Life from Beyond * The word “abundantly” from John 10:10 is the Greek word perissos, which means “exceeding”, “abundant”, etc. The root word for this is peran, which means “from beyond”, or “from the other side”. * This fits well with what we have seen in John 10. The life offered is not simply a “better” life – or even a “new life” – it is a life from beyond. A life of “other worldliness”. * It is close in definition to the meaning of the word “Hebrew”. * Genesis 14:13: Abram is described as a “Hebrew”. This is the word ivri. It means, “one who has crossed over”, or “one from beyond”. * This life is not merely a life given to those who share the faith of Abraham – it is that Abraham also shared in this life from beyond – it is Yeshua's life. Life in the Blood * Genesis 9:4 says, “But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.” Right in the beginning G-d connects “life” and “blood”. G-d does not do this simply in concepts – He makes commanding statements that reinforce this thought by telling the people what to do. So, a principle is reinforced by a command – a living picture. * G-d gave this command to Noah in Genesis 9:4. * He gave it through Moses in Deuteronomy 12:23. * He repeated it in Acts 15:29 as instructions to believing Gentiles. * In each of these instances, we see a important spiritual insight and foreshadowing of what Yeshua's atoning blood would do for those who would “enter” the “Door” – give them abundant life – His life. What is key is that the spiritual concept was not simply something to read – but something to do. The doing of what G-d proclaimed is in fact a type of prophecy each time it is done. So What Does Yeshua's Life Look Like? * “In His Steps” by Charles Shelton is an old book – but it was recently revived with the popularization of the phrase, “What Would Jesus Do?”. Few consider the ACTIONS of Yeshua when asking this question. Normally, we think about what kind of “person” He was – and possibly what He said – but do we really seek to know what He did and does? * Yeshua lived a perfect life – and this is what is given to His “sheep”. * What did it look like? * Leviticus 18:4-5: This passage shouts action. The verbs “walk” and “do” picture plodding, consistent living – but not to gain a life not ours – but to reflect Yeshua's life. * Life here is chai – the very essence of life. The Hebrew reveals something interesting: ya’aseh otam ha-Adam vachai bahem – “doing them is the life of the Adam”. The definite article “the” connects Leviticus 18:5 to John 10:10 and 1 Corinthians 15:22 * 1 Corinthians 15:22: Yeshua does not merely restore the Adamic life – it is the original! Summary * We are going to dig in and see what we can learn – and then do. * If all we do is add to our knowledge, we will not only not gain – we will lose – this is Greek thinking (worldly). Let’s think Hebraically (Biblically) – let’s think and then do. You shall observe [media] My judgments [media] and keep [media] My ordinances, to walk [media] in them: I am HaShem your G-d. You shall therefore keep [media] My statutes [media] and My judgments [media] , which if a man does [media] , he shall live [media] by them: I am HaShem. Leviticus 18:4-5 Bereans Online ~ On this site, please treat all references to the Holy One of Israel with all due reverence

I have just recently came across this web site (bereansonline.org) and I have really enjoyed what I am learning so far. So, I wanted to share it with you!! If you can find the time to visit them to study...they also have audio links posted that discuss the topic of which I am posting. I encourage you to take some time to listen... and take some time to learn more of our faith...and what that means for our every day life. Blessings! Sandra Psalm 91 It's Not What You Think, It's What You Do Introduction Greek vs. Hebraic “Then Yeshua said to them again, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have [media] life, and that they may have [media] it more abundantly. I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep.’” John 10:7-11 Symbolism vs. Substance * Throughout history, there have been 2 basic ways to think – G-d’s way, and the world’s way. G-d wants His people to think His way. * The world’s way of thinking was formalized in the classical Greek era. The love of philosophy and pursuit of knowledge for knowledge’s sake, characterizes this way of thinking. “Right thoughts” exceed achievement in “Greek” thinking. Symbolism is superior to action. This is also called “Western thinking” – or “enlightened thinking”. * G-d’s way is the opposite – actions must follow thoughts. Good intentions only matter when they are carried out. Since each book of the Bible was either written in Hebrew, or was scribed by a Jew, so the Hebrew language offers a perspective on the right way of thinking – because Hebrew is uniquely an action oriented language – virtually all the words are verb based. Although not all “Hebrews” think correctly, the use of the language in scripture compels us toward action. * In this course we will be focusing on actions which must follow intentions. We will be “thinking Hebraically”. Note: When you read or hear “Hebraic” – think “Biblical thinking” – when you read or hear “Greek” (or “Western”), think “worldly thinking”. * The Bible is a book of pictures and symbols, that if left in nice thoughts become the opposite of what G-d intends – He intends us to take the pictures and to live them – to live an abundant life! Whose Life Is It, Anyway? * John 10:7-11 is often used to promote the “Abundant Life” that comes from “living the life of a believer”. This “I’m OK, You’re OK” thinking has some significant faults. * In the phrase, “they may have it [media] more abundantly” the word “abundantly” is not an adverb as it appears – it is an adjective. It is not describing the quantity of life – but the quality of life. * This passage tells us something about this life: * o It is “spirit life” – not just lifestyle (zoe = the essence of life) o It is because Yeshua came o It comes to those who enter (and go out) “the Door” - Yeshua o Purchased with Yeshua's life (psuche = soul life – self sacrifice) * The abundant life mentioned here is not our life – it is Yeshua's * Matthew 10:38-39 conveys this same truth – we are to exchange our lives for His life. All our being will be affected by that exchange. It is not a passive thing – it is active.

Brethren, I have heard some say, "I feel like quitting it ALL!" Maybe this is how you feel at this present time in your life. I too have felt like a failure. I have felt like such a failure to the LORD... to my husband and my family...to all those who looked up to me for guidance and example. My conscience has screamed out to me, you hypocrite! I have felt so far away from GOD, with an overwhelming fear that I couldn't find restoration back to GOD. This is how we may sometimes feel when we see ourselves for who we really are, in the light of GODS word. When the very root of our character is laid open and made plainly visible before us, we sometimes do not like what we see, and find it hard to look into the mirror of GODS word, and at times even hard to look into the natural mirror despising our very selves. I know how you may feel, but I also know from GODS word (and by my own experience) that GODS mercy endures forever, and that HIS mercies are new every morning(morning being the end of every day). So, when we are at the end (of ourselves) HIS mercy and strength remains. The trials of our faith work in us a far greater reward, purging us and refining us in the fires until we come forth as pure gold. Indeed, to have a clear conscience toward GOD and each other is a priceless treasure to possess. Let our conversations always be as such becometh saints... Much Love Your Sister in Messiah