A more Jewish Theory as to when Jesus Christ was probably born

(Part 1)

Around 200 A.D., Clément of Alexandria, a Gentile Christian theologian in Egypt, made the first known reference to the date/s Jesus Christ was born. About the same time, Clément's student, Origen (c. 165–264 A.D.), another Gentile Egyptian Christian, mocked as “pagan” the Roman practice of celebrating birthdays. (Origen, Homily on Leviticus 8). Despite Origen’s censure -- and according to Clément, Origen’s mentor -- a couple of different days had been proposed at that time by various Christian groups. Surprising as it may seem to Roman Catholics and Protestants, Clément doesn't mention December 25 at all! 

Grace Negotiations

Moses knew that he had found favor in God's eyes. By deliberatly identifying himself with Israel, he extended that favor to the whole nation.

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Sukkot on Shabbat (סוכות שבת חל המועד | Intermediate Day of Sukkot on Shabbat)

Torah: Exodus 33:12-34:26

Haftarah: Ezekiel 38:18-39:16

THE CHRISTIAN'S PRIESTHOOD IS NOT MELCHIZEDEK'S

I disagree with the assertion that you or I (or any Christians) participate in the priestly order of Melchizedek. When Peter and John allude to the Christian's priesthood it is in language borrowed from the Torah/Law about Israel's priestly status.

The Levitical priesthood is post hoc Israel's national priesthood; the Melchizedek priesthood existed prior to the patriarch Israel's / Jacob's existence; more so then to his son Levi's. Yet the Levitical priesthood remains as an eternally-covenanted (Num 25:13; Jer 33:17-22) organic organization within Israel's national priesthood -- creating a hierarchy of [Levitical] high priest, over yet serving the Levitical priests and all of Israel, who [the Levitical priests] are over yet serving the Levites and all of Israel, who [the Levites] are over yet serving all of Israel, as Israel performs its national priestly duties of representing to the nations the Creator/Ruler,and of teaching Gentiles more about God and His ways.

Days of Awe, or yamim nora'im (יָמִים נוֹרָאִים)

Yom Kippur, or the "Day of Atonement," is the holiest day of the Jewish year, and provides prophetic insight regarding the Second Coming of the Messiah, the restoration of national Israel, and the final judgment of the world. It is also a day that reveals the High-Priestly work of Yeshua as our Kohen Gadol (High Priest) after the order of Malki-Tzedek (Heb. 5:10, 6:20).

Judgement Day

Why would believers in Yeshua have anything to do with a day of fasting, repentance, and atonement? Has not the Messiah already atoned for our sins?

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Yom Kippur (יום כיפור | Day of Atonement)

Torah: Leviticus 16

Haftarah: Isaiah 57:14-58:14

Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah

When Adam first opened his eyes and human consciousness was born, he immediately understood that the God had created all things, including himself. According to midrash, Adam's first words were, יהוה מֶלֶךְ עוֹלָם וָעֶד / Adonai malakh olam va'ed: "The LORD is King for ever and ever." God then said, "Now the whole world will know that I am King," and He was very pleased. This was the "tov me'od" (טוֹב מְאד) moment of creation, when God saw all that He had made "and found it very good" (Gen. 1:31). The birthday of humanity is therefore the Coronation Day for the King of the Universe. According to Jewish tradition, this date represents Rosh Hashanah, or the "head of the year" for humanity, when God began to rule as King over the universe He created.

Watering our Souls

Many believers behave like the foolish gardener. They espouse faith in Messiah and find relationship with God, but they do not nurture that faith and relationship by regularly watering it with the study of the Word.

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Ha'azinu (האזינו | Listen)

Torah: Deuteronomy 32:1-32:52

Haftarah: 2 Samuel 22:1-51

Gospel: John 20:26-21:25

A special portion for Shabbat Shuvah is applicable this Shabbat!

Shabbat Shuvah (שבת שובה | Shabbat of Return)

Haftarah: Hosea 14:2-10; Micah 7:18-20; Joel 2:15-27