The Oracles or first principles of Christ.

The Oracles or first principles of Christ.
The bible is a Jewish book.
Romans 11:25 25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27 For this is my covenant unto them, (JEWISH NATION) when I shall take away their sins. ( This was Paul writing to us Gentiles so we could understand what Jesus said in Luke 21:
Luke 21:20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, (AD 70) then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. 21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. ( This was Paul writing Romans 11:25 to us Gentiles so we could understand what Jesus said in Luke 21: The christian Jews and Gentiles left Jerusalem in a great Cloud of dust, most were already gone.
So we have had the days of Vengenance in AD 70.
Paul to the Romans 3:1 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? 2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed (All) the oracles of God.3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? We are to provoke the Jew to What?) "Jealousy" Romans 10:19 But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you. (Gentiles) (Have we as saved Gentiles done this yet?)
Romans 11:11 I say then, Have they (the Jews) stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
The oracles of God occurs just three times in the Bible. Paul is emphasizing the great privilege and responsibility that was committed to the Jews when God gave His "oracles" to them, a word implying "divinely inspired utterances."> (The Common wealth of Isreal.) >What is it? Not the Ten Commanants! Steven althought called them Lively oracles. Paul said when the commandment came sin revived and I died. (When the Law was given at Mount Sinai we died also.
At Mount Sinai 3000 fell but at the Pentecost 3000 lived. So the law is aganst us it brings death, but the Oracles in Hebrews 6 brings life to the teachers and the hearers. See Romans 7:8-10
Romans 7:8-10 8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. (Got it )9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. (Got it?,) 10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.
Then the author of Hebrews rebuked those Hebrew Christians who had still not learned the very "first principles of the oracles of God," despite having been professing Christians for a long time (Hebrews 5:12). Finally, the apostle Peter urged his readers: "If any man speak, (Or write?) let him speak as the oracles of God" (1Peter 4:11.) That is, anyone who presumes to speak for the Lord must "Preach the word" (II Timothy 4:2). It is not our words, but His words that are "quick, and powerful" (Hebrews 4:12). The fact, Stephen called them "the lively [or `living'] oracles" (Acts 7:37-38). NIV 37 "This is that Moses who told the Israelites, 'God will send you a prophet like me from your own people." (He meant JESUS) 38 He was in the assembly in the desert, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers; and he received living words to pass on to us. Deut. 18:15
Paul to Timothy below.
2 Timothy 4:2 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
The ten Commandants was taught to them in the wilderness before they were written on stone.)
Jewish Christans in Hebrews and also us Gentiles today.
Hebrews 5:12 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
He mentions Christ Jesus as being " Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchizedek." In the Old Testament, the oracles of God, Melchizedek was held forth as an eminent type of Christ; and the account we there have of him contains many gospel mysteries. These mysteries the apostle was willing to point out to the Christian Hebrews; but he apprehended, that through their weakness in knowledge, they would not understand him; and therefore breaks off for the present from saying any thing about Melchizedek. (No meat for for them then at this time in this letter.)
There is an order of the way we teach the Oracles of Hebrews chapter six.
In Hebrew the word oracle is DEBIR (#1687 in Strong's). John 1:1: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God". John 1:14: "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
Does the Word oracle mean the Word of God in the New Testament? I Peter 4:11; Hebrews 5:12; Romans 3:1-2; Acts 7:38.
1 Peter 4:11 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Preach the word, 1 repentance from dead works, 2 faith toward God, 3 baptisms, 4 laying on of hands, 5 resurrection of the dead, 6 eternal judgment. This was the word to the Christian Hebrews. Hebrews chapter 6
2 Timothy 4:2 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. (No doubt this was the doctrine of the Apostles.)
Isaiah 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
Luke 4:32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.
Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (And the Lords Supper.)
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
A gathering in the Church or Home, heres what happens.
1Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
NOW WHAT IS THE WORD? "All six principles or oracles of Christ." What is the law? "Death."
Steven > Acts 7:38 This is he, (Meaning JESUS) that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him (Moses) in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: (Christ was preached to them coming out of Egypt and in the wilderness.)
WHAT ARE THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF THE ORACLES OF GOD NOW?
Hebrews 6 :1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of (1) repentance from dead works, and of (2) faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of (3) baptisms, and of (4) laying on of hands, and of (5) resurrection of the dead, and of (6) eternal judgment. (So there there or six of them here.)
Isaiah 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, (1) Repent, and be (2) baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the (gift of the Holy Ghost. KJV 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off,> (Jews and Gentiles) even as many as the LORD our God shall call.
1 Corinthians 15:20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
Acts 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. "(JESUS)" 32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.
When a person teaches the doctrine of Christ he must teach all six in Hebrews.Then on to perfection.
In all these references, it is clear that these "oracles of God"--that is, the Holy Scriptures--constitute the very utterances of the living God. They were given to and through believing Jews and are preserved for us now in our Bibles. They obviously should be believed, studied, obeyed, and proclaimed by all who consider themselves to be like Jesus.
The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is the agent of God’s regenerating of the human soul, effecting the change by the instrumentality of the Word of God (John 1:12-13, 3:5-8, Titus 3:5, James 1:17-18, 1 Pet. 1:21-25, etc.). This process of renewing the soul into the image of Christ continues all through the believer’s life until its consummation in the very presence of Jesus himself (John 15:3, 17:17, Rom. 12:1-2, 1Cor. 2:9-16, 2Cor. 3:17-18, 4:4, etc. concluding with
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
We can not restore Apostles but we can teach their doctrines and live by them.
The fact that many people reject the Bible, even claiming it is wrong in what it teaches, is irrelevant. Such claims merely display human arrogance. God's Word has been "for ever settled in heaven" and "is true from the beginning"
(Psalm 119:89, 160. It will endure even after this present world has passed away (Matthew 24:35 and will finally be the criterion by which its detractors will be judged in the last day (Revelation 20:12, 22:18-19.)
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Psalm 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Psalm 119:160 All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.
Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Revelation 22:18,19, 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Elder and Brother Dillard Munsell All from the HOLY BOOK Pass it on to those who are hungry for the Life blood and bread of life of JESUS dillmunsell@yahoo.com. 6:30 study with us Wed.

CAN THESE BONES LIVE? ISREAL

From the book of books the Bible.
Israel’s Return To Judea and their Double Punishment.
And that Israel was God’s first chosen people.
For the serious bible student.

Deuteronomy 7:6; 6 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.
Ps 135:4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.
Ps 147:19-20 19 He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. 20 He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD. >(Salvation is of the Jews. Romans> Jesus was a Jew.)
Amos 3:2 You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.
Notice when in Garden east of Eden God justly sentenced His disobedient children to death. (Gen 2:17; Ezekiel 18:4-20), He graciously intimated that ultimately the Seed of the woman would bruise the Serpent’s head. (They were Neither Jew or Gentile) Until Judah was born to Jacob.
Gen 3:15 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Genesis 2:17 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Ezekiel 3:4,verse 20 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. v20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Later God promised Abraham that his Seed would be multiplied greatly and that in him and his seed all the families of the earth would be blessed.
Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Genesis 15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
Genesis 22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.
After God had tested Abraham’s faith and loyalty, He confirmed the Covenant with an oath. Reaffirmed it to Isaac and Jacob and established it with Israel for "an everlasting covenant"
Genesis 17:7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

Genesis 22:16-18 16 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: 17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; 18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

Genesis 26:24 And the LORD appeared unto him (Isaac) the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake. (The man of FAITH)

Psalm 105:6-10 6 O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen. 7 He is the LORD our God: his judgments are in all the earth. 8 He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations. 9 Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac; 10 And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant:

God promised Israel blessings if they would obey His Law, and threatened them with punishments if they would disobey it (Deuteronomy 28), and that for centuries they received such blessings and punishments.
Additionally God threatened Israel four times (Le 26:18,21,24,28) with a final punishment of "seven times" at the hands of the nations (Gentiles), among whom He would scatter them (Le 26:33-45), if despite previous punishments they would continue to walk contrary to His law.

Luke 21: 20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. (AD 70) 21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. 22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. (Not the Gentiles, but the Jews of Jesus day. He came to the lost sheep of the house of Isreal.) You shall not see me till you say blessed is he that comes in the name of the LORD.)
24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, (AD 70) and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. (1914 or 1967 ) Think about it!!) Its on top of us. Our change is on it way.

Leviticus 26:18 And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. (2520 years) v21 And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins. (2520 years) v24 Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins. v28 Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins. 607 BC to 1917 AD 2520 A double 1260 7 times

Now you see that the scriptures use the word "time" prophetically to indicate a literal year or a symbolic year. (Daniel 4:16,23,25,32; 7:25; 11:13;

Daniel 4:16 Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him. (Nebuchadnezzar)
Daniel 12:7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.

Daniel 4;16 23 And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him; >(Speaking of the king of Babylon.)

In prophetic Scriptures a day sometimes represents a year and a week seven years. (Nu 14:34; Eze 4:4-6; Dan 9:24-27)
The "seven times" of punishment upon Israel have been fulfilled, not as a seven literal times, or years ( for their earlier punishments had often lasted longer then seven literal years), but, in harmony with Scriptural usage elsewhere, as seven symbolic times, or years, seven periods of 360 years each, making 2520 (7 x 360 = 2520) years.
These 2520 years of Gentile dominion over and punishment of the Jews began in 607 B.C. (6061/4 years B.C.) when Nebuchadnezzar overthrew Zedekiah, Judah’s last king, and desolated the land, and ended in the fall of 1914 (1913-1/4 years A.D.), when by the World War God began to dispossess the Gentile powers in the great Time of Trouble (Dan 12:1; Ps 46:6-10; 110:2,5,6; Joel 2:1,2; Zep 1:18; 3:8).
That God fulfilled these" seven times" to the day:on the tenth day of the fifth lunar month in 607 B.C. the temple. king’s house, etc., in Jerusalem were fired by the Babylonians (Jer 52:12,13), and exactly 2520 years later on the tenth day of the fifth lunar month the World War began, on Aug. 1, 1914+606= 2520 years.
Jeremiah 52:12-13 Now in the fifth month, in the tenth day of the month, which was the nineteenth year of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, came Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, which served the king of Babylon, into Jerusalem, 13 And burned the house of the LORD, and the king's house; and all the houses of Jerusalem, and all the houses of the great men, burned he with fire:
From the Seven days of Creation to the Seven Seals of Revelation, Scripture is saturated with the Number Seven. Just listing all the occurrences would take several pages. Essentially all biblical scholars, regardless of their stance with respect to the meaning of numbers in Scripture, have recognized the special symbolic use of this Number. It is simply impossible to miss.
Notice that by the image in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Dan 2:31-45) God pictured the four universal empires of the Gentiles: the head of gold-Babylon; the breast and arms of silver-Medo-Persi; the belly and thighs of brass-Grecian Empire; the legs of iron-the Roman Empire (Eastern and Western), the feet and toes of iron mixed with clay representing the present mixture of civil governments (iron) and churchianity (clay) in Europe’s ten language nations.The stone smiting the image on its feet and breaking it into pieces represents God’s real Kingdom smiting the mixed governmental and ecclesiastical powers posing as God’s Kingdom (even as an iron and clay mixture resembles stone) in this great "time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation" and dashing them into pieces (Psalm 2:9), prior to filling the earth. The fifth Kingdom will be the LORDS coming with observation!!!

Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

The Jews were to be trodden down of the Gentiles only until the "seven times" (2520 years), the "times of the Gentiles," would be fulfilled, which fulfillment occurred in 1914, when the World War broke out between the Gentiles powers, and that since then God has remarkably prospered their return to His favor and to their National Home?
Isreal sufferings since 1914 are not a part of their special 2520 years’ punishment, but are sufferings to take back the land. which both Jews and Gentiles will experience in the great Time of Trouble called "Jacob’s trouble"are many battles which roots them up from all lands to cause them to return to Judea. The way of the Kings of the East are ready.

Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. They must have heard the Gospel of Jesus the Christ at this time.
Isaiah 30:26 Moreover the light of the moon (Old prophets) shall be as the light of the sun, (New Testement) and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, in the day that the LORD bindeth up the breach of his people, and healeth the stroke of their wound. > (This is Isreal in their own land)

Jer 30:5-11 5 For thus saith the LORD; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. 6 Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness? 7 Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble, but he shall be saved out of it. 8 For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him: 9 But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them. 10 Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the LORD; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid. 11 For I am with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet I will not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.

Joel 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; 2 A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. John was in the Spirit on the Lords day also.
Though Israel in 607 B.C. began to suffer the 2520 years’ punishment, they as a nation were not finally destroyed until over 600 years later, and that the desolation of their land and cities, and their dispersion throughout the Gospel Age, in many lands, is forecast in many Scriptures (e.g., Le 26:31-29; De 29:22-28; Isa 17:4-6; 43:5; 5,6; Jer 4:20, 26-29; 12:4, 7-13; 16:13-18; 19:7-9; 29:14,17,18; 30:11; 32:36; 37; Amos 3:14; 5:3,5,7:8,9).
Israel’s preservation as a separate people while dispersed among all nations is one of the miracles of history.

Hosea 3:4-5 For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim: 5 Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David (JESUS) their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.

Israel’s return to their land and God’s favor is also prophesied (, Le 26:40-45; Psalm 22:23-31; 102:13-28; Isa 2:2,3; 14:1; 40:1,2; Jer 23:5-8; 24:6; 30:7-11, 18-24; 31:8-12; 33:7,10,11; Eze 16:53-55, 60-63; 36:1-15, 24-38; 37; Ho 3:4,5; Joe 3:1,2,17-21; Am 9:14,15; Zep 3:10-20; Zechariah 8)

The "double" of Isa 40:2; Zec 9:12 refers to the Gospel Age as counterpart, or parallel, of the Jewish Age; also, that Jer 16:18 states that Israel’s punishment would be a "double" a period of disfavor during the Gospel Age equal to their period of favor during the Jewish Age-they to be without God’s special favor again (v.13) until its end? Only those in the body of Christ has favor with God.
Isaiah 40:2 Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD's hand double for all her sins. (Are you doing this?)
Zechariah 9:12 12 Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee;

Did you know that this double has been fulfilled, that Israel’s "appointed time is accomplished," that God’s Word indicates that now is the time for Christians to preach comfort to, and God’s forgiveness of, Israel, and that God exhorts us to do so (Isa 40:1,2)
The "fishers" of Jeremiah 16:16 are those who have the spirit of Christ Jesus to back Israel, while the "hunters" are Israel’s persecutors and tormentors, and that God has used both of these instrumentalities to help bring Israel back to Palestine as their homeland?
Jeremiah 16:16 Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.
Jeremiah 16:18 And first I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things.
Jeremiah 3:14-18 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion: 15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. 16 And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more. God will be their Temple.
Jeremiah 3:17 At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart. (Will Bring to pass War no more in Micah 4:3)
18 In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers. (Fulfilling Ezekel 37) All will be one nation upon the mountains of Isreal.

Micah 4:1-3 But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. 2 And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 3 And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Did you know that shortly after the Berlin Congress of Nations met in 1878 and removed the barriers on the Israelites’ return to and stay in Palestine, they began increasingly to return, and that this was given an impetus by the Zionist movement, especially in the 1890’s along political lines, and in 1910 along religious lines.
One of the objects of the Allies in the World War was to establish in Palestine a national home for the Jews, and that the Balfour declaration of 1917 pledged Britain to this end, it being favored by America also.
Increasing numbers of Jews have returned to their land, especially since the State of Israel was set up in 1948, with the populations growing from less than 50,000 Jews in 1914 to over 3 to 5,000,000 now AND MORE TO COME.
God foretold that Israel would return nationally, before they recognize the Messiah, before His Kingdom on earth is set up, and the New Covenant is made with them (Eze 37:21-28; Zec 12:10; Jer 31:23-34)

Ezekiel 37:21 And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land:

Israel’s return to their land and to God’s favor are preludes of Millennial blessings upon them, and through them upon all nations (Jer 31:5-34; Eze 16:44-63; 36:21-38; Amos 9:11-15; Mic 4:1-4; Zec 8:20-23; 14:16-21)

You will be blessed if you love and favor Abraham’s Seed for the time to favor Israel, yea, the set time, has come that God now bids us Christians to speak a message of comfort to the Jews.

Psalm 102:13 Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.

Zechariah 8:23 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you. (Could this be the ten Kings that give there power to the beast tell the words of God b fulfilled. Then Eat her flesh an burn her with fire.

Psalm 102:15-17 15 So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory. 16 When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory. 17 He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.

Elder Dillard Munsell / Bible study and prayer on Wed. 6:30 dillmunsell@yahoo.com

It cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.

• 
  It cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.
  Luke 13:33"Jesus said" Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.
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  2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the" divine nature, " having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
  5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
  6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
  7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
  8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
  10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
  11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
  12 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.

It cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.
A prophet is one through whom God speaks, one appointed to reveal the will of God to His people. One of the greatest of these prophets was God's own Son, "Jesus Christ"
Hebrews 1:2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Luke 13:33 Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.
Luke 24:19 19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
John 6:14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.

People seldom think of Jesus Christ as a prophet, but a prophet He was. His message,> "the Gospel of the Kingdom of God" is filled with prophecy. His message explains and clarifies the destiny of mankind, revealing the way God will accomplish His master plan.

Mark 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
The record of Jesus Christ's birth, life, ministry and death is one of history's most powerful confirmations of the reliability and accuracy of Bible prophecy.
Precise details about Jesus' birth, ministry and crucifixion were accurately foretold hundreds, even thousands, of years before He was born. Specific events and circumstances foretold centuries earlier came to pass exactly as the Hebrew prophets had predicted, providing compelling evidence of their credibility and substantiating the accuracy of their messages.
Could their words hold meaning for us today? Did you know those same prophets tell us what Jesus Christ has planned for the future>>>>your future?
We already know that Jesus promised to return to earth. That promise is an excellent example of prophecy. He also promised to finish the work He began at His first coming. Throughout the Bible the life and mission of the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, are depicted as examples of His devotion to the welfare of people. Many prophecies yet to be fulfilled are directly related to the future work and mission of Jesus Christ.
Romans 9:28 For he will finish the work, (On earth) and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. (33 1/2 years)
Hebrews 4:3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work (On earth) which thou gavest me to do.Now Its up to us to beleive it!!!
Dillard Munsell dillmunsell@yahoo.com Study with us while it is still time Wed. 6:30 In Home

Was Jesus God? Is Jesus God?

Was Jesus God? Is Jesus God
Is Jesus God? The answer to this question is the only real dispute surrounding the historical Jesus. No legitimate scholar today denies that Jesus is a historic figure that walked on this earth about 2,000 years ago, that he did remarkable wonders and acts of charity, and that He died a horrible death on a Roman cross just outside Jerusalem. The emotionally-charged dispute focuses specifically on whether Jesus was God incarnate who rose from the dead three days after His Crucifixion.
Was Jesus God? Is Jesus God? Only Alternatives
Was Jesus God? Is he still God? Many people have dealt with this "spiritual" dispute by intellectually accepting Jesus as a great man, great teacher, or great prophet. However, Jesus and His inspired followers didn't (mince) means => a : to cut or chop into very small pieces b : to subdivide minutely; especially : to damage by cutting up)> words when they declared Him to be God (John 10:30-38, Matthew 16:13-17, Mark 14:61-64, John 14:6, Hebrews 1:8, Colossians 1:16, John 12:40-41 (READ THESE SCRIPTURES BELOW.) Therefore, any type of intellectual compromise calling Jesus a "good man" is logically inconsistent. Why? Because there are really only three legitimate alternatives for the identity of Jesus Christ. He is either a liar, a lunatic or our Lord and God. Since Jesus claimed to be God, His claims are either true or false. If false, He must have been a liar, deliberately misleading the multitudes. Or, He was a lunatic, sincerely believing Himself to be God, when in reality He was just a man. However, if Jesus was a "good man," as most people now agree, how then could He be both good and crazy, or good and a liar? There is only one logically consistent alternative - He must have been telling the truth. In addition to the logical inconsistency, the remarkable historical, archaeological and manuscript evidence shows that Jesus was neither a liar nor a lunatic. Again, the only position left is that His claim is true. Jesus is Lord and God.
The only real argument that remains, is that Jesus was just a legend or myth. There is little likelihood that Jesus' claims are legend. There just wasn't enough time for any legendary development of the story to replace what really happened. For instance, we now know that the Gospels were written 30 to 50 years after the crucifixion of Jesus. More dramatically, we now date some of the early Christian creeds, proclaiming the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, to 3 to 10 years after His crucifixion. This includes Paul's letters to the Corinthians, Romans and Galatians. Finally, if Jesus' claim of deity was a myth, the early Jewish opponents of Christianity would surely have presented the fact that these claims never happened. Unlike modern skeptics, the Jewish rabbis never denied that Jesus made the claim that He was God. Instead, they called Him a liar, and tried Him for blasphemy.
Was Jesus God? Is he God? The Only Answer
Was Jesus God? Is Jesus God. Once you have asked all your questions, weighed all the evidence, and tested all the arguments, you will ultimately be confronted with this question. In Mathew 16:15, Jesus put it this way, 'But who do you say that I am?' One of His disciples, Simon Peter, replied: 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' What is your reply?
John 1 v1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
John 10:30-38 30 I and my Father are one. 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? 33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. 34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? 35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; 36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? 37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. 38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.
Matthew 16:13-17 13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
Mark 14:61-64 61 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? 62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. 63 Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses? 64 Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Hebrews 1:8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
Colossians 1:16 For by him (JESUS) were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
John 12:40-41 40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. 41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
A Proof word from History "Flavius Josephus"
The Jewish Antiquities are a kind of world history, and Flavius Josephus' view is biblical. In the past, God used the Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians and Greeks to punish or to rescue His chosen people; now it was the Roman's turn to punish them. This was something the Greeks and Romans of his age could understand all too well. In almost every case, you can read 'Fortune' or 'Destiny' or 'Fate' instead of 'God'; on the other hand, when Flavius Josephus uses one of these common pagan expressions, he must have had the Jewish God in mind.
One of the most remarkable passages in the Jewish Antiquities is the 'Testimonium Flavianum':
At this time there appeared Jesus, a wise man, if indeed one should call him a man. For he was a doer of startling deeds, a teacher of the people who receive the truth with pleasure. And he gained a following both among many Jews and among many of Greek origin. He was the Messiah. And when Pilate, because of an accusation made by the leading men among us, condemned him to the cross, those who had loved him previously did not cease to do so. For he appeared to them on the third day, living again, just as the divine prophets had spoken of these and countless other wondrous things about him. And up until this very day the tribe of Christians, named after him, has not died out.
[Jewish Antiquities, 18.63-64]
It is unlikely that a pious Jew like Flavius Josephus would have written that Jesus 'appeared to them on the third day, living again'; consequently, there has been a lot of scholarly debate about the explanation of this strange remark. Some argued that we had to admit that Flavius Josephus had become a Christian; others maintained that it was made up by some Byzantine monk who copied the Jewish Antiquities. The latter explanation can be ruled out because a more or less identical text had been found in an Arabian translation of a part of the Jewish Antiquities. In 1991, John Meier has suggested that Josephus did in fact mention Jesus, but that the text was glossed by a Christian author. His reconstruction of the text is as follows:
At this time there appeared Jesus, a wise man. For he was a doer of startling deeds, a teacher of the people who receive the truth with pleasure. And he gained a following both among many Jews and among many of Greek origin. And when Pilate, because of an accusation made by the leading men among us, condemned him to the cross, those who had loved him previously did not cease to do so. And up until this very day the tribe of Christians, named after him, has not died out.
Even in this reconstruction, this text is of monumental importance. Not only is Flavius Josephus the only first century non-Christian writer mentioning Jesus' life, teachings and death independently of the of the gospels, but he also suggests that Jesus was innocent. A straightforward report would have told that Pilate executed the man from Nazareth because he was considered to be the king of the Jews. But instead of naming the accusation, the Jewish historian names the accusers. Since he usually delights in writing about the deserved punishment of rebels and pretenders, the fact that he does not inform us of the charge, means that he thought that Jesus was innocent.
Study with us. Dillard Munsell dillmunsell@yahoo.com 6:30

Now faith is the substance!

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen."
Hebrews 11:1

What is faith?
A. The Bible gives its own definition of faith.
Hebrews 11:1
B. Scripture says that believing God is the greatest thing we can do.
John 6:28-29 28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
(Even Jesus marveled at the centurion's faith) Matthew 8:10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
C. There is a difference, however, between having faith & believing. "Read this two times"
1. The faith God requires is more than a factual knowledge of His Person.
Even the demons know who Jesus was.
Mark 1:24 24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.
Mark 5:7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
2. There must be an outworking of that inner conviction. Faith is perfeted
(Completed, matured) in works. James 2:18.Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
D. Unbelief is sin.
John 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; Romans 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.Hebrews 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
II. Every individual has been given a measure of faith
(Rom 12:3), For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Mat 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
A. But faith grows.
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
B. Faith must be tried, to be proven true.
Psalms 18:30, As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.Psalms 105:19 Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.
James 1:3, 4 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
1 Peter 1:6, 7 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

C. It can be disturbed (overthrown) & lost through useless disputations, false
doctrine, and "vain babblings."
2 Timothy 2:16-18 / 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
III. How is faith increased?
A. Worship.
Romans 4:16-21 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Jude 20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
B. The Word of God.

1. The spoken ("rhema") word.
John 4:39-42; 39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.40 So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.41 And many more believed because of his own word; 42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
John 8:30 As he spake these words, many believed on him. Acts 4:4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
2. The written Word.
John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
C. Prayer.
Mark 9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
D. Miracles (signs & wonders).
Exodus 4:30-31 30 And Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. 31 And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.
Acts 9:42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
John 2:23; Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
John 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
John 7:31 And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?
John 11:45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.
John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
E. Fulfillment of prophecy.
John 14:29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

IV. We need not strive for faith. It is given to us freely by God.
Acts 14:27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
A. "Faith cometh."
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
B. It is a gift (unearned).
John 3:27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
I Corinthians 12:9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
C. "Your faith groweth." (It is a fruit of the Spirit--not a work of the flesh.)
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
D. Its Author & Source is God, not our will.
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
V. Faith is one of six of the most basic & fundamental doctrines of the New Testament.
Hebrews 6:1, 2 Therefore leaving the (six) principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (Should already live and know?)
http://keepinminddavedill.blogspot.com/2006/12/six-principles-or-oracles-of-god-is_10.html
A. Without faith there can be no salvation.
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
Romans 5:1-2 1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.1 Peter 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.1 Peter 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

B. Without faith we cannot stand victoriously in spiritual warfare against the enemy.
Ephesians 6:16 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.1 Peter 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
C. Without faith we cannot worship God.
Hebrews 3:1919So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Hebrews 11:7 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
D. Without faith we cannot know the blessings of answered prayer.
Mark 11:22-24 22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
James 1:6-7 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
E. Without faith, we cannot even profit from the Word of God.
Hebrews 4:22 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
F. Without faith, God's promise of healing is made void to us.
Matthew 8:13 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.
Matthew 9:28-30 28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. 29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. 30 And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.
Luke 17:19 19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
Acts 3:16 16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Acts14:9 9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
James 5:14-16 14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
G. Without faith, we cannot minister deliverance.
Matthew 17:19-20 19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? 20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
H. Without faith, we cannot enter into God's rest.
Hebrews 3:18 18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
Hebrews 4:2-3 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
I. Without faith, we cannot inherit the many promises of God.
Hebrews 6:12 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Hebrews11:33 33Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.
J. Without fiath, we cannot operate in the gifts of the Spirit.
Romans 12:6 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
K. Without a consistent life of faith, we cannot know the joy of our salvation.
Romans 15:13 13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 16:34 34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
1 Peter 1:8 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
L. "Without faith, it is impossible to please Him."
Hebrews 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
VI. The world says that seeing is believing. But Jesus said, "Blessed are they which have not
seen, and yet believe." For "faith is ... the evidence of things not seen."
John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
Hebrews 11:11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Dillard Munsell Bible study Wed. 6:30 dillmunsell@yahoo.com

The leaders who don’t lord it over

The leaders who don’t lord it over, but serve those they lead, will change the world through the people they serve.
Our democratic, capitalistic society has always rewarded those who rise to the top with money, power, glory, and independence. But the big question is what they do when they get there. Do they drive big cars, have lots of servants, push people around and live to read about it in the paper the next day? This image is so prevalent that we have come to expect it from star athletes, entertainment celebrities, CEO’s, and your average everyday lottery winner. We know what to expect.
But leaders like this don’t change anyone, other than to make them jealous or resentful. Consider Jesus – one who could have had the world at his feet, instead, got down on his hands and knees at the feet of those he was leading. He could have had riches and he chose to be poor. He commanded all power, but used it to heal the sick. He could have been known far and wide, but he chose to remain obscure. The only kings he ever entertained visited him when he was but a child, before anyone knew who he was. He could have come down from the cross and brought hell to pay on his accusers, but he chose to stay there and die for us.
And what exactly did he say about leadership? “The greatest among you must be a servant.” (Matthew 23:11) Of course he would say this because this is what he did, and how can anyone be greater than he? If you are filling any kind of leadership position, from assistant soccer coach to CEO, think about how you can serve those you lead.
Once I had the privilege of meeting two brothers that owned a manufacturing company. These two guys walk among their people. They don’t throw their weight around; they throw themselves around, meeting all the needs they can. They are committed to the families of their employees and they provide counseling services for those with more serious problems. They very rarely fire anyone. If there is a problem, they really try and fix it. They take a personal responsibility for the welfare of every family. They go to bed at night wondering how everybody is. Every Christmas, they throw a banquet for their employees and their families, followed by an overnight stay at a local hotel with an indoor swimming pool. (That is a big deal in December) They are following Christ’s model of leadership, and they are making a difference in the lives of the people they serve.
The message today is to think about those we are serving today and how they are doing. How can we make it better for them? Christ will then be evident in you.
G/B Rod ……………………….Las Vegas

Will our our forefathers be in the resurrection?

1 Corinthians 10;1-4 1 For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. (Christ preached to them through Moses?) Sounds like it!!)

James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. KJV

Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. (These people were justified before Christ was born and died.)
(You will notice there was no law before Moses, only Faith and Grace.) (If you will notice also our forefathers had a lot of faith.

(They pleased God without the law.!!)

Hebrews 11;1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders (our forefathers) obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous. (UH???)
5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; (as a normal man.)
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Our forefathers lived by faith.) There was no Jew or Gentile in those days.

7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
8 By faith Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.16 For he hath prepared for them a city.
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
21 By faith Jacob blessed both the sons of Joseph;
24 By faith Moses 25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
26 "Esteeming the reproach of Christ" greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. Christ back then??? Yes!!

27 By faith he forsook Egypt as seeing him who is invisible.
29 By faith they passed through the Red sea

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down. 31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not.
35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; (NOTICE>)that they might obtain a better resurrection:

38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. (THINK!!!>Will God put them together with the (US) at the resurrection? Was the promise the Holy Spirit the one at Pentecost? They were not alive at Pentecost!!) THINK!!! Can you help me understand this?

Tribes of Israel and their Stones.
Tribe of Juda------Stone Jasper / Jews
Tribe of Rueben-----Stone Sapphire
Tribe of Gad----Stone Chalcedoney
Tribe of Asher---- Stone Emerald
Tribe of Nephthalim----Stone Sardonex
Tribe of Manasses---- Stone Sardius
Tribe of Semion---- stone Chrysolite
Tribe of Levi----Stone Beryl
Tribe of Issacher----- Stone Topaz
Tribe of Zabulon-----Stone Chrysoprasus
Tribe of Joseph----Stone Jacinth
Tribe of Benjamin-----Stone Amathyst

Dillard Munsell dillmunsell@yahoo.com

BE CIRCUMCISED OF THE HEART

Does God say what He means, and does He mean what He says? Do the words: ‘out of the mouth of babes and infants you have ordained strength’ mean more than just dealing with spiritual babes? God commanded ancient Israelites to circumcise their males on the eighth day for a very important reason. God has planned for the nation of Israel after the the church is "changed" during the millennium to preach Jesus to the world. Israel is an inheritance for our gentile children far greater than what we have been taught so far! Not another nation was commaned to be circumcised. God made a covenant with Abraham, "not us gentiles". untill he called Paul and then Peter heard us speak with tongues and magnify God.
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, (Water) both men and women.14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, Question? have you received the word of god? "Notice" they sent unto them Peter and John: Question? What for, They had received the word of god. OK
Acts 8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
Acts 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, (Water) he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Water did not help this believer! Or any other believer, only the Holy Spirit helps a believer. Was Philips labor of teaching all in vain? Sad it is for some.
Acts 8:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 "Notice after believing" (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. In Hebrews 6:1-2Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, NOTICE THEY HAD THE HOLY GHOST AND THE WORD)as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? ("Notice same way but no water and "uncircumcised") Did This change all their hearts? NO!!
Hebrews 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 "If they shall fall away", to renew them again unto repentance; ( Hebrews 6:1) seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. "Was this the case of Simon?" Or someone who received the gift of the Holy Spirit? Was it the case of God cutting the Jew off in Romans? NO Us gentiles need to understand Romans Chapter 9,10,11. You cannot fall away from something you never had???. Sorry!
After Christ comes in his glory we want have to wonder about these scripts. Paul warned us that there would be a great falling away of the faith after he departed, "this surley happened."But can you imagine a kingdom where everyone, both young and old, is circumcised of heart? The millennium setting in the Bible portrays a far different youth than we see today: a generation of healthy, intelligent and farsighted youth. They play around the elderly and learn from them. Children are able to walk alongside the lion and the lamb and play with snakes. A setting of peace and harmony between men and beasts. The children teach the kings and queens of the earth.There is a reason for this to take place. It comes from within the heart of man a changed heart a heart motivated and taught by the Spirit of God. The Gift of truth .This is prophetic of the messianic age, a time when the knowledge of the Lord is spread throughout the whole earth a time when the Spirit of God is poured out upon all flesh. There is more to the story than this. The nation of Israel is going to be given a ‘new heart’ and will be used by God to teach other nations the way to peace. But, most interesting is the role to be played by the children. Read on and you will have your mind opened to one of the most hopeful messages that you can teach your children a message of hope for today’s parents a spiritual inheritance for the nation of Israel a message tied to circumcision and that of the heart. When a church is denying the restoration of Isreal they have backed away from bible prophecies.
His First coming to the Israelites and their promise, rejection and return to him JESUS in five verses.
Micah 5:2-5 2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.(NOTICE>3 Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor gives birth and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. NIV. (IN ISRAEL AS ONE NATION see Ezek Ch: 36,37,38,39,) 4 He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, (1948-for ever ) for then his (Christ) greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. 5 And he will be their (The jews) peace. NIV (Notice After Israel accepts their messiah they will reach to the ends of the earth with the Gospel after the end of the Gentiles times. see Luke.21:24 A change is coming on this old earth.
Luke 21:24 They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 1967 Israel took Jersulam back again fulfilling Jer. 3:16-17 In those days, (1967 ?) when your numbers have increased greatly in the land," declares the LORD, "men will no longer say, 'The ark of the covenant of the LORD.' It will never enter their minds or be remembered; it will not be missed, nor will another one be made. 17 At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the LORD, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD. No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts. (No kidding?? No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts.)
Hosea 6:1 Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.2 After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. ( He Jesus has returned to them in Isreal.) 3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. Read James 5th chapter James is adressed to the twelve tribes of Isreal.
James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. (I can't wait!!)
Zechariah 22-23 Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD. 23 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.
Luke 2:46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? Believe in him and you will be saved.
Malachi 4:5 "See, I will send you the prophet Elijah (John) before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. 6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse. "Father" God bless the little children."Dillard Munsell Bible study / Wed. 6:30 dillmunsell@yahoo.com http://keepinminddavedill.blogspot.com
Also http://indianstufffamily.blogspot.com/

Bnei Menashe-Tribe of (Manasses)

Bnei Menashe-Tribe of (Manasses)
Ezekiel 37:11 Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts. 12 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel.
Rev 7:6 Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.
http://www.bneimenashe.com/

"Some Israelis are more willing to give land to Palestinians than to give a warm bed to brothers who left a long time ago," says Esther Thangsom, 24, who came to Israel 18 months ago. "Others go out of their way to welcome us back."
But it doesn't matter whether people make the way home easy or hard, because God helps us," she says in her calm and gentle manner. "We're a patient people. We've waited almost 3,000 years; we can wait a few years longer."
Thangsom is part of a new immigrant community in Israel that now numbers 340. They are known as Bnei Menashe, or Shinlung, names acquired at different stages of their long journey. The first signifies their belief that they're descended from the Israelite tribe. According to their tradition they lived as part of the Hebrew nation till the days of the First Temple, when they fled east from the Assyrian conquerors of 744 B.C.E. and, 400 years later, farther east still from the armies of Alexander the Great, through Tibet and into China. Believing they were the only Jews left, they lived quietly under the Chinese until the Middle Ages. Late in the thirteenth century they were threatened once again-by conversion to Christianity. They fled south to Indochina, where they acquired their second name. For two generations they found refuge in a remote valley of caves; Shinlung means cave dwellers. The Chinese eventually found them, seized their holy parchment (which they believe was the Torah) and drove them into today's Thailand and Burma. From here many migrated into the north Indian provinces of Mizoram and Manipur, where it is estimated 1.25 million to 4 million live today. There are 10,000 actively Jewish Bnei Menashe in 13 towns. Of this number 3,500 have formally converted to Orthodox Judaism.
"We never felt we belonged in India," asserts Ruth Thangsom, 25, Esther's sister. The family comes from Manipur and their features, like those of other Bnei Menashe, are Mongolian. "We felt lost. We don't look like Indians, we don't think like them or identify with them. We were sojourners. We always knew we belonged to the land and people of Israel. In college, when I was studying for my B.A. in English literature, I used to think: What I want more than anything is to be in Israel, where I can live according to the Torah and the mitzvot." "I grew up with a longing to be Jewish and to come to Israel," says Esther, a psychologist who is studying social work. "I used to tell my friends at boarding school in New Delhi: "I'm not Indian. It's a geographical and political mistake that I'm here. One day, I'll live in Israel."
"I've wanted to come to Israel ever since my midteens when I [found out about] Israel," says Shmuel Joram, 38, a draftsman who grew up in Mizoram. Like so many Bnei Menashe he speaks quietly and repectfully, but with determination and conviction. Today Joram, the Thangsom sisters and their brother Yitzhak, 30, an economist, all live in Jerusalem. They have formally converted to Judaism and are citizens. If they don't yet feel Israeli, they have a strong sense of having found their place. "In my heart, I resented undergoing conversion when I feel so utterly Jewish," says Yitzhak with controlled dignity. "But as our path back to our roots was through Christianity, I accept it was necessary."
After the loss of their precious parchment, they nursed a tradition that one day a white man would come to return their holy books. When a Reverend Pettigrew arrived in India from Britain in 1813, ablaze with Baptist fervor and copies of the Christian Bible, the Bnei Menashe believed the prophecy had been fulfilled. Large parts of the book, from Adam and Eve to the Exodus from Egypt, echoed their oral tradition. Within a decade, the whole community was Christian.
"Our grandfather was orphaned young and raised by missionaries," says Yitzhak. "That's how our family became Christian. Our father reversed it. He was a deeply religious man who sought the truth. I remember him giving me a siddur and telling me: Judaism is the true faith."
The way back was shown by a community member who came to be regarded as a modern-day prophet. "His name was Challa Mala," explains Joram. "In the 1950's, he had a vision that the Bnei Menashe were Israelites. His vision ignited the community. They stopped working and began preparing to return to Israel, expecting daily the appearance of the Messiah. A delegation was sent to the Israeli consulate in Calcutta."
This first attempt to return collapsed quickly in the face of opposition from local Indian authorities and Jewish leaders. But a connection had been forged and the Bnei Menashe stayed in touch with Jewish communities in Calcutta and Bombay 600 miles away. Members like the elder Thangsom embraced their Judaism.
"When you find the truth it hits your heart," Joram says. "I remember my father weeping because he had found the true faith."
In the 1970's a group of educated middle-class Bnei Menashe made a formal decision to return to Judaism. They built synagogues, took on Sabbath observance and brit mila. It was shortly after this that Rabbi Eliyahu Avihail first heard of them; one of the many letters they wrote asking for help in coming to Israel was passed along to him. "I was interested, of course," Avihail says. After several attempts he obtained permission to go into Manipur and Mizoram, an area closed because of a border conflict. He also met community representatives in Calcutta and managed to bring two of them to study in Israeli yeshivot, so they could return to India as Jewish teachers.
"The more I got to know the community, the more certain I became that their tradition was true and they were indeed descended from the tribe of Menashe," says Avihail. "Their customs are very close to prerabbinical Judaism. They have songs thousands of years old, with words from the Bible. One is: 'Let us go to Zion!' even though they didn't even know what Zion was. They give their children names unknown in the surrounding Indian community, such as Apram, Yakov, Sinai and Shilo. Among their customs are white garments for the kohen, an altar and animal sacrifices. The kohen will not speak God's name. They have a garment that resembles blue and white tzitziot. The eating of blood is prohibited. They have laws of family purity and follow a lunar calendar. Corpses are seen as impure.
"All this is too close to be coincidence-and too far to have been recently brought to them. These are ancient customs, corrupted over time."
In their scrolls there were strange stories about Adam and Eve, the Flood, Avihail points out. "The Tower of Babel, for example, was built to wage war on God, Who turned the stones to poison, whereupon the builders forgot their language and were dispersed."
Avihail began his long struggle on their behalf. "In 1988 we made a symbolic beginning, converting 24 in Calcutta," he says. "But then as now Israel's interior ministry reaction was: Do you want to submerge Israel with these people? But I persisted, and ended up pleading the case before the Supreme Court. It found in our favor and in 1989 I brought over the first group and settled them in Kfar Etzion."
Avihail's aim is to bring the 10,000 or so Bnei Menashe who are today practicing, if not yet converted, Jews. With every incoming group, however, he faces a major struggle. "In 1993 I brought [some] with the help of the Christian Embassy in Jerusalem, which paid for the plane," he says. "Days before they were due, a scare story was leaked to the Hebrew press that 'untouchables' were about to flood the country. This delayed their aliya by seven months-and they'd already sold their homes and businesses. I turned to the Lubavitcher rebbe, who was then very sick. 'Should I be doing this?' I asked him. 'Yes!' he said. 'Bring them to Israel!'"
"Israel's Chief Rabbinate has been good to us," says Yitzhak. "They insist on a full Orthodox conversion [bet din and mikve] but I think they go easier on us than on other converts by not making us wait months before being called to the bet din. They recognize our genuine faith. The absorption ministry has also been helpful and is giving [us] temporary resident status so we can live in absorption centers while we study Hebrew and Judaism.
"But the interior ministry is very different. They delayed granting us citizenship for almost a year after the bet din converted us. Their tactics included streams of questions about our conversion, like: How did you step into the mikve? They insisted each of us produce a full genealogical tree. It was only when we threatened to go to the Supreme Court that they gave us our citizenship papers."
Today the Bnei Menashe are scattered throughout the country; they have settled in and are doing well. Some are in higher education, others run small businesses, many live on settlements-Kiryat Arba, Ofra, Beit El, Eilon Moreh and Gush Katif. Most are politically right wing ("We all want peace," says Esther), all are ready to serve in the army, and all, without exception, are religiously observant.
Some are married to English-speakers from the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States (Yehoshua Wertheime of Boston, for example, has married into the community); others have married Jews from other Indian communities (like Elisheva Ganteh who married Yehuda Ben Eliayahu, originally from Cochin); but most, like the Thangsoms and Joram, hope to marry within their own community.
"We didn't know all these people in India, but we feel very close," says Ruth. "There's always somewhere to go on Shabbat and festivals and we share one another's weddings and bar mitzvas. There are already sabra Bnei Menashe in the community."
The Thangsoms and Joram are still living and studying in the Nahalat Zvi yeshiva, where they prepared for conversion. "It's home to us," Joram says. "The rosh yeshiva [yeshiva head] totally accepts us 'raw' from India. He carries the spark of holiness within him. I'm planning to stay on for another year. Then I'll think about my career and how to earn money and settle down."
Ruth, too, wants to continue her Jewish studies. "Without learning you miss out on what it takes to be a Jew," she says. "Every Jew needs to find his own path, but you can't find it without knowledge." After full-time study, she'd like to teach.
"You have to be educated in your faith," says Esther. "We'd be missing the point of being in Israel if we didn't know how to connect with God. Being in Israel is not enough. The soul is important, too."
For the remaining Bnei Menashe in India who are interested in living a Jewish life, moving to Israel would be more than enough for the moment. Many enjoy comfortable middle class lives, but their hearts are in their ancestral land. They also faced danger 18 months ago, when their communities in Manipur were attacked by neighbors from the Naya tribe. Two synagogues were burned and several people were killed.
But this isn't why the Bnei Menashe want to come. "They want to live in Israel for the same reasons that we do," says Joram, "the same reasons that any Jew wants to live in his own land. Because it's ours. Because it's home. ("Isaiah 35:8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.)
Bnei Menashe Return to ZionPress Release February 10, 2000 http://www.bneimenashe.com/ Rabbi Eliyahu Avichail
37 Descendants of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel Due to Arrive at Ben-Gurion Airport on Friday After Centuries of Exile, Bnei Menashe Return to Zion. (Manasses) Rev.7:6 Jerusalem An emotional scene is expected at Ben-Gurion airport early Friday as 37 descendants of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel are set to arrive at 6:50 a.m. on EL AL flight #0076 out of Bombay. The new arrivals, members of the Bnei Menashe, are coming to Israel under the auspices of the Jerusalem-based Amishav organization, which is dedicated to locating descendants of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel and returning them to the Jewish people. They join an additional 450 Bnei Menashe (children of the Tribe of Manasseh) already residing in the country.
This is an historic moment for the Jewish people, said Amishav founder and chairman Rabbi Eliyahu Avichail, who has devoted his life to finding and assisting the descendants of the Lost Tribes of Israel. After a lengthy and difficult separation, the Bnei Menashe are being reunited with the Jewish people in the Land of Israel. Their return to Zion marks the closing of an historical circle, noted Rabbi Avichail, adding, This is a triumph of faith.
The Bnei Menashe arriving in Israel originate from two states in eastern India: Manipur and Mizoram. Members of the Shinlung tribe, they have a rich oral tradition tracing themselves back to the Israelite tribe of Manasseh and continue to practice many uniquely Jewish customs. Approximately 30 years ago, some 3,500 Bnei Menashe decided to formally return to the Jewish people and they began living a fully Jewish life to the best of their ability in accordance with Jewish law.
Two decades ago, Rabbi Avichail learned of the Bnei Menashe through an Indian Jewish acquaintance, and he traveled to India several times to investigate their claims to Jewish ancestry. After careful study of the historical record and consultations with leading rabbinical authorities, Rabbi Avichail concluded there is convincing evidence linking the Bnei Menashe with the Jewish people.
Rabbi Avichail notes, The Bnei Menashe have an ancient tradition handed down orally from generation to generation which speaks of the Patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They circumcise male children on the 8th day after birth in accordance with Jewish tradition. The Bnei Menashe conduct a sacrificial ceremony on an altar reminiscent of the ancient Jewish Temple in which their priest uses the Hebrew name of G-d as it appears in the Torah. In this ceremony, their priest invokes Mount Sinai, Mount Moriah and Mount Zion.
The Bnei Menashe are descended from the Israelite tribe of Manasseh, one of the Ten Tribes of Israel exiled by the Assyrians in the 8th century BCE. The exiles of Manasseh reached Assyria and from there, according to Bnei Menashe tradition, went to Afghanistan. From Afghanistan they went to the Himalayi (believed to be a reference to the Himalayan mountains), on to Mongolia and from there to southern China. In China, the group was persecuted because of its faith and forced to hide in caves (as a result of which they have come to be known as Shinlung, which means cave covering). Some 500 to 600 years ago, the Shinlung, or Bnei Menashe, began to wander toward their current home located on the border between India and Burma.
Upon arrival in Israel, the Bnei Menashe will engage in full-time study of Judaism and the Hebrew language to reacquaint themselves with the faith of their forefathers. To remove any doubts about their status, the Bnei Menashe undergo formal conversion ceremonies performed by the Israeli Chief Rabbinate, upon completion of which they are granted new immigrant status by the Interior Ministry. Next year in Jerusalem Dillard Munsell A Gentile