To: freeus who wrote (97 ) 11/11/1997 6:12:00 PM From: gregor Read Replies (2) | Respond to of 1283
My dear brother and friend in the Lord : Being of a Jewish background , I am especially proud and honored that you would consider my words. Do you realize the awesome responsibility that God has placed on my shoulders in his effort to "establish you in the faith". You see I am "grafted on the vine" but your heritage is true and real . ROM Chap 11, 20 -24 Here Paul actually gives a warning to me (to the gentiles). Actually let me start in vs. 16. Paul says that the first fruits "be holy", meaning that the first Christians were jewish, so if the first fruits were set apart or "holy" then the "lump" the rest of the nation were also holy. I must therefore always remember that my opportunity to be a Christian was purchased with Jewish blood, not only of Christ but also the way that Paul and the gospel writers were all put to death. Paul then tells me in vs. 18 "boast not against the branches", meaning I dare not boast that God chose me instead of the Jews. in vs. 19 he says " Wilth thou say-----the branches were broken off that I might be grafted in" Meaning ,I BETTER NOT EVEN THINK IT...amen ..for if God spared not the natural branches,,Paul says to me ...."TAKE HEED", lest he also spare not me...He's got my attention so far.......!!!!!!! But in vs. 24 he says " how much more shall these which be the NATURAL BRANCHES, be grafted into your own olive tree.. So do you see, brother, the heritage you have in Christ ? I,m telling you it is with "fear and trembling" that I relate this to you...also that in ISA 66 7-8 and ZECH 12 : 10 and 13 ; 1 the future salvation of Israel being foretold in one day...for all those living at that time ! But let me be emphatic--for those that die not on the vine or as a branch on the olive tree they shall not inherit eternal life, I have no doubt about this. But likewise can you see just a glimmer of the enthusiasm I feel for being one of those to be graffed on to the vine------and as for you my brother in Christ---how pleased God is to have you a "natural son", back home where you have a natural, rightful place.......me an adopted son; but you a natural born son..to stand where it has always been your "given place "....................Like I say it is my honor, and my priveledge to serve you a" natural son"............gregor