Dismissed for Keeping Torah and Teaching Others to do the same!?

Is the Law of Moses (Torah) Still Binding?

BY WAYNE JACKSON

Never has there been a period in my lifetime when there is as much doctrinal confusion in the body of Christ as there is at this time. Some of the most fundamental issues of biblical truth are being challenged.

One of the curious oddities that has made its appearance is the notion that the Torah (the law of Moses) was not abolished by Jesus’ death upon the cross. Rather, it continues on, its commands (at least some of them) being bound upon the church, and its obligatory force continuing until the return of Christ. A young professor in a Christian university has expressed the following thoughts.

If Jesus’ death on the cross really did do away with the Torah altogether, why does he affirm it so strongly in Matthew 5, and even enjoin those in his kingdom to fulfill its commands? Don’t forget how Jesus closes his teaching on the Law. He says: “Whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven! But whoever keeps them and teaches others to do the same will be great in the kingdom of heaven.” Is the Kingdom of Heaven now? Are Jesus’ words for us? I strive to keep and teach the Torah because I want to be considered great in the Kingdom of Heaven. But I want you to know something. Unlike Israel of the OT, I study, keep, and teach a fulfilled Torah; a Torah redefined by Christ and his death. Many of the types and shadows of the Torah have been replaced by the realities to which they point in Christ. This fact, however, does not nullify the Torah; rather it makes the Torah even more beautiful and meaningful (emphasis original).

FAST FORWARD..."The professor under review has been dismissed from the university with which he was associated"   

Conclusion

"There should be tremendous concern among the Lord’s people when a teaching this fundamental has become so terribly misconstrued, and is fed “intravenously” to sincere young men who are anxious to proclaim the gospel of Christ."[sic] [1]

*Note: The professor under review has been dismissed from the university with which he was associated at the time this article was published. He now is associated with another university.


Dismissed for Keeping Torah and Teaching Others to do the same!?

Wayne Jackson goes on: "The error in this affirmation is egregious, not to mention contradictory. It concedes the Torah has been fulfilled, and yet contends it must be “kept” today—even the least of its obligations. This stands in sharp contrast to the teaching of Christ, as well as the writers of the New Testament. It really is most amazing that any mature Christian would advocate it—much less one who is in a position of responsibility, and exercises considerable influence over impressionable youth."

A few points on this days Twistianity: 

• Fulfilled? Based on what. Is that found in the Book of Opinions?
  Well, why don't we see what He said, shall we?
  
  
  Think not that I have come to destroy the law and the Prophets. I have not come to destroy, but to fulfill. Matt 5:17
  
  
  Uhhh, the word "fulfill" was translated from the Greek word "Pleroo". The definition of pleroo is "to confirm something. Look it up.
  
  

  G4137
  πληρόω
  plēroō
  play-ro'-o
  From G4134; to make replete, that is, (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.: - accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply.

  
  If you think he nailed the Torah to the cross, then you have to say that he contradicted Himself in the next two verses when He clearly said that not one jot or tittle shall pass from the law until the heavens and the earth pass away. And that whoever teaches to break even the least of the commands will be called the least.
  
  Clue: The heavens and the earth are still here.
  
  Okay, there's one opinion for Achem's Razor. Let's look at the scriptures for a second one before we choose, shall we?
  
  Let's see what HaShem (blessed be His name forever) says. His opinion should probably count since He authored the Torah that Moses scribed.
  
  Deuteronomy 12:32
  What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.
  
  Does HE mean what HE said?
  
  ...Deuteronomy 4:2
  Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of HaShem your EL which I command you.
  
  HE said it again! Is HE serious? HE really just said not to diminish from HIS Commands? Hmmmm......
  
  Maybe HE will change HIS mind? Let's see......
  
  Malachi 3:6
  For I am HaShem, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
  
  Well, I guess HE means forever when HE says forever. I'm convinced!
  
  Well, we can't use Achem's Razor. We have 2 opinions from The Father and The Son, but they are of the same opinion. Let's find two more.....
  
  1 Peter 1:25 But the word of HaShem endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
  
  1 John 2
  
  3And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.
  
  4He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him.
  
  That didn't work. Peter and John also agree. I guess maybe we should take their word for it? Four opinions from HaShem, MessiYAH and two chief Apostles all say the same thing. The Torah stands.
  
  Proverbs 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
  
  The message is consistent throughout the TaNaCH, AND the Witness Writings (NT)......Keep HIS Commands. All it takes is humbleness to gain eyes to see.
  

• 
  

Proverbs 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.


"Every (kol — the entire) Word (‘imrah — saying, communication, utterance, instruction, command, and promise) of God (‘elowah) is pure, tested, and true (tsaraph — refined, precious, flawless, and worthy), a shield for (magen — an enclosure which surrounds, defends, and saves) those who put their trust in (chacah — those who take refuge in, who seek safety, salvation, protection, and rest through reliance upon) Him." (Proverbs 30:5)


HE says: "Listen carefully to Me. Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen so that you may live, and so that I will be able to establish an everlasting Covenant Relationship with you."Yashayahu / Isaiah 55:3)


" establish an everlasting Covenant Relationship with you".......everlasting means forever.


If ignorance of HaShem’s Way was acceptable, HaShem would not have revealed: "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priests for Me; because you have forgotten the Torah of your EL, I also will forget your children." (Hosea 4:6)


Deuteronomy 11:1
Therefore thou shalt love ADONAI your God, and keep His charge, and His statutes, and His judgments, and His commandments, always.


Matt 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to (Pleroo) CONFIRM.


1 Peter 1:25 But the word of HaShem endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.


Isaiah 48:18
O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea:


Psalm 81:13
Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways!


Psalm 78:7
That they might set their hope in HaShem, and not forget the works of HaShem, but keep his commandments:


Deuteronomy 11:1
Therefore thou shalt love ADONAI your God, and keep His charge, and His statutes, and His judgments, and His commandments, always.


Deuteronomy 5:33
Ye shall walk in all the ways which HaShem your Elohim hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.


Deuteronomy 4:40
Thou shalt keep therefore His statutes, and His commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which ADONAI your God giveth thee, for ever.


Deuteronomy 5:29
O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments ALWAYS, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

1 John 2

3And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.

4He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him.

Proverbs 28:9 He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.

Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments [2]

[1] http://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1355-is-the-law-of-moses-torah-still-binding

[2]http://yeshivabethhashem.ning.com/

πληρόω

to make full

πληρόωto make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.
Derivation: from G4134;
KJV Usage: accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply. G4134 

Thayer:

1) to make full, to fill up, i.e. to fill to the full
1a) to cause to abound, to furnish or supply liberally
1a1) I abound, I am liberally supplied
2) to render full, i.e. to complete
2a) to fill to the top: so that nothing shall be wanting to full measure, fill to the brim
2b) to consummate: a number
2b1) to make complete in every particular, to render perfect
2b2) to carry through to the end, to accomplish, carry out, (some undertaking)
2c) to carry into effect, bring to realisation, realise 
2c1) of matters of duty: to perform, execute 
2c2) of sayings, promises, prophecies, to bring to pass, ratify, accomplish
2c3) to fulfil, i.e. to cause God's will (as made known in the law) to be obeyed as it should be, and God's promises (given through the prophets) to receive fulfilment

---

πληρόω plēroō
play-ro'-o From G4134; to make replete, that is, (literally) to cram (a net),level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse,influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task),verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.
KJV Usage: accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply. 

 

Jewish law does not teach that it is forbidden to be a homosexual.

6 Things Mom Taught Me About Church + Homosexuality & the Gospel

 “No Israelite woman shall be a cult prostitute, nor shall any Israelite man be a cult prostitute” (Deuteronomy 23:18). Cultic prostitution, both hetero‑ and homosexual, was a common feature of idolatrous worship in the ancient Near East, but, like the story of Sodom, it is no longer a relevant precedent for modern homosexuality."  Torah does not explicitly prohibit les­bianism, and because lesbianism does not involve the spilling of seed." 

This video from the Equip Forum from $ummit Church deals with the difficult issue of $ame-$ex attraction from a biblical perspective. [Twisted as it may be] 

J. D. Greear: "We tried to get past the myths, the political talking points, and discover how the gospel challenge$ this issue and those of us on both sides of it."[1] source:

Homosexuality and Halakhah

Traditional sources on homosexuality.

By Rabbi Michael Gold

The following article is reprinted with permission from Does God Belong in the Bedroom? Two claims made by Gold in this article are disputable and should be noted. First, is the assertion that Judaism is not concerned with inner feelings. While it is true that in Judaism actions are more often than not privileged over thoughts and feelings, certain manifestations of Judaism, including hasidism and musar (a 19th century movement that focused on the study of Jewish ethics and values), do stress the importance of inner feelings. Second, is Gold’s assertion that natural law is a concept foreign to Judaism. While some scholars have assumed this to be true, others disagree.

An important point to make from the outset is that Jewish law does not teach that it is forbidden to be a homosexual. On the contrary, Jewish law is concerned not with the source of a person’s erotic urges nor with inner feelings, but with acts. The Torah forbids the homosexual act, known as mishkav zakhar, but has nothing to say about homosexuality as a state of being or a personal inclination. 

In other words, traditionally, a person with a homosexual inclination can be an entirely observant Jew as long as he or she does not act out that inclination.

The Biblical Sources

The basis of the prohibition against homosexual acts derives from two biblical verses in Leviticus: “Do not lie with a male as one lies with a woman; it is an abhorrence” (Leviticus 18:22) and “If a man lies with a male as one lies with a woman, the two of them have done an abhorrent thing; they shall be put to death—their bloodguilt is upon them” (Leviticus 20:13). The Torah considers a homosexual act between two men to be an abhorrent thing (to’evah), punishable by death—a strong prohibition.

The Torah gives no reason for this commandment. Some commentators have looked for a rationale in the story of Sodom, in which the men in the town attempt to rape the visitors to Lot’s house. (See Genesis 19; the word “sodomy” comes from this incident.) However, the occurrence in the story was a case of homosex­ual rape, hardly a legitimate precedent for the kind of consensual homosexual acts we are considering. Others see the root of the prohibition in the verse “No Israelite woman shall be a cult prostitute, nor shall any Israelite man be a cult prostitute” (Deuteronomy 23:18). Cultic prostitution, both hetero‑ and homosexual, was a common feature of idolatrous worship in the ancient Near East, but, like the story of Sodom, it is no longer a relevant precedent for modern homosexuality.

Various rabbis have tried to come up with other reasons for the biblical prohibition of mishkav zakhar. (Note, however, that a Torah prohibition always stands on its own even if no cogent rationale can be found for it.) Some rabbis have argued that homosexuality is forbidden because procreation is impossible. Others have defined the homosexual act as intrinsically unnatural and therefore opposed to the purposes of creation. There are difficulties, however, with both explanations. Judaism grants sexuality a purpose above and beyond procreation, and natural law, although influential in the Catholic Church, is not an authentic Jewish concept.

A Talmudic Interpretation

A more likely explanation for the ban against homosexual behavior is given in the Talmud by Bar Kapparah, who makes a play on the word to’evah (“abomination”), claiming that it means to’eh atah ba(“you go astray because of it”). Both Tosefot and the Asheri (medieval commentators) comment on this passage that a man will leave his wife and family to pursue a relationship with another man. In other words, homosexuality undermines and threatens the Jewish ideal of family life, of marriage and children, articulated in the Torah. Heterosexuality is the communal norm for Jews; homosexuality, a perversion of that norm.

The Assumption of Heterosexuality

Rabbinic literature assumes that Jews are not homosexual. For example, the Mishnah presents the following disagreement between Rabbi Judah and the Sages: “R. Judah said: A bachelor should not herd animals, nor should two bachelors share a single blanket. The Sages permit it.” The halakhah follows the Sages because the Talmud says, “Israel is not suspected of homosexuality.”

The Shulhan Arukh (a foundational work of Jewish law from the 16th century) never explicitly mentions the prohibition against homosexual acts but mentions the precaution that a male should not be alone with another male because of lewdness “in our times.” However, Rabbi Joel Sirkes ruled about one hundred years later that such precautions were unnecessary because of the rarity of such acts among Polish Jewry.

A more recent responsum was brought by Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook, the first chief rabbi in Palestine. A rumor that a certain shohet (ritual slaughterer) had committed a homosexual act provoked the question of whether he should be disqualified for the position. Rav Kook ruled that the shohet could be retained because, even if the rumor were true, the man might have since repented of his act. It is noteworthy that Rabbi Kook’s responsum considers homosexuality an act of volition for which one can repent.

Lesbianism

Lesbianism is never mentioned in the Torah. One talmudic passage refers to homosexual acts between women: “R. Huna taught, Women who have sex one with the other are forbidden to marry a Kohen(priest).” The halakhah rejects Rav Huna’s opinion and allows a lesbian to marry a Kohen. However, Maimonides ruled that lesbianism is still prohibited and should be punished by flagellation. The prohibition is not as stringent as that against male homosexuality because the Torah does not explicitly prohibit les­bianism, and because lesbianism does not involve the spilling of seed.

A Summary

We can now summarize the classical halakhic position:

Judaism is concerned with explicit acts, not inner feelings.
A homosexual act between two men is explicitly forbidden in the Torah.
A homosexual act between two women is forbidden by the rabbis (i.e. it was not forbidden by the Torah, but was in later times forbidden; this type of prohibition is less severe).
Homosexuality is considered an act of volition for which one can repent.
The reason for the prohibitions seems to be that such behavior undermines the Jewish family ideal of marriage and children as set out in the Torah.
Rabbinic thinkers in the past did not consider homosexuality a Jewish behavior problem. source:

[1] http://www.churchleaders.com/outreach-missions/outreach-missions-videos/160167-homosexuality-christianity-the-gospel.html

[2]http://www.myjewishlearning.com/life/Sex_and_Sexuality/Homosexuality/Homosexuality_and_Halakhah.shtml

Rabbi Michael Gold is the rabbi at Temple Beth Torah, Tamarac Jewish Center in Tamarac, Florida. He is the author of four books, and his articles have appeared inMoment, Judaism, Jewish Spectator, B'nai Brith International Jewish Monthly, and numerous other publications. He also served as co-chair of the Rabbinical Assembly's committee on human sexuality.

Obama called student Sandra Fluke to commend her willingness to speak out

 "It's judgment day, sinners! Come out, come out wherever you are!" 

Limbaugh Slur of Law Student Draws Obama Into Fray
By DAVID CRARY

Ever eager to provoke, Rush Limbaugh has now succeeded into drawing the White House into a skirmish. The spark: Limbaugh telling his talk show fans that a law student was a "slut" for her testimony to Congress about the need for birth control coverage.


On Friday, two days after Limbaugh's tirade, President Barack Obama called student Sandra Fluke to commend her willingness to speak out and share her dismay over the slur.

The White House termed Limbaugh's remarks "reprehensible," and the criticism was echoed by Democratic members of Congress, women's groups, and the administration and faculty at Georgetown University, the Roman Catholic school in Washington that Fluke attends.

Calls for Limbaugh's sponsors to pull their ads from his show rocketed through cyberspace, and several companies, including Quicken Loans, LegalZoom online legal document service, and bedding retailers Sleep Train and Sleep Number, bowed to the pressure.

For Obama, it was an emphatic plunge into the latest flare-up on social issues. Democratic officeholders and liberal advocacy have accused Republicans of waging a "war on women" because of GOP stances on contraception and abortion rights, and Limbaugh's disparaging remarks were seen as an escalation.

"The fact that our political discourse has become debased in many ways is bad enough," said White House spokesman Jay Carney. "It is worse when it's directed at a private citizen who was simply expressing her views."

Obama reached Fluke by phone as she was waiting to go on MSNBC's "Andrea Mitchell Reports."

"He's really a very a kind man," Fluke later told The Associated Press. "He just called to express concern for me and to make sure I was OK and to say that he supported me and to thank me for speaking out about something that's so important to so many women."

As for Limbaugh's remarks, Fluke said, "I just thought that they were really outside the bounds of civil discourse."

By calling Fluke and injecting himself into the Limbaugh controversy, Obama sent a message to more than one student. He was reaching out to young voters and women — groups whose support he needs in this re-election year. And he was underscoring that the White House, despite bungling its rollout of the birth control policy, sees it as a winning issue and welcomes Obama's name next to it.

Even some Republicans chided Limbaugh.

Scott Brown, who is seeking re-election to the Senate from Massachusetts, said Limbaugh should apologize. Former Bush administration speechwriter David Frum said the controversy distracted GOP efforts to align itself with the Catholic Church on the issue of religious liberty.

"Yesterday's topic: legitimate rights of RC church," Frum tweeted. "Today's topic: calling women 'sluts.' Good job Rush."

Rick Santorum, one of the Republican presidential contenders seeking to oppose Obama, commented to CNN about Limbaugh's remarks.

"He's being absurd," Santorum said. "But that's, you know, an entertainer can be absurd."

While campaigning in Ohio for the Republican presidential primary, Mitt Romney was asked about Limbaugh's comments and steered his answer away from the uproar.

"It's not the language I would have used," Romney said after a campaign event in Cleveland. "But I'm focusing on the issues that I think are significant in the country today and that's why I'm here talking about jobs in Ohio."

Fluke was given a chance to talk to Congress on Feb. 23, even though lawmakers were on a break and just a few Democratic allies were on hand to cheer her on. The previous week, a Republican-controlled House committee had rejected Democrats' request that she testify on the Obama administration's policy requiring that employees of religion-affiliated institutions have access to health insurance that covers birth control.

Republicans have faulted parts of Obama's health care overhaul as unconstitutional, including an initial requirement, since withdrawn by the president, that contraceptives be covered under the insurance policies of businesses, including those with religious affiliations.

Fluke said that Georgetown does not provide contraception coverage in its student health plan and that contraception can cost a woman more than $3,000 during law school. She spoke of a friend who had an ovary removed because the insurance company wouldn't cover the prescription birth control she needed to stop the growth of cysts.

On Wednesday, Limbaugh unleashed a lengthy and often savage verbal assault on Fluke.

"What does it say about the college coed ... who goes before a congressional committee and essentially says that she must be paid to have sex?" Limbaugh said. "It makes her a slut, right? It makes her a prostitute. She wants to be paid to have sex."

He went on to suggest that Fluke distribute sex tapes of herself.

"If we are going to pay for your contraceptives, and thus pay for you to have sex, we want something for it," he said. "We want you to post the videos online so we can all watch."

The backlash began quickly and showed no signs of abating as scores of Democratic members of Congress denounced Limbaugh and urged their GOP colleagues to do likewise.

House Speaker John Boehner, a Republican, responded through a spokesman.

"The Speaker obviously believes the use of those words was inappropriate, as is trying to raise money off the situation," said Boehner aide Michael Steel.

Later, Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., chairman of the committee that blocked Fluke's original testimony, issued a letter repudiating Limbaugh's comments but also excoriating the Democrats and their supporters.

"I ask that you join me in a broader condemnation of the attacks on people of faith ... and the regrettable personal attacks that have come from individuals on both sides of the issue," Issa wrote to Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md.

Boehner and Issa are among the GOP leaders accused of waging the purported "war on women." The topic has been cited often in recent fundraising pitches by many liberal advocacy groups, and they recently have shown more aggressiveness.

In early February, after a three-day furor, the Susan G. Komen breast cancer charity dropped plans to withdraw funding from Planned Parenthood, a leading abortion provider. And more recently, after incurring protests and ridicule, Republican politicians in Virginia backed away from a bill that would have required invasive vaginal ultrasounds as a pre-condition for many abortions.

Amid this controversy, polls show that Obama's support among women has been increasing.

At Georgetown, more than 130 faculty members signed a letter praising Fluke for her "grace and strength" and condemning Limbaugh's remarks. The university president, John J. DeGioia, did likewise.

He said Limbaugh and others responded to Fluke "with behavior that can only be described as misogynistic, vitriolic, and a misrepresentation of the position of our student."

On Thursday, aware of the firestorm he had ignited, Limbaugh was unapologetic.

"I think this is hilarious, absolutely hilarious," he said on his show. "The left has been thrown into an outright conniption fit!"

On Friday, still defiant, Limbaugh scoffed at the concept of a conservative "war on women."

"Amazingly, when there is the slightest bit of opposition to this new welfare entitlement being created, then all of a sudden we hate women! We want 'em barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen," he said. "And now, at the end of this week, I am the person that the women of America are to fear the most."

Fluke, in Washington, issued a statement expressing gratitude for the support she's received.

"No woman deserves to be disrespected in this manner. This language is an attack on all women, and has been used throughout history to silence our voices," she said.

"The millions of American women who have and will continue to speak out in support of women's health care and access to contraception prove that we will not be silenced."

———(equals) source:

Capt. Stuart Kinder: [while the dozen are cavorting with the prostitutes in the guards' barracks] I wonder if any of them even know it's Mother's Day. 

Major John Reisman: [glances at Kinder and pauses briefly] is it? 

Associated Press Writer Kasie Hunt contributed to this report from Cleveland.

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