April
April 23rd
By
Apr 23, 2004

There is a massive set of facts which the Christian church hardly ever mentions, let alone placards, and of which the world knows nothing.I mean this.The whole church throughout the whole world.Ancient and modern. Eastern and Western.Third world and western world. All ages, they are one, on how they see the Jewish scriptures, the Old Testament.
What's that, you say? Surely there is a great diversity in this vast panorama of history we call The Old Testament? Yes: It's like a vast continent, but the marvel is that the main outline, the crucial goal and purpose of it is seen through the eyes, the teaching and the mind of Jesus of Nazareth.It is his interpretation of the Law of Moses, and all the prophets It is his understanding and doctrine of the Kingdom of God.It is his interpretation and embodiment of the Jewish Messiah as the suffering servant, the atoning sacrifice of God in and for Israel, and the whole world.The God revealed in the Old Testament is seen by all Christians through Jesus' eyes.

In short, Jesus of Nazareth IS THE theologian of the New Testament.
Not Paul, not Peter, not councils of later bishops, or anyone else: Jesus alone.

There are hundreds of ways in which the Jewish scriptures and history can be interpreted.Is it not a marvel that all over the Christian world, from Eastern Orthodox to Brazilian Baptists,from Roman Catholics to house churches, from first century Jerusalem to modern British believers,Christians are ONE in the way they see and teach the Old Testament's fulfilment in Jesus of Nazareth - the Messiah.Who else has the right to quote God's Holy Law, and then say "But I say to you ...." ?
You have heard that it was said to the people long ago 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgement'. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgement" Matthew 5: 21-22a

A Prayer from Hebrews Ch.1:
Almighty God, who in the past spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in variegated ways, but who in these last days he has spoken to us by your Son, whom you appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. We marvel and magnify your holy name through Jesus Messiah, our Lord.

Now read Matthew Ch.13 and notice the teaching of Jesus of the Kingdom of God in one chapter.


© Copyright 2004 by Frank Cooke