identified with the Jews (and now temporarily with the church also).
Jesus is identifying Himself with this people by declaring that His salvation (for us)is from this race i.e from Him.
Where Israel failed, Jesus succeeded to declare the Glory of God to ALL people
These are my initial thoughts on this subject.
Please prove me wrong (if I am wrong) by using the Bible, in case I have missed something.
The lineage of Christ was of utmost importance in both his mother and his earthly father. That is a study in itself that demonstrates the mighty hand of God and His perfect plan.
When Christ was sent to earth it was logical that He be born of Jewish ancestry as that is how God worked, through the children of Israel.
Jesus observed the Jewish customs, but at the same time He came to fulfill the Law with the New Covenant of His blood sacrifice.
I was formerly taught that it was acceptable to acknowledge Jewish holidays and such and then came to realize that many Christians were doing this in error. For instance the Messianic fellowships were actually putting people back under Torah law and Sabbath worship.
People who are Jewish find it more comfortable to attend a Messianic Fellowship so they can retain their culture. But is this really valid? When a Jew becomes a believer it is no different than anyone else. They are a new creation. Do we see any examples in the Bible of converted Jews who still went to synagogue except for the Apostle Paul who went there to preach? In fact, there was a disagreement between Paul and Peter over separating the Jews from the other Christians.
I think balance is needed here. Obviously there is value in understanding the links between the Old and New Testaments and how Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and He is our Sabbath rest. Also, there are Bible scholars who think there may be a connection between Roshahanna and the Rapture of the Church. Of course that is debatable and only speculation but based on study of the Scriptures.
I have seen people go off the deep end on getting into things “Jewish” and even abandon orthodox Christianity and follow false teachers. This is a slippery slope at best.
In eternity, our Lord has His resurrected and glorified Body as we all will, but in heaven there will be no nationality – we will all be citizens of heaven and there will be no language barrier or any other kind of barriers.
John is correct to point out the eternal existence of our Lord Jesus.
There are many mysteries beyond our human understanding that are yet to be revealed when we reach our heavenly home. Until then we must be discerning and not fall into traps of the enemy to put us back under the Law which is what our Lord came to free us from.
Folks,
I would like to share a thought with you – there is a reason that the 7-candle Menorah was only to be used in the temple. There is a symbol of 3 concentric azure blue circles [they should be on a field of white] that is the symbol used to represent the Paradise Trinity. It is the symbol that flies on the banner of Jesus in heaven. This same symbol is recognized throughout heaven. This symbol was the symbol Melchizedek wore on his robe, and it was considered so sacred that no one ever dared to wear but him. Melchizedek was a priest of the Most High. Read your Bible and you will see that he was not born, nor did he age or die. He brought the light of truth here and chose Abraham to be the leader of the renewed faith, and the father of a spiritual nation. Within a few generations, the symbol was forgotten, but the impact of Melchizedek’s teachings did indeed fulfill the promises he made to Abraham, and kept the light of truth alive until Jesus arrived. The son of God who incarnated and was named Jesus [this is the same being who is mistakenly referred to as the “archangel” Michael in heaven], is the father-creator of Melchizedek. We have been living in darkness, and have a long past which has been forgotten to the point of being referred to as myth.
There were two candlesticks in the temple. When the two candlesticks are united they represent the “whole” of the concentric circles symbol. This symbol is meant for all faiths. You will see that ancient artwork represents the Menorah always with 7-candles. We have forgotten the symbolism of truth. The ten commandments even ask us to “remember the sabbath day to keep it holy”. To ask us to remember infers that we might forget. We have done exactly that. We not only don’t keep the sabbath, but we have forgotten the day of the sabbath. These things are all prophesied. If you would like to hear more about the Matchless Moses, Melchizedek and Jesus true life and teachings – I tell you that a greater gift of truth has been received and is available in many languages for people of all faiths to unite as mankind under the sovereignty of God and His universe rule. Our bickering is ridiculous. A day is coming soon when there will be a spiritual renaissance, but not until we experience the tribulation that will bring us to our knees in search of God. I share this with you this evening as one who found peace and understanding of these truths over 30 years ago, after years of searching. It is true that when we seek – we can stand upon Jesus’ promise that we will find the peace and comfort that we crave. I am building a website in an effort to share this truth with anyone is seeking. This new revelation of truth has been published as “The Urantia Book”. The name sounding strange should not astound us. In ancient language it’s meaning is “world of water”, and seems appropriate to those beings who are eternal who visited here in the beginning and who watch over us devotedly. Feel free to visit the publisher’s website where you can read the book online, or listen to an audio version. If you realize that the same God who loved Moses is alive today – then is should not confound you that this same loving Heavenly Father would help us along with new truth whenever we are ready to accept it.
The publisher’s site is http://www.urantia.org/ and mine is http://www.urantiausa-glmua.org/
You be the judge – as for me and my household – I am going to buy two of the 7-candle Menorahs and I will light them every evening as I pray for mankind to awaken to the truth, and await the return of my Lord and Master. God bless you all.
Susan
>> there is a reason that the 7-candle Menorah was only to be used in the temple.
You said it, “ONLY to be used in the temple”
>> When the two candlesticks are united they represent the “whole” of the concentric circles symbol. This symbol is meant for all faiths.
All faiths? So all faiths can come to ‘your god’, whereas the bible says, that you have to be born again to enter into the Kingdom of heaven (John 3:3) Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Jesus Christ, the begotten Son of God, is the only way of salvation because He is the only One who can pay our penalty of sin (Romans 6:23). “23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
No other religion teaches about the seriousness of sin and its consequences of everlasting punishment in hell.
No other religion offers a payment of sin made in full that only Jesus Christ could provide.
No other religion, has a religious disciple, guru, whatever, where “God become man”, all other religions are have mere men posing as something great when they are not. (John 1:14) “14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
God had to become man and shed His Blood, it was the only way the infinite debt of mankind’s sin could be paid, in other words, Jesus had to be God so that He could pay our debt. Jesus had to be man so He could die, and rise again physically 3 days later and then ascend to heaven to be seated at the right hand of God.
Salvation is ONLY available only through faith in Jesus Christ the only begotten Son of God! (Acts 4:12) “12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
>> If you would like to hear more about the Matchless Moses, Melchizedek and Jesus true life and teachings – I tell you that a greater gift of truth has been received and is available in many languages for people of all faiths to unite as mankind under the sovereignty of God and His universe rule.
Hmmm, I don’t think so. The Bible has The ONLY truth, I do not think you have a GREATER truth. If you have a greater truth than the bible, then you are calling God a liar. (John 14:6) “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
>> A day is coming soon when there will be a spiritual renaissance, but not until we experience the tribulation that will bring us to our knees in search of God.
Yes, I’ve heard that all Christians who don’t follow after Satan’s new spiritual renaissance need to be killed.
>> This new revelation of truth has been published as “The Urantia Book”.
New revelation of so called truth that is now where found in the bible.
>> If you realize that the same God who loved Moses is alive today – then is should not confound you that this same loving Heavenly Father would help us along with new truth whenever we are ready to accept it.
New truth? There is no NEW Truth. Jesus IS the way, the TRUTH and the life from the beginning (John 1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Satan (this Heavenly Father you speak of) presents NEW truth.
>> as for me and my household – I am going to buy two of the 7-candle Menorahs and I will light them every evening as I pray for mankind to awaken to the truth, and await the return of my Lord and Master.
So what you will really be doing is lighting your Menorah IDOL(that should only be in the temple as you even yourself stated) and pray that the whole world awakens to NEW TRUTH (no where found in the bible) as you await the anti-Christ’s (Your Masters) arrival.
Susan believes in a Cosmic “christ”, not the Son of God. There is no mention on her site of the Bible, but it seems that the Urantia book takes precedence and is this groups “bible”.
The group are universalists and contemplatives and a real New Age mishmash straight from the pit. How sad that these people who appear so benevolent and all encompassing are so far off the mark.
Shucks, I am battling here with my internet connection again and I can’t get her website open – thanks for the review! I can just imagine.