Grafting

Adoption and Grafting

Adoption and Grafting

Adoption as a doctrine is not frequently discussed but is important for the believer to understand. The scriptures speak of adoption as both a present and future condition of the believer, the future inferring the return of Christ and our resurrection. Paul said, “We also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body” (Romans 8:23); “Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will” (Ephesians 1:5).

Grafted Into Israel

Grafted Into Israel

“For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ [Yeshua] for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen” (Romans 9:3-5).

Where Did the Oil Go?

Where Did the Oil Go?

I was invited to lead a Saturday morning consecration service at an African-American church in northeastern Washington, D.C. The church meets inside a converted small colonial white house perched on a street corner across from a local market. This is an established working-class neighborhood surrounded by government housing projects. The pastor and the congregation are spirit-filled and deeply hungry for their Hebraic roots.