Monthly Archives: June 2016

“I Never Heard of the Talmud”

Teaching

Many Christians say: “I never heard of the Talmud.”

Yes, but you probably have if you have read or heard the New Testament preached.
Actually, it is the doctrines and teachings of the Pharisees of the New Testament, and is called “the traditions of the elders,” Matthew 15:2, 6; Mark 7:3, 7, 8,13; Colossians 2:8; I Peter 1:18.

These teachings are still being used by those who call themselves “Jews” today, and which they consider to be their authoritative scriptures.

“The Talmud is, then, the written form of that which in the time of Jesus, was called the Traditions of the Elders.” — Rabbi Michael L. Rodkinson

and

“The Jewish religion as it is today traces its descent, without a break, through all the centuries, from the Pharisees.” — Universal Jewish Encyclopedia

What did Jesus say about the Talmud, the doctrines of the Pharisees?

Matthew chapter 23 is all about what Jesus taught concerning the Talmud, the doctrine of the Pharisees. In verse 15 He says: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.”

Matthew 16:12: “Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.”

Those who follow the doctrine of the Pharisees today are called “Jews,”

and are proselytes or descendants of proselytes. We must warn them to repent or suffer the same consequences that Jesus promised:

“Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets and wise men, and scribes, and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them ye shall scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city: That upon you may come all the righteous blood, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar,” Matthew 23:33-35.

“All these things” came upon that generation.

It is written for us as an example for those who reject Christ and follow the teachings of the Pharisees. Only the Truth in Jesus Christ will save them, and when it is preached many will turn from their wickedness, repent and be saved even as it did in New Testament times. Let us not join them in their sinful wickedness, but call them to repentance in Jesus Name.

For more information and the full text of the Talmud go to www.come-and-hear.com.

Plumb Level and Square

Teaching, , , ,

Carpenters understand that, to build a house, they must observe the principles of plumb, level and square or the house will not stand.

In colloquial conversation, we use these words to express exactness, totality, perfection and equality. We might say: “This is plumb good,” or “That’s plumb disgusting.”

The word ‘level’ is used to mean “fair,” or “honest,” or “true.” ‘Level’ is used also to mean “equality.” Like: “Is that on the level?” Or: “OK, level with me now.” Or: “We must have a ‘level’ playing field.”

The word ‘square’ is also often used to indicate fairness, or equality. Like: “That is fair and square.” Or: “Give me a square deal.”

Good carpenters often develop an eye for what is plumb, level and square. However, the natural eye cannot be trusted to determine the perfection required for a building; they must have tools, like the level, the plumb line and the square. Modern technology has developed tools using laser light for a more nearly perfect building.

What if the carpenter decides to use his own judgment about what is plumb, level and square? Isn’t his judgment as good as any? What is the basis for deciding these values? Actually, ‘plumb’ means exactly perpendicular to the earth; ‘level’ means what is exactly horizontal to the earth; and ‘square’ means what is exactly at “right” angles. These values were determined at creation, by the Creator. They are non-negotiable. We ignore them at our own peril.

What if we decide that we can choose our own judgment as to what is morally true, fair, square, plumb, or level? We will wind up with a life, a home, a community, and a nation, that will not stand for long, although it may look good to the natural eye for a short while. But the great Creator has not left us without the tools we need to build a permanent structure. These tools are found in His Word, the Bible. These moral tools have proven themselves from the very beginning of creation. We ignore them at our own peril.

God’s word is Light, more precise and exact than laser light. Without this Light we are like a blind carpenter trying to build a house. With these God-given tools, we can build a life that will endure for eternity. Only in Christ do all things ‘consist,’ that is, “hold together.” Christ is the infinite, absolute, and ultimate Light that is available to “whosoever will.” God gave us His Son, Light, the Word. In Him, and through Him, we have what we need to build a Life.