Jesus Christ

Who is Jesus Christ or who is He not?

To my anonymous Jewish friend. A few years ago I was boarding a cruise ship and glanced at my Facebook feed before I shut down for about 10 days. I saw someone I’d known a very long time posted “this poem” (below) about who JESUS is, and it made my heart extremely sad. Wow, I thought…. what a perverted, twisted perception of JESUS. This isn’t who Jesus is, I thought!

And the Lord clearly spoke to my heart, as I hit “off” on my phone, Respond.
I thought WHAT?#@$ I’m about to board a cruise ship! As if he didn’t know that.
So I turned my phone back on and said “I’d like to respond to this in depth BUT I’m boarding a cruise ship, could I comment on the article because this is VERY off. VERY “twisted” and she said “Enlighten Me and have a great trip!”
I prayed about this on my trip.
I took notes as I looked at the photo and this is the notes compiled in what I sent… My Anonymous Jewish Friend.

I said;

Thanks for your patience in waiting for me to get home from vacation (I worked on looking stuff up on vacation but needed to type up my notes) & catch up on stuff! I still have loads on my to-do list but want to pound this out for you in regards to the JESUS thing you posted and said “enlighten you” … LOL, I’m honored to and hopefully you and I have known each other long enough you know it’s not my nature or desire to shove something down someone’s throat, try to “convert” (not my job) or argue points. There is simply no point in that. Going back as far as “Adam and Eve” God gives us all the right to choose and I believe we should be gracious enough to allow others the same. I take MOST things in life pretty lightly and really try to not take up an offense but the one thing I take seriously is my walk with The Lord and although I realize I don’t have to “take up for him” (or defend) I just wanted you to know MOST of what was stated isn’t true. I think “J.C. is a big boy” and doesn’t need me to speak up BUT this is also my very favorite subject;)
Besides you ask …

I can’t say “all this” w/o saying a few things you may not know:

Yeshua IS Jesus. Yeshua means “Salvation” Jews call him Yeshua …Christians refer to him as Jesus. Same person. Jesus referred to the Old testament a lot to prove HE WAS/is the Messiah.and don’t forget the OLD and new testament was written by jews to jews! Most Jews think Gentiles wrote the NT, not so.

When God said in Genesis 1:26 & in the NT Jo 13:3 “Let US make man in OUR image….” He was referring to Yeshua. HE was with God (just as WE were) before he was sent to earth. Old Testament (OT ) Jer 1:5 and New Testament (NT) Jude 1:6-7 (note: Sodom and Gomorrah happen BEFORE his birth). So also on that note when you speak about GOD or JESUS to a Christian (believer) you are speaking about BOTH. They are one in the same. CHRIST was GOD on earth. Jesus said “If you’ve seen me you’ve seen The Father” It’s like you and your dear hubby having the same voice.

Even demons know Yeshua (Jesus) is the Son of God (Luke 4:41) There is actually over25 scripture references on The Son of God and others on demon’s recognition of Christ Deity. Matt 8:29

Abraham “resembled” the Son of God and met with God (Yeshua) before his birth. Gen18:22-24 & Hebrews 7:1

God (aka: Yeshua) is a man of war and The Word speaks of it in sooooo many places it’s impossible to list all. Exodus 15:3, Numbers, Joshua, Judges, I & II Samuel, I & II Chronicles, Ecc, Isiah, Psalms and Proverbs, Even the Song of Solomon, Jeremiah, Eze, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Micah, Zec, Luke, Romans, II Corinthians, Hebrews, James, I Peter, Revelation.
The OT Concealed is the NT Revealed. Yeshua didn’t come to abandon the law (or Prophesies) but full-fill them…which he did (over 300)). Grace and Mercy took the place of LAW. “Law” is impossible to fulfill and if we “live by the law, then we will die (or will be judged) by the law. (Galatians 2:9, Romans 7:4-6, Romans10:4, 6:14, James 2:10 and LOTS more) CHRIST became the sacrifice. (Matt 5:17) It would be like you being sentenced to death but Christ walks in the courtroom and takes your place. All we have to do is ACCEPT him as the Messiah. Acknowledge HIM.

Okay, here we go…I know this is long, I was going to break it up in six parts but deleted all those post and just put it all in one.

The JESUS Poem

JESUS WAS A RADICAL

NON VIOLENT REVOLUTIONARY

WHO HUNG AROUND WITH LEPERS

HOOKERS AND CROOKS; WASN’T

AMERICAN AND NEVER SPOKE

ENGLISH; WAS ANTI-WEALTH

ANTI-DEATH PENALTY ANTI-PUBLIC

PRAYER (M 6:5) BUT WAS NEVER

ANTI-GAY, NEVER MENTIONED

ABORTION OR BIRTH CONTROL,

NEVER CALLED THE POOR LAZY,

NEVER JUSTIFIED TORTURE,

NEVER FOUGHT FOR TAX CUTS

FOR THE WEALTHIEST NAZARENE’S,

NEVER ASKED A LEPER FOR A COPAY;

AND WAS A LONG-HAIRED BROWN-

SKINNED HOMELESS COMMUNITY-

ORGANIZING ANTI-SLUT SHAMING

MIDDLE EASTERN JEW

 

Written by: John Fugelsang

Radical—Yep ~ Awesome Warrior!

Non-Violent— This goes with the above (God (aka: Yeshua) is a man of war…). Abraham pleads for mercy for “believers” in Sodom…. he destroyed people that didn’t believe. Think about when Moses went to The King to “let GOD’S people go….” HE killed first-borns, he drowned thousands in the Red Sea, the story of Jericho, Samson was born to destroy the Philistines (Heb. 11:30, Gen 18:22-23, Jude 1:5, Exo14:14 and on and on)
Hung around lepers, hookers and crooks— Yeshua never rejected anyone (male/female, sinners, Rabi’s, Blind, Lepers, crippled, hookers, adulterers) nor did he “condone sin “OR blame “sin” for everything OR “force” anyone to convert or believe. He went where he was invited and liked to have fun (invited to a wedding – this was the first place he took his disciples and turned water into wine). I think this action speaks to what he still does today —waits to be invited INTO someone‘s life and never forced “truth” on anyone. He often presented TRUTH as a question or statement (whoever is w/o sin cast the first stone – he wasn’t condoning the adultery, he was making a statement of GRACE and Judgment, which changed her heart/life and she became a follower). When he “mingled” or was around the rich, poor, sick, possessed, Rabi’s, women, children, thief on the cross, he healed, always taught, spoke truth and people converted, were healed or opted to reject. He condemned people that wanted to throw stones without ever looking at themselves FIRST and FOREMOST but that is not to say we can’t “judge” a matter…we just can’t condemn. No one ever came looking for a second chance or forgiveness and left with a lecture and rejection. I Corinthians 6:3 and 2:15-16. If the JUDGEMENT thing leads to a question…ask me, I’ll try and explain best I can ~ Another topic.

Wasn’t American — Yep, and yet he IS all things to ALL people. Jesus speaks/understands ALL languages and was “here” and knew about America before Columbus. On an extra note: Yes, he was Jewish (as is anyone who is a believer in Christ is) Roman’s 2:29 and dark skin, hair & eyes. He “fit in” with the “common man” of his day / time. He didn’t come to be “King” on earth like it was in those days OR how the Jews thought he would (looking for an earthly King) and his “birthday” isn’t in December it is most likely in September sometime because at his birth shepherds were in the field watching sheep AND census weren’t taken in December. Also based on “time” factors mentioned about John the Baptist birth. Just something interesting about him
Anti-Wealth— Not true. It IS God who gives wealth (Prov. 3:9, 12:27). People often say “Money is the root of all evil” — it’s not that money is wrong; it is the LOVE of money (putting it above God). Ecc 5:8-10. Wealth is a gift from God (Ecc 5:19) Nothing wrong with having money. Hosea 12:8 Mark 10:23. Yeshua said it was difficult because they worship (or love) money more than God. “Diligent makes rich” Prov. 10:4 there is a LOT said about being lazy (or slothful – same thing) they were even called “wicked” (no one rich was ever got called wicked). It really made God mad when people didn’t USE what was given to them (money) properly – it was even taken away and given to someone else who already had a lot … but since they used it properly they were given more (aka: also called Talents). Prov. 21:25and Prov 18:9, Matthew 25:26 and many others….
On Death Penalty or “retaliation” — See Matthew 5:38-41 – he wasn’t “taking away from” an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” he was adding to it. Also Gen 9:6 Regardless of our conclusions, Christians must make sure that Christ-like values—justice, humility, and grace—motivate us, rather than vengeance or hate; and whether Christians choose to support or oppose capital punishment, we are all called to make sure that it is carried out justly and does not target innocent people. Exodus 21:12,17,24, Lev 24:20, Deut 19:21, I John 3:15, Rev 21:8 Romans 13:3-4, Lev 20:27, I Peter 2:14, Deut 24:16, Num 35:16,
Public Prayer Issue — There is loads of info on prayer. What he was against is “religious acts” – doing something just to be seen by men, admired, for show vs. heart. Being seen by men was more important to a lot of “religious people” than being HEARD by God/Christ. Matthew 6:5 states for us to “pray without ceasing.” Tons of info on this. The word PRAY is used over 150 times and PRAYER over 160 in the OT and NT. There is nothing wrong with public prayer if the motives (or heart) is pure. There is something wrong with it when done for attention.
Jesus was Never — Anti-Gay — Oh boy 😉 — Actually a LOT of scripture on this subject also but before I state any. God LOVES the “sinner” but hates the “sin” and NO ONE should be “throwing stones” it is NOT anyone’s place to “condemn” A few scriptures: You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. Lev18:22 Or “do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality” I Corn 6:9-11 (and it goes onto list other “things/sins” — Roman1:26-27, Lev 20:13, I Tim 1:8-11, I Corn 6:9, Romans 1:16-32, Judges 19:22, II Timothy 2:26, Matt 19:1-30. And of course God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve — Gen 2:18-25 We wouldn’t be able to be “fruitful and multiply” without embarrassing the opposite sex, designated for us by God.
Never Mentioned Abortion — Another “oh Boy or Girl” Again, a lot is said about LIFE & the Womb in the Word (both in the Old and New) Lots of people think this is a difficult and controversial issue. In reality, there is no difficulty or controversy at all—providing we allow the Bible to teach us (or that’s what we opt to live by), and not impose the ideas of fallible people on to it is plain. So the arguments are over two issues: Is the unborn fetus a baby/child and is it okay to “kill” the unborn? Does anyone (male or female) have the right to make that call? Does a tree begin as a seed? Is it not a tree? Is not the butterfly a butterfly as a “caterpillar?” just because it’s in development stages? NOTHING grows, develops and evolves to be its full potential DEAD.JESUS is The Word
“…and Rebekah his [Isaac’s] wife conceived. And the children struggled together within her womb…” (Gen25:21-22) John the Baptist, who “leaped in her (Elizabeth’s) womb” because of the presence of the unborn Christ (Luke 1:41-4) Unborn babies are not disposable clumps of tissue, despite the claims of many pro-abortionists. And they are always human right from fertilization, because all the DNA coding needed to build each individual’s physical features is there in the fertilized egg. Of course the commandment “thou shall not murder” can’t be forgotten. By the way killing and murder are two different issues in the Greek and Hebrew.
The bible teaches (supported by science) that the unborn is a human baby. (Psalm 139:13-24) Jeremiah 1:5) We were known BY HIM before we existed, while we were IN the womb. We were made in God’s image (Gen 3). We don’t get to “murder” children just because of “the crime” of the fathers (Eze 18:20) – adoption is always an option. HE is a father to the fatherless and WE have been “adopted” by him. Psalm 68:5, Eze 22:7, James 1:27, Prov 6:16-17 These six things the LORD hates: well, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. (Exo 20:13 & Gen 9:5) Plus, look at how killing an unborn child was handled in the OT (Exo 21:22-25). Note they were punished LESS severe IF the child lived. (wow, that’s harsh). Israelite s knew that the fetus was a child (a person). When did Jesus Christ leave Heaven, come to Earth and become flesh Biblical and doctrinally, it was clearly the moment that He was conceived in Mary by the Holy Spirit. (John 1:14) Biblical, life definitely begins at conception. King David said he was sinful from the time he was conceived (Ps51:5) Therefore, he became a person at the moment of conception, for only a person can have a sin nature. Many scriptures speak of fetuses as children and persons. As soon as she conceives, a woman is “with child.” God sometimes relates intimately with the fetus. (See: Ps 119:73, 139:13-16, Jer 1:5, Job10:8-12, 31:13-15, Gen 25:22, Hosea 12:2-3, Matt 1:18-20 God sometimes even prepares them for a specific calling in the womb (Rom 9:11, Judges 13:3-5, Jer1:5, Gal 1:15 and many others…. Again, I go back to: We were created in HIS image and he KNEW US BEFORE we were in the womb. John the Baptist responded in the womb to the presence of Jesus, who was newly conceived in the womb of Mary (Luke 1:39-44).Ps 22:9-10,Is 1:15-17, 44:2, Is 49:5
One last thing. Many people argue “rape” as the reason but less than 2% who get abortions is due to rape. I know that you are aware, when a woman is under STRESS or trauma it would be MUCH harder to even get pregnant. I can testify to that…have been raped twice (by a total of 3 people). Perhaps you don’t know how “Planned Parenthood” was founded (or why). Sit down….it was to illuminate the BLACK RACE as well as the poor (crippled, downs, etc.). Yep, how pathetic is that?@#! Largest “holocaust” on earth! Get the book “Grand Illusions, The Legacy of Planned Parenthood”
A few of my favorites and if this is all the Bible said, it would be enough for me:
Ecclesiastes 11:5 Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things.
Galatians1:15 But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me through his grace,
Psalms 127:3 Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward.
Isaiah 13:18 Their bows will dash the young men in pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb. Their eyes will not spare children
Jeremiah 20:17 because he didn’t kill me from the womb; and so my mother would have been my grave, and her womb always great.
Ps 139:13-16 For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth
Never Mentioned Birth Control — Yep, didn’t exist, but “choice” of having children always has been. I’d imagine throughout history, people have chosen to NOT have kids (personally I admire people that don’t follow society’s ideas of “children” or thinking “they” make your life or marriage better. I know first-hand this isn’t true.)
Never called the poor lazy — Actually yes he did. Slothful and Sluggard also means lazy in both the Greek and Hebrew. It’s also put in different ways; “if a man won’t work, he won’t eat” ( II Thes 3:10). He talks about the POOR will always be amongst us (lit & fig). I love this and often ponder it: Proverbs 6:6-11 Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, Also: Luke 19: 12-27 “…. Engage in business until I come”, Prov 21:25, Prov 10:4-5, Christ was for RESTING but not being lazy. Mark 2:27 says; And HE said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.
Never Justified Torture —I’d say that he did, not “justify” but spoke of it when he spoke of (warned) HELL. Eternal damnation (I’d say that would be the worst torture – beyond what any MAN could ever do or imagine because it’s eternal.). Luke 16: 23-24 Also, Matthew 18:34 (turned over to jailers for torture – which was also common in his day). The Bible records “victims” of torture to include Jesus, Paul, Silas, Jeremiah and others (Hebrews 11:35). ALL the disciples died in horrible “torturous ways” IE: Upside down crucifixion, boiling oil, James had his brains bashed out, speared to death, beaten then crucified, etc. We ARE NOT to seek “revenge” Ps 94:1, Romans 12:19. During the Tribulation, torment will be part of the plagues upon “evildoers” (aka: People) Rev 9:5 & 11:10
Never fought tax cuts — Correct. Jesus also spoke on “paying to Caesar what is Caesar’s” Since this is “already so long” here is a few scriptures: Matthew 22:17:21, Roman’s 13:6-7, Matt 11:19, 21:31-32, Luke3:12-13 and Roman’s 13:1-7
Never ask a Leper for a “co-pay” — Let’s put this in “modern terms” Did he ever ASK for SOMETHING he did OR instruct someone after he did something? Yes, he did. He said to the Leper “Go Wash, and then go tell….” John 9:7. Mark 10:21 Jesus told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” John 5:8 he told the crippled man “Take up your bed and walk” and at the end of the day. My input: “Follow Me” is the biggest “co-pay” he ask for.
Jesus Was: Long Haired, Brown skinned-— Yep! Most everyone was then. He was “in style” The closest thing we get to a description is in Isaiah 3:2b “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him.” All this tells us is that Jesus’ appearance was just like any other man’s – He was ordinary-looking. Isaiah was here prophesying that the coming suffering Servant would arise in lowly conditions and wear none of the usual emblems of royalty, making His true identity visible only to the discerning eye of faith. Isaiah 53 and Jer 31:31-33 describe him best.
“Homeless Community” — Assuming they are saying he was homeless — Yes, As they were going along the road, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man (being Jesus) has nowhere to lay his head” Luke 9:57-58
Organizing Anti-Slut Community — I understand what they are saying (think this was already covered enough above about sin/adultery.) Christ didn’t come to organize an anti-slut community and to lower him to that would be horrible. He was never for having a “higher than thou” attitude towards anyone OR Gossip / talebearers (who he referred to as wicked, evil and fools.)
Middle Eastern Jew — YEP!

A Few Postscripts to the poem “Jesus”

A JEW does NOT have to “convert to Christianity” they (you) just have to accept the Messiah, promised in the Torah & by the Prophets. As stated above Jesus fulfilled over 300 prophecies from the OT.

One last thing, you may have wondered WHY “Christians” seem to lean towards being “Republican” (aka: Conservative). It’s because we would be “convicted too” — we are to be “doers” of what The Word says and conservative ideas line up more with those values.

NOT ALL but most and not as much nowadays in years past. Another subject My stance at the end of the day what the Republican Party offers is that it is the lesser of two evils. One of THE BEST “messages” I have ever heard on “voting” (how Christians should vote) was a few years ago. IF you want me to find the link (just because you want to understand what platform “we” are coming from) let me know.

And one last thing I want to make clear (since you’re Jewish) and horrible, atrocities have been done to the Jews (and others) in the name of “Christianity” (IE: Hitler — who was actually involved in the occult NOT Christian at all) Just because someone CALLS themselves something doesn’t mean they are any more than if you stood in a garage you don’t become a car! People bombing abortion clinics are NOT “Christian” and doing the very thing they stand against. Catholics are NOT “Christian” (also heavily involved with the holocaust in Europe and most don’t define themselves the same as Protestants) and the POPE does NOT “line up with The Word” Just FYI. Just saying because I’ve been asked by many Jewish people about this topic over the years. As a matter a fact, this happen while on vacation with a lady from Israel. She asks me what the difference was between Catholic and Christian. So you may be asking yourself; how do I know they are NOT….another subject, but in short: “By their FRUITS you shall know them” (Matthew 7:16) The measuring stick is The Word/Torah NOT what “man thinks!” and not what it might look like on the outside, but what the “cup” looks like on the inside.

Love you,
Rebekah Phelps

About Rebekah Lea Phelps

I am a Christian writer, entrepreneur (founder of Extra You, LLC and White House Home Inventory), artist and wife. I have had my fair share of ups and downs, challenges and eating humble pie … as a wife, mother and just “a regular ol’ person in life.” It’s my heart’s desire to see the broken hearted healed, people restored and walking in the purpose God created for them. My husband and I have two gorgeous grandchildren who reside in Texas, we love to travel and are the proud parents of a Maine Coon spoiled cat. We reside in Charles Town, WV.

My books can be found on my author website, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Goodreads, your local book store or Kindle/Nook. You might run into me on Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram