hearts joys

hearts joys

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

On Hold

Well as we are in a hurry up time here the hobbies must be put on hold so we can get everything done.  So, I have been doing another family portrait with an additional member and updated with time.  I am surprised at how much I have improved.  Here is a comparison with the first one I did one year ago and now.
Charisa:  The new one is not yet done, But I can see a big improvement.


 Abigail. and now Jonathan



Other paintings on hold are a redoing of my scripture painting minus the cup and candle, a picture of Gladiolas and one of butterflies.  Hopefully start doing some more in about a month.

Sorting and Shoveling

Right now we are busy sorting and shoveling.
   We have some tentative plans taking place.  I am planning on placing a moving sale ad for the days of Feb 5,6,7 and 9.  Plans are to head out on the 10th. 
I have removed the jack stands from under the camper and have to make sure the wheels aren't stuck down to the ground yet. 
Thanks to our recent blizzard I am having to do some shoveling of snow to make sure the camper can get out.  Our plans then are to head south to some friends down in Georgia.
    We would ask you to pray

1.   Father would send some warmish type of air our way for the beginning of next month  when we start to stay in the camper

2.  Strength and energy as we head into these next few weeks

3.  For everything that needs to sell will.

4.  For lives to be touched:  ours and those who Father bring along our path.

5.  Everything Else.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Why did Yashua have to die?

I love going and re-examining what I believe!  Why did Yeshua have to die (was it for mercy?  how about forgiveness? you will be surprised).  Enjoy as much as I did searching!  You are loved – brother Kyle
 
 
 
 
Before and after Yeshua (Jesus)
“Why did the Son have to die?”
 
01 / 18 / 14
(Comments in parentheses and emphasis within Scriptures are mine.)
 
 
What an amazing thing, this sacrificial system that was set up.  As I’ve said before, we owe it to the Son of God to understand the true significance of the sacrifice He made for us.  So, why exactly did He die? 
 
-      Was it so we could be forgiven or atoned for?  No, those who repented were forgiven even before He died & rose for us:  “…Thus the priest shall make atonement for him in regard to his sin which he has committed, and he shall be forgiven.” (Leviticus 4:35)                                           
 
-      Was it so that we could finally be shown mercy, grace, and compassion?  No, they were shown mercy, grace, and compassion even before He died & rose for us:  “YHVH is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.”  (Psalm 103:8) and “YHVH is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.”  (Psalm 145:8) just to name a few!
 
-      Was it so that they could have faith (be justified)?  No, they were saved by faith in YHVH’s Salvation, as well:  “Then he believed in YHVH; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.”  (Genesis 15:6)
 
I am not saying that His blood does not do any of the above, but it is clear from His Word that they were not absent before that happened.   So many people claim to be “saved by the blood”, yet know nothing about what the blood does.  We are going to concentrate on one of the main reasons His blood WAS needed.  It was to take away our sins.  The following passages show that a child of God will NOT disobey His Father’s Laws / commands: 
 
They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.”  (Titus 1:16)
 
“By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 The one who says, ‘I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 5 but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: 6 the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.”  (1 John 2:3-6)  I believe that Yeshua walked in obedience to every one of His Father’s Laws or else He would not have been the perfect Lamb of God.  What do you believe?  Since we are God’s children, brothers of Yeshua, we should walk as HE walked! 
 
WE CAN FINALLY DO WHAT THOSE BEFORE HAD A HARD TIME DOINGH:
SHED OUR SINS!
 
The worshipper before Yeshua was not cleansed within (only externally).  The worshipper before Yeshua was not “being made perfect”.  This has NOTHING to do with their desire to walk in His ways … NOTHING to do with living a lifestyle that pleased YHVH … NOTHING to do with being able to turn their hearts to His perfect Laws.  It has to do with the conscience and taking away sins.  If the system of animal sacrifices COULD do what the Spirit does today, then the sacrificial system would have stopped doing the sacrifices … they would have stopped sinning!  The sacrifice would no longer have been needed!  Their sins would have been taken away.
 
For the Law (regarding animal sacrifices), since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near. 2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins? 3 But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. 4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”  (Hebrews 10:1-4) It is clear that we have something that they (those living by faith before Yeshua) did not have. 
 
In order to be forgiven, one must repent (be sorry for and turn from his sins).  Today, however, so many who claim to be Christians have no idea what God’s Laws even are, so they feel no need to repent.  They do not read the Laws (as Paul exhorted them to restrain from certain acts, because they read the Law … Acts 15:21)  Adam was created in God’s image … when Adam fell, that man and his offspring were no longer in God’s image.  His desire is to get us, His children, BACK to that stage … into His image!
 
“For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;”  (Romans 8:29)
 
“and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.”  (Ephesians 4:23-24)  This passage continues and says, “Therefore, stop sinning!”  The new self, by turning away from sin, is in the likeness of God!  I am being careful in what I say, but it is possible to stop sinning (NOT on my strength, but YHVH’s Spirit’s strength given through the Son’s blood to those who believe)!  Adam was sinless when He was created.  That is how God intended mankind to be.  The Laws of our Holy God are NOT too difficult!  Although none of us have or will achieve this perfect state on this side of eternal life, if we claim to be filled with His Spirit, we had better start acting like we are a new creation!  We should be sinning less and less if we are true believers.  Then we will be CONFORMED into His image!
 
“No one who is born (conceived) of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born (conceived) of God.”  (1 John 3:9)
 
For it is also written:  “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  (Matthew 5:48) 
 
This is NOT a spiritual state of ‘Oh, Our Father sees us through His Son.  Therefore, He does not see our sin, but Jesus’ righteousness” This is HOGWASH!  (Get it?  We look like unclean Hogs … wash up!)  We are justified in the blood (been atoned for … been forgiven) … but … if we believe what we have professed, then we also believe that we have sinned!  Repent and turn from your sin and allow the Spirit to teach you the Law and how to live by it.  I just don’t see how people can call themselves children of the Most High God when they continue to disregard His Laws He has given to His children.  Many misuse John 13:34 but do not realize is THAT would be a sin to do so … Deuteronomy 4:2.  YHVH is not an old man whose eyes have become weakened over the years!!  Sin is transgressing His Laws (Law-LESS-ness … get it?) and His Laws are what determine what He considers to be a sin: 
 
“And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.  4 Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.”  (1 John 3:3-4)  While on this earth, we must bear the fruit of obedience which proves that His Spirit is truly within us.  We must start practicing His Laws … practice MAKES perfect!  Those before Yeshua hoped for this!  They KNEW it was coming, for it is written:
 
I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.”  (Ezekiel 36:27)
 
“(for the Law (regarding animal sacrifices) made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.”  (Hebrews 7:19)  They drew near to God through their sacrifices.  We draw near to the same God, but through a better sacrifice:  Yeshua.  So what is the difference?  If BOTH sacrifices could draw the worshipper near to God, then why would He have to send His Son to die?  As I said, it has to do with sin!!  They sacrificed, but their sins were only covered!  Ours are supposed to be taken away if we TRULY believe that we have sinned and are sorry: 
 
For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works (sin) to serve the living God?”  (Hebrews 9:13-14)  Just as the priest could NOT serve in the temple if he was defiled, we must shed our sins (thus proving that the Spirit is in us) and serve the living God!
 
“And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.”  (Hebrews 11:30-40)
 
CONCLUSION:
 
I am NOT saying that I am perfect and do not sin.  BUT, like Paul says, I live a lifestyle that puts YHVH’s Laws as my guide, knowing that He will save me through His Salvation!  “Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law.”  (Romans 3:31)
 
Why do so many people, today, CONTINUE to offer the blood of Jesus, and yet continue in the same sins repeatedly?  These worshippers might as well go back to sacrificing animals and stop trampling the blood of the Son!  HIS blood does not cover the sins, but is supposed to take the sin away!  His blood is to cleanse us of our sins, thus making us perfect as He is perfect!  We should strive to get to the point where we no longer need His blood for sin, but only for Salvation!  To truly know the Son and His purpose, we MUST learn the ways of the Father:  “Yeshua (Jesus) answered, ‘You know neither Me nor My Father; IF you knew Me, you would know My Father also.’”  (John 8:19)
 
We must show that we are no longer slaves to sin by our obedience to the Laws of YHVH (just as His Son did and told us to do).  Only then do we start to look like what He requires of His children:
 
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Messiah Yeshua (Jesus).”  (Philippians 1:6)
 
“Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Messiah Yeshua (Jesus).  13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,”  (Philippians 3:12-13)
 
We can see clearly that Yeshua came for many reasons.  But HE does what the animal sacrifices could not … deal with sin where it starts … in our hearts (minds).  Think about it.  “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.”  (Ezekiel 36:27)  Get to know what pleases YHVH … This is what obedient children do out of their love and faith!  Period.  I know that the dragon (Satan) is enraged at me.  Is He enraged at you?  Stand against Satan’s plan to lull the church into believing that a life of lawlessness is what God wants of His children:   
 
“So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Yeshua (Jesus).”  (Revelation 12:17)
 
I am simply the messenger.  I write and share with my brothers and sisters in order to spur them on in the Truth as they also do with me.  Blessings.
 
THOUGHT:
 
What was Satan’s purpose to do to Adam in the garden?  (Hint: to disobey God)
What was Satan’s purpose to do to the children of Israel?  (Hint: to disobey God)
What was Satan’s purpose to do the priests of Israel?  (Hint:  to disobey God)
What do YOU think Satan’s purpose to do to us is?  (Hint:  
 
 
 
 
 
Study materials
 
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Friday, January 24, 2014

Salvation: Entering In

Last time we looked at the first cup that is given during the Passover meal.  Today I would like to develop that a little further.  The first "I will" is that of taking us out.  We are being rescued from an impossible situation.  There is nothing we ourselves can do to remove us from the situation we are in. 
Rom 3:22 and the righteousness of Elohim is through belief in יהושע Messiah to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference,
Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the esteem of Elohim,
Rom 3:24 being declared right, without paying, by His favour through the redemption which is in Messiah יהושע,
Rom 3:25 whom Elohim set forth as an atonement, through belief in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His tolerance Elohim had passed over the sins that had taken place before,
Rom 3:26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He is righteous and declares righteous the one who has belief in יהושע.
 
I want to point out the phrase in verse 25.  This reference points us back to the original Passover, the one back in Exodus.  With that in mind I have a post from Kyle I would like to share with you that touches on this subject of salvation and entering into His rest.
 
 
 
Sunday, January 12, 2014 11:07 AM, Kyle Humphrey wrote:
Enjoy, and may each of us claim like our brother King David:  “Oh how I love your Torah as I wait for your Salvation”
 
 
 
 
The Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock.”
 
(Numbers 32:1)
 
“But we will arm ourselves for battle and go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them to their place.”
 
(Numbers 32:17)
 
                                                                                                                                                               &nb sp;        01 / 11 / 14                                   
(Comments in parentheses and emphasis within Scriptures are mine.)
 
MY FIRST THOUGHTS:
 
The account of the Reubenites and Gadites requesting NOT to go into the Promised Land, but to accept the land just outside of it, is very eye opening. 
 
We know that the history of the exile from Egypt, the journey through the desert, and even the Promised Land, itself, are all a picture of our walk here on earth and ultimately OUR final destination to be in the Kingdom of God.  So when I read Scripture, I ask, “What can I glean from this to make my walk more in line with those who made it to the Promised Land?”  So it is with this thought that I write today. 
 
What does the desire of the Reubenites and Gadites NOT to go into the Promised Land compare to today?  Why would they NOT want to go in and who do they represent in our day?
 
First: We first have to realize that there are those who are the greatest in the Kingdom and those who are the least in the Kingdom (Matthew 5:19 … which also explains WHY they are put into each category.)
 
Second: We have the picture of the Kingdom of God in the tabernacle.  There were those who were “part of the family” of Israel, yet never got near the presence of God.  They simply brought their offerings into the court of the tabernacle and then presented them to the priests and walked out of the court to live their lives as usual.
 
Third: We see today that the typical “church going Christian” would defend Israel and her land … but ultimately does not feel a personal connection to the land.  They have no desire to live there.  We read about the fight over “Jesus’ birth place” and the dispute over that Gaza strip.  “Hey, that is not yours to take, that is our ‘Jewish brothers’ land’ and so we will help defend it.”
 
The story is set with those thoughts in my mind:
 
We have two of the tribes (Reubenites and Gadites) not wanting to go into the promised land, but will defend their other brothers to get the land that they were promised and desired.  We start out in Numbers 32:1 which reveals one of the reasons they do not want to go in:
 
The Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock.
 
Their wealth!  In short, they thought that the size of their wealth was more important than receiving the promise of YHVH.  We then read that they were willing to fight for their brothers (32:17) who WANTED to enter the Promised Land and obey God!  (32:6-15 is clear that this is disobedience NOT to go in, but they are still okay with that)
 
I believe this is a picture of many people who call themselves Christians.  We know that not many will enter the kingdom of God:
 
Mat 7:21…"Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Master, Master,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.
 
We know that God’s purpose was for His children to get to the Promised Land and to dwell among them.  Recall that it was Levi’s descendants who fought for the Lord and lived by faith, and were ultimately made priests because of their faith.  That is OUR goal, to be priests with our High Priest (Yeshua), is it not?  Recall the Messiah’s words about those who teach and practice the Law … THEY will be called great in the coming Kingdom, or Promised Land (The others?  Least … or maybe like the picture of the tabernacle, just enough to get in, but not very far.).  Don’t forget the picture of what the priests of Israel did … they were expected to teach and practice the Law!  I think of the words of the Messiah again about those who will be able to enter the “Land”:
 
“Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Master, Master, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’  23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you who PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’” (Lawlessness is a life lived without the Law … neither practicing it nor teaching it)  (Matthew 7:22-23)
 
So we see this picture in the account of the Reubenites and Gadites. 
 
They, like the rich man who asked Yeshua how to gain eternal life, loved their lives so much that they were not willing to do what it takes to truly know God and His will and do it.  They loved their lives so much, that they would forgo the chance to be greatest in the kingdom, and accept being least.  I am sure if they TRULY understood what they were choosing … they would have let go of their flocks, their lives, and their beliefs in exchange for God’s perspective.
 
“Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”  (Matthew 19:24)
 
Yeshua (Jesus) said to him, ‘If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’”  (Matthew 19:21)
 
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”  (1 Timothy 6:10)
 
And He was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. 24 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.’”  (Luke 9:23-24)
 
Their wish was to save their lives and livestock (what they had) and they were content with knowing “just enough” about God and getting “close enough” to the throne of God.  The same is true today. Many are satisfied with the blood of Christ and offering His “sin offering” on the altar in the court yard, yet they miss out on the ultimate gift:  To be priests (those who teach and practice the Laws as given through Moses) and enter the promised Land and come nearer to YHVH.  Many times, it is wealth and the pursuit of it or some other worldly thing that keeps them from letting go of the normal beliefs about who God is. 
 
I was always taught that being “close enough” only counts in horseshoes and hand-grenades … I guess it still stands!
 
Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.”  (Revelation 20:6)
 
We ALL must ask, “Are searching diligently and with all our strength to know ouir Father?”  If not, what is stopping you from truly entering?  THAT is what is going to ultimately keep you, along with the Reubenites and Gadites, from entering the Land and coming nearer to YHVH.  I pray that you have given up everything in this life to know Him.  Note that both the least and the greatest are fighting for the Promised Land!  But the least (Reubenites and Gadites) are fighting to help the greatest (the priests) get in!  Which side are you on?

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Salvation: What is it?

What is Scriptural salvation?  What does it mean when Scripture says to believe and you shall be saved?  Starting today I am going to work on developing what this means for us.  Is it simply asking "Jesus" into your heart?  where in Scripture does it say to do that?
To begin with we will look at the four cups of Passover.  Now, these cups are not mentioned in the story of the exodus.  However, the cup is spoken of by Yashua Messiah.


Passover, a memorial commanded by Yahweh Elohim to be remembered through all generations.
Passover was the final plague that assailed Egypt.  It was the final straw that broke Pharoah's back to let Israel go from slavery to worship Elohim and go to the promised land.  It is filled with spiritual significance for all of us today.  Without fully understanding Passover, we cannot fully understand what Yahshua Messiah did for us on the stake.


Many reasons are given for drinking four cups of wine. Here are some of them:


When promising to deliver the Jews from Egyptian slavery, Elohim used four terms to describe the redemption (Exodus 6:6-8): a) "I shall take you out..." b) "I shall rescue you..." c) "I shall redeem you..." d) "I shall bring you..."


liberation from Pharaoh's four evil decrees: a) Slavery. b) The ordered murder of all male progeny by the Hebrew midwives. c) The drowning of all Hebrew boys in the Nile by Egyptian thugs. d) The decree ordering the Israelites to collect their own straw for use in their brick production.


The four cups symbolize freedom from four exiles: The Egyptian, Babylonian, and Greek exiles, and the current exile which will end with the coming of Messiah's kingdom.


The words "cup of wine" are mentioned four times in Pharaoh's butler's dream (Genesis 40:11-13). According to the Midrash, these cups of wine alluded to the Israelites' liberation.


According to Kabbalah, there are four forces of impurity (anti-divinity, or kelipah). On Passover, when we celebrate our physical freedom, we also celebrate our liberation from these spiritual forces. Our physical departure from Egypt was a reflection of our spiritual one—we were pulled from the clutches of depravity and impurity and set on the path to receiving the Torah and connecting with Yahweh Elohim.


Four Cups Of Passover - The Tradition New Testament has mentioned the 'Pesach Cup' at the time when Yahshua celebrated the feast with his disciples. He raised a cup at least twice during the meal to make important statements about himself. Jewish tradition has a very little story to tell about these cups. They believe that during Seder, it should be filled with red wine to remind us of the blood of the Passover lamb. Every year, during the Pesach, it is necessary to consume four "cups" of wine during the Seder meal. There is difference of opinion as to what these cups actually symbolize.   I would also like to remind you we are not bound to keep the "traditions" of men, but the keep/guard the commands and statutes of Yahweh Elohim.

Significance Of Passover Cups
The First Cup
This is regarded as the "cup of sanctification" that represents the first 'I Will' of God - his promise to free Israelites off from the slavery under the Egyptians. It is believed that the Messiah lifted the cup to remind people of this promise of God. Every person attending this ritual should focus their attention to the incident when God freed His people, keeping his promise.


What significance does this have for believers today?  We will look into that next time.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Who Is Israel?

What is the purpose of keeping the Sabbath?
Scripture tells us the purpose of keeping the Sabbath is so that we may know the true Elohim who sets us apart.  It is a sign which designates who the set-apart people are. 

Exo 31:13 "And you, speak to the children of Yisra’ĕl, saying, ‘My Sabbaths you are to guard, by all means, for it is a sign1 between Me and you throughout your generations, to know that I, יהוה, am setting you apart. Footnote: 1The only sign of יהוה setting us apart, the only sign of the everlasting covenant, is His Sabbaths, one of them being the seventh day Sabbath. This is repeated in Ezek. 20:12 & 20.
Ok, I am taking it for granted that by now you realize the context says this is for Israel.  The next question we need to ask ourselves is "who is Israel"?  So, do we then expect that Jews who become Christians should observe Sunday?  No, rather it should be the other way around, if we are to be following Scripture.  Gentile believers according to Paul, become grafted into Israel.  They too become the spiritual seed of Abraham and thus a part of spiritual Israel.

Jer 11:16 "יהוה

has named you, ‘Green Olive Tree, Fair, of Goodly Fruit.’ With the noise of a great sound He has set it on fire, and its branches shall be broken.
Rom 11:17 And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, have been grafted in among them, and came to share the root and fatness of the olive tree,
Rom 11:24 For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree, how much more shall these who are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
Eph 2:11 Therefore remember that you, once gentiles1 in the flesh, who are called ‘the uncircumcision’ by what is called ‘the circumcision’ made in the flesh by hands, Footnote: 11 Cor. 12:2.
Eph 2:12 that at that time you were without Messiah, excluded from the citizenship of Yisra’ĕl and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no expectation and without Elohim in the world.
Eph 2:13 But now in Messiah יהושע you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of the Messiah.


Isa 56:6 "Also the sons of the foreigner who join themselves to יהוה, to serve Him, and to love the Name of יהוה, to be His servants, all who guard the Sabbath, and not profane it, and hold fast to My covenant –

Isa 56:7 them I shall bring to My set-apart mountain, and let them rejoice in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their slaughterings are accepted on My altar, for My house is called a house of prayer for all the peoples

Yahshua told the Pharisees they were not of their father Abraham.  It confused them as they are the physical descendants of Abraham just as are the Arabs.  But Yahshua was not speaking of being physical descendants.  He was speaking of Spiritual descendants.  The sign that you are a spiritual descendant of Abraham and of his spiritual seed is that of keeping the Sabbath.  Being grafted into spiritual Israel, the wild branch into the tree planted by Yahweh Elohim. 

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Convienience or Obedience

This is my final post on the Sabbath at this time.  I would ask you if we can find no place in the Scriptures where Elohim definitely tells us that the Sabbath was changed to Sunday, what are you going to do about it? 
   Consider this.  In Messiah's kingdom we will be observing the Sabbath and the other laws of Yahweh's instructions.
Isa 66:22 "For as the new heavens and the new earth that I make stand before Me," declares יהוה, "so your seed and your name shall stand. Isa 66:23 "And it shall be that from New Moon to New Moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, all flesh shall come to worship before Me," declares יהוה.
 
Also in the book of Micah we are told the whole of Torah or the instructions of Elohim will be followed in His kingdom.  I would encourage you to read it for yourself.
 
Now, if the Sabbath was observed up until Constantine and the Roman church changed it, All through the OT and then until the first couple of hundred years after Messiah died and rose again, and if it will again be observed in the coming Kingdom, wouldn't you suppose it is intended to be followed even today? 
 
In Ex. we are told the Sabbath is a sign.  A sign of what?  A sign of being in Covenant.  Are we today in a covenant relationship with Elohim?  Are we set apart through covenant?  Testament is a word that means covenant.  the New Testament is actually a renewed covenant based upon the shed blood of Messaih on the stake.
Exo 31:13 "And you, speak to the children of Yisra’ĕl, saying, ‘My Sabbaths you are to guard, by all means, for it is a sign1 between Me and you throughout your generations, to know that I, יהוה, am setting you apart. Footnote: 1The only sign of יהוה setting us apart, the only sign of the everlasting covenant, is His Sabbaths, one of them being the seventh day Sabbath. This is repeated in Ezek. 20:12 & 20.
 
Exo 31:16 ‘And the children of Yisra’ĕl shall guard the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as an everlasting covenant.
Exo 31:17 ‘Between Me and the children of Yisra’ĕl it is a sign forever. For in six days יהוה made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’ "
Isa 56:1 Thus said יהוה, "Guard right-ruling, and do righteousness, for near is My deliverance to come, and My righteousness to be revealed.
Isa 56:2 "Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who lays hold on it, guarding the Sabbath lest he profane it, and guarding his hand from doing any evil.
Isa 56:6 "Also the sons of the foreigner who join themselves to יהוה, to serve Him, and to love the Name of יהוה, to be His servants, all who guard the Sabbath, and not profane it, and hold fast to My covenant –
Isa 56:7 them I shall bring to My set-apart mountain, and let them rejoice in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their slaughterings are accepted on My altar, for My house is called a house of prayer for all the peoples."
 
I wonder if you caught that about the foreigner?  If we join ourselves to Yahweh Elohim, the Elohim of the scriptures we are to guard the Sabbath.  In the words of Ex. 20 we are not to forget the Sabbath.  It is a sign forever.  A sign of being the set apart people of Elohim.
In the coming days we will look at the Scriptures that teach us when we come to Elohim through Yahshua Messiah we then become a part of Israel.  Until then, are you willing to become inconvenienced to follow the Word of Elohim and observe the Sabbath?  You may be mocked, you may experience people telling you that you are wrong and should be going to church on Sunday with the rest of those immersed in churchianity.  But are you willing to count the cost?  Are you willing to GUARD, to do and keep the Sabbath as Yahweh has fully intended?
1Ch 21:24 And Sovereign Dawiḏ said to Ornan, "No, but I shall certainly buy it at the complete price, for I do not take what is yours for יהוה, nor offer a burnt offering without cost."
 
1Sa 15:22 Then Shemu’ĕl said, "Does יהוה delight in burnt offerings and slaughterings, as in obeying the voice of יהוה? Look, to obey is better than an offering, to heed is better than the fat of rams.
1Sa 15:23 "For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and stubbornness is as wickedness and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of יהוה, He also does reject you as sovereign."
 
Are we rejecting the Word of Yahweh today by worship on Sunday?  But you may say I don't know anyone who observes the 7th day!  Does it matter?  Should not our hearts desire to be obedient regardless of our personal objections?  If you are truly desiring to be obedient you will find you are not totally alone.  Yes, being obedient and following can be a lonely road as not many follow the true path, but you will find others on this same path if you are willing to follow.  Following the truth is not convenient.  It does involve obedience and sacrifice.
 

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Fulfill the law

Another question.  This one regarding the scripture concerning Messiah fulfilling the law.  Let's go to the verse and passage in question.  The verse being used is that of Matt. 5:17
Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Mat 5:14 YeG5210 areG2075 theG3588 lightG5457 of theG3588 world.G2889 A cityG4172 that is setG2749 onG1883 an hillG3735 cannotG1410 G3756 be hid.G2928
Mat 5:15 NeitherG3761 do men lightG2545 a candle,G3088 andG2532 putG5087 itG846 underG5259 a bushel,G3426 butG235 onG1909 a candlestick;G3087 andG2532 it giveth lightG2989 unto allG3956 thatG3588 are inG1722 theG3588 house.G3614
Mat 5:16 Let yourG5216 lightG5457 soG3779 shineG2989 beforeG1715 men,G444 thatG3704 they may seeG1492 yourG5216 goodG2570 works,G2041 andG2532 glorifyG1392 yourG5216 FatherG3962 whichG3588 is inG1722 heaven.G3772
Mat 5:17 ThinkG3543 notG3361 thatG3754 I am comeG2064 to destroyG2647 theG3588 law,G3551 orG2228 theG3588 prophets:G4396 I am notG3756 comeG2064 to destroy,G2647 butG235 to fulfil.G4137
Mat 5:18 ForG1063 verilyG281 I sayG3004 unto you,G5213 TillG2193 heavenG3772 andG2532 earthG1093 pass,G3928 oneG1520 jotG2503 orG2228 oneG3391 tittleG2762 shall in no wiseG3364 passG3928 fromG575 theG3588 law,G3551 tillG2193 allG3956 be fulfilled.G1096
Mat 5:19 WhosoeverG3739 G1437 thereforeG3767 shall breakG3089 oneG3391 of theseG5130 leastG1646 commandments,G1785 andG2532 shall teachG1321 menG444 so,G3779 he shall be calledG2564 the leastG1646 inG1722 theG3588 kingdomG932 of heaven:G3772 butG1161 whosoeverG3739 G302 shall doG4160 andG2532 teachG1321 them, the sameG3778 shall be calledG2564 greatG3173 inG1722 theG3588 kingdomG932 of heaven.G3772
Mat 5:20 ForG1063 I sayG3004 unto you,G5213 ThatG3754 exceptG3362 yourG5216 righteousnessG1343 shall exceedG4052 G4119 the righteousness of theG3588 scribesG1122 andG2532 Pharisees,G5330 ye shall in no caseG3364 enterG1525 intoG1519 theG3588 kingdomG932 of heaven.G3772
 
G2647
καταλύω
kataluō
Thayer Definition:
1) to dissolve, disunite
1a) (what has been joined together), to destroy, demolish
1b) metaphorically to overthrow, i.e. render vain, deprive of success, bring to naught
1b1) to subvert, overthrow
1b1a) of institutions, forms of government, laws, etc., to deprive of force, annul, abrogate, discard
1c) of travellers, to halt on a journey, to put up, lodge (the figurative expression originating in the circumstance that, to put up for the night, the straps and packs of the beasts of burden are unbound and taken off; or, more correctly from the fact that the traveller’s garments, tied up when he is on the journey, are unloosed at it end)
G4137
πληρόω
plēroō



Thayer Definition:
1) to make full, to fill up, i.e. to fill to the full
1a) to cause to abound, to furnish or supply liberally
1a1) I abound, I am liberally supplied
2) to render full, i.e. to complete
2a) to fill to the top: so that nothing shall be wanting to full measure, fill to the brim
2b) to consummate: a number
2b1) to make complete in every particular, to render perfect
2b2) to carry through to the end, to accomplish, carry out, (some undertaking)
2c) to carry into effect, bring to realisation, realise
2c1) of matters of duty: to perform, execute
2c2) of sayings, promises, prophecies, to bring to pass, ratify, accomplish

2c3) to fulfil, i.e. to cause God’s will (as made known in the law) to be obeyed as it should be, and God’s promises (given through the prophets) to receive fulfillment
 So, in looking at the Greek definition and the context we find this
Matt 5:17  Do not think that I am come to dissolve or destroy, overthrow or discard the law or the prophets.  I am not come to do those things to the Law but to cause it to abound or allow it to be filled to overflowing.  To fully preach and teach the law.

This says nothing concerning the whole context either.
We find the same English word fulfill in verse 18.  But this is a different Greek word that is used.  Let's look at that.
Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
G1096
γίνομαι
ginomaiThayer Definition:
1) to become, i.e. to come into existence, begin to be, receive being
2) to become, i.e. to come to pass, happen
2a) of events3) to arise, appear in history, come upon the stage
3a) of men appearing in public4) to be made, finished
4a) of miracles, to be performed, wrought5) to become, be made

Another question from this verse.  When does the law stop being applied?  It tells us not one speck of the law will be done away with until heaven and earth pass away.

The last I knew we still have the same heaven and earth we have always had.  So, then, do you believe this word of the Scriptures?
At what point will you start to believe the law of Elohim is applicable for today?

What does verse 19 tells us?
Mat 5:19 "Whoever, then, breaks one of the least of these commands, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the reign of the heavens; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the reign of the heavens.

To teach others to disregard the Law of Elohim you then become least in the kingdom.
But if you do and teach them  you become great in the kingdom.

This goes against everything churchianity has been teaching us for hundreds and hundreds of years.

Still unconvinced?  When was the Law of Elohim given to Moses?  After Israel came out of Egypt.  Ok, Did Abraham observe the Law? 
Gen 26:5 because Aḇraham obeyed My voice and guarded My Charge: My commands, My laws, and My Torot1." Footnote: 1Torot - plural of Torah, teaching

Scripture also teaches us that we as believers become children of Abraham.  His spiritual seed.  Not, Jews, But Israel.!!!  The wild olive branch grafted into the Olive tree planted by Elohim.  If Abraham obeyed the law before it was written then shouldn't we as well if we are to be of his seed?



 
If you have more questions that would help you in deciding to keep the Sabbath or how the law is to be kept please write or comment. 



Mat 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, so that they see your good works and praise your Father who is in the heavens.
Mat 5:17 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Torah or the Prophets.1 I did not come to destroy but to complete. Footnote: 1The Law and the Prophets is a term used for the pre-Messianic Scriptures.
Mat 5:18 "For truly, I say to you, till the heaven and the earth pass away, one jot or one tittle shall by no means pass from the Torah till all be done.1 Footnote: 1Lk. 16:17.
Mat 5:19 "Whoever, then, breaks one of the least of these commands, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the reign of the heavens; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the reign of the heavens.
Mat 5:20 "For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees,1 you shall by no means enter into the reign of the heavens. Footnote: 1Mt. 15:3-9, Mk. 7:7-13, John 7:19, Acts 7:53, Rom. 2:23-27, Gal. 6:13.