Sh'Ma Israel Prayer
This heART Work is how it would be pronounced in Hebrew. The English is, “Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one” and is written in Deuteronomy 6:4.
The Sh’ma Prayer dates back to the ancient temple in Jerusalem and was recited as part of regular services. Even though the temple was destroyed in 70AD, the Sh’ma Prayer continues.
The Lord revealed to Israel that God is one and that this one God created all things, sustains all things, and governs all things. This truth stood and still stands in radical opposition to the religions of the ancient and current world. All of Israel’s other neighbors then and now have to come to terms in their daily lives with scores of gods (little g). Israel knew that this one God is the salvation for humankind from every sin, judgment, and evil.
The Sh’ma Prayer has become the Jewish confession of faith, recited daily, and on every Sabbath. Another example is our prayer group for Israel…we recite this prayer in unison at the end of our prayer time together. If you are new to thinking about Israel or already have a LOVE for Israel and the Jewish people, we are grafted in. Think on this: “If you belong to Jesus, then you are Abraham’s Seed and heirs according to the Promise.” Galatians 3:29.
The Way to Salvation
GOD’S LOVE AND PLAN: We believe that God loves everyone and has a purpose for their salvation and eternal destiny. John 3:16 (NIV) - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
HUMAN SIN AND SEPARATION: Because of sin, which has divided humanity from God, it is impossible for mankind to find redemption and eternal life on their own. Romans 3:23 (NIV) - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
JESUS CHRIST, OUR SACRIFICE: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on the cross and rose from the dead to pay the penalty for sin and bridge the gap between God and people. Romans 5:8 (NIV) - "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
FAITH AND REPENTANCE: God offers humanity salvation as a free gift. Repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ are prerequisites for receiving it. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." Acts 3:19 (NIV) - "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."
NEW LIFE IN CHRIST: Believers are called to live a life in Christ, transformed by the Holy Spirit, and part of God's family, the Church. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
RESTORED COMMUNION WITH GOD: Eternal life with God, from this point on till eternity, is the ultimate aim of salvation. John 10:28 (NIV) - "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."