|
|
Post by alon on Jul 26, 2014 13:44:14 GMT -8
It is a negative commandment to entertain no thought that there is any other god except the blessed God.
Shemot 20:3(OJB) "Thou shalt have no elohim acherim in My presence."
Exodus 20:3 (CJB) "You are to have no other gods before me." Whoever entertains the thought in his mind (Heaven forbid) that there is any other god except Him, or some partner or associate (Heaven forbid), or he considers ... that thre is some substance to idol-worship (Heaven forbid)- he denies the very fundamental principle [of the one and only God].
One is not to utter any word whose sense is heresy (Heaven forbid), or some acknowledgement of idolatry (Heaven forbid). For if anyone acknowledges idol-worship, it is as though he denies heretically the entire  , since he denies the very fundamental principle. And we are duty bound to be ready to give up our lives and our might over this; for in regard to all things that touch on the main principle of our faith, there is an obligation to accept death [if necessary] and not transgress.
|
|
|
|
Post by alon on Jul 26, 2014 13:47:21 GMT -8
Obviously we need to deal with this one right off the gate! Suggestions on rewriting this part?
|
|
|
|
Post by alon on Jul 26, 2014 14:02:36 GMT -8
After dealing with the italicized part, this one seems pretty solid. So what can we learn from it?
This last part kind of stands out to me. Could I give my life, or suffer abuse and degradation at the hands of evil men? The Jews have done this for most of their existence, and always seem to emerge stronger and more cohesive (that being a relative term  ).
What has kept them through @3 millennia of oppression? How can we prepare to accept death not IF but for many of us WHEN it becomes necessary? Because I do believe we are in the last days.Revelation 14:12-13 (CJB) "This is when perseverance is needed on the part of God's people, those who observe his commands and exercise Yeshua's faithfulness. Next I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write: 'How blessed are the dead who die united with the Lord, from now on!' 'Yes,' says the Spirit, 'now they may rest from their efforts, for the things they have accomplished follow along with them.'""Dan C
|
|
|
|
Post by Questor on Jul 27, 2014 22:26:03 GMT -8
Obviously we need to deal with this one right off the gate! Suggestions on rewriting this part?
In answer to part of the previous question, we can find the strength to die for our belief and trust in Yehoshua as Mashiach, and YHVH as our G-d. We can be sure of it because we are asking the question now, and preparing our mind and souls for the decision that must be made.
I am Yehoshua's until, through, and after that change we call death. I do not relish even the thought of how I might die, but I know that Abba will enable us through the Ruach to endure whatever fear, horror, and distress we may have at the means of death, and the wickedness of those administering execution for disagreeing with them over who G-d is. I prepare myself for those moments of decision the same way a Quarterback visualizes each practice ball he throws, until the throwing becomes automatic.
I visualize regularly the problem coming up in odd places, or even as simply a decree to turn yourself in. I think that all will be done according to the laws at the time, and if the world is mesmerized into agreeing to executions, well, at least I live in California where there is more care for the rights of the criminal than for anything else...and where the socialist government likes to give out the orders, and then ignore how or when it is carried out except that it is done by the rules in force. It will be inefficient, no doubt, and we will be much hated, but swords are relatively quick, and people are getting a lot of practise in other countries just now to wield such swords.
I imagine that the wait in line will be just like the DMV on a hot August day...and alas, only a few at a time with roaring, heckling crowds and protesters...because there will only be a few, and that will only be about the death penalty itself.
Still, one has to recall that Yehoshua promised protection to those that did as He bade them, and we are trying to do just that.
In regards to 'some partner or associate':
Exodus 20:3 (CJB) "You are to have no other gods before me."
Whoever entertains the thought in his mind (Heaven forbid) that there is any other god except Him, or some partner or associate (Heaven forbid), or he considers ... that there is some substance to idol-worship (Heaven forbid)- he denies the very fundamental principle [of the one and only God].
One is not to utter any word whose sense is heresy (Heaven forbid), or some acknowledgement of idolatry (Heaven forbid). For if anyone acknowledges idol-worship, it is as though he denies heretically the entire , since he denies the very fundamental principle. And we are duty bound to be ready to give up our lives and our might over this; for in regard to all things that touch on the main principle of our faith, there is an obligation to accept death [if necessary] and not transgress.
I would rewrite it thus:
Whoever entertains the thought in his mind (Heaven forbid) that there is any other god except Him as He chooses to express Himself in place, time, shape, action or function, such as some partner or associate (Heaven forbid), or he considers ... that there is some substance to idol-worship (Heaven forbid)- he denies the very fundamental principle [of the one and only God] who is Echad...a plural unity.
|
|
, since he denies the very fundamental principle. And we are duty bound to be ready to give up our lives and our might over this; for in regard to all things that touch on the main principle of our faith, there is an obligation to accept death [if necessary] and not transgress.
).
