Roots of Faith

Journey Thru the Gospel - Fishers of Men

Ross Nichols — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 02:45:07 +0000

In this week’s class, Ross covers his understanding of Yeshua’s charge to his first followers - “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men”.

He ties this saying attributed to Yeshua to an ancient prophecy in Jeremiah and then takes his audience even further back to the patriarch Jacob’s blessing over Joseph’s sons.

Was this initial call somehow part of an ancient plan?

You will not want to miss this interesting view on these words of Yeshua.

Journey Through Gospel - Worship and Salvation

Ross Nichols — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:44:59 +0000

In this week’s class, Ross teaches from the 4th chapter of John. He talks on two subjects; (1) worship and (2) Salvation. These two themes are important to understand in order to grasp what the Bible is teaching.

The Bible is clear that our worship is to be directed to YHWH only. See Matthew 4:8-10, Deuteronomy 6:10-15, 10:12-22, Joshua 23:1-13.

See the following in Revelation:

Revelation 14:6-7 - Note what it says of “eternal Gospel”.
Revelation 15:1-4
Revelation 19:9-10
Revelation 22:8-9

The second part of the class covers the subject of “Salvation”. Ross defines salvation. What does the word mean? Saved from what?

Psalm 118 is a very important text in our understanding of the idea of salvation.

We learn in this week that that YHWH is our Savior. Ross covers several verses on this subject.

All who call upon the name of YHWH will be saved - Joel 2:32

You will not want to miss this class.

Journey Thru the Gospel - Part 4 - Eternal Life

Ross Nichols — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 02:24:36 +0000

In this week’s class, Ross picks up with the second part of the conversation between Yeshua and Nicodemus. Here we find them conversing about Eternal life. The basis for this teaching is found in John 3:12-21.

The Hebrew Bible has only a few passages that speak specifically about “eternal life”; see Genesis 3:22 and Daniel 12:12 for examples.

Ross asks the question, “What shall we do to inherit eternal life?”

Yeshua compared his death to a bizarre story in the book of Numbers. He teaches from the 21st chapter and the story of the “Serpent” that Moses crafted and put upon a pole. This became an idol to the people.

You will not want to miss this class as Ross makes some interesting parallels between the death of Yeshua and the serpent in the wilderness.

Comments on Torah Reading Shelach (Numbers 13:1-15:41)

Ross Nichols — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 06:24:26 +0000

These are some of my notes for the Torah portion this week.

This week’s Torah lesson begins with a story about Moses sending out leaders from every tribe (except Levi) to explore the land of Canaan. They are often referred to as “spies”, but the Hebrew word “tur” literally means to seek out or explore. Their purpose is to bring back information - specific information requested by Moses and so in a way, they are to “spy out” the land.

Chapter 13:4-15 gives the names of these leaders.

Two of these leaders (interestingly enough…one from Judah and one from Ephraim) bring back a good report while the others give an “unfavorable report” (see 14:32). They are to search out and report on the following:

1. What is the land like?
2. Are the people weak or strong?
3. Are they few or many?
4. Is the land good or bad?
5. Are the towns walled or not?
6. Are there trees or not?

And finally they are told to “be bold” and bring back some of the fruit of the land (13:17-20).

The reconnaissance mission takes them 40 days. Caleb, the leader representing the tribe of Judah and Hoshea, the leader representing the tribe of Ephraim (whose name is changed by Moses to Yehoshua - 14:16) bring back the good report.

There is a lot of clamor in the camp as the “spies” relate what they saw. Caleb quiets the people before Moses and tries to encourage the people to take possession, but again this week we find the people complaining and even desiring death or a return to Egypt rather than the prospect of pushing onward into the land of promise.

I find that the allure of what one knows can be very distracting to people in the quest. The unknown is not the popular choice for most, and slavery can be difficult to shake off. People can grow comfortable in the most uncomfortable situations.

The valiant two give the people their best arguments to move ahead. They tell the Israelites that the LORD is with them and warn the people not to “rebel against the LORD”, but this only brought them threats of stoning (14:5-10)!

God is angered by the poor choice of the people and wants to destroy them, disinherit them and start over with Moses (14:11-12). Moses intercedes for the people reminding God of His very nature. Notice what he says -

“Let the power of the LORD be great in the way that you promised when you spoke, saying: The LORD is slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love (hesed), forgiving iniquity and transgressing, but by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the parents upon the children to the third and the fourth generation.” This becomes a repeated description of God throughout the Bible (see Nehemiah 9:17, Psalm 86:15, 103:8, 145:8, Joel 2:13, and Jonah 4:2). One should study these words closely.

God listens to the voice of Moses and agrees to forgive (14:20) but then says something quite remarkable. He swears that “the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD”. We read elsewhere of this global mission. I understand this to mean that the taking of the land was to be the beginning of something incredible. Israel’s mission would be manifested from this promised land. From there they would become a Light unto the nations! Here we read that the “glory of the LORD” would fill the earth. Notice the following passages from the prophets:

KJV Isaiah 11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

KJV Habakkuk 2:14 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

This is the goal and meaning of history - it is the manifestation of God’s Kingdom on earth.

God is persuaded by the intercession of Moses, but the penalty of unfaithfulness will be paid in full. These leaders had “spied out the land for forty days” and brought back a bad report and so they would now bear their iniquity - a year for every day! They would learn God’s displeasure and would die in the wilderness. Ironically, this is what they had requested (14:2).

Chapter 15 describes various offerings that were to be offered when they did finally cross into the land. In 15:14-16, we read that the alien who resides with Israel shall do as the Israelites do. They are to have and keep the same ordinances as every natural Israelite. See also verse 29 for the same idea dealing with “atonement”.

The torah reading ends with a passage requiring the wearing of “fringes - tzittzit” on the corners of their garments(15:37-41). See also Deuteronomy 22:12.

This Torah reading offers some insights into what is expected of those who find themselves in a leadership role among the people of God. Our faith in God must be strong. Even when things look ominous, we must keep our eyes on God and not allow circumstances or situations to influence our walk with God, or keep us from fulfilling His commands.

We should seek to intercede for the people of God. Moses learned to reason with God based upon “knowing” his character. This week’s lesson contains an excellent description of God’s character. We should learn it by heart!

We also learn that God gives us challenges that He will help us through. These may seem impossible, but they often put us in a place to be a light to those around us. Have faith and be bold. Stand on God’s word and you cannot fail.

A valuable lesson is communicated in this Torah portion that is often overlooked. Forgiveness does not free us from the consequences of our sins. We must often bear our iniquity - and this sometimes takes years to play its course.

I hope that you will take the time to read and study this Torah portion. There is much to be gleaned and I have only scratched the surface. Shalom and good reading!

Ross K. Nichols
www.RootsofFaith.org

Gospel Studies, Part 3 - The New Birth

Ross Nichols — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:05:58 +0000

In this week’s class, Ross continues his journey through the gospel and begins to incorporate the Gospel of John.

He shows that some of the ideas from the Gospels have been taken out of their Hebraic context and misunderstood. He focuses on the conversation between Yeshua and Nicodemus, who may be a well known figure (the Talmudic Nicodemus ben Gorion).

What is the new birth? Was this concept in the Hebrew Bible? Ross shows that it is and brings us back to the idea that the Torah is and always has been a matter of the heart.

You will not want to miss this class.

Remarks on Torah Reading Be-Ha’alotcha - Numbers 8:1-12:16

Ross Nichols — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:34:28 +0000

I wanted to post some of my notes this week related to my personal study of the weekly parsha called Be-Ha’alotcha (translated, “When you put up”). It has some key points and some of the most interesting - though seemingly unconnected stories.

It begins with instructions for the “putting up” of the menorah, and speaks of the “purification of the Levites”, who according to the literal reading of the Hebrew (8:16) are “given, yes given” to YHWH.

There is allowance made for a “make up” Passover for those that were on a journey or impure when the Pesach of the first month was kept.

In Chapter 9, we read an interesting point that “there will be one statute for you (pl) and for the stranger and for the citizen of the land”. I love this idea. There are many out there that place artificial distinctions between Israel and humanity. It is my opinion that all of the world will be instructed into the “Way of YHWH”. Indeed this is the reason for Israel serving as a nation of Priests, being given a charge to be a light to the nations, etc. One only has to read Isaiah chapters 2 and 56 (for example) to see that this is the goal for humanity.

Chapter 9:15-23 we read of the cloud and how it guided the travels of the Israelites. I had not noticed it in previous readings of this text, but the movement of the cloud and the reaction to this move by the people following, are closely associated with their obedience to the “word of YHWH” (mouth might be a better rendering).

Chapter 10 deals with the reasons for the sounding of the trumpets and the order of travel for the tribes.

Chapter 11 switches gears on us. Here we meet with much complaining by the people. They long to return to Egypt. I guess this had me thinking. Often, I meet people who have left their “spiritual Egypt”, but for one reason or another they begin to crave the things that they had there. The provision of God begins to lose its flavor and they want to return. These complaints are “bad in the ears of YHWH” and His anger is flared - and subsequently we read that it was bad in Moses’ eyes. The people still direct their complaints to the man Moses and not to God. In this week’s lesson we see that despite Moses’ humility - he is becoming a bit tired. The people lash out at Moses and he unloads on God. He feels that he is carrying the burden alone and asks God to kill him if things continue as they are. I think that it is interesting to note that God does not react…or should I say over-react to Moses when he makes this comment. In fact, he seemingly ignores his drama altogether and just resolves the issues at hand. Often, I think we take comments of others and over-react causing more problems rather than setting forth solutions. This can be a lesson to us all. God does not chide Moses for his exaggerated remark, He merely sets things straight. Read it and see how God “fixes” the problem!

In verse 20 we find that God informs Moses what he should relate to the complainers. If they want what they had in Egypt, then that is what they shall get. Not just a taste of what they had, but enough that it will run out of their noses! It should be noted that this is a result of their “rejecting YHWH”. This is very similar to the later demand for a King like the nations. Often, I find that God fulfills the request of His people, even when they are in rebellion. He allows them what they ask for in order that they will realize what they have done and return to His ways. Be careful what you ask for!

This Torah reading also contains some interesting points on the imparting of the Spirit. Chapter 11:1-18, and 24-25 reveal the solution to Moses carrying the whole burden alone. God takes some of the Spirit that is upon Moses and shares it with the “70″. They prophesy as an indication that the Spirit is on them, but then it says that they did not do so again (v.25). One is reminded of the story in 1 Samuel 10. Of particular note is what is recorded in 1 Samuel 10:6 - When the spirit comes upon you…you will become a different man! How true is this? When people claim to be spirit filled and continue to practice their ungodly behavior, one has to wonder if their claims are true. When Moses is informed that some are in the camp prophesying and that he should make them stop - he says that he wished all YHWH’s people were prophets. This is important. Too often leaders want to be in charge and have others in servitude to themselves. Not so with Moses! Yeshua said that this is the way Gentiles think. Many churches are full of this in their pastor adoration! We should all learn from this. An interesting play on words that shows up in the Hebrew comes next. Moses has just asked the YHWH “put his Spirit on” the people so that they could all be prophets. In the very next verse, the “Ruach” does indeed travel to the people, but translated as “wind”, the Ruach from YHWH brings the quail that the people craved! Be careful what you ask for!

In Chapter 12, we find Aaron and Miriam complaining against Moses. This is a remarkable story! God calls them into account for their challenge against Moses. He would later ask them, “Why did you not fear to speak against my servant Moses?!” We should learn from this that one should be very cautious when speaking words against the meekest man on all the earth. God spoke to him, mouth to mouth and he saw the “form of YHWH”! For her part in this, Miriam is afflicted. I find it very instructive to read the prayer that Moses offers on her behalf. I have been in prayer meetings with many over the years where people petition God with many words. Yeshua talks of this repetitious prayer practice. Do we think that we must go on and on for God to hear us and answer? Moses says 5 Hebrew words and God acts. “God, please heal her please.” We should learn from this. So this is my summary of the Torah reading for this week. Study it and learn from it.

The festival of Shavuoth has just passed. I pray that like the ancient Israelites, we receive the Torah afresh. Put these words in your heart. Be humble, seek God and keep your prayers simple. Plead with God on behalf of others - even when they do wrong to you. Moses wished that all of God’s people were prophets and that He would put his spirit on all of them. I pray that as well.

Have a great week. Shalom, Ross

Sunday Shul - The Un-Named Feast

Ross Nichols — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 02:41:38 +0000

In this week’s class, Ross talks about the most significant day in human history. Can a nation be born in one day? The answer is yes, and in this week’s class, Ross talks about this very thing.

Here are some of the texts that Ross covers in this class:

Exodus 5:1, 10:9
Exodus 19:16-20
Exodus 3:1-4
Deuteronomy 4:32-40
Deuteronomy 5:1-5
Deuteronomy 33:1-2

The events described in these texts describe the giving of God’s “fire law” and inscribing these words with his finger (Exodus 31:18, Deuteronomy 9:8-14).

The themes of fire and the 50th day show up again in Acts chapter 2.

You will not want to miss this class. What was the name of this feast?