The Day of the LORD Approaches - Prepare!

November 15, 2008

Shabbat is here again. Bless the Name of YHWH! It was a long week, once again.

Karen and I were invited to dinner at Pastor Ron’s house last night, along with another couple from our fellowship. Fellowshipping with the family of YHWH is always sweet, but with my brother Ron and sister Vickie is special. I love them dearly. We got another dozen eggs from Ron’s “girls” (his chickens) while we were there. Vickie made spaghetti, with garlic toast and Sister Lietta brought a great salad, and Karen brought a Dutch Apple Pie. It was a blessed evening.

We didn’t get home till about midnight and I didn’t get in bed till nearly 1 AM. I didn’t get up until nearly 10 AM. I cooked breakfast for me and Luke. He has really taken a liking to fried eggs, over easy, with pepper. Yep! He is a chip off the old block! I love my little man. He is a work in progress, though; kind of like me?!?!?!

Laura just got up and Brook will sleep all day if we don’t wake her up. We’ll let her sleep a bit longer. It’s Shabbat, a day of rest. Brook has a busy schedule with her senior year of high school, her home health vocational school and her job in the nursing home. We are all looking forward to our Shabbat gathering this evening at Messiah Fellowship. The importance of our weekly gathering, I fear, might be lost on some who attend. For a lot of years it was lost on me. Its importance is being brought to the forefront now, however. The talk of food and gathering above is the focus of the discussion last night and today.

Last night, at the Hyre’s, our discussion centered on the Books of Revelation and Daniel, along with Matthew 24 and 25; considering where we are in the timeline, and that the things spoken of in Scripture might be closer than we ever realized. And, being called to be watchmen in this day, sounding the alarm seems to be the thing to do. But we considered the ramifications of that. Are people ready for it? The question I ask is, “Are people ever going to be ready for it?” I believe we have to sound the alarm, as much in what will come, as in where we are today, in our attitudes and practices.

For Kidd house, we must begin to prepare in earnest. The focus on preparation is not to be a selfish one, but to be prepared to share with others. The picture of Isaiah 58, the Day of Atonement, is the picture of what we are called to do all the time, but more importantly, and, I believe, specifically, in these last days. 1st Corinthians 11 is the principle put into practice on a weekly basis, with Shabbat, and throughout the Holy Convocations of the Feasts of YWHW.

For some, I fear, our weekly Shabbat meal means no more than a “carry in” dinner. But I believe it is much, much more than that. It is not about the food, but it is about the food. Now that statement sounds stupid and senseless, on the surface, but allow me to explain what I mean.

When we discuss our Shabbat meal it seems that many times it centers on there not being quite enough food for all who attend. And, if we have visitors, they usually, if they aren’t there when the meal begins, or are last in line, don’t get very much to eat, if anything at all. There is the issue of there not being enough food and on a practical level it is a concern. But on a spiritual level it is an even greater concern, as we see the day approaching. In that “Day,” will we have a heart to provide for others or will we be selfishly seeking our own provision, without regard for our brethren who are in need?

Consider Hebrews 10:23-25

“23Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Notice the importance of “assembling” ourselves. We are to “consider one another.” The Holy Convocations of YHWH are times to practice “considering one another.” It is not a selfish time to make sure we get our share, but to “consider one another” in what we bring. The heart attitude is one of blessing our brothers and sisters. Making sure we have enough to feed those who may not be able to bring something to share, or a stranger who comes into our midst, so showing the love of YHWH to them. We are to “stir up love and good works.” What manner of love are we to “stir up?”

In Matthew 22:37-40 Yehsua tells us about this love that we are to stir up. It is the greatest commandment to love “’YHWH your Elohim, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these hang all the Torah and the Prophets.” It’s important to note that Yeshua is not taking the Torah to a new level of love. He is simply bringing them back to the core message of the gospel, contained in HIS Torah. Love is a fulfillment of the commandments. HE said, and still says, “If you love ME keep MY commandments.” Notice that Yeshua is reminding them of what HE said in Deuteronomy 6 and Leviticus 19. What HE says in this portion of text is Torah!

So the love we are to “stir up” is love towards our Creator and toward one another. This love that we are to “stir up” will result in good works. Ephesians 2:10 defines those good works as those that our Creator “prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” This is why Yeshua says the great commandment and the second commandment to “love” is the peg that Torah and the Prophets hang on. Torah is the instruction from our Father as to how we are to live before HIM and in relationship with one another. The Prophets were sent to preach repentance to the “ancient path” the good Way of Torah that blessing might come and judgment might not come upon Israel. We know that Scripture tells us that we love HIM because HE first loved us. So this love we have is a result of HIS love, which produced mercy and not immediate judgment, and then provided grace; the power for us to be free from the bondage of sin and to live before HIM in by faith.

For those who have come to the knowledge of the loving Savior, the result is love reciprocated. The evidence of that love is obedience to HIS commandments, “If you love ME keep MY commandments.” HIS commandments contain the prescription of love for HIM and “considering one another.” Life in a Torah observant community, living according to the statutes of Torah, is love. Keeping Torah commandments, by grace through faith, is the result of selfless love toward YWHW and toward one another, and is also the evidence of that love. This is missed by those who think Torah is a burden. But it is why David knew it to be sweet and Paul knew it to be a delight.

Philippians 2:3-4: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition of conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

So, again, as the writer of Hebrews tells us to “23Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Our confession of hope is the Great High Priest Yeshua Messiah. It is our faith in HIM, HIS Word, which is Torah. In faith – believing HIS Word, we deem HIM faithful. In that we reckon HIM faithful we know we can take HIS promises to the bank. What promise is it that we can take to the bank? Exodus 19:5-6 is where we find this promise.

Exodus 19:5-6

“‘Now therefore, if you will indeed obey MY voice and keep MY covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to ME above all people; for all the earth is MINE. And you shall be to ME a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.” This is the promise referred to in Hebrews 10. This promise was made by Yeshua, the Great High Priest. But those that HE made the promise to did not believe HIM. This is what Hebrews 4 says, beginning in Verse 1, that this gospel, the promise, was preached to them as well as to us, but it didn’t do them any good because they didn’t “mix it with faith.” They did not believe HIM. Hebrews 3 says their rebellion was this unbelief and therefore they did not enter into HIS rest. They chose to not believe HIM!

The promise is to those of faith; those who believe HIM when HE says “‘Now therefore, if you will indeed obey MY voice and keep MY covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to ME above all people; for all the earth is MINE. And you shall be to ME a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’”

This special people are to be the ones who are to assemble together and stir up love and good works, considering one another. This happens on a daily basis as we come together and break bread, but is specifically associated with the Holy Convocations of the Feast Days of YWHW.

Deuteronomy 12 is the Instruction for these Holy Convocations. The first four verses deal with keeping oneself from idols and not mixing paganism in the worship of YHWH. Verse 5 tells us to seek the place where YHWH our Elohim chooses to put HIS Name. That place is in HIS people, the house of YHWH. This is the place for the Holy Convocation. It is the assembly, the body of Messiah – the communion of the saints.

Verse 8 says something very profound and applicable. “You shall not do at all as we are doing here today – every man doing what is right in his own eyes.”

Verse 13 says it is not up to us to decide the place to offer our offerings. Verse 14, again, it is in the place that YHWH decides.

Verse 15 is important, in contrast to the Holy Convocation, “However you may slaughter and eat meat within your gates, whatever your heart desires, according to the blessing of YHWH your Elohim which HE has give you’ the unclean and the clean alike may eat of it, of the gazelle and the deer alike.” This is not saying that they may partake of clean and unclean as in what they eat. HE is saying that this meal is not a Holy Convocation, so guests at the table can be those who are not covenant people. HE qualifies what may be eaten, as what is food, by naming the gazelle and the deer. And then in Verse 16 is the prohibition of eating blood. Eating blood was a pagan practice in opposition to Torah.

But now, in Verse 17, notice the change in place, the contrast of “within your gates,” as opposed to where you “eat the tithe of your grain and new wine.” This is the place that YHWH decides, and is not “within your gates.” This is more than getting together for a carry in meal. This is Torah community, the communion of the saints in fellowship with their bridegroom, Yeshua.

Notice Verse 18 concerning who may eat of the tithe and the importance of not forsaking the Levite, who had nothing to share. They don’t have an inheritance in the land. The livelihood of the Levite can only come from his brethren and their tithe. Now, in submission to the Eternal Great High Priest Yeshua, we as priests serving HIM, serve one another, providing for one another, knowing that HE provides for us. Truly, we are our brother’s keeper.

The Holy Convocation contained in the Feasts of YHWH, which includes the weekly Shabbat (Leviticus 23) is a different matter than that of eating a meal in our home on any given day.

1st Corinthians 11

1st Corinthians 11, what is been called the Lord’s Supper, is the picture of practicing Hebrews 10:23-25, the “assembling” of ourselves together. It is what Deuteronomy 12 is speaking of in coming together to eat our tithe. It is the picture of the Holy Convocation as spoken of in Leviticus 23. In six days we work to provide for our table. As we observe HIS Torah, HE blesses the work of our hands that we might come together to share our bounty with our brethren.

The focus of 1st Corinthians 11 is not on a little shot of grape juice or wine and a little wafer! It is on a meal at a Holy Convocation. It is about assembling ourselves together and stirring up love and good works. It is about esteeming our brethren greater than ourselves and not coming together in a selfish manner (Phil 2:3)

Notice Verse 21, “For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of YHWH and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you.” This is not about a wafer and a little grape juice. This is a picture of when we come together for a meal. It is not about eating as much as you want, but about considering one another more than ourselves. It’s about bringing enough to feed those who don’t have enough and those who might come in that are not normally a part of our group.

Isaiah 58 – The Day of Atonement

Isaiah 58 is all about this Torah commandment. It is about selflessness and considering one another. It is about denying self and preparing to serve others. Verse 7 tells us we are to “share our bread.” Ephesians 4:28 tells us to “…labor, working with hands what is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need.” The whole of Ephesians 4 is about the body of Messiah, lived according to HIS Torah.

Isaiah 58 is about the Day of Atonement, I believe. The Day of Atonement is about a day of afflicting our souls for the sake of others; denying ourselves to serve and give to others. The result, as Isaiah 58 tells us, witnessed by Romans 8:28 and Matthew 6, is that our heavenly Father will see to our needs. We don’t have to worry about the provision and protection we need when we keep HIS commandments by grace through faith – through believing what HE said and doing what HE said – Torah. When we believe and do Torah we are walking in the love of Messiah to love HIM and to love our neighbor as we already love ourselves. When we accomplish that, seeking HIS kingdom and its righteousness, HE works all things together for good for us. The “us” is those who love HIM. “If you love ME keep MY commandments.” The “us” is those who are the “called according to HIS purpose.” HIS purpose is that we obey Torah, by grace through faith.

So as we are selfless, denying our flesh its desire to seek its own way, speak its own word and its own pleasure, we take on the easy, light, non-burdensome yoke of Torah, that blesses our Creator and our brethren. In so doing, as Isaiah 58 tells us, our light will shine forth and HE will provide for our every need. We are told that we will receive the heritage of Jacob and ride on the “high hills of the earth.” This is important all the time, but is critical as we assemble ourselves together, especially as the Day is approaching.

The Day Approaching

What “Day” is approaching? The Day of YHWH. HIS appointed time with man. In HIS appointed times – the Feasts of YHWH, we prepare for the big appointment to come. The Day of Atonement is the annual rehearsal, which reminds us of our Torah community responsibility of denying self to provide for others, while trusting our Creator to provide for us. This annual rehearsal that focuses us in on our daily Torah life also prepares us the “Day of YHWH” that is coming.

The “Day of YHWH” that is coming is the last days. These days will be/are dark. Those who have faith in Yeshua and keep HIS commandments will be those who others come to. Many will see that what they practiced didn’t work but our faith in Yeshua that resulted in the works of Torah that HE prepared beforehand will cause them to come to us. We should be ready to share with them; first of all the Truth, but also of our bread. Many of our brethren struggle now with day to day living let alone as Day approaches. I am not in good shape myself. But I’m seeking Abba for help to prepare. I want to be a part of those who are able provide for those in need and not one who is in need. But if I am needy in that Day, I trust HIM to provide, but it doesn’t mean that I don’t work towards preparing now. But my preparation must not be one of self-preservation. It must be about preparing to share with others and help preserve their lives. HE will take care of me. And HE will take care of you too.

I do not believe we will be taken out of what is to come in a pre-tribulation rapture event. The traditional Scriptures that have been used to teach that don’t hold water. They are broken cisterns fashioned by men. We need to prepare for the “Day.” I believe we see it approaching. Our Holy Convocations are rehearsals for that great Day.

Food at the Holy Convocation

So, it is not about food, but it is about food. It is about our heart attitude toward others that is reflected in our attitude toward food.

Food is probably the most urgent driving force in most people’s lives. We want to make sure we have the food we desire and that we get our fill. We usually don’t think too much about others. That’s the point. We think we have to provide for ourselves and make sure we get our fill before anybody else gets at it. That’s why 1st Corinthians says, “For in eating, each one takes his own supper ahead of others; and one is hungry and another is drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of YHWH and shame those who have nothing?”

When we get together at our weekly Shabbat gathering, it is supposed to be a Holy Convocation. We are to bring of the fruit of our labors to share with one another. In this, each bringing enough to feed those who come, not considering our self in the matter, but considering one another, we allow our loving Abba to pour out blessing on the whole body. But consider that those who “despise the church, and shame those who have nothing,” are those who “sleep” and are “sick.” They die! Now think about this as we consider the “Day” approaching. “He who seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.” Luke 17:33

As a local body of Messiah, having faith in HIM and keeping HIS commandments, we need to consider what HIS Word says about our attendance and practice at HIS Holy Convocations at HIS appointed feasts, including the weekly Shabbat gathering. These are rehearsals for the “Day” that is approaching. We must “get it!” The “Day” may be at the door, even here! But even if it isn’t that close or here, we still must prepare. And we must give an account for our preparation, according to HIS commandments, even if it doesn’t happen in our lifetime! Hebrews 11, the “faith chapter,” tells us, concerning our brethren, the saints from before Yeshua came in the flesh, “And all of these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise…” The key is to be faithful in obedience now, by grace, judging HIM who promised faithful. If we do we will be selflessly preparing and working with the thought of providing for one another.

And again, as the writer of Hebrews exhorts us, “23Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

The answers are in HIS Torah. Be a Berean. Take what I’ve written to Torah, the Prophets, and the Apostolic Scriptures, and see if what I am saying is contextually the whole counsel of YHWH.

Be blessed in Yehsua. Shabbat Shalom!

How should women dress, Scripturally?

A recent question from a post:

"I have a question for you on dress for women. I am unsure how to interpret that women should not dress as men and that their heads should be covered. I am unsure because I think dress in bibilical times was different. Men wore long robes (I think) that would be like dresses. Also, Orthodox Jewish men were hats. Paul says men should not cover their heads. What do you think?"

Below is my quick answer. I think herein lies an issue of tradition over Scripture in that we don't see some of the rules laid down by man being in Torah or the Scriptures as a whole. But the professing church, in all its sectarian expressions, be they Messianic or whatever, have laid down a lot of "Mishna!" It confuses people. We need to seek Torah for answers.

I believe the context of the Scripture has to do with Scriptural authority more than what one wears. It has to do with Messiah being the Head, then man under the headship of Messiah and women under the headship of man. It is a Torah principle that you can read about in Numbers 30.

Women are not supposed to take the man's role. It is a problem that has been around since Eve succumbed to the deception of Satan. Women, by nature, want to lead, but YHWH has told them to submit. Men, by nature, won't to be slugs and not lead, but YHWH has told them to lead. In the case of the man and the woman it comes down to submission to YHWH, by grace, through faith, to submit to their ordained roles to play.

Man is NOT greater than woman. There is no male of female, when it comes to how YHWH sees us in Messiah. However there is Torah for each of us that fits our role. It is much like Torah for the priests was different in that there were commandments that fit them only and didn't pertain to everyone else. In YHWH'S eyes there was no partiality or favoritism between the priests and the rank and file Israelite, although the priest created one. Some men have done the same thing in their relationship with women, making it a dominating role of forced submission. This is not Biblical.

It is interesting in that the priests and rabbinic authority has also made a difference between the ethnic born Jew and the rest of the world, erecting a wall of separation that was never in Torah and now that Yeshua has torn it down they continue to erect and maintain it.

The point is this. Women should not seek to be like a man. Don't look like one, don't act like one, but live unto YHWH in the role you've been born into, adhering to Torah commandment, by grace through faith.

I can't see this being a prohibition against a woman wearing pants, as in physical clothing, but I do see a problem with women wearing the pants, as in usurping authority never given them. A woman should, just as a man should, dress modestly and not seductively. I think its kind of weird, personally, when I see a woman with a man's haircut, dressed in a suit and tie, and I wonder what statement they might be making.

If we all function as the Almighty ordained, by grace through faith, being submitted to Torah in the Spirit, then the community of believers, the body of Yeshua, will be blessed in all she does.

Blessings,
Banner

Joe Kovacs, "Shocked by The Bible"

Great journalists have always been at the forefront of change and bringing truth to light. The problem today is there are not many great journalists in the game. We have commentators and players instead of people who report the facts. I believe there are men and women who are great journalists who are in the fight daily, holding to accurate reporting of the facts. But one such journalist stands out to me, specifically because of his investigative reporting on the Bible.

Joe Kovacs is the executive news editor for WorldNetDaily.com. WorldNetDaily.com is a top 500 internet news site, voted one of the “stickiest” sites on the internet. A sticky site is one that people go to and stay on the site for the longest period of time. Kovacs has been a journalist for 25 years, in both print and broadcast journalism, receiving awards along the way from the Associated Press (AP) and United Press International (UPI). Of the hundreds of news articles written by Joe Kovacs, many focus on issues of the Bible.

I was privileged to receive a copy of Joe Kovacs latest book entitled “Shocked by The Bible,” after an exchange of e-mails with him. I had read the promotional articles on WorldNetDaily.com and my interest was piqued to want to know more about the “shocking” facts Joe had unearthed in his journalistic efforts.

Within the professing church there seems to be a small number of people who are willing to lay down the party line of their particular denomination or group to see the truth of the Bible for what it really says. Fiercely hanging on to traditional thinking and customs passed down from the so-called “church fathers,” a dearth of investigative study of the Scriptures is evident. The shame is with the church whose many seminaries and Bible colleges, along with theologians in pulpits refuse to look at Scripture for what it really says. There seems to be a fear of losing prestige, losing people from the pews, losing money and jobs, or the rejection of family and friends, that keeps those in places of position in the church from the willingness to look at Scripture for what it is and to tell it like it is. I was there. The question God asked me is, “Who do you fear more, Me or men?”

Since the professing church is unwilling to look intently at the Scriptures, embrace it all in context, YHWH is using a believing investigative journalist to apply his gift and experience to be a witness to the Truth of what HE said and established in HIS Word. Joe Kovacs is that man, and WorldNetDaily.com is the internet broadcast giant that HE has chosen to bear this testimony.

In Kovacs’ book, “Shocked by The Bible,” you will learn that you’ve probably heard things preached as “gospel” by pastors in the pulpit, on the radio, or on TV that don’t line with what the Bible really says. Joe writes in his introduction, “As you read through each chapter… it may make you laugh cry, shout for joy, praise God, argue with HIM, shake your head in amazement, condemn the publisher, or do laundry with a different attitude. It may even tick you off to the point where you’ll want to ‘have it out’ which those who taught you – or more accurately, did not teach you…”

The prophet Jeremiah says, in Jeremiah 16:19 and 20, “…The gentiles shall come to You from the ends of the earth and say, ‘Surely our fathers have inherited lies, worthlessness and unprofitable things.’ Will a man make gods for himself, which are not gods?” We are living in that day. There are people coming forth and saying this very thing. We’ve been lied to. Whether it was in ignorance by many or in malice by a few, we’ve been lied to nonetheless. There have been people sounding this alarm from around the world, albeit few, for many years. Since, I believe, time is growing short, YHWH raises up a man like Joe Kovacs, and a website like WorldNetDaily.com to broadcast HIS Truth to those with ears to hear.

This is not an advertisement for WorldNetDaily.com, although it might appear that way. I don’t agree with everything I read on WorldNetDaily.com. I’m not a man who latches on to a man or a group and adheres to them at all costs. Since beginning to observe Torah a few years ago it has cost me my job as a Christian radio broadcaster, many family and friends, and has changed my life forever. But I can say with all sincerity that I would not change a thing, except to have come to the Truth sooner than I did. I’m writing this in an effort to introduce some who are struggling or have been closing their ears to people like me, to Joe Kovacs’ book, “Shocked by The Bible.”

I recommend “Shocked by The Bible” by Joe Kovacs because of his journalistic approach to the Bible. He is not trying to proselytize anyone to his particular brand of religion. His agenda appears to not go beyond just a journalistic look at Scripture in order to get straight facts into peoples’ hands that they might make an informed decision. Once the knowledge of the Truth is presented it is between the person and YHWH as to what they do with it. But be forewarned, to have knowledge of the Truth and to reject it is a serious matter with the Almighty Creator.

Joe takes on some serious taboo subjects, such as what YHWH says is food, the pagan origins of Christmas and what the Bible has to say about that. If you’ve ever had problems with the crucifixion and resurrection time-line (how could it be three days and three nights in the tomb if HE was crucified on “Good Friday” and raised Sunday morning) you will want to read what this quality journalist has uncovered.

This is exciting to me. I’ve been looking at this, living it, and writing about it for a few years now. But I don’t have the mass of readers that Joe Kovacs has with WorldNetDaily.com. I thank Yeshua for using them to spread HIS Truth. I recommend this book to you all. Along with the recommendation I give you encouragement and exhortation to check it out against Scripture. We as believers have always tossed out the saying “Be a Berean” to the point that it has become a trite little “ism” devoid of meaning. But the context of Acts Seventeen, where we read of the Bereans, was that they checked out the great Apostle Paul, against the Scriptures, to see if what he was telling them lined up with what was written and established. It is important to note that the only Scripture written at the time was Torah, the Prophets, and the writings. Should we not do the same, not only for what Paul wrote, but for the venerated church fathers, Joe Kovacs, me, you, and every other man or woman who purports to proclaim the Truth? If our goal is Truth we shouldn’t be afraid, but even welcome scrutiny in light of the Truth that sets us free.

Information about the author of this review:

(Banner Kidd is an elder and a part of the worship ministry at Messiah Fellowship, a former Christian Radio Station manager, and talk show host. Banner is now a blog author at TorahPerspective.com, appears in video presentations with Pastor Ron Hyre of Messiah Fellowship in Howe, Indiana, and lives in Stroh, Indiana with his wife of 29 years and their children and two rowdy dogs. Banner is involved in music and audio production for radio and TV as his current occupation. E-mail Banner at bfkidd@ligtel.com)

The place of separation... it must come!

A dear brother who follows this blog from out east wrote about his journey with Messiah into Torah life. I know there are others who struggle with family, friends, present "church" affiliation, and jobs, etc. I know it is hard. But there comes a time to take a stand and leave all the things of the world into HIS hands. As David said, "Though HE slay me I will yet serve HIM." And as the three Hebrew young men in Daniel said, "YHWH will deliver us from your fiery furnace, but even if HE does not, we will not bow down to you." This is a place of resolution that happens when we believe what HE said over and above what men say. We have a choice. We can choose to fear man and set aside YHWH or fear HIM. We seem to relegate Abba to this place of an "also ran." We are more concerned about ourselves and our stuff, and our comfort level than pleasing our Bridegroom. That doesn't work in a marriage between a man and a woman and it doesn't work in our Spiritual union with Yeshua. The result is that there is no fruit borne unto YHWH. That said, here is what our brother has to say about his resolution. This was in response to the "Blinded by Tradition" post of a week ago.

Andre said...

"I can relate myself. I have composed a letter several months ago to send to people who have known me in "church". I am officially notifying this month the ministry that I am involved in that I will be looking for a suitable Sabbath fellowship. Some think it's just about that day - but really it's more than that because it changes the way I look at the entirety of scripture. Of course most think I'm wrong - but at this stage there is no turning back. Others - when you break down the scriptures for them don't disagree - but they are just too comfortable to change."

9:19 AM

Satan's Plan to Destroy the Seed

The enemy has tried from the very beginning to stop the arrival of the Seed, the Messiah of YHWH. It began with the murder of Abel by his brother Cain, to the killing of the first born baby boys by Pharaoh, and finally with Herod after Yeshua’s birth and his order to kill all baby boys from two years old and under.

But Satan couldn’t get the job done. Yeshua was born; the Son of YHWH and a virgin, as foretold by the prophet. Now what would he do to stop the redemption plan of YHWH? Yeshua had come fulfilling the prophecies from Torah through the Prophets and what would keep people from seeing clearly who HE is and come to HIM, by faith, believing that HE is who HE says HE is.

The father of liars decided to slander the Name of Yahweh by sowing bad seed growing up into weeds that presented a false picture of the Messiah of YHWH. He introduced the concept of a Messiah that did not teach Torah, and did not perfectly keep Torah. It worked masterfully. The orthodox of Judaism rejected HIM as a lawless man. If HE had been lawless they would have been correct in rejecting HIM, even to the point of killing HIM. The professing believer in Messiah, the professing Christian, bought the lie and so rejected the written Torah that is the clear and only true picture of the Living Torah – Yeshua.

The Truth is that no one can thwart the redemptive plan of the Almighty. Satan knows that now. The only issue left is who will believe HIS Word and who will believe the lies of the enemy. That is the bottom line, chilling statement that we read at the end of Revelation, in Chapter 22. Those who have the right to eat of the Tree of Life are those who keep the commandments of YHWH. Those on the outside (echoing the Words of Yeshua in Matthew 7, of those who practice lawlessness) are those who love and practice a lie.

You see, all that is left to determine is who will be in and who will be out. The standard is Torah. The only Way is Yeshua, the Living Torah. HE is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and the only way to the Father. HE is the Living Torah, the Truth in bodily form, the Elohim bodily, or the fullness of the Godhead bodily. All of the Torah and all of the Prophets are about HIM. They are Truth, because HE is Truth. The opposite is the lie that the enemy has been deluding mankind with since the garden; “Did Elohim really say…?” This is where the rubber meets the road. This is the place of decision. Who are we going to believe? The Truth who loves us, or the lie who wants to destroy us!

Blinded by Tradition - Always a Problem...

Through Google alerts today I came across another western christian perspective blog that teaches that Paul replace Torah with grace. Here was my response to this youth pastor and I think it is something we still need to consider as we continue our walk out of Babylon, so that we remember to not walk back into it in another expression.

My friend, please read the whole definition of "charis." Read the Strong's that says, "especially the divine influence on the heart with the reflection in the life." And read Ephesians 2:8 and 9 but now include Verse 10, that describes what the work of grace looks like; it is that we are HIS workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works that HE prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

John says we should walk as HE walked in 1 John 2. HE was a Torah keeper, and HE taught Torah observance. Had HE not HE could not be the unblemished Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. According to HIS Word - Torah, HE would have been disqualified because HE led people away from the commandments. I didn't make this up, it is in Deuteronomy. Go find it.

Matthew 5 HE tells us that we are not to think that HE came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. If HE said don't think it, why do we and then not only think it but break the commandments and teach others to break the commandments? In this portion of text HE tells us that those who do Torah and teach Torah are the blessed ones.

Yeshua did not break Torah. HE broke the additions and subtractions of the Scribes and Pharisees. HE told them that they set aside HIS commandments in order to keep their traditions. Their traditions were/are the problem, just as are those of the professing church.

You, as I once did, set aside HIS commandments so we can keep our "churchy" tradition of Sunday observance, Christmas, Easter, eating unclean, and much more. Let us not set aside the commandments for any other tradition either, such as rabbinic tradition!

Paul did not teach that grace did away with the Torah. He taught accurately that grace is the work of the Spirit, according to the Biblical definition of the New Covenant; Holy Spirit writes Torah on our hearts, puts it in our minds and causes us to walk in HIS commandments. Ezekiel 36, Jeremiah 31, Hebrews 8

Because you do as I once did, and many others; looking at the Scripture through the lens of lawless men, you come away with a lawless perspective.

In Matthew 7 Jesus - Yeshua said that those who profess to know HIM would be cast out into outer darkness. Why? HE says that it is because HE doesn't know them because of their lawlessness. We can only accurately know HIM through Torah observance. HE is the purpose of Torah. The purpose of Christmas and Easter, etc., is to confuse us and deceive us and give us an adulterated view of who HE is. Why is that a problem?

The coming anti-Christ is described by Paul as the lawless one. Think about it. This lawless one will come teaching a Torah rejecting doctrine. A Torah rejecting professing church will readily embrace this coming lawless one.

There is no burden in keeping Torah. I agree with Paul and David, who both say how delightful the Torah is. David said it converts the soul, and David speaks of it being done by YHWH in him. Paul says Torah is spiritual, good, and holy, and says that he obeys it in his mind, meaning that he purposes to obey it. Paul also says that the flesh CANNOT be submitted to Torah, but in the Spirit we can. When we submit to the grace work of the Holy Spirit we can choose to keep the Torah. Prior to being born again we were in bondage to sin, called lawlessness by John in his first epistle. Paul says we are not bond servants to righteousness.

The righteous standard is Torah. By it we were convicted of sin and shown our need for Jesus; and this by grace through faith. The continuing work of grace in progressive sanctification is still in tandem with Torah that when we transgress we are led by the Spirit to confess, repent, and be restored again to the kingdom - See 1 John 1 where this is shown clearly.

Bottom line is that Elohim does not change. Elohim is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Malachi 3 tells us there is not change in HIM James says in HIM there is no shadow of turning. HE is the Living Word, the Living Torah, said John in Chapter One of John. Since HE is inextricably linked to HIS Word; being HIS very character and nature, then we must not try to separate HIM.

When we call ourselves by HIS Name, we are making a statement that goes way beyond just calling ourselves "christian." The word, in both the Hebrew and Apostolic Scriptures, for "name," means "character and nature." No wonder HE says in Exodus 20 that HE will not hold him guiltless who takes HIS Name in vain - in a futile and worthless manner. This smacks of pretense, hypocrisy. This is what HE accused the Pharisees of. They had/have the same problem as we do. Their/our traditions are hard to jettison. But if we don't we will stay in deception and when the man of lawlessness arrives on the scene with the false gospel it will look right. Conversely, when the true Messiah comes, will we hear HIS Voice, the sound of the shofar, and see HIM for who HE really is? Or will we not recognize HIM because of our lawlessness that has blinded us to the Truth.

Remember, "Whom the Son sets free is free indeed!" "You shall know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." "I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and the only way to the Father." Jesus is the "Living Word." In light of this HE is the Truth, and the Truth defines HIM.

Revelation 22 brings it down to the bottom line. Those who have the right to the Tree of Life are those who keep HIS commandments. Remember the reason they were barred from the Tree of Life in the first place was for transgressing the commandment. And then HE pronounces, sadly, and frighteningly, that those who are on the outside are those who love and practice a lie. The lie, by its very essence, is the opposite of Truth. And we, just as the Israelites that Jesus addressed, are either of the Seed of Abraham, by faith (faith is believing and doing HIS Word) or we are of our father the devil!

In the beginning the devil set up Adam and Eve when HE asked the question, "Did Elohim really say....?" And since then he has been following that same lying, lawless modus operandi to tempt those whose hearts are not submitted to Truth that they might choose what seems right to them.

The ways of man seem right but they end in death. The wages of sin (lawlessness according to John) is death.

I put before you today, life and death. This was stated by YHWH, I believe Yeshua, through Moses, in connection with keeping the commandments.

To each of us, this glorious Sabbath of YHWH, I echo Yeshua, through Moses, in that HE has still put before us life and death. To live we must choose life. And HE said that if we keep HIS commandments we will life. If we keep HIS commandments we will have the right to the Tree of Life that gives life. I believe HE is that Tree of Life, and the only way to really know HIM and for HIM to know us, is through the commandments, including, and especially the Feast of YHWH.

I exhort you to consider this today.

Find HIM in HIS Moedim

The glorious Sabbath of YHWH has arrived again, right on schedule. This appointed time - Moedim, is ordained of YHWH to reveal HIS redemption plan and timetable.

YHWH put these dates in HIS Holy Book long ago. Why? Because HE knew before HE created us that our foreparents would succumb to temptation and disobey HIS commandments in the garden. In spite of that realization HE created mankind, but in so doing HE had the entire plan of redemption in place, mapped out, and scheduled. HE keeps HIS appointments.

To meet with HIM we must keep these appointments. Now, don't get me wrong, we should be meeting with HIM on a daily, minute by minute basis. But in order to meet with HIM on that consistent constant basis, coming before HIS throne to seek grace to help in time of need, we must show up at these special appointed times. Something very special and critical happens at these times and if we miss them... well, we've missed them, and we've missed out on knowledge of Elohim and HIS plan that is vital to entering in by the narrow gate and feeding upon the Tree of Life.

The commandments of YHWH are contained in Torah. The first five books of the Bible. Spoken by, I believe, Yeshua, written as directed by Moses, and preserved that we might not be left without a witness, Torah contains the gospel - the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Yeshua said the only way to Father is through HIM. John says in John 1 that Yeshua is the Living Word. We know the only Word John could have been speaking of was Torah. No other Word existed at the time. Yeshua is the Living Word, the Living Torah.

We read that HE is the "Bread of life that came down from heaven." (John 6:48) Torah teaches us that "man does not live by bread alone but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of YHWH." (Deut 8:3-Matt 4:4) The Tree of Life is necessary for eternal life in HIS kingdom (Rev 22). The Bread of Life is the Word of YHWH. Yeshua is the Bread that we eat from that we will never hunger. The only way to the Father is through Yeshua, the Living Word, the Living Torah, the Bread of Life, the Tree of Life, the commandments of YHWH, given by Yeshua, the Almighty Creator of all that is created!

Jacob told Judah the Lawgiver would come through HIM. That was/is Yeshua. It wasn't the tribe of Levi, who was told to teach the Torah but did not! The Lawgiver was/is not the Scribes or Pharisees, or any Rabbi. The Lawgiver is not a "church father." The Lawgiver is Yeshua, know by the western church as Jesus. HE has not changed since eternity. HE was the same in the garden, the same with Noah, the same with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, all the patriarchs, the same with Moses, the same with David, the same with you and me. HE does not change. From eternity HE is the same Creator and Master of all. Who HE is, is who HE is and who HE was, and who HE forever will be. HE is the same today, yesterday, and forever. Woe to the man who tries to make HIM into someone different than HE is, and greater woe on those who teach HIM in and HIS Word in a blasphemous, heretical lawless manner. They cause the little ones to stumble. Better a millstone be hung about their neck and to be cast into the sea! May YHWH be merciful to them and may they seek HIM, with ears to hear and eyes to see!

Seek HIM in the Appointed Times given by HIM to reveal HIMSELF to us. They are in the commandments. You CANNOT know HIM as HE truly is when you reject the HIS very Word, and refuse to keep the appointments HE has made for you and me to meet with HIM!

We have just finished the annual Feasts of YHWH. We enter into the pagan feasts of halloween, dedicated to Satan and his minions. Next is the pagan, winter solstice called christmas. They are an abomination to HIM. These abominations have been set up in the house of YHWH, HIS temple, you and me. We've done the same as Israel. We've allowed pagan worship in HIS house. It is high time to awaken and repent.

These pagan feasts are not HIS appointments. They are appointments made by HIS, and our enemy, who wants to destroy us. They are a snare and the only way we can be set free is to cry out to HIM to set us free. We have to want to come out of this trap. The longer we refuse HIS voice, saying "Come out of her MY people," the harder our heart can become.

I pray you will slow down. From a pure and noble heart, lay down your traditions that you set aside the commandments to observe, and begin to take HIM at HIS Word and you will see the Truth and the Truth will set you free. Go to HIS throne of grace to seek grace (HIS divine influence on your heart) that HE might write HIS Torah on your heart, put it in your mind, and cause you to walk in HIS Way. HIS way is Torah.

Do not fear man, but fear YHWH, and HIS Son Yeshua, who says, in Matt 7, that those who are lawless, even though they profess to know HIM, will be cast into outer darkness because HE does not know them. Please don't let that be you or me! We know HIM through keeping HIS commandments that reveal HIM, including the Feasts. HE knows us as we obey HIM in the commandments HE has given. Intimate knowledge is in the bride/bridegroom relationship. We must obey our bridegroom. HE knows us in the intimate marriage relationship that results in our obedience, bearing fruit unto YHWH (Romans 7). The fruit, obedience to HIS Torah, proves we know HIM. Do we?