Evidently it's  been over three years since I last wrote on this blog; it's amazing how time flies when you are having fun! Truth be known, I had lost the passcode to this email and account and figured by now this blog would be gone.

So what has been going on in my life? Well in 2013, I graduated from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. Yes, it was  far cry from the person who was writing Shabbat Musings just two years previously. However, do not fear, I have not abandoned my faith; rather I have made myself stronger in faith because of my study in seminary!

I am still driving school buses, though no longer at a school where I worked with my best friend. I am now at a high school with students who are academic overachievers and I love every minute of my day! Though I am saddened at times...I am saddened that I no longer make a difference in the lives of children. Instead I have kids who come to me, smarter than any of children I have ever worked with; and I wonder often am I making a difference?

A little over a year ago, I lost my best friend. It was a journey that has (and still does) test my faith. So maybe I will discuss that sometime!

I write a couple of other blogs, now...The Witness, and Israel Prayer Update .israelprayerupdate.blogspot.com.

I look forward to writing more to you all on this blog; but the aforementioned are my newest and most updated blogs!

Shabbat Reflection 6/52

It never ceases to amaze me that when I actually have a “Shabbat Reflection” written or at least know what I want to write that God changes it!

I had been studying this week about “leaven” and how Jesus used it in a positive manner of teaching--as well as a negative. However, as I was studying the Bible I got reading in Matthew, where Jesus gives the Parable of the House built on a firm foundation and one on sand.

Have you ever really studied that question in light of Jesus’ other teachings? Just prior to telling this story, Jesus tells us that He had not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill, complete it (Matthew 5:17). Then He tells His disciples that you can’t judge others, and about the fruit in others lives.

So let me tell you how God spoke to me through Matthew 7:21-27. I love how “The Message” paraphrases this scripture:

21-23 "Knowing the correct password—saying 'Master, Master,' for instance— isn't going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, 'Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.' And do you know what I am going to say? 'You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don't impress me one bit. You're out of here.'

24-25 "These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.

26-27 "But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards."

Basically what Jesus is saying here is that “Yeah, you can know the right things to say, and you can know the right way to walk, but if you aren’t doing these things...what good are you doing?”

So what is the firm foundation? Personally I have found it in obedience to God’s word as exemplified by Jesus. He not only fulfilled the Torah, but He also FOLLOWED the Torah. Not only was Jesus loved by people He UNCONDITIONALLY loved others. He didn’t condemn their beliefs, He didn’t give them a rock upon which to stumble. Rather He liberated them!

I have chosen to follow Torah, but not because I believe it will lead to salvation (I am already a Child of God through my acceptance of Jesus Christ) rather I follow the Torah, because it provides me protection in my life.

According to Ariel and D’vorah Berkowitz in their book Torah Rediscovered “The mishpatim, mitzvot, chukim, and torot function as a protective border for the people of God.” Also pointed out is that the “Torah tells us the truth and describes the difference between holy and unholy, between clean and unclean, between life and death, it is, therefore, a protection for us and a written revelation of the grace of God. Every man, woman, or child who chooses not to live within the teachings of God, which produce life, is consigned to a place outside of the blessing and protection that these teachings establish. (Remember Deuteronomy 30:19-20.)”

Okay so following the Torah produces a firm foundation in our lives. Then when we get saved, we have a foundation on which to build, but it doesn’t mean that we don’t take care of that foundation. Do we not take care of the foundations that our homes are built on? Then we must take care of the foundation that our faith is built upon. We do this through study of both the Tanakh and the Brit Hadasah (Old and New Testaments).

I know what you all are thinking, didn’t Paul tell the Galatians that law and grace cannot co-exist? Yes, however, he was talking about the legalistic form of Torah observance. During this time gentile believers were being faced with the demand the "Judaizers", those Jewish Believers from Jerusalem who wish to compel the Gentile converts to Christianity to follow the Law of Moses as they do.

Paul told them, in Galatians 5:1-6:

For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that, if ye receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing. Yea, I testify again to every man that receiveth circumcision, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Ye are severed from Christ, ye would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace. For we through the Spirit by faith wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love.

I, myself, do not see anywhere that Paul tells them NOT to follow the Torah, rather he’s telling them aside from Christ there is no means of salvation. Your obedience, no matter how great, can ever save you from certain death--however there is a way to be saved. That is through belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Paul in Colossians 2:16-23:

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a feast day or a new moon or a sabbath day: which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ's. Let no man rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshipping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he hath seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and bands, increasing with the increase of God. If ye died with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, do ye subject yourselves to ordinances, "Handle not, nor taste, nor touch,"

(all which things are to perish with the using), after the precepts and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will-worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.

We are told here that NO MAN can judge us because we choose to respect a certain feast day or a Sabbath, because the BODY belongs to Christ. And we are also told that no man can rob us of a prize for our voluntary humility in obedience to Christ’s word.

So no more will I let someone’s unjust reasoning about my obedience to what God has placed in my heart bother me, no longer will I let someone say “Rachel, you only have the letter of the law...you need more (which translate, you don’t have the Spirit of God in your life) hinder me from obedience to what God has placed in my heart.

I will continue to take care of my FIRM FOUNDATION through obedience of God’s word...all of it, not just what I pick and choose, and through the following of the example of Jesus Christ.

I encourage all of you to do the same!

Shabbat 5/52 - Yes, NASCAR did mock God and Prayer

I really wanted to write about this weeks Torah Portion and Parsha, however, I am feeling led to write about the invocation at yesterday's NASCAR race. If you haven't heard it or seen it, I will provide a website: www.youtube.com/watch?v=J74y88YuSJ8

Below are my three Comments that really matter on the subject:

1) For those who think this is "Funny" and are hating on us for thinking it's inappropriate...Not once did he pray for our service men and women, not once was he serious about his prayer. It was a mockery of our faith. If he was mocking Islam, don't think the Muslims in this country wouldn't flip out.

Personally I think God does have a sense of humor, I bet He laughs every time a Christian picks up a "self-help" book, in a Christian store no less, I am sure He laughs when I think my plans are going to work out and He changes them. But God does NOT laugh at MOCKERY of anyone's faith. I believe in Galatians 6:7 reminds us that God won't be MOCKED.

Every Christian who truly is would be offended at the way this man thinks this is funny. It's not, it's a mockery of Christian belief.

So if you think I am closed-minded, that's fine. At least I know my brain is tucked up in my head working properly, and don't have to worry about it falling out!

2) Where in that prayer did our troops get honored? Where in that prayer did our flag and those who have died for our faith and flag get honored? Where in that prayer did God get glorified? Other than his "smokin' hot wife" and the things that keep those drivers safe, he wasn't thankful, he was mocking prayer.

Don't get me wrong, yes, I am glad that NASCAR still allows prayer, it's because it's a SOUTHERN sport and evidently we still believe in God in the South. And many of you are right stating that it's relationship over religion, I feel very much the same way, however my way of approaching the Throne of God calls for reverence and humbleness...two qualities that I did NOT see in this prayer, which is why I deem inappropriate. Remember that we are all of different faiths, some Christians, some not--and we all have opinions, just like we all have arm pits and sometimes they stink, but as Christians we are called to Stand up for our faith and that is what those who found this inappropriate are doing, just as those who think it was appropriate.

If 99.9% of you actually knew me, you'd know I am the first person to crack a joke and take things very LIGHTHEARTEDLY, but that doesn't mean that I think mocking prayer (whether ripped off for a movie or not) is appropriate.

Everyone who comments on this is getting in a huff for no reason other than attacking each other--WCNC asked for our opinions and that is what this is...

3) I am tired of every comment about yesterday's NASCAR prayer that says "At least they allowed prayer..." Either you call it for what it was "A MOCKERY" or don't...stop being so LUKEWARM about this subject!

Logos Bible Software Scholarship!

Hey all! Going to Seminary is expensive! On top of that, finding a scholarship can be really difficult. That's why I was so excited to find www.seminaryscholarship.com today. Not only are they giving away a $1000.00 scholarship and digital theological library, all I had to do to apply was watch a short video and answer a few questions! It took less than 15 minutes.

What is best of all is that if you are in seminary and apply for the scholarship..and put my name as the person who referred you (Rachel Anders), if you win, SO DO I! We both get a $1,000.00 scholarship and digital theological library! So, so us both a favor and go apply for the Seminary Scholarship!

The Star and The Cross

If you know me, then you've probably seen this symbol, a Star of David superimposed with a roman cross, hanging around my neck. And if you are a Christian friend of mine, you've probably asked me "Why do you wear Jewish symbols?" Further more, you've heard my answer..."If it weren't for the Jews, then we Gentiles wouldn't have a Savior." If this symbol has worried you about my beliefs, you've probably asked me "Why and did I know that Jesus was the only way to heaven?" To reassure you I did, I said "Yes." To your dismay, I have continued to wear my "Messianic Star of David."

So I need to know, why does this symbol bother "Christians" so much? For me, it symbolizes how interwined our faith actually is with that of the Jewish faith. What does it symbolize to you? Instead of asking me in the name of "concern for my understanding of truth or salvation" why don't you tell me why you are so upset by the true understanding of 1st Century, Bibilcal Faith?

Personally this symbol, shows my understanding that if it were not for the Jews rejecting Jesus as their Messiah, then I may not have the opportunity to know Jesus as my savior. I can't prove this stance, but I can however, state that rejection turned salvation my way and for that I am grateful. Also I wear this "Symbol" because it shows others that I recognize that my religion and faith is based in both "testaments" of the Bible. And lastly, I wear this symbol because my Savior is a Jew.

So tell me, what about this symbol makes you feel so uncomfortable?

Reflections on Shabbat 3/52

This past Shabbat rest, I spent my time thinking about Jesus as a Jewish Theologian. Mainly because my friend Nehemia gave me a book by that title and because I have decided that I want to understand more of the “history”

of my religion, and to develop my own “Theology” as I was once told to do.

This week my studies took me in to the drama of Messiah (Jesus/Yeshua) life. The main study is about his baptism. As we know John, called the Baptist, (though not the founder of the Baptist church) came before Jesus to proclaim the coming Messiah; to show people before Christ came how they were to live. Before baptizing people, he commanded Jews to exercise virtue, both in the set of righteousness towards each other and piety towards God. (Whiston 1998) Then they could come for baptism. Even today this is our way of doing things. We ask God to save us, to purify our lives and to make us righteous, and then we go for baptism.

So the book explores why Jesus, Son of God, yet Son of Man had to be baptized? Is it because He was a sinner? No. Jesus, himself never knew sin. However, the modern Christian church teaches that he was giving “Christians”

an example of how we are to live. This is only half true. Since Jesus never knew sin, he didn’t have to exercise virtue or turn from his “past.” The people that John had baptized prior to Jesus are our example on how we are to turn from

our ways and receive Grace. Dr. Brad Young says in his book, Jesus: The Jewish Theologian, Jesus went for baptism so that he is “identified with all humanity”; Young goes on to say that “At baptism Jesus didn’t become a child of God, rather God PRESENTED Him for the entire world to see.” (Young 1995)

So I want to move on from this very important point. God presented Jesus. We often think, “Well didn’t God present Jesus at His birth?” To this I would have once said “yes!” but today I have to say that I now know that while

he was presented to the world, it wasn’t until His ministry was ready to start that He was truly presented.

At the time of Jesus’ baptism I believe that He was submitting to the Will of the Father. So it is when we too are baptized. Many Christian churches teach that “When we are immersed in the water the old man is dying and we

are raised with Christ.” That to me is a feel-good explanation. The reason I believe this is that when we are saved, we receive Christ into our lives, we are immediately changed. The old man dies; we are immediately changed into the “New Creation/Creature.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 states “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here” (NIV). So regardless of our “baptized” state, we are new and united with Christ. Our

baptism is our “Presentation” to the body of believers and it is truly during our baptism that we are submitting ourselves to the Will of the Father.

Bibliography

Whiston, William. "Josephus: The Complete Works." In Antiquities of the Jews, by Josephus, 581. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1998.

Young, Dr. Brad. Jesus: The Jewish Theologian. Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers, 1995.

*Note to reader: Recently I challenged my friends to seek a “Shabbat Rest.” The writings here, are my observances and things that I am studying and learning during my “time of rest.” The views held here are my own observances and opinions. If you disagree, you are free to comment on this or any notes. I welcome your own observances in that we may learn and grow in faith together.

RA

Short Note/Explaination on Mitzvah/Torah according to Examples of Jesus

This is just a short "update" on my "The Word of the Law" note--I've had a few emails telling me I am wrong about Torah Observance and Grace...many think they can't go hand in hand. So let me elborate on Matthew 5:17-20.

The Message reads: 17-18"Don't suppose for a minute that I have come to demolish the Scriptures— either God's Law or the Prophets. I'm not here to demolish but to complete. I am going to put it all together, pull it all together in a vast panorama. God's Law is more real and lasting than the stars in the sky and the ground at your feet. Long after stars burn out and earth wears out, God's Law will be alive and working.

19-20"Trivialize even the smallest item in God's Law and you will only have trivialized yourself. But take it seriously, show the way for others, and you will find honor in the kingdom. Unless you do far better than the Pharisees in the matters of right living, you won't know the first thing about entering the kingdom.

The KJV reads:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled, 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

The English Standard Version reads:17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you(I) will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

So according to many study notes that I have read and these that I am going to post are the ONES I AGREE with. To fully understand these verses one must make note that there were THREE categories of law: Ceremonial, Civil and Moral.

1) Ceremonial Law: These relate specifically to Israel's Worship. (See Leviticus 1:2, 3 for an example). Its primary purpose was to point forward to Christ; these laws, therefore, were no longer necessary after Jesus' Death and resurrection. While we are no longer bound by ceremonial laws, the principles behind them--to worship and love a Holy God--Still apply. Jesus was often accused by the Pharisees of violating ceremonial law.

2) Civil Law: These applied to daily living in ISrael (See Deuteronomy 24:10, 11 for example). Because modern society and culture are so radically different from that time and setting all of these guidelines cannot be followed specifically. But the principles behind the commands are timeless and should guide our conduct. Jesus demonstrated these principles by example.

3) Moral Law: (Such as the Ten Commandments) is the direct command of God, and it require strict obedience (see Exodus 20:13 for example). The Moral Law reveals the nature and will of God and it still applies today. Jesus obeyed the Moral Law completely.

I realize that several people will not agree with me on this, and that is alright, to each their own. However, I believe that if we as Christians start to really look at our lives and begin to live life with GRACE and OBEDIENCE then our lives will truly shine forth the LIGHT of God.

*Explanations taken from "Life Application Bible: NIV"