Q.When Yeshua said "My G-d, My G-d, why have you forsaken me", what did he mean?
A. When Yeshau said "Eli,Eli, lama sabachtani" it was in aramaic and it doesn't mean "forsaken me" but "to this end I was born" or "this is my destiny". That makes much better sense under the circumstances. Yeshua had said many times that he came into this world to be the payment for sin, that what was happening to him was prophesied. A rabbinic technique was to quote the first part of a verse or portion of scripture, and his students would finish it and get the context. In true rabbinical style, Yeshua is teaching, even on the cross.
He quotes Psalm 22.1 but not exactly. The term for forsaken is "azavtani" not "sabachtani". What Yeshua did was to partially quote Psalm 22 and say "to this end I was born" and for his people to remember the Psalm and realize that what they were doing was G-d's plan. The psalm is known as the crucifixion psalm today and describes what they did to him. This psalm says that he would not be forsaken and that G-d would deliver him. He said this to encourage those around him that he was where G-d wanted him. If you would like documentation on this, George Lamsa has a book on Aramaic idioms used in the Bible and he goes into some detail on this. It totally gives this saying life and the correct interpretation. G-d did not forsake Yeshua, or turn away because of sin, it was his destiny and that is what he said.
Q.Where does it say in the Torah that an older man should marry a younger woman and a younger woman should marry an older man?
A. There's probably some older men hoping that it is in the Torah and some younger women hoping it isn't about now, and to tell the truth, the younger women can relax. There is no such command. There were certain advantages under certain circumstances if you did, an older man is settled, had a career and some money and could provide for a family. A younger wife could bear more children and help her husband with vigor, but there is no command to do so.
Q.What is the difference between a "pagan" and a "heathen"?
A.Nothing, both were seen as those who did not know the truth about G-d and His Torah. The word pagan come from the Latin term "paganus" which means country dweller. Heathen is from the old english "haethen" and means unlightened about G-d. In Psalm 2.1 the word for heathen there is "goyim" and translated also as "nations" or gentiles. There really isn't any difference between using heathen or pagan. Gentiles who believe were not seen as heathen anymore, but as G-dfearers and were now a part of the Commonwealth of Israel Eph 2.11-22.
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upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
1 Corinthians 10:11 (NASB95)
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Did Jesus resurrect on a Sunday morning?
Q.Did Jesus resurrect on a Sunday morning?
A.To answer that question, we need a little backround. Biblical days start and end at sundown. Yeshua was asked for a sign and the only sign he gave was the sign of Jonah, being in the belly of the great fish 3 days and 3 nights. This means that Yeshua was going to be in the belly of the earth 3 days and 3 nights. These days are 24 hours. So, let's look at the chronology of this briefly. A more extensive look can be provided into Yeshua's last week, but we'll only look at the part in question. Yehsua was crucified on Nisan 14, Passover, at 9am (Mk 15.1). Mk 15.33 -34 tells us that he died at 3pm. Now, Mk 15.42 says that it was a preparation day for a High Holy Day, the 15th of Nisan (Lev 23.6) not for the weekly Sabbath.
There are 3 Sabbaths during Passover week. This is where many people make a mistake because they do not follow the Torah, but G-d does and so does Yeshua. He is buried by 6pm the 14th (Deut. 21-22-23) and in the grave Thursday the 15th and Friday the 16th of Nisan until about 6pm. Matt. 28.1 says that it began to "dawn" towards the 1st day of the week. Remember, days start at sundown and the word "dawn" can apply to the moon coming up also.
It was a full moon on the 15th so Yeshua comes out of the grave around 6pm as the weekly Sabbath ends. There is no scriptural evidence for an early Sunday morning at the dawn of the sun resurrection. This is totally based on misunderstanding and paganism. Easter is a name after the the Babylonian goddess of fertility "Ishtar" and the rabbit, eggs, and basket all have sexual connotations to it and the searching for eggs is a fertility rite. Churches will have easter egg hunts and all kinds of pagan practices right along side of all sorts of talk about the resurrection and the death of Yeshua without even noticing what they are doing. I believe they are incapable of discerning the difference because they are dead.
These practices should not even be mentioned among people who profess to believe in Yeshua, and maybe that is the issue, they don't believe. So, to answer the question, no, Yeshua was not resurrected on a Sunday morning as taught, but late Saturday afternoon, approximately 6pm. This brings us to several other myths about the crucifixion. Yeshua did not carry the full cross, but most likey just the cross beam. Wood was to valuable so they used pieces over and over again. Crucifixion was an everyday affair. Pilate crucified 3 people this day, and the next day he probably did 3 more. The upright "stake" was already in the ground and the victim was crucified to the cross beam and then atteached to the upright piece. Another thing, he was not crucified on top of a hill, but along the road to Damascus just outside the gate that bears that name.
The scriptures refer to people "passing by" on the road. The romans liked to do that to warn anyone coming into a place, or leaving, what the penalty was for coming against their authority. So, all thoise songs about a hill far away and movies you've seen with it on top of the hill are inaccurate. He was crucified just outside the Damascus gate, as you turn right to go to Damascus, down the road a bit, was the place of execution. Another myth was he was buried in a shroud. He was wrapped like a mummy(see Lazarus). Linen strips were wound around him, leaving an open space at the face. When he resurrected, the empty cocoon was left behind and when you walked in the tomb, the outline of his body was seen, the linen hardened by the spices 3 days before, but as you approached and looked, there was no face and an empty cocoon of the linen wrappings. That's why the people believed immediately when they entered the tomb and saw they burial place.
A.To answer that question, we need a little backround. Biblical days start and end at sundown. Yeshua was asked for a sign and the only sign he gave was the sign of Jonah, being in the belly of the great fish 3 days and 3 nights. This means that Yeshua was going to be in the belly of the earth 3 days and 3 nights. These days are 24 hours. So, let's look at the chronology of this briefly. A more extensive look can be provided into Yeshua's last week, but we'll only look at the part in question. Yehsua was crucified on Nisan 14, Passover, at 9am (Mk 15.1). Mk 15.33 -34 tells us that he died at 3pm. Now, Mk 15.42 says that it was a preparation day for a High Holy Day, the 15th of Nisan (Lev 23.6) not for the weekly Sabbath.
There are 3 Sabbaths during Passover week. This is where many people make a mistake because they do not follow the Torah, but G-d does and so does Yeshua. He is buried by 6pm the 14th (Deut. 21-22-23) and in the grave Thursday the 15th and Friday the 16th of Nisan until about 6pm. Matt. 28.1 says that it began to "dawn" towards the 1st day of the week. Remember, days start at sundown and the word "dawn" can apply to the moon coming up also.
It was a full moon on the 15th so Yeshua comes out of the grave around 6pm as the weekly Sabbath ends. There is no scriptural evidence for an early Sunday morning at the dawn of the sun resurrection. This is totally based on misunderstanding and paganism. Easter is a name after the the Babylonian goddess of fertility "Ishtar" and the rabbit, eggs, and basket all have sexual connotations to it and the searching for eggs is a fertility rite. Churches will have easter egg hunts and all kinds of pagan practices right along side of all sorts of talk about the resurrection and the death of Yeshua without even noticing what they are doing. I believe they are incapable of discerning the difference because they are dead.
These practices should not even be mentioned among people who profess to believe in Yeshua, and maybe that is the issue, they don't believe. So, to answer the question, no, Yeshua was not resurrected on a Sunday morning as taught, but late Saturday afternoon, approximately 6pm. This brings us to several other myths about the crucifixion. Yeshua did not carry the full cross, but most likey just the cross beam. Wood was to valuable so they used pieces over and over again. Crucifixion was an everyday affair. Pilate crucified 3 people this day, and the next day he probably did 3 more. The upright "stake" was already in the ground and the victim was crucified to the cross beam and then atteached to the upright piece. Another thing, he was not crucified on top of a hill, but along the road to Damascus just outside the gate that bears that name.
The scriptures refer to people "passing by" on the road. The romans liked to do that to warn anyone coming into a place, or leaving, what the penalty was for coming against their authority. So, all thoise songs about a hill far away and movies you've seen with it on top of the hill are inaccurate. He was crucified just outside the Damascus gate, as you turn right to go to Damascus, down the road a bit, was the place of execution. Another myth was he was buried in a shroud. He was wrapped like a mummy(see Lazarus). Linen strips were wound around him, leaving an open space at the face. When he resurrected, the empty cocoon was left behind and when you walked in the tomb, the outline of his body was seen, the linen hardened by the spices 3 days before, but as you approached and looked, there was no face and an empty cocoon of the linen wrappings. That's why the people believed immediately when they entered the tomb and saw they burial place.
Are Messianic teachings intentionally opposed to the Church?
Q. Your teaching seems to be opposed to that of the Church, is that intentional?
A. Yes it is and I'm glad that it has been clear enought that you can recognize that there is a difference. The "faith" that most are familiar with today, called Orthodox Christianity, is not what the faith of Yeshua or that of the Apostles. They were Torah observant, Sabbath keeping, festival celebrating, kosher eating believers who believed that the Torah had an important place in the life of a believer, either Jew or Gentile. If Yeshua, Paul or any of the other 1st century believers were here today they would have nothing to do with churched today. They would be saying the same things I have said, only much better and with more skill than I have.
But, make no mistake about it, they would not be activley involved nor support any Christian Church as they are known today. They would be going to the synagogues on Sabbath, as was their custom. They would not be over to your house for Easter ham or help decorate your Christmas tree. They would be celebrating Yom Kippur and Rosh Ha Shannah, Chanukah and Purim. They would be learning the Torah and teaching it. They would not be saying that the "law has been done away with" or celebrating homosexual clergy or supporting television networks that spread what they call a "gospel". They would be against such things, trying to get throught to the people to follow the L-rd, not some man-made religion that has replaced the Word of G-d.
A. Yes it is and I'm glad that it has been clear enought that you can recognize that there is a difference. The "faith" that most are familiar with today, called Orthodox Christianity, is not what the faith of Yeshua or that of the Apostles. They were Torah observant, Sabbath keeping, festival celebrating, kosher eating believers who believed that the Torah had an important place in the life of a believer, either Jew or Gentile. If Yeshua, Paul or any of the other 1st century believers were here today they would have nothing to do with churched today. They would be saying the same things I have said, only much better and with more skill than I have.
But, make no mistake about it, they would not be activley involved nor support any Christian Church as they are known today. They would be going to the synagogues on Sabbath, as was their custom. They would not be over to your house for Easter ham or help decorate your Christmas tree. They would be celebrating Yom Kippur and Rosh Ha Shannah, Chanukah and Purim. They would be learning the Torah and teaching it. They would not be saying that the "law has been done away with" or celebrating homosexual clergy or supporting television networks that spread what they call a "gospel". They would be against such things, trying to get throught to the people to follow the L-rd, not some man-made religion that has replaced the Word of G-d.
Should women wear headcoverings?
Q. Your teaching seems to be opposed to that of the Church, is that intentional?
A. Yes it is and I'm glad that it has been clear enought that you can recognize that there is a difference. The "faith" that most are familiar with today, called Orthodox Christianity, is not what the faith of Yeshua or that of the Apostles. They were Torah observant, Sabbath keeping, festival celebrating, kosher eating believers who believed that the Torah had an important place in the life of a believer, either Jew or Gentile. If Yeshua, Paul or any of the other 1st century believers were here today they would have nothing to do with churched today. They would be saying the same things I have said, only much better and with more skill than I have. But, make no mistake about it, they would not be activley involved nor support any Christian Church as they are known today. They would be going to the synagogues on Sabbath, as was their custom. They would not be over to your house for Easter ham or help decorate your Christmas tree. They would be celebrating Yom Kippur and Rosh Ha Shannah, Chanukah and Purim. They would be learning the Torah and teaching it. They would not be saying that the "law has been done away with" or celebrating homosexual clergy or supporting television networks that spread what they call a "gospel". They would be against such things, trying to get throught to the people to follow the L-rd, not some man-made religion that has replaced the Word of G-d.
Q. Should women wear headcoverings?
A. 1Cor 11 is very clear on this. A woman who is married that speaks for G-d or prays should have her head covered. This teaching is very hard to communicate in an article, but there is a governmental order in the scriptures. G-d, Messiah, Man then Woman. G-d is the head of Messiah,Messiah the head of Man, Man the head of Woman.Our glory must be covered before G-d. There is a glory in the long-hair of the woman. She is covered by her husband until she steps out to pray or speak for G-d, which is her right.
So, in respect to her husband, she covers herself to show that she is not acting in rebellion. There is a concept of 2 coverings in the scripture. You have the object to be covered, then the first covering which carries the glory, then a second covering. This is seen with the earth, flesh and skin, the ark, the Tabernacle, Sodom and Gomorrah and other areas. When the 2 nd covering is removed, it requires judgement. That why David had a plague at his census in 1 Chr 21, and the 2 sons of Aaron died.
This also plays a role with Sodom. The judgement is abated when the 2nd covering is restored or a substitutionary 2nd covering is done. A woman's glory is in her long-hair, and to come out from her husband without the 2nd covering requires judgement because the husband has not been replaced by the substitutionary 2nd covering. Also, a male should not have long hair and a female should not have short hair. The only exception for long hair on a male was when he was in a Nazarite vow (Num. 6) and he could not cut his hair until the vow was over. The practice of women's headcovering was a 1st century practice and endorsed by Paul.
A. Yes it is and I'm glad that it has been clear enought that you can recognize that there is a difference. The "faith" that most are familiar with today, called Orthodox Christianity, is not what the faith of Yeshua or that of the Apostles. They were Torah observant, Sabbath keeping, festival celebrating, kosher eating believers who believed that the Torah had an important place in the life of a believer, either Jew or Gentile. If Yeshua, Paul or any of the other 1st century believers were here today they would have nothing to do with churched today. They would be saying the same things I have said, only much better and with more skill than I have. But, make no mistake about it, they would not be activley involved nor support any Christian Church as they are known today. They would be going to the synagogues on Sabbath, as was their custom. They would not be over to your house for Easter ham or help decorate your Christmas tree. They would be celebrating Yom Kippur and Rosh Ha Shannah, Chanukah and Purim. They would be learning the Torah and teaching it. They would not be saying that the "law has been done away with" or celebrating homosexual clergy or supporting television networks that spread what they call a "gospel". They would be against such things, trying to get throught to the people to follow the L-rd, not some man-made religion that has replaced the Word of G-d.
Q. Should women wear headcoverings?
A. 1Cor 11 is very clear on this. A woman who is married that speaks for G-d or prays should have her head covered. This teaching is very hard to communicate in an article, but there is a governmental order in the scriptures. G-d, Messiah, Man then Woman. G-d is the head of Messiah,Messiah the head of Man, Man the head of Woman.Our glory must be covered before G-d. There is a glory in the long-hair of the woman. She is covered by her husband until she steps out to pray or speak for G-d, which is her right.
So, in respect to her husband, she covers herself to show that she is not acting in rebellion. There is a concept of 2 coverings in the scripture. You have the object to be covered, then the first covering which carries the glory, then a second covering. This is seen with the earth, flesh and skin, the ark, the Tabernacle, Sodom and Gomorrah and other areas. When the 2 nd covering is removed, it requires judgement. That why David had a plague at his census in 1 Chr 21, and the 2 sons of Aaron died.
This also plays a role with Sodom. The judgement is abated when the 2nd covering is restored or a substitutionary 2nd covering is done. A woman's glory is in her long-hair, and to come out from her husband without the 2nd covering requires judgement because the husband has not been replaced by the substitutionary 2nd covering. Also, a male should not have long hair and a female should not have short hair. The only exception for long hair on a male was when he was in a Nazarite vow (Num. 6) and he could not cut his hair until the vow was over. The practice of women's headcovering was a 1st century practice and endorsed by Paul.
The coming Temple
Q. Is there a coming Temple coming in the future and what does it mean?
A.Yes, in fact there are several coming. To answer the question, let's do a little history first. We know from scripture that G-d does not need buildings or shrines to live in (1 K 8, Acts 17). We also know that He has chosen specific locations in the past, like Eden, Mt. Sinai , to manifest His presence in certain ways. The Mishkan, or tabernacle, was erected and used for hundreds of years. Then, Solomons Temple was constructed and eventually destroyed because of the people.
After 70 years in captivity, what was known as Zerubabels temple wa built on the site of Solomon's temple. This was expanded by the Maccabee's and then more expansion by King Herod. That Temple was destroyed in 70 C.E. by the Romans and 40 years after Yeshua predicted its demise. No Temple has existed since then, but plans are being made for what is called the Third Temple. Up to this point, G-d Himself has been involved in the other buildings and prophets were there to lead the people, but in this case I have a few problems. First, where are the prophets who who believe in Yeshua? Where is their leadership and direction from G-d? Who says G-d is even in the construction of this Temple. We know from prophecy that one will be built( Mt24, 2 Thes 2, Rev 11). But, did G-d tell them to build it.
The people don"t even believe, and that is one reason why the Temple was destroyed in the first place, so He is going to allow it again when the people are even worse off? I don't know. We know from Zech 6 that the Messiah will build a Temple, and I believe that is Ezekiels Temple (Ezek 40-48). There are some interesting features of this Temple. No wall of partition to exclude Gentiles, no Court of the Women, no Laver, Table for Bread, Incense table, Menorah ,Veil, Ark, and major changes to the Altar. And most interesting, the Temple will not be in Jerusalem, but north of the city (Ezek 45.1-8, Ezek 48). Then, after the Messianic Kingdom, there will be Temple at all (Rev 21). What the Temple means is a dwelling place for G-d, and that will ultimately be within His people. In addition, the Temple was like a big university and the kohanim (priests) were like the teachers. People would come to learn about G-d, redemption, sacrifice and sin. They would learn about prophecy and forgiveness.
They would learn about prayer and being in the presence of G-d and what worship and spiritual warfare really was. When the people were following the Torah, it was an awesome place. And when the people were corrupt, it was a horrible place, with G-d himself finally having to destroy it 2 times. I'm afraid that the next Temple will be in that category and will be destroyed in the Tribulation periuod, making way for Ezekiels to be built by the Messiah. I am not convinced that G-d is behind these Temple plans right now. The people do not believe and they are planning to build it like the second Temple with man-made additions (not in the next biblical Temple by the way), and there are no prophets leading the way like before. Where is the direction from G-d on this. I'm afraid the plans are in the image and at the direction of the sons of the Pharisee's.
A.Yes, in fact there are several coming. To answer the question, let's do a little history first. We know from scripture that G-d does not need buildings or shrines to live in (1 K 8, Acts 17). We also know that He has chosen specific locations in the past, like Eden, Mt. Sinai , to manifest His presence in certain ways. The Mishkan, or tabernacle, was erected and used for hundreds of years. Then, Solomons Temple was constructed and eventually destroyed because of the people.
After 70 years in captivity, what was known as Zerubabels temple wa built on the site of Solomon's temple. This was expanded by the Maccabee's and then more expansion by King Herod. That Temple was destroyed in 70 C.E. by the Romans and 40 years after Yeshua predicted its demise. No Temple has existed since then, but plans are being made for what is called the Third Temple. Up to this point, G-d Himself has been involved in the other buildings and prophets were there to lead the people, but in this case I have a few problems. First, where are the prophets who who believe in Yeshua? Where is their leadership and direction from G-d? Who says G-d is even in the construction of this Temple. We know from prophecy that one will be built( Mt24, 2 Thes 2, Rev 11). But, did G-d tell them to build it.
The people don"t even believe, and that is one reason why the Temple was destroyed in the first place, so He is going to allow it again when the people are even worse off? I don't know. We know from Zech 6 that the Messiah will build a Temple, and I believe that is Ezekiels Temple (Ezek 40-48). There are some interesting features of this Temple. No wall of partition to exclude Gentiles, no Court of the Women, no Laver, Table for Bread, Incense table, Menorah ,Veil, Ark, and major changes to the Altar. And most interesting, the Temple will not be in Jerusalem, but north of the city (Ezek 45.1-8, Ezek 48). Then, after the Messianic Kingdom, there will be Temple at all (Rev 21). What the Temple means is a dwelling place for G-d, and that will ultimately be within His people. In addition, the Temple was like a big university and the kohanim (priests) were like the teachers. People would come to learn about G-d, redemption, sacrifice and sin. They would learn about prophecy and forgiveness.
They would learn about prayer and being in the presence of G-d and what worship and spiritual warfare really was. When the people were following the Torah, it was an awesome place. And when the people were corrupt, it was a horrible place, with G-d himself finally having to destroy it 2 times. I'm afraid that the next Temple will be in that category and will be destroyed in the Tribulation periuod, making way for Ezekiels to be built by the Messiah. I am not convinced that G-d is behind these Temple plans right now. The people do not believe and they are planning to build it like the second Temple with man-made additions (not in the next biblical Temple by the way), and there are no prophets leading the way like before. Where is the direction from G-d on this. I'm afraid the plans are in the image and at the direction of the sons of the Pharisee's.
Messianics and the Rapture
Q What day of counting of the omer are we, do you use the Sadducean or Pharisaic way of counting and why do Messianics seem to be turning from belief in the Rapture and living in campers and tents, ready to run from the False Messiah.
A. There are several question here so let's take them one at a time. First, the counting of the omer comes from Lev 23.16 where we are told to count 50 days to the next feast called "Shavuot". A "shavuah" is a "seven" so we count 7 7's and that is why the feast is called Shavuot. There was a controversy in the 2nd Temple period between the Sadducee's and the Pharisee's as to when to begin the count.
The Sadducean position was to start counting the 1st day of the week of Passover week, which was a Sunday, and the Pharisee's began on the day after Passover, the 15th of Nisan. The correct position is the Sadducean because it's the only way to count seven sabbaths. The current Hebrew calendar goes by the Pharisaic calculations. The current calendar also has been changed to allow for Pharisaic doctrine which actually puts many Biblical feasts on the wrong day, and they admit it. As far as the second part of your question goes, there is no main Messianic theology. As was the case in the 1st Century, there are many opinions on many things. Here is the problem. Many have realized that the churches don't teach the truth and have come to realize that Yeshua is the Messiah and we are to keep the commandments.
They have no backround or knowledge of the Torah and they still hold on to false teachings that they have learned in the paganism that they have been involved in. The scriptures and the festivals teach a resurrection/catching away of believers before the Birthpains of the Messiah, but it needs to understood in the Hebraic context it was given. Many are unstable in their ways and use this instability as an excuse to not settle down, or grow up.WHen their welcome has worn out, they move again saying they are keeping ahead of the "New World Order" or the "U.N." or the "false messiah" or whatever. The real issue is that they are fearful and restless. I have a compassion for them because I see them like Shepherd. Restless sheep who are bothered by parasites and bugs, who are fearful of wolves, who hungry and thirsty ,cannot settle down.
They have to keep moving to get away from what is bothering them and they won't let anyone get close to them. The real issue isn't their position on the "rapture", it is they are malnourished and afraid. They have been abused by false shepherds who have not fed them properly. They have never had a good shepherd who feeds them on the truth of the Torah and Yeshua that will keep them healthy. They have been in churches with false shepherds who feed themselves at the expense of the sheep. When they finally run out of there, they have no place to go, they are unhealthy and sick and that is why they believe in so many things and are afraid. It is the job of the good shepherds to find them, reach out to them and try to get them healthy again.
A. There are several question here so let's take them one at a time. First, the counting of the omer comes from Lev 23.16 where we are told to count 50 days to the next feast called "Shavuot". A "shavuah" is a "seven" so we count 7 7's and that is why the feast is called Shavuot. There was a controversy in the 2nd Temple period between the Sadducee's and the Pharisee's as to when to begin the count.
The Sadducean position was to start counting the 1st day of the week of Passover week, which was a Sunday, and the Pharisee's began on the day after Passover, the 15th of Nisan. The correct position is the Sadducean because it's the only way to count seven sabbaths. The current Hebrew calendar goes by the Pharisaic calculations. The current calendar also has been changed to allow for Pharisaic doctrine which actually puts many Biblical feasts on the wrong day, and they admit it. As far as the second part of your question goes, there is no main Messianic theology. As was the case in the 1st Century, there are many opinions on many things. Here is the problem. Many have realized that the churches don't teach the truth and have come to realize that Yeshua is the Messiah and we are to keep the commandments.
They have no backround or knowledge of the Torah and they still hold on to false teachings that they have learned in the paganism that they have been involved in. The scriptures and the festivals teach a resurrection/catching away of believers before the Birthpains of the Messiah, but it needs to understood in the Hebraic context it was given. Many are unstable in their ways and use this instability as an excuse to not settle down, or grow up.WHen their welcome has worn out, they move again saying they are keeping ahead of the "New World Order" or the "U.N." or the "false messiah" or whatever. The real issue is that they are fearful and restless. I have a compassion for them because I see them like Shepherd. Restless sheep who are bothered by parasites and bugs, who are fearful of wolves, who hungry and thirsty ,cannot settle down.
They have to keep moving to get away from what is bothering them and they won't let anyone get close to them. The real issue isn't their position on the "rapture", it is they are malnourished and afraid. They have been abused by false shepherds who have not fed them properly. They have never had a good shepherd who feeds them on the truth of the Torah and Yeshua that will keep them healthy. They have been in churches with false shepherds who feed themselves at the expense of the sheep. When they finally run out of there, they have no place to go, they are unhealthy and sick and that is why they believe in so many things and are afraid. It is the job of the good shepherds to find them, reach out to them and try to get them healthy again.
FAQ: Talmud
Q. What is the Talmud and what does it mean when certain individuals and groups claim the "Zionist Jews control the media, the government, intelligence agencies, etc"?
A.The Talmud is the Hebrew word for "study". It contains the thoughts,teachings and oral traditions of the Jewish community over several thousand years. There are two versions of the Talmud, the Babylonian and the Jerusalem. These were the two main centers of Jewish learning and major academies were located there. The effort to write down these down took place between the 3rd and the 6th century C.E. They are not the same size in page length and the Babylonian Talmud eventually took on the role as authoritative. The Talmud consists of two part, the Mishnah which is a collection of Halakah, or how to walk in the commandments and Temple services. These were codified around 200 C.E. The traditions continued and were collected in another book called the Gemara, the other part of the Talmud.
Together they form the contents of the Talmud. The books are divided into two sections, Halakah or legal questions on the Torah and Aggadah that illustrate the thought behind the questions through parables and stories. Here is the problem. After the destruction of Jerusalem, the Pharisees were the only sect to survive besides the Messianic believers. These surviving Rabbis took their teachings and reformed Judaism into Rabbinic Judaism and people think that is what all Jews did during Temple times, which is not true. The Judaism we see today is not the Judaism of the 1st century. The Judaism today is based on these surviving Pharisees and their teachings. Another problem is the Talmud collected all viewpoints on a particular subject and some of them are wrong.
One Rabbi may say one thing, and then another Rabbi says something different, but there may be a thousand years between the two. People who don't know what they are doing will quote some off the wall Rabbinic comment from the Talmud and then say thay this is what the Jews believe and it isn't. The Talmud collected the thoughts and comments of many diverse opinions and included them. Christian commentaries do not do this. They only include the things that agree with the authors for the most part. You can't pick some strange comment from the Talmud and say this is how all Jews think no more than Jerry Falwell's commentaries speak for all Christians. There are some very interesting things to learn from the Talmud and sometimes it contains the best way to do things, but it is not the "Jewish Bible", we already have one and it is not considered on the same level.
There is alot of wisdom contained in it and much insight into terms, eschatology, medicine, the Temple and much more. The second question is complicated but I'll try to boil it down. G-d told Abraham that his descendants would be blessed and given abilities in order to accomplish the goal of reaching the world and telling them about G-d, the redemption and the Messiah. We see that G-d blessed Jacob and Laban's sons got jealous and accused him of stealing their inheritance(Gen 31.1-3). This drove Jacob away, back to the land. Later, G-d told Israel the the Torah commands would be their wisdom and understanding before the world, and the people would recognize that Israel was a wise and understanding people because of it (Deut 4.1-8).
However, this recognition has not always been positive. As in the case of Jacob, Haman was very jealous of the Jews and in particular Mordechai. He went so far as to accuse them of being different and not having the right to live and asked the King for permission to kill them(Esther 3.1-9). These attitudes have been around for a long time and are still seen today. The Jewish people have been blessed by G-d and their contribution to medicine, the arts, business, literature, music are way out of proportion to the rest of the world. Along with that blessing comes the mercy of G-d because we have not lived up to our calling for the most part.There has been alot bad things done by Jews also. That is the paradox. The blessing of G-d makes way for His purposes and the talent He has given .
This is seen by others, recognizing the contribution of the Jewish people around him and thinking like a fallen human, he thinks there must be some conspiracy for all these "Jews" to be in so many key positions. The fact is, the Jewish contribution to mankind has been downplayed. Christopher Columbus, Chaim Solomon ,who financed the American Revolution, the true inventor of the telephone and the automobile were all Jews. The basic thrust "behind the scenes" for the hatred is spiritual and comes from the desire to get rid of Israel. If Satan can do that, and he can't, then the promises of G-d are false. Mark Twain in 1899 wrote an interesting essay entitled"Concerning the Jews" and I will include it next week as the conclusion to this question.
A.The Talmud is the Hebrew word for "study". It contains the thoughts,teachings and oral traditions of the Jewish community over several thousand years. There are two versions of the Talmud, the Babylonian and the Jerusalem. These were the two main centers of Jewish learning and major academies were located there. The effort to write down these down took place between the 3rd and the 6th century C.E. They are not the same size in page length and the Babylonian Talmud eventually took on the role as authoritative. The Talmud consists of two part, the Mishnah which is a collection of Halakah, or how to walk in the commandments and Temple services. These were codified around 200 C.E. The traditions continued and were collected in another book called the Gemara, the other part of the Talmud.
Together they form the contents of the Talmud. The books are divided into two sections, Halakah or legal questions on the Torah and Aggadah that illustrate the thought behind the questions through parables and stories. Here is the problem. After the destruction of Jerusalem, the Pharisees were the only sect to survive besides the Messianic believers. These surviving Rabbis took their teachings and reformed Judaism into Rabbinic Judaism and people think that is what all Jews did during Temple times, which is not true. The Judaism we see today is not the Judaism of the 1st century. The Judaism today is based on these surviving Pharisees and their teachings. Another problem is the Talmud collected all viewpoints on a particular subject and some of them are wrong.
One Rabbi may say one thing, and then another Rabbi says something different, but there may be a thousand years between the two. People who don't know what they are doing will quote some off the wall Rabbinic comment from the Talmud and then say thay this is what the Jews believe and it isn't. The Talmud collected the thoughts and comments of many diverse opinions and included them. Christian commentaries do not do this. They only include the things that agree with the authors for the most part. You can't pick some strange comment from the Talmud and say this is how all Jews think no more than Jerry Falwell's commentaries speak for all Christians. There are some very interesting things to learn from the Talmud and sometimes it contains the best way to do things, but it is not the "Jewish Bible", we already have one and it is not considered on the same level.
There is alot of wisdom contained in it and much insight into terms, eschatology, medicine, the Temple and much more. The second question is complicated but I'll try to boil it down. G-d told Abraham that his descendants would be blessed and given abilities in order to accomplish the goal of reaching the world and telling them about G-d, the redemption and the Messiah. We see that G-d blessed Jacob and Laban's sons got jealous and accused him of stealing their inheritance(Gen 31.1-3). This drove Jacob away, back to the land. Later, G-d told Israel the the Torah commands would be their wisdom and understanding before the world, and the people would recognize that Israel was a wise and understanding people because of it (Deut 4.1-8).
However, this recognition has not always been positive. As in the case of Jacob, Haman was very jealous of the Jews and in particular Mordechai. He went so far as to accuse them of being different and not having the right to live and asked the King for permission to kill them(Esther 3.1-9). These attitudes have been around for a long time and are still seen today. The Jewish people have been blessed by G-d and their contribution to medicine, the arts, business, literature, music are way out of proportion to the rest of the world. Along with that blessing comes the mercy of G-d because we have not lived up to our calling for the most part.There has been alot bad things done by Jews also. That is the paradox. The blessing of G-d makes way for His purposes and the talent He has given .
This is seen by others, recognizing the contribution of the Jewish people around him and thinking like a fallen human, he thinks there must be some conspiracy for all these "Jews" to be in so many key positions. The fact is, the Jewish contribution to mankind has been downplayed. Christopher Columbus, Chaim Solomon ,who financed the American Revolution, the true inventor of the telephone and the automobile were all Jews. The basic thrust "behind the scenes" for the hatred is spiritual and comes from the desire to get rid of Israel. If Satan can do that, and he can't, then the promises of G-d are false. Mark Twain in 1899 wrote an interesting essay entitled"Concerning the Jews" and I will include it next week as the conclusion to this question.
Did Jesus violate the Sabbath?
Q. Why did Jesus violate the Sabbath several times in the New Testament? I believe this means that the Sabbath has been done away with because He remained sinless and this means we don’t have to observe the Sabbath.
A. Well, first of all Yeshua never violated the Sabbath. If he did then He would be with sin, and that seems to be what your accusation is. If He did break the Sabbath, then He cannot be the Messiah, so by your definition Yeshua is not the Messiah. What He did break was some of the man-made traditions that had grown up around the Sabbath, but He never broke G-d’s command about it and that is why He remained sinless. Remember, when He was arrested they found no fault in Him. The religious and secular authorities and even the people found no fault in Him, but evidently, you found fault in Him. They had to bring in false witnesses to try and convict Him. If He had broken the Sabbath by the Torah’s standard, there would’ve been no need for false witnesses.
Your question comes from a profound misunderstanding of the Scriptures that goes so far as to accuse the Messiah of sin to justify why you don’t keep the Sabbath. I understand that you go to a Bible College and that is the theology that is being taught there, but you have to realize what you are saying. Yeshua, Paul, all the teachers of the Messianic movement of the 1st century all taught that you observe the commandments. Yeshua said He did not come to do away with them. What they taught against was man-made traditions that replaced G-d’s commands, like Sunday as the L-rd’s Day and other such teachings. They were against the teaching that one kept the commandments to be saved, or to achieve righteousness with G-d, because you can’t. Remember the Exodus story. The people were saved and delivered by the blood of the Lamb BEFORE they ever received the Torah, or instruction from G-d, and it is the same with us spiritually.
So, Yeshua never broke G-d’s commands, but He did violate Jewish halakah about them, and that is not sin. You cannot use this as an example as to why it is permissible for you to reject the Sabbath in favor of Sunday. The Catholic Church changed that, not G-d and every protestant church that does it follows the catholic Church on this as their sole authority. This isn’t my opinion, they admit it and history testifies about it. You will have to decide who you are going to follow, but let me assure you Yeshua did not ever break the Sabbath nor did He teach others to do it, and still doesn’t today. Secondly, as far as going to church on Sunday, that is not the point.
They met everyday in the synagogues so just because they met on the first day of the week proves nothing, they met everyday. The Sabbath is a day of rest and to refrain from work, two different things. Denominations have taken a stand against the L-rd by saying the 7th day has been changed to Sunday. And that has been done by Christianity since Constantine and that is what is called Replacement Theology.
A. Well, first of all Yeshua never violated the Sabbath. If he did then He would be with sin, and that seems to be what your accusation is. If He did break the Sabbath, then He cannot be the Messiah, so by your definition Yeshua is not the Messiah. What He did break was some of the man-made traditions that had grown up around the Sabbath, but He never broke G-d’s command about it and that is why He remained sinless. Remember, when He was arrested they found no fault in Him. The religious and secular authorities and even the people found no fault in Him, but evidently, you found fault in Him. They had to bring in false witnesses to try and convict Him. If He had broken the Sabbath by the Torah’s standard, there would’ve been no need for false witnesses.
Your question comes from a profound misunderstanding of the Scriptures that goes so far as to accuse the Messiah of sin to justify why you don’t keep the Sabbath. I understand that you go to a Bible College and that is the theology that is being taught there, but you have to realize what you are saying. Yeshua, Paul, all the teachers of the Messianic movement of the 1st century all taught that you observe the commandments. Yeshua said He did not come to do away with them. What they taught against was man-made traditions that replaced G-d’s commands, like Sunday as the L-rd’s Day and other such teachings. They were against the teaching that one kept the commandments to be saved, or to achieve righteousness with G-d, because you can’t. Remember the Exodus story. The people were saved and delivered by the blood of the Lamb BEFORE they ever received the Torah, or instruction from G-d, and it is the same with us spiritually.
So, Yeshua never broke G-d’s commands, but He did violate Jewish halakah about them, and that is not sin. You cannot use this as an example as to why it is permissible for you to reject the Sabbath in favor of Sunday. The Catholic Church changed that, not G-d and every protestant church that does it follows the catholic Church on this as their sole authority. This isn’t my opinion, they admit it and history testifies about it. You will have to decide who you are going to follow, but let me assure you Yeshua did not ever break the Sabbath nor did He teach others to do it, and still doesn’t today. Secondly, as far as going to church on Sunday, that is not the point.
They met everyday in the synagogues so just because they met on the first day of the week proves nothing, they met everyday. The Sabbath is a day of rest and to refrain from work, two different things. Denominations have taken a stand against the L-rd by saying the 7th day has been changed to Sunday. And that has been done by Christianity since Constantine and that is what is called Replacement Theology.
Wednesday, November 9, 2005
Jewish involvement in media, politics, etc.
Last week we began to answer the question about how Jewish involvement in the media, politics and the intelligence agencies have been seen by some as some sort of "zionist" plot to "take over the world" . The success of the Jewish people has less to do with their efforts and more to do with a covenantal blessing on cAbraham, Isaac and Jacob and their children. Continuing in that thought, this blessing has been recognized by others for centuries.
In Esther 6.13,Haman is warned by his wife, "Since Mordechai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the seed of the Jews you will not overcome him, but will surely fall before him." Mark Twain wrote an essay in 1899 called "Concerning the Jews" and said: "If the statistics are right, the Jews constitute but one percent of the human race. It suggest a nebulous dim puff of star dust in the blaze of the Milky Way. Properly, the Jews ought hardly to be heard of: but he is heard of, has always been heard of. He is as prominent on the planet as any other people, and his commercial importance is extravagantly out of proportion to the smallness of his bulk.
His contributions to the world's list of great names in literature, science, art, music, finance, medicine and abtruse learning are also way out of proportion to the wekness of his numbers. He has made a marvelous fight in this world, in all the ages: and has done it with his hands tied behind him. He could be vain of himself, and be excused for it. The Egyptian, the Babylonians and the Persian rose, filled the planet with sound and splendour, then faded to dream-stuff and passed away; the Greek and the Roman followed, and made a vast noise, and they are gone; other peoples have sprung up and held their torch high for a time, but it burned out, and they sit in twilight now, or have vanished. The Jew saw them all, beat them all, and is now what he always was, exhibiting no decadence, no infirmities of age, no weakening of his parts, no slowing of his energies, no dulling of his alert and aggressive mind.
All things are mortal but the Jew;all other forces pass, but he remains. What is the secret of his immortality?" Well, if Mark Twain was here I would tell him the same thing. The secret is the blessing of G-d (Gen 12.1-3, Deut 28.1-14) and the mercy of G-d (Lev 26.44-45) and not due to any virtue of our own. So, rst assure that there is no "Jewish plot" to take over the world, but people have recognized for 4000 years that a blessing rests on Abraham's children and the for the most part the world has been the better for it.
In Esther 6.13,Haman is warned by his wife, "Since Mordechai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the seed of the Jews you will not overcome him, but will surely fall before him." Mark Twain wrote an essay in 1899 called "Concerning the Jews" and said: "If the statistics are right, the Jews constitute but one percent of the human race. It suggest a nebulous dim puff of star dust in the blaze of the Milky Way. Properly, the Jews ought hardly to be heard of: but he is heard of, has always been heard of. He is as prominent on the planet as any other people, and his commercial importance is extravagantly out of proportion to the smallness of his bulk.
His contributions to the world's list of great names in literature, science, art, music, finance, medicine and abtruse learning are also way out of proportion to the wekness of his numbers. He has made a marvelous fight in this world, in all the ages: and has done it with his hands tied behind him. He could be vain of himself, and be excused for it. The Egyptian, the Babylonians and the Persian rose, filled the planet with sound and splendour, then faded to dream-stuff and passed away; the Greek and the Roman followed, and made a vast noise, and they are gone; other peoples have sprung up and held their torch high for a time, but it burned out, and they sit in twilight now, or have vanished. The Jew saw them all, beat them all, and is now what he always was, exhibiting no decadence, no infirmities of age, no weakening of his parts, no slowing of his energies, no dulling of his alert and aggressive mind.
All things are mortal but the Jew;all other forces pass, but he remains. What is the secret of his immortality?" Well, if Mark Twain was here I would tell him the same thing. The secret is the blessing of G-d (Gen 12.1-3, Deut 28.1-14) and the mercy of G-d (Lev 26.44-45) and not due to any virtue of our own. So, rst assure that there is no "Jewish plot" to take over the world, but people have recognized for 4000 years that a blessing rests on Abraham's children and the for the most part the world has been the better for it.
Where two agree...
Q. In Mt 18.18-20, it says where two agree on earth about anything, it shall be done for them. Is this talking about prayer?
A. This is another misunderstood chapter. Starting in v.15, the context is congregational authority. There is a concept in the scriptures concerning "binding and loosing". This has also been perverted into "binding demons" and all sorts of things. The terms binding and loosing have to do with permitting (loosing) and forbidding(binding) a certain thing or activity. When one came up to a congregational leader or an elder or someone in authority and ask permission about some activity, he permitted it or disallowed it on the basis of scripture or tradition or common sense or whatever. In mat 18 the context is hoe to handle a situation in the congregation, and Yeshua says that there are steps to follow in dealing with it. Then he says that whatever they decide will be backed by Heaven because it was G-d who gave them the authority to act. When He says that "I will be in the midst of you" he is saying that He is with them, behind them and supporting their decision. So, this has nothing to do with prayer partners and how it is quoted today.These are legal terms and have to do with authority to make decisions.
Q.in Mt 6.22 it says"if your eye is clear(single in KJV)", what does that mean?
A. To have a "clear eye" basically means you are generous, not envious of gold and silver. Again, the context of this section in Mt 6 is giving and possessions. Prov. 22.9 says that "he who is generous will be blessed". The word in Hebrew for generous is "ayin tov" and it means a good eye. SO a good eye is one who is generous. Knowing that then, someone with a" bad eye" (ayin ra) is stingy. In Mt 6.23 it says that if a person has a bad eye he is full of darkness.Again, one who is stingy does not understand and cannot see clearly.
He is envious. Prov. 23.6 says "do not eat the bread of a selfish man" and selfish is "ayin ra" and it means a "bad eye". Prov. 28.22 says "a man with an evil eye hastens after wealth". Mt 20.15 says" Is it not lawful for me to do whatever I wish with what is my own? Or is your eye envious(evil) because I am generous(good)"?. SO, the term "good eye, clear eye or single eye" means generous and "bad eye, evil eye" means stingy and envious.
A. This is another misunderstood chapter. Starting in v.15, the context is congregational authority. There is a concept in the scriptures concerning "binding and loosing". This has also been perverted into "binding demons" and all sorts of things. The terms binding and loosing have to do with permitting (loosing) and forbidding(binding) a certain thing or activity. When one came up to a congregational leader or an elder or someone in authority and ask permission about some activity, he permitted it or disallowed it on the basis of scripture or tradition or common sense or whatever. In mat 18 the context is hoe to handle a situation in the congregation, and Yeshua says that there are steps to follow in dealing with it. Then he says that whatever they decide will be backed by Heaven because it was G-d who gave them the authority to act. When He says that "I will be in the midst of you" he is saying that He is with them, behind them and supporting their decision. So, this has nothing to do with prayer partners and how it is quoted today.These are legal terms and have to do with authority to make decisions.
Q.in Mt 6.22 it says"if your eye is clear(single in KJV)", what does that mean?
A. To have a "clear eye" basically means you are generous, not envious of gold and silver. Again, the context of this section in Mt 6 is giving and possessions. Prov. 22.9 says that "he who is generous will be blessed". The word in Hebrew for generous is "ayin tov" and it means a good eye. SO a good eye is one who is generous. Knowing that then, someone with a" bad eye" (ayin ra) is stingy. In Mt 6.23 it says that if a person has a bad eye he is full of darkness.Again, one who is stingy does not understand and cannot see clearly.
He is envious. Prov. 23.6 says "do not eat the bread of a selfish man" and selfish is "ayin ra" and it means a "bad eye". Prov. 28.22 says "a man with an evil eye hastens after wealth". Mt 20.15 says" Is it not lawful for me to do whatever I wish with what is my own? Or is your eye envious(evil) because I am generous(good)"?. SO, the term "good eye, clear eye or single eye" means generous and "bad eye, evil eye" means stingy and envious.
The Bible & Egyptian pyramids
Q. Does the Bible give any indication as to who or what built the Pyramids?
A.The Pyramids are the most ancient of the old Seven Wonders of the World. The other were the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, Artemision of Ephesus, Colossus of Rhodes, the Olympian Zeus statue at Alexandria. The pyramids are the only one of these that survive today. They stood at the time Jacob entered into Egypt to escape the famins and were well known by Moses at the time of the Exodus. Most of the time, however, the Israelites spent their time in the north, in Goshen , and not in the area of Giza which is in the south. Joseph lived in the area of middle Egypt called the Faiyum, which again is far away from the pyramids.
The Israelites were shepherds and nomads, not great building experts at the time. Such structures like the pyramids may not have impressed them much. Remember, there was a negative idea attached to great buildings "reaching into the heavens" according to the Hebrew traditions passed down from the previous generations(Tower of Babel). Recent archeological evidence suggests that the pyramids were not built by slaves but by skilled craftsmen, helped by peasants who worked when the Nile flooded and agricultural work was impossible, seasonal workers if you will. The Bible doesn't mention them because there was no need to.
There are Masonic traditions linking the Masons to some of the great building projects such as the pyramids and Solomon's Temple, but no truth to them. Mankind, bereft of any true substance , likes to associate with things of the past for image reasons, but their claims are false and not really worthy of any real discussion. G_d does not need the pyramids to tell His story of the redemption and the Messiah.
A.The Pyramids are the most ancient of the old Seven Wonders of the World. The other were the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, Artemision of Ephesus, Colossus of Rhodes, the Olympian Zeus statue at Alexandria. The pyramids are the only one of these that survive today. They stood at the time Jacob entered into Egypt to escape the famins and were well known by Moses at the time of the Exodus. Most of the time, however, the Israelites spent their time in the north, in Goshen , and not in the area of Giza which is in the south. Joseph lived in the area of middle Egypt called the Faiyum, which again is far away from the pyramids.
The Israelites were shepherds and nomads, not great building experts at the time. Such structures like the pyramids may not have impressed them much. Remember, there was a negative idea attached to great buildings "reaching into the heavens" according to the Hebrew traditions passed down from the previous generations(Tower of Babel). Recent archeological evidence suggests that the pyramids were not built by slaves but by skilled craftsmen, helped by peasants who worked when the Nile flooded and agricultural work was impossible, seasonal workers if you will. The Bible doesn't mention them because there was no need to.
There are Masonic traditions linking the Masons to some of the great building projects such as the pyramids and Solomon's Temple, but no truth to them. Mankind, bereft of any true substance , likes to associate with things of the past for image reasons, but their claims are false and not really worthy of any real discussion. G_d does not need the pyramids to tell His story of the redemption and the Messiah.
The Destruction of Damascus
Q.Explain Isa. 17 and the destruction of Damascus?
A. This chapter is prophetic of a time in the birtpains when the city of Damascus will be destroyed. THere are some prophetic principles to understand when looking at Scripture. Eschatology is the study of the Messiah and the Redemption. The last ten kings of Judah gives us an itemized view of what is going to happen in the 7-year Tribulation as it is commonly called, or the Birthpains of the Messiah as it has been known in Hebrew thought.The kings are Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon Josiah, and the last year of the Tribulation is prophesied in the reigns of Jehoiahaz, Jehoiakim,Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah. In Isa 7 we have another prophecy about Damascus being destroyed.
The king of Judah is Ahaz, and he is the second of the last ten kings of Judah so this tells us that the destruction of Damascus could occur in the second year of the Tribulation. Russia will be involved in this and there is a good reason. They will invade Israel around Rosh Ha Shanah-Yom Kippur of the third year. But, they must get Israel's guard down and so they enter into conspiracy with other nations(Obadiah 6-7, Ps 83.1-8).
With Damascus destroyed, Israel has left to fear and they feel that they are living securely. When Israel is invaded by the Russian alliance, Damascus is not even mentioned (Psa 83.1-8) so this tells us that they are gone by the Russian invasion of Israel. So, here is how it may play out. Russia will invade Israel and wants it intact. They will enter into a conspiracy with Israel's enemies and they will either back off or be destroyed. Damascus will not go along with it and Russia destroys them (Assyria in Scripture is a picture of Russia and Assyria attacked Damascus). This makes Israel feel safer and thinks Russia is on her side, but this is setting Israel up for the invasion discussed in the above verses and Ezekiel 38 and 39. In short, Isa 17 discusses the future destruction of Damascus by the Russians in preparation for their planned invasion of Israel around Rosh Hashanah of the third year of the Tribulation.
A. This chapter is prophetic of a time in the birtpains when the city of Damascus will be destroyed. THere are some prophetic principles to understand when looking at Scripture. Eschatology is the study of the Messiah and the Redemption. The last ten kings of Judah gives us an itemized view of what is going to happen in the 7-year Tribulation as it is commonly called, or the Birthpains of the Messiah as it has been known in Hebrew thought.The kings are Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon Josiah, and the last year of the Tribulation is prophesied in the reigns of Jehoiahaz, Jehoiakim,Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah. In Isa 7 we have another prophecy about Damascus being destroyed.
The king of Judah is Ahaz, and he is the second of the last ten kings of Judah so this tells us that the destruction of Damascus could occur in the second year of the Tribulation. Russia will be involved in this and there is a good reason. They will invade Israel around Rosh Ha Shanah-Yom Kippur of the third year. But, they must get Israel's guard down and so they enter into conspiracy with other nations(Obadiah 6-7, Ps 83.1-8).
With Damascus destroyed, Israel has left to fear and they feel that they are living securely. When Israel is invaded by the Russian alliance, Damascus is not even mentioned (Psa 83.1-8) so this tells us that they are gone by the Russian invasion of Israel. So, here is how it may play out. Russia will invade Israel and wants it intact. They will enter into a conspiracy with Israel's enemies and they will either back off or be destroyed. Damascus will not go along with it and Russia destroys them (Assyria in Scripture is a picture of Russia and Assyria attacked Damascus). This makes Israel feel safer and thinks Russia is on her side, but this is setting Israel up for the invasion discussed in the above verses and Ezekiel 38 and 39. In short, Isa 17 discusses the future destruction of Damascus by the Russians in preparation for their planned invasion of Israel around Rosh Hashanah of the third year of the Tribulation.
FAQ: What Messianic Jews believe, do
At times, people have asked what a Messianic Congregation is and what we believe. First of all, we are not gentile Christianity in disguise. Not everyone who considers himself a "Messianic Jew" is. For instance, there Jewish people who consider themselves Messianic but theologically they are mainstream Baptist or other Christian denominations. They would be "Hebrew Christian" in truth.
There is a familiar one in the Dallas area who is an ordained Baptist and much of what he teaches is Baptist doctrine. Many who attned his congregation are gentile Protestants and that is where much of his support comes from. His staff ans assistants are gentiles and trained in mainstream seminaries. What follows is a basic list of certain beliefs that will identify a true Messianic congregation and will help you in trying to sort out where you may be. Messianics will include Jew and Gentiles who :
*Observe traditional Jewish holidays such as Purim, Chanukah and Christians do not.
*Observe the biblical feasts such as Rosh Ha Shanah, Sukkot, Passover, Unleavened Bread, Shavuot, Yom Kippur.
*Do not observe Christian holidays borrowed from paganism such as Christmas, Lent and Easter.
*Worship on the biblical Sabbath (Friday evening to Saturday evening, not Sunday.
*Sabbath services will include the singing of the Shema, and other traditional Jewish blessings and prayers the most Christians have never seen nor heard of, including the KIddush, Alenu, Mourners Kaddish and the Aaronic blessing. The Torah blessings are sung also.
Teaching is done from the weekly Torah portion called a Sidrah, with teaching from a corresponding portion from the Nevi'im (prophets), with references to applicable portions from the Brit Chadasha(New Testament).
*The special relationship between G-d and the Jewish people is taught, whereas Catholicism and Protestantism only mention it in passing.
*Jewish traditions are observed only if they do not conflict with the Bible.
*Emphasize that the Torah commandments are still in effect, whereas Christianity claims that "Jesus" ended the Torah and one is "free" from their observance. However, most churches still teach the Ten Commandments but ignore keeping the Sabbath and all practice some sort of idolatry such as graven images (statues, Nativity scenes, pictures of what they think G-d looks like.), pagan holidays and customs. While saying that the "law has been done away", they still teach tithing to get money.
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs are still done while Christians do not.
*Messianic Jews wrote the New Testament, Christians did not. They have come along along later and perverted the meanings around their incorrect doctrines.
Next week, we will continue with some other issues which will help you identify what the difference is between a Messianic Congregation and one that wants to portray itself as one, which in reality is only a church in disguise. This is meant to cause you to think about these things and to help you make the right choice in your walk to find the truth and and to find the L-rd. Now, go and study!
There is a familiar one in the Dallas area who is an ordained Baptist and much of what he teaches is Baptist doctrine. Many who attned his congregation are gentile Protestants and that is where much of his support comes from. His staff ans assistants are gentiles and trained in mainstream seminaries. What follows is a basic list of certain beliefs that will identify a true Messianic congregation and will help you in trying to sort out where you may be. Messianics will include Jew and Gentiles who :
*Observe traditional Jewish holidays such as Purim, Chanukah and Christians do not.
*Observe the biblical feasts such as Rosh Ha Shanah, Sukkot, Passover, Unleavened Bread, Shavuot, Yom Kippur.
*Do not observe Christian holidays borrowed from paganism such as Christmas, Lent and Easter.
*Worship on the biblical Sabbath (Friday evening to Saturday evening, not Sunday.
*Sabbath services will include the singing of the Shema, and other traditional Jewish blessings and prayers the most Christians have never seen nor heard of, including the KIddush, Alenu, Mourners Kaddish and the Aaronic blessing. The Torah blessings are sung also.
Teaching is done from the weekly Torah portion called a Sidrah, with teaching from a corresponding portion from the Nevi'im (prophets), with references to applicable portions from the Brit Chadasha(New Testament).
*The special relationship between G-d and the Jewish people is taught, whereas Catholicism and Protestantism only mention it in passing.
*Jewish traditions are observed only if they do not conflict with the Bible.
*Emphasize that the Torah commandments are still in effect, whereas Christianity claims that "Jesus" ended the Torah and one is "free" from their observance. However, most churches still teach the Ten Commandments but ignore keeping the Sabbath and all practice some sort of idolatry such as graven images (statues, Nativity scenes, pictures of what they think G-d looks like.), pagan holidays and customs. While saying that the "law has been done away", they still teach tithing to get money.
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs are still done while Christians do not.
*Messianic Jews wrote the New Testament, Christians did not. They have come along along later and perverted the meanings around their incorrect doctrines.
Next week, we will continue with some other issues which will help you identify what the difference is between a Messianic Congregation and one that wants to portray itself as one, which in reality is only a church in disguise. This is meant to cause you to think about these things and to help you make the right choice in your walk to find the truth and and to find the L-rd. Now, go and study!
Jots and tittles
Q. What do the "spaces" between the letters mean on a Torah scroll?
A. The five books of Moses called the Torah (Instruction) was dictated by G-d on Mt. Sinai. Originally, there were no spaces between the words, every letter was next to the other. It looked like a computer program would.
Now, here is a concept that most people are not familiar with. In Mt 5.17-19 Yeshua talks about the Torah and says something very interesting. What He said is translated as "jot or tittle". Of course, that is not literally what he said but the concept is there if you know what you are looking for. A "jot" is a "dot" or marks above certain letters in the Torah scroll. They mean something. There are four places in the Torah these "dots" appear. A "tittle" is a space between letters or words that shouldn't be there, a letter that is left out of a word, or an extra letter in a word, elongated letters, letters written small, the shapes of the sentence structure and how they are arranged in the scroll. There are thousands of instances in the scripture of these"tittles". They all mean seomething. You won't be able to pick up on this in English translations. To see these you have to go to the Hebrew. They are all over and there are teachings that go along with this. So, a space in one place may mean something in that verse, and in another place mean something else. A letter left out of a word means something.
A large letter in a word means something. In our congregation, we show these from time to time. For example, the first word in Gen. 1.1 is "Bereshit", in the beginning. The first letter of bereshit is "beit" meaning "house". That letter beit is written very large meaning G-d is beginning HIs "house" in the creation account. Another example of a "tittle" in Lev 1.1. IN the phrase "and the L-rd called" in Hebrew is said "vayikra". The aleph in vayikra is written small, and the next letter is an aleph written normal. Now, Yeshua said " I am the aleph and the tav" in Rev 1.8. It is translated in english as alpha and omega, but that is not what he said.
The aleph and the tav are the first and last letter in the Hebrew alphabet, meaning He is the Word. the first and final Word. Back in Leviticus 1.1, we have a small aleph. G_d was calling Moses in the verse, the small aleph. He was a picture of Yeshua Moses said,however, that G-d was going to raise a prophet like him someday and we are to listen to his words, alluding to the aleph and the tav imagery again (Deut 18). So, In Lev 1.1, the small aleph (Moses) is followed by a larger aleph(Yeshua). I could go on and on about these and that is why you need to get into a congregation that follows the Torah and has the teachings that you need.
There is more to what G-d has to say than just reading an English translation of the scriptures. Yeshua said there is meaning in these "jots and tittles" and they will not disappear until all are fulfilled. Thats why He said He has not come to "destroy the Law(Torah). Now, most Christian ministers teach that He has come to destroy it, but that is a lie from the pit. The words of Yeshua should be enough to dissuade anyone from believing that, but it isn't. When one is told that they should obey the Torah, they say "I don't believe that!". And there is their problem in the first three words "I don't believe". The "jots and tittles", the marks, dots, spaces and letters mean something to G-d and we should pay attention to them. Now, go and study
A. The five books of Moses called the Torah (Instruction) was dictated by G-d on Mt. Sinai. Originally, there were no spaces between the words, every letter was next to the other. It looked like a computer program would.
Now, here is a concept that most people are not familiar with. In Mt 5.17-19 Yeshua talks about the Torah and says something very interesting. What He said is translated as "jot or tittle". Of course, that is not literally what he said but the concept is there if you know what you are looking for. A "jot" is a "dot" or marks above certain letters in the Torah scroll. They mean something. There are four places in the Torah these "dots" appear. A "tittle" is a space between letters or words that shouldn't be there, a letter that is left out of a word, or an extra letter in a word, elongated letters, letters written small, the shapes of the sentence structure and how they are arranged in the scroll. There are thousands of instances in the scripture of these"tittles". They all mean seomething. You won't be able to pick up on this in English translations. To see these you have to go to the Hebrew. They are all over and there are teachings that go along with this. So, a space in one place may mean something in that verse, and in another place mean something else. A letter left out of a word means something.
A large letter in a word means something. In our congregation, we show these from time to time. For example, the first word in Gen. 1.1 is "Bereshit", in the beginning. The first letter of bereshit is "beit" meaning "house". That letter beit is written very large meaning G-d is beginning HIs "house" in the creation account. Another example of a "tittle" in Lev 1.1. IN the phrase "and the L-rd called" in Hebrew is said "vayikra". The aleph in vayikra is written small, and the next letter is an aleph written normal. Now, Yeshua said " I am the aleph and the tav" in Rev 1.8. It is translated in english as alpha and omega, but that is not what he said.
The aleph and the tav are the first and last letter in the Hebrew alphabet, meaning He is the Word. the first and final Word. Back in Leviticus 1.1, we have a small aleph. G_d was calling Moses in the verse, the small aleph. He was a picture of Yeshua Moses said,however, that G-d was going to raise a prophet like him someday and we are to listen to his words, alluding to the aleph and the tav imagery again (Deut 18). So, In Lev 1.1, the small aleph (Moses) is followed by a larger aleph(Yeshua). I could go on and on about these and that is why you need to get into a congregation that follows the Torah and has the teachings that you need.
There is more to what G-d has to say than just reading an English translation of the scriptures. Yeshua said there is meaning in these "jots and tittles" and they will not disappear until all are fulfilled. Thats why He said He has not come to "destroy the Law(Torah). Now, most Christian ministers teach that He has come to destroy it, but that is a lie from the pit. The words of Yeshua should be enough to dissuade anyone from believing that, but it isn't. When one is told that they should obey the Torah, they say "I don't believe that!". And there is their problem in the first three words "I don't believe". The "jots and tittles", the marks, dots, spaces and letters mean something to G-d and we should pay attention to them. Now, go and study
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
Messianic Judaism & Gentile Christianity
This week we will conclude the discussion on the differences between Messianic Judaism and Gentile Christianity. There is a confusion about these issues and these articles are mean't to help you clarify these things and to help you in your search and walk with the L-rd. To keep things simple, these will be listed in several "points" and not in a question format. Let's continue from last week:
*A Jewish person who converts to Protestantism is called a Hebrew Christian, not a Messianic Jew.
*Messianic Judaism and Protestantism teach that salvation is a free gift of G-d, by faith in Yeshua. Catholicism teaches that Catholics earn their way into heaven by good works and that Moslems will also be saved, even if though Islam denies the deity, death and resurrection of Yeshua.
*Messianic Jews do not need to be "evangelized" into Christianity-they already believe in Yeshua.
*Messianic Jews use the same scriptures as Protestants, including the common translations.
*The Brit Chadasha (New Testament) was written by Messianic Jews, not the Roman Catholic Church. Despite its claims to the contrary, Catholicism did not even come into existence until 325-400 A.D.
*Contrary to common belief, there is no historical evidence that Luke was a non-Jewish Gentile. Either he was of Jewish ancestry or he was a Proselyte Jew, a gentile who converted to Judaism. Gentiles didn't hang around traveling Jewish preachers, Jews do.
*Most adult Messianic Jews converted from traditional Orhtodox or Conservative Judaism into Protestantism and then went back to Judaism, while retaining their belief in Yeshua as G-d's promised Messiah.
*Like about half the Protestant denominations, Messianic Jews only immerse(baptize) believers. Messianic Jews do not immerse infants or baptize by pouring or sprinkling.
*Messianic Jews at least observe the biblical kosher laws as set forth in the Torah. Some may observe the more stringent Rabbinical standards.
*There is only one, true "religion" given by G-d and that is found in the Torah as given by G-d on Mt. Sinai. The Prophets(nevi'im), the Writings(Ketuvim), including the Gospels and Epistles all reinforce that which was already given. The Torah is the foundation for all truth.
As you can see in the last two weeks, there is a vast difference between the true, biblical walk of faith as given in the Scriptures and Protestantism and Catholicism. Protestants are really watered-down Catholics, and history describes how the Catholic church perverted the scriptures to form a "replacement theology" that was derived to "do away with the last vestiges of Judaism"-Constantine. In our congregation, we talk to many people who think that a Messianic congregation is like a church, or that we have affiliations with mainline Protestant organizations, and we do not. We reject replacement theology taught out there, and want nothing to do with paganism and a false "gospel".
Our guide is the Torah and if anyone teaches that the Commandments are not for today is rejected as a false prophet. We are not interested in "building a ministry" or big buildings and fancy choirs.We could have a bigger folowing if we taught what people want to hear, but we are not interested in that. We teach G-d wants you to hear and what you need to hear. We are interested in the truth as given by G-d and we check the scriptures to see if what is being said or done is correct.We don't have all the answers, nobody does, but we try to learn and study about the faith of our fathers and what is pleasing to the L-rd. All the first-century believers you read about in the gospels and epistles observed the Torah commandments, offered sacrifices in the Temple after Yeshua, ate kosher and kept the biblical and traditional festivals. Something is wrong with the theology of people who try to tell you all that has been done away, and we have found that it is all untrue.
A lie is a lie, whether it is on purpose or not. Special thanks to "G-d on the .net" and Rick Reinckens, whose article greatly contributed to the basic checklist used here and to all my teachers who have taught me the way and how to defend it against the unbelief I encounter daily, and thanks to you ,the reader, who I do this for. I hope that these articles over the years have at least stimulated your thoughts and have helped you in your walk with the L-rd in some way. Now, go and study!
*A Jewish person who converts to Protestantism is called a Hebrew Christian, not a Messianic Jew.
*Messianic Judaism and Protestantism teach that salvation is a free gift of G-d, by faith in Yeshua. Catholicism teaches that Catholics earn their way into heaven by good works and that Moslems will also be saved, even if though Islam denies the deity, death and resurrection of Yeshua.
*Messianic Jews do not need to be "evangelized" into Christianity-they already believe in Yeshua.
*Messianic Jews use the same scriptures as Protestants, including the common translations.
*The Brit Chadasha (New Testament) was written by Messianic Jews, not the Roman Catholic Church. Despite its claims to the contrary, Catholicism did not even come into existence until 325-400 A.D.
*Contrary to common belief, there is no historical evidence that Luke was a non-Jewish Gentile. Either he was of Jewish ancestry or he was a Proselyte Jew, a gentile who converted to Judaism. Gentiles didn't hang around traveling Jewish preachers, Jews do.
*Most adult Messianic Jews converted from traditional Orhtodox or Conservative Judaism into Protestantism and then went back to Judaism, while retaining their belief in Yeshua as G-d's promised Messiah.
*Like about half the Protestant denominations, Messianic Jews only immerse(baptize) believers. Messianic Jews do not immerse infants or baptize by pouring or sprinkling.
*Messianic Jews at least observe the biblical kosher laws as set forth in the Torah. Some may observe the more stringent Rabbinical standards.
*There is only one, true "religion" given by G-d and that is found in the Torah as given by G-d on Mt. Sinai. The Prophets(nevi'im), the Writings(Ketuvim), including the Gospels and Epistles all reinforce that which was already given. The Torah is the foundation for all truth.
As you can see in the last two weeks, there is a vast difference between the true, biblical walk of faith as given in the Scriptures and Protestantism and Catholicism. Protestants are really watered-down Catholics, and history describes how the Catholic church perverted the scriptures to form a "replacement theology" that was derived to "do away with the last vestiges of Judaism"-Constantine. In our congregation, we talk to many people who think that a Messianic congregation is like a church, or that we have affiliations with mainline Protestant organizations, and we do not. We reject replacement theology taught out there, and want nothing to do with paganism and a false "gospel".
Our guide is the Torah and if anyone teaches that the Commandments are not for today is rejected as a false prophet. We are not interested in "building a ministry" or big buildings and fancy choirs.We could have a bigger folowing if we taught what people want to hear, but we are not interested in that. We teach G-d wants you to hear and what you need to hear. We are interested in the truth as given by G-d and we check the scriptures to see if what is being said or done is correct.We don't have all the answers, nobody does, but we try to learn and study about the faith of our fathers and what is pleasing to the L-rd. All the first-century believers you read about in the gospels and epistles observed the Torah commandments, offered sacrifices in the Temple after Yeshua, ate kosher and kept the biblical and traditional festivals. Something is wrong with the theology of people who try to tell you all that has been done away, and we have found that it is all untrue.
A lie is a lie, whether it is on purpose or not. Special thanks to "G-d on the .net" and Rick Reinckens, whose article greatly contributed to the basic checklist used here and to all my teachers who have taught me the way and how to defend it against the unbelief I encounter daily, and thanks to you ,the reader, who I do this for. I hope that these articles over the years have at least stimulated your thoughts and have helped you in your walk with the L-rd in some way. Now, go and study!
The Torah & America's Justice System
Q. What contribution has the Torah made to the Criminal Justice system in America?
A. In the book of Deuteronomy it says, "Justice, Justice you shall pursue..." This has served as a motto for many Jews and non-Jews serving in the Criminal Justice system. This has guided their outlook on U.S. law and how it should be interpreted. What we have in America is the Department of Justice not a "ministry of laws" like in other countries.. By this, the United States shows that it understands the concept of justice as outlined in the scriptures. We do not "pursue laws", but justice , which is the union of strict law and compassion.
Q.Most of Israel is secular, what does this mean?
A. It means that Israel is made up of people who are just like everyone else. We have this concept that Jews automatically are believers in G-d and know the scriptures, when the fact is they are just like anyone else. The United States is secular. True, there are prophecies that state that Israel will not be that way, and the Torah commandments will go forth from Jerusalem into the whole world, but that time has not yet come. So, as prophesied in Ezekiel 37, Israel has been resurrected from the "graves"(nations), the bones have come together but there is no life yet, and they have returned back to the land in unbelief, but the Spirit will come and bring like to them very soon.
Q.Was every writer of the Bible Jewish?
A.Yes, but there are those who think that Luke may have been Gentile, but not probable. If he was Gentile at birth, he had converted to Judaism and was a proselyte Jew, but most likely he was Jewish with a Greek name which was not uncommon.
Q.Explain what the word "Tanach " means.
A.Tanach is a better way of saying "old"testament. You see, there is no such thing as the "old" testament scriptures. This term was invented by Christians to imply that the scriptures there did not appy anymore, they have been replaced by the "new" testament. The most useless page in a Bible is the one that comes after Malachi and before Matthew that says "new ' testament scriptures on it. It just isn't true. Tanach, or Tanak, is an acrnym of three words that make up the scriptures from Genesis to Malchi. "TNK" stands for Torah, the first five books, Nevi'im, the prophets, and Ketuvim, meaning the writings which includes everything else not in the first two categories. So, putting the three first letters of Torah, Nevi'im and Ketuvim together you have "Tanak".
Q.What does the word "Talmud" mean and what is it's importance?
A. Talmud means "to study" and it contains the oral traditions of the Jewish people. It contains the Mishnah and Gemara, arguments and doctrine, medicine and numerous other things. Some think of it as a Holy Book equal to the Bible, but it is not an inspired work of G-d. It contains much information, some of it good and some bad, but should never be placed ahead of the written word of G-d.
Just a quick note, for those who submit questions to the paper, please type or print them legibly I want to answer them correctly and every one is important, so I want to be able to read it and get the meaning. Some questions have been submitted but the handwriting was not legible, so the question never got answered and that is always a shame, so take your time and make sure we can read it. Now, go and study!
A. In the book of Deuteronomy it says, "Justice, Justice you shall pursue..." This has served as a motto for many Jews and non-Jews serving in the Criminal Justice system. This has guided their outlook on U.S. law and how it should be interpreted. What we have in America is the Department of Justice not a "ministry of laws" like in other countries.. By this, the United States shows that it understands the concept of justice as outlined in the scriptures. We do not "pursue laws", but justice , which is the union of strict law and compassion.
Q.Most of Israel is secular, what does this mean?
A. It means that Israel is made up of people who are just like everyone else. We have this concept that Jews automatically are believers in G-d and know the scriptures, when the fact is they are just like anyone else. The United States is secular. True, there are prophecies that state that Israel will not be that way, and the Torah commandments will go forth from Jerusalem into the whole world, but that time has not yet come. So, as prophesied in Ezekiel 37, Israel has been resurrected from the "graves"(nations), the bones have come together but there is no life yet, and they have returned back to the land in unbelief, but the Spirit will come and bring like to them very soon.
Q.Was every writer of the Bible Jewish?
A.Yes, but there are those who think that Luke may have been Gentile, but not probable. If he was Gentile at birth, he had converted to Judaism and was a proselyte Jew, but most likely he was Jewish with a Greek name which was not uncommon.
Q.Explain what the word "Tanach " means.
A.Tanach is a better way of saying "old"testament. You see, there is no such thing as the "old" testament scriptures. This term was invented by Christians to imply that the scriptures there did not appy anymore, they have been replaced by the "new" testament. The most useless page in a Bible is the one that comes after Malachi and before Matthew that says "new ' testament scriptures on it. It just isn't true. Tanach, or Tanak, is an acrnym of three words that make up the scriptures from Genesis to Malchi. "TNK" stands for Torah, the first five books, Nevi'im, the prophets, and Ketuvim, meaning the writings which includes everything else not in the first two categories. So, putting the three first letters of Torah, Nevi'im and Ketuvim together you have "Tanak".
Q.What does the word "Talmud" mean and what is it's importance?
A. Talmud means "to study" and it contains the oral traditions of the Jewish people. It contains the Mishnah and Gemara, arguments and doctrine, medicine and numerous other things. Some think of it as a Holy Book equal to the Bible, but it is not an inspired work of G-d. It contains much information, some of it good and some bad, but should never be placed ahead of the written word of G-d.
Just a quick note, for those who submit questions to the paper, please type or print them legibly I want to answer them correctly and every one is important, so I want to be able to read it and get the meaning. Some questions have been submitted but the handwriting was not legible, so the question never got answered and that is always a shame, so take your time and make sure we can read it. Now, go and study!
Kings, kingdoms...
Q.What is your approach on voting, elections and how this could be looked at as a believer?
A. What i am going to tell you is one way to look at this issue and my opinion as a believer in Yeshua. We know from the scriptures that the L-rd has the final answer on kings and kingdoms. In Dan 2.21 it says "He (G-d) changes the times and the seasons: He removes kings, and sets up kings..." So, there are leaders that are elected to office in this country and others, but the L-rd is not unaware of the changes that are needed. On Prov 28.4 it says "They that forsake the Torah praise the wicked, and they that keep the Torah contend with them".
In this country, the Torah is for the most part ignored. Seminaries and churches do not teach the truth and sya that the Torah has been done away with, consequently evil leaders are elected and defended for the G-dless lifestyles and views, even to the point that the killing of children is condoned and all sorts of evil. Those who follow the L-rd must contend with them in order to make sure that this evil does not spread. Prov 21.1 says that "The king's heart is in the hands of the L-rd, as the rivers of water: He turns wherever He will." So, the reason we have G-dless leaders is that there is not enoung righteous people who contend with them by voting.As a result, we get the leaders the majority of the people want.
That is why we have bad presidents and congressman. Sometimes, we elect someone who seems to be a good man, but after awhile you can't tell much difference in policy and nothing really changes. G-d told Jeremish to pray for the welfare of the place the Jewish people went during the captivity. In doing so, their welfare would be better. I said all that to say this. As a believer, I try to contend with those who would promote evil. People think one party is better than the other. THat is up to the voter to diced. Personally, the two parties in this country are about the same when it come to "righteous" behavior and G-dly insight. But, you have to make a decision based on your conscience and morals.
My basis for judging what is evil and sin is based on the Torah. You might have a candidate that is a good church-going person who goes to services every Sunday, but is that right in G-d's eyes? Is lighting the National Christmas tree a G-dfearing act? Is having pagan festivals celebrated like Christmas and having Easter egg hunts what G-d considers as right for a believer. Is having state dinners filled with all manners of unclean foods the work of a righteaou person who says they are people of faith? I don't think so. Many people we think are G-dly are not, even though the sins of others may be more serious, it is still evedence of an unrepentant heart who has been taught that the Torah has been done away.
If the Torah has been done away with and the &th day Sabbath and festivals, food laws are not observed, then why do those same peole point there finger at another person who may lie and commit adultery, or who is homosexual. If they are free from the Law, why aren' the others. If you can break the 4th commandment concerning the Sabbath because you "are free", why do you say the those who break the 6th commandment(murder) are guilty if they support abortion? Aren't they "free" as well? In closing, my opinions on elections are a little dofferent. I have problems with both parties, and one is not more G-dly than the other.
It comes to that every time tyhere is an election and sometimes the enemy of my enemy is my friend, and holding my nose, I cast my vote. But, I am not under any misconceptions about both sides. You know a tree by its fruit. I hope this helps.
A. What i am going to tell you is one way to look at this issue and my opinion as a believer in Yeshua. We know from the scriptures that the L-rd has the final answer on kings and kingdoms. In Dan 2.21 it says "He (G-d) changes the times and the seasons: He removes kings, and sets up kings..." So, there are leaders that are elected to office in this country and others, but the L-rd is not unaware of the changes that are needed. On Prov 28.4 it says "They that forsake the Torah praise the wicked, and they that keep the Torah contend with them".
In this country, the Torah is for the most part ignored. Seminaries and churches do not teach the truth and sya that the Torah has been done away with, consequently evil leaders are elected and defended for the G-dless lifestyles and views, even to the point that the killing of children is condoned and all sorts of evil. Those who follow the L-rd must contend with them in order to make sure that this evil does not spread. Prov 21.1 says that "The king's heart is in the hands of the L-rd, as the rivers of water: He turns wherever He will." So, the reason we have G-dless leaders is that there is not enoung righteous people who contend with them by voting.As a result, we get the leaders the majority of the people want.
That is why we have bad presidents and congressman. Sometimes, we elect someone who seems to be a good man, but after awhile you can't tell much difference in policy and nothing really changes. G-d told Jeremish to pray for the welfare of the place the Jewish people went during the captivity. In doing so, their welfare would be better. I said all that to say this. As a believer, I try to contend with those who would promote evil. People think one party is better than the other. THat is up to the voter to diced. Personally, the two parties in this country are about the same when it come to "righteous" behavior and G-dly insight. But, you have to make a decision based on your conscience and morals.
My basis for judging what is evil and sin is based on the Torah. You might have a candidate that is a good church-going person who goes to services every Sunday, but is that right in G-d's eyes? Is lighting the National Christmas tree a G-dfearing act? Is having pagan festivals celebrated like Christmas and having Easter egg hunts what G-d considers as right for a believer. Is having state dinners filled with all manners of unclean foods the work of a righteaou person who says they are people of faith? I don't think so. Many people we think are G-dly are not, even though the sins of others may be more serious, it is still evedence of an unrepentant heart who has been taught that the Torah has been done away.
If the Torah has been done away with and the &th day Sabbath and festivals, food laws are not observed, then why do those same peole point there finger at another person who may lie and commit adultery, or who is homosexual. If they are free from the Law, why aren' the others. If you can break the 4th commandment concerning the Sabbath because you "are free", why do you say the those who break the 6th commandment(murder) are guilty if they support abortion? Aren't they "free" as well? In closing, my opinions on elections are a little dofferent. I have problems with both parties, and one is not more G-dly than the other.
It comes to that every time tyhere is an election and sometimes the enemy of my enemy is my friend, and holding my nose, I cast my vote. But, I am not under any misconceptions about both sides. You know a tree by its fruit. I hope this helps.
FAQ: Noahide Covenant?
Q. What is the Noahide Covenant?
A. In the Torah, G-d gave Noah 7 commandments for mankind. These laws are refered to as the Noahic or Noahide Covenant. They can be found in Ge. 9 and are basically as follows: establish courts, no blasphemy, no idolatry,no incest or adultery,no murder, no robbery, not to eat flesh cut from a living animal. These commands are plain and simple and apply to all mankind. The Rabbi's teach that non-Jews are to obey these laws and are not obligated to follow the Torah.
This can be found in the so-called Oral Torah. Judaism teaches that the Torah was only given to Jews and a gentile who believes in G-d is only obligated to the Noahide laws. Thes laws are biblical, but how the Rabbi's have applied this is not. The Torah plainly teaches that a non-Jew who believes is to follow the Torah as it applies to him, not just the Noahide laws. To say that the Torah was only given to Jews is not biblical and in a sense is a form of racism. The Rabbi's have put up walls of seperation between a believing Jew and Gentile and this so called "Noahide Covenant" theology is a good example. This theology has been concocted over the centuries to say that which is contrary to the clear instruction G-d has given. Numbers 15.14-16, 9.14,2 Tim 3.16-17 Isa 56.1-8, Eccl 12.13, Zech 14.16-21, Lev 18.5, Mt 28.19-20 and hundreds of other verses clearly say that the Gentile who believes is to follow the commandments.
In fact, 1 Jn 2.4 says that if we say we know the L-rd and do not keep the commandments we are a liar. The Noahide theology that is expressed today through such organizations as the B'nei Noach (sons of Noah) is purely a rabbinical fence put up to keep gentiles "out". It should be ignored except for knowing what it is. G-d shows no partiality, Gentiles are grafted into the Jewish Olive Tree right along with anyone else who believes in Yeshua and keeps the commandments. (Rev 12.17, Eph2.11-22, Rom 11.1-36).
Q. WIll people be judged for not keeping the Torah?
A. The measure of Eternal Life is Faith in G-d. Faith is demonstrated by action (Heb 11). The Torah was given by G-d for intruction( 2 Tim 3.16) and that is what the word "torah" in Hebrew means. Once a person is righteous by his faith, he shows G-d he believes in HIm by obeying Him. We have passed from death into life, but the Torah shows us how to live in this world. A person who has no faith is under the condemnation of the Torah because it is the only standard G-d gave for sin(1Jn 3.4, Rom 3.20).
The Torah is the only standard by which we know what sin is. A person who says we don't have to keep the Torah is ignorant of the ways of G-d. How does he know what sin is if he throws out the standard?
The answer is, they don't. They make up there own standards and rules. There is not one person I have met that really believes they are free from the Law, they just say that because it justifies their ignorance or they don't want to obey or whatever. But, that doctrine is a lie and I have yet to find one person,Christian or not, that really believes that, But, they continue on like nothing is wrong and think that their Sunday church-going, tithing (which is twisted in todays Christian doctrine), thanking G-d for food He told you not to eat(pork,catfish,shellfish,shrimp,lobster) is "walking in the L-rd" Yeshua said it best in Mt 7.21-23. He said not everyone who calls Him "L-rd" will make it because He did not "know "them because they were "workers of iniquity".
Workers of iniquity in Greek is "anomos", or against the Law. Which Law? The Torah. Torah is translated in Greek as "nomos" ,so a worker of iniquity is one who does not keep the Torah. Are there people today who call "Jesus" L-rd and do not keep the Torah? Are you one of them? So, yes, people will be judged for not keeping the Torah(James 2.12). Now, go and study!
A. In the Torah, G-d gave Noah 7 commandments for mankind. These laws are refered to as the Noahic or Noahide Covenant. They can be found in Ge. 9 and are basically as follows: establish courts, no blasphemy, no idolatry,no incest or adultery,no murder, no robbery, not to eat flesh cut from a living animal. These commands are plain and simple and apply to all mankind. The Rabbi's teach that non-Jews are to obey these laws and are not obligated to follow the Torah.
This can be found in the so-called Oral Torah. Judaism teaches that the Torah was only given to Jews and a gentile who believes in G-d is only obligated to the Noahide laws. Thes laws are biblical, but how the Rabbi's have applied this is not. The Torah plainly teaches that a non-Jew who believes is to follow the Torah as it applies to him, not just the Noahide laws. To say that the Torah was only given to Jews is not biblical and in a sense is a form of racism. The Rabbi's have put up walls of seperation between a believing Jew and Gentile and this so called "Noahide Covenant" theology is a good example. This theology has been concocted over the centuries to say that which is contrary to the clear instruction G-d has given. Numbers 15.14-16, 9.14,2 Tim 3.16-17 Isa 56.1-8, Eccl 12.13, Zech 14.16-21, Lev 18.5, Mt 28.19-20 and hundreds of other verses clearly say that the Gentile who believes is to follow the commandments.
In fact, 1 Jn 2.4 says that if we say we know the L-rd and do not keep the commandments we are a liar. The Noahide theology that is expressed today through such organizations as the B'nei Noach (sons of Noah) is purely a rabbinical fence put up to keep gentiles "out". It should be ignored except for knowing what it is. G-d shows no partiality, Gentiles are grafted into the Jewish Olive Tree right along with anyone else who believes in Yeshua and keeps the commandments. (Rev 12.17, Eph2.11-22, Rom 11.1-36).
Q. WIll people be judged for not keeping the Torah?
A. The measure of Eternal Life is Faith in G-d. Faith is demonstrated by action (Heb 11). The Torah was given by G-d for intruction( 2 Tim 3.16) and that is what the word "torah" in Hebrew means. Once a person is righteous by his faith, he shows G-d he believes in HIm by obeying Him. We have passed from death into life, but the Torah shows us how to live in this world. A person who has no faith is under the condemnation of the Torah because it is the only standard G-d gave for sin(1Jn 3.4, Rom 3.20).
The Torah is the only standard by which we know what sin is. A person who says we don't have to keep the Torah is ignorant of the ways of G-d. How does he know what sin is if he throws out the standard?
The answer is, they don't. They make up there own standards and rules. There is not one person I have met that really believes they are free from the Law, they just say that because it justifies their ignorance or they don't want to obey or whatever. But, that doctrine is a lie and I have yet to find one person,Christian or not, that really believes that, But, they continue on like nothing is wrong and think that their Sunday church-going, tithing (which is twisted in todays Christian doctrine), thanking G-d for food He told you not to eat(pork,catfish,shellfish,shrimp,lobster) is "walking in the L-rd" Yeshua said it best in Mt 7.21-23. He said not everyone who calls Him "L-rd" will make it because He did not "know "them because they were "workers of iniquity".
Workers of iniquity in Greek is "anomos", or against the Law. Which Law? The Torah. Torah is translated in Greek as "nomos" ,so a worker of iniquity is one who does not keep the Torah. Are there people today who call "Jesus" L-rd and do not keep the Torah? Are you one of them? So, yes, people will be judged for not keeping the Torah(James 2.12). Now, go and study!
Binding and loosing
Q. What do the terms"binding and loosing" mean in Mt 18.18?
A. This is another misunderstood verse that has really confused people over the years. In these verse, Yeshua is giving authority to His followers to make "halachic" decisions. Each sect in the first century had courts called a "beit din" which means "house of judgement". When issues came up about the commandments and what to do, decisions could be made by these judges on exactly what to do.
They were legal interpretations on "how to walk", which is the Hebrew term "halachah". So, these halachic decisions would be reached, hopefully clarifying the matter. These decisions were valid as long as they did not contradict the written scripture. In Mt 18, Yeshua is giving His followers the authority to make these decisions. The term "bind" means to prohibit or to forbid. The term "loose" means to allow or to permit. So, what He is saying is that He gives these congregational "beit dins" the authority to allow or to prohit certain things as they come up in the lives of the people, as long as those decisions do not go against the Torah. In Mt 5.17-19, it says that Yeshua did not come to "destroy the Law", but to" fulfill" it. The term for destroy means to "misinterpret" the Torah. A misinterpretation destroys the original instruction. The term "fulfill" means to interpret it correctly. Yeshua came not to misinterpret the Torah, but to interpret it correctly, thus giving it meaning.
When people say that Sunday is the L-rd's Day, they have destroyed the commandment of the Sabbath by misinterpretation. When people say it is allowable to eat pork or catfish and other things forbidden by scripture, they have destroyed that commanment by their incorrect interpretation. So, let's put this together now. Yeshua did not come to misinterpret the Torah, but to give it the correct interpretation. He then gives His followers authority to make decisions or legal judgements as they come up. Whatever is allowed (loosed) should be in line with the Scriptures, as Yeshua would have done it.
Whatever is disallowed(bind) should also be in line with how Yeshua would have decided it. We know He was Torah observant, all the Apostles were Torah observant and all the 1st century believers were Torah observant, so our decisions today should be in line with the Torah. For example, when some comes to me and asks if they can eat pork. I would say no, thus "binding" or disallowing it, in line with the Torah and the New Testament.If someone asks if they can eat chicken, I would say yes, thus "loosing" or permitting it. The terms do not have anything to do with "binding" Satan or "loosing" angels.
This is a very common practice among many today but it is a misunderstanding of this verse. Now, there may be times where something is allowable under certain circumstances, but due to other circumstances it would not be a good idea. You see Paul "binding" or forbiding certain persons to marry because of some persecution going on which he called "this present distress." He thought that it would be better to not marry than have a family to worry about at that time (1Cor 7.25-40). That is a good example of a halachic decision. Now, go and study!
A. This is another misunderstood verse that has really confused people over the years. In these verse, Yeshua is giving authority to His followers to make "halachic" decisions. Each sect in the first century had courts called a "beit din" which means "house of judgement". When issues came up about the commandments and what to do, decisions could be made by these judges on exactly what to do.
They were legal interpretations on "how to walk", which is the Hebrew term "halachah". So, these halachic decisions would be reached, hopefully clarifying the matter. These decisions were valid as long as they did not contradict the written scripture. In Mt 18, Yeshua is giving His followers the authority to make these decisions. The term "bind" means to prohibit or to forbid. The term "loose" means to allow or to permit. So, what He is saying is that He gives these congregational "beit dins" the authority to allow or to prohit certain things as they come up in the lives of the people, as long as those decisions do not go against the Torah. In Mt 5.17-19, it says that Yeshua did not come to "destroy the Law", but to" fulfill" it. The term for destroy means to "misinterpret" the Torah. A misinterpretation destroys the original instruction. The term "fulfill" means to interpret it correctly. Yeshua came not to misinterpret the Torah, but to interpret it correctly, thus giving it meaning.
When people say that Sunday is the L-rd's Day, they have destroyed the commandment of the Sabbath by misinterpretation. When people say it is allowable to eat pork or catfish and other things forbidden by scripture, they have destroyed that commanment by their incorrect interpretation. So, let's put this together now. Yeshua did not come to misinterpret the Torah, but to give it the correct interpretation. He then gives His followers authority to make decisions or legal judgements as they come up. Whatever is allowed (loosed) should be in line with the Scriptures, as Yeshua would have done it.
Whatever is disallowed(bind) should also be in line with how Yeshua would have decided it. We know He was Torah observant, all the Apostles were Torah observant and all the 1st century believers were Torah observant, so our decisions today should be in line with the Torah. For example, when some comes to me and asks if they can eat pork. I would say no, thus "binding" or disallowing it, in line with the Torah and the New Testament.If someone asks if they can eat chicken, I would say yes, thus "loosing" or permitting it. The terms do not have anything to do with "binding" Satan or "loosing" angels.
This is a very common practice among many today but it is a misunderstanding of this verse. Now, there may be times where something is allowable under certain circumstances, but due to other circumstances it would not be a good idea. You see Paul "binding" or forbiding certain persons to marry because of some persecution going on which he called "this present distress." He thought that it would be better to not marry than have a family to worry about at that time (1Cor 7.25-40). That is a good example of a halachic decision. Now, go and study!
FAQ: Mithraism
Q What relationship is there between the pagan religion of Mithraism with Christianity?
A. There is a lot of confusion on this, so I will try to sort a few things out here. Mithraism is a Persian religion that existed before the !st century. The cult was introduced into the Roman empire 100 years before Yeshua. Mithra was born of a virgin "rock" on the winter solstice, around December 25th, worshipped on Sundays, had a last supper with his followers, initiates were "baptized", believed to have ascended to heaven, had a lord's supper involving small pieces of bread and wine, had leaders called "father"s (papa) or pope, and other things that were eventually incorporated into what became replacement theology Christianity.
By the time of the Roman ruler Constantine, Torah observance was rooted out of this "new faith" and he saw to it that Christianity had little in common with biblical faith. Costantine was a sun worshipper till the day he died. He was not a believer in Yeshua and persecuted those who did. At the Coucil of Nicea, he did not invite one Messianic Jewish bishop to attend because the purpose was clear. The empire was fragmented, he saw that he could unite the empire with one religion, incorporating common .pagan beliefs into one entity. It was a political move and expedient.
The cult of Sol Invictus blended with Mithraism and pagan Christianity. History records that Mithraism and the cult of Sol Invictus disappeared in the 4th century. Well, it did not disappear but was absorbed into Christianity and is still around today. Constantine changed the Sabbath to Sunday and outlawed Torah observance and disassociated this new "faith" from its Judaic origins. When it comes down to it, one does not need to be an expert in cultic religions to know that Christianity is not biblical. All you have to do is understand the scriptures to know that Christianity is a pagan religion and not based on the faith of our fathers.
To do some backround checking on your own , may I suggest that you look up the following topics on the Internet and do some research on your own. Go to Constantine, Sol Invictus, Mithraism, origin of Christmas and other related sites to get an idea of the origins of most of the practices you see in the "church" today. Be prepared to be shocked and I hope you are. But, anytime you forsake the instruction (Torah in Hebrew) of G-d you will find yourself in ma-made religions and deluded. Now, go and study>
A. There is a lot of confusion on this, so I will try to sort a few things out here. Mithraism is a Persian religion that existed before the !st century. The cult was introduced into the Roman empire 100 years before Yeshua. Mithra was born of a virgin "rock" on the winter solstice, around December 25th, worshipped on Sundays, had a last supper with his followers, initiates were "baptized", believed to have ascended to heaven, had a lord's supper involving small pieces of bread and wine, had leaders called "father"s (papa) or pope, and other things that were eventually incorporated into what became replacement theology Christianity.
By the time of the Roman ruler Constantine, Torah observance was rooted out of this "new faith" and he saw to it that Christianity had little in common with biblical faith. Costantine was a sun worshipper till the day he died. He was not a believer in Yeshua and persecuted those who did. At the Coucil of Nicea, he did not invite one Messianic Jewish bishop to attend because the purpose was clear. The empire was fragmented, he saw that he could unite the empire with one religion, incorporating common .pagan beliefs into one entity. It was a political move and expedient.
The cult of Sol Invictus blended with Mithraism and pagan Christianity. History records that Mithraism and the cult of Sol Invictus disappeared in the 4th century. Well, it did not disappear but was absorbed into Christianity and is still around today. Constantine changed the Sabbath to Sunday and outlawed Torah observance and disassociated this new "faith" from its Judaic origins. When it comes down to it, one does not need to be an expert in cultic religions to know that Christianity is not biblical. All you have to do is understand the scriptures to know that Christianity is a pagan religion and not based on the faith of our fathers.
To do some backround checking on your own , may I suggest that you look up the following topics on the Internet and do some research on your own. Go to Constantine, Sol Invictus, Mithraism, origin of Christmas and other related sites to get an idea of the origins of most of the practices you see in the "church" today. Be prepared to be shocked and I hope you are. But, anytime you forsake the instruction (Torah in Hebrew) of G-d you will find yourself in ma-made religions and deluded. Now, go and study>
After the Order of Melchizedek
Q. What does "after the order of Melchizedek"mean and who was he?
A. He was a character talked about in several scriptures in Genesis, Psalms and the book of Hebrews. Jewish tradition says that it could possibly be Shem, the son of Noah who had an Academy in Jerusalem to study the things of G-d. He was the only survivor left from the pre-flood world and passed on his knowledge to the righteous of his contemporaries, including Abraham. Christian tradition says he may be Yeshua who existed in some pre-incarnate form and appeared to Abraham. In my opinion, neither scenario is likely.
Let's look at this. Melchizedek is not his name, it is a title meaning "King (Melchi) of righteousness (zedek). Little is really known of him except the scriptures use him as an example of the type of messianic priesthood that was to come, which is what "order of Melchizedek" means. At the time he lived, people could approach G-d on an individual basis. In Exo 19.6 G-d says that He wants to make Israel a nation of "kings and priests.". The word for priest is "kohen" and it means one who draws near, to bring a sacrifice. This word can be used for priests of G-d or pagan priests in the scripture. After the Golden Calf incident, G-d commisioned the sons of Aaron to be the priests. As a result, now it was strictly hereditary.
Melchizedek, whoever he was, lived in an age when anyone who believed in G-d could function in this priestly role. When it says that Yeshua is a priest after the order of Melchidezek it simply means that the "individual" priesthood is coming back and the role it plays in the life of a believer, with Yeshua acting as highpriest. It simply is reverting back to the way it was and more in line with what G-d originally had intended.
Q Doesn't Eph 2.15 say that the law has been done away with in Jesus?
A. Let's look at a few things first. Noboby can do away with G-d's commandments, they are eternal (Mt 5.18, Isa 40.8) so it must means something else. Let's look at verse 14 and 15 and then analyze it, "For he himself is our peace who made both one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,having abolished in his flesh the emnity, the law of commandments in ordinances; that in himself he might make the two into one new man, establishing peace." In the first century there were man-made ordinances passed by the School of Shammai, the leading group of the Pharisees, that seperated Jew and Gentile from eating or associating together and did not even allow a Jew to enter into the house of a Gentile.
That's why the centurion said the Yeshua "it is not lawful for you to come under my roof, but say the word and my servant will be healed." These ordinances or commands, are called the 18 edicts. ALfred Edersheims book "The life and times of Jesus the Messiah" (p .166) talks about them. These "fences " were put in place to keep the Jewish people from defiling themselves by eating unkosher food and other types of uncleanliness. Well, G-d never said a Jew could not go into a gentiles house. It is those man -made commands and ordinances that are being broken down so that Jew and Gentile can be one in Messiah. The term "ordinances" is the Greek word for "dogma" or man-made commands. So let's look at this again."
For he himself (Yeshua) might make the two (Jew and Gentile) into one (group, body, bride,olive tree, etc) and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall (the man-made fences, 18 edicts that separated the two) having abolished (made useless) in his flesh the emnity(the antagonism between the two caused by) the law of commandments in ordinances( dogmas, man-made doctrines and opinions of men) that in himself (Yeshua) he might make the two (Jew and Gentile) into one new man, establishing peace (between the two)".. So, in short, Yeshua is breaking down the man-made fences and dogmas that seperated Jews and Gentiles so that we can felllowship together, following the L-rd in peace. This verse has nothing to do with the Law being done away with. Now, go and study!
A. He was a character talked about in several scriptures in Genesis, Psalms and the book of Hebrews. Jewish tradition says that it could possibly be Shem, the son of Noah who had an Academy in Jerusalem to study the things of G-d. He was the only survivor left from the pre-flood world and passed on his knowledge to the righteous of his contemporaries, including Abraham. Christian tradition says he may be Yeshua who existed in some pre-incarnate form and appeared to Abraham. In my opinion, neither scenario is likely.
Let's look at this. Melchizedek is not his name, it is a title meaning "King (Melchi) of righteousness (zedek). Little is really known of him except the scriptures use him as an example of the type of messianic priesthood that was to come, which is what "order of Melchizedek" means. At the time he lived, people could approach G-d on an individual basis. In Exo 19.6 G-d says that He wants to make Israel a nation of "kings and priests.". The word for priest is "kohen" and it means one who draws near, to bring a sacrifice. This word can be used for priests of G-d or pagan priests in the scripture. After the Golden Calf incident, G-d commisioned the sons of Aaron to be the priests. As a result, now it was strictly hereditary.
Melchizedek, whoever he was, lived in an age when anyone who believed in G-d could function in this priestly role. When it says that Yeshua is a priest after the order of Melchidezek it simply means that the "individual" priesthood is coming back and the role it plays in the life of a believer, with Yeshua acting as highpriest. It simply is reverting back to the way it was and more in line with what G-d originally had intended.
Q Doesn't Eph 2.15 say that the law has been done away with in Jesus?
A. Let's look at a few things first. Noboby can do away with G-d's commandments, they are eternal (Mt 5.18, Isa 40.8) so it must means something else. Let's look at verse 14 and 15 and then analyze it, "For he himself is our peace who made both one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,having abolished in his flesh the emnity, the law of commandments in ordinances; that in himself he might make the two into one new man, establishing peace." In the first century there were man-made ordinances passed by the School of Shammai, the leading group of the Pharisees, that seperated Jew and Gentile from eating or associating together and did not even allow a Jew to enter into the house of a Gentile.
That's why the centurion said the Yeshua "it is not lawful for you to come under my roof, but say the word and my servant will be healed." These ordinances or commands, are called the 18 edicts. ALfred Edersheims book "The life and times of Jesus the Messiah" (p .166) talks about them. These "fences " were put in place to keep the Jewish people from defiling themselves by eating unkosher food and other types of uncleanliness. Well, G-d never said a Jew could not go into a gentiles house. It is those man -made commands and ordinances that are being broken down so that Jew and Gentile can be one in Messiah. The term "ordinances" is the Greek word for "dogma" or man-made commands. So let's look at this again."
For he himself (Yeshua) might make the two (Jew and Gentile) into one (group, body, bride,olive tree, etc) and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall (the man-made fences, 18 edicts that separated the two) having abolished (made useless) in his flesh the emnity(the antagonism between the two caused by) the law of commandments in ordinances( dogmas, man-made doctrines and opinions of men) that in himself (Yeshua) he might make the two (Jew and Gentile) into one new man, establishing peace (between the two)".. So, in short, Yeshua is breaking down the man-made fences and dogmas that seperated Jews and Gentiles so that we can felllowship together, following the L-rd in peace. This verse has nothing to do with the Law being done away with. Now, go and study!
FAQ: Temple in Jerusalem
Q. What is your view of the plans to build a Temple in Jerusalem and the exact location?
A.My view on this may be a little different than what you might expect. First, there is no question about the fact that a Temple is coming and will be a factor in the coming Tribulation, or Birthpains. It is mentioned in relation to the Abomination of Desolation in Mt 24 and is mentioned in Revelation 11. Here is the problem. WHen G-d wanted a MIshkan (Tabernacle) he gave the design to Moses and it was built. Whenit came time for a Temple, He gave the design to David, who passed it on to Solomon. Zerubabbel was directed by G-d to build it back again after it was destroyed by the Babylonians.
Ezekiel was given the pattern in his book that describes the Temple when Messiah comes. In every case, G-d chose believers to do the job and gave the pattern. In this case I don't see that. Where are the believers in Yeshua with a word from G-d to build it? Where is the pattern? There is no question that a Temple will be built and G-d desires one. The last 8 chapters of Ezekiel deals with the Messianic Temple, but are the plans for a Temple now really in G-ds will? Again, we know one is standing during the Tribulation, but is it ordained of G-d at this point. Are the people in a state of belief that ordains such a thing? My opinion is that it is possible that G-d is not in these plans. Where are the prophets of G-d leading the way in all this.Where is the clear direction from the L-rd? Where is a Moses?
Where is "David and Solomon and Zerubabbel"? Where is Ezekiel? Where is there anyone involved in this that remotely comes close to the scriptural calling to lead such a thing? They are not there. The people leading the way don"t believe in Yeshua. How can you build a Temple for G-d and not even believe in His Messiah or the scriptures. The coming Temple will be according to Rabbinic?Greco/Roman standards of the 1st century. They aren't even sure they have the right spot in the first place. According to some scholars, the current Temple mount where the Dome of the Rock stands was really the place of the Roman garrison Antonio. Josehus and Titus were eyewitnesses to the destruction of Jerusalem.
They said that if they had not seen the city themselves, they would not have even known one existed after the Roman destruction. Eleazar ben Yair, who lead the zealots at Masada, said that the only thing remaing in the city was the walls around the Roman fortress of Antonio (the current Temple Mount). History records that nothing was built on the ruins of the Temple site when the Dome of the Rock was already there, meaning the Temple site was not on the Temple Mount.
The Temple site is in the southeastern part of the city, in the city of David, near the Gihon spring. Jews moving to Jerusalem a thousand years ago did not want to settle near the current Temple Mount, but south of it near the Gihon spring. THere was never an interest in the area known as the Temple Mount today until ,over time, the Jewish people forgot where the true site was. Anyway, the is a good book on this called "The Temples that Jersualem Forgot" by Ernest Martin.
You can got to the Internet and type in "Ernest Martin" and go to the web site for the "Association for Scriptural Knowledge "and get more on this. Now, this is my opinion and it is given to give you something to think about. Even if the current Temple Mount is the spot, I do not see the Prophets and the true men of G-d leading the way to build this Temple. The scriptural pattern is not there, and the Temple they want to build has many things not ordained in the Torah, like the Court of the Women and walls and prohibitions that exclude Gentiles. Many things like this never existed in Solomon's Temple, and they are not there in Ezekiel's, both of which we know are ordained by G-d. So, I hope this gives you something to think about and helps answer your question. Now, go and study.
A.My view on this may be a little different than what you might expect. First, there is no question about the fact that a Temple is coming and will be a factor in the coming Tribulation, or Birthpains. It is mentioned in relation to the Abomination of Desolation in Mt 24 and is mentioned in Revelation 11. Here is the problem. WHen G-d wanted a MIshkan (Tabernacle) he gave the design to Moses and it was built. Whenit came time for a Temple, He gave the design to David, who passed it on to Solomon. Zerubabbel was directed by G-d to build it back again after it was destroyed by the Babylonians.
Ezekiel was given the pattern in his book that describes the Temple when Messiah comes. In every case, G-d chose believers to do the job and gave the pattern. In this case I don't see that. Where are the believers in Yeshua with a word from G-d to build it? Where is the pattern? There is no question that a Temple will be built and G-d desires one. The last 8 chapters of Ezekiel deals with the Messianic Temple, but are the plans for a Temple now really in G-ds will? Again, we know one is standing during the Tribulation, but is it ordained of G-d at this point. Are the people in a state of belief that ordains such a thing? My opinion is that it is possible that G-d is not in these plans. Where are the prophets of G-d leading the way in all this.Where is the clear direction from the L-rd? Where is a Moses?
Where is "David and Solomon and Zerubabbel"? Where is Ezekiel? Where is there anyone involved in this that remotely comes close to the scriptural calling to lead such a thing? They are not there. The people leading the way don"t believe in Yeshua. How can you build a Temple for G-d and not even believe in His Messiah or the scriptures. The coming Temple will be according to Rabbinic?Greco/Roman standards of the 1st century. They aren't even sure they have the right spot in the first place. According to some scholars, the current Temple mount where the Dome of the Rock stands was really the place of the Roman garrison Antonio. Josehus and Titus were eyewitnesses to the destruction of Jerusalem.
They said that if they had not seen the city themselves, they would not have even known one existed after the Roman destruction. Eleazar ben Yair, who lead the zealots at Masada, said that the only thing remaing in the city was the walls around the Roman fortress of Antonio (the current Temple Mount). History records that nothing was built on the ruins of the Temple site when the Dome of the Rock was already there, meaning the Temple site was not on the Temple Mount.
The Temple site is in the southeastern part of the city, in the city of David, near the Gihon spring. Jews moving to Jerusalem a thousand years ago did not want to settle near the current Temple Mount, but south of it near the Gihon spring. THere was never an interest in the area known as the Temple Mount today until ,over time, the Jewish people forgot where the true site was. Anyway, the is a good book on this called "The Temples that Jersualem Forgot" by Ernest Martin.
You can got to the Internet and type in "Ernest Martin" and go to the web site for the "Association for Scriptural Knowledge "and get more on this. Now, this is my opinion and it is given to give you something to think about. Even if the current Temple Mount is the spot, I do not see the Prophets and the true men of G-d leading the way to build this Temple. The scriptural pattern is not there, and the Temple they want to build has many things not ordained in the Torah, like the Court of the Women and walls and prohibitions that exclude Gentiles. Many things like this never existed in Solomon's Temple, and they are not there in Ezekiel's, both of which we know are ordained by G-d. So, I hope this gives you something to think about and helps answer your question. Now, go and study.
The High Holy Days
This week begins what is called "The High Holy Days" or what the scriptures call the "Days of Awe." Rather than answer a specific question on this, I want to deal with the whole concept and meaning of these holy days and how they fit the prophetic scenario. Prophecies can have numerous fulfillments. Many make the mistake of thinking that something was fulfilled in the 1st century so it can't happen again, but that is not G-d's way. I can show you many prophecies that have numerous fulfillments, sometimes many years apart.
This will be very brief ,but the main concepts will be brought out. The scriptures teach that there is a 7000 year plan of G-d. 6000 years are equal to 6 days, and the last 1000 years is the L-rd's day, or Day of the L-rd. You will see this time period referred to as "in that day" or "that day" hundreds of times.
That last 1000 years starts out on a Rosh Ha Shanah, 6001. The term Rosh Ha Shanah means "head of the year", but the biblical term for this day is "Yom Teruah" , day of the awakening blast. Tewruah can means shofar or shout. Themes for this day include resurrection, coronation of the King, judgement and Wedding of the King. Scriptural idioms for this day are "the day no man knows", last trump", "door is open" plus many, many more. How does this fit the coming of Messiah?. The resurrection of the dead and the catching away of the believers to be with the L-rd will occur on that day. Isa 26, Rev 4, 2 Thes 2, 1Thes 4, 1COr 15 are written with Rosh Ha Shanah idioms and themes, clearly teaching these concepts. The 10 days between Rosh Ha Shanah and Yom KIppur are called "the Days of Awe".
Yom Kippur, 6001 will be the first day of what is biblically called the "birthpains" of the Messiah. Yom Kippur means "Day of Atonement" and is known as "the Great Shofar", "the Day of Redemption", "face to face" and many more. The "birthpains" will last 2520 days and will end on a Yom Kippur with the 2nd coming of Messiah to Jerusalem. The Yom Kippur ceremony teaches this. There are 2 goats that are a part of this ceremony. One goat is called "L'Adonai", or to the L-rd and is sacrificed. The second goat is called "L'Azazel" and means to the wilderness. The term Azazel is used in the book of Enoch and other writings of the 1st century to be a symbol of the False Messiah/Satan. That goat is not sacrified but is killed.
This goat is a picture of the False Messiah meeting his doom at the coming of Yeshua on Yom Kippur. The final feast in the fall is the feast of Sukkot, or booths, which teaches the coming of the Messianic Kingdom and the reign of Messiah. There were Temple ceremonies for all of these festivals. In Lev 23, G-d gave 7 festivals to Israel and any Gentile who aligned himself with them in faith. These are not "Jewish" festivals because G-d clearly says that these are His "appointed times" and HIs "holy convocations.". The word "convocation" is the Hebrew word for "rehearsal". By observing these festivals, you are rehearsing the coming of the L-rd.
The spring festivals are Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits and concludes with Pentecost. Yeshua died on Passover, was buried on Unleavened Bread, rose of Firstfruits and sent the power of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. The fall festivals ,just mentioned, will be fulfilled by HIm by raising the dead and taking the living believers to Him for the wedding, coronation and judgement, He will return on Yom Kippur , enter into judgement and set up the Messianic Kingdom on Sukkot.
For the last month, our congregation has been taught the meanings of these things in detail with hundreds of scriptures and sources to study. Paul taught these things and told the Thessalonians that they were not in darkness and that these things would not overtake them unaware. But many are unaware today because they have forsaken the Torah and the Prophets and have no knowledge of these things. Find a Torah teacher who can show you the whole counsel of G-d before it is too late. The coming of these things is very near, are you ready? G-d has an appointment with you on these days. Now, go and study!
This will be very brief ,but the main concepts will be brought out. The scriptures teach that there is a 7000 year plan of G-d. 6000 years are equal to 6 days, and the last 1000 years is the L-rd's day, or Day of the L-rd. You will see this time period referred to as "in that day" or "that day" hundreds of times.
That last 1000 years starts out on a Rosh Ha Shanah, 6001. The term Rosh Ha Shanah means "head of the year", but the biblical term for this day is "Yom Teruah" , day of the awakening blast. Tewruah can means shofar or shout. Themes for this day include resurrection, coronation of the King, judgement and Wedding of the King. Scriptural idioms for this day are "the day no man knows", last trump", "door is open" plus many, many more. How does this fit the coming of Messiah?. The resurrection of the dead and the catching away of the believers to be with the L-rd will occur on that day. Isa 26, Rev 4, 2 Thes 2, 1Thes 4, 1COr 15 are written with Rosh Ha Shanah idioms and themes, clearly teaching these concepts. The 10 days between Rosh Ha Shanah and Yom KIppur are called "the Days of Awe".
Yom Kippur, 6001 will be the first day of what is biblically called the "birthpains" of the Messiah. Yom Kippur means "Day of Atonement" and is known as "the Great Shofar", "the Day of Redemption", "face to face" and many more. The "birthpains" will last 2520 days and will end on a Yom Kippur with the 2nd coming of Messiah to Jerusalem. The Yom Kippur ceremony teaches this. There are 2 goats that are a part of this ceremony. One goat is called "L'Adonai", or to the L-rd and is sacrificed. The second goat is called "L'Azazel" and means to the wilderness. The term Azazel is used in the book of Enoch and other writings of the 1st century to be a symbol of the False Messiah/Satan. That goat is not sacrified but is killed.
This goat is a picture of the False Messiah meeting his doom at the coming of Yeshua on Yom Kippur. The final feast in the fall is the feast of Sukkot, or booths, which teaches the coming of the Messianic Kingdom and the reign of Messiah. There were Temple ceremonies for all of these festivals. In Lev 23, G-d gave 7 festivals to Israel and any Gentile who aligned himself with them in faith. These are not "Jewish" festivals because G-d clearly says that these are His "appointed times" and HIs "holy convocations.". The word "convocation" is the Hebrew word for "rehearsal". By observing these festivals, you are rehearsing the coming of the L-rd.
The spring festivals are Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits and concludes with Pentecost. Yeshua died on Passover, was buried on Unleavened Bread, rose of Firstfruits and sent the power of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. The fall festivals ,just mentioned, will be fulfilled by HIm by raising the dead and taking the living believers to Him for the wedding, coronation and judgement, He will return on Yom Kippur , enter into judgement and set up the Messianic Kingdom on Sukkot.
For the last month, our congregation has been taught the meanings of these things in detail with hundreds of scriptures and sources to study. Paul taught these things and told the Thessalonians that they were not in darkness and that these things would not overtake them unaware. But many are unaware today because they have forsaken the Torah and the Prophets and have no knowledge of these things. Find a Torah teacher who can show you the whole counsel of G-d before it is too late. The coming of these things is very near, are you ready? G-d has an appointment with you on these days. Now, go and study!
Who wrote the Book of Hebrews?
Q Who wrote the Book of Hebrews and to whom was it written?
A.Most likely it was Paul and there are several reasons for this. Church Fathers like Clement and Eusebius said Paul wrote it. The author was an expert in the use of the Seven Rules of Hillel and other complex forms of Homiletic Midrashic Exegesis and Paul was a student of Gamaliel and certainly would have this skill..
It seems that Paul wrote other letters not included in the New Testament and the author was in bonds, as was Paul (10.34) and his companion was Timothy(13.23). Now, to whom was Hebrews addressed? It is possible and likely that his audience were followers of John the Baptist and were Essene/Ebionite-like believers. We know that a sect of followers of John existed 30 years after John had died(Acts 19) and that John had a relationship with the Essenes in the Wilderness.. He lived there as a child (Lk 1.80) and had a community a few miles from Qumran at Bethabara (Jn 1.28).
There was an early church tradition that said after Herod killed the children at Bethlehem, John and his mother fled to to a mountain and it opened up for them and protected them, where an angel appeared to them. Could this be talking about Qumran , with openings(caves) and angels (Essenes) helping them? Essenes raised other peoples children according to Josephus. There are many other reasons to think that Paul wrote the book and he is writing to those who believed with Essene/Ebionite beliefs. The Essenes repudiated the Temple and the priesthood because they felt they were corrupt. The pre-Ebionites believed that Yeshua came to abolish the sacrifies.
Paul argues in favor of the Temple and the sacrifices and tries to present Yeshua as the expected priestly,Melchi-zedek figure who was higher than the earthly things, and the earthly was a picture of the heavenly. He presents Yeshua as the priest-king, like Melchi-zedek, who will bring Israel their inheritance.THe occasion for writing this book seems to be to encourage these believers after the death of James, who held all these different groups together in one Messianic community. The Kingdom was being rejected and the Messianic movement was losing momentum and Paul is trying to keep up their spirits, they felt like they were being oppressed and needed exhortation. Paul is taking their high belief in angels, and showing that Yeshua was greater.
He take the Essene belief of two Messiahs, and uses Melchizedek as an example of one who was not from Levi, but combined the 2 offices of priest-king and was greater than the earthly priesthood. Paul does not sign his name because he was a Pharisee and these Essene/Ebionite readers may have been offended. The Pharisee's were seen as comprimisers by these groups. This book is very Hebraic and cannot be understood unless one knows the history of the time, the festivals and the politics of the 1st century. It is not that hard to understand when you have some of these basics, but it is at a high level of Midrashic exegesis and Rabbinical Hermeneutics and whoever wrote it was brilliant in his presentation. Now, go and study!
A.Most likely it was Paul and there are several reasons for this. Church Fathers like Clement and Eusebius said Paul wrote it. The author was an expert in the use of the Seven Rules of Hillel and other complex forms of Homiletic Midrashic Exegesis and Paul was a student of Gamaliel and certainly would have this skill..
It seems that Paul wrote other letters not included in the New Testament and the author was in bonds, as was Paul (10.34) and his companion was Timothy(13.23). Now, to whom was Hebrews addressed? It is possible and likely that his audience were followers of John the Baptist and were Essene/Ebionite-like believers. We know that a sect of followers of John existed 30 years after John had died(Acts 19) and that John had a relationship with the Essenes in the Wilderness.. He lived there as a child (Lk 1.80) and had a community a few miles from Qumran at Bethabara (Jn 1.28).
There was an early church tradition that said after Herod killed the children at Bethlehem, John and his mother fled to to a mountain and it opened up for them and protected them, where an angel appeared to them. Could this be talking about Qumran , with openings(caves) and angels (Essenes) helping them? Essenes raised other peoples children according to Josephus. There are many other reasons to think that Paul wrote the book and he is writing to those who believed with Essene/Ebionite beliefs. The Essenes repudiated the Temple and the priesthood because they felt they were corrupt. The pre-Ebionites believed that Yeshua came to abolish the sacrifies.
Paul argues in favor of the Temple and the sacrifices and tries to present Yeshua as the expected priestly,Melchi-zedek figure who was higher than the earthly things, and the earthly was a picture of the heavenly. He presents Yeshua as the priest-king, like Melchi-zedek, who will bring Israel their inheritance.THe occasion for writing this book seems to be to encourage these believers after the death of James, who held all these different groups together in one Messianic community. The Kingdom was being rejected and the Messianic movement was losing momentum and Paul is trying to keep up their spirits, they felt like they were being oppressed and needed exhortation. Paul is taking their high belief in angels, and showing that Yeshua was greater.
He take the Essene belief of two Messiahs, and uses Melchizedek as an example of one who was not from Levi, but combined the 2 offices of priest-king and was greater than the earthly priesthood. Paul does not sign his name because he was a Pharisee and these Essene/Ebionite readers may have been offended. The Pharisee's were seen as comprimisers by these groups. This book is very Hebraic and cannot be understood unless one knows the history of the time, the festivals and the politics of the 1st century. It is not that hard to understand when you have some of these basics, but it is at a high level of Midrashic exegesis and Rabbinical Hermeneutics and whoever wrote it was brilliant in his presentation. Now, go and study!
FAQ: Legalism
Q. I hear the term "legalism" being thrown around all the time..how does it appy to a believer?
A. Legalism is basically a system of man-made rules that relate to your salvation. In other words, man-made laws that you have to do to be saved. It does not apply to G-ds commandments because they were never to be obeyed for salvation or righteousness with G-d. The commandments were given to define sin and to show us how to live before G-d. Many today have said that if someone teaches you to keep the Sabbath for instance, that is legalism.
Or, if someone teaches you to keep the biblical festivals or to avoid unbiblical things to eat, that is legalism. So, let's look at this for a moment. When you tell your children not to lie, is that legalism or is that the best way to live? When you tell your friend that he shouldn't steal, is that legalism? When you tell someone that adultery is wrong, is that legalism? If you tell somone to love their neighbor, is that legalism? Of course not, so why is telling someone to keep the Sabbath legalism? They are all in the commandments. The reason is one appears to be a"Jewish" rule that some teach doesn't apply anymore. Says who? The laws are not Jewish, they are G-ds.
There is no such thing as "The Jewish Festivals", the scriptures say that they are G-ds appointed times. He gave them to Isreal to be a light to the nations, to teach the world how to live before HIm and to relate to one another. Why is that you can teach some of the commandments, and that isn't legalism, but if you teach all the commandments, that is considered legalism? It doesn't make sense, unless you read Church history and follow the progression of unbelief that characterized the writings and rulings of the Church Fathers down throught the ages.
Then you begin to see that there was a concerted effort to root out the biblical roots of the faith and have them replaced by man-made traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.There are many so-called Bible teachers that actually teach their people that it is a virtue to not obey G-d, and they call this "freedom". The Scriptures call it lawlessness, "anomos" in Greek ,which means without the Torah. Why is it you can teach certain commandments and that is permissible, but if you teach other commandments that are right next to the permissible ones it is called legalism? I know of homosexual groups exposing this hypocrisy to Christian ministers.
They say to the ministers "If you are free from the Law and don't have to keep the Sabbath, festivals and food laws, why aren't we free from it too?" You see, legalism will cause these arguments because they are man-made rules that don't make sense. When you obey G-ds commandments it sets you free because it is truth, legalism is error and it binds people. Now, you can take G-ds commandments and make it a legalistic system, but again it is man's rules about them that get in the. way. If you teach the Sabbath festivals, Temple, kosher you are no more teaching legalism than the guy teaching you not to lie, steal commit adultery or anything else. Aren't both found in the Torah? I hope this helps, now go and study.
A. Legalism is basically a system of man-made rules that relate to your salvation. In other words, man-made laws that you have to do to be saved. It does not apply to G-ds commandments because they were never to be obeyed for salvation or righteousness with G-d. The commandments were given to define sin and to show us how to live before G-d. Many today have said that if someone teaches you to keep the Sabbath for instance, that is legalism.
Or, if someone teaches you to keep the biblical festivals or to avoid unbiblical things to eat, that is legalism. So, let's look at this for a moment. When you tell your children not to lie, is that legalism or is that the best way to live? When you tell your friend that he shouldn't steal, is that legalism? When you tell someone that adultery is wrong, is that legalism? If you tell somone to love their neighbor, is that legalism? Of course not, so why is telling someone to keep the Sabbath legalism? They are all in the commandments. The reason is one appears to be a"Jewish" rule that some teach doesn't apply anymore. Says who? The laws are not Jewish, they are G-ds.
There is no such thing as "The Jewish Festivals", the scriptures say that they are G-ds appointed times. He gave them to Isreal to be a light to the nations, to teach the world how to live before HIm and to relate to one another. Why is that you can teach some of the commandments, and that isn't legalism, but if you teach all the commandments, that is considered legalism? It doesn't make sense, unless you read Church history and follow the progression of unbelief that characterized the writings and rulings of the Church Fathers down throught the ages.
Then you begin to see that there was a concerted effort to root out the biblical roots of the faith and have them replaced by man-made traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.There are many so-called Bible teachers that actually teach their people that it is a virtue to not obey G-d, and they call this "freedom". The Scriptures call it lawlessness, "anomos" in Greek ,which means without the Torah. Why is it you can teach certain commandments and that is permissible, but if you teach other commandments that are right next to the permissible ones it is called legalism? I know of homosexual groups exposing this hypocrisy to Christian ministers.
They say to the ministers "If you are free from the Law and don't have to keep the Sabbath, festivals and food laws, why aren't we free from it too?" You see, legalism will cause these arguments because they are man-made rules that don't make sense. When you obey G-ds commandments it sets you free because it is truth, legalism is error and it binds people. Now, you can take G-ds commandments and make it a legalistic system, but again it is man's rules about them that get in the. way. If you teach the Sabbath festivals, Temple, kosher you are no more teaching legalism than the guy teaching you not to lie, steal commit adultery or anything else. Aren't both found in the Torah? I hope this helps, now go and study.
FAQ: Seventh Day Sabbath
Q It has been preached that folks observe the 10 Commandments, but if they are attending church on Sunday, does this mean G-d will condemn them to hell?
A. Thsdat is a common question so let's look at this. It is inconsistent to tell people to follow the 10 Commandments, and then say the 7th day Sabbath has been "done away". How did this happen. If you go back into history, you will see that the 1st century believers in Yeshua were Jewish, and followed the Torah. They would have never considered not observing the Sabbath. Yeshua did, Paul did and when Gentiles came into the faith, they went to the synagogues to learn the Torah, wherever they were (Acts 15.21). These Gentiles came to faith in Yeshua and kept the commandments. As time went on, more and more Gentiles came into the faith out of paganism, and kept some of the pagan practices they had. In the roman Empire, Jews were not very well liked, and to participate in what was deemed "Judaism" came to be seen as unpatriotic toward Rome. The Gentile voice outnumbered the Jewish voice the further you got away from Israel, called the "diaspora" or dispersion. As time went on, these people began to totally seperate form the Messianic Jews and formed what was to become "Christianity".
Doctrines were created, using pagan backrounds, to formulate creeds and doctrines. One of these was changing the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday. The purpose was to root out the last vestiges of Judaism from this new faith (Constantine, Council of Nicea) because of the mistaken belief that G-d had discarded the Jewish peole and their" religion" and was forming something else. This is what is called Replacement Theology, that G-d replaced Israel with "the church". Several hundred years after Yeshua, it became official that Sunday was the Christian Sabbath and L-rd's Day and if one celebrated the 7th day Sabbath, you did so against the will of the state and could be put to death. Eventually, it just came to be done and nobody questioned it.
The only authority for changing it to Sunday came from the Catholic Church and Protestants still follow the Catholics on this one, and other doctrines. There is much information on this. There have been articles in the past dealing with the exact quotes from Catholic and Protestant leaders stating that the Sabbath is the 7th day, and Sunday is a tradition not based in Scripture. Log on to the web site Yashanet.com and click on the article "Why the Protestant Reformation failed" and you will see it centered on Luthers "scripture only" belief, but he still kept Sunday and the Catholic Church leaders pointed this out and that the only authority to do came from the Catholic Church, so Luthers premise was shown to be invalid, and the Reformation died right there. Now, it is clear that the 10 Commandments refer to the 7th day Sabbath.
Secondly, man does not have the authority to invalidate a command of G-d by his tradition. One does not get condemned to hell for breaking a commandment, but because of unbelief. Breaking a commandment is called "sin" (1Jn 3.4).Your unbelief is evidenced by what you do.
One who does not believe will not keep the commandments, and he does not keep the commandments because he does not know G-d (1Jn 2.1-4). If one does believe, he will keep the will of G-d, which is His word, the Torah, but Torah does not mean Law, it means "teaching and instruction. The Torah was put into Greek and they used the Greek word "nomos" for Torah and that is how it was translated into Englis. The Torah is the intstruction of G-d on how to live, on how to know Him and so on. This gives new meaning to the phrase "not under Law" What G-d hears is "not under My instruction" which is not a good position to take with Him.
Thirdly, people are at different levels of their understanding. If one believes that the Law has been "done away with", then he does not understand. By "Law "I mean the Torah. There is not one Christian who really believes that, but they teach it anyway because they get to pick and choose what they want to obey. The "law" they are taught that has been done away are the "Jewish ones" like Sabbath, festivals,food laws (ever noticed that?)and they have replaced it with man-made traditions. It is this unbelief in the whole counsel of G-d that is the problem.
They will say they believe in the Word of G-d, but then teach against it using traditions that go back centuries to prove it. It is this unbelief that is a problem before the L-rd, demonstrated by their lack of fruit in obedience to the L-rd. Faith without works (Hebrew word for commandments is "mitzvot" or works) is dead. One has faith in G-d, is deemed righteous by faith, then follows the Word to show G-d that he believes. There are other questions along this line we will deal with next week, so make sure you don't miss next week's column. Now, go and study!
A. Thsdat is a common question so let's look at this. It is inconsistent to tell people to follow the 10 Commandments, and then say the 7th day Sabbath has been "done away". How did this happen. If you go back into history, you will see that the 1st century believers in Yeshua were Jewish, and followed the Torah. They would have never considered not observing the Sabbath. Yeshua did, Paul did and when Gentiles came into the faith, they went to the synagogues to learn the Torah, wherever they were (Acts 15.21). These Gentiles came to faith in Yeshua and kept the commandments. As time went on, more and more Gentiles came into the faith out of paganism, and kept some of the pagan practices they had. In the roman Empire, Jews were not very well liked, and to participate in what was deemed "Judaism" came to be seen as unpatriotic toward Rome. The Gentile voice outnumbered the Jewish voice the further you got away from Israel, called the "diaspora" or dispersion. As time went on, these people began to totally seperate form the Messianic Jews and formed what was to become "Christianity".
Doctrines were created, using pagan backrounds, to formulate creeds and doctrines. One of these was changing the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday. The purpose was to root out the last vestiges of Judaism from this new faith (Constantine, Council of Nicea) because of the mistaken belief that G-d had discarded the Jewish peole and their" religion" and was forming something else. This is what is called Replacement Theology, that G-d replaced Israel with "the church". Several hundred years after Yeshua, it became official that Sunday was the Christian Sabbath and L-rd's Day and if one celebrated the 7th day Sabbath, you did so against the will of the state and could be put to death. Eventually, it just came to be done and nobody questioned it.
The only authority for changing it to Sunday came from the Catholic Church and Protestants still follow the Catholics on this one, and other doctrines. There is much information on this. There have been articles in the past dealing with the exact quotes from Catholic and Protestant leaders stating that the Sabbath is the 7th day, and Sunday is a tradition not based in Scripture. Log on to the web site Yashanet.com and click on the article "Why the Protestant Reformation failed" and you will see it centered on Luthers "scripture only" belief, but he still kept Sunday and the Catholic Church leaders pointed this out and that the only authority to do came from the Catholic Church, so Luthers premise was shown to be invalid, and the Reformation died right there. Now, it is clear that the 10 Commandments refer to the 7th day Sabbath.
Secondly, man does not have the authority to invalidate a command of G-d by his tradition. One does not get condemned to hell for breaking a commandment, but because of unbelief. Breaking a commandment is called "sin" (1Jn 3.4).Your unbelief is evidenced by what you do.
One who does not believe will not keep the commandments, and he does not keep the commandments because he does not know G-d (1Jn 2.1-4). If one does believe, he will keep the will of G-d, which is His word, the Torah, but Torah does not mean Law, it means "teaching and instruction. The Torah was put into Greek and they used the Greek word "nomos" for Torah and that is how it was translated into Englis. The Torah is the intstruction of G-d on how to live, on how to know Him and so on. This gives new meaning to the phrase "not under Law" What G-d hears is "not under My instruction" which is not a good position to take with Him.
Thirdly, people are at different levels of their understanding. If one believes that the Law has been "done away with", then he does not understand. By "Law "I mean the Torah. There is not one Christian who really believes that, but they teach it anyway because they get to pick and choose what they want to obey. The "law" they are taught that has been done away are the "Jewish ones" like Sabbath, festivals,food laws (ever noticed that?)and they have replaced it with man-made traditions. It is this unbelief in the whole counsel of G-d that is the problem.
They will say they believe in the Word of G-d, but then teach against it using traditions that go back centuries to prove it. It is this unbelief that is a problem before the L-rd, demonstrated by their lack of fruit in obedience to the L-rd. Faith without works (Hebrew word for commandments is "mitzvot" or works) is dead. One has faith in G-d, is deemed righteous by faith, then follows the Word to show G-d that he believes. There are other questions along this line we will deal with next week, so make sure you don't miss next week's column. Now, go and study!
Myth: The Law has been 'done away with'
Q. You hear that the Law has been "done away with" all the time. What "Law" are those people talking about? I get confused when some say "only Rabbi laws" were done away with or when some say "God never changes." What does this mean?
A.You have several questions here so let's try to take each one and try to clarify it. When people say the Law has been done away with, they mean the Torah or the "old" testament laws. They don't really believe that but that is what they say. There is not one person who says they believe in the L-rd that really believes that the Law has been done away with. What they are really saying is the laws that they don't like, or don't want to obey are done away with.So, their basic premise is inaccurate and it gets worse from there.
When people say that to me I say, "Then I can lie, cheat my neighbor, commit adultery, be a homosexual, have idols if I want?" They will say "No, we aren't to do those things." Then I say, "then you don't really believe the Law has been done away with, just some of them." They will have to say yes, then ask them which ones. You will get all sorts of answers because they just make it up. What they really mean is the Jewish sounding laws like Sabbath, festivals, not eating pork and so on. If the Law has been done away with for Christians, how do they know what sin is? They don't, then they have to define it for themselves. One denomination says dancing is sin, another doesn't. One denomination thinks make-up or jewelry is sin, another doesn't. One denomination thinks not going to church is sin, and so on. If people are "set free from the Law" then why were preachers so mad at Clinton? If they hold him accountable for adultery, then why aren't they accountable for breaking the Sabbath? They both are in the same set of commandments. If people are set free from the Law, why do those same preachers teach tithing? No wonder you are confused. The answer is this. The Law, or Torah, means instruction. G-d has never changed about this. These laws apply as much today as ever. The 1st century believers kept the Torah, and taught it to all believers, Jew and Gentile (1Cor 11.1-2, 2 Thes 2.15, 3.6, ...look up the word "paradosis") It was G-d's standard for living. The part of the law we are set free from as a believer is the part that condemns us . By faith, we have passed into life, but we still have to obey. People who teach that the law has been done away do not know the L-rd or the scriptures and should do something else for living.
You are right, G-d never changes and His Word never changes. We are not to add to...or take away from it, and that is exactly what Christian "Theology" (if you want to call it that) teaches. It cannot be defended nor should one listen to anyone that tells you that the law has been done away with. That is a mark of a false prophet according to Deut. 13. When one becomes a believer, you obey the L-rd. To find out how to obey Him, you study the Scriptures, all of it. When Paul said that the scriptures were inspired and profitable for teaching(Hebrew word Torah), for reproof, for correction and for training, he was talking about the Torah.
THe preachers who teach that would never have been listened to in the 1st century, and shouldn't be today. When they brought charges against Stephen in Acts 6.13-14, they brought false charges saying that Stephen was not keeping the Torah, exactly what is taught today. This tells you he was Torah observant. This has completely turned around in Christian theology. What was deemed a false testimony in Acts is now what is taught as true today. The Law has not been done away with and Yeshua said so in Mt. 5.17-19 and that should be enough for anyone.
A.You have several questions here so let's try to take each one and try to clarify it. When people say the Law has been done away with, they mean the Torah or the "old" testament laws. They don't really believe that but that is what they say. There is not one person who says they believe in the L-rd that really believes that the Law has been done away with. What they are really saying is the laws that they don't like, or don't want to obey are done away with.So, their basic premise is inaccurate and it gets worse from there.
When people say that to me I say, "Then I can lie, cheat my neighbor, commit adultery, be a homosexual, have idols if I want?" They will say "No, we aren't to do those things." Then I say, "then you don't really believe the Law has been done away with, just some of them." They will have to say yes, then ask them which ones. You will get all sorts of answers because they just make it up. What they really mean is the Jewish sounding laws like Sabbath, festivals, not eating pork and so on. If the Law has been done away with for Christians, how do they know what sin is? They don't, then they have to define it for themselves. One denomination says dancing is sin, another doesn't. One denomination thinks make-up or jewelry is sin, another doesn't. One denomination thinks not going to church is sin, and so on. If people are "set free from the Law" then why were preachers so mad at Clinton? If they hold him accountable for adultery, then why aren't they accountable for breaking the Sabbath? They both are in the same set of commandments. If people are set free from the Law, why do those same preachers teach tithing? No wonder you are confused. The answer is this. The Law, or Torah, means instruction. G-d has never changed about this. These laws apply as much today as ever. The 1st century believers kept the Torah, and taught it to all believers, Jew and Gentile (1Cor 11.1-2, 2 Thes 2.15, 3.6, ...look up the word "paradosis") It was G-d's standard for living. The part of the law we are set free from as a believer is the part that condemns us . By faith, we have passed into life, but we still have to obey. People who teach that the law has been done away do not know the L-rd or the scriptures and should do something else for living.
You are right, G-d never changes and His Word never changes. We are not to add to...or take away from it, and that is exactly what Christian "Theology" (if you want to call it that) teaches. It cannot be defended nor should one listen to anyone that tells you that the law has been done away with. That is a mark of a false prophet according to Deut. 13. When one becomes a believer, you obey the L-rd. To find out how to obey Him, you study the Scriptures, all of it. When Paul said that the scriptures were inspired and profitable for teaching(Hebrew word Torah), for reproof, for correction and for training, he was talking about the Torah.
THe preachers who teach that would never have been listened to in the 1st century, and shouldn't be today. When they brought charges against Stephen in Acts 6.13-14, they brought false charges saying that Stephen was not keeping the Torah, exactly what is taught today. This tells you he was Torah observant. This has completely turned around in Christian theology. What was deemed a false testimony in Acts is now what is taught as true today. The Law has not been done away with and Yeshua said so in Mt. 5.17-19 and that should be enough for anyone.
FAQ: Olive Tree Congregation
Q. What would be the accurate word or phrase to describe your building and/or congregation?
A. The scriptural term for a congrgation is the Hebrew word "kahal" and that would describe the people in general who belong to the L-rd. That is also a universal word for His people. The word "synagogue" is Greek and means "assembly" and the Hebrew term is" Beit Knesset", or house of assembly. Another term is "Beit Midrash", or house of study. These two terms describe some of the functions of an assembly, that is, a place to assemble and study the scriptures. The term "messianic" and has several meanings.
In the 1st century it carried the idea of a nationalistic, messianic expectation , in that the Messiah would come and deliver Israel from the Romans. Today, it is used to describe the fact there is a belief that Yeshua is the Messiah and the Torah is taught. However, the 1st century believers were referred to as "nazarenes" and that would probably be more accurate. These terms are used today to make a distinction from "the church" and rightfully so. There is no similarity between the two. What is taught is different, the concept of the Messiah is different, holidays and theology is different. The two groups may use the same terms, but the meanings are far different.
Q. What is this talk of three' heavens"? I've heard this before, but i'm unsure of what is the "good" heaven where G-d id, and what the "bad" heaven is. Is the "bad" heaven hell?
A. I don't know what you have been looking at, so it will be hard to get to the heart of your question, but I'll try to simplify it. There is a scriptural concept of 4 heavens, and the third heaven is referred to specifically by Paul in 2 Cor 12.2.
The first heaven is the sky and clouds. The second is where the stars, moon and sun are and the third is where Paul went. It is where the throne of G-d is and where Ezekiel saw his vision. This heaven is also called "paradise" and it is where believers go at death. But, there is a fourth heaven, where everything originated from. That is why Ezekiel would say he saw "something resembling a throne" and "on that a figure with the appearance of a man" (1.26). To help understand this, these heavens were given names corresponding to the four -lettered name of G-d. YHVH. Y="Azilut" meaning "emanation" because everything"emanates" from there.It is where G-d began creation from, where the other three "heavens " or worlds came from.
That would be referred to as the "fourth" heaven. The H= "beriah" meaning "creation" and that would be where Paul went, heaven proper, or third heaven or where the throne is. The V= "yezirah" meaning "formation" or the second heaven, the realm of angels. The last letter of G-ds name, the H= "asiyah" meaning "making" or the 1st heaven. That is the physical realm. The concept of unifying G-ds name (YHVH) carries with it the idea of the unification of these four realms (Zech 14.9). G-ds creation is vast and far beyond our mortal minds to comprehend, and many have tried to make easier to understand, but it just opens up more questions. But, keep studying and one day we will know for sure.
A. The scriptural term for a congrgation is the Hebrew word "kahal" and that would describe the people in general who belong to the L-rd. That is also a universal word for His people. The word "synagogue" is Greek and means "assembly" and the Hebrew term is" Beit Knesset", or house of assembly. Another term is "Beit Midrash", or house of study. These two terms describe some of the functions of an assembly, that is, a place to assemble and study the scriptures. The term "messianic" and has several meanings.
In the 1st century it carried the idea of a nationalistic, messianic expectation , in that the Messiah would come and deliver Israel from the Romans. Today, it is used to describe the fact there is a belief that Yeshua is the Messiah and the Torah is taught. However, the 1st century believers were referred to as "nazarenes" and that would probably be more accurate. These terms are used today to make a distinction from "the church" and rightfully so. There is no similarity between the two. What is taught is different, the concept of the Messiah is different, holidays and theology is different. The two groups may use the same terms, but the meanings are far different.
Q. What is this talk of three' heavens"? I've heard this before, but i'm unsure of what is the "good" heaven where G-d id, and what the "bad" heaven is. Is the "bad" heaven hell?
A. I don't know what you have been looking at, so it will be hard to get to the heart of your question, but I'll try to simplify it. There is a scriptural concept of 4 heavens, and the third heaven is referred to specifically by Paul in 2 Cor 12.2.
The first heaven is the sky and clouds. The second is where the stars, moon and sun are and the third is where Paul went. It is where the throne of G-d is and where Ezekiel saw his vision. This heaven is also called "paradise" and it is where believers go at death. But, there is a fourth heaven, where everything originated from. That is why Ezekiel would say he saw "something resembling a throne" and "on that a figure with the appearance of a man" (1.26). To help understand this, these heavens were given names corresponding to the four -lettered name of G-d. YHVH. Y="Azilut" meaning "emanation" because everything"emanates" from there.It is where G-d began creation from, where the other three "heavens " or worlds came from.
That would be referred to as the "fourth" heaven. The H= "beriah" meaning "creation" and that would be where Paul went, heaven proper, or third heaven or where the throne is. The V= "yezirah" meaning "formation" or the second heaven, the realm of angels. The last letter of G-ds name, the H= "asiyah" meaning "making" or the 1st heaven. That is the physical realm. The concept of unifying G-ds name (YHVH) carries with it the idea of the unification of these four realms (Zech 14.9). G-ds creation is vast and far beyond our mortal minds to comprehend, and many have tried to make easier to understand, but it just opens up more questions. But, keep studying and one day we will know for sure.
What is a Judaizer?
Q. A reader named "Paul" asks: " What is a "Judaizer" and what is it not? How does this square with Apostate Christian thought which says one demonstrates their faith by NOT keeping His commandments?""
A. There are two questions here, so let's take the first one, which will lead to the second. A "Judaizer" is someone who says that one has to become Jewish to be saved, it has nothing to do with teaching the Torah, everyone who believes is to do that. A Judaizer is one who says you have to be Jewish (Judah=judaiazer) and that involves ritual circumcision. This is, of course wrong, and it was dealt with in the Book of Acts and the Book of Galatians.
There were people coming in to Gentiles saying that they had to convert to Judaism to be saved (Acts 15 1-3) and this involved getting circumcised and Galatians is clear that a Gentile does not have to do that to have a place in the Faith. The type of circumcision being discussed in Galatians is Ritual Circumcision, not the commandment to be circumcised as part of the Abrahamic Covenant. The commandments apply to both Jew and Gentile, and each have a place in the Olive Tree of G-d and one does not have to become Jewish. (1Cor 7.19-21).
We are commanded, however, to teach the Torah and this is not Judaizing, it is telling people to obey G-d. Does a person "judaize" if you tell your children to love their neighbor, or to tell the truth? Are you "judaizing" when you tell someone not to steal? Of course not, and neither are you "judaizing" when you tell someone they should keep the other commandments.
As far as the second part of your question, the doctrine that says if you keep the commandments you have fallen from grace is ridiculous. I have heard this before and was taught it in Bible College, so I know it is around. People actually think they show G-d their faith by disobeying Him, that is how deceived they are. In truth, you obey G-d because you love Him and want to please your Father, and that demonstrates to Him you believe. Faith is action, and that action has to be consistant with His Word, not what we think we should do. We are to obey the commandments that apply to you, and this goes for every man (Ecc 12.13). Any teaching that tells you that you don't have to keep the commandments should be rejected and you need to find another teacher. Now, go and study!
A. There are two questions here, so let's take the first one, which will lead to the second. A "Judaizer" is someone who says that one has to become Jewish to be saved, it has nothing to do with teaching the Torah, everyone who believes is to do that. A Judaizer is one who says you have to be Jewish (Judah=judaiazer) and that involves ritual circumcision. This is, of course wrong, and it was dealt with in the Book of Acts and the Book of Galatians.
There were people coming in to Gentiles saying that they had to convert to Judaism to be saved (Acts 15 1-3) and this involved getting circumcised and Galatians is clear that a Gentile does not have to do that to have a place in the Faith. The type of circumcision being discussed in Galatians is Ritual Circumcision, not the commandment to be circumcised as part of the Abrahamic Covenant. The commandments apply to both Jew and Gentile, and each have a place in the Olive Tree of G-d and one does not have to become Jewish. (1Cor 7.19-21).
We are commanded, however, to teach the Torah and this is not Judaizing, it is telling people to obey G-d. Does a person "judaize" if you tell your children to love their neighbor, or to tell the truth? Are you "judaizing" when you tell someone not to steal? Of course not, and neither are you "judaizing" when you tell someone they should keep the other commandments.
As far as the second part of your question, the doctrine that says if you keep the commandments you have fallen from grace is ridiculous. I have heard this before and was taught it in Bible College, so I know it is around. People actually think they show G-d their faith by disobeying Him, that is how deceived they are. In truth, you obey G-d because you love Him and want to please your Father, and that demonstrates to Him you believe. Faith is action, and that action has to be consistant with His Word, not what we think we should do. We are to obey the commandments that apply to you, and this goes for every man (Ecc 12.13). Any teaching that tells you that you don't have to keep the commandments should be rejected and you need to find another teacher. Now, go and study!
Renewal of the Abrahamic Covenant
Q.Can you give the "good interpretation" and explain the ultimate significance of Gen. 35.9-12?
A. This passage has to do with a renewal of the Abrahamic Covenant, this time through Jacob. Part of a covenant involves name changes and we see G-d identifying Himself as G-d Almighty and then changes Jacob's name to Israel, confirming what had already taken place back in 32.27. He then promises the same things that were promised to Abraham and Isaac. It will be through these patriarchs that the Messiah would come and their descendants would become a great nation and kings shall come through his lineage. The nation He is talking about is of course Israel and the kings will be David, Solomon and the Kings of Judah and son to the Messiah Himself. There are those who try to make these verses fit some lost 10 tribes scenario, or British Israelite theories but that can easily be disproved. These verses are not talking about some replecement Israel concept or that England and the United States are where the "lost tribes" are. These teachings are false and should be avoided.
Q. The winter festival where Jesus went to Jerusalem (Jn. 10.22) looks to be a legitimate festival. Why isn't that festival celebrated? How is it celebrated and how does it fit into the prophetical scenario?
A.It is a legitimate festival and it is celebrated today, it is called Chanukah. You will see it is called the Feast of Dedication, which in Hebrew means Chanukah. It is an 8 day festival remembering the Maccabean revolt over the Greeks and the rededication of the Temple back to G-d on the 25th of Kislev.
They missed Sukkot, so they had a "second" Sukkot. Solomon dedicated the 1st Temple during Sukkot, so it was another feast of Dedication, called Chanukah, meaning dedication. It is celebrated by lighting an 9- branched Menorah, discussing the history of the festival and what we can learn. It is a minor festival and it does have prophetical significance. It is talked about in Dan 11.29-35. Antiochus is a picture of the False Messiah, this festival is related to the Shroud of Turin and in Dan 12.11-12 it is the day that Ezekiel's Temple will be dedicated, 1335 days after the mid-point of the Tribulation. In addition, knowing the approximate date of Yeshua's birth as being around September, this places Mary's conception to the time of Chanukah. So, Chanukah can be celebrated by talking about the history, it relates to Yeshua's conception, it is related to the False Messiah and the Tribulation and the dedication of the Messianic Temple. Now, go and study!
A. This passage has to do with a renewal of the Abrahamic Covenant, this time through Jacob. Part of a covenant involves name changes and we see G-d identifying Himself as G-d Almighty and then changes Jacob's name to Israel, confirming what had already taken place back in 32.27. He then promises the same things that were promised to Abraham and Isaac. It will be through these patriarchs that the Messiah would come and their descendants would become a great nation and kings shall come through his lineage. The nation He is talking about is of course Israel and the kings will be David, Solomon and the Kings of Judah and son to the Messiah Himself. There are those who try to make these verses fit some lost 10 tribes scenario, or British Israelite theories but that can easily be disproved. These verses are not talking about some replecement Israel concept or that England and the United States are where the "lost tribes" are. These teachings are false and should be avoided.
Q. The winter festival where Jesus went to Jerusalem (Jn. 10.22) looks to be a legitimate festival. Why isn't that festival celebrated? How is it celebrated and how does it fit into the prophetical scenario?
A.It is a legitimate festival and it is celebrated today, it is called Chanukah. You will see it is called the Feast of Dedication, which in Hebrew means Chanukah. It is an 8 day festival remembering the Maccabean revolt over the Greeks and the rededication of the Temple back to G-d on the 25th of Kislev.
They missed Sukkot, so they had a "second" Sukkot. Solomon dedicated the 1st Temple during Sukkot, so it was another feast of Dedication, called Chanukah, meaning dedication. It is celebrated by lighting an 9- branched Menorah, discussing the history of the festival and what we can learn. It is a minor festival and it does have prophetical significance. It is talked about in Dan 11.29-35. Antiochus is a picture of the False Messiah, this festival is related to the Shroud of Turin and in Dan 12.11-12 it is the day that Ezekiel's Temple will be dedicated, 1335 days after the mid-point of the Tribulation. In addition, knowing the approximate date of Yeshua's birth as being around September, this places Mary's conception to the time of Chanukah. So, Chanukah can be celebrated by talking about the history, it relates to Yeshua's conception, it is related to the False Messiah and the Tribulation and the dedication of the Messianic Temple. Now, go and study!
Did the New replace the Old?
Q.Hasn't the New Testament replaced the Old Testament and the Law has no authority over a believer today except for history?
A. This is a common misconception, but a misconception nevertheless. The covenants of G-d don not "replace" other covenants and cause the previous ones to "disappear", as some would believe. The covenants with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David are still valid. Christianity only tries to make the one with Moses go away because they don't keep it. The Tanach (OT) reveals these covenants. It is the one with Moses that Christian teachers want to dispute. The New Testament writers got in on this argument when it comes to written Scripture.
Paul said "ALL Scripture is inspired by G-d and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of G-d may be adequate, equipped for every good work" ( 2 Tim 3.16-17). The only scripture that was available at the time Paul wrote that was the Tanach (OT). The term "new" in New Testament does not mean what Christian teachers say it means.
It means "renewed" "refreshing" and comes from the Hebrew word "chadash". A related word is "chodesh" and is used for the term "new moon". Another way of saying this is "born again", which is a Jewish term relating to the New Moon. Now, anybody knows that there is not a brand new moon created every month, but it is "renewed" so time can be marked. In the same way, the New Covenant (testament) is referred to in Jer 31 and it is a renewal/refreshing/born again of the one previously made with Moses.
An amended covenant is another way to look at it.. Jeremiah says that the covenant was made with Judah and Israel because the first covenant was made with them, and they broke it and their sins were under that covenant. You can't renew a covenant with people who did not have the covenant to begin with (Christianity). You can only renew something with someone who had it at the beginning. It's like refinancing a house. You can refinance, but you can't go to someone else whose name isn't on the contract (covenant) and make them fulfill it. It's the same thing with the I-rd. The covenant with Moses (Torah/Law) wasn't the problem, it was the people. So, G-d says he is going to renew the covenant with Israel and Judah, but it is going to be better.
Jeremiah didn't say that Israel would get different commandments, that's what Christianity teaches and it is in conflict with the L-rd. He did say that the same Law (Torah) would be written in a different place. Son, the difference is not in the commandments, but in the place they are written. That is why the word "new" was used. It is renewed/refreshed/born again by G-d in the heart of His people. They will have a "desire " (heart) to want to keep the commandments.
If you don't have a desire to keep the commandments, it might be because they are not written on your heart and you have no genuine born again experience with the L-rd yet. But, the teaching that the "new' testament replaced the "old" testament is not only a lie, but you can't establish it using Hebrew or English words.
A. This is a common misconception, but a misconception nevertheless. The covenants of G-d don not "replace" other covenants and cause the previous ones to "disappear", as some would believe. The covenants with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David are still valid. Christianity only tries to make the one with Moses go away because they don't keep it. The Tanach (OT) reveals these covenants. It is the one with Moses that Christian teachers want to dispute. The New Testament writers got in on this argument when it comes to written Scripture.
Paul said "ALL Scripture is inspired by G-d and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of G-d may be adequate, equipped for every good work" ( 2 Tim 3.16-17). The only scripture that was available at the time Paul wrote that was the Tanach (OT). The term "new" in New Testament does not mean what Christian teachers say it means.
It means "renewed" "refreshing" and comes from the Hebrew word "chadash". A related word is "chodesh" and is used for the term "new moon". Another way of saying this is "born again", which is a Jewish term relating to the New Moon. Now, anybody knows that there is not a brand new moon created every month, but it is "renewed" so time can be marked. In the same way, the New Covenant (testament) is referred to in Jer 31 and it is a renewal/refreshing/born again of the one previously made with Moses.
An amended covenant is another way to look at it.. Jeremiah says that the covenant was made with Judah and Israel because the first covenant was made with them, and they broke it and their sins were under that covenant. You can't renew a covenant with people who did not have the covenant to begin with (Christianity). You can only renew something with someone who had it at the beginning. It's like refinancing a house. You can refinance, but you can't go to someone else whose name isn't on the contract (covenant) and make them fulfill it. It's the same thing with the I-rd. The covenant with Moses (Torah/Law) wasn't the problem, it was the people. So, G-d says he is going to renew the covenant with Israel and Judah, but it is going to be better.
Jeremiah didn't say that Israel would get different commandments, that's what Christianity teaches and it is in conflict with the L-rd. He did say that the same Law (Torah) would be written in a different place. Son, the difference is not in the commandments, but in the place they are written. That is why the word "new" was used. It is renewed/refreshed/born again by G-d in the heart of His people. They will have a "desire " (heart) to want to keep the commandments.
If you don't have a desire to keep the commandments, it might be because they are not written on your heart and you have no genuine born again experience with the L-rd yet. But, the teaching that the "new' testament replaced the "old" testament is not only a lie, but you can't establish it using Hebrew or English words.
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