Israel National Radio - Noahide Nations

Repentance, Forgiveness and Atonement

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 01:23:00 +0200

Noahide Nations

This week Ray and Adam discuss the vitally important subject of repentance, forgiveness and atonement. Why is this so important? Because it is for each of us to understand that we, as individuals, are responsible and held accountable to HaShem. Join us as we journey down this most important road together.

While the sacrificial rites were the only means of impressing upon the people God's holiness and the dreadful consequence of man's sinfulness, the idea of the Atonement assumed a far deeper and more spiritual aspect in the lives and teachings of the Prophets. Neither Hosea, Amos, and Micah, nor Isaiah recognizes the need of any means of reconciliation with God after estrangement by sin, other than repentance. "Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity and receive us graciously: so will we render as bullocks the offerings of our lips" (Hosea xiv. 2, Hebr.; compare Amos v. 22-24; Isa. i. 13-17, and the well-known passage, Micah vi. 6-8): "Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?.. Shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?").

But the prophet Ezekiel—a priest and therefore more deeply penetrated with the sense of sin and purity than other prophets—is not satisfied with the mere negation of ritualism. Repudiating, like Jeremiah, the idea held by his contemporaries that men undergo punishment on account of their fathers' sins, he lays the greater stress on the fact that the fruit of sin is death, and exhorts the people to cast away their sin and, returning to God, to live (Ezek. xviii. 4-32). For him Atonement is wrought by acquiring "a new heart and a new spirit" (ib. 31). In striking contrast with the other prophets, Ezekiel combines the belief in a complicated atoning ritual (as mapped out in Ezek. xl.-xlvi.) with the prophetic, hope in the redeeming power of God's spirit which shall cleanse the people from their impurities and endow them with "a new heart and a new spirit" (xxxvi. 26).

In no one, however, does the most elaborate ritualism of the Atonement sacrifice appear so closely intertwined with the profoundest spiritual conception of God's atoning powers as in Moses the lawgiver himself. When the worship of the Golden Calf had provoked God's wrath to such a degree that He said to Moses, "Let me alone... that I may consume them; and I will make of thee a great nation" (Ex. xxxii. 10), the latter, desirous of making an Atonement for their transgression, asked the Lord to forgive the people's sin, or else to blot Moses' own name out of His book (the book of life); and he persisted in imploring God's pardon even after He had said, "Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book," until finally, in answer to Moses' entreaty, the full glory of God, His compassionate mercy, His long-suffering and forgiving love, were revealed and Moses' prayer for the people's pardon was granted (Ex. xxxiv. 1-9;Num. xiv. 17-20). There Moses' own self-abnegating love, which willingly offered up his life for his people, disclosed the very qualities of God as far as they touch both the mystery of sin and the divine forgiveness, and this became the key to the comprehension of the Biblical idea of Atonement. The existence of sin would be incompatible with a good and holy God, but for His long-suffering, which waits for the sinner's return, and His condoning love, which turns man's failings into endeavors toward a better life. Each atoning sacrifice, therefore, must be understood both as an appeal to God's forgiving mercy, and as a monition to the sinner to repentance. "Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon" (Isa. lv. 7).

For a deeper understanding of the Seven Noahide Laws (Sheva Mitzvoth) we encourage you to include the books and audio Torah classes in your study by clicking on Torah Audio Classes on CD or Noahide Books. You can also visit the Noahide Nations Torah Network.

Discuss this topic on the new Torah Spirituality for the Nations forum

The Plurality of God

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:15:00 +0200

Noahide Nations

At the heart of the Guide of the Perplexed is Maimonides' conception of God. When we say that "God is one", what do we mean by that statement? For many Jewish philosophers, Maimonides chief among them, this is the central question of Jewish philosophy. He argues that God is a perfect unity, not admitting of any plurality. God does not have parts, either literally or figuratively--no arms or legs, no back or front, no end or beginning. One of the alternate names for God in Jewish discourse is Ein Sof [Without End].

That also means that, in Aristotelian terms, one cannot actually say "God is..." and proceed to enumerate God's attributes. To describe the Eternal One in such a sentence is to admit of a division between subject and predicate, in other words, a plurality. Maimonides writes in Chapter 50 of the Guide, "Those who believe that God is One and that He has many attributes declare the Unity with their lips and assume the plurality in their thoughts." Therefore, he concludes, one cannot discuss God in terms of positive attributes.

On the other hand, one can describe what God is not. God is not corporeal, does not occupy space, experiences neither generation nor corruption (in the Aristotelian sense of birth, decay, and death). For obvious reasons, Maimonides' conception of the Supreme Being is usually characterized as "negative theology."

This week Ray and Adam explore this idea and help to bring answers to explain the plurality of God. To learn more from the Rambam, of blessed memory, see his book Guide of the Perplexed.

Discuss this topic on the new Torah Spirituality for the Nations forum

Idolatry Part 2: “You Shall Have No Other G-ds Before Me!”

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 22:34:00 +0200

Noahide Nations

In this second edition of two on Idolatry, Ray and Adam discuss the first commandment for both Jews and Gentiles, about not committing Idolatry. They answer many questions surrounding the single biggest mitzvoth for a Noahide and a Jew. Why is not to commit idolatry the first commandment? Why is it so important to only worship the One True Creator of all things? What do the sages say will happen if we violate this commandment? How do we spot religions that are idolatrous? What does G-d say in His Torah about Idolatry and were can it be found? How do we know if the religion we are practicing is idolatrous or not? The first and second editions on the topic of Idolatry will help us to answer these and many other questions about this first commandment.

Discuss this topic on the new Torah Spirituality for the Nations forum

20 Year Veteran of the Noahide Movement, Doug Taylor

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:07:00 +0200

Noahide Nations

Doug Taylor has been a Noahide for 20 years and counting. Doug has studied with many different Rabbis and has taught many Noahides. Ray and Adam talk with Doug about the journey that has brought him to where he is today. Doug also talks about what he is doing today and some of the things he sees for the future of the Noahide movement.

Discuss this topic on the new Torah Spirituality for the Nations forum

Idolatry – “You Shall Have No Other G-ds Before Me!”

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:11:00 +0200

Noahide Nations

In this first edition of two on Idolatry, Ray and Adam discuss the first commandment for both Jews and Gentiles, about not committing Idolatry. They answer many questions surrounding the single biggest mitzvoth for a Noahide and a Jew. Why is not to commit idolatry the first commandment? Why is it so important to only worship the One True Creator of all things? What do the sages say will happen if we violate this commandment? How do we spot religions that are idolatrous? What does G-d say in His Torah about Idolatry and were can it be found? How do we know if the religion we are practicing is idolatrous or not? The first and second editions on the topic of Idolatry will help us to answer these and many other questions about this first commandment.

For a deeper understanding of the Seven Noahide Laws (Sheva Mitzvoth) we encourage you to include the books and audio Torah classes in your study by clicking on Torah Audio Classes on CD, or Noahide Books. You can also visit the Noahide Nations Torah Network.

Discuss this topic on the new Torah Spirituality for the Nations forum

Wake up Call to America! The Third Jihad is Here!

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 21:01:00 +0200

Noahide Nations

Don’t miss this incredible interview on Radical Islam’s Vision for America.

Many believe that Islam taking over America will never happen and is for conspiracy buffs only or that anyone who thinks that this is possible is crazy. Well call us crazy but it is no longer a matter of “this can’t happen”, but instead IT IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW IN YOUR OWN BACK YARD! Wake up America!!!
Unfortunately, most Americans are so wrapped up in their own lives that they don’t realize that one day in the near future their wives, daughters, aunts, grandmothers and their mothers will soon be wearing burkas. And, the men will have their heads removed, publically, because they will not convert to Islam. People will be stoned in the streets. And, that’s just the “Meet and Greet” introduction phase.

America has problems now with the Obama administration turning the country into a Socialist State and then on to a Communist Dictatorship. Islam is sitting and watching Americans do nothing to stop the Obama nightmare; how easy will it be for Islam to take over this country? By the time you wake up from your social slumber it will be too late to do anything.

So we can sit back and continue to do nothing, and become a conquered nation or we can “lock and load” and find solutions to this evil which is knocking at our door. What’s it gonna be!?

Join Ray and Adam as they discuss this evil and where to get solutions to fight the evil with Dr. Zuhdi Jasser a devout Muslim who stands against Radical Islam and is a featured guest on the Third Jihad movie. We will also be talking to producer Raphael Shore who also produced the movie Obsession. These are two of the bravest men in America who are doing something about it but they cannot do it alone. Hopefully, if the American news media grows a spine they will be providing information on this as well.

This is a wake up call to America and to all of Mankind. We can no longer roll over and play dead.

Discuss this topic in the new Forums Section

What is True Holiness?

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:26:00 +0200

Noahide Nations

Living in this “real world” is not spiritually easy. There is so much distraction and so much annoyance. But we have mitzvos to perform and their merits rest and wait on our hearts.

Then there are those magical moments of inspiration. Our hearts open, and in flows all that sweet nectar of Hashem’s love for our actions. How else can we explain the sudden rush of holiness we feel at certain moments? There is no script that can tell you when the moment will arrive or what will set it off.

In all physical things there is a portion of HaShem's holiness that has a relationship to the particular person's soul who possesses it. This is the reason why some people love certain things, while another hates the same thing but loves another thing.

This week Co-Hosts Ray Pettersen and Adam Penrod discuss the Holiness of God and how man can be holy.

Discuss this topic on the new Torah Spirituality for the Nations forum

The Holy Temple and the non-Jew

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:25:00 +0200

Noahide Nations

There is much debate as to what the Holy Temple truly represents to the non-Jewish world. The debate ranges from ‘the Temple is only for the Jews’ to ‘the Temple benefits the entire world’. All of humanity hungers for answers to these questions.

Join Ray and Adam this week as they search for answers to the many questions encompassing the relationship of the Gentile people to the Holy Temple. You will learn a great deal on the subject from this weeks honored guest, Rabbi Chaim Richman. Rabbi Richman is the International Director of the Temple Institute in Jerusalem and he shares many profound teachings on what the Temple means for all people, especially the Gentile.

This interview with Rabbi Richman is sure to get your attention. You can visit their web site at www.TempleInstitute.org and listen to the interview with Rabbi Richman. You will come away with a greater understanding of what the Temple is and what it means for you.

Is There an Atheist in the House?

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:15:00 +0200

Noahide Nations

Every Bible believing, God fearing person knows at least one Atheist and most of us know more than one. These atheists can tend to wreak havoc in our lives and are forever trying to convince us that we are fools or weak for believing in the Creator. Atheists truly believe that their ancestors are apes and that they are descended from apes. What is troubling are their efforts to convince us that we too are descended from apes and were not Created by the Hand of God. So how does one deal with this type of person? This week Ray and Adam address Atheism and how to deal with it. We provide solutions for identifying a true atheist as well as what their true objections are to a belief in God. Then how to work with them from within the framework the atheist has provided.

Discuss this topic on the new Torah Spirituality for the Nations forum

How Does 1+1+1=1???

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:40:00 +0200

Noahide Nations

How is it that the word trinity does not exist in the New Testament and yet it is one of the major concepts of the world’s largest religion and has remained a strong element of the religion for over 2000 years? Adam and Ray explore this phenomenon which plays such a significant role in Christianity regardless of the denomination. It also plays a major role in the Messianic religion.

Are we to believe that there are three gods or is it three separate entities that make up their god? Ray and Adam discuss how the traditional understanding of the trinity expressed in Christianity does not work and why.

What does the Torah have to say about the trinity? What is the nature of God? They will also talk about what the Torah has to say about the oneness of God. The trinity is a fascinating topic and this weeks discussion on Noahide Nations will be equally fascinating.

Discuss this topic on the new Torah Spirituality for the Nations forum<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />