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!
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upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
1 Corinthians 10:11 (NASB95)
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
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!
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