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Mark J Molinoff

Novelist and Writer of Faith Reflections

Author: Mark Molinoff

  • Choosing God\’s Will

    Choosing God\’s Will

    The following scripture from Matthew and commentary from Watchman Nee address the important issue of choosing God\’s will over our own. Today\’s blog post explores the important distinction between burden and cross.

    And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me. Matthew 10.38.

    Watchman Nee writes:

    \”A burden is not a cross. Burden is something inescapable; the cross, however, is subject to personal choice and can therefore be avoided. What the first cross in history was, so the countless smaller crosses will be which shall follow afterwards: just as the original cross was chosen by the Lord, so the crosses for today must also be chosen by us. Some people assume that they are bearing the cross whenever they fall into some hardship or encounter some distress. This is not true, however, for these kinds of things may quite naturally happen to any person even if that person is not a believer.

    What then is a cross? It must be akin to what the Lord Jesus himself has said: “My Father, … thy will be done” (Matt. 26.42). The Lord asks His Father not to answer as He the Son wills, but as the Father wills. This is the cross. To take the cross is to choose the will which the Father has decided.\”

    Choosing God\’s Will

    This passage—Matthew 10:38—combined with Watchman Nee’s commentary, invites a profound reflection on the true meaning of discipleship and spiritual maturity. At its heart is the distinction between burden and cross, and the pivotal spiritual decision to willingly choose the will of God, even when it conflicts with our own. Let\’s explore this further to deepen understanding.

    Burden vs. Cross: The Crucial Distinction

    Watchman Nee emphasizes that a burden is something that happens to us—illness, disappointment, financial trouble, or personal loss. These things, though heavy, are part of the human experience and can affect anyone, believer or not. A cross, however, is not about what happens to us; it is about how we respond to what happens—by willingly choosing God\’s will over our own desires.

    Jesus\’ own example in Gethsemane is the perfect model. He did not stumble accidentally onto the cross. He chose it. He laid down His own will—“not My will, but Yours be done”—and walked in total submission to the Father, knowing it would lead to suffering and death.

    This means that a \”cross\” isn\’t defined by pain or hardship alone. The defining factor is voluntary surrender: choosing God\’s will. You can be suffering and still not be bearing a cross, if your heart is resisting God\’s will. Conversely, you can be walking in quiet, humble obedience, enduring something not outwardly dramatic, and yet be carrying your cross faithfully.

    The Cross Is a Choice

    This is where spiritual depth comes into play: the cross can be avoided. It is never forced on us. Just as Jesus could have called twelve legions of angels to avoid Calvary (Matthew 26:53), we too can retreat from obedience when it\’s costly. We can live safely in the realm of self-will, avoiding sacrifice, preferring comfort, recognition, or control.

    But to take up our cross is to make a conscious decision to obey God in the places where obedience costs us something—reputation, ambition, pride, or even relationships.

    To take up the cross, then, is:

    • To forgive when you want to retaliate.
    • To speak truth when silence is easier.
    • To give when you\’d rather keep.
    • To obey when it seems like everyone else is doing the opposite.
    • To say, \”Not my will,\” when your whole body is aching for something else.

    This is where transformation happens. This is where Christ is formed in us.

    Choosing the Cross

    Jesus said, \”He who does not take his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.\” That’s a sobering statement. It tells us that to follow Jesus is not a passive association, but an active, sacrificial alignment with His way of life.

    Choosing God\’s will is not about self-hate or seeking pain. It\’s about radical alignment with God’s purposes. When we choose the cross, we become vessels through which God’s love and power flow. It is through death to self that resurrection life comes. As Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).

    Encouragement for the Journey

    If you find yourself at a fork in the road—between choosing self-will and choosing God\’s will—know that the choice of the cross is the path to the deepest joy, the most enduring peace, and the greatest intimacy with Christ. You may lose something in the short term, but you will gain the riches of God\’s presence, the shaping of your character, and the beauty of a life truly surrendered.

    To take up the cross is to say: “Lord, I trust You more than I trust myself. Even if I don’t understand, I will follow. Not my will, but Yours be done.”

    That is the life of a disciple. And in that surrender, there is resurrection.

    A Prayer of Surrender to the Cross

    Heavenly Father,

    In the stillness of this moment, I come before You, aware of how often I cling to my own way—my comfort, my control, my desires. And yet, I hear the voice of Jesus calling, “Take up your cross and follow Me.” Lord, I confess: I have often mistaken hardship for obedience, and discomfort for sanctification, without ever yielding my will to Yours.

    Teach me the difference, Lord.

    Help me see that the cross is not simply what happens to me, but what I choose. It is the sacred act of laying down my will and saying with my Savior, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

    Give me courage to choose obedience over ease, faithfulness over popularity, and truth over convenience. Teach me to trust that Your will is not only higher than mine—it is also better, wiser, and full of love. When fear whispers that surrender is loss, remind me that true life is only found through death to self.

    Form in me the heart of Christ—a heart that embraces the cross with joy, knowing resurrection life lies on the other side.

    Today, Lord, I take up my cross. Not as a burden to be endured, but as a gift to be chosen. Not because I am strong, but because You are faithful.

    Lead me, Lord. I will follow.

    Amen.

    About Raleigh Acupuncture

    At Raleigh Acupuncture Associates, we are deeply committed to providing the highest quality professional acupuncture while being rooted in strong Judeo-Christian values of love, faith, kindness, and truth. We guide our practice with compassionate care, where each patient is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, faith, or beliefs. We welcome people from all walks of life and strive to create a warm, inclusive environment promoting healing and holistic wellness. Our dedication to delivering exceptional acupuncture is paired with a genuine love for helping others, making our clinic a place where faith and professional medical care come together for the well-being of every patient.

    Next Steps

    BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online.

    Meet Our Practitioners (Video).

    Learn about all the conditions we treat.

    Focus Keyphrase: Choosing God\’s Will
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  • Fear of the Lord is Wisdom

    Fear of the Lord is Wisdom

    Job 28 is an incredible verse in one of the most powerful books of the Bible. In it, Job argues that fear of the Lord is wisdom. Man can mine gold and gems deep in the earth while animals don\’t even know they exist. Similarly, man can search for wisdom, but he\’s as incapable of finding wisdom on his own as the animals at finding gold and gems beneath the earth. The only way to access wisdom is to fear the Lord. Today\’s blog post begins with an analysis of this passage.

    Humanity’s Ingenuity and Limits

    Job 28 opens with a remarkable celebration of human ingenuity and persistence. People can:

    • Mine the depths of the earth.
    • Extract gold, silver, iron, and precious stones.
    • Create light in utter darkness.
    • Tunnel through rock.

    This is a powerful metaphor: humans have the intellect and creativity to unlock nature’s deepest treasures. Even wild animals—lions and falcons, creatures with sharp senses—don’t know where these hidden resources are. Yet humans have found them.

    But then comes the contrast.

    Despite this tremendous ingenuity, man cannot locate wisdom. The passage shifts from admiration to frustration:

    But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?” (Job 28:12)

    The Hiddenness of Wisdom

    No matter how deep we dig, or how advanced we become, wisdom does not reside in the earth\’s core or the heights of the sky. It can’t be bought with gold or valued by jewels. Even the deep says, “It is not in me.” The sea says, “It is not with me.”

    This mirrors Ecclesiastes, where Solomon declares that all human striving is ultimately vanity if it tries to grasp the meaning of life apart from God.

    Here, Job 28 affirms: wisdom is categorically beyond human reach. It’s not a material thing. It’s not intellectual brilliance or cleverness. It can’t be reverse-engineered or mined like a gem. In fact, if you seek it with the same tools you use to unearth treasure, you\’ll end in despair.

    God\’s Exclusive Domain

    Verse 23 marks a turning point:

    God understands the way to it, and he knows its place.\”

    Only God knows where wisdom dwells. He sees everything—He created the wind’s weight, the waters’ measure, lightning’s path. In other words, God doesn’t just possess wisdom—He structured the universe with it.

    Then comes the conclusion:

    The fear of the Lord is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.” (Job 28:28)

    The Fear of the Lord

    This is the lynchpin of the entire chapter—and perhaps the entire book. “Fear of the Lord” is not terror, but reverent awe, surrender, and trust. It means acknowledging God as the center of reality, not ourselves.

    Turning from evil is not simply moral improvement—it\’s aligning ourselves with God\’s perspective, living humbly before the One who alone knows what is truly wise.

    In other words:

    • Wisdom is not found—it is received.
    • Wisdom is not discovered—it is revealed by God to those who revere Him.
    • Wisdom is not about intellect—it’s about relationship.

    Connecting the Dots

    Job 28 teaches that the pursuit of wisdom begins where the pursuit of control ends. Just as animals can’t fathom what lies beneath their feet, humans can’t grasp divine wisdom through effort alone.

    The only way forward is the fear of the Lord—which leads us not only to humility but to worship.

    Tying Job 28 into the New Testament teaching on Christ as the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24)

    The reflection on Job 28 finds its deepest fulfillment in the New Testament, where the quest for wisdom culminates—not in a concept, but in a person: Jesus Christ.

    Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:24 that Christ is “the power of God and the wisdom of God.” This is staggering. Job 28 says no one knows the path to wisdom—only God. Paul says that path has now come to us in Jesus.

    In Christ, the unreachable wisdom of Job 28 takes on flesh and walks among us.

    In [Christ] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” —Colossians 2:3

    Just as Job’s poem describes wisdom as inaccessible through human effort, so too Paul reminds us that no one can boast in human wisdom, power, or nobility (1 Cor. 1:26–29). Instead, God chose what is weak and foolish in the world to shame the wise.

    That is the paradox: God’s wisdom doesn’t look like our wisdom. It doesn’t come from gold mines or ivory towers. It comes from a cross—a place of surrender, sacrifice, and apparent defeat.

    Wisdom at the Cross

    Where Job says, “The fear of the Lord is wisdom,” the New Testament clarifies: that reverent fear and surrender is ultimately directed to the crucified Christ.

    We preach Christ crucified… to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” —1 Corinthians 1:23–24

    The cross of Christ becomes the ultimate picture of what Job 28 foreshadowed: God’s wisdom revealed in mystery, not mined by men but manifested by mercy.

    The Way Forward

    In Job 28, man looks beneath the earth for treasure, but misses the treasure from heaven. In Christ, that treasure finds us.

    To seek wisdom, then, is not to dig deeper but to bow lower. Not to engineer truth, but to embrace Christ. The invitation is not to map out a path, but to follow the One who said:

    I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” —John 14:6

    When we embrace Christ as Lord, we are no longer groping in the dark for understanding. We are walking in the light of the One who is wisdom.

    A Prayer for True Wisdom

    Lord of all wisdom,
    You alone know the path that leads to truth.
    We confess how often we have searched in all the wrong places—
    relying on our strength, our intellect, our pride.

    Yet You have made Your wisdom known, not in secrets or systems,
    but in the face of Jesus Christ.
    Thank You for the cross, where divine wisdom and love meet.
    Thank You for revealing what no mind could discover on its own.

    Teach us to fear You rightly—not with dread, but with awe.
    Make us humble seekers of Your heart,
    and help us to follow Christ,
    in whom all treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found.

    Lead us in Your light,
    that we may live not as the wise of this world,
    but as those redeemed by grace.

    In Jesus’ name,
    Amen.

    About Raleigh Acupuncture

    At Raleigh Acupuncture Associates, we are deeply committed to providing the highest quality professional acupuncture while being rooted in strong Judeo-Christian values of love, faith, kindness, and truth. We guide our practice with compassionate care, where each patient is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, faith, or beliefs. We welcome people from all walks of life and strive to create a warm, inclusive environment promoting healing and holistic wellness. Our dedication to delivering exceptional acupuncture is paired with a genuine love for helping others, making our clinic a place where faith and professional medical care come together for the well-being of every patient.

    Next Steps

    BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online.

    Meet Our Practitioners (Video).

    Learn about all the conditions we treat.

    Focus Keyphrase: Fear of the Lord is Wisdom
    Image generated with https://perchance.org/ai-text-to-image-generator

  • A Better Way Forward

    A Better Way Forward

    A Legacy in Waiting

    For many Jews today, the Messianic hope still lingers in the background—woven into liturgies, sung in songs, whispered in prayers, and held as a deep yearning for a world finally healed. The prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures spoke of a time when swords would be beaten into plowshares, when justice would roll down like waters, and when God would give His people new hearts. But for modern Judaism, especially among the secular majority, this vision often feels more poetic than prophetic—something admired rather than expected.

    Yet what if that expectation wasn’t lost? What if the longing embedded in the Jewish soul is pointing toward a better way forward—not by turning away from tradition, but by rediscovering its fulfillment?

    The Challenge of Modern Jewish Identity

    The reality is sobering: the vast majority of Jews today are not religious in the traditional sense. Many embrace their Jewishness as cultural identity or familial legacy, but not as covenantal faith. For some, belief in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob seems distant or irrelevant. For others, especially in the shadow of historic suffering like the Holocaust, that belief has been quietly—or angrily—surrendered. The God of the Bible, once central to Jewish life, is often replaced with a more abstract, Spinozan sense of the divine: a God of metaphor, ethics, or nature rather than personhood.

    This shift raises an important question: How can the Jewish people move forward toward the promised Messianic Age if they no longer believe in the God who made that promise? How can a people described throughout Scripture as “stiff-necked” and prone to rebellion become the shining example of righteousness and covenantal love that the prophets envisioned? The answer must point toward a better way forward than mere tradition or secular optimism.

    Prophets, Promises, and Transformation

    The prophets don’t leave us without hope. In Ezekiel 36, for example, God declares that He will one day give His people a new heart and a new spirit. He will remove the heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh. In Jeremiah 31, He promises a New Covenant—not like the one broken in the wilderness, but one where His law will be written on the hearts of His people. This transformation is not something Israel can accomplish on its own. It is supernatural, initiated and fulfilled by God Himself.

    Here lies the core of a better way forward: it’s not about human effort to attain holiness but divine grace that makes holiness possible. This promise of internal transformation is at the heart of Christian belief in Jesus as the Messiah.

    Jesus and the Fulfillment of Hope

    For those who have embraced Jesus as the promised Messiah, especially those from a Jewish background, the Old Testament becomes alive in ways previously unimagined. The prophecies are no longer cryptic shadows but radiant signs pointing to a Messiah who not only rules eternally but transforms the very people He leads. It is no longer a question of striving for righteousness, but of receiving it as a gift. This doesn’t nullify Jewish heritage—it completes it. It is as if the ancient song of Israel finds its final verse.

    Still, many Jews reject this view. They await a human Messiah, a future political or spiritual leader who will restore Israel and bring peace. But even this expectation leads to a difficult question: How can such a Messiah bring lasting righteousness to a people who—by the Bible’s own testimony—have continually fallen short? If sustained holiness is needed for the Messianic Age, wouldn’t it require a transformation of the human heart? Jesus offers a better way forward, not by political restoration, but by personal renewal.

    A Conversation, Not a Confrontation

    To those wrestling with these questions—especially Jews who feel culturally tethered to their tradition but spiritually adrift—I offer this reflection not as a confrontation but as a conversation. There is a better way forward that doesn’t abandon Jewish identity but fulfills its deepest promises. A path where the God of Abraham is no longer distant, and the hope of the prophets is no longer postponed. Jesus, the son of David, claims to be that fulfillment—not just of messianic expectation, but of the human heart’s longing to be made whole.

    This path does not erase grief or the weight of history. But it offers something more: the peace of being truly known by God, the joy of seeing Scripture come alive, and the hope that even in a world of doubt and despair, the promise of the Messianic Age is not a dream—but a reality already breaking into the present.

    About Raleigh Acupuncture

    At Raleigh Acupuncture Associates, we are deeply committed to providing the highest quality professional acupuncture while being rooted in strong Judeo-Christian values of love, faith, kindness, and truth. We guide our practice with compassionate care, where each patient is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, faith, or beliefs. We welcome people from all walks of life and strive to create a warm, inclusive environment promoting healing and holistic wellness. Our dedication to delivering exceptional acupuncture is paired with a genuine love for helping others, making our clinic a place where faith and professional medical care come together for the well-being of every patient.

    Next Steps

    BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online.

    Meet Our Practitioners (Video).

    Learn about all the conditions we treat.

    Focus Keyphrase: A Better Way Forward
    Image generated with https://perchance.org/ai-text-to-image-generator

  • Written on the Heart

    Written on the Heart

    For centuries, people have carried a profound hope—a vision of a world made whole, a Messianic Age when justice, peace, and divine presence would finally dwell among us. Yet today, many find that hope dulled by time, buried under the weight of tradition, secularism, or pain. In this reflection, we explore a better way forward—a path not of religious performance or cultural nostalgia, but of hearts transformed and truths written on the heart. Could the ancient promises of God still hold relevance? Could the longing for redemption be closer than we think?

    \”How that our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance.\” 1 Thessalonians 1.5.

    Watchman Nee wrote:

    “Let us not be satisfied with merely meaningful words. We must seek the power of God. How many times people talk about the truth of the Holy Spirit without their having even a little of His power. What a believer lacks is none other than more of the life of God. It is most interesting to notice that if a person understands the truth of God with his mind, he must frequently be exercised to grasp this truth. But if he knows the truth in the power of the Holy Spirit and maintains it in the same power as well, he will not need to grasp the truth in time of need as though like a drowning person grasping hold of a rope; rather, he himself will be grasped and saved by the truth through the Holy Spirit. This distinction is most evident.”

    Written on the Heart

    This Scripture from 1 Thessalonians 1:5 and Watchman Nee’s commentary reflect a profound spiritual truth: that the message of the gospel is not merely intellectual or verbal—it must be experienced with spiritual power and conviction. Let’s break it down.
    The Scripture:

    “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance.”
    — 1 Thessalonians 1:5

    Paul is saying that when the gospel was preached to the Thessalonians, it wasn’t just a matter of eloquent or persuasive speech. The message had a living power—an undeniable force that came with the Holy Spirit and brought with it assurance, or a deep, inward certainty of its truth. It didn’t just enter their minds; it pierced their hearts and changed their lives.

    Watchman Nee’s Commentary – Interpreted:

    Watchman Nee is warning against settling for mere intellectual agreement with biblical truth—what he calls \”meaningful words.\” He emphasizes the need for the power of God, which is brought about by the Holy Spirit and is rooted in God\’s life within us.

    He makes a key distinction:

    • When someone knows truth only in the mind, they must strain and strive to recall it and act on it when difficulties come—like someone drowning, desperately grabbing a rope.
    • But when someone knows truth through the Holy Spirit’s power, the truth is alive within them. It holds them—they don’t need to grab for it. It’s like being buoyed up from within rather than clinging from without.

    This means that the believer who walks in the Spirit doesn\’t merely remember God’s promises—they are carried by them, even under pressure or trial.

    The Core Message:

    The gospel is not merely about right doctrine or good theology—it is about the living presence and power of God working through His Spirit in the believer’s life.

    We must move beyond intellectual faith to a Spirit-empowered faith, where truth is not just known but embodied and experienced.

    This kind of faith brings assurance, not as a result of logical reasoning, but through a real encounter with the Holy Spirit.

    How This Applies to Us

    As we seek deeper spiritual life, Watchman Nee encourages us to ask God not just for more knowledge, but for more of His life. We must not be content with understanding spiritual truths. Rather, we need to live them through the power of the Holy Spirit.

    Likewise, we need to pray that the truths we read and hear will be sealed in our hearts by God’s Spirit and become part of our spiritual reflex, not just our theological memory.

    Link to the Prophet Jeremiah

    This reminds me of Jeremiah 31:31-38 where the prophet tells us that God will make a new covenant with us, one that is embedded in our hearts, not just our minds, one where He will be able to forgive our sins forever.

    Jeremiah 31:31–34 is a vital passage that connects deeply with the point made in 1 Thessalonians 1:5 and Watchman Nee’s commentary. It illuminates the very transformation they describe: moving from a head-level understanding of God to a heart-level transformation by His Spirit.

    In Jeremiah 31:31–34, God declares:

    “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah… I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people… For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

    This \”new covenant\” is not simply an upgrade to the old one; it is a complete transformation of the way God relates to His people. No longer will His commands remain external—written on tablets of stone or memorized in rote tradition. Instead, they will be inscribed on the very hearts of those who belong to Him. This echoes Watchman Nee’s insight: that truth held merely in the mind must be grasped and clung to, but truth written on the heart grasps us and transforms us from within.

    A Covenant of the Heart

    This is precisely the kind of transformation Paul references in 1 Thessalonians 1:5. The gospel did not come \”in word only,\” but \”in power, in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance.\” The Thessalonians didn’t just hear the gospel—they were changed by it.

    Their hearts were imprinted with the reality of God\’s love, grace, and forgiveness. This is the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy: a people no longer trying to keep up with God’s law by sheer effort, but a people indwelt by His Spirit, empowered to live it from the inside out.

    The Connection with Forgiveness

    Jeremiah’s prophecy also promises full and lasting forgiveness:

    “For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

    This ties directly to what Watchman Nee describes: it is the life of God in us that makes righteousness possible—not our discipline or strength. And when that life is in us through the Spirit, the burden of guilt no longer haunts us. We don\’t just know that we\’re forgiven—we live in that forgiveness. We don’t just believe in God’s grace—we experience it.

    Bringing It All Together

    1 Thessalonians 1:5 shows how the early Christians experienced this new covenant: they received the gospel not in word only, but in power and in the Holy Spirit—the very force Jeremiah prophesied. The law was no longer just in their head—it was now written on the heart. Watchman Nee challenges us not to settle for mental assent, but to live in the spiritual reality of this new covenant, where God\’s truth takes root in our hearts and sustains us.

    The new covenant is not about trying harder; it’s about being made new.
    It’s not about remembering laws; it’s about becoming what those laws were always pointing toward—a people shaped by the Spirit of God, forgiven, free, and full of life.

    How Can We Share This Message With Others?

    Sharing the message of the new covenant—that God now writes His truth on hearts, not just minds—is one of the most powerful and life-giving things you can do. But it’s also deeply personal, and sharing it well means doing it in a way that resonates with people\’s real struggles, doubts, and longings. Here are some practical and meaningful ways to share this message with others:

    1. Live It Before You Speak It

    Before preaching with your lips, preach with your life. Let the peace, joy, and transformation that come from knowing Christ speak for themselves. People are drawn to authenticity more than arguments.

    When they see your forgiveness in action, your patience under pressure, or your inner peace despite trials, they\’ll often ask: “What’s different about you?”

    That’s your invitation to point to the Holy Spirit living in you, not your own strength.

    2. Tell Your Story

    Don’t underestimate the power of your personal testimony. Share how the new covenant has changed your heart—how God\’s Spirit has made your faith real and living.

    If you were raised in a tradition where faith felt more like rules than relationship, say that.

    If God moved from being a distant idea to an intimate reality, describe that shift.

    Be vulnerable—people connect with honesty far more than perfection.

    3. Focus on Relationship, Not Religion

    Many people (especially secular or disillusioned ones) resist religious language or doctrine. But they hunger for meaning, purpose, identity, and hope.

    Explain that Christianity isn’t about earning God’s favor through rituals or good deeds—it’s about receiving a new heart and being transformed from the inside out.

    Frame it as the fulfillment of something ancient and sacred—not a rejection of tradition, but the completion of it (as in Jeremiah 31).

    4. Use Scripture Thoughtfully

    When appropriate, gently share verses like:

    Jeremiah 31:33 – “I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts.”

    Ezekiel 36:26 – “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.”

    2 Corinthians 3:3 – “…written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”

    Let the Word speak for itself—trust that God’s truth carries His power.

    5. Create Safe, Honest Spaces for Conversation

    Sometimes, the best evangelism looks like deep listening. Ask open-ended questions. Let people wrestle with their doubts. Share insights from Watchman Nee or your own reflections, but don’t push. Plant seeds. Let the Spirit water them.

    Say something like: “You know, for years I knew about God, but it never really touched my heart. That changed when I realized what Jeremiah meant about God giving us a new heart. That’s when everything came alive.”

    6. Point to a Better Way Forward

    Many are tired of superficial spirituality or moralism. What you have is more than theology—it\’s a better way forward, where transformation is real, forgiveness is complete, and God’s presence is personal.

    Use this phrase—“a better way forward”—as a gentle refrain in your conversations. It invites rather than challenges. It offers hope rather than judgment.

    A Better Way Forward

    In the end, the message we’ve explored is both timeless and timely: God’s ultimate desire is not simply for external obedience but for inward transformation. This is the promise found in Jeremiah 31—a new covenant not carved in stone but written on the heart. It is the heart, not just the mind, that God seeks to renew.

    Whether speaking to the Jewish hope for the Messianic Age or the Christian conviction that Jesus has fulfilled that hope, the invitation is the same: to receive a relationship with God that is living, personal, and transformative. Sharing this message with others is not about winning arguments or forcing belief—it’s about offering a vision of life where truth doesn’t have to be grasped in desperation, but where the truth Himself grasps us.

    This is the better way forward: a faith written on the heart, drawing us ever deeper into the love and purpose of our Creator.

    About Raleigh Acupuncture

    At Raleigh Acupuncture Associates, we are deeply committed to providing the highest quality professional acupuncture while being rooted in strong Judeo-Christian values of love, faith, kindness, and truth. We guide our practice with compassionate care, where each patient is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, faith, or beliefs. We welcome people from all walks of life and strive to create a warm, inclusive environment promoting healing and holistic wellness. Our dedication to delivering exceptional acupuncture is paired with a genuine love for helping others, making our clinic a place where faith and professional medical care come together for the well-being of every patient.

    Next Steps

    BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online.

    Meet Our Practitioners (Video).

    Learn about all the conditions we treat.

    Focus Keyphrase: Written on the Heart
    Image generated with https://perchance.org/ai-text-to-image-generator

  • Salvation for the Jews: Part Two

    Salvation for the Jews: Part Two

    Salvation for the Jews: Part Two

    The early Jewish believers in Jesus—often called the Jerusalem Church or Jewish Christians—lived directly in a tension between the Old Covenant (the Law of Moses) and the New Covenant established through Jesus. Their experiences help us understand how the earliest followers of Christ, many of whom were devout Jews, navigated the continuity and transformation of God\’s covenantal relationship with Israel. In today\’s blog post, Salvation for the Jews: Part Two, we will explore the views of early believers in Jesus .

    The First Believers Were Jews Who Accepted Jesus as the Messiah

    The earliest followers of Jesus, including the apostles, were Jewish. They did not see their faith in Jesus as a rejection of Judaism but rather its fulfillment. Jesus Himself said:

    “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
    — Matthew 5:17

    Jewish believers like Peter, John, and especially James (the brother of Jesus) continued to participate in Temple worship, observe kosher laws, and celebrate Jewish festivals. They believed Jesus was the promised Messiah (Mashiach) foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures—bringing the culmination, not the cancellation, of God’s covenant with Israel.

    Acts 15: The Council of Jerusalem

    A major moment in early Church history came in Acts 15, when Gentiles began accepting Jesus in large numbers. The question arose: Must Gentile believers be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses to be saved?

    The apostles concluded that Gentiles were saved by grace through faith in Jesus, not by adopting the Mosaic Law. But they did not require Jewish believers to abandon their Jewish identity or practices. This marked a pivotal distinction: salvation is through Jesus alone, but Jewish identity and law-keeping were still honored among Jewish believers as cultural and covenantal heritage.

    Paul\’s Passion and Pain for His Fellow Jews

    Paul, a former Pharisee, grieved deeply that so many of his fellow Jews did not accept Jesus as the Messiah. In Romans 9–11, he wrestles with this heartbreak:

    “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart… for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.”
    — Romans 9:2–3

    Paul longed for the Jewish people to recognize Jesus, but he also affirmed that God’s covenant with them had not been discarded. He believed a future turning of Israel to Jesus was still to come (Romans 11:25–27).

    A Remnant, Not Rejection

    Throughout Scripture, God preserves a remnant—a faithful portion of Israel who respond to His call. The early Jewish Christians saw themselves as this remnant, chosen by grace (Romans 11:5), and they continued praying and working for the salvation of all Israel.

    Takeaway for Today

    The early Jewish believers held together two truths:

    • Jesus is the Messiah and the only way to salvation.
    • God\’s covenant with Israel endures, and His promises will not fail.

    They lived in reverent hope that one day all Israel would recognize their Messiah—not through force or replacement, but through revelation and mercy.

    As modern believers, especially converted Jews and those with a heart for the Jewish people, this reminds us to:

    • Share Jesus with love and humility.
    • Honor God\’s covenant with Israel.
    • Trust that God will complete His redemptive plan in His time.

    About Raleigh Acupuncture

    At Raleigh Acupuncture Associates, we are deeply committed to providing the highest quality professional acupuncture while being rooted in strong Judeo-Christian values of love, faith, kindness, and truth. We guide our practice with compassionate care, where each patient is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, faith, or beliefs. We welcome people from all walks of life and strive to create a warm, inclusive environment promoting healing and holistic wellness. Our dedication to delivering exceptional acupuncture is paired with a genuine love for helping others, making our clinic a place where faith and professional medical care come together for the well-being of every patient.

    Next Steps

    BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online.

    Meet Our Practitioners (Video).

    Learn about all the conditions we treat.

    Focus Keyphrase: Salvation for the Jews: Part Two
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  • Salvation for the Jews: Part One

    Salvation for the Jews: Part One

    Salvation for the Jews: Part One

    A Question of Faith

    If a devout Jew makes a sincere effort to follow the Mosaic Laws and Ten Commandments, can he be saved even though he does not accept Jesus? God made a covenant with the Jews. If they, in good faith, fear the Lord and abide by that covenant, won\’t God honor His part of the covenant and make a place for them in heaven? My interest in these questions is personal. I was raised as a secular Jew and then accepted Jesus later in life. In the next two blog posts, I will explore these questions. Now let\’s start with Salvation for the Jews: Part One.

    An Answer of Revelation

    These are deeply important and sensitive questions, ones that have been asked and wrestled with by theologians, scholars, and faithful people for centuries. They touch the very core of the relationship between the Old and New Covenants, the role of Jesus in salvation, and God\’s eternal promises to the Jewish people.

    Salvation From a Christian perspective

    According to the New Testament, salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone:

    “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
    — John 14:6

    “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
    — Acts 4:12

    These verses assert that belief in Jesus as the Messiah is essential for salvation. The New Testament teaches that the Mosaic Law was never meant to save but to reveal sin and point forward to Christ (Galatians 3:24). Paul, himself a devout Jew, argued that righteousness comes not through the law but through faith in Christ (Romans 3:20–22).

    Yet God’s covenant with the Jews is not erased

    At the same time, the Bible clearly affirms that God\’s covenant with the Jewish people is irrevocable:

    “They are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”
    — Romans 11:28–29

    This suggests that God\’s promises to Israel still stand. Paul speaks of a mystery in Romans 11—that a partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, and that “all Israel will be saved.”

    Exactly how this will unfold is not fully explained. Some interpret it to mean that in the end times, many Jews will come to faith in Jesus as Messiah. Others believe there is a mercy we don’t fully understand that God reserves for those who have sought Him with sincerity.

    Sincerity vs. Truth for Salvation

    Sincerity of heart is deeply valued in Scripture, but sincerity alone—without truth—does not save. The Bible warns that zeal for God without knowledge of the truth can still miss the mark (Romans 10:2–4). If salvation were possible through sincere law-keeping, Paul would not have insisted so strongly on Christ as the only path.

    However, Christians also trust in God’s perfect justice and mercy. He knows the heart, and His judgment is not bound by our understanding.

    A humble tension

    So the answer is both firm and mysterious:

    • Firm, in that salvation, as revealed in the New Testament, is through Jesus Christ.
    • Mysterious, in that God\’s covenant with Israel remains, and He may choose to fulfill His promises to the Jewish people in ways that surpass our comprehension.

    Ultimately, we are called to witness to Jesus with love, not judgment, and to trust that God\’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8–9). He will judge with perfect righteousness and mercy. We will continue this discussion next week in Salvation for the Jews: Part Two.

    About Raleigh Acupuncture

    At Raleigh Acupuncture Associates, we are deeply committed to providing the highest quality professional acupuncture while being rooted in strong Judeo-Christian values of love, faith, kindness, and truth. We guide our practice with compassionate care, where each patient is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, faith, or beliefs. We welcome people from all walks of life and strive to create a warm, inclusive environment promoting healing and holistic wellness. Our dedication to delivering exceptional acupuncture is paired with a genuine love for helping others, making our clinic a place where faith and professional medical care come together for the well-being of every patient.

    Next Steps

    BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online.

    Meet Our Practitioners (Video).

    Learn about all the conditions we treat.

    Focus Keyphrase: Salvation for the Jews: Part One
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  • The Sin of Presumption: A Subtle but Serious Offense

    The Sin of Presumption: A Subtle but Serious Offense

    In our modern walk of faith, we often focus on avoiding obvious sins—lying, cheating, rebellion, or disobedience. But there is a quieter, more deceptive danger lurking beneath the surface: the sin of presumption. This sin doesn’t necessarily look like rebellion; in fact, it often masquerades as spiritual zeal. Yet acting without God’s clear direction, even with good intentions, can lead us astray. In this post, we’ll explore a powerful reflection from Watchman Nee that shines a sobering light on what it means to serve God on His terms, not ours.

    The Sin of Presumption: Watchman Nee\’s Commentary

    \”Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me.\” — Psalm 19:13

    Watchman Nee writes:
    From this verse of David’s psalm we are shown that there are two kinds of sin before God: one is the sin of rebellion, the other is that of presumption. Not doing what one is told to do constitutes the sin of rebellion. Now we all know the sinfulness of this kind of sin; and from this sin we wish to be delivered. But please take note that besides the sin of rebellion there is also that of presumption, which is, that we do what we are not ordered to do.

    To be active outside of the Lord’s will is to be presumptuous. Do we know that it is equally sinful for us to act without God’s order? It is reckoned as sin before the Lord if we work for Him without His command and instead work according to our own idea, even though we may view what we do to be most excellent. The prayer of David is for Jehovah to keep him away from presumptuous sin.

    Confusing Zeal with Obedience

    In our Christian walk, we often associate sin with things like rebellion, immorality, or outward disobedience. But as Watchman Nee so powerfully explains, there’s another kind of sin that’s easy to miss—the sin of presumption. This sin doesn’t look like rebellion on the surface. In fact, it often wears the disguise of religious passion, leadership, or ministry. But when we act without God\’s express leading—even with the best intentions—we cross into the dangerous territory of doing God\’s work without God\’s will.

    David’s prayer in Psalm 19:13 wasn’t just a request for forgiveness—it was a plea for protection. He asked God to keep him from presumptuous sin, which tells us that this danger is both subtle and real. How often have we launched into decisions, ministries, or efforts for God without ever asking if He wanted us to? We presume that our good intentions are enough. But intention without instruction leads to presumption, and presumption can lead us far from God’s heart.

    God’s Work, God’s Way

    One of the greatest temptations for believers, especially those who are mature or gifted, is to take initiative in ways that seem spiritual but lack divine commission. It’s tempting to see a need and jump into action. But as Nee writes, to act outside the Lord’s will—even for His sake—is to fall into the sin of presumption. God isn’t just interested in results; He cares deeply about obedience, timing, and surrender.

    We see this throughout Scripture. Saul lost his kingdom because he offered a sacrifice that only Samuel was authorized to give (1 Samuel 13). Uzzah was struck dead for touching the Ark of the Covenant, even though he meant well (2 Samuel 6). Both were examples of people doing what seemed right in their own eyes, but without God’s approval. Good intentions didn’t excuse their actions—obedience mattered more.

    When we take ministry or spiritual action into our own hands, we risk substituting God’s authority with our own vision. The result may impress people, but it will grieve the Holy Spirit. The sin of presumption blinds us to the fact that we are no longer following—we’re leading ourselves.

    Waiting on the Lord

    In today’s fast-paced world, waiting on God can feel like inactivity or laziness. But the discipline of waiting is a form of worship. It acknowledges God as the one who initiates and empowers every good work. Jesus Himself said, “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do” (John 5:19). If even Christ waited for the Father’s prompting, how much more should we?

    Our calling is not to dream up spiritual projects but to discern God’s will and obey it. That means slowing down, praying, listening, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our steps. The sin of presumption often begins with a restless heart—one that is eager to do for God but unwilling to be still before Him.

    We must learn the difference between being busy for God and being faithful to God. One is fueled by self-effort; the other by surrender. One leads to burnout; the other to fruitfulness.

    A Daily Surrender

    Watchman Nee reminds us that even our most excellent ideas can be sin if they are not rooted in God\’s command. This doesn’t mean we live in fear of making a mistake—it means we live in humility, knowing that only God sees the full picture. Our prayer, like David\’s, should be: “Lord, keep me back from presumptuous sin.”

    This is not a one-time prayer but a daily surrender. We ask the Lord not only to cleanse us from our failures, but to restrain us from self-initiated actions that seem good but are not God-ordained. If we are to be true servants, we must learn to listen before we move and obey before we act.

    Let us not confuse energy with anointing, or productivity with obedience. May our service to God always be born from His voice—not our assumptions. And when in doubt, let us wait until we are sure that the step we are taking is from Him. For what He commands, He will also empower.

    Final Reflection on the Sin of Presumption

    The sin of presumption may look harmless—sometimes even admirable—but its roots lie in pride and self-reliance. As we grow in faith, may we also grow in discernment, learning to follow God’s leading rather than our own spiritual ambition. For in submission, there is safety. And in obedience, there is joy.

    About Raleigh Acupuncture

    At Raleigh Acupuncture Associates, we are deeply committed to providing the highest quality professional acupuncture while being rooted in strong Judeo-Christian values of love, faith, kindness, and truth. We guide our practice with compassionate care, where each patient is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, faith, or beliefs. We welcome people from all walks of life and strive to create a warm, inclusive environment promoting healing and holistic wellness. Our dedication to delivering exceptional acupuncture is paired with a genuine love for helping others, making our clinic a place where faith and professional medical care come together for the well-being of every patient.

    Next Steps

    BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online.

    Meet Our Practitioners (Video).

    Learn about all the conditions we treat.

    Focus Keyphrase: The Sin of Presumption
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  • When Justice Meets Mercy

    When Justice Meets Mercy

    Introduction: A Storm and a Savior

    Reading the Old Testament prophets can feel like stepping into a storm. The language is fierce, the warnings dire, and the consequences severe. But when we read these passages through the lens of the New Testament—through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—we begin to see something more than judgment. We see a God who longs for His people to return to Him, not just outwardly, but with their whole hearts.

    In Amos 5:14–27, we encounter one such storm. God calls out Israel for their hollow worship and unjust living. It’s a sobering passage—but it also becomes a powerful glimpse of what happens when justice meets mercy.

    This chapter reminded me how desperately we need a Savior. While Israel faced the full weight of God’s justice, we who are in Christ live under grace. Sin still matters, deeply—but the way God deals with our sin has forever changed through Jesus.

    Let’s walk through how Amos 5, Numbers 14, and the book of Hebrews together show us what happens when justice meets mercy—at the cross and in our everyday lives.

    Empty Religion, Full Judgment: Amos 5

    In Amos 5, God is speaking to a people who have fallen into deep hypocrisy. Their worship is full of ritual—sacrifices, feasts, music—but empty of justice and love. They oppress the poor and ignore the cries of the vulnerable. God responds with these piercing words:

    “I hate, I despise your feasts,
    and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies…
    But let justice roll down like waters,
    and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” (Amos 5:21, 24)

    Here, we see what happens when justice stands alone. There is no patience, no buffer—just the holy righteousness of God confronting sin head-on. This was the reality for Israel under the Old Covenant: sin demanded judgment. Without inward repentance, even outward displays of worship couldn’t save them.

    But what changes when justice meets mercy? That answer comes through Christ. Jesus takes on the full weight of this judgment. He becomes the offering that satisfies God’s justice, absorbing the wrath that we could never bear.

    The Cross: Where Justice Meets Mercy

    Unlike the people of Amos’s day, we now live under a new covenant. Because of Jesus, we don’t face immediate judgment when we sin. Instead, we receive grace, patience, and the gentle conviction of the Holy Spirit leading us to repentance.

    Paul says in Romans 2:4,

    “Do you not know that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?”

    God’s justice hasn’t vanished—it’s been fulfilled. Jesus took the sentence. And now, instead of casting us away, God draws us close. This is the heart of the gospel. This is what it looks like when justice meets mercy.

    Where Amos thundered with judgment, Jesus whispers with love. But the call remains the same:

    “Seek me and live.” (Amos 5:4)

    Now, though, we don’t seek life through rituals or efforts—but by abiding in Jesus. He gives us both the desire and the ability to walk in righteousness.

    A Stubborn Generation: Numbers 14

    To better understand how radical this shift is, we can look back at another moment in Israel’s history: Numbers 14. After the twelve spies return from scouting Canaan, the Israelites react in fear and rebellion. Despite witnessing miracles in Egypt and the wilderness, they want to go back. They even talk of choosing a new leader to take them there.

    God’s judgment is swift and sobering:

    “How long will these people treat me with contempt? … Not one of them will ever see the land I promised…” (Numbers 14:11, 23)

    Because of their unbelief, an entire generation is condemned to die in the wilderness. Only Joshua and Caleb are spared. This was justice under the Law—righteous and absolute. There was no mediator like Jesus yet, no ultimate sacrifice. Sin fell squarely on the sinner.

    Yet even here, we catch a glimpse of mercy. Moses pleads with God to forgive them, and God replies:

    “I have forgiven them, as you asked.” (Numbers 14:20)

    Still, the consequences remained. It’s a powerful illustration of divine justice—and a foreshadowing of something far greater that was coming.

    Hebrews and the New Covenant

    In Hebrews, we finally see how the story shifts. Jesus, the perfect High Priest and the mediator of a new covenant, steps into history. He bears the judgment of sin and brings in a kingdom of mercy. Hebrews 8:12 repeats the words of the prophet Jeremiah, who foreshadowed the coming Messiah:

    “No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34, NIV)

    Here is the true collision: when justice meets mercy, it’s not compromise—it’s completion. Jesus satisfies justice and extends mercy. What once ended in exile now ends in restoration. What once required wandering now results in adoption as sons and daughters of God.

    Conclusion: Living Where Justice Meets Mercy

    The threads of Amos, Numbers, and Hebrews weave together a story of holiness, rebellion, and grace. In Amos, we hear the voice of a righteous God grieved by hollow religion and injustice. In Numbers, we watch a faithless generation fall beneath the weight of their own fear. But in Hebrews, we are reminded of the promise first given in Jeremiah and meet Jesus—the one who fulfills the Law and offers a new way.

    This is the beauty of the gospel: When justice meets mercy, we are not crushed—we are changed. Jesus doesn’t erase the standards of God; He fulfills them. And because of Him, we no longer stand under judgment but in grace.

    We still stumble. We still need correction. But now, that correction comes through love. We are led, not driven. Convicted, not condemned. This is the life Jesus offers—one of freedom, truth, and deep mercy.

    So when you read the Old Testament and feel the weight of God’s justice, don’t turn away. Let it point you to the cross. Let it remind you how much we’ve been given. And let it move you to live with a heart of worship, gratitude, and compassion.

    Because every time we fall and rise again in Christ, we live the truth of the gospel all over again—when justice meets mercy.

    About Raleigh Acupuncture

    At Raleigh Acupuncture Associates, we are deeply committed to providing the highest quality professional acupuncture while being rooted in strong Judeo-Christian values of love, faith, kindness, and truth. We guide our practice with compassionate care, where each patient is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, faith, or beliefs. We welcome people from all walks of life and strive to create a warm, inclusive environment promoting healing and holistic wellness. Our dedication to delivering exceptional acupuncture is paired with a genuine love for helping others, making our clinic a place where faith and professional medical care come together for the well-being of every patient.

    Next Steps

    BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online.

    Meet Our Practitioners (Video).

    Learn about all the conditions we treat.

    Focus Keyphrase: When Justice Meets Mercy
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  • Message to My Fellow Secular Jews

    Message to My Fellow Secular Jews

    When the Old Testament Hurt Too Much to Believe

    Today\’s blog post is a message to my fellow secular Jews. There was a time in my life when I couldn’t relate to the Old Testament. I was born Jewish, raised with the stories and traditions, but I didn’t believe. Not really. The God of the Hebrew Scriptures seemed angry, distant, and relentless. The stories were full of failure—our failure. We rebelled, we suffered. Over and over. And no matter how many times I tried to make sense of it, the message felt the same: we fall short, and we are punished. I saw no way out. No hope of restoration. So I turned away. I became a secular Jew.

    But something happened.

    I encountered Jesus—not as a symbol of another religion, but as a living, breathing doorway back to the God of Israel. And suddenly, everything changed. The Scriptures I had once dismissed came alive. The anger I once read in God’s voice became sorrow. The judgment I saw became justice wrapped in mercy. For the first time, I understood: Jesus is the fulfillment of everything we longed for. He is our Messiah.

    And I want to share this with you—not as a condemnation, but as a heartfelt invitation.

    Why Jews Walked Away

    Many of us walked away from faith for good reason. We saw the suffering of our people. We read about exile, slaughter, and silence. We felt the weight of generational trauma, of unanswered prayers, of a God who seemed to ask for obedience without giving us the strength to carry it out. We read the Law and saw only failure. We looked at our history and saw only loss.

    So we hardened our hearts—not because we didn’t care, but because we cared too much. We couldn’t reconcile the God of Abraham with the pain of our past. So we disconnected. We lit candles at Passover, maybe. We fasted on Yom Kippur. But deep down, we let go of the idea that God was near, that He was good, that He was even real.

    But What If…

    But what if all those stories—the longing, the failure, the judgment—were not the end of the story? What if they were setting the stage for something greater? What if the Torah and the Prophets weren’t just warnings, but promises? What if Isaiah wasn’t mourning alone, but pointing ahead to a suffering servant who would carry all of our griefs? This is the message to my fellow secular Jews.

    What if Ezekiel’s valley of dry bones really could live?

    What if the covenant God made with us wasn’t meant to be broken over and over again, but instead was fulfilled in someone we’ve been taught not to believe in?

    Jesus didn’t erase the Torah. He fulfilled it. He didn’t start a new religion. He completed what was already written. He didn\’t point to a different god, but shined a light on the one, true God.

    He came to gather the lost sheep of Israel—including the secular ones.

    Reclaiming Our Jewish Inheritance

    The first believers in Jesus were all Jewish. They saw in Him the hope they had been waiting for. They watched Him heal, speak, love, forgive—and suffer. They knew the Law, but they also knew their need. And when they saw Him rise from the dead, they didn’t see a man abandoning Judaism. They saw the Messiah rising to bring it to life.

    This isn’t about leaving behind our Jewish identity. It’s about reclaiming it.

    Through Jesus, I finally found a way back to the God of my ancestors. I found a God who wasn’t angry with me, but aching for me. A God who didn’t demand I be perfect—but sent perfection in my place. I discovered that I wasn’t cast off. I was being called home.

    When Justice Meets Mercy

    In Amos 5, God cries out against empty ritual and forgotten justice. He despises hollow worship, but His heart breaks for His people. He longs to heal, to restore, to bring us back. And He does it in the most radical way possible—by stepping into our story Himself.

    In Jesus, justice meets mercy. The same God who thundered from Sinai now whispers grace through His Son.

    And through Him, the Scriptures are no longer burdensome—they are beautiful. Every passage once painful is now a promise fulfilled. Every judgment is now understood in the light of the cross.

    “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
    That promise began in Jeremiah. It was fulfilled in Jesus. And it is available to you today.

    The Message: Come and See

    And so I bring a message to my fellow secular Jews. If you’ve walked away from faith in God, I understand. But I want to invite you to take another look—not at religion, but at the person of Jesus. Not at rules, but at redemption. You don’t have to reject your heritage to follow Him. You don’t stop being Jewish when you believe in the Jewish Messiah. You finally come into your inheritance.

    Jesus didn’t come to take us away from God. He came to bring us back.

    So come and see. Come home. He’s waiting.

    Resources for Curious Secular Jews

    If you’re Jewish and find yourself curious—maybe even a little unsettled—by what you’ve read here, you’re not alone. Many of us grew up with a deep respect for our heritage and reverence for justice but quietly let go of faith because the stories felt distant, the pain too great, or the answers incomplete.

    This section is for you. Not to pressure or preach, but to invite you to explore—at your own pace—what it might mean if the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob truly made a way back to Himself through the Messiah. These resources are here to help you ask big questions, wrestle with doubt, and perhaps discover that Jesus is not the end of Jewish identity, but its fulfillment.

    Messianic Prophecies in the Old Testament (Tanakh)

    1. Isaiah 53 – The Suffering Servant

    \”But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.\” (Isaiah 53:5)

    This chapter reads like a description of Jesus\’ crucifixion—written over 700 years before His birth. Many Jews have never been taught this chapter in synagogue. It’s worth reading the whole passage slowly and reflectively.

    2. Jeremiah 31:31–34 – The New Covenant

    \”‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah… I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people… For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.’”

    This promise of a new covenant is the foundation of what Jesus came to fulfill.

    3. Micah 5:2 – The Birthplace of the Messiah

    \”But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.\”

    Jesus was born in Bethlehem—just as Micah foretold.

    4. Psalm 22 – A Crucifixion Psalm

    \”My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?\” (Psalm 22:1)
    \”They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.\” (Psalm 22:18)

    David wrote this centuries before crucifixion even existed. Jesus quoted this Psalm from the cross.

    New Testament Verses with Strong Jewish Roots:

    This message to my fellow secular Jews would not be complete without referencing some key scriptures from the New Testament. I know it is frowned upon for us to pick up this book, but be brave and take a look. It won\’t bite. Either it speaks to you or it doesn\’t. It is not a magic spell of deception, but words written by Jewish believers in Christ two thousand years ago.

    5. Matthew 5:17

    “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

    Jesus isn’t the end of Judaism. Nor is He pointing to a new, false god. He’s the fulfillment of everything the Torah and prophets pointed toward.

    6. Romans 11:1

    “Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.”

    Paul, a devout Jew and follower of Jesus, affirms that God’s love for Israel has not been revoked.

    7. Hebrews 8:6 (referencing Jeremiah 31)

    “But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.”

    The Most Important Question

    Life on this earth is short. When we\’re young, it seems like life will go on forever. But as we get older, as we watch loved ones die, it dawns on us how temporary our physical lives actually are. And this begs the question, what comes next? Most Jews don\’t dwell on this question. They don\’t know if heaven exists and they don\’t care. But, they should.

    King David cared. In the Psalm 23:6, he wrote: \”Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.\”

    Jesus points a clear path to heaven. In John 14:6, He says: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This verse is foundational because Jesus doesn\’t say He knows the way—He says He is the way. The path to heaven is not a set of rules, a religion, or even good behavior—it’s a person: Jesus Himself. This is good news and worthy to consider.

    About Raleigh Acupuncture

    At Raleigh Acupuncture Associates, we are deeply committed to providing the highest quality professional acupuncture while being rooted in strong Judeo-Christian values of love, faith, kindness, and truth. We guide our practice with compassionate care, where each patient is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, faith, or beliefs. We welcome people from all walks of life and strive to create a warm, inclusive environment promoting healing and holistic wellness. Our dedication to delivering exceptional acupuncture is paired with a genuine love for helping others, making our clinic a place where faith and professional medical care come together for the well-being of every patient.

    Next Steps

    BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online.

    Meet Our Practitioners (Video).

    Learn about all the conditions we treat.

    Focus Keyphrase: Message to My Fellow Secular Jews
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  • Trusting God with What We Love Most

    Trusting God with What We Love Most

    Wrestling with a Difficult Story

    Thinking about Abraham\’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac gives me trouble. Maybe it gives you trouble too. I understand the importance of self-sacrifice. I understand laying down our lives for others, like Jesus did. And I understand that as followers of Christ, we may be called to die for our faith. But I have always struggled with this question: Why would God ask Abraham to sacrifice someone else? Why would God test someone’s faith in such a heart-wrenching way?

    The story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22 has long challenged readers—believers and skeptics alike. It seems to conflict with everything we understand about a loving, just God. And yet, when we look closer and read the passage through the lens of the gospel, something powerful emerges. We begin to see this story not as a lesson in brutality, but in trusting God with what we love most.

    God Never Intended for Isaac to Die

    The very first verse of Genesis 22 sets the stage: \”God tested Abraham.\” That word—tested—matters. God wasn’t endorsing child sacrifice. He wasn’t requiring Abraham to commit a terrible act. He was testing Abraham’s trust—his willingness to hold nothing back from the God who had given him everything, including Isaac.

    In Abraham’s culture, child sacrifice was a tragic norm among surrounding pagan religions. But the God of Israel was different. This moment was not only a test of Abraham’s faith but a statement to the world: God does not require us to destroy what we love, but to entrust it fully to Him.

    Abraham didn’t know what we know now. He didn\’t have the full picture of God’s mercy and provision through Christ. And yet, he passed the test—not by sacrificing Isaac, but by being willing to. This was a moment of trusting God with what we love most.

    Abraham’s Faith Looked Forward to Resurrection

    The New Testament gives us incredible insight into Abraham’s mindset. Hebrews 11:17–19 tells us that Abraham “reasoned that God could even raise the dead.” That’s not blind obedience. That’s deep-rooted trust in the promise of God, who had said Isaac would be the child through whom the covenant continued.

    In other words, Abraham wasn’t just sacrificing Isaac—he was surrendering his own understanding of how God\’s promises would be fulfilled. He didn’t know how, but he believed God would make a way.

    And God did. At the last moment, the angel of the Lord stopped Abraham, and a ram appeared, caught in a thicket. God provided the substitute. This act pointed forward to a greater story, one that would unfold centuries later on another mountain. It pointed toward the ultimate act of trusting God with what we love most.

    Jesus: The Lamb God Provided

    This story, hard as it is, foreshadows something breathtaking. A beloved Son. A climb up a mountain. Wood on His back. Willing surrender. And in the end, a substitute—but not for Jesus. He was the substitute.

    Jesus willingly laid down His life for us—not as a test, but as a gift. In contrast to Abraham, who was stopped from going through with the sacrifice, God did not hold back His own Son. Romans 8:32 reminds us: “He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?”

    Through Christ, God has demonstrated once and for all that He does not ask us to destroy others for His sake. Instead, He calls us to follow the example of Jesus: to lay down our lives in love and humility. He asks us to surrender control. To trust. To believe that His plan is better than ours. To practice trusting God with what we love most.

    What Does This Mean for Us Today?

    This story challenges us because it touches the deepest parts of our hearts. What are we clinging to more tightly than we trust God? A dream? A child? A relationship? Our own sense of control?

    God doesn’t ask us to give those things up to harm us—but to invite us into deeper trust. He calls us to lay our most precious hopes and fears before Him, not because He wants to take them away, but because only then can we see Him provide in ways we never imagined.

    Trusting God with what we love most doesn’t mean losing everything. It means entrusting everything to the One who gave His all for us. It means celebrating the resurrection of Jesus not just as a historical event, but as a daily invitation to live with open hands, open hearts, and deep confidence that God will provide the Lamb.

    This Easter, may we find courage and peace in the truth that we serve a God who doesn’t demand our destruction—but who gives His own life to restore ours.

    About Raleigh Acupuncture

    At Raleigh Acupuncture Associates, we are deeply committed to providing the highest quality professional acupuncture while being rooted in strong Judeo-Christian values of love, faith, kindness, and truth. We guide our practice with compassionate care, where each patient is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, faith, or beliefs. We welcome people from all walks of life and strive to create a warm, inclusive environment promoting healing and holistic wellness. Our dedication to delivering exceptional acupuncture is paired with a genuine love for helping others, making our clinic a place where faith and professional medical care come together for the well-being of every patient.

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    Focus Keyphrase: Trusting God with What We Love Most
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