Dear Bob,
Thank you for your thoughtful response. I use the name Yeshua because this is his Hebrew name. I attend a Messianic Temple full of Christian Jews, and this is the name that they use. It is very effective when speaking to a Jew about Jesus because it does not offend them and has opened the door to some wonderful discussions. It is also an issue of obedience, as our Rabbi has asked me directly to use this name, and since he is the shepherd of the flock I have placed myself in, I will try to obey. What problems have you seen with using the name in the past? I too have gone through periods without regular fellowship, and have found that my walk suffers. I also believe strongly that the local body also suffers when we hold back our gifts by not attending. I respect your not wanting to fight with people, however it is important to contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints. I am very opposed to some of the "new" movements in the church (ie slaying in the spirit, and much of the new faith gospel) and feel it is important to share these feelings with the body, rather than keep quiet. I recommend a simple book by C.S. Lewis called MERE CHRISTIANITY. This book is a quick read, and cuts through much of the trash we fight about, and focuses on the things we have in common in a beautiful, and intelligent manner. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts with me, I hope we can be of encouragement to each other. Yours in the Messiah, DLL |
