Have you ever wondered about the relationship between Passover and “Easter?” Jews and Gentiles? Where we fit together within the plan of our Creator?
ENHANCE YOUR LIFE AS A CHRIST FOLLOWER BY INVESTING 8 SATURDAY EVENINGS from April 7 – December. Our first Engage Training topic is entitled One New Man.
The first followers of Jesus (Peter, James, John, Paul etc) were all Jews with deep roots in the Hebrew story. But the coming of Jesus (the promised Messiah or deliverer) not only fulfilled amazing things, it turned our world system upside down.
Romans 11:25 speaks of a fullness of times where Gentiles are “grafted in” to the Jewish covenant of redemption. This concept unfolds in Galatians 4:4; Ephesians 1:10,23; 3:19; 4:13 as well as Colossians 1:19 and 2:9. The birth of Jesus was planned for a specific time in history for many reasons – all under the banner of the “fullness of times.”
The relationship between Passover and Resurrection Day (easter) is key if we are to understand the spiritual and historic significance of what God is ultimately going to accomplish within His plan. Ephesians 2:15 explains the concept of the “one new man.” It is one of the primary purposes for creation itself.
The Message translation of Ephesians 2:15 states it well:
“He repealed the law code that had become so clogged with fine print and footnotes that it hindered more than it helped. Then He started over. Instead of continuing with two groups of people separated by centuries of animosity and suspicion, He created a new kind of human being, a fresh start for everybody.”
This next Engage Training class will meet Saturday, April 7 at 5:30 PM. We will carefully consider the “one new man” concept so clearly outlined in the God Story. You can find the April-December class schedule by clicking courses, as well as notes and videos for the Engage classes here. This kicks off several months of classes investigating where we fit into the greater plan of God.
I have included a paper that will enhance your experience for the night of April 7.
Hope you can make it!
Dave Nadler