Istanbul – May

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by Martin Scott
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We have tickets booked for Istanbul for a few days toward the end of May. Istanbul with a history back into antiquity, and Istanbul that came into focus during our days in Sicily (seems a long time ago!). So here comes a rambling post.

I am amazed with the diversity of what people give themselves to in life, and as far as having a focus for the advancement of the gospel is concerned I am very uncritical of whatever people give themselves to – other than being very cautious where people are motivated by ego, or to help God out! Those aspects can be ever so subtle. I have vested interest in being uncritical as it then becomes easier to justify whatever I feel to give myself to!

Rambling post about to begin! Global issues are huge and not about to become less complex anytime soon and the expression of the gospel is very diverse in different parts of the world. My focus is Europe and (broad sweep) it was the cradle of the gospel within a short period of time after the initial apostolic era with a huge part of the NT focused on the expansion of the locale where the good news of Jesus was proclaimed. Challenges – and changes – took place slowly over that period. A Hellenisation of the message began, I am sure in great measure to connect culturally, but that Hellenisation brought a shift over centuries from a very earthy message (how could it not be earthy when the resurrection of a body was central?) to a ‘going to heaven’ and ‘avoiding hell’ becoming central and when those two become central there is a short path to drawing very firm lines of ‘in / out’ and of exercising huge control over people. Add to this the Constantinian move of ‘by this sign you will conquer’ and there is quite a shift from the original message. How big a shift? Well Jesus invited / instructed followers to carry a cross (figuratively), not to crucify others but it certainly made it easier for others to crucify them – the instrument was already available. [Gayle and I were once with a well-known couple whose books are on many book shelves and we were instructed to get ourselves guns as at that time there were various threats on Spain from certain Islamic quarters… I thought this was a joke and waited for the punch line. There was no punch line.] I am not to judge whether Constantine had a conversion but certainly cannot endorse the message that we conquer by the cross on our swords.

Subtly, and maybe not so slowly, a message has gone from that cradle of the gospel (Europe) to many parts of the earth. Honourable people have taken it and the power of the gospel is evident with the changes that have taken place, but at some level the ‘clothing’ for the gospel has been one of colonisation of cultures and progress is measured by the christianisation of a nation.The gospel does bring about a cultural change but must never dominate at any level of control: the kingdom of God is not the ‘control’ of God but the invitation to be transformed and as a result to be part of a transforming movement – a movement that is focused relationally through a message of reconciliation and with a central focus on the marginalised.

So Istanbul… or Constantinople as was. Founded in 330AD as the ‘new Rome’ it was a major ‘Christian’ hub with a mega push through the construction of the Hagia Sophia (not quite the ‘holy’ or ‘wisdom’ that we find in the NT!!). Fast forward and… OK here come personal perspectives.

Today there are three monotheistic faiths that all claim Abraham as their father. Those three take diverse shapes. But at the extreme end all three have an expression of militancy over others with a divine mandate to use force to control (and even justifing genocide). Is there a difference between the three or are the extreme version of each simply a version of one another? I suggest the latter is the case, and that the ‘god’ they claim to be in subservience to is the same ‘god’. A three-fold cord is not easily broken.

[This is where I see the unique significance of Jerusalem / land of Israel. In conflict and perpetuating conflict it excels, but if there is one place on the earth that potentially can reveal reconciliation that is the place… We can discover what God is doing by seeing the perversion of it – God works in the opposite.]

So off we will head to Istanbul. A small group who are far from being smart and knowing what to do.But with a focus on the now-mosque (Hagia Sophia) for historically there was an increase of the spread pf Islam once they were able to inhabit the previous house (originally an impressive cathedral) that manifested Christendom. Maybe we can help cut the tie between Islam/ Sharia law and the ‘Christian’ expression of it as manifested through christendom? I have long maintained that whatever followers of Christ exhibit is what can change (for better for worse) the wider society, along the lines of ‘you have heard it said… but I say to you…’

Christendom and Europe. Europe is essentially post-christendom. Seen as a demise of values by some (and there are some ‘losses’) but I consider it totally necessary and with a leverage to see the possibility of a more earthy-related faith in Jesus prosper – the sort of faith that was exhibited in the oikoumene of the Roman Empire. And ever so telling that it was that oikoumene (ready made shape and structure) that was offered to Jesus in the wilderness… and turned down.

Beyond the focus on christendom there is an east/west gateway in Istanbul. At this time there is an ongoing shift from west to east. So prayer for something so indigenous and expressing a gospel without the encumbrances of the clothing that has for centuries shaped our understanding of the gospel.

So tickets booked… and if we make a little contribution to the future that will be wonderful. Little acts and prayers – all we ever have to offer.

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Hardened… but look!

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by Martin Scott
Posted in Personal Perspectives

I have been in Rom. 9-11 for a little while (I am currently in Hebrews with its distinct theology of atonement that does not seem to finish at the cross – but that is for another day!) and I have been taken with the hardening that had come on part of Israel with the result that salvation came to the Gentiles. [The hardening uses a different verb to the hardening of Pharaoh… that hardening is perhaps likened to the effect of the sun on material – softening butter but hardening clay; on part of Israel the hardening is a ‘I don’t get that’ a kind of hardening – a statement of fact.]

I wonder if at the current time we could consider that ‘a hardening / I just don’t get it has come on part of the church’ and then we have to look at what is happening alongside / in spite of that? The ultra-nationalism of parts of the church maybe is not too different to the ethnic pride that ensnared a large part of Israel. ‘God is with us’ is always a challenging statement to make – exhibited in the parable of the ‘good’ Samaritan! There was no ‘good’ Samaritan for the Jew. Yet Jesus makes the point; priests, Levites walk the other way – justified in doing so as they have to keep themselves ‘clean'(????), the Samaritan is not restricted by any such conviction and proves to be a neighbour – the path to perfection that Jesus says we have to exhibit (Sermon on Mount where divine perfection is based on treating all others as human, something all forms of religion cannot do).

I think our question should be ‘in the light of some not getting it, we should not be surprised, but should look to what is happening by way of contrast’. How about for us protestants to look no further than the Vatican and listen to a pope who occupies a seat that should not exist? How about us prophesying charismatics take time to look at the comedians who can prophetically quote Jesus so that a wide audience can hear the difference between the voice of Jesus and the voice of politicians who lean on what they think is the support of Scripture?

I am seeking not to be disappointed in the support of Christians for a particular political line; and not to be disappointed by the abuse of the prophetic that is being exposed… and I am seeking to look for where maybe there is something happening where it ‘should’ not be happening. That is the way with God. I like God to work in my space… I suspect s/he would encourage me to look to other spaces.

Days of surprises. They are here!

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A link to Jason Staples

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by Martin Scott
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Thanks to the big crowd who came last night for ‘All Israel will be saved’. I decided not to run with 3 breakout rooms – for obvious reasons!!! – as although I do talk to myself putting my three guests into breakout rooms might have provoked them to the same practice!!! Of course for all of you who did not make it I simply wonder how will you ever get up to speed with what God is doing in the earth today? I ponder…

As I put in the pdf I am indebted to the fresh approach in the work of Jason Staples and the book(s) are readable but have to be read! An easier way in (and cheaper) would be to look up YouTube and find an interview with him. I think I pulled the salient points (and statistics) from what he wrote but an interview is a good way to get a grasp of what he has researched. Here is an example with James Tabor (a more than interesting character in his own right!!!).

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April 16th: ‘All Israel…’

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by Martin Scott
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Thursday night: for those joining here is the Zoom link for the evening (19:30 UK time):

Open Zoom Link

ID: 572 803 9267
Passcode: 5GkMTA

Prior to coming please either read (and probably make notes) from the ‘extended article’ on ‘All Israel will be saved’. It is found here: All Israel will be saved. If you prefer there is a shortish video that gives more of a summary:

I plan that we will have 90 minutes together (sufficient time to decipher everything Paul ever wrote or thought!!!???).

  • I will begin with a summary of the key points in the article I wrote.
  • This will be followed by questions for clarification.
  • Then will be time for push back or ‘not satisfied with’ / alternative views responses etc. (Either formed in the main session or in breakout rooms if there are too many of us to handle it in the main session… if in groups then there will be feedback when we are all together.)
  • And finally some open discussion on what would constitute a healthy response to ‘Israel’ of today.

I am aware this is a highly controversial / debated subject, so a quick reminder – do not come on board assuming I have now settled all discussions and am ‘right’… and neither come to the Zoom assuming that you are right!! we are not seeking to make a point but as the title to the series makes plain these are ‘explorations in theology and practice’. I do not anticipate that we will all be agreed at the end of the evening!

As I wrote in earlier posts the part that is ‘new’ follows the work of Jason Staples who has gone to great lengths to show that ‘Jew’ and ‘Israel’ are not synonymous terms (others have hinted at that – eg James Dunn – but it has not been developed as far as I know prior to Staples). An article by Staples that can be easily accessed is here.

To read the details of Staples’ approach the book ‘Paul and the Resurrection of Israel’ is set to become a classic.

    I look forward to seeing you soon.

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    Not the smartest

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    by Martin Scott
    Posted in Prophetic Perspectives

    The title is reflective of my understanding of global events… though seems to be an appropriate strap-line for many of us and for many of those in the political scene. Have they not read anything on how empires collapse. I’ve read a little but have also read the book that either they have not read or they think helps them ‘hasten the day of the Lord’s coming’ through initiating Armageddon (a place that does not even exist!). Read it politically and it does not take long to realise that there are contrasts of enormous proportions: the lion (such a favourite image for us Christian lot) is actually a lamb (and actually a diminutive – a ‘little lamb’: no more mentions of ‘lion’ in that book for the ‘lion’ we have heard about was always a lamb slain from the foundation of the world); beasts full of visible power… Life poured out or centralised power that takes life (Rev. 18:13 – last of the 28 ‘cargoes’ (7×4 = fullness of the world) is that of human lives). Imperial power – the few at the centre promising benefits to all who comply but the benefits flow back to the few at the top… and when looking for increased authority will claim (or be attributed) to act with divine authority. At that stage the writing is on the wall for all to read.

    Last night a huge night in Hungary… and so a huge night in Europe. Last night quite big here too. Dreaming with discussions with regard to Orban, meeting (probably) the strongest theologian in Europe currently – a first for me. It kind of put last night’s elections into a theological space.

    People choose right or left (or supposed centre) for many reasons but Scripture puts humanity at the centre – not economy, nor even foreign policy. I am in Deuteronomy at the moment and have just read a couple of days ago Deut. 15 that commands the relief of poverty as a major priority (the passage that Jesus quotes ‘the poor you will always have with you’ – it is a rebuke NOT an endorsement of the system…). This is why the economy is a top political aspect – if we pray ‘let your kingdom come’ – though not as put forth by the majority of politicians!

    Immigration that knows no boundaries is indeed an issue, but the dehumanisation and demonising of the ‘stranger’ is a kingdom issue.

    Some two years back Gayle had the most significant dream of her life (I reckon she has 3-4 every month that are clearly and specifically from God). In it the weight of responsibility came on Europe and how Europe responded to Palestine would prove vital. In the dream ultra-Zionist Christians went in one direction and believers (not anti-Semitic but anti-genocide) and humanists came together. At the same time one of the people cleanest with regard to power.abuse / hierarchy was present with a mushroom on his nose (culture that we are blind to in spite of being as obvious as the nose on our face). We ALL have blind areas – there is so much more of the emptying out of power to come.

    If Europe could find a new way forward then the next element would be that of the economic system (and all we need do is read the current stats if we need convincing – one of the supposed strongest economies is so in debt that if spread out among the entire population would mean each individual owes over 100,000 (and add here whatever currency you wish: £, €, $). Unsustainable.

    Deuteronomy 15.

    Time will tell if the election result in Hungary is a move forward, but one aspect I have noticed in almost every area is when change comes there is often a rocking back and forth until something gives way.

    Christendom – the claim to have God’s authority to vindicate our actions that are anti-humanitarian and in the process to centralise our (in our image) form of Christianity is over… however these past days I have been focused on an instructive verse in Revelation:

    One of its [the beast rising out of the sea] heads seemed to have received a death blow, but its fatal wound had been healed. In amazement the whole earth followed the beast (Rev. 13:3).

    Every beast that receives a mortal wound looks for a resurrection, a resurrection that prolongs the life. This is what we are seeing currently with regard to Christendom. But the wound is mortal, so it is time to state that in the key places… the key of all places of course as always is one’s own heart.

    If we can do that, then the final part of the dream Gayle had can begin. Let the economy play with the children in the grass. Currently economies (primarily Western) sacrifice the future or present blessing – and see how that is biblicaly critiqued.

    I consider that last night was big… big in the sense of a small step within Europe. Not at the level of a party that has demonised others as losing power they held for 16 years, but at the theological level of humanising:

    Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.’

    ‘And who is my neighbour?’

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    Open Zoom: All Israel will be saved

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    by Martin Scott
    Posted in Updates

    Here is the Zoom link for the evening (Thursday 16th April):

    Open Zoom Link

    ID: 572 803 9267
    Passcode: 5GkMTA

    A reminder: the article can be found by accessing the menu labelled ‘Journals’ and it is Volume 8. It can be downloaded or read online.

    I suggest if you read it that you make notes particularly for any questions that need clarification. Not a short ‘breezy’ read.

    There is also a short(-ish) video that gives a summary of what I have written.

    I am aware this is a highly controversial / debated subject, so a quick reminder – do not come on board assuming I have now settled all discussions and am ‘right’… and neither come to the Zoom assuming that you are right!! we are not seeking to make a point but as the title to the series makes plain these are ‘explorations in theology and practice’.

    The part that is ‘new’ follows the work of Jason Staples who has gone to great lengths to show that ‘Jew’ and ‘Israel’ are not synonymous. An article by Staples that can be easily accessed is here. In it there is a short explanation of how since the influential publication of Kittel’s Dictionary there has been a common assumption that Jew and Israel are simply synonymous… I put an extended explanation below (material from Staples)…

    [In addition to lecturing on Rabbinic Judaism while wearing a Nazi paramilitary uniform in the 1930s, Kuhn (1906-1976) was, together with his mentor Gerhard Kittel, one of fifteen appointees to the “Institute for the Study of the Jewish Problem” established in 1936. He contributed several scholarly articles on the so-called “Jewish Problem” in the service of the institute, putting forth anti-Semitic scholarship with remarkable subtlety and scholarly sophistication.

    But Kuhn is also the author of the entry in Kittel’s Theological Dictionary of the New Testament on the terms Israel, Ioudaios (Jew/Judaean), and Hebrew in early Jewish literature, an entry that established the paradigm for how these terms and their relationships to each other have been understood for nearly a century—a paradigm now so dominant as to be regularly assumed without argument or citation across a broad range of scholarly literature.

    Like most modern scholars, Kuhn presumed that the terms “Israelite,” “Jew,” and “Hebrew” were essentially synonymous or coextensive in early Jewish literature, with all three terms referring to the same group of people. Nevertheless, these terms are not evenly distributed across early Jewish literature like one would expect if they were completely synonymous. As a result, Kuhn proposed that Israel/Israelite is the preferred “insider” terminology, while “Jew” is a term typically used by outsiders and sometimes carries a nuance of disrespect or contempt, and was used by Israelites themselves as an accommodation when communicating in an outsider or diaspora context. As for “Hebrew,” Kuhn explains that this term serves as another “more dignified” alternative to the “deprecatory element that clings so easily to [Jew].”]

    Here are the key points I raise:

    • Israel – defined ethnically or by faith. Not all ‘of Israel’ (ethnicity) are ‘Israel’ – a point Paul makes that would not have been controversial.
    • ‘Jew’ and ‘Israel’ are not synonymous so we cannot make ‘All Israel’ to mean ‘All Jews’.
    • Paul is seeking to defend God’s faithfulness to the promises in Rom. 9-11; those promises being made to Abraham and his ‘seed’. In Galatians Paul somewhat ‘cheekily’ holds that ‘seed’ is singular therefore it is a reference to ‘Jesus’. (Neither in Greek nor English does the point hold grammatically.) In Romans he is much more nuanced.
    • More nuanced but the promises are not made to Abraham’s descendants who are ‘Jews’ (tribe of Judah and Benjamin) but who are ‘of Israel’ (all tribes).
    • The Gentile mission is not the abandonment of ‘Israel’ (think ‘faith Israel) but is the very means that ‘all Israel’ will be saved. This is not a temporal statement but a modal one: ‘in this way all Israel will be saved’.
    • Leaning into other NT texts – those who come to faith from a Gentile background do not become Jews but are adopted into Israel. This also cuts through the divide on Acts 1:6 are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel at this time. The reply (leaning heavily on Isaianic texts) is neither a denial nor an affirmation (as understood classically) but again a modal answer.

    I look forward to seeing you soon.

    The YouTube (summary) video is:

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    Some Resources

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    by Martin Scott
    Posted in Personal Perspectives

    I left behind something like 3000 books when Gayle and I moved to Spain… a good move as I am not a great reader and have a fairly low vocabulary. When I get into a subject I like to dig fairly deep but there are huge gaps in what I grasp. Since the days of living in the UK though resources have increased enormously on the internet.

    I first studied theology some 50 years ago; back then so much of evangelical theology was defensive. I remember the lectures of Dr. Donald Guthrie on the New Testament. Each book had to be shown to ‘apostolic’ and I always thought there was quite a bit of manoeuvring going on to prove this. Behind it was something bigger going on – a doctrine of Scripture. (Same motivation with Wayne Grudem and his (loved by charismatics) the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament apostles spoke the inspired words of God… falls down some when looking at clearly unfulfilled OT prophecies – but the motivation is a predetermined view of Scripture). I liked what FF Bruce said when asking the rhetorical question as to why we have to add more than the simple statements such as ‘truth’ or ‘authority’ of Scripture. For some my doctrine of Scripture might be a little shaky, but I seek to live under the authority of what I read.

    Anyway enough of that. Coming under the authority of (the story) of Scripture does not mean we cannot question what is there. What do I make of the ‘God-ordained’ genocide commands? Firstly I wish they were not there or at least there was a footnote explaining them. But there they are… just glad that the 66 books I read don’t end there… and that the infallible word of God was incarnated in Jesus. Loads I don’t get.

    So to resources.

    The bible project is an amazing resource, and free. Tim Mackie and Jon Collins are the two main people behind this who work with a team. Tim has a (more than) genuine PhD and is well versed in scholarship. He communicates in an amazingly down to earth way. Animated videos are available on every book of the Bible (plus a whole lot more). A great introduction to a book before reading it.

    Try this one on Amos: https://bibleproject.com/videos/amos.

    Want something a little provocative? Peter Enns got booted from his former position for his book on the Bible where he used the incarnation (human and divine) as the model. He (with his mate, Jared) interview a wide variety of scholars (simple language is used). Try the regular podcast:
    https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/podcast.

    Greek… always be suspicious when the smart guy says but the Greek actually says… then they kinda go to the ‘root word’ or to Strong’s concordance. Might get something 1% of the time, but that is not how language works. The Greek text though is available and maybe the best resource is the Step Bible. The Greek text that can be accessed there is bang up to date. Maybe a bit of hard work but for example I give my preferred translation (NRSV updated edition) a bit of a slap for the translation of Rom. 9:6 in the latest ‘extended article’ on All Israel will be saved (did I mention that an Open Zoom is coming up on this?)

    Here is the NRSVue:

    It is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all those descended from Israel are Israelites,

    In the light of what I am pushing for in that article: the importance of Israel, Jew, Israelite not being confused and the ‘seed/ descendant’ word being very key I consider there are confusions set up in the translation that I use (other translations are better on this). Here is what I wrote:

    In reality all those descended from Israel are ‘Israelites’ as he has already indicated. Ethnically they are Israelites. Paul actually writes not all those who are of Israel (ἐξ Ἰσραήλ) are Israel (Ἰσραήλ). Being ‘of / descended from Israel’ means they are Israelites (an ethnic definition), but does not mean they are of Israel (a faith / faithfulness definition).

    Maybe you have to take my word for it… but check out other translations or even try out StepBible:

    No mention of ‘Israelite’ in the verse (though verse 4 has this to make it plain that there Paul is talking ethnically) and no mention of ‘descendant’. In the right hand column of the StepBible program is a dictionary that helps you also find the other uses of the word – highlight it as I have above. This is important – words are not given meaning primarily by their root but by how they are used. (Hence the important distinction between ‘Jew’ and ‘Israel’.)

    YouTube has so many good interviews and videocasts. If you find a ‘scholar’ there do a quick google on them. For example I had someone the other day say how much they appreciated James Tabor. Brilliant insights but Jesus’ extended family inaugurating a royal dynasty???? Probably affects how he reads parts of the New Testament methinks!

    And there are a thousand more down to earth resources.Try the Nomad Podcasts. Try this one from my good mate Roger Mitchell: Pentecost for Progressives.

    Gone are the days when we need to be defensive. Thank God. Truth is centred in one Person alone, and any resources need to be assessed that way, not by how clever anyone thinks they are.

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    Other side of the resurrection

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    by Martin Scott
    Posted in Biblical Observations

    Easter (this year) is behind us and the historical Easter is behind us. We live in the light of the resurrection. I am not of the ‘sacramental’ background of ‘church’ (Lesslie Newbigin in The Household of God suggested there were three broad strands: Catholic (sacramental), Protestant (word) and Pentecostal (Spirit)) but have been reading of John and of Jesus’ disciples and their practice of baptism so of course am provoked. Beyond that Gayle and I have been thinking about ‘the breaking of bread’. Historically it references a meal where the ‘head of the household’ would literally break the bread so was a term simply referring to a meal. This carries over with the passover meal and what has been termed the agape meal.

    Meals. I eat cos I am hungry, but the culture of the day was deeper than that – it was one of fellowship and openness. And there were special meals, banquets that strengthened the (hierarchical) culture. Who was invited and where they were seated was very important. That part of what went on then determined who invited you back and where you would be seated. Jesus’ instruction was so radical (‘do not invite…’); his behaviour was outrageous – allowing a woman from the street (the ‘doors’ were not closed so people could come in) to wash his feet with her tears and he himself getting up from the table to wash the feet.

    Meals… I have quoted before but it is worth doing so again. Vincent Branick (a Catholic) wrote The House Church in the writings of Paul (1989)

    The prohibition of Laodicea [365AD] completes a critical cycle. The Lord’s Supper had changed from evening meal to stylized (sic) ritual. The assembly had moved from dining room to sacred hall. Leadership had shifted from family members to special clergy. Now the orginal form of church was declared illegal.

    Meals… the take the three aspects that make the content of the meal:

    • Remember Jesus
    • Proclaim his death
    • Until he come

    How about – a response of a biblical recounting of a Jesus story and a personal one. ‘I remember the story about… and when I encountered Jesus…’

    As we eat and drink – we are proclaiming the death of Jesus, the victory over the powers, the carving out of a new path… and we do do ‘until he comes’ for we have entered an era that continues from the empty tomb and will continue until that day.

    The other side of the resurrection – no need to simply home in solemnly on the cross – it is a vital part of the story, but so is the resurrection.

    Meals – Jesus had meals at multiple levels. Maybe we could experiment?

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    The Emmaus / Life Walk

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    by Martin Scott
    Posted in Biblical Observations

    I have posted on the walk to Emmaus that took place as it seems to reflect on our journey of life – ups and downs of it. This one I wrote in a series for Lent alongside other authors.

    The resurrection narrative that recounts how Jesus appeared to the two on the way to Emmaus has always brought me great hope. Two disciples that numerous historic traditions have held as being to Cleopas and his wife Mary. (In John 19:25 Mary is described as the wife of Clopas (Aramaic origin; Cleopas being Greek).) Let’s take it (as I believe) for a moment to be a married couple.

    They are not only physically walking but emotionally walking away from the place where they had so much hope. They had hoped that Jesus would redeem Israel but are now devastated. It seems that Luke is drawing on the narrative of another couple who walked devastated with what had taken place for them. Adam and Eve have to walk away from the Garden. The now-unreachable promises of God bearing heavily on them, walking with the sentence of death over them. For Mary and Cleopas the evening hour is approaching, that hour when God came in that original narrative to visit in the Garden. Cleopas and Mary are completely unaware who has come to walk with them, and I suggest that when Adam and Eve (and all those who follow generationally) left their Garden they were completely unaware that they did not walk simply as a couple, but a Stranger walked with them, for God did not stay in the Garden but walked also with them, sharing the ‘sentence’ of death with them. God walked it all the way through history to the cross. 

    This Emmaus walk is one that we often take. Hopes have taken a bash or are even gone. And we don’t walk alone for we are accompanied by shame, disappointment, regret, guilt or another equally burdensome emotion. But Emmaus tells us we do not walk alone. We might use different words to ‘And it is the third day since all this happened’ to express the depth of the loss of hope. But I think heaven responds with those same words. There is a third day when he meets us on the way and invites us to take bread again from his hands.

    Bread from that hand gives hope. Fresh hope. Substantial hope.

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    All Israel will be saved

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    by Martin Scott
    Posted in Theology

    I am setting an ‘open zoom’ date for two weeks’ time:

    Thursday April 16th 19:30 (UK time).

    Two resources – a shortish video that will raise the poignant points in headline form:

    I love the ‘in the moment’ thumbnail (I deliberately don’t change them!). Either I am making a point that no one can dispute or I am practising my kangaroo imitation – you decide.

    In headline form:

    • ‘Israel’ is more a faith than an ethnic term.
    • Jew and Israel are not synonymous terms – so Paul is seeking to deal with the issue of God being faithful to his promises to Israel – his discussion is not about the future nor about the people in the land in his day.
    • He argues that God has not forsaken the people ‘Israel’… that not all ‘of Israel’ are ‘Israel’ – the term ‘Israel’ is smaller than the ethnic term Israel. That Israel is bigger than ‘Jews’… and that the Gentile mission is among the nations (where Israel is to be found) and there those of the 10 tribes are found and (God always works bigger) Gentiles also come in…
    • So in this way all Israel will be saved.

    The above headlines are what I touch on in the video; the pdf that goes with this open zoom expands on all the above – and if you want to push in to the substance of my direction you will need to read that also.

    When coming on the evening it is not about agreeing with me nor is it about forcefully presenting an opposing position. It is about listening and seeing where this might take us.

    I will post a link to the Zoom nearer the time.

    The pdf is found here: All Israel will be saved

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