Jesus Name News

This week we continue our discussion on the book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah had risen to a prominent place in ancient Persian society. Unlike many in his position, he did not use it to continue his own comfort, influence, and power. He used his position to help God's people economically, spiritually, politically, and emotionally.

The world that Nehemiah lived in was one of betrayal, murder, jealousy, and hatred. It was often filled with enemies foreign and domestic. In the midst of it all, Nehemiah stood as a righteous man. We begin this week looking at the province of Judah under Persian rule. How did the economic, social, political, and cultural norms of the day impact Judah? We find that Judah fell from prominence. Its people were impoverished, both spiritually and physically. Jerusalem's walls laid in ruin. Ezra was pushing reforms, but the people were not listening, but Nehemiah has a Holy Ambition to rebuild Jerusalem and help it achieve the plan that God had for it.

This week, we take a break from doing a series and start something new. We sat down with Derek's grandfather and dad to glean wisdom and insight into pentecostalism. What we got were numerous stories of the miraculous, angels, dreams, and demonic encounters! You don't want to miss this!

On our final episode of the Identity Crisis series, we turn to the much debated topic of a woman's authority in the church. Throughout the Pentecostal movement there have been both factions that support women in places of authority and disapprove of women in places of authority. We'll begin with her hair and get into what Paul was saying to the Corinthian church!

We've leaned into the oneness debate before, but we've never done it like this. This week we trace the tzitzit to an encounter that Jesus had with someone while He was on his way to perform a miracle for someone else. A woman, who had suffered for twelve years, was religious, romantically, and socially isolated because of her condition. Yet, she heard that the man named Jesus that had cast out demons and healed many people was passing by her way. She seized the moment and grabbed the tzitzit of Jesus. In this power packed episode, we'll uncover the Mighty God in Christ through the power of the fringe of His garment.

Jesus said that He did not come to bring peace but a sword. John records an exchange with a woman caught in adultery that is one of the most beautiful stories of Jesus' grace and mercy. However, Jesus turned to her accusers and had a debate with them. This debate led to the religious elite and the Jews who were standing there to have an identity crisis within themselves. They refused to accept Jesus for who He was, and it sparked much debate within themselves about who they were. We'll get into the details of why Jesus chose to have this exchange.

We turn back the dial about 4,000 years to ancient Canaan and Egypt. We find a man whose father was a deceiver, and his mother was favored. This man, at a young age, was given a garment that was adorned with many colors. It identified him as favored, special, and an heir to the promises of his father. Yet, his older brothers became angry. They knew that their younger brother jumped to the front of the line, and their younger brother had the audacity to dream of greatness. So, they took his garment from him and covered it in blood. They wanted him dead, but this young man ended up a slave, a prisoner, and eventually governor of Egypt. Though his tzitzit was stripped from him, it never stopped identifying him. The dreamer and the savior of God's chosen people, Joseph, stands as a type and shadow for our Savior.

Up next in our latest series, we get into the identity crisis Saul had. From the very beginning we see warning signs of Saul's character when they can't find him at the assembly. But, Saul's major issue is not just an inability to take responsibility. It's that his repentance and worship were shallow. His heart could only be changed for a short time before he was doing evil again. Though he prophesied and was anointed, Saul lost his position because he became wrapped up in his position rather than being obedient and submitting to God. After that, God sought out David - a man after God's own heart. David would reach out against Saul, and it would show Saul that his kingdom was at an end. However, David understood his place and God's place. He knew God would exalt him at the appointed time - not in his time. 

What could an ancient piece of garment unlock about Jesus, the Holy Ghost, the Church, and several major figures in faith? In the Ancient Near East (not just Jewish cultures) there is a tradition of tassels that provide an identity to those who wear it. The elaborate tassel was an extension of the hem and could be used as an identification or as a signature of documents. It often was used as a form of ID for nobility and those who had money/status. The tassel is known in Judaism as the tzitzit. The tassel that God commanded Moses to have made that would remind the Hebrews of who they were and who God is, but it is also a foreshadowing of one of the most important New Testament doctrines.

Joseph, Samuel, Saul, Jesus, and Paul all have something unique in common. A specific article of clothing is mentioned in the Bible for good and bad reasons. This article of clothing? The tzitzit. It carried so much weight and intricacy in ancient times that it could be used as a signature, but it's also tied to identity - as a Jew and as a person. The tzitzit are used to remind Jews who they are and who God is. In this latest series, we're going to dig into Joseph's colorful coat, Samuel's torn cloak, Saul's cut tzitzit, Jesus' tzitzit, and Paul's writings about women's hair. It is ALL connected!