Month: October 2019

The Jewish Mezuzah and Its Eternal Truth

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment

One of the most precious gifts I ever received was a Mezuzah from Israel. It was given to my husband and me by our Pastor at the time, Ken Raggio, from his trip to the Holy Land.

WHAT IS A MEZUZAH?

The Mezuzah is a small rectangular box, some simply decorated, and others extremely ornate. Every Mezuzah holds the same contents, a copy of the verses Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21.

WHAT IS ITS PURPOSE?

The Mezuzah is a reminder of the most fundamental knowledge of God.

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)

This knowledge that GOD IS ONE LORD is so important in our understanding of Him that He instructs His People to speak of it daily to their children, when they are sitting, walking, and otherwise going about their days. He expects us to keep this knowledge at the forefront of our minds, continually.

The Mezuzah is not an amulet, nor a good luck charm. It is simply a reminder to those who possess it of their obligation to God.

HOW IS IT USED?

The Mezuzah has traditionally been affixed to the doorways of Jewish homes. When the people who lived there, or even guests, came through the door, they would be reminded, this is a home where people know the one, true living God. I must conduct myself in a proper and reverent way in honor of Him.

Also, when people would leave the home, they would be reminded to live appropriately and in honor of God while they go about their daily lives.


A CLOSER EXAMINATION

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

The knowledge that God is one is the core belief that every person who claims to know and love Him should confess. The belief in a TRINITY of Beings who make up the One God is against that most fundamental doctrine.

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

We should hold this knowledge that our God is One Lord deeply in our hearts. It should resonate clearly and distinctly within us every day of our lives so that we do not begin to think of Him as the many gods of heathen nations.

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

God expects us to teach this knowledge of His ONENESS to our children at every opportunity. This mandate should make us rethink putting our children in situations where we know they will be taught trinitarian doctrine, even so called “Christian” schools.

And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

Again, whatever our hand finds to do, or our eyes look at, our minds should always retain the knowledge of God’s ONENESS, and the fact that we are to love Him with everything in us. When we go or come from our homes, this Truth should guide us in the way we go about our days, both inside and outside our homes. If we are truly in relationship with the One True Living God, we will behave ourselves in ways that please Him, both to the stranger, as well as to those closest to us.

 

Deuteronomy 11:13-21

And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the Lord your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,

The blessings of God are contingent on whether we retain the knowledge of the One True Living God, and whether we serve Him with everything within us. IF we, THEN He.

That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil. And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle, that thou mayest eat and be full.

The blessing of remembering and teaching that our God is One Lord, and loving and serving Him with our whole hearts, is that He will provide what we need to live productive and contented lives in His will.

Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;

It is possible that we could be deceived into serving and worshiping other gods. We must guard our hearts and minds continually. It is difficult to imagine the possibility of being deceived in the day that we live in. However, believing that the trinitarian doctrine is biblical is one such deception.

And then the Lord‘s wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the Lord giveth you.

If we do not retain the knowledge of God’s ONENESS in our hearts, and instead, live our lives as if we are not accountable to the One True Living God, and forsake our relationship with Him, then we can expect God’s fierce anger to be against us. We should not be surprised when His blessings of provision do not follow. Nor should we expect to live out our days in health and peace.

Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.

The knowledge of God’s ONENESS and our adoration of Him should not only be on display at every point in our lives, but should saturate our very hearts and beings.

And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

We must use every opportunity to invest into our children the knowledge of the ONENESS of God and their need to love and serve Him with all their hearts. Click To Tweet

We must not assume that our children and grandchildren know and understand the truth of the Oneness of God simply because they witness our relationship with God. Nor should we assume they comprehend the magnitude of their obligation to God because they have heard us tell others. WE MUST SPEAK THE WORDS TO THEM ONE ON ONE as often as we can.

And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates:

Hence, the reason that Orthodox Jews still attach the Mezuzah to their door posts even in modern times.

That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth.

We don’t live for the Lord and retain the knowledge of His ONENESS only for ourselves. Our children’s very lives and futures depend on us imparting to them this same knowledge of the Almighty, deep love and desire to serve Him in Truth. Knowing that GOD IS ONE, not three, is basic, fundamental, and ESSENTIAL to our and our children’s salvation.

 

YOUR OBLIGATION AS A CHRISTIAN

You may not have a Mezuzah affixed to your door posts, but you are responsible for knowing and passing on this eternal Truth:

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)

Warm

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As always, feel free to leave a comment, share to social media, or email me: PAT@patvick.com

Also, if you’d love to read more about the Oneness of God, be sure to check out my past articles on the topic below.

Are All Pentecostal Churches Created Equal?

The Oneness of God: It Isn’t Just Semantics.

What Is The First Commandment Of All?

 

6 Reasons You Should Be Baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment

The choice to be baptized in Jesus’ name was neither difficult, nor complicated for me, once I saw the Truth of it in scripture. I had previously been baptized in the titles, “Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” When I came up out of the water, the only difference I felt was wet instead of dry. I was very disappointed that I didn’t feel a difference on the inside. I knew that I had missed something, but wasn’t sure what.

Years later, I learned of baptism in Jesus’ name. I saw it. I understood it. I acted on it. I can testify to you that when the man of God put me under the water, actually calling on the NAME OF JESUS, everything was different than my previous baptismal experience.

I can tell you the exact moment my sins were “washed away.” It was in the approximate two seconds that I was under the water. I remember opening my eyes, seeing the lights above me, and thinking that I could stay there forever. When I broke the plane of the water, I knew without a doubt that I was clean on the inside.

Because I’ve had this extraordinary experience, I desperately want you to experience it also. Here are six reasons why you should be baptized in the NAME OF JESUS CHRIST:

1. Jesus commanded it.

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” (Matthew 28:19)

Father, Son and Holy Ghost are titles. What is THE NAME of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost? It is JESUS, of course! Going through the motions of baptism without using His name is powerless.

2. The Apostles obeyed Jesus’ command by baptizing in Jesus’ name.

On the Day of Pentecost, when Peter preached the first message of the early Church, he very plainly told the people what they must do to be saved -repent, be baptized in Jesus’ name, and receive the Holy Ghost.

We can see what Jesus meant by how the apostles followed through. There isn’t one scripture that even suggests they spoke the titles, Father, Son and Holy Ghost over new converts when they baptized them.

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38)

“Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)” (Acts 8:14-16)

3. Jesus’ name baptism is for the remission (removal) of sins.

How did the apostles have the power to remit (remove) people’s sins? It was by baptizing them in Jesus’ name. The ministry has this same power today. WOE to a minister who refuses to baptize new converts in the name of Jesus! That man or woman will stand before the God of all Glory with much blood on their hands.

“Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.” (John 20:23)

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38)

“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16)

4. Being baptized in Jesus’ name allows us New Life and hope of the Resurrection.

A bride is due all the benefits that taking on her husband’s name in marriage allows. So it is that we are due all that taking on Jesus’ name in baptism allows.

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:” (Romans 6:3-5)

5. Historical records prove Jesus’ name baptism to be the original formula.

Hastings Dictionary of the Bible, (Thirteenth Edition, Vol. 1, Page 241): The original form of words as ‘into the name of Jesus Christ’ or ‘the Lord Jesus.’ Baptism into the Trinity was a later development.

Schaff-Herzog Religious Encyclopedia, (Vol. 1, Page 435): “The New Testament knows only the baptism in the name of Jesus.”

Canney Encyclopedia, (page 53): “The early church always baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus until the development of the Trinity, afterward they were baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.”

6. We are commanded to do all things in Jesus’ saving name.

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:17)

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

We are so quick to proclaim the name of Jesus in every other area of our lives; doesn’t it seem only right that His name should be spoken at our baptism? People will pray over their food, their choices, their health, and their children, calling on the name of Jesus. Yet, they will refuse to have His name spoken at the most pivotal point in their lives.

…This sounds like a trick of the enemy to me.

GUEST POST by: Katie Davis The Opportunity of Singleness

~ Pat Vick ~ Leave a comment
Photo by icon0.com from Pexels

There is a stigma among women today where many think ministry doesn’t begin until they are married to a “preacher.” They wait around their whole lives, praying that God would send a “good man” to them and they forget the mandate Christ gave us in the New Testament to spread the Gospel to the whole world.

Another scripture they tend to forget is 1 Corinthians 7:34, “There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.”

Every day we young ladies are bombarded with how we should look, dress, walk, talk, style our hair and what type of man we should marry to achieve life-long happiness. Society tries to dictate to us what should be most important. As Christians, our first and foremost responsibility should be to follow Christ and obey His word. We know from another portion of scripture that in doing so, “these things will be added unto you.” (Matt. 6:33)

When we put God’s agenda before our own, He will add to us the things our hearts desire such as a husband or children. He is simply wanting us to be wise with our seasons of singleness.

Singleness is a unique blessing given to us in which we grow emotionally and mentally while learning to depend on God as our relationship deepens with Him. Like the scripture said, as a single person we have more time and energy to focus directly on the will of God for our lives. 

Does it hurt to be alone sometimes? Yes, especially those of us who have been married before. Getting used to being alone and allowing God to fill the void in our hearts takes time and effort, something of which we might not have if we are more focused on a spouse or family. 

So, knowing singleness is important, what can we as young, single women do with that singleness for God?

We can TEACH BIBLE STUDIES. Helping disciple new converts or witnessing to non-believers is one of the most rewarding things. Not only are you continuing to learn and deepen your understanding of the Word by teaching, but you are planting seeds of faith or watering others already planted so God can bring the increase. This is a sure way of laying up your treasure in heaven.

We can START SMALL GROUPS. Who doesn’t know someone who needs community and a safe place to go when they’re struggling? I know as a grown woman life is hard, especially after a divorce. Some of my healing didn’t come until I met a small group of friends who accepted me for who I was in my broken state and loved me through it.

We can VOLUNTEER in almost any capacity. Food banks, sewing circles, fundraisers, youth trips, Sunday School, nursery, praise team, etc. Being available will not only show your leadership how dedicated you are but will also show the members of your church how invested and willing you are in working with them to grow the kingdom of God.

We can BECOME EDUCATED. A close friend of mine took the small group to another level and has finished several collegiate degrees in counseling. She is working to educate the church on dealing with victims of depression, trauma, and other life-altering mental illnesses. 

We can SUPPORT MISSIONS or go on missions trips. So many of our local entrepreneurs donate a percentage of their funds to help support local and foreign missionaries. Other single women go on missions trips to various places to help work that area and provide support to the missionaries they encounter. Not only does this help the missionary, but their hearts and lives are forever changed by working the field. 

These things I’ve listed are certainly not the limits to what we can do as single women serving a life dedicated to Christ, but they are very good starting points for allowing God to order our steps and make known His will for us. In the process, it may lead us to that man we’ve prayed for or the family we hope to one day have, or even the job we’ve dreamed of. 

Don’t let your singleness be an excuse to put making a difference on pause. If you want to be happy and live a fulfilled life right now, take the limits off God and put your spiritual work clothes on and get started adding to His kingdom, so He can add to you all the blessings He has stored up waiting for you. -Katie Davis

I’m honored to be able to share the ministry of my friend, Katie Davis. Katie attends LifePoint Pentecostal Church in Pulaski, Tennessee, pastored by Dusty and LaTasha Frierson. She is very involved there as a young minister, Worship Leader and Youth Pastor.Katie stays busy using her many talents for the Lord -teaching, preaching, speaking, writing, and studying to become a licensed UPCI Minister. -Pat Vick

You can email Katie at: Davk1227@gmail.com

Katie Davis