Roots of Faith

Dear Friends and Associates of Roots of Faith,

I wanted to send this note out this morning to call your attention to a matter that requires our joint prayers. It involves the future of Jerusalem and the safety and freedom of the Jewish people residing in the land that God gave to their ancestors - Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Next week, on November 27th, 2007, the Secretary of State and the President of the United States will host an international conference in Annapolis, Maryland to discuss the creation of a 
“Palestinian / Arab state” carved out of the very heart of the land given by God to the people of Israel.

Representatives from nearly 50 nations of the world have been invited. Among those that are invited, 15 are Arab states. Others include; Canada, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Spain, South Africa, Sweden and Syria.

We at Roots of Faith, a growing community composed of Jews and Non-Jews, openly stand against the purposes of this conference based upon the words of the Hebrew Bible.

We find in this assemblage of delegates from the Nations, a modern day relevance for the words of Psalm Two:

Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and his anointed, saying, let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us.

We would remind all of those who claim to love God, Israel and the Bible of the words of Psalm One Hundred Thirty-Seven:

If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither!
Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember you, if I do not see Jerusalem above my highest joy!

We see the establishment of the modern state of Israel as a fulfillment of prophecy in these days and as a sign that God has made good on his promises to the children of Israel.

We find it uncanny that this latest opposition to the plans and purposes of God are slated to take place on the very day on the Hebrew Calendar (17 Kislev), 60 years to the date of United 
Nations General Assembly Resolution 181, which was a proposal to partition the land of Israel (known at that time as Palestine) into a Jewish and an Arab State. 46 votes were cast: 33 voted in favor and 13 against this proposal. The Arabs reacted with hostilities to the results of this vote and these historic events led to the War of Independence.

We therefore, ask that you begin praying now that the vain imaginations of those who stand against the rights of the state of Israel come to naught.

Please join with us as we pray for Israel. The conference is scheduled for Tuesday, November 27th, 2007 in Annapolis Maryland. Please forward this to all who love God, Israel and the Bible.

In this class, Ross explores the connecting theme between the Torah reading and Prophets reading for this 9th seder of the Ancient Triennial Torah cycle. The theme is “unity” and specifically as it relates to language.

In the torah reading from Genesis 11 we find that the whole earth had one language and the same words.  Their purposes however were not aligned with the goals of God. It is recorded that they sought to make a name for “themselves”.

The prophet reading is from Zephaniah chapter 3 this week and it also contains the idea of a single language, but in this text it is God that ‘reverses the curse’ of Genesis 11, and converts the people to the same language so that they may call upon Him.

In this class, Ross talks about Babel and the origins of Babylon. He also teaches on the relevance of this “mother of harlots and abominations” both historically as well as prophetically.

Beginning with a “parable” of sorts in Genesis 25:19ff, he tells of two nations that emerged from the womb or cradle of civilization - Babylon and Abram. Two distinct manner of nations would emerge. One sought and continues to seek to make a name for themselves, while the other has a destiny to make God’s name known in the earth.

Ross explores the various manifestations of the evil incarnation of Babylon (Shinar) and illustrates that as Abram was the first to answer the call to “come out of her my people” so too we must answer the call.

As an interesting point, it is pointed out in this week’s lesson that Kislev 15 is the date on which the “Abomination of Desolation” is erected by order to Antiochus Epiphanes. This date, recorded in I Maccabees chapter one happens to correspond with the date on which this class is given (14 Kislev)! There is a detailed entry in Ross’ blog on this topic. It remains the most popular of all entries to date and so you may want to read it as this was touched on this week.

This story in I Maccabees begins with a decree that all should be “one people” - and this idea then is connected with the attempts of the builders of the tower of Babel.

You really need to hear this class, but be prepared to take notes and have fun keeping up.  We cover lots of texts as always.

Shalom

 

 Genesis 11 - Teaching [135:12m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Genesis 11 Dialogue [58:57m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Offering of Love

by Glenn Chatterton 

I struggled long and hard with what the Scripture instructs as opposed to what the church teaches about tithing. This song reflects my understanding of the issue - all I have is His, to use as He sees fit. It is my responsibility to lay it all down at His feet, and then distribute it as He directs. In that sense, the song is roughly based around Deuteronomy 18:4.

I wanted the song to have a ‘traditional’ Hebrew flavor, hence the time signature and chord structure. As for the minimalist lyrics, I found that once the message was delivered, there was nothing more to add. To do so would have served only to belabor the point.

Lyrics

Give unto the LORD your substance
The firstfruit of all your increase
Offer it up unto the LORD
On the altar of sacrifice
 
All you have, all you are
Comes from God above
Give to Him all your heart
In an offering of love.

 

 Offering of Love by Glenn Chatterton [1:39m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In this class, Ross covers among other things, the subject of the heart of man. The story of Noah contains some information about the heart of man.  The idea that man requires a change of heart is prevalent in the Scripture. In the introduction to this week’s class, Ross talks about this.

The class also covers some interesting material from the prophets as well as the Christian Scriptures on the Son of Man as well as the Servant.  Who is the servant of the LORD? IS it Israel? Is it Jesus? Is it both? Could there be another who fits the role?

You will not want to miss this class.  Check it out today!

Shalom until next week

 

 Genesis 8:15-10:32 Morning Service [116:42m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Genesis 8:15-10:32 Dialog [82:53m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download