Shalom from Jerusalem. My name is Aaron. I am the deacon of Christ Church in the Old City of Jerusalem. Christ Church is the oldest Protestant Church in the Middle East and it is part of an Anglican Mission called CMJ. (Church’s Ministry among Jewish People, started in 1809). Christ Church was established 1849.
Jerusalem is an interesting city. It is often described as the centre of the Universe. Its history, archeology, and spirituality attract people from all faith traditions and those of non-belief also. It is often said that the world comes to Jerusalem and yet conversely it is God who declares the Word to go forth from Zion.
I have lived the past 17 years in Jerusalem with my family. Michelle (my wife of 21 yrs) and I have three children. Micah (14yrs son born in Bethlehem) and two daughters born in Jerusalem, Atarah (12yrs) and Tirzah (6yrs). I have watched much of the world come to Jerusalem. I have studied at Hebrew University and then continued to study with Rabbis post-grad. In recent years I have become somewhat of a teacher of the Hebraic Roots of the Christian Faith. I have travelled internationally and taught, constantly being asked by my fellow Christians - This is very interesting, How do I learn Hebraic Roots? Have I written a book? Where can I get more information?
This blog endeavours to share those Hebraic Roots of our Christian Faith. With God’s Grace this journey may end in several books, online seminars and such. So let the adventure begin, starting with a question. The Hebraic mind loves questions. It's in the asking of questions that brings to light an answer and more questions. Never ending. A famous Rabbi (Avraham Heschel) once said ‘You are closest to God when you are asking questions, then when you think you have answers’. Often when asked a question, Jesus would respond with a question. If you think you have all the answers then Pride might set in and we might begin to think we had no need of God or His Messiah.
Question - Why are the Hebraic roots of the Christian Faith important? It's a good question. So to answer it I will lead with another question. Just following the model of the Messiah!
Do you need to read the Bible to be saved? Think about it, the obvious answer is No! You don't need to read the Bible to be saved. Well, that's me out of job … and the rest of the bible teachers out there. Time to go fill out the unemployment form. If you don't need to read it, why do we read it at all? Lots of other good books out there. So why read this particular one. Why should we read the Bible?
In relationships we usually like to get to know the other person we have a relationship with. I am in a relationship with my God, and I would like to get to know Him better. He has provided me with that opportunity, the Word of God. In it I find out what God likes, what He doesn't like, what ticks Him off, what makes Him happy, what He has done and what He is going to do. My relationship is deepened by getting to know God better through His Word. So I read it. Do I have to? No! However, once in the relationship it's time for maintenance and development of that relationship, and the Bible comes in very important here.
Hebraic Roots of the Bible puts the Word of God into its context. Historical, Cultural and Theological context. It takes the Word of God and goes deeper, helping me learn more about my God and Messiah. It opens up the teachings of Jesus and helps me hear what the disciples heard when He taught them. It deepens the relationship and that's why it's important! I hope you would agree.
