Rabbi Ken Alpren
Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
4/14/12
Whose to blame for the Holocaust? We may ask this question as we remember the Holocaust this time of year on the Day of Remembrance or Yom HaShoah. Were the German people to blame? Was G-d to blame? What about the Red Cross? In 1997 they gave a statement that they knew about the atrocities of the Holocaust and did not report it. What about us, as Jewish people? Do we blame ourselves because we allowed ourselves to become assimilated and weren’t prepared?
Doesn’t the Holocaust attest to Scripture that people act wickedly when they are detached from G-d and His Word?
Amos 3:1-2, “"Listen to this word which ADONAI has spoken against you, people of Isra'el, against the entire family that I brought up from the land of Egypt: 2 "Of all the families on earth, only you have I intimately known. This is why I will punish you for all your crimes."’
The truth is we are all guilty by our actions and by our inactions. The question should not be whose at fault, but how do we find G-d in this?
Romans 3:4, ‘Heaven forbid! God would be true even if everyone were a liar! - as the Tanakh says, "so that you, God, may be proved right in your words and win the verdict when you are put on trial."’
It is easy to affix blame when we generalize and don’t have all the information.
During the time of the Holocaust, Germany was focused on the glorification of man; of themselves.
2 Timothy 4:1-3, ‘I solemnly charge you before God and the Messiah Yeshua, who will judge the living and the dead when he appears and establishes his Kingdom: 2 proclaim the Word! Be on hand with it whether the time seems right or not. Convict, censure and exhort with unfailing patience and with teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not have patience for sound teaching, but will cater to their passions and gather around themselves teachers who say whatever their ears itch to hear.’
‘Shoah’ in Hebrew means catastrophe. ‘Olah’ means consumed by fire as in a burnt sacrifice. Yeshua was our Sacrifice or ‘olah’ too and He is identified with Israel’s suffering and our suffering too.
David lamented the death of Saul and Jonathan equally even though Saul tried to kill David and Saul may well have been demon possessed. David wrote three times, as recorded in 1Samuel 1:17-25, that ‘the heroes have fallen’. He honored Saul in spite of how he was treated.
G-d loves us in spite of our sin and He will use us in spite of our sin if we will allow Him!
Mature believers do not engage in battles over whose right and whose wrong, but we are called to mollify not exacerbate wounds.
1 Peter 4:8, ‘More than anything, keep loving each other actively; because love covers many sins.’
Ephesians 5:2, ‘and live a life of love, just as also the Messiah loved us, indeed, on our behalf gave himself up as an offering, as a slaughtered sacrifice to God with a pleasing fragrance.’
We are called to not judge by appearances, but to see clearly we should evaluate through the lens of the Spirit. All will err in life, people get hurt, we fail, we sin and disappoint.
1 Corinthians 2:15, ‘But the person who has the Spirit can evaluate everything, while no one is in a position to evaluate him. For who has known the mind of ADONAI? Who will counsel him? But we have the mind of the Messiah!’
How should be respond when we are failed and disappointed or even when we have failed or disappointed ourselves and others?
Do you want to become bitter or more tender?
Romans 8:35-39, ‘Who will separate us from the love of the Messiah? Trouble? Hardship? Persecution? Hunger? Poverty? Danger? War? 36 As the Tanakh puts it, "For your sake we are being put to death all day long, we are considered sheep to be slaughtered." 37 No, in all these things we are superconquerors, through the one who has loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers, neither what exists nor what is coming, 39 neither powers above nor powers below, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God which comes to us through the Messiah Yeshua, our Lord.’
Notice the wording. That it is in all these things; that is, trouble, hardship, persecution, hunger, poverty, danger, war, that we are super-conquerors! Not outside of these things or because of these things, but in these things!
Immediately following this portion of Scripture, Paul writes this next passage:
Romans 9:1-5, ‘I am speaking the truth - as one who belongs to the Messiah, I do not lie; and also bearing witness is my conscience, governed by the Ruach HaKodesh: 2 my grief is so great, the pain in my heart so constant, 3 that I could wish myself actually under God's curse and separated from the Messiah, if it would help my brothers, my own flesh and blood, 4 the people of Isra'el! They were made God's children, the Sh'khinah has been with them, the covenants are theirs, likewise the giving of the Torah, the Temple service and the promises; 5 the Patriarchs are theirs; and from them, as far as his physical descent is concerned, came the Messiah, who is over all. Praised be ADONAI for ever! Amen.’
Take victory and compassion to those who hurt us!
“If we allow the memory of the Nazis to keep us from Messiah, we give Hitler the power to reach beyond the grave and destroy us in an awful way that even his evil mind could not imagine.” - Vera Schlamm, Survivor
Further Reading: Deuteronomy 28:67, Judges 6:13, Esther 3:13, Ezekiel 37:1-4, 6, Hosea 6:1-3, Romans 1:20, Galatians 4:6, Proverbs 10:12, 15:1, John 7:24, Isaiah 11:3
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Whenever, Whatever, Wherever
Rabbi Ken Alpren
Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
3/31/12
Leviticus 8:22-24, ‘Then the other ram was presented, the ram of consecration; Aharon and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram. 23 After it had been slaughtered, Moshe took some of its blood and put it on the tip of Aharon's right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot. 24 Next Aharon's sons were brought, and Moshe put some of the blood on the tips of their right ears, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet; then Moshe splashed the blood on all sides of the altar.’
Notice it is the ram’s blood that was utilized here for consecration. Remember the substitute of the ram in the thicket described in Genesis 22 and Whom was the Substitute!
Hebrews 9:22, ‘In fact, according to the Torah, almost everything is purified with blood; indeed, without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.’
What does the blood mean?
The blood signifies we are purified and set apart, sanctified in Hebrew, ‘kadosh’. G-d is other than everything else! He is the infinite personal G-d and creator. We are sanctified or set apart by the blood.
We are set apart from the culture of this age where the superficial Christian culture is only ‘ankle deep’ rather than immersed in the Word of G-d.
We are set apart from the sterile culture that compromises the Word of G-d by following the Word selectively to suit convenience.
We are set apart from a world that chooses political correctness over the truth of G-d’s Word without compromise; rather we walk in His Word.
We are set apart from the academic culture where the number of books written becomes more important than the number of lives impacted.
We are set apart from the materialistic world where stuff is greater than substance, prestige greater than service and what is passing away is greater than the eternal.
Let’s concern ourselves with serving G-d in ways that impact eternity and honor Him!
Hebrews 9:14, ‘then how much more the blood of the Messiah, who, through the eternal Spirit, offered himself to God as a sacrifice without blemish, will purify our conscience from works that lead to death, so that we can serve the living God!’
It is interesting what parts of the body G-d directed Moses to place the blood of the ram upon Aharon and his sons. He directed him to place it on the right ear, right thumb and right big toe.
Placing the blood of the ram upon the right ear can signify that whenever He speaks to us, we listen!
Our ears can perceive the softest sounds. But what about our inner ear that hears the voice of the L-rd? We should be so quick to listen!
James 1:19, ‘Therefore, my dear brothers, let every person be quick to listen but slow to speak, slow to get angry.’
Placing the blood of the ram upon the right thumb can signify that whatever He tells us to do, we will do!
Our thumbs are our most important finger providing forty percent of the function of our hands including the ability to grasp and hold allowing us to do many things.
We can do whatever He asks us to do because He empowers us to do it!
Deuteronomy 30:14, ‘On the contrary, the word is very close to you - in your mouth, even in your heart; therefore, you can do it!’
Whatever He empowers us to do has eternal consequences.
1John 2:17, ‘And the world is passing away, along with its desires. But whoever does God's will remains forever.’
And whatever He asks us to do, we keep pushing forward so as to attain the goal.
Philippians 3:12, ‘It is not that I have already obtained it or already reached the goal - no, I keep pursuing it in the hope of taking hold of that for which the Messiah Yeshua took hold of me.’
Placing the blood of the ram upon the right big toe can signify that wherever He leads us to go, we will go!
Our big toes are necessary for balance and stability as well as for propelling us forward so as to walk and run.
Wherever He is, is where we want to be!
John 12:26, ‘If someone is serving me, let him follow me; wherever I am, my servant will be there too. My Father will honor anyone who serves me.’
Look at how Phillip went wherever the L-rd lead him. He was in the midst of a fruitful revival when and angel of ADONAI spoke to him.
Acts 8:26, ‘An angel of ADONAI said to Philip, "Get up, and go southward on the road that goes down from Yerushalayim to 'Azah, the desert road."’
As Phillip obeyed the Spirit’s leading, he met the Ethiopian and was instrumental in bringing him to the knowledge of the L-rd and salvation as he was reading the scroll of Isaiah in chapter 53. Imagine had Phillip not gone!
Praise the L-rd that Phillip obeyed and went!
John 5:24, ‘“Yes, indeed! I tell you that whoever hears what I am saying and trusts the One who sent me has eternal life -- that is, he will not come up for judgment but has already crossed over from death to life!”’
Similarly, as described in Acts 16, Sha’ul was given a vision and obeyed, which eventually opened up the Gospel to Europe.
Acts 16:6-10, ‘They traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, because they had been prevented by the Ruach HaKodesh from speaking the message in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the frontier of Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia; but the Spirit of Yeshua would not let them. 8 So, after passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 There a vision appeared to Sha'ul at night. A man from Macedonia was standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us!" 10 As soon as he had seen the vision, we lost no time getting ready to leave for Macedonia; for we concluded that God had called us to proclaim the Good News to them.’
We want to be like Yeshua, who prayed and listened to G-d the Father. He heard from the Him every morning.
Isaiah 50:4, ‘Adonai ELOHIM has given me the ability to speak as a man well taught, so that I, with my words, know how to sustain the weary. Each morning he awakens my ear to hear like those who are taught.’
We too can listen and hear whenever He speaks!
Psalm 40:6, ‘Sacrifices and grain offerings you don't want; burnt offerings and sin offerings you don't demand. Instead, you have given me open ears.’
We can do whatever He says!
John 8:29, ‘Also, the One who sent me is still with me; he did not leave me to myself, because I always do what pleases him.’
We can go wherever He sends us!
Psalm 40:8-9, ‘Doing your will, my God, is my joy; your Torah is in my inmost being. 9 I have proclaimed what is right in the great assembly; I did not restrain my lips, ADONAI, as you know.’
Further Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8, John 6:38-40, Hebrews 10:10, 14, 13:12, Deuteronomy 6:4, Ecclesiastes 5:2, 9:10, Jeremiah 15:16, Luke 15:10, Proverbs 11:30, Colossians 1:13, 1Kings 17:3-7, 1Corinthians 9:24, Revelation 14:4
Sermon Notes by Teresa Bennett, Pharm.D.
3/31/12
Leviticus 8:22-24, ‘Then the other ram was presented, the ram of consecration; Aharon and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram. 23 After it had been slaughtered, Moshe took some of its blood and put it on the tip of Aharon's right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot. 24 Next Aharon's sons were brought, and Moshe put some of the blood on the tips of their right ears, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet; then Moshe splashed the blood on all sides of the altar.’
Notice it is the ram’s blood that was utilized here for consecration. Remember the substitute of the ram in the thicket described in Genesis 22 and Whom was the Substitute!
Hebrews 9:22, ‘In fact, according to the Torah, almost everything is purified with blood; indeed, without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.’
What does the blood mean?
The blood signifies we are purified and set apart, sanctified in Hebrew, ‘kadosh’. G-d is other than everything else! He is the infinite personal G-d and creator. We are sanctified or set apart by the blood.
We are set apart from the culture of this age where the superficial Christian culture is only ‘ankle deep’ rather than immersed in the Word of G-d.
We are set apart from the sterile culture that compromises the Word of G-d by following the Word selectively to suit convenience.
We are set apart from a world that chooses political correctness over the truth of G-d’s Word without compromise; rather we walk in His Word.
We are set apart from the academic culture where the number of books written becomes more important than the number of lives impacted.
We are set apart from the materialistic world where stuff is greater than substance, prestige greater than service and what is passing away is greater than the eternal.
Let’s concern ourselves with serving G-d in ways that impact eternity and honor Him!
Hebrews 9:14, ‘then how much more the blood of the Messiah, who, through the eternal Spirit, offered himself to God as a sacrifice without blemish, will purify our conscience from works that lead to death, so that we can serve the living God!’
It is interesting what parts of the body G-d directed Moses to place the blood of the ram upon Aharon and his sons. He directed him to place it on the right ear, right thumb and right big toe.
Placing the blood of the ram upon the right ear can signify that whenever He speaks to us, we listen!
Our ears can perceive the softest sounds. But what about our inner ear that hears the voice of the L-rd? We should be so quick to listen!
James 1:19, ‘Therefore, my dear brothers, let every person be quick to listen but slow to speak, slow to get angry.’
Placing the blood of the ram upon the right thumb can signify that whatever He tells us to do, we will do!
Our thumbs are our most important finger providing forty percent of the function of our hands including the ability to grasp and hold allowing us to do many things.
We can do whatever He asks us to do because He empowers us to do it!
Deuteronomy 30:14, ‘On the contrary, the word is very close to you - in your mouth, even in your heart; therefore, you can do it!’
Whatever He empowers us to do has eternal consequences.
1John 2:17, ‘And the world is passing away, along with its desires. But whoever does God's will remains forever.’
And whatever He asks us to do, we keep pushing forward so as to attain the goal.
Philippians 3:12, ‘It is not that I have already obtained it or already reached the goal - no, I keep pursuing it in the hope of taking hold of that for which the Messiah Yeshua took hold of me.’
Placing the blood of the ram upon the right big toe can signify that wherever He leads us to go, we will go!
Our big toes are necessary for balance and stability as well as for propelling us forward so as to walk and run.
Wherever He is, is where we want to be!
John 12:26, ‘If someone is serving me, let him follow me; wherever I am, my servant will be there too. My Father will honor anyone who serves me.’
Look at how Phillip went wherever the L-rd lead him. He was in the midst of a fruitful revival when and angel of ADONAI spoke to him.
Acts 8:26, ‘An angel of ADONAI said to Philip, "Get up, and go southward on the road that goes down from Yerushalayim to 'Azah, the desert road."’
As Phillip obeyed the Spirit’s leading, he met the Ethiopian and was instrumental in bringing him to the knowledge of the L-rd and salvation as he was reading the scroll of Isaiah in chapter 53. Imagine had Phillip not gone!
Praise the L-rd that Phillip obeyed and went!
John 5:24, ‘“Yes, indeed! I tell you that whoever hears what I am saying and trusts the One who sent me has eternal life -- that is, he will not come up for judgment but has already crossed over from death to life!”’
Similarly, as described in Acts 16, Sha’ul was given a vision and obeyed, which eventually opened up the Gospel to Europe.
Acts 16:6-10, ‘They traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, because they had been prevented by the Ruach HaKodesh from speaking the message in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the frontier of Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia; but the Spirit of Yeshua would not let them. 8 So, after passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 There a vision appeared to Sha'ul at night. A man from Macedonia was standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us!" 10 As soon as he had seen the vision, we lost no time getting ready to leave for Macedonia; for we concluded that God had called us to proclaim the Good News to them.’
We want to be like Yeshua, who prayed and listened to G-d the Father. He heard from the Him every morning.
Isaiah 50:4, ‘Adonai ELOHIM has given me the ability to speak as a man well taught, so that I, with my words, know how to sustain the weary. Each morning he awakens my ear to hear like those who are taught.’
We too can listen and hear whenever He speaks!
Psalm 40:6, ‘Sacrifices and grain offerings you don't want; burnt offerings and sin offerings you don't demand. Instead, you have given me open ears.’
We can do whatever He says!
John 8:29, ‘Also, the One who sent me is still with me; he did not leave me to myself, because I always do what pleases him.’
We can go wherever He sends us!
Psalm 40:8-9, ‘Doing your will, my God, is my joy; your Torah is in my inmost being. 9 I have proclaimed what is right in the great assembly; I did not restrain my lips, ADONAI, as you know.’
Further Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8, John 6:38-40, Hebrews 10:10, 14, 13:12, Deuteronomy 6:4, Ecclesiastes 5:2, 9:10, Jeremiah 15:16, Luke 15:10, Proverbs 11:30, Colossians 1:13, 1Kings 17:3-7, 1Corinthians 9:24, Revelation 14:4
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