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A Life for God: A Rabbi’s Analysis of Life, the Cross, and Eternity
"If anyone wants to come after me, let him say ‘No’ to himself, take up his execution-stake daily and keep following me." – Yeshua
To grasp the depth and height of the great I AM and to live life with the end (eternity) in sight is a believer's most significant accomplishment. Within each of His chosen people, God has placed a desire to know Him, to worship Him, and to live victoriously for Him. He has shown us how to have the right perspective concerning this life and the one to come. And what God starts, He finishes.
Come, let Messianic Rabbi Greg Hershberg open the Torah and give you glimpses of the incredible love and character of our God. Let him point you to the Savior through the offerings of Leviticus and the mournful lament of Psalm 22. Let him guide you through the greatest commandment as you learn to say "no" to yourself, pick up your execution-stake, and follow the great I AM.
To grasp the depth and height of the great I AM and to live life with the end (eternity) in sight is a believer's most significant accomplishment. Within each of His chosen people, God has placed a desire to know Him, to worship Him, and to live victoriously for Him. He has shown us how to have the right perspective concerning this life and the one to come. And what God starts, He finishes.
Come, let Messianic Rabbi Greg Hershberg open the Torah and give you glimpses of the incredible love and character of our God. Let him point you to the Savior through the offerings of Leviticus and the mournful lament of Psalm 22. Let him guide you through the greatest commandment as you learn to say "no" to yourself, pick up your execution-stake, and follow the great I AM.
139 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2017
268 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 20, 2019
I have been focusing more on tying the Old Testament and the New Testament together, and this book was very helpful in that. The rabbi explains the Old Testament sacrifices in a way that was new to me and shows how they lead to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Every time I read Leviticus, I'm afraid I have a hard time concentrating and recognizing the significance of this to the New Testament. My attitude changed when I read that Leviticus has more words directly from the mouth of God than any other book of the Bible. If God said it to us directly rather than through a prophet or priest, it has to be important. My only complaint was that the book was so short; I would have liked to read more.
March 29, 2017
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Aneko Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
I have read a lot of books written by messianic Jewish writers or for messianic audiences [1], something I feel slightly uncomfortable about under most experiences, not least because either too much credence is given to Jewish traditions in the Mishnah or Talmud or because the Jewishness seems inauthentic. That is not the case here. In this particular volume, what the reader finds is a book written by someone who appears to genuinely know their Bible and have a sound view on the role of Jesus Christ as a ransom or substitution for our sins. Not only that, but the author appears to have enough of a grasp on often neglected Jewish aspects of the sacrifices and their role as a model for Jesus' own sacrifices that the book actually may inform many of its readers on the elements of biblical religion that tie together the new and old covenants together. This book sets a high standard and, even better, makes it likely that I would enjoy reading the author's autobiography if it was available. Any book that makes me want to read more books is worthwhile in my own personal judgement.
In terms of its structure, this is a very efficiently written and well-organized book. In about 120 pages, the author gives six chapters after a brief introduction. The first chapter talks about our need to refocus, providing a look at eternal life and the perpetual offering of the old and new covenants. Chapter two examines the issue of trust and faith, as well as issues of covenant and messianic prophecy. The third chapter looks at the Levitical offering system, providing an excellent analysis of these particular and often-neglected aspects of biblical religion. The fourth chapter gives a remarkably through and more than slightly disturbing look at the various wounds suffered by Jesus Christ (consistently referred to in these pages as Yeshua, as is common in messianic circles) in the course of giving his sacrifice. The fifth chapter gives a moving examination of the height and depth of the Messiah's love for us through the biblical descriptions of the agony of our Father and Elder Brother over the crucifixion. The sixth chapter closes with a thoughtful examination on how we are to live for God through obeying God and following the Greatest commandment expressed in the Shema. All in all this is an excellent book, and especially worthwhile as part of Passover preparation.
Admittedly, this book was a bit difficult to begin for me because I had a bit of concern about the approach the author would take. Once I began the book, though, I was very pleased to see how it went and it was a joy to read. The author manages to take a big and contentious subject, namely the biblical view of eternal life and the sacrifice necessary for us to have the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and give a sound biblical discussion on it, all while being encouraging and gracious in his approach. The author appears to have learned something from his time in Judaism and has something to offer to a Christian audience that has little knowledge of the law and ordinances. Here is hoping that this book finds and appreciative audience that wants to look at what the sacrifice of Jesus Christ means, from the point of view of someone who is able to walk between the Jewish and Christian worlds that are so often pit against each other. If this book and this author can contribute to that, it would be a worthwhile achievement for a worthwhile book.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
I have read a lot of books written by messianic Jewish writers or for messianic audiences [1], something I feel slightly uncomfortable about under most experiences, not least because either too much credence is given to Jewish traditions in the Mishnah or Talmud or because the Jewishness seems inauthentic. That is not the case here. In this particular volume, what the reader finds is a book written by someone who appears to genuinely know their Bible and have a sound view on the role of Jesus Christ as a ransom or substitution for our sins. Not only that, but the author appears to have enough of a grasp on often neglected Jewish aspects of the sacrifices and their role as a model for Jesus' own sacrifices that the book actually may inform many of its readers on the elements of biblical religion that tie together the new and old covenants together. This book sets a high standard and, even better, makes it likely that I would enjoy reading the author's autobiography if it was available. Any book that makes me want to read more books is worthwhile in my own personal judgement.
In terms of its structure, this is a very efficiently written and well-organized book. In about 120 pages, the author gives six chapters after a brief introduction. The first chapter talks about our need to refocus, providing a look at eternal life and the perpetual offering of the old and new covenants. Chapter two examines the issue of trust and faith, as well as issues of covenant and messianic prophecy. The third chapter looks at the Levitical offering system, providing an excellent analysis of these particular and often-neglected aspects of biblical religion. The fourth chapter gives a remarkably through and more than slightly disturbing look at the various wounds suffered by Jesus Christ (consistently referred to in these pages as Yeshua, as is common in messianic circles) in the course of giving his sacrifice. The fifth chapter gives a moving examination of the height and depth of the Messiah's love for us through the biblical descriptions of the agony of our Father and Elder Brother over the crucifixion. The sixth chapter closes with a thoughtful examination on how we are to live for God through obeying God and following the Greatest commandment expressed in the Shema. All in all this is an excellent book, and especially worthwhile as part of Passover preparation.
Admittedly, this book was a bit difficult to begin for me because I had a bit of concern about the approach the author would take. Once I began the book, though, I was very pleased to see how it went and it was a joy to read. The author manages to take a big and contentious subject, namely the biblical view of eternal life and the sacrifice necessary for us to have the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and give a sound biblical discussion on it, all while being encouraging and gracious in his approach. The author appears to have learned something from his time in Judaism and has something to offer to a Christian audience that has little knowledge of the law and ordinances. Here is hoping that this book finds and appreciative audience that wants to look at what the sacrifice of Jesus Christ means, from the point of view of someone who is able to walk between the Jewish and Christian worlds that are so often pit against each other. If this book and this author can contribute to that, it would be a worthwhile achievement for a worthwhile book.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
February 28, 2018
Reading about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus through the teaching of a Rabbi added so much more to what I already knew and believed. I've tried to read the New Testament and tie it to the Old and was only slightly successful. Rabbi Hershberg helped me see the way the history, symbolism, and meanings are all tied together. This a book I think every Christian should read.
April 30, 2018
Thank you, Rabbi
This is not a "one reading" book. I intend to start rereading it immediately. So much explained to this seven decades old always Christian that I didn't understand couldn't or wouldn't grasp. So now I know more and want to I'm not missing anything. Again, thank you Rabbi Hershberg for sharing Adonai's love with us.
This is not a "one reading" book. I intend to start rereading it immediately. So much explained to this seven decades old always Christian that I didn't understand couldn't or wouldn't grasp. So now I know more and want to I'm not missing anything. Again, thank you Rabbi Hershberg for sharing Adonai's love with us.
July 18, 2017
After Livestreaming Rabbi Greg on Shabbat, I am used to the way he teaches. This book is written as he teaches, straight to the point and full of Scriptural knowledge. Loved it!
January 11, 2018
Written from the heart. Approachable.
November 12, 2017
This was an interesting read because it is what the cover implies. It is a reflection of Jesus Christ from a Rabbi's perspective. It is important to note that the author is a messianic Jew and believes Jesus to be the Son of God.
Throughout the book, he points out connections and references that bridge the Old and New Testaments together. Because he is a rabbi and has studied the Torah and the Prophets as well as Hebrew culture, he notices little things in Scripture that many don't pick up on, like his analysis of the offerings presented to God and how all of them parallel Jesus. What I like most about his studies is the Hebrew. He describes Hebrew terminology as well as the culture, and in doing so, it gives the cross and Jesus new meaning.
The main issue I have with the book is how short it is. It's only six chapters long, and I feel like he could have found more things to talk about. But what he does discuss, he covers it quite well.
Overall, this is a neat study of Scripture, and it was fascinating to see how Jesus reflects the Old Testament, showing the consistency of the books that were written centuries apart, ultimately showing that God's ways stay the same though appears in different ways. I would recommend this book to use as a six part study for a small group or something similar. I feel like the book can be better if discussed with others.
Throughout the book, he points out connections and references that bridge the Old and New Testaments together. Because he is a rabbi and has studied the Torah and the Prophets as well as Hebrew culture, he notices little things in Scripture that many don't pick up on, like his analysis of the offerings presented to God and how all of them parallel Jesus. What I like most about his studies is the Hebrew. He describes Hebrew terminology as well as the culture, and in doing so, it gives the cross and Jesus new meaning.
The main issue I have with the book is how short it is. It's only six chapters long, and I feel like he could have found more things to talk about. But what he does discuss, he covers it quite well.
Overall, this is a neat study of Scripture, and it was fascinating to see how Jesus reflects the Old Testament, showing the consistency of the books that were written centuries apart, ultimately showing that God's ways stay the same though appears in different ways. I would recommend this book to use as a six part study for a small group or something similar. I feel like the book can be better if discussed with others.
December 16, 2019
The opening of this book was only OK. The author didn't distinguish immediately how his perspective might be different than that of any non-Jewish Evangelical leader and I dropped my expectations from what to expect out of this work.
But then he got into the meat of his book and it did get really good. In four successive chapters, Hershberg examined the five Jewish festivals (an exposition of Leviticus), the five wounds (Isaiah 53), a Jewish look at Psalms 22 (an OT prophesy of the cross), and then a Jewish perspective on the greatest commandment (Love God with heart, soul, mind, strength). In this last one, he drew in a parallel of the Wizard of Oz that I thought was brilliant. Dorothy = soul and the scarecrow, tinman, and lion are mind, heart, and strength respectively.
In all, this book was good. It was not groundbreaking or life-changing for me, but it was definitely worth a read.
But then he got into the meat of his book and it did get really good. In four successive chapters, Hershberg examined the five Jewish festivals (an exposition of Leviticus), the five wounds (Isaiah 53), a Jewish look at Psalms 22 (an OT prophesy of the cross), and then a Jewish perspective on the greatest commandment (Love God with heart, soul, mind, strength). In this last one, he drew in a parallel of the Wizard of Oz that I thought was brilliant. Dorothy = soul and the scarecrow, tinman, and lion are mind, heart, and strength respectively.
In all, this book was good. It was not groundbreaking or life-changing for me, but it was definitely worth a read.
December 14, 2025
This was a very interesting book. The rabbi is what some call a Messianic Jew or a completed Jew, one that believes in the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is interesting in the fact that Greg Hershberg uses the Old Testament to show that Jesus not only fulfilled prophecy but also uses it to support Revelation of John. A very good read for someone that wants to understand who Jesus was.
May 16, 2018
Rabbi Greg Hershberg is a rubber meets the road type of teacher that takes the whole word of God, connects history, statistics, hermeneutics, original language defining, prophecy, and his relationship with the heart of Hashem, to expand on the numerous messages to disciple and train the listener. Don't pass the opportunity to receive what God has for you through Rabbi. Shalom!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2020
Great book!
I enjoyed this book and taught me some more about Hebrew!! I also enjoyed the writing on the temple and how it applies to the New Testament.
I enjoyed this book and taught me some more about Hebrew!! I also enjoyed the writing on the temple and how it applies to the New Testament.
November 25, 2020
A quick read, yet a deep study about prophecies, whats the true meaning of torah and its significance in the great prophecy.
February 12, 2021
Great book
This book is a great book to read. It is very informative. I liked the way the author unveils Jesus as the saver of the world as in the scripture. It is good read.
This book is a great book to read. It is very informative. I liked the way the author unveils Jesus as the saver of the world as in the scripture. It is good read.
July 2, 2024
Excellent
A wonderful read on the full Gospel from a Rabbi. Educational, inspirational, & I felt I was in Bible School soaking it all in.
A wonderful read on the full Gospel from a Rabbi. Educational, inspirational, & I felt I was in Bible School soaking it all in.
August 10, 2024
Moving
I truly enjoy reading thoughts and writings from different religions, esp when they cross reference. This book was amazing, very well written and very inspiring.
I truly enjoy reading thoughts and writings from different religions, esp when they cross reference. This book was amazing, very well written and very inspiring.
June 15, 2025
I read it straight through. Unusual for me with books like this. His Jewish biblical scholar interpretation of scripture was very interesting and profound.
September 6, 2025
Worth Reading
I recommend this book to anyone who is seeking a deeper relationship with God. It is an amazing read for any denomination.
I recommend this book to anyone who is seeking a deeper relationship with God. It is an amazing read for any denomination.
December 14, 2025
A very good book for those searching for a Jewish perspective of who Jesus was and what he means to those living today.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews