April 24, 2000
CYBERCOLUMN:
Christ in our lifetime
___Imagine what it would be like if the Lord had chosen to send Christ in our lifetime?
___The Old Testament is by far the No.1-selling book of all time. Old Testament Scriptures used to be found just about anywhere, but some in the country today are fighting to have Scripture removed from all public places, including the schools. This is of greatconcern to the Jewish people. How will children learn about right and wrong based on Jehovah's word if they aren't exposed to it daily? How will they know their heritage and future if they are not taught it daily?
DONNA VAN CLEVE
___ More and more Jews are being denied their rights because of what they believe. Some are afraid the Holocaust may one day be repeated if the trend continues unchecked. Many Jewish people are praying for Jehovah to place a Jew in the White House so their religious freedoms and rights as citizens will be protected.
___ A person has to be Jewish, it is taught, to be one of God's Chosen People. Some temples are very open and actively proselytize. Many temples do not follow the letter of the law entirely, but consider much of the Old Testament symbolic. They offer study courses and dated material from a fine Jewish publishing house.
___ But there are other temples that are closed to all except people of pure Jewish bloodlines. They still practice the letter of the law, including animal sacrifices for the atonement of sin, something cryptically referred to as Temple Barbecues.
___ Jehovah has not spoken through a prophet for hundreds of years, but the holy Scriptures have been preserved for people to learn about him. Many have been talking about a man who claims the Lord has sent him to introduce the Messiah, this Chosen One to lead the people. Established religious and secular leaders alike think this so-called prophet is just another one of these radical environmental survivalists who shuns civilization and modern conveniences. He has been boldly preaching that people need to repent of their ways and turn back to Jehovah. And for someone who has little wealth and influence backing him, he does not hesitate to speak out against those in public office. His supporters insist he is in prison now on trumped up charges because he publicly rebuked the president about his latest adulterous affair.
___ The Scripture also says this Messiah was to be born of a virgin, but that goes against all scientific laws of nature. One might read something like that on the front page of The Enquirer. The entertainment business--from books to music to movies to porn--has done all it could to make it difficult for Jehovah to find a young virgin whose life is completely devoted to him these days. But there will always be a remnant of his people who continue to raise their children in his ways, even in the midst of a religiously hostile environment.
___ A huge grassroots support has arisen recently for a fairly unknown Jewish man to be a possible candidate for the upcoming presidential election, but unfortunately, he has shown little interest in working with the organized political factions or religious leaders in the country. And what's sure to be the kiss of death for him in this election is that crazy, outspoken survivalist is endorsing him. It'll take a miracle of Jehovah for him to come into power.
___ But when Jehovah does send the Messiah, will his people recognize him? Has he come already? The Scriptures have the answers, but do the people know the Scriptures?
___ Community Service Announcement: The Jewish community is reminded to prepare their hearts for the upcoming Passover celebration and Feast of Unleavened Bread. Temple Zion reminds all household heads to not forget the sacrificial lamb. If your lamb is defective, an exchange can be made for a perfect one this Friday on the corner of Olive and Moriah Streets. Ask for Chuy.
___ Donna Van Cleve is director of the public library in Cotulla and is a member of First Baptist Church in Cotulla, where she is church pianist.
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