Has Jesus Been Reimagined By Our Culture?, Why do people debate who Jesus was and what He taught? We are One Body of Believers, Grafted into the Vine, our One True God. The unity between Jew and Gentile gives us insight into the Father’s heart. The union of Jewish and Gentile believers demonstrates the power of God and His manifold wisdom. This is NOT a theory, but rather sound biblical truth. We are called by name, we are commanded to forgive as we have been forgiven. How? Humble and Holy

Believers are united as “The One New Man” in Him, the Vine. Our One God has but One Body, and we are His Church. The Body of Christ has substance—it is real! It is a sign and a wonder and a demonstration that God did not break His covenant with the Jews or the Gentiles. Replacement theology debunked by Scriptures as the Holy Spirit confirms in our spirit, we come to believe that the 2nd covenant brings a completion to the 1st covenant—it does NOT negate it. The truth is we should humble ourselves before God and seek His wise counsel with reverence, NOT pride. We need to understand the greater plan of redemption and biblical covenants. Paul clarifies that the temporary stumbling of the Jews wasn’t meant for their downfall. Instead, it was to pave the way for the salvation of the Gentiles, and in doing so, provoke the Jews to seek God.

Romans 11:11 “I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles.” Humbly we read on. Romans 11:12-15 “Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!… For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?” In this Paul paints a picture of overflowing blessings. If the Jews’ momentary setback led to such a blessing for the Gentiles, imagine the magnitude of blessing when they fully return to God and Messiah.

Romans 11:16-18 “For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches. And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them… do not boast against the branches.” Using the metaphor of the olive tree, Paul shows that the Gentiles, being the “wild branches”, were grafted onto the cultivated tree of Israel—not replacing Israel. Gentiles now SHARE in the nourishing ROOT, but they shouldn’t become arrogant towards the original branches. When Believers begin to understand their beginning, as well as their end, they will begin to walk in greater fullness. Romans 11:12-19 “You will say then, ‘Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.’ Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear.” Paul then cautions the Gentiles. The Jews were separated due to DISBELIEF, while the Gentiles are sustained through faith.

Romans 11:22-24 “Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off… if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.” God’s nature is both merciful and just. Gentiles should continue in faith and goodness, understanding that just as they were grafted in, God can also regraft the Jews. Romans 11:25-27 “For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, (PRIDE) that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved” Paul reveals a divine mystery—the temporary blindness of Israel serves a greater purpose. Once the full number of Gentiles is reached, God’s redemptive plan for Israel will fully manifest. Israel and the Jewish people are the apple of Gods eye.

“Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable… through their disobedience, mercy was shown to you, that they also may obtain mercy.” Though currently at odds with the gospel, Israel remains God’s chosen! The Gentiles received mercy through Israel’s disobedience, pointing to God’s plan where eventually, Israel will also receive His boundless mercy. The beauty of the “grafting” process is that it signifies unity, shared sustenance, and growth. God’s new covenant demonstrates that He is not exclusive but inclusive, wanting all to come to the knowledge of the truth, whether Jew or Gentile. As believers, recognizing this plan implores us to embrace our role in this divine tapestry with humility and gratitude, acknowledging the vastness of God’s mercy and His redemptive plan for all of humanity.

Paul, a Jew writes 1 Timothy 1:13-17 “Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that DESERVES FULL ACCEPTANCE: CHRIST JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD TO SAVE SINNERS —of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His immense patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Miracles still occur today. Mark 5:23-41 A Jew, a synagogue leader, fell at the feet of Jesus. Jairus then “pleaded earnestly with Him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.”…While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the Teacher anymore?” Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”).

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.” NOT legalism, but CHRIST. “There are many Christians who actually believe that some person, religious system, or discipline can ADD something to the cross of Christ, or their spiritual experience. We already have everything we will ever need in the person of JESUS CHRIST. ” The Wuest expanded version of the Bible adds words that give meaning to the original Greek text. According to Colossians 2:13-15 – Our sins no longer exist. “And you being dead with reference to your trespasses… Jesus gave you life together with Him, having in grace forgiven you ALL your trespasses, having obliterated the hand-written document consisting of ordinances… Jesus removed it out of the midst with the result that it is no longer there, having nailed it to the cross; having stripped off and away from Himself the principalities and authorities, Christ boldly made an example of them, leading them in a triumphal procession in it.” Satan and his demons, those dark principalities are our defeated foes. Stand victorious! Be Steadfast