Q. Is "Tithing" applicable today?
A. To save the suspense, no it is not applicable today and here's why. When one reads the scriptures, you do not read it like you would a novel. You are to read it like a contract. Words mean things and to get the proper definition you must find the Hebrew meanings. Don't trust your English translations to give the right meaning, look them up the way G-d communicated them. In the details lies the message, so you need to go into the Word like a lawyer. Tithing in Hebrew is the word "ma'aser" . There are volumes written on this subject but it is nearly unknown within Christianity because they have "redefined" the words to fit what they want. An attempt will be made here to get to the heart of the matter, but it will not be an exhaustive explanation.Tithing was agricultural. You did not tithe money.
There are no scriptures to support what is done today. Secondly, you only tithed if you were involved in agriculture within the land of Israel. If you were a farmer outside the land, you did not tithe. Third, you tithed to the priests and the Levites, at certain times and places. There are three main types. There is the "Ma'aser Rishon" which is the first tithe, usually given around the feast of Shavuot. You went to the Levitical city near you and deposited the tithe there, at the storehouses and corrals that were prepared there. The years were divided into a "Shemitah" which is a seven year cycle. At the completion of seven cycles, or 49 years, the 50th year was a "Yovel" year, or mistranslated as "jubilee" year in most Bibles. Now, during each year it was divided into the spring and the fall. You brought the ma'aser rishon in the spring as things ripened in years 1-6 of the shemitah cycle. You did not tithe the 7th year.
The second type of tithing in Israel was the "Ma'aser Sheni" or the second tithe. This was brought in the fall around the feast of Sukkot to the Temple in the 1,2,4,5 year of the shemitah and a massive banquet was prepared and you ate it with the Priests and Levites at the Temple eventually. In the 3 and 5th year, it was taken to the Levitical city near you and given to the poor, widow, orphan and the Ger(Gentile who lived in the land and followed G-d). This was called the "Ma'aser Ani" or the poor man's tithe. You did not tithe the 7th year. There are two other types of ma'aser, or tithing. The first one is called the "Terumah Gedolah" or the great heave offering. This was 1/50th of your crop and given directly to the Kohanim, or priests.
This was done all six years of the shemitah. The second is called the "Terumah Ma'aser" or the Levitical tithe where 1/10 of the Ma'aser Rishon is given to the priests by the Levites. This is done all six years of the shemitah as well. As you can see, this does not resemble what is done today because what is done today isn't scriptural or accurate. It is a way to raise money for their respective churches and organizations, but it is not Tithing. Therefore, the verses like Malachi 3.8 and others that are used to promote these teachings so people will give are taken out of their intended meaning by G-d for personal gain. Now, that is not to say we should not give. If you give 10%, or 20% or whatever that is "Biblical Giving", but don't call it tithing and don't make people feel guilty if they don't.
You who think you are tithing aren't really tithing biblically anyway. Tithing was agricultural, done if you lived in the land of Israel, given to the priests, Levites, widows, poor, orphans and strangers, done at certain times of the year , to a certain place and not done at all every 7th year. The priests and Levites had no inheritance in the land and it was a way to take care of them. If you made your living off the land, you tithed to give back to G-d. If the people obeyed, He sent rain and kept the insects away. But, if you didn't, He would stop the rain and not rebuke the devouring insects until you did. This cannot be done in Texas, obviously. I hope this helps, Forward any questions you may have to OTMIN@SBCGLOBAL.NET. Now, go and study
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upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
1 Corinthians 10:11 (NASB95)
Saturday, December 3, 2005
Sacrifice Part I
Q. What is the biblical concept of "sacrifice"?
A.This can be very complex in that there is a lot of scripture one has to put together to properly understand it, but here is a short version. There is a difference between the Torah concept of scarifice and the christian concept. Both Jew and Gentile have this concept: if you sin you have to bring a sacrifice to pay for it. But, the word for sacrifice in scripture is "korban" which means to draw near. It is related to the word for sexual intercourse.
Was Yeshua ever impure? Yes, whenever He touched a dead body, or the woman unclean with a discharge , or anyone of the lepers He touched caused Him to be unclean. But being unclean is not sin. Did Yeshua ever offer a sin offering? Yes, but it doesn't mean He sinned-it acknowledges that there is sin in the world. "Sacrifice" in English means to "give something up", as in sacrificing for your children, etc. People believe you get atonement by bringing a "korban", but it comes from faith and repentance. There is a problem: we base what we believe on a messed up view of sacrifice, especially concerning Yeshua. Lev. 20.15 says that one is forbidden to offer their children as a sacrifice.. G-d forbids Abraham to offer Isaac in Gen. 22. This brings up a problem w/in christianity. How could G-d break His own word? Isa 42-55 gives us the "servant" passages. These passages are identified as referring to Messiah, Israel or both. Christians say they refer to Messiah, Judaism says they refer to Israel. But in reality, they could refer to all three at times. In Jn. 1.29,36 there is a staement that is translated "the Lamb of G-d who takes away the sins of the world", but there's a problem. A lamb is not used to take away sin, it is a shelem, or peace offering at Passover. At Yom Kippur, a lamb is not used, but goats and a bull are.
About 50 years ago the academic world thought that the people in new testament times spoke Aramaic, alanguage from Babylon that is similar to Hebrew. Later research has founf that this was untrue, they spoke Hebrew. Around 200 C.E. they used Aramaic, but in the 1st century it was Hebrew. Aramaic was there but not the primary language. There are "loan words" from Aramaic that are used and scholars have reconstructed the Greek N.T. text and found problems. There are terms that don't make sense. There is an eastern structure and a western structure. From Hebrew to Greek, our verse does not make sense. But, in Aramaic it does make sense, using the loan word that says "the Servant of G-d who takes away the sins of the world". Now, it makes sense and there are hundreds of verses about the "Servant" of the L-rd. There is a concept in scripture called the "Suffering of the Tzadik".
A Tzadik is a righteous one, but not just any righteous one. The Tzadik is one who stands out in his generation ,far above his peers. There is much said on this subject and in the Mesorah Publications "Ezekiel" in appendix III on Ezekiel 4.4. It says that "Ezekiel's suffering might serve to atone for the sins of his people. The thesis was advanced that the sight of the Tzadik's agony, for which the people had been the cause, might inspire them to true repentance." This may be true to some extent, but there is a deeper picture to all this . We will pick up there with this concept in the Artscroll article on the suffering tzadik and how this relates to the concept of "sacrifice" and the death of Yeshua next week.
A.This can be very complex in that there is a lot of scripture one has to put together to properly understand it, but here is a short version. There is a difference between the Torah concept of scarifice and the christian concept. Both Jew and Gentile have this concept: if you sin you have to bring a sacrifice to pay for it. But, the word for sacrifice in scripture is "korban" which means to draw near. It is related to the word for sexual intercourse.
Was Yeshua ever impure? Yes, whenever He touched a dead body, or the woman unclean with a discharge , or anyone of the lepers He touched caused Him to be unclean. But being unclean is not sin. Did Yeshua ever offer a sin offering? Yes, but it doesn't mean He sinned-it acknowledges that there is sin in the world. "Sacrifice" in English means to "give something up", as in sacrificing for your children, etc. People believe you get atonement by bringing a "korban", but it comes from faith and repentance. There is a problem: we base what we believe on a messed up view of sacrifice, especially concerning Yeshua. Lev. 20.15 says that one is forbidden to offer their children as a sacrifice.. G-d forbids Abraham to offer Isaac in Gen. 22. This brings up a problem w/in christianity. How could G-d break His own word? Isa 42-55 gives us the "servant" passages. These passages are identified as referring to Messiah, Israel or both. Christians say they refer to Messiah, Judaism says they refer to Israel. But in reality, they could refer to all three at times. In Jn. 1.29,36 there is a staement that is translated "the Lamb of G-d who takes away the sins of the world", but there's a problem. A lamb is not used to take away sin, it is a shelem, or peace offering at Passover. At Yom Kippur, a lamb is not used, but goats and a bull are.
About 50 years ago the academic world thought that the people in new testament times spoke Aramaic, alanguage from Babylon that is similar to Hebrew. Later research has founf that this was untrue, they spoke Hebrew. Around 200 C.E. they used Aramaic, but in the 1st century it was Hebrew. Aramaic was there but not the primary language. There are "loan words" from Aramaic that are used and scholars have reconstructed the Greek N.T. text and found problems. There are terms that don't make sense. There is an eastern structure and a western structure. From Hebrew to Greek, our verse does not make sense. But, in Aramaic it does make sense, using the loan word that says "the Servant of G-d who takes away the sins of the world". Now, it makes sense and there are hundreds of verses about the "Servant" of the L-rd. There is a concept in scripture called the "Suffering of the Tzadik".
A Tzadik is a righteous one, but not just any righteous one. The Tzadik is one who stands out in his generation ,far above his peers. There is much said on this subject and in the Mesorah Publications "Ezekiel" in appendix III on Ezekiel 4.4. It says that "Ezekiel's suffering might serve to atone for the sins of his people. The thesis was advanced that the sight of the Tzadik's agony, for which the people had been the cause, might inspire them to true repentance." This may be true to some extent, but there is a deeper picture to all this . We will pick up there with this concept in the Artscroll article on the suffering tzadik and how this relates to the concept of "sacrifice" and the death of Yeshua next week.
Biblical Festivals Q&A
This week we are continuing our look into the Biblical festivals found in Lev. 23 that occur in the fall. Last week we discussed the High Holy Days and how they were a picture of the Birthpains, or tribulation period and the coming of the Messiah. This week we are going to talk about the Feast of Sukkot. This feast commemorates the time Israel spent in the wilderness as G-d led them. They lived in temporary shelters called "sukkot" in Hebrew. During this time G-d "lived" among them in the Mishkan and took care of all their needs. This is a week-long festival and the people were commanded to make "sukkot". In the Temple there was an elaborate ceremony involving "living water" being "poured out"over the altar. This festival would take hours to develop and teach but we'll look at a few highlights. The major prophetic themes of this festival is the coming Messianic Kingdom, the birth of the Messiah, the dedication of the Temple, and the future protection of Israel in the wilderness during the Birthpains. So let's look at these quickly. This feast portrays the Messianic Kingdom.
After Yom KIppur, there are 5 days till Sukkot. These will be the days that Messiah will judge the survivors of the Birthpains in Jerusalem as seen in Mt 25. Once that is over, as He says in this chapter, the believers "enter into the Kingdom" and His reign on earth begins. There are 70 bulls that are sacrificed during this week and on the first day there are 13, then 12 then 11 and so on. These bulls symbolize the 70 nations ordained by G-d in Dt 32 and Exo. 1.5. They diminish in number telling us that the influence of the nations will diminish in the Messianic Kingdom. This festival also teaches us about the birth of Yeshua.We know that John the Baptist was conceived in June (Lk 1) and six months later Miriam (Mary) conceived Yeshua.
This is around the feast of Chanukah. There is a wonderful connection between Sukkot and Chanukah that will be developed some other time. Three months later, around Passover, John is born. Six months after that is the feast of Sukkot and the birth of Yeshua. Let's look at some of the concepts associated with His birth. It called the Feast of the Nations, the Feast of Lights, and the "season of our joy" and these are all terms associated with His birth. The term "sukkot" means "stable" (Gen 33) and we know that He was born in a "sukkah" or stable. We also know from history that King Herod died in September and Yeshua had already been born, so all these reasons rule out a December 25 birth, which any encyclopedia will tell you is of pagan origin.
This festival teaches the wedding supper and the blessings associated with that. From Yom KIppur you count 75 days and it brings you up to Chanukah and the dedication of Ezekiels Temple. Dan 12.11-12 talks about this. The 1290 days in v11 is from 30 days before the mid-point of the Birthpains when the False Messiah will set up the Abomination of Desolation around the feast of Purim plus 1260 days of the 2nd half of the Birthpains. The 1335 days in v12 is from the mid-point of the Birthpains which is Nisan 10 on the religious calendar to Yom Kippur the last day of the Birthpains, when Yeshua returns to stand on the Mt of Olives (Zech 14).
From Tishri 10 (Yom Kippur) you count 75 days and you come to Chanukah, a feast that teaches the dedication of the Temple and new altar after the Maccabean revolt. So, the last two weeks answer to the question about the High Holy Days should give you a good start to developing a biblical view of eschatology. The reason these things are not taught is because people have believed that the Law has been "done away with" and these festivals have been "replaced" with pagan dates and concepts. You can stay in darkness if you want to or you can go somewhere where the Truth is taught...it's your choice.If you would like more information about all this contact us at our e-mail address: otmin@sbcglobal.net. Now, go and study!
After Yom KIppur, there are 5 days till Sukkot. These will be the days that Messiah will judge the survivors of the Birthpains in Jerusalem as seen in Mt 25. Once that is over, as He says in this chapter, the believers "enter into the Kingdom" and His reign on earth begins. There are 70 bulls that are sacrificed during this week and on the first day there are 13, then 12 then 11 and so on. These bulls symbolize the 70 nations ordained by G-d in Dt 32 and Exo. 1.5. They diminish in number telling us that the influence of the nations will diminish in the Messianic Kingdom. This festival also teaches us about the birth of Yeshua.We know that John the Baptist was conceived in June (Lk 1) and six months later Miriam (Mary) conceived Yeshua.
This is around the feast of Chanukah. There is a wonderful connection between Sukkot and Chanukah that will be developed some other time. Three months later, around Passover, John is born. Six months after that is the feast of Sukkot and the birth of Yeshua. Let's look at some of the concepts associated with His birth. It called the Feast of the Nations, the Feast of Lights, and the "season of our joy" and these are all terms associated with His birth. The term "sukkot" means "stable" (Gen 33) and we know that He was born in a "sukkah" or stable. We also know from history that King Herod died in September and Yeshua had already been born, so all these reasons rule out a December 25 birth, which any encyclopedia will tell you is of pagan origin.
This festival teaches the wedding supper and the blessings associated with that. From Yom KIppur you count 75 days and it brings you up to Chanukah and the dedication of Ezekiels Temple. Dan 12.11-12 talks about this. The 1290 days in v11 is from 30 days before the mid-point of the Birthpains when the False Messiah will set up the Abomination of Desolation around the feast of Purim plus 1260 days of the 2nd half of the Birthpains. The 1335 days in v12 is from the mid-point of the Birthpains which is Nisan 10 on the religious calendar to Yom Kippur the last day of the Birthpains, when Yeshua returns to stand on the Mt of Olives (Zech 14).
From Tishri 10 (Yom Kippur) you count 75 days and you come to Chanukah, a feast that teaches the dedication of the Temple and new altar after the Maccabean revolt. So, the last two weeks answer to the question about the High Holy Days should give you a good start to developing a biblical view of eschatology. The reason these things are not taught is because people have believed that the Law has been "done away with" and these festivals have been "replaced" with pagan dates and concepts. You can stay in darkness if you want to or you can go somewhere where the Truth is taught...it's your choice.If you would like more information about all this contact us at our e-mail address: otmin@sbcglobal.net. Now, go and study!
Sacrifice
This week we continue on our study of the concept of "sacrifice" and how it should be understood. We left off talking about Ezekiel 4.4 and the concept of "the Suffering of the Tzaddik." A tzaddik is a righteous one who stands out in his or her generation. We said that their suffering might cause people to repent, and that is true to some extent, but there is more to this picture. In Sanhedrin 39a of the Talmud there is a story about a heretic who says G-d is a "prankster" in making Ezekiel lie on his left and right side. He thought this was strange behavior and mocked the idea that G-d was wise and just.
Rabbi Abuha answered saying that the "earth belongs to the L-rd. When a country rebels against a king, he will kill them all if he is cruel, if he is merciful he will kill half of them, if he is filled with mercy, he will cause the great ones among them to suffer. So, also G-d chastised Ezekiel in order to wipe out the sins of Israel". Biblically, there is the idea that the Tzaddik suffers on behalf of the community and that there is a communal resposibility for one another. The sin of one is the sin of all. On Yom Kippur the High Priest says that he has sinned together "with all of Israel." He says this whether he has sinned or not personally. This gives one the impression that we should care for one another and learn to rebuke each other when we see sin in our community.
This is not to shame the person, but to get them to come back to the ways of G-d and that their behavior is connected to the community. Yeshua is definitely the Messiah and the "suffering servant" seen in the scriptures. If we can have the concept that Ezekiel brought a temporary atonement for his people in his time, and G-d said he did, how much more with Yeshua. G-d would violate His own word by offering Yeshua as a "sacrifice" as understood by most people today. That is not the proper definition. It has to be something else and much deeper than that. So, the story of the Akeda in Gen. 22 is a picture of this. In Jn 11.47-52 it says that the people were believing in Yeshua and the Caiaphas and the rulers were concerned about it.
He said "Don't you know nothing at all nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And thus he spoke not of himself: but being High Priest that year, he prophesied that Yeshua should die for that nation: and not for that nation only, but also He should gather together in one the children of G-d that were scattered abroad." Blood denotes "life" in biblical thought. This concept is conveyed in the Altar and the Korbanot and you come to G-d for life. It's not that there is the "death of something" to "pay for" something you did. That is not the concept G-d is conveying in the scriptures with the Torah, the korbanot and the Temple, or Yeshua as the "Suffering Servant " or Tzaddik.
These concepts presented here the last two weeks challenge what the majority thinks on "sacrifice" but it was necessary to bring this out in response to the question about sacrifices. If you would like to know more, contact us at our website OTM@SBCGLOBAL.NET . Now, go and study.
Rabbi Abuha answered saying that the "earth belongs to the L-rd. When a country rebels against a king, he will kill them all if he is cruel, if he is merciful he will kill half of them, if he is filled with mercy, he will cause the great ones among them to suffer. So, also G-d chastised Ezekiel in order to wipe out the sins of Israel". Biblically, there is the idea that the Tzaddik suffers on behalf of the community and that there is a communal resposibility for one another. The sin of one is the sin of all. On Yom Kippur the High Priest says that he has sinned together "with all of Israel." He says this whether he has sinned or not personally. This gives one the impression that we should care for one another and learn to rebuke each other when we see sin in our community.
This is not to shame the person, but to get them to come back to the ways of G-d and that their behavior is connected to the community. Yeshua is definitely the Messiah and the "suffering servant" seen in the scriptures. If we can have the concept that Ezekiel brought a temporary atonement for his people in his time, and G-d said he did, how much more with Yeshua. G-d would violate His own word by offering Yeshua as a "sacrifice" as understood by most people today. That is not the proper definition. It has to be something else and much deeper than that. So, the story of the Akeda in Gen. 22 is a picture of this. In Jn 11.47-52 it says that the people were believing in Yeshua and the Caiaphas and the rulers were concerned about it.
He said "Don't you know nothing at all nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And thus he spoke not of himself: but being High Priest that year, he prophesied that Yeshua should die for that nation: and not for that nation only, but also He should gather together in one the children of G-d that were scattered abroad." Blood denotes "life" in biblical thought. This concept is conveyed in the Altar and the Korbanot and you come to G-d for life. It's not that there is the "death of something" to "pay for" something you did. That is not the concept G-d is conveying in the scriptures with the Torah, the korbanot and the Temple, or Yeshua as the "Suffering Servant " or Tzaddik.
These concepts presented here the last two weeks challenge what the majority thinks on "sacrifice" but it was necessary to bring this out in response to the question about sacrifices. If you would like to know more, contact us at our website OTM@SBCGLOBAL.NET . Now, go and study.
The Last Trump
Q.In 1Cor 15.52 the term "last trump" is used..what does that mean?
A. This would be a good time of the year to explain this because we are in what is called "the High Holy Days" which are the 10 days in between Rosh Ha Shanah and Yom Kippur. So to get a better understanding, lets start from the beginning. Biblically, Rosh Ha Shanah is the name of the feast in Num. 29.1-2 called "Yom Teruah" which means "the day of the awakening blast". A "teruah" is a note played on the shofar or rams horn. Teruah also means "shout" (1Thes 4.16) and you will see it all over the scriptures. Rosh ha Shanah is the day that the resurrection of the dead and the believers in Messiah who are alive and remain will be caught up together to be with the L-rd. An idiom for Rosh Ha Shanah is "the Last Trump" because it relates to the 2 horns on ram caught in the thicket in Gen. 22 ,which is the reading from the Torah on this day. It relates to the full marriage between G-d and His people. A Jewish marriage consists of 2 parts, betrothal and full marriage.
The betrothal between G-d and His people is seen at Mt Sinai when He gave the betrothal contract called the Torah. That festival is called Shavuot, "the first trump". The full marriage is seen as taking place on Rosh Ha Shanah sometime in the very near future, and is called the "last trump" (of the ram). G-d sees how we kept the commandments(betrothal contract) as to whenther or not we belong to Him. Those who say the Torah is done away with have no contract, therefore no" betrothal" contract.That's why He says to those who say they believe in Him and worked miracles in His name and cast out demons "I never knew you" in Matt 7.21-23. They had no intimate marriage betrothal contract with Him because they are "lawless" or without the Torah. If you believe that the Torah is done away with and you follow man-made religions but say you believe in Yeshua, you may be this category and you need to get out of there. At the resurrection, we go for the full marriage where we receive what was promised.
The term "last trump" is an idion referring to this festival. Another Hebrew idiom for this festival is called "the day know man knows" because no man knows the day of his wedding in Jewish custom of the 1st century. Rosh ha Shanah is also the first day of creation in Genesis and that is why this day is called Rosh (head) ha Shanah(of the year). It starts the civil year biblically. It is also the only festival that begins on a new moon, and nobody knows when it is until the first sliver of the new moon is sighted, beginning the seventh month. There is so much more about this festival that shows the resurrection of the dead and the believers who are alive and remain being caught up to heaven. Pauls uses at least 3 Hebrew idioms for Rosh ha Shanah in 1 Thes 4.13-18 and 1 Cor 15.50-52.
The days leading to Yom Kippur are days of repentance. Yom Kippur teaches the actual arrival of Yeshua to the Mount of Olives and the destruction of the False Messiah. This festival is known as the "Great Trump" because one ,long shofar blast is sounded on this day to signal the end of the days of repentance and you are sealed for judgement. There was an elaborate service in the Temple on this day and information is avaliable in the Mishnah 'Yoma" and Lev 16 in the Torah. Matt 24.30-31 says that Yeshua will return to the land with the "great trump" and judgement of the survivors of the Birthpains will begin. That judgement will occur within the 5 days between Yom KIppur and Sukkot, the feast of Booths or "tabernacles", which will be dealt with next week. These concepts are biblical and we know that these festivals are the blueprint for understanding Bible prophecy.
If you have not been taught these things it is because you are involved with people who do not follow the L-rd or His word and you will remain in darkness until you wake up and find someplace that does. Anyone who does not understand these festivals in detail will not understand Bible prophecy. Once these things are understood, you can listen to a so-called "prophecy" teacher and in five minutes find out whether or not they know what they are talking about or not, and that alone will save you alot of heartbreak, confusion and error. For more information contact us at our E-mail address OTMIN@SBCGLOBAL.NET. Now, go and study.
A. This would be a good time of the year to explain this because we are in what is called "the High Holy Days" which are the 10 days in between Rosh Ha Shanah and Yom Kippur. So to get a better understanding, lets start from the beginning. Biblically, Rosh Ha Shanah is the name of the feast in Num. 29.1-2 called "Yom Teruah" which means "the day of the awakening blast". A "teruah" is a note played on the shofar or rams horn. Teruah also means "shout" (1Thes 4.16) and you will see it all over the scriptures. Rosh ha Shanah is the day that the resurrection of the dead and the believers in Messiah who are alive and remain will be caught up together to be with the L-rd. An idiom for Rosh Ha Shanah is "the Last Trump" because it relates to the 2 horns on ram caught in the thicket in Gen. 22 ,which is the reading from the Torah on this day. It relates to the full marriage between G-d and His people. A Jewish marriage consists of 2 parts, betrothal and full marriage.
The betrothal between G-d and His people is seen at Mt Sinai when He gave the betrothal contract called the Torah. That festival is called Shavuot, "the first trump". The full marriage is seen as taking place on Rosh Ha Shanah sometime in the very near future, and is called the "last trump" (of the ram). G-d sees how we kept the commandments(betrothal contract) as to whenther or not we belong to Him. Those who say the Torah is done away with have no contract, therefore no" betrothal" contract.That's why He says to those who say they believe in Him and worked miracles in His name and cast out demons "I never knew you" in Matt 7.21-23. They had no intimate marriage betrothal contract with Him because they are "lawless" or without the Torah. If you believe that the Torah is done away with and you follow man-made religions but say you believe in Yeshua, you may be this category and you need to get out of there. At the resurrection, we go for the full marriage where we receive what was promised.
The term "last trump" is an idion referring to this festival. Another Hebrew idiom for this festival is called "the day know man knows" because no man knows the day of his wedding in Jewish custom of the 1st century. Rosh ha Shanah is also the first day of creation in Genesis and that is why this day is called Rosh (head) ha Shanah(of the year). It starts the civil year biblically. It is also the only festival that begins on a new moon, and nobody knows when it is until the first sliver of the new moon is sighted, beginning the seventh month. There is so much more about this festival that shows the resurrection of the dead and the believers who are alive and remain being caught up to heaven. Pauls uses at least 3 Hebrew idioms for Rosh ha Shanah in 1 Thes 4.13-18 and 1 Cor 15.50-52.
The days leading to Yom Kippur are days of repentance. Yom Kippur teaches the actual arrival of Yeshua to the Mount of Olives and the destruction of the False Messiah. This festival is known as the "Great Trump" because one ,long shofar blast is sounded on this day to signal the end of the days of repentance and you are sealed for judgement. There was an elaborate service in the Temple on this day and information is avaliable in the Mishnah 'Yoma" and Lev 16 in the Torah. Matt 24.30-31 says that Yeshua will return to the land with the "great trump" and judgement of the survivors of the Birthpains will begin. That judgement will occur within the 5 days between Yom KIppur and Sukkot, the feast of Booths or "tabernacles", which will be dealt with next week. These concepts are biblical and we know that these festivals are the blueprint for understanding Bible prophecy.
If you have not been taught these things it is because you are involved with people who do not follow the L-rd or His word and you will remain in darkness until you wake up and find someplace that does. Anyone who does not understand these festivals in detail will not understand Bible prophecy. Once these things are understood, you can listen to a so-called "prophecy" teacher and in five minutes find out whether or not they know what they are talking about or not, and that alone will save you alot of heartbreak, confusion and error. For more information contact us at our E-mail address OTMIN@SBCGLOBAL.NET. Now, go and study.
Overall theme of the Bible
Q. What is the overall theme of the Bible?
A. The overall theme is redemption and restoration, but there are several principles that need to be understood. These themes are very evident if you are going to understand the Book of Revelation. As discussed before, G-d's ultimate plan is the "Unification of His name" (Zech. 14.9). In Hebrew thought, this is the most important verse in scripture. The most important book is Leviticus because it is about holiness. The most important section of scripture is the Shema, and that was the underlying theme of Paul's writings. This "unification" is illustrated in several ways. The heavens will be united with the earth, the groom with the bride.
The Olive tree theology of Paul with Jews and Gentiles in one tree, one bride, one Kahal, or congregation that follows the Torah and believes in Yeshua. Also, the 3rd Temple envisioned by Ezekiel is a prime example of this unification. If one can grasp what the unification of the Name is, you will better understand the Scriptures. Satan's "job" is to counter this unification and establish his own. He said in Isa. 14.14 that "I will be like the Most High" and he has tried to "replace" what G-d has established. For instance, a major theme of these articles is to show that a believer in Yeshua must keep the commandments. This part of G-d's unification. Certain theologies come along and say you are free from the Law and you can do what you want.
Most Church theologies agree with this. However, that is a part of how Satan has caused a "disunity" between G-d and man and he wants to establish his own "anti-G-d" theology by deceiving people into lawlessness, or "anomia" as the Scripture puts it. Satans tactics include deception, counterfeiting, and doubt in G-d's word. But, everything Satan does fits in with G-d's purposes, so don't think he is doing whatever he wants. The main expression of the disunity is that G-d's presence, the Shekinah (pronounced Shkee"nah) is "seperated" from the rest of G-d, being in "exile" with His people. This seperation is caused by disregard for the Torah on Israels part and to some extent that of the world. This gives greater"power" to Satan and the "dark side" if you will. The book of Numbers illustrates these principles in the story of Balaam. This causes greater disunion and a lessening of G-d's protection. This causes even worse apostacy and the hearts of many will fail.
The nature and tactics of Satan is demonstrated in Israel's historical enemies like Pharaoh, Haman, Amalek, Balaam, Nebuchadnezzar, Antiochus Epiphanes, Absalom and the list goes on even to todays Arafat, Saddam, and the U.N. Studying thes accounts must also be done on several levels. There is the Peshat (literal), Remez(alluding to), drash(threshing out, interpretive), Sowd (mystical, hidden). These are some of the main principles in understanding the Scriptures and are very simply laid out here, but have deeper aspects as you delve into the Scriptures. G-d will win in these battles, but many will be lost as a result of Satan's tactics. We must be aware of what is going on so that we can avoid the judgement and properly, with a pure heart, take advantage of G-d's mercy and escape what lies ahead not only in this world, but the next.
A. The overall theme is redemption and restoration, but there are several principles that need to be understood. These themes are very evident if you are going to understand the Book of Revelation. As discussed before, G-d's ultimate plan is the "Unification of His name" (Zech. 14.9). In Hebrew thought, this is the most important verse in scripture. The most important book is Leviticus because it is about holiness. The most important section of scripture is the Shema, and that was the underlying theme of Paul's writings. This "unification" is illustrated in several ways. The heavens will be united with the earth, the groom with the bride.
The Olive tree theology of Paul with Jews and Gentiles in one tree, one bride, one Kahal, or congregation that follows the Torah and believes in Yeshua. Also, the 3rd Temple envisioned by Ezekiel is a prime example of this unification. If one can grasp what the unification of the Name is, you will better understand the Scriptures. Satan's "job" is to counter this unification and establish his own. He said in Isa. 14.14 that "I will be like the Most High" and he has tried to "replace" what G-d has established. For instance, a major theme of these articles is to show that a believer in Yeshua must keep the commandments. This part of G-d's unification. Certain theologies come along and say you are free from the Law and you can do what you want.
Most Church theologies agree with this. However, that is a part of how Satan has caused a "disunity" between G-d and man and he wants to establish his own "anti-G-d" theology by deceiving people into lawlessness, or "anomia" as the Scripture puts it. Satans tactics include deception, counterfeiting, and doubt in G-d's word. But, everything Satan does fits in with G-d's purposes, so don't think he is doing whatever he wants. The main expression of the disunity is that G-d's presence, the Shekinah (pronounced Shkee"nah) is "seperated" from the rest of G-d, being in "exile" with His people. This seperation is caused by disregard for the Torah on Israels part and to some extent that of the world. This gives greater"power" to Satan and the "dark side" if you will. The book of Numbers illustrates these principles in the story of Balaam. This causes greater disunion and a lessening of G-d's protection. This causes even worse apostacy and the hearts of many will fail.
The nature and tactics of Satan is demonstrated in Israel's historical enemies like Pharaoh, Haman, Amalek, Balaam, Nebuchadnezzar, Antiochus Epiphanes, Absalom and the list goes on even to todays Arafat, Saddam, and the U.N. Studying thes accounts must also be done on several levels. There is the Peshat (literal), Remez(alluding to), drash(threshing out, interpretive), Sowd (mystical, hidden). These are some of the main principles in understanding the Scriptures and are very simply laid out here, but have deeper aspects as you delve into the Scriptures. G-d will win in these battles, but many will be lost as a result of Satan's tactics. We must be aware of what is going on so that we can avoid the judgement and properly, with a pure heart, take advantage of G-d's mercy and escape what lies ahead not only in this world, but the next.
How did Christianity develop into what it is today?
Q. How did Christianity develop into what it is today?
A. That is not an easy question to answer because it involves so many things and hundreds of years, but I will give a quick overview. Over a year ago, a series of articles was published about what is called "replacement theology" so you might want to contact the paper for back articles on this. In the first century, people who believed that Yeshua was the Messiah were all Jewish.
Judaism already carried the message of Messiah and redemption and many were looking for it. All of the writers of the New Testament were active members in synagogues and their worship and expectations were all Jewish. Gentiles were also believing and they were called "sebemenoi" or devout ones". Another name for them was "phoubemenoi" or G-dfearers. These are all scriptural names and it was how they were known. These gentiles had left paganism and began to follow the Torah and commandments. The New Testament writers all advised the Gentile believers to keep the commandments. There was no hint of the doctrine that is taught today that one did not have to keep the commandments. That is a man -made doctrine. They kept the Sabbath and biblical festivals, ate kosher and followed the Torah on how to live. Numerous problems were encountered between the Jewish people and the gentiles in these synagogues.
Maintream Judaism had developed well-defined barriers between the groups but G-d used Rav Shaul (Rabbi Paul) to correct this situation among the believers. His writings layed down G-ds principles in these matters. The book of Romans deals with these very issues on how the Gentile believers were to act towards the unbelieving Jews in the Roman congregation. Faith in Yeshua was widespread in the Roman Empire among the Jewish people and even more Gentiles were coming into the faith. These greater numbers of Gentiles gave them the upper hand in the synagogues and in decision making. This was not the case in the land of Israel, but events in the nest 100 years would change everything. In the same year that Paul died, the Jewish nation started a revolt against Rome that ended with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
Believers were scattered and fled following Yeshuas instructions. Attitudes toward the Jewish people and their faith changed and to support anything considered "Jewish" was seen as treason against Rome. Because of the greater number of Gentiles in the congregations, they began to make a difference in what was taught and believed, and an anti-Jewishness developed and became popular. Jews were still becoming believers in spite of all this. In 116 CE and again in 135CE two more wars were faught with Rome. That was three wars in 70 years. Many Romans lost their lives, or the lives of loved ones as a result. Throughout the empire anti-Jewishness was seen as patriotic. Anything connected to Israel, the Torah or what anyone perceived to be Jewish was discarded and undermined and the Gentiles turned away from the faith once delivered.
The writings of the "Church fathers" reflected this attitude of moving away from the Torah to a "new" religion based on Greek and Roman thought. Christians were now the "New Israel". By the 4th century, things had really changed. Constantine became Caesar and he supposedly joined the Christians. In 325 CE, he called the Council of Nicea where he gathered Gentile bishops from all over the Empire to finally "define" the faith. Not one Jewish leader was invited. Laws were passed forbidding Jewish believers from observing the commandments, keeping Sabbath, circumcision, keeping biblical festivals or to teach the Torah to their children. This also went for any Gentile who wanted to follow the L-rd. Jews had to cease from practicing their faith (which is the faith of the Bible even today) and to become, for all intents and purposes, Gentiles.
That is still what churches do to people today. Pagan festivals like Christmas and Easter replaced the biblical festivals of G-d. Not only were the Jewish believers gone, but so were the "sebemenoi/phoubemenoi" or Gentile devout ones/G-dfearers. The faith now was a totally different religion. Greek names and concepts and religion became known as Christianity and the faith had now been "gentlized" and that is what is seen today. This is not my opinion but historical fact. Do some research on these things and you will see the same thing. There are many good web sites on the Internet that will help you. Our ministry has volumes of documentation on this and in our services and studies these issues are discussed. Feel free to contact us at our new E-mail address if you ever have any questions: otmin@sbcglobal.net. Now, go and study.
A. That is not an easy question to answer because it involves so many things and hundreds of years, but I will give a quick overview. Over a year ago, a series of articles was published about what is called "replacement theology" so you might want to contact the paper for back articles on this. In the first century, people who believed that Yeshua was the Messiah were all Jewish.
Judaism already carried the message of Messiah and redemption and many were looking for it. All of the writers of the New Testament were active members in synagogues and their worship and expectations were all Jewish. Gentiles were also believing and they were called "sebemenoi" or devout ones". Another name for them was "phoubemenoi" or G-dfearers. These are all scriptural names and it was how they were known. These gentiles had left paganism and began to follow the Torah and commandments. The New Testament writers all advised the Gentile believers to keep the commandments. There was no hint of the doctrine that is taught today that one did not have to keep the commandments. That is a man -made doctrine. They kept the Sabbath and biblical festivals, ate kosher and followed the Torah on how to live. Numerous problems were encountered between the Jewish people and the gentiles in these synagogues.
Maintream Judaism had developed well-defined barriers between the groups but G-d used Rav Shaul (Rabbi Paul) to correct this situation among the believers. His writings layed down G-ds principles in these matters. The book of Romans deals with these very issues on how the Gentile believers were to act towards the unbelieving Jews in the Roman congregation. Faith in Yeshua was widespread in the Roman Empire among the Jewish people and even more Gentiles were coming into the faith. These greater numbers of Gentiles gave them the upper hand in the synagogues and in decision making. This was not the case in the land of Israel, but events in the nest 100 years would change everything. In the same year that Paul died, the Jewish nation started a revolt against Rome that ended with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
Believers were scattered and fled following Yeshuas instructions. Attitudes toward the Jewish people and their faith changed and to support anything considered "Jewish" was seen as treason against Rome. Because of the greater number of Gentiles in the congregations, they began to make a difference in what was taught and believed, and an anti-Jewishness developed and became popular. Jews were still becoming believers in spite of all this. In 116 CE and again in 135CE two more wars were faught with Rome. That was three wars in 70 years. Many Romans lost their lives, or the lives of loved ones as a result. Throughout the empire anti-Jewishness was seen as patriotic. Anything connected to Israel, the Torah or what anyone perceived to be Jewish was discarded and undermined and the Gentiles turned away from the faith once delivered.
The writings of the "Church fathers" reflected this attitude of moving away from the Torah to a "new" religion based on Greek and Roman thought. Christians were now the "New Israel". By the 4th century, things had really changed. Constantine became Caesar and he supposedly joined the Christians. In 325 CE, he called the Council of Nicea where he gathered Gentile bishops from all over the Empire to finally "define" the faith. Not one Jewish leader was invited. Laws were passed forbidding Jewish believers from observing the commandments, keeping Sabbath, circumcision, keeping biblical festivals or to teach the Torah to their children. This also went for any Gentile who wanted to follow the L-rd. Jews had to cease from practicing their faith (which is the faith of the Bible even today) and to become, for all intents and purposes, Gentiles.
That is still what churches do to people today. Pagan festivals like Christmas and Easter replaced the biblical festivals of G-d. Not only were the Jewish believers gone, but so were the "sebemenoi/phoubemenoi" or Gentile devout ones/G-dfearers. The faith now was a totally different religion. Greek names and concepts and religion became known as Christianity and the faith had now been "gentlized" and that is what is seen today. This is not my opinion but historical fact. Do some research on these things and you will see the same thing. There are many good web sites on the Internet that will help you. Our ministry has volumes of documentation on this and in our services and studies these issues are discussed. Feel free to contact us at our new E-mail address if you ever have any questions: otmin@sbcglobal.net. Now, go and study.
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