Dan_79

This why I asked what kind of "Jew" is Paul telling us he is. And why did Jesus ask the same person who endorses Paul in Simon(Peter) look after his flock in Johns scriptures three times (It grieved Peter).

There are multiple sources accrediting this online. (use discernment always). I think Josephus the historian "Jew" says something similar.

Yowm. Ok here is another way of putting it.. Gal 3:28 Then read Rev 3:9 It shouldn't even be an issue if we only heard Paul so why did John correct this?

I do or have done. "Jew" being the most interchangable word in the bible it must of inspired John to warn about this in Rev.

No I'm not. I am saying if you did not know what "Jew" was in this context you would unwittingly include "Jews" as the same as Edom/Esau. The "Jews" who wrote the encyclopedia Judaica state that Edom is in modern JEWRY. so originally I asked is it not better to use distinction in ALL uses of scripture instead of using the generalization? Where "Jews" means Isrealites use "Israelites" and drop the former "Jew" to add clarity or distinction?

Interesting, as the term "Jew" from originally meaning a Judahite (from or of the tribe of Judah), who have Gods "ever lasting" covenant now can be used to include edom and the accursed Esau?

Ok so please correct me if I am wrong.. "Atheist" can now be added to the list of definitions for the term "Jew" ?

Hi Adstar. Yes. Modern "Jews" follow the talmud which is not the same as Christianity (hence Judeo-Christianity is oxymoronic) and the jewish encyclopedia of 1925 states that "edom is in modern jewry" so to use "that" rendering of the word "Jew" would not count as a reference to meaning Israelite (descendant of Jacob). The beginings of confusion showing....

So we at least have another use here that compares differently to the first usage of the word. Is the word "Jew" meaning Israelites in Gal 2:14 ?

Hi Christine. Yes it is a help. As the first use of the word "Jew" is given to mean "Judahite" (from the tribe of Judah), this shows it's original usage. Thanks.

Is it correct to use any other term as to what it should mean at that time? I find the generalization is what is causing the confusion for me personally. Example: If we are discussing Paul and you mention he is a "Jew" but you mean by the context that it means descendant of Jacob is it not better to say "Paul the Israelite" ?

I know your not suggesting anything here but for polite respectful discussion... Can you help me answer the question (I don't know Hitler or what his thoughts were personally or like what I have read about him so would rather not immediately try to attach my genuine concern to that of a genocidal world event). Can anyone else help?

I have been visiting this forum now for a short while. I have read many very great posts and am very gratful to everyone who has taken the time to answer or correct me in my knowledge of scripture. Some will notice I keep stumbling on one term or phrase that keeps popping up on this forum and it is trying to define the term "Jew". "Jesus was a Jew" "Paul was a Jew" ...."was a Jew also" The word Jew has become synonymous in the English language to mean a multitude of things. I am not alone in this thought either. Many non ecclesiastical dictionaries approach this word with a whole host of meanings and either intentionally or not intermingle or give multiple meanings to this word. Is it correct to call an Israelite a Jew? Or a Jew an Israelite? What is a "Jew"? A Judean (someone who inhabited a land mass in the bible called Judea) ? An Israelite who is from the seed of Jacob? A biblical Character mentioned in the language called Hebrew? A Hebrew? An adherent of the religion of Judaism (or someone who observes the teachings of the Talmud)? A Judahite (someone from the tribe of Judah) ? Or does the term "Jew" simply mean all of the above in every instance? Example: If you would not call a Gorilla a primate, or a Chimpanzee a primate, where either instance required clarification because they are both primates, then what is the purpose of distinction if not for clarity? A Vegetable soup will have many combinations that fall under this term.... So using vegetable soup to determine Leeks and Carrots isnt the same as Potato and Leek... Why am I so confused over such a simple biblical term?

I visited a church that houses a foodbank on its premises. These people helped a great few families. What I didn't understand was why this one individual church had all of this vacant land around it, land that was arrable that could be used to grow food coming direct from God to the hungry? I attended so I could ask why they were the only thing in the way of that land being used and that having a foodbank on their premises was a direct show of human need in that area and guess what I got fobbed off, but not after my idea was praised as worthy (?) The fig tree? That land I calculated could feed multiple families who are landless, could be used to educate both young and old, become a place to go and meet likeminded people etc That land is growing grass with not even animals on it. It is very sad ? I guess tins trump fresh in their eyes and the supermarkets (who keep 90% of the church alive) always got payment for the foodstuffs first. (the church got the local praise, the supermarket got some profit and the government took its cut in taxes....all the main parties were kept happy first and foremost). I could never understand how such a wasteful enterprise could have the nerve to put the foodbank donation boxes on that side of the tills.

I agree, God gave us Laws Stautes and Ordinances in the OT that people reject as they think they are not valid for the life of a Christian. The festivals we are told to attend, the gatherings are clearly detailed to help become acquainted with eachother. So when the Church leader doesnt have high regard for all these things is it because he shouldnt be leading (for lack of knowledge)? What are the sheep meant to do? Do they find somewhere that does? (that would mean leaving the church or becoming divided between the fellowship). If we are all responsible for eachother then why do we not get a fully integrated service where the leader/s are humble to the youngest in question? Why isnt EVERYONE given the oportunity to give the service Or why do modern ministers assume authority over the followers? Or... What do we need a church leader for if we are leading our own church using Gods word as gathered? Only asking I do not claim to know (remember I left the church for these very reasons...and some)

Sorry for such a vague answer but it is mixed with assylum que. The only way I could find out was to see for myself. Our local authority doesn't give honesty in this area as it makes them look like the people they are. To rely on their figures is to keep yourself ignorant of how serious a problem it is. Relying on knowledge of where they are at any given time is not on their expenditure list.

Mathew 7:14

The Lord obviously. What Im saying is we can be watching out for eachothers safety but we are not neccessarily at fault for the way the churches are heading...churches are led (they have a leadership a hierarchy an agenda...) the sheep are sheep...they are followers...they turn up listen give tribute and leave for home till the next instalment...

While I agree I cannot help ask was it ever any different for my generation? The founding fathers of the US had a good church as they finally threw off the bad yolk...they left it behind to find somewhere to build up a nation from GODS word ...and it worked....until the wolves/goats/tarea etc showed up... For the US with its fresh history how a decline can be evidenced is much more easily discernable. When I look through the history of the churches in my country (England) I doubt I would of accepted any of them at this point of my life even hundreds of years ago. The reason I ask is most church denominations in my country where borm out of one schism or another, based primarily upon a moulding of Gods immutable laws into mans will. A slow degradation that was known soon after the death and ressurection of the Lord. Jesus knew his sheep would be scattered amongst all nations, John knew this also... Church splits and splits etc but only Jesus with his angels have the task of bringing them back into the safety of the fold. Not man.

I could write about all the Church denominations I have visited once, either by invite (weddings communion christenings funerals etc) or by choice. It is best I do not lol. All gave me a fair and honest insight into church life. It just wasn't for me. That could change to, I am not a closed book. The churches should all keep the holidays and festivals to be genuine anyway. These are great for meeting like minded Christians.

This is the strange thing of my experience like yourself wanting truth, I was led to a church and guided straight back out of it when I picked this book up and read it to myself. I felt like God gave me free reign on his message, once I recieved this bible I had only the limitations of the time I gave to reading it and studying it. I am not anti preacher but like all preachers you need to be able to apply at least some discernment to the message you get from them, it helps you see and understand that man does sometimes have or works to an agenda, is fallible and open to error, which is basically good for the truth to know all mans additions to the word are based on what is in his heart.

I sought like minded people...some were sheep some were wolves. I wandered into a church service once early on in my mission to find truth... on invite from someone whose directions to get there were not clear, ended up in another church where I recieved my own bible...it went from there really. Tried a few churches and my thirst for truth just wasnt being quenched properly. I found that I preferred to just sit and read and formulate questions based on points in scripture that I could not find clarity on and I have never stopped.

Good point. I cannot speak for anyone else here, you would be suprised to learn how people recieve the message. My experience is not that uncommon. I was not raised as a Christian. Had 2 atheist parents and I was guided to where the confrontation was presented to me, no one applied any pressure on me, I decieded to seek him myself or so it seemed buy I already felt repentive, guilt ridden etc...I was looking for help and someone answered.

If they have the Holy Spirit yes, I cannot see a reason why not.

I have edited my previous post to include some commentary to my initial post which might seem a bit off. The Sabbath is what God gave to you personally, time put aside to learn about the bible...with your whole family!! What better company could you wish for? Mathew 18:20