Mike Shinnick - Learner/Apprentice of Christ

I confessed that I had not thought about Israel, the land and the people until 2018 when Melinda and I made the trip to Israel. When you walked where Jesus walked and see the places discussed in scripture, the Bible comes alive in a way that makes you want to dive deeper. I know it seems strange to say this, but it feels like home. After our experience, we came home wanting to learn as much as we could and we read thru scripture with a different lens. I felt almost like the demon possessed man when Jesus healed him.  He desired to go with Jesus, but Jesus said no, go back home and tell everyone what has been done for you. That is how I felt, I just want to share how it sent me on this path of seeking and searching for Him. Four Critical Points 1.       Salvation is from the Jews. John 4:22. We discussed briefly Jesus speaking with the Samaritan woman at the well when he said “You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation ...

I love the way God works!  As a Gentile, he is surrounding me with brothers who are bringing to light my deep Jewish heritage (Romans 11:17).  One Messianic Jewish brother shared with me an on-line study which has greatly influenced my perspective on God's intention for the Jewish people in stewarding the nations in righteousness, all the way back to our father in the faith, Abraham.  His new covenant will come to fruition in the age to come with our Jewish brothers continuing to take the lead in stewarding matters of our Righteous King: The Lord of Armies says this: “In those days, ten men from nations of every language will grab the robe of a Jewish man tightly, urging: Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”   Zechariah 8:23  This seven-week class seeks to explore the Torah’s (Genesis – Deuteronomy) instruction and framework for understanding the unfolding Jewish narrative of the Bible. Special attention will be given to Genesis 1-11 as ...

When I look back in my life, I realize that my focus in life varied depending upon my age and surroundings.  Yes, I've been a believer for almost 50 years.  I attended church regularly, tithed at times, and generally wanted the best for my family.  All good.  But my focus was a bit lacking in establishing God on the throne.   But He has been extraordinarily merciful to me and my family.  Over the past twenty-five years or so, the Lord has become a genuine focus.  And in this regard, I have no regrets.   He has gracefully illuminated my path, fostering obedience.  What I find in scripture is that Paul served the Lord as the apostle to the gentiles (that's me).  Numerous scriptures inform us that we are to IMITATE him -- that is, his way of following King Jesus.   Consider the following scripture and ask yourself some questions: Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run...