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Heart of the Shephard: Introduction - Under Print

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Character and Life of the New Testament Priest Introduction Priesthood is a sacred and profound calling, requiring a life of dedication, personal holiness, and self-sacrifice. From the moment of ordination, the priest enters into a unique and transformative relationship with Christ, the Good Shepherd, who laid down His life for His sheep (John 10:11). This book, Heart of the Shepherd: Character and Life of the New Testament Priest , explores the depth of this calling, grounded in Scripture, the wisdom of the Church Fathers, and the Church’s liturgical tradition. At the center of the priest’s ministry is a reflection of God the Father’s love. As Christ revealed the Father’s love and care in His earthly ministry (John 14:9-10), so too the priest embodies and reflects this love in his ministry. The priest’s role is one of spiritual fatherhood, caring for the souls entrusted to him with the same compassion and dedication that Christ demonstrated. Through the sacraments, preaching, and past
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Christ for Jews: Chapter 12 - An Invitation to Know Jesus

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As we conclude this exploration of Jesus’ life, teachings, and His role as the Messiah, we arrive at the pivotal question that every reader must face: What will you do with Jesus? This inquiry is not just about theological beliefs or historical facts; it is a deeply personal call to consider the implications of Jesus’ life and message for your own journey of faith. Throughout this book, we have examined various aspects of Jesus’ identity and mission, from His fulfillment of Messianic prophecies to His teachings on the Kingdom of God. We have seen how Jesus embodies the hope of the Suffering Servant, how He transforms the understanding of the Torah, and how He inaugurates the New Covenant. Each chapter has presented Jesus not only as a significant historical figure but as the living Messiah who invites all people into a relationship with God. The Historical and Spiritual Jesus Jesus is often viewed through multiple lenses—historical, religious, and personal. Historically, He was a
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Christ for Jews: Chapter 11 - The Future of Israel in God’s Plan

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As we delve into the future of Israel within the framework of God’s divine plan, it is essential to acknowledge the significant role that Israel has played throughout biblical history. Israel’s identity and destiny are deeply rooted in the covenants God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the promises to Israel stretch across the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings. These promises are not abandoned but are seen as being fulfilled in a broader redemptive plan of God through Jesus Christ. This chapter will explore the biblical promises to Israel, the teachings of Jesus as the Messiah, the restoration of Israel, and the future role of Israel and the Church within God’s ongoing covenantal plan. The Biblical Promises to Israel The narrative of Israel begins with God’s covenant with Abraham, where the promise of a great nation, descendants, and a land flowing with milk and honey is established. God says to Abraham: “And I will make you a great nation, And I will bless you, A
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Christ for Jews: Chapter 10 - Jesus and Torah: Fulfillment and Understanding

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The relationship between Jesus and the Torah is central to understanding His role as the Messiah and the implications of His teachings for both Jews and Christians. In the context of the Jewish faith, the Torah represents not only a set of commandments but also the very foundation of life, community, and identity. For Christians, Jesus is seen as the fulfillment of the Law, bringing a deeper understanding of its purpose and meaning. In this chapter, we will explore how Jesus engaged with the Torah, what it means for Him to fulfill it, and the transformative implications of His teachings for all who seek to follow Him. The Importance of the Torah For Jewish people, the Torah—the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures—is the core of their religious life. It contains the commandments ( מִצְווֹת mitzvot ) that guide ethical behavior, rituals, and the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Observance of the Torah is a way of expressing loyalty to God and living in accordance
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Christ for Jews: Chapter 9 - The New Covenant: A Promise of Transformation

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The concept of the New Covenant is a central theme in both Jewish and Christian thought, representing a profound promise from God to His people. This covenant signifies a transformative relationship that goes beyond the old agreements established with Israel, offering a path to deeper intimacy with God and a renewed heart. In this chapter, we will explore the nature of the New Covenant, its roots in the Hebrew Scriptures, and how Jesus is the fulfillment of this promise, inviting all people into a transformative relationship with God. The Prophecy of the New Covenant The promise of a New Covenant is articulated most clearly in the book of Jeremiah: “Behold, days are coming,” declares Yahweh, “when I will cut a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, not like the covenant which I cut with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, but I was a husband to them,” declares Yahweh.
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Christ for Jews: Chapter 8 - The Resurrection: A Promise of New Life

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The resurrection of Jesus stands at the heart of the Christian faith and is a pivotal event that has profound implications for both Jews and Christians. It is not merely an extraordinary historical event but a declaration of hope, victory, and the promise of new life. In this chapter, we will explore the significance of the resurrection, its roots in Jewish thought, and what it means to understand Jesus as the Messiah and the fulfillment of God’s promises. The Jewish Context of Resurrection Resurrection is not an entirely foreign concept to Judaism. While views on the afterlife and resurrection have evolved throughout Jewish history, there is a clear thread in the Hebrew Scriptures that anticipates a future resurrection. The prophet Daniel speaks of a time when: And many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to reproach and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2). This passage reflects the hope for a future resurrection o
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Christ for Jews: Chapter 7 - The Atonement and the Sacrifice of Jesus

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The concept of atonement holds a profound place in Jewish tradition, deeply rooted in the teachings of the Torah and the practices observed during Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This chapter explores how Jesus’ death is the ultimate sacrifice for sin, drawing connections to the rich themes of atonement that are integral to both faiths. In doing so, we hope to present Jesus as the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice invites a transformative understanding of forgiveness and reconciliation with God. The Jewish Understanding of Atonement In Judaism, atonement is a vital aspect of spiritual life, serving as a means of restoring the relationship between God and humanity. Central to this process is the acknowledgment of sin and the sincere intent to repent. The Torah outlines various offerings and sacrifices, particularly during Yom Kippur, which are intended to atone for the transgressions of the people. In Leviticus 16, the ritual of Yom Kippur is described in detail. One significant aspe
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