Stones The Builders Rejected

Since the groundbreaking publication of Postmissionary Messianic Judaism (2005), Mark Kinzer has challenged theologians and religious leaders to consider the essential ecumenical vocation of Jewish disciples of Jesus. Proposing a bilateral ecclesiology in solidarity with Israel, he argued that the overcoming of Christian supersessionism required a robust affirmation of the distinctive calling of Jews within the community of Jesus the Messiah. In this way, Kinzer's work put the issue of Jewish followers of Jesus on the theological agenda for those seeking a reparative reconfiguration of the relationship between the church and the Jewish people. In recent years, Kinzer has attended to the theological implications of this perspective and has widened his focus to include not only the Messianic Jewish movement but also Jews within Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant churches. The present collection of essays reflects this wider concern. According to Kinzer, the theological stones of contention are Christology conceived of as Messianology, ecclesiology understood as Israelology, and eschatology imagined as Zionology. Moreover, it is the presence of Jewish disciples of Jesus that concretizes these theological abstractions in the form of Jewish flesh and blood, summoning Jews and Christians to rethink their relationship to one another in ways that express their essential mutual dependence.

Sometimes we experience seemingly negative situations which, with time, prove to be the diametric opposite. Indeed, such situations may not only be painful at first but may also threaten to deny us our well-deserved joy in life. When faced with such challenges, we should not be discouraged but endeavor to learn the necessary lessons taught. These may manifest in that instant or with time, depending on the circumstances. Indeed, when others attempt to negatively stereotype us, even as we maintain our composure, we should refuse to capitulate, knowing that beyond the base instincts of the seemingly mean-spirited, life can be beautiful. Ada Adams said it perfectly in her refrain, "There is a light at the end of every tunnel. Some tunnels just happen to be longer than others."

Jesus: His Story in Stone is a reflection on still-existing stone objects that Jesus would have known, seen, or even touched. Each of the seventy short chapters is accompanied by a photograph taken on location in Israel. Arranged chronologically, the one-page meditations compose a portrait of Christ as seen through the significant stones in His life, from the cave where He was born to the rock of Calvary. While packed with historical and archaeological detail, the book’s main thrust is devotional, leading the reader both spiritually and physically closer to Jesus.

Since the groundbreaking publication of Postmissionary Messianic Judaism (2005), Mark Kinzer has challenged theologians and religious leaders to consider the essential ecumenical vocation of Jewish disciples of Jesus. Proposing a bilateral ecclesiology in solidarity with Israel, he argued that the overcoming of Christian supersessionism required a robust affirmation of the distinctive calling of Jews within the community of Jesus the Messiah. In this way, Kinzer’s work put the issue of Jewish followers of Jesus on the theological agenda for those seeking a reparative reconfiguration of the relationship between the church and the Jewish people. In recent years, Kinzer has attended to the theological implications of this perspective and has widened his focus to include not only the Messianic Jewish movement but also Jews within Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant churches. The present collection of essays reflects this wider concern. According to Kinzer, the theological stones of contention are Christology conceived of as Messianology, ecclesiology understood as Israelology, and eschatology imagined as Zionology. Moreover, it is the presence of Jewish disciples of Jesus that concretizes these theological abstractions in the form of Jewish flesh and blood, summoning Jews and Christians to rethink their relationship to one another in ways that express their essential mutual dependence.

Finally presented in one little volume; a manual easily understood and written with much prayer and consideration for all people everywhere. This little book is sure to open up new insights into the foundations of the new world, exposing the utter futility of ever expecting the kingdom of God to appear upon this planet, without the effort of each one of us transforming our very thought patterns and re-thinking many of the sacred misconceptions we have all cherished and held dear for so long. Prepare to experience a complete revolution within your own being, as we build together the long awaited kingdom of God right within our own mind-body-temple, looking for new heavens and a whole new earth. This little volume is the result of many years of true hunger and an unquenchable desire to know the one and only true God. It is with great delight that I now send this beautiful message of love and light forth into the world on the wings of divine love and true heart longing to see all people everywhere experience true love for God, self and neighbor as ones own self. Together may we all turn towards the light within our own beings, loving and honoring all humans as the true sons and daughters of God that each one truly is and rebuild the ancient foundations of human civilization according to the original pattern, a timely addition to the vast stream of new information pouring into human consciousness today.

Believers know that when we die we enter heaven and will spend eternity there with God and the saints who have gone before us. But what actually happens in heaven? What are we going to be doing there? Won't it get boring at some point? According to Scripture, a large part of our experience of heaven will be a continual revealing of God's glory. Not just his glory in the moment, but during all of time. The mysteries of providence, the hidden movements of God throughout history, and the forgotten and unnoted works of even the most obscure of God's people will be unveiled so that we can see how wise, loving, gracious, and powerful our God is. And though we will experience perfection in heaven, we will never be omniscient, which means we will always be learning more about God's glory, inspiring us to return joyful praise and thanksgiving. If your vision of heaven has been limited to clouds and harps and angels, it's time to expand that view with the truth found in this biblically based look at the afterlife.

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee and ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Jeremiah 1:5 Ye have not chosen ME, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, HE may give it you. John 15:16 Pastor Alverna B. Graham 3323 Habitat Boulevard, John's Island, SC 29455