ToraChrist

Category: God’s people

GB: Who truly belongs to God’s people? This subcategory explores biblical identity, the role of Israel, and the spiritual heritage of believers—past and present.
DE: Wer gehört wirklich zu Gottes Volk? In dieser Unterkategorie beleuchten wir die biblische Identität, die Rolle Israels und das geistliche Erbe der Gläubigen – damals wie heute.

  • 📜 What Is a Christian? What Does the Bible Say About Churches?

    📜 What Is a Christian? What Does the Bible Say About Churches?

    What Does the Bible Say About Being a Christian?

    The answer is found in Acts 11:26:

    “And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” (Acts 11:26 – KJV 1611)

    We often read this verse superficially. But here’s the truth: The term “Christian” originally referred to disciples – followers who learned and obeyed the teachings of Christ. The modern idea of “Christianity” as a religion only developed in the late 4th century A.D.

    The early Christians were either:

    • Israelites from the southern kingdom (commonly called “Jews”),
    • the dispersed from the northern kingdom, or
    • Gentiles who had turned from idolatry and accepted Jesus Christ as Lord.

    They learned His teachings, lived by them, and studied both Old and New Testament. Jesus based His teachings on the Old Testament. Anything contrary is false doctrine or idolatry.

    As the Apostle John wrote:

    “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
    “Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.”
    (1 John 2:3–4; 5:21 – KJV 1611)

    created with Sora

    Are Churches Biblical?

    No, churches are unbiblical.

    Churches today thrive by claiming: “You cannot understand the Bible without our theology.” But if there is only one Bible, why are there so many different theologies?

    Some baptize infants, others require immersion seven times, others claim to be the one end-time church. Yet the Bible says:

    “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” (James 2:10 – KJV 1611)

    Religions and churches that add man-made doctrines violate the Word. Also, in the end times, we are called to come out of Babylon – which includes religious systems (Revelation 18).

    State-recognized churches must obey secular law. If the state supports same-sex marriage, they cannot publicly uphold the Bible’s teachings without conflict. Thus, no state-recognized religious body can truly be biblical.

    The early church in Acts was no religion. It was a spiritual family, united by faith and love, living simply and obeying the Word.

    Religion is defined by man-made laws and creeds. But true faith is grounded in Scripture, as Jesus warned:

    “Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?”
    “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.”
    (Matthew 23:33; John 8:44 – KJV 1611)

    Conclusion: Not Religion – But Living Faith

    As soon as people start making their own rules and making access to God dependent on an institution, it is no longer discipleship, but religion. And religion is unbiblical.
    However, those who honestly and wholeheartedly follow the Word of God and seek fellowship with like-minded people are part of the true, biblical church – even without external affiliation.

  • Women in the Bible – Oppressed or Overlooked?

    Women in the Bible – Oppressed or Overlooked?

    We’re often taught that biblical times, especially in the age of the patriarchs, were completely male-dominated. This perception, shaped by medieval and early modern patriarchy, has influenced how we read Scripture. The institutional church greatly contributed to this worldview. However, even in the Middle Ages, women in certain regions had more rights than they did in later periods.

    In the time of the patriarchs, women were honored and respected. Their roles differed from those of men, but they were not inferior. Miriam, the sister of Moses, held a prominent role; Deborah, a prophetess and judge, led all of Israel; and even Pharaoh’s daughter plays a key part in the biblical narrative.

    If women were truly considered inferior, Sarah wouldn’t have challenged Abraham, nor would Tamar have stood up to Judah. When considering women’s roles in Scripture, we must remember:

    • The Bible is about God’s teaching for His people.
    • The practices of surrounding nations aren’t relevant to God’s standards.
    • We must let Scripture speak for itself, free from cultural bias.

    The New Testament speaks clearly about respect toward women:

    “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” (Ephesians 5:25)
    “He who loves his wife loves himself.” (Ephesians 5:28)
    “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” (Colossians 3:19)

    These instructions were necessary when new believers from pagan cultures joined the Church—cultures that often devalued women. But in Israel, women already held respected positions, which is why we see so many confident women in the Old Testament, including those listed in Jesus’ genealogy: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba – all women with remarkable stories, yet still in line with the Messiah.

    created with Sora

    🙋‍♀️ Are Women Allowed to Teach?

    A common claim is that women must remain silent in church. This is based on selective readings of Paul’s letters, often taken out of context. Yet the Bible does not impose a universal silence on women. If even one woman is shown to teach, the argument collapses—and the Bible offers many:

    • Miriam led worship after the Red Sea crossing.
    • Deborah judged and led Israel—a national leader.
    • Sarah’s voice was confirmed by God Himself when He told Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael away.
    • Mary Magdalene was the first to announce the resurrection.
    • Priscilla taught Apollos the way of Christ.
    • Phoebe was a deacon and probably the carrier and explainer of Romans.
    • Junia is referred to as outstanding among the apostles.
    • Kyria, addressed in 2 John, is likely a house church leader.

    Paul’s command in 1 Corinthians addressed a specific, chaotic church setting, likely focusing on married women disrupting the gatherings. Ancient manuscripts show that parts of the passage were later additions. The real problem isn’t the Bible—it’s biased interpretations through history.

    What remains is the overall context of Scripture – and that shows that women have had an important voice in religious life from the very beginning. The command to remain silent is not a universal principle, but a measure dictated by circumstances.

    👑 Female Leaders and Pillars of the Faith

    Scripture honors women like:

    • Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Leah – mothers of the twelve tribes.
    • Huldah, who confirmed God’s word to King Josiah.
    • Abigail, who saved lives with her wisdom.
    • Esther, who risked her life for her people.
    • Lydia, a merchant and house church host.
    • Mary, the mother of Jesus, who spoke deep theological truth.
    • Joanna and Susanna, financial supporters of Jesus’ ministry.

    These women taught, led, hosted churches, and some were even called apostles. The issue isn’t Scripture—it’s the church tradition that muted women’s voices for centuries. When we read the Bible in full, we see clearly: women were not silenced by God, but empowered by Him.

    📜 Final Thoughts

    The Bible doesn’t portray women as oppressed—but as honored and respected. It’s church tradition, not Scripture, that introduced systemic marginalization. It’s time we let the Word speak for itself—about both men and women who shaped the story of God’s people.

  • Are Jews and Christians Truly Different? – A Biblical Exploration

    Are Jews and Christians Truly Different? – A Biblical Exploration

    Introduction

    In today’s world, Christians and Jews are often seen as two separate religions. But what does the Bible really say? And how was their relationship at the beginning of the faith? Those who sincerely study the Scriptures and historical context soon realize: the lines between Jew and Christian are not as clear-cut as religious or social traditions might suggest.

    This article seeks to uncover what the Bible teaches about the identity of God’s people – beyond denominations, doctrines, or religious labels.

    There Is No Such Thing as “The Jew”

    Many people are unaware that Judaism itself includes a wide range of branches – from Orthodox to Reform to Messianic Jews who recognize Jesus (Yeshua) as the Messiah. However, these religious divisions are largely man-made and do not reflect the unity described in the Word of God.

    The Bible doesn’t distinguish between religious affiliations. Scripture consistently presents only two categories:

    👉 God’s people – the faithful followers,
    👉 Idolaters – those who do not serve the true and living God.

    Whether we call ourselves Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, or Messianic is ultimately irrelevant if we are not sincerely following the Son of God in truth and obedience.

    Two Houses – One People

    After the death of King Solomon, the ancient kingdom of Israel was divided into two parts:

    • The Northern Kingdom, known as the House of Israel, made up of ten tribes, and
    • The Southern Kingdom, known as the House of Judah, with two tribes.

    While Judah remained somewhat intact and became known as the Jewish people, the House of Israel intermingled with the nations and became “lost.” Yet God’s plan was never for them to remain lost.

    Jesus himself referred to them when he said:

    “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.”
    (John 10:16 – KJV 1611)

    He was speaking of the scattered tribes of the Northern Kingdom. The restoration of the whole people of Israel – drawn from all nations – is a major theme throughout Scripture.

    “And he shall send his Angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his Elect from the foure windes, from one end of Heaven to the other.”
    (Matthew 24:31 – KJV 1611)

    “After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lambe, clothed with white robes, and palmes in their hands.”
    (Revelation 7:9 – KJV 1611)

    The First Christians Were Entirely Jewish

    Jesus was born into the tribe of Judah. His disciples – not just the well-known Twelve – were also Jewish. Both Jesus and the apostles taught in synagogues to Jewish audiences. Their way of life was thoroughly biblical and Hebraic – not “church-like” in the way we often imagine today.

    The earliest followers of the Messiah were simply a distinct movement within Judaism – small, controversial perhaps, but grounded in biblical truth.

    In fact, they were referred to as a sect – a term that in ancient usage was not derogatory. It simply meant:

    “A smaller group within a larger religious community that emphasizes distinct teachings or practices.” (Duden definition)

    Is There Really a Difference Today?

    Historically and biblically speaking: No.

    The first believers in Christ were Jews. From God’s perspective, there is only one people of God – those who believe, obey, and follow Him, regardless of their ancestry or religious background.

    The true identity of God’s people is not determined by religion, culture, or heritage – but by covenant loyalty to the living God and His Son.

en_GBEnglish (UK)
de_DEDeutsch en_GBEnglish (UK)