Who are the ‘doers of the Law’?

Who are the ‘doers of the Law’? 4

Jan

2013

Some messages posted by someone who is a friend of mine on Facebook have stirred up quite a ruckus over the past few days, mainly because they question or challenge what the writer sees as widely held Christian beliefs about the Torah. The tone of the posts is negative toward those Bible-believing Christians who don’t ...

Hayesod: A baker’s dozen of disciples 3

Jan

2013

After 10 weeks of HaYesod sessions, a baker’s dozen of students appear to have a better appreciation of the Jewish context of the Gospel. I hosted the sessions, which were actually held over a span of 12 weeks. But even though I was the host, that doesn’t mean I was the teacher. I learned plenty ...

Lutheran pastor creates new category: ‘New Testament Jew’ 1

Dec

2012

How’s this for for replacement theology? God gave the 10 Commandments to His people about 3500 years ago. These commands were given specifically to Israel….and not to the other nations in the Old Testament. When we move into New Testament times, “Israel” takes on a new flavor. All of a sudden we are told that ...

Potok’s Jewish novels: ‘The Chosen,’ ‘The Promise’

Nov

2012

Here are thoughts from my re-reading of Chaim Potok’s Jewish novels. First: The Chosen and The Promise. The Chosen: This was a great read when I was young, but felt stiff and wooden on the re-read. You know that writer’s cliche about “Show, don’t tell”? Potok (or his editor) just tells … and tells and ...

That upgrade time …

Nov

2012

For any of you who view The Corner Tassel at the actual site, I’m in the process of upgrading my framework, Thesis, and getting used to its new options. It’s either tell you this way or find one of those classic “Under Construction” images. May you be blessed in His blessings.

Can you be two-house & one-law at the same time? 1

Nov

2012

It’s not unusual to find a messianic believer (usually a Gentile) who holds to both two-house (a/k/a messianic Israel/Ephraimite) theology and what is known in most places as “one-law” theology. Two-house theology basically teaches that when a Gentile becomes a believer in Yeshua, he/she becomes an Israelite. Thus, as Israelites, the former Gentiles (or discovered ...

Working through Chaim Potok’s Jewish novels 1

Sep

2012

A few years ago, I decided to start working my way through Chaim Potok’s Jewish novels again. I hooked into Potok when I was assigned to read The Chosen in a high school American lit class. It is what also hooked me into things Jewish, which led me to convert to Judaism, which is why ...

Is today’s messianic movement repeating history? 16

Aug

2012

Historical parallels can be overdone and misleading, but there’s one I’m sensing that would explain a lot. In the first century, faith in Yeshua of Nazareth was a Jewish phenomenon for several years, decades even. It doesn’t appear that the first Gentile believed in Yeshua until nearly 20 years after his death (although some say ...

Do you use the Internet on Shabbat?

Jul

2012

Just wondering how Messianics who read here use the Internet—or don’t—on Shabbat. If you’re totally observant in an Orthodox way, it’s a no-brainer: You don’t use electronics anyway. But some messianics, especially messianic Gentiles, may feel more free to use electronics AND the Internet. Please answer the questions below to give others a sense of ...

Four Questions: Barry Miller’s looking for an opportunity to help rebuild the kingdom

Jul

2012

Corner Tassel reader Barry Miller (no relation that we know of, but you know how those Millers are!) was the guy who kind of inspired me to ask the Four Questions, so it’s only right that he gets first dibs at responding. Here’s his response: Mike, Just as you provided a bit of a bio, ...