Food for Thought

Fowls/Hateful Birds

Are by nature birds that pick at anything.  Some are more ferocious than others.

These birds will not show mercy to the weak and dying.  They will pick till only

the bones are left, completely naked of flesh.  These birds if left unchecked will

eventually devour everything their craven appetite desire.

Scripturally, these fowls and hateful birds are depicted as instruments of

uncleanness.  They are the ones who will eat up the good seeds that are sown, enemies of Yahweh’s word.  These are The birds of Babylon”.

This is not the nature of the doves of Yahweh.  Yahweh’s people must not exhibit the nature of pickiness, not digesting uncleanness, not devouring the body of the righteous, but instead displaying the gentleness of a dove-like spirit and the majestic flight of the eagle, which showcases both the straight and the humbleness of Yahweh.

Dirt and Sand

Gen. 2:7         Yahweh formed man from the dust.

Gen. 22:17     I will multiply your seed like the stars of Heaven and like the sand of the seashore.

The Spiritual Contrast

Yahweh formed man from the dust of the earth. Lowest base: That which is to be trampled upon; not seen as clean, don’t seem to have any value, not comely to the eyes; whatever it touches becomes defiled.  This, I think was deliberate to humble man.

Although we know the true value of dirt, without it no life would exist, no food, no minerals, the wealth of this world, the medicines etc., but the point I want to make is this: That Yahweh in the promised blessing to Abraham, by His prophetic spirit, referred to Abraham’s seed as sand, signalling a transformation of our genetic makeup.

To facilitate purity, e.g. It forms the base of our rivers, seas, and reservoirs.  Without sand, the water would be easily polluted by dirt and other impurities.  It’s a filter.  We see sand when sand is placed and tried by the right temperature from the correct fire, it can be used to make eyeglasses, aiding better vision, seeing things clearer.  It is also a building agent in construction.  It is mixed in to become a binding or a component of strength.

There are many more important uses of sand, but I see this as a spiritual consecration of a people promised and sanctified to be as we are stars of heaven, to be numbered as sand, but more importantly, shine and build Yahweh’s Kingdom.

 Spiritual Alignment

Isaiah 28:10 –           For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line. Here a little and there a little.

The mighty one of Israel, Yahweh of Host, is an Elohim of order, of rules, of obedience.  He is not counseled, He is not subject to any private interpretations or concepts.  He commands, will not force, but does not make void His words:  He shows patience, endurance, even forgiveness, but He will still bring to being, whatever He says.

We must understand His ways are perfect, upright without any degree of variances.  His ways cannot be fashioned or shaped to fis our level of comfort, simply because they are designed and commanded to effect change, transformation.

No-one carries their car to an alignment stand for it to remain in the same state.  The problem must be identified and rectified, so we have a safe journey in our travelling.

The thing about alignment is that, it’s not about lining up, it’s more than that. Diagnosis is not solving the problem, replacing the defective parts must be done in accordance with the model and year of the vehicle.  You see sometimes we experiment and use parts which are similar but not really compatible, even though it may seem and even perform for a while quite good, there is the possibility of serious damage to our vehicle even the risk of an accident occurring.  It’s true, many conversions have worked beautifully, but there always remain a little doubt in its function and durability.

Our souls are too precious for us to take things lightly, even if at a glance they seem trivial, let us make certain that we are in prefect alignment with Yahweh’s commands, with the same apprehension and mindfulness you exhibit when one’s brakes are just fixed.  Use that braking humility when you are walking with Yahweh.

My sister said that by the Spirit of Yahweh that the cup is half and half and half.  If we add two halves to a cup that is half full, our cup will runneth over?  Does this mean if we have precept and line, we must also incorporate here a little and there a little?  Is this saying to us that we have here but there is also something out there?

A perfect body carries two arms, one here on the right and one there on the left.  Their purpose is to balance and help the body operate properly.  No one handed attack is as effective as two.  The enemy cannot cope with a unified onslaught.

This unity is not on the assumption of outside alliances, but even within the body, if what is coming from the pulpit is not what is received in the pew.  One set of the body is hearing and the other is not.  Some alignment work is needed.  Not of flesh, but by the Spirit.

Let us be willing to be placed on the altar of spiritual alignment, so we can be truly set-apart.

A Call to Kodeshah (Holiness)

by Garfield Cuff

Be ye perfect as Yahweh our Heavenly Father is:

A true and profound statement for me, though I see Yahweh above perfection.  For the simple fact, that perfection is seen and obtained within Yahweh.

Perfection can only be measured by His standard.  It’s the fulfillment of Yahweh’s words and creations, that if acts according to His will and purpose can be declared and deemed to be perfected.  Perfection has no limits, in patience, in sufferings, in service, in obedience.  There’s no perfect knowledge outside of Yahweh, no perfect love, no wisdom, no absolute righteousness.  All these qualities can only be perfected by Yahweh.

You see, before perfection was even a thought, Yahweh was, is and forever will be.  Perfection without Yahweh will never stand or last.  Only Yahweh gives everlasting occurrences.

Any detachment from the everlasting giver, Yahweh, our perfection will not last.  The world’s perfection can be attained, but know for sure it’s ever-changing, always subjected to alterations.  It’s never a sure mark. It can be twisted and perverted.

I advise all who call on the Name of Yahweh to purify your pursuits solely in the perfecting spirit of Yahweh and live perfectly.  Failure to do so, will result in you constructing “The Tower of Babel”.  I was tempted to say the building of rebellion, but rather, I think it’s the proliferation, the spreading abroad of diverse doctrines with the same tongue of defiance.  A tongue that is punctuated with self.  Self rule, self preservation, the foundation of opposition, the ushering of an alternate means of survival.  Direct contradiction to Yahweh, which unfortunately for them, will bring direct collision with Yahweh.

The irony with Babel then and Babel now; is the drive of persistent rebellion to Yahweh’s words; what is even more deceptive is the assumption that their foundation can withstand the wrath of Yahweh.

It was a sinister plot then and now by a ‘sect’ or a wicked few, who are not concerned about the masses, just their own interest.

The falling away or the departure, the scattering of whatever sorts; is not to be taken as cast away.  They always can and often regroup.  So be us sober and awaken to this prophetic truth.  Keep our foundation rooted and grounded only in Yahshua.

Messianic Jews or Gentile Christians?

Some time ago I was challenged with the simple, yet mind-babbling question that many kodesh people are faced with. I was asked, "Are you a Christian?". As simple as this question may be, many people (even such as myself) struggle to find an accurate answer for it. A simple "yes" may imply things that may not necessarily be true - as kodesh people are not really Christians - but a "no" may do even worse, as we represent what Christians profess to be. To solve this problem, many came up with mid-terms such as "Judeo-Christians" or "Hebraic-Believers". Others opted to retain common names from the first century such as Ha'Derek (The Way), Nazarene or simply Disciples of Yahshua. Still the question remains; 'Who are we, Messianic Jews or Gentile Christians?'

Who Are Jews?

The classification of a Jew has been a longstanding issue for quite some time now. Jews are normally thought of to be a religious sect that abides by the Law of Moses. There are however, Jews (physical descendants of Abraham) who are not at all religious. On the other hand, there are people who neither have lineage with Abraham nor the tribe of Judah, but are considered Jews through religious practices. What, then, defines a Jew, religious practices or physical descent? In the secular world that will remain a mystery until Yahshua comes, but as far as the Scripture is concerned, one is considered a Jew through obedience to Yahweh (Rom.2:29).

Who Are Christians?

The modern definition of the word "Christian" teaches that a Christian is one who follows the religion of the Messiah (Christ). The only issue with that definition is that the Messiah did not establish a religion (Jn.7:16). Whatsoever he did and taught were based on a foundation that was already established. This would explain his statement in Matthew 5:17. The etymology of the word "Christian" reveals a nature that may very well be surprising to many. The English "Christian" derived from the Greek "Χριστιανός" (kristianos), which was a word imposed on the believers by "outsiders" of the faith (pagans). The believers in the first century regarded this as a derogatory term for one reason or another, and refused to accept it or identify themselves with it.

Whether or not one chooses to accept this FACT, Christianity today is owned and authorized by the Roman Catholic Church. It comprises of beliefs and practices that are contrary to what the Messiah taught (see article: Three Fundamentals Beliefs of Christianity that Do Not Make Sense). Most of what Christians have come to know and accepted are traditions which were given by the Roman Catholic Church. They openly admitted to this in the 1892 publication of D.B Ray's, The Papal Controversy (pg. 179). Christians, therefore, are those who have submitted to the authority of the Roman Catholic Church (Walter Drum, Catholic priest, Ecclesiastical Review, February 1914).

Who Are We Called To Be?

The apostle Paul gave a beautiful description of who/what we are called to be in his analogy of the olive tree in Romans 11:16-18. The original branches were broken off, according to Paul, and wild branches were grafted in. He went on to say that "it is the root that supports you". That is to say these "new branches" will receive the same nourishment and produce the same fruit -olives! In reality Paul is saying that the physical descendants of Abraham were broken off, and we, the spiritual descendants were grafted in. Yahshua the Messiah is our root, and he is a Jew! We are supported by Jewish foundation and fed on Jewish principles. We will inherit the Jewish promise through a Jew (Gal.3:14). John, in Revelation 21:12, saw the kodesh city with twelve gates - each having the name of a tribe of Israel. Which gate is for us? The gate with the name JUDAH!

We, the called out people, are called to be a part of Yahshua's Kingdom, and to share in his inheritance (Rom.8:17). Not only are we brothers and co-heir with Yahshua, but also children of Abraham as well (Gal.3:29). If then, we share in the inheritance of the Jews, worship the El of the Jews, follow a Jewish Messiah and are children of Abraham (Jewish father), we are in every right a Jew! We are not Jews by physical descent or traditional practices, we are Jews through our relationship with Yahshua Ha'Mashiah, and hence we are Messianic Jews!

The Voice of Yahweh has spoken .... He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches

Celebrating The Feast - Atonement

Each year on the 10th of Tishri (7th Jewish month), the atmosphere in Yisra'El would be one of great fasting, prayer, repentance and anticipation.This is because this day has been singled out and is observed as the holiest day of the year. It is the day in which the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) enters the Kodesh Kodashim (Holy of Holies), to make atonement for the sins of Yisra'El. This day is known as Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement. Like unto the other festivals of Yahweh, Yom Kippur has been sadly disregarded by many Christians today. The embodiment of this festival however, is so rich that no person who believes in the Messiah and truly wishes to serve the Creator of heaven and earth, can ignore.

Yom Kippur in Yisra'El

On Yom Kippur the Kohen Gadol would take a bull and two rams from the children of Yisra'El as special offerings (Lev.16:5). The bull would be slaughtered for the sins of the Kohen Gadol and his household (Lev.16:6), as well as any defilement he or his household may have caused on the mishkan (temple) by their [possible] misdeeds. Having been cleansed by the blood of the bull, the Kohen Gadol is now fit to make atonement for the sins of Yisra'El. He begins by placing both goats before Yahweh through the casting of lots (Lev.16:8). One goat would then be selected to pay the penalty for sin by dying, whilst the other will take the sins from Yisra'El out into the wilderness. During this time the children of Yisra'El would afflict their souls (a complete dedication to fasting and prayer) (Lev.16:29). When the first goat is slaughtered, the blood is taken into the Kodesh Kodashim and sprinkled on the mercy seat and on the veil. The same blood is later taken outside and sprinkled on the alter. All this sprinkling of blood is done to symbolically purify the mishkan, Yisra'El and the alter on which the sacrifices are made. Symbolically, this portrays a renewed Yisra'El - one without sin. After the Kohen Gadol has completed sprinkling the blood seven times as he was commanded, he is to take the live goat, lay both his hands on the head of the goat and confess all the sins of Yisra'El upon it, then send it off to wander in the wilderness (Lev.16:20-21). The Kohen Gadol will again return to the mishkan, take off his bloody clothes, bathe himself, change into new garments, and then offer burnt sacrifice unto Yahweh (Lev.16:23-24). It is believed that a miracle would occur at the end of Yom Kippur, where the bloody garments of the Kohen Gadol will turn to white, signifying that Yahweh has accepted their sacrifice and the sins have truly be taken away from Yisra'El. This belief is founded upon the words of Yahweh in Isaiah 1:18.

Understanding Yom Kippur

Admittedly the procedure documented in Leviticus 16 does seem a bit complicated. In fact, it could possibly be a 'turn off' for most people. Many will sigh a breath of relief, as they believe those days are now 'done away with', hence the observance of this festival is no longer necessary; but is this a reality? In Leviticus 16:29 Yahweh stated that this law would be with us forever. Was this "forever" conditional? Yahshua alluded to the continuation of the law in Matthew 5:18. Evidently therefore, this festival serves a purpose, and was intended to be observed even now.

Yom Kippur is a practical example of what it requires to remove sin from humanity and reconcile man to Yahweh. It was a "hands-on" experience for Yisra'El, and a glimpse of what the Messiah would later do for them, and the rest of the world. It was an introduction to the "Life for a Life" principle found in Leviticus 17:11, which paved the way for an understanding that an innocent blood would later be shed for the remission of our sins. This blood is the blood of Yahshua the Messiah! Yom Kippur therefore is the embodiment of the result of Yahshua's death on the stake. Everything that the Kohen Gadol did on Yom Kippur was an indication of what the Messiah would have done at Calvary. As the goat was innocently slaughtered for Yisra'El, so was Yahshua innocently slaughtered for us (Isa.53:6,7). The sprinkling of the goat's blood seven times was symbolic of Yahshua's blood completely atoning for our sins once and for all. This is why He cried out in John 19:30 "It is finished!". Sha'ul alluded to the finality of Yahshua's atoning work in Hebrews 9:28. The transferring of sin from Yisra'El to the live goat was also a representation of what Yahshua did. The sins of the world were laid upon Yahshua, who in turn bore them to His grave (Isa.53:6, 2Cor.5:21, Jn.1:29). The Messiah not only paid the penalty for our sins, He also bore them Himself -in so much that for the first time in His life He felt separated from His Father (Matt.27:46). This is what Yom Kippur is about - the atoning work of the Messiah.

Contrary to popular beliefs, Yom Kippur is NOT a day of pain and sorrow. It is a day of reverence and humility. Often times the 24 hour fast and the phrase "afflict your soul", is interpreted as a negative concept, thus portraying Yom Kippur to be something that it is not. The Hebrew word for "afflict" as seen throughout Leviticus 16 is "anah", and it speaks to humbling oneself or being occupied. The affliction of the soul that Yahweh commanded therefore is not a chastisement of the body or a self-inflicted punishment for sin, but rather, it is period of selfless humility and having the mind being focused on the spiritual man. Yahweh has never been in the business of causing harm to human or commanding self-inflicted punishment. In fact, these are things that Yahweh detests!

Fulfilled, NOT Abolished 

In light of the fact that Yahshua has completed or fulfilled the atonement, do we still need to observe the festival? ... YES WE DO! Many people tend to [conveniently] confuse "fulfillment" with "abolition". There is a distinct difference between the two. Yahshua in Matthew 5:17 stated He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill them. If abolition and fulfillment were one and the same, then Yahshua would have been saying "I did not come to abolish the law but to abolish them", which would have made no sense at all. Evidently therefore there is a distinction between the two. The Greek word for "fulfill" as seen in Matthew 5:17 is "pleroo", and it means to make full, to fill up, to full so that nothing is left wanting, to execute or carry out. It is the same word used in Matthew 3:15 when Yahshua said "to fulfill all righteousness" ... does this mean righteousness is abolished? I think not! Yahshua's fulfillment of the law therefore was His obedience to the law as He carried out what was commanded of Him. In the same light we are expected to obey all the commandments of Yahweh. Although Yahshua's work was finished at Calvary, "atonement" is still not finished. We continue to sin, so we are continuously in need of atonement. Since we are still in need of atonement, Yom Kippur still serves its purpose; hence it ought to be observed. The instructions for the observance of Feast of Atonement (Yom Kippur) are seen in Leviticus 16:29-31. Observe the festival unto Yahweh!

The Voice of Yahweh has spoken .... He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit has to say to the Churches

Celebrating The Feast - Trumpets

In the month of July we looked at three of the seven Feast Days of Yahweh: Passover, Unleavened Bread and Pentecost. These three Feasts are often referred to as the "Spring Festivals", as they all occur during the Spring season. A "Summer break" (if one should so term it) is given between celebrations, and we resume in the Autumn season with the Feast of Trumpets!

Yom Teru'ah in Yisra'El

Leviticus 23:24 documented the command for the observance of the Feast of Trumpets, which was then known as Yom Teru'ah (day of blast). The children of Yisra'El were commanded to sanctify the first day of Tishri (seventh Jewish month) as a kodesh (holy) day for convocation, and a memorial for the blowing of trumpets. The trumpet was a very instrumental tool in the land of Yisra'El. It was the main instrument for mass communication (Num.10:2-4), warnings (Eze.33:3), celebrations (Ps.81:3) and special announcements (2 Kings 9:13). Having the various sounds of the trumpet so embedded in their lives; the children of Yisra'El understood the importance of recognizing and identifying the sounds of the trumpet. This is a skill that the apostle Paul alluded to in 1 Corinthians 14:8.

Jews today refer to this same Feast of Trumpets as Rosh Ha'Shanah which is literally translated "The head of the Year". It is believed in the Jewish community that it was during this time that the universe was created, hence the month of Tishri is marked as the beginning of the second New Year on the Jewish calendar. Seven days before Rosh Ha'Shanah Jews exercise what can be termed as a week of repentance. A special prayer of forgiveness called selichot is recited in the early mornings in the synagogues. This practice helps to set the atmosphere for what is to come on Rosh Ha'Shanah. On the first of Tishri (Rosh Ha'Shanah), the Jews week of repentance comes to an end, and a ten day period of prayer and self-examination begins, and then it all culminates on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).

Feast of Trumpets Today

For centuries the children of Israel celebrated the Feast of Trumpets as was commanded by Yahweh, but the true meaning of this amazing festival was not revealed until the writings of the apostles in the first century. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:52, made mention of the trumpet marking the first resurrection. This same idea was conveyed in Matthew 24:31. Not only does this trumpet sound call out to the saints who have died, but it also heralds the return of the Messiah (1Thess.4:15)! The Feast of Trumpets therefore, is a faithful celebration of the time when the Messiah shall return and call his people unto himself; first those who have died, and then those who are alive will be changed (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). 

A lot can be learnt from Yisra'El (Israel) in connection with the Feast of Trumpets. Just as the Israelites had to be on the alert and able to identify the sound of the trumpet to determine its cause, so must we as members of the body of the Messiah be on the alert and able to identify the signs and the seasons. In fact, a blast from a trumpet in Hebraic writings is often used in symbolic reference to waking someone suddenly from a slumber. The Feast of Trumpets therefore is set to raise awareness. It is set to move one from a sleeping state of ignorance to a wakened state of knowledge and consciousness. Paul alluded to this fact when he revealed the mystery of this feast in 1 Corinthians 15:51-52. Just as the Jews, at this time, exercise their aseret yemei teshuva (Ten Days of Repentance), so must our hearts be in wait and preparation for the arrival of our King, Yahshua the Messiah -this is the very embodiment of the Feast of Trumpets!

The Great Controversy 

There are many theories regarding the return of the Messiah. Some believe He will come to earth to steal the Christians and take them back to heaven, others believe He will not come to earth fully, but will come half way the journey, then rapture the saints away. The Feast of Trumpets outlines in details what will happen at the return of the Messiah. Yahshua was questioned about his return in Matthew 24:3. His response did NOT convey a quick rapture or an easy escape for the saints as is being taught today, but rather, quite the opposite. Yahshua gave a list of things that MUST happen before, and in the midst of it all, he says "the end is not yet" (Mat.24:6-7). These things that Yahshua spoke about was seen by the apostle John and recorded in the book of Revelation. Each sign was marked by a trumpet (Rev.8:6-7). The apostle Paul showed in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 that the Messiah will descend from Heaven with a sound of a trumpet, and at that trumpet sound the saints who have died will be resurrected. These saints, along with those who are alive at that time, will be taken up into the SKY to meet the Messiah. This is not for them to be "raptured" into heaven, but rather, for them to escort the King into His Kingdom, which will be on earth (Rev.11:15). This is marked by the seventh and last trumpet!

The Feast of Trumpets therefore is a faithful celebration that heralds the return of the Messiah and King, the resurrection and transformation of the saints, and the establishment and reign of the never-ending Kingdom of Yahshua. It is not for us to know when all this shall come to past, but it is our duty to be prepared for what will come to past. Yahweh has equipped us with the knowledge and understanding that we need, so let us tarry faithfully as we do the Master's work and patiently await His return!

The Voice of Yahweh has spoken ... He that has an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches

Celebrating The Feast - Pentecost

Robert G. Walker

Have you ever wondered why most people in main stream Christianity do not celebrate the feasts of Yahweh which were clearly defined in Leviticus 23? How about the fact that they blatantly replace the feast of Yahweh with pagan holidays? Are the festivals of Leviticus for the Jews only as it is commonly reported? Are the festivals (Yahweh's appointed times) "nailed to the cross" ?  Is the Church now free to create man-made dogmas and appoint her own holidays, as they have been doing for the last 1700 hundred years? We have been looking at the "Feasts of Yahweh" individually on this blog site to unravel the deceptions found in "Christianity" and to allow the clear light of Yahweh to shine forth. We will consider in parts the feast of Pentecost, which is among the list of Yahweh’s appointed seasons.

  

Historical Significance

The feast of Pentecost (Hebrew: “Shavu'ot”, also called "Weeks", among other Bible nicknames) is the last of the biblical spring festivals outlined in Leviticus 23. It was originally celebrated as one of the three pilgrim festivals (in Hebrew "shalosh regalim") in Israel. Pentecost was primarily an agricultural holiday connected with the peak of the new wheat and barley crop. After the crop was harvested, a portion was brought to Jerusalem and offered along with special sacrifices of thanksgiving at the Temple.

The Torah (Exodus 23:16) refers to Pentecost as “the feast of the harvest” and it is observed by offerings of the best ripe produce of the fields. Deuteronomy 16:12 gives the reason for its observance. In addition to that, the holiday also bids us to share what we have; in keeping with the Torah’s command to feed the stranger, the orphan, the widow and other poor and unfortunate people within the redeemed community. It also served as a conclusion to the feast of the Passover which began seven weeks prior. Historical Pentecost therefore, is reflective of the Jubilee – the year of release, fifty days from Israel’s first Passover observance.

Yahweh chose to deliver the Torah at Mount Sinai, 50 days after the Passover, in order to communicate with us the deeper significance of our relationship with him as His chosen vessels of light to the rest of the world. It is such a pity that many of the churches today have ignored the very contract (the Torah) which separates us out and sanctifies us for such a high calling to bring light to the nations.

The Hebrew “Shavu'ot” literally means “weeks”. Weeks suggests the interim period of waiting or preparing, which rather than describing its uniqueness, points to a period which leads up to it, namely the period of 50 days from Passover to Pentecost.

Passover speaks of freedom, but Pentecost is the celebration of that freedom. Pentecost is a marriage ceremony, it was the day the sons of Israel stood before Yahweh on their wedding day, complete with a canopy (Mount Sinai), a ketubah (marriage contract), i.e. the Torah, and stipulations of the covenant. One could even observe from a spiritual vantage point: it was during the Passover that Yahweh wrought great miracles for the Israelites, yet He did not completely reveal how they should serve Him until the Torah was received on Pentecost. The spiritual liberation became a reality on Pentecost, for freedom is impossible without the Torah. Pentecost, therefore, is the culmination of time between redemption promised, and redemption realized. On this day Israel became a nation (Exodus 19:16)!

Passover can be seen as Yahweh’s proposal to us (when He promised to marry us); but Pentecost is the marriage itself! The seven weeks in between, are like the seven crucial days that a bride-to-be counts in preparation for her wedding, during which she purifies and readies herself, which is demonstrated in the observance of “Unleavened Bread”. There can be no achievement of a goal without such preparation. It requires repentance, a willingness to turn to Yahweh. “Weeks" is a name that speaks of the road which must be traveled which is the prerequisite for the accomplishment of our goal. The real test lies in our willingness and ability to count and prepare for the Elohim (God) of redemption, and to expect His power as a gift in the form of Ruach Hakodesh (the Holy Spirit), which will enable us to reach that goal. This is what ancient Pentecost is all about!

New Covenant

 In Acts chapter two, it is recorded that tongues of fire were seen resting on the heads of the apostles. What did this remind them of, and more importantly, how does it relate to the Feast on Pentecost? From a Jewish perspective, the events of Acts 2 echoed what occurred on Mt. Sinai some 1400 years earlier. This, however, was not just a mere "repeated performance"; but rather, it was a sequel – “Mt. Sinai II”. From these two mountains: Mt. Sinai, and Mt. Zion, the Sovereign of all the earth played out, as if from two grand stages, Israel's greatest revelations. From one mountain, He gave the Law, our beloved Torah, the very instructions of Yahweh was revealed in booming voices that made Israel tremble. From the other mountain, He gave His Ruach (Spirit), He equipped us to obey His law, proclaiming it in languages of every region, and again made Israel tremble and wonder. Today there are many of the Christian faith who deem themselves “Pentecostals”, but miss this very important point: the Spirit of Pentecost does NOT liberate us from the law, it enables us to keep the law!

Look at how Yahweh played out this sequel: In Exodus, the lamb was sacrificed, Israel was released, and then they were commanded to WAIT for seven weeks. After that wait, they were given the law on Mount Sinai and became a nation. Some 1400 year later, the Messiah was murdered, man was released (Gal.3:13), and after his resurrection he commanded his disciples to WAIT. After this wait, they were given Ruach HaKodesh on Mount Zion and they became a body (the church). The instructions that Yahshua left for the Apostles to wait at Mt. Zion for the Ruach were not arbitrary, but part of Yahweh's larger plan to fulfill prophecy. It was designed so that the Apostles and all those who were present in the Temple Court that day would recognize this magnificent re-enactment of the giving of Torah on Mt. Sinai. In fact, several occurrences happened to remind the apostles of what happened on Mount Sinai: the tongues of fire and the rushing wind (Acts 2:2-3) were like the thunder and lightning (Ex.20:18). 3000 souls were cut off from the kingdom at Mount Sinai (Ex.32:28), and 3000 souls were re-added at Mount Zion (Acts 2:41). The Israelites at Mount Sinai heard the Torah in a way that each man could understand, and the people at Mount Zion heard the gospel each in his own language.

What transpired in Acts 2 therefore is a neon sign, announcing the beginning of the Messianic Age. All of the markers that were present at the giving of the Torah were also present at the giving of the Spirit; by whose power we are able to appropriate the Torah. Is it, therefore, any wonder why Yahweh chose Pentecost as an everlasting feast for His people, attesting to His faithfulness to call out and redeem a people to Himself, and to do so twice, so that there would be no mistake in the interpretation?

 So instead of a discontinuity in the new Covenant we see a continuity of the feast of Pentecost, for clearly this was fifty days after Yahshua's resurrection  "when the day of Pentecost was fully come" expresses an anticipation "a counting of the omer" so obviously it was not nailed to the cross. For the body of Messiah the New Covenant Congregation celebrating Shavu'ot comes with an added blessing - we celebrate not just the giving of Torah (our marriage contract) but the outpouring of Ruach HaKodesh. For the New Covenant assembly its more richer; under the Old Pentecost brought forth wrath; 3,000 souls were killed, under the new Pentecost brought forth life; 3000 souls were saved, under the old the Law was written on stones but under the New it was written on our hearts, am I getting warm? Here is the big one, at Pentecost at Mount Sinai Israel became a nation, the congregation of Yahweh, at Pentecost recorded in Acts 2 the disciples of Yahshua became the body of Messiah, the New Covenant congregation of Yahweh. So we the body of Messiah " the Church", was firmly planted in Hebraic soil, would find its true identity in connection with Israel and with the covenants entrusted to Israel. The congregation, Sha'ul taught, is fed, sustained and supported by that relationship, and the Torah is very much a part of it - of which the feasts of Yahweh finds their footing.

Gentiles have a meaningful and significant relationship to the Torah. Through this relationship, Yahweh Himself instructs His children to embrace the full revelation of His grace in their lives. That full revelation consists of the whole of Scripture, including His festivals. In this way, many Gentiles who come to faith and are "grafted in" to the redeemed community can present a light to the nations in our generation, and even provoke the Jewish people at the same time, to jealousy that they might return to the Elohim of their fathers in repentance. The Torah has not died. It is still very much alive for all of us. The Torah is FOR the redeemed community!

The Voice of Yahweh has spoken … He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches

Celebrating The Feast - Unleavened Bread

Immediately after the command of the Passover, the command of the Feast of Unleavened Bread was given in Leviticus 23:5-6. Many sects of Mainstream Christianity accept [somewhat] the Passover, but reject the Feast of Unleavened Bread altogether. It is said that the Messiah commanded the observance of the Passover in the New Testament, but not the feast of Unleavened Bread; hence one is to be observed but not the other. This perspective becomes somewhat confusing as the very same New Testament unifies the feast of the Passover AND the feast of Unleavened Bread; portraying them as ONE celebration (Matt.26:17, Mark 14:1, Luke 22:1). The Church today has torn these Feasts apart, destroyed Unleavened Bread and transformed the Passover into what is now called Communion. Is Yahweh pleased with this action? Was it His will for man to adjust and reform His commands? Are we still required to Celebrate The Feast of Unleavened Bread?

Meaning and Symbolism of Unleavened Bread

The term "Unleavened bread" refers to bread that has been baked without any form of leavening agent in it. The leavening agent (or yeast) is what causes the dough to rise, thus producing that plumped, soft, chewy loaf. Throughout the Scriptures, this same leaven has been symbolically used to represent sin as seen in Matthew 16:6. This does NOT imply that leaven is in anyway naturally sinful, but rather, that leaven portrays some of the characteristics of sin, thus making it the perfect representation of sin. Just as leaven causes dough to be "puffed up", so does the indwelling of sin causes man to be "puffed up" as well. The apostle Paul gave this analogy in Colossians 2:18. Also, just as a little leaven makes an entire dough plumped, so does the most minute thought of sin makes a man sinful and wicked in his ways (1 Cor.5:6). The very same way leaven operates in dough is the exact same way sin operates in our lives. For that reason Yahweh saw it fitting to use leaven to represent sin. Bread, on the other hand, is the natural emblem of food. Throughout the Scriptures and even in our every-day-lives, the word "bread" is used as a general reference of food (Gen.3:19, Matt.16:11). Food is the physical substance that sustains life (Matt.4:4), hence it is vital for life. If leaven represents sin therefore, and bread is the natural substance of life; the term "Unleavened Bread" is in symbolic reference to a Sinless Life!

In Exodus 13:6-7 Yahweh commanded us to feast on unleavened bread for seven days. It was also commanded that there be no trace leaven in our midst within these days. Saints are commanded to get rid of any form of leaven in their midst, and to be "unleavened" for seven days. This entire act is very symbolic in practically every sense. To be unleavened is symbolic of being sinless. The act of getting rid of the leaven in our midst is symbolic of getting rid of the sins in our lives. Yahweh gave us a practical example of what it feels like to really get rid of sin.

Breaking Down the Symbolism

• The fist branch of the command in this commandment is to feast on Unleavened Bread for seven days. One may ask: why eat the bread, and why seven days? This bread that we eat during this time is no ordinary bread. It is not just "unleavened", it is the Bread of Life. This "Bread" is Yahshua the Messiah! (Jn.6:35, 48, 51) Yahshua was not just making fancy talk when he proclaimed to be the bread of life. It was a revelation! Yahshua revealed the mystery behind the command that his Father gave in Exodus 13:6-7. To feast on the unleavened bread is symbolic of feasting on Yahshua. It is symbolic of having his spirit dwelling within us. Just as bread is the natural substance of life, the feast of unleavened bread portrays Yahshua as the natural substance of our lives. The seven day duration speaks of completion and perfection. The number seven is Yahweh's number of completion. What Yahweh was saying to us therefore when He said to feast on unleavened bread for seven days; is to feast on Yahshua until we ourselves are completely sinless. This means to adapt his ways, his customs, and even his very thoughts as seen in Philippians 2:5. Consuming the unleavened bread is symbolic of having Yahshua living within us. 
• The second branch of the command is to rid our environment of leaven (Ex.13:7). We now have unleavened bread in our bodies, so we cannot cohabit with anything that has leaven. Symbolically, this is showing that once we have Yahshua then we can no longer be entangled with sin. Yahshua purifies from the inside in the sense that we now have a spiritual mindset and our eyes are now opened, but we must make that conscious decision to avoid sin and shun the very presence of it! Once we are using our bodies to entertain Yahshua, then we cannot entertain the presence of sin. We must rid ourselves of sinful thoughts, actions and even some of the people in our lives! Purification form sin is a two way process: the internal cleansing and the external cleansing. As sinful men, we cannot do it by ourselves, hence we look to Yahshua for guidance.

Feast of Unleavened Bread Today

The feast of Unleavened Bread is still observed by a few today. Others deem it to be obsolete and irrelevant. Should the feast still be observed? -Let us see ... Yahshua, while on earth, lived a completely sinless life. The fact that he did it is evidence enough that as human beings we can in fact live sinless lives. The feast of Unleavened Bread: (1) commemorates his sinless life, (2) gives us practice to live sinless lives ourselves, and (3) keeps us focus on a perfect life to come. Many people are of the impression that once they do not do anything "wrong", then they are okay. The Scriptures do not agree with that. Firstly, it says "there is none that is righteous" (Rom.3:10). Many believe they are living righteously, but really they are not! David himself confessed that he sins without even knowing (Ps.139:23-24). The Scripture also urges us to trust in Yahweh and not depend on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). Do we really know what sinning is? Studying the Bible is just the theoretical aspect of learning the truth. Observing the feast days is the practical aspect, and "practice makes perfect". The wisdom of Yahweh is far above the wisdom of man. Yahweh has poured out a little of His wisdom in His feast days so that we may know Him. He delights in our obedience to His commands (1Jn.5:3) .... So to answer the initial question, Should the Feast still be observed? ... You decide!

The Voice of Yahweh has spoken .... He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches

Celebrating The Feast - Passover

In the previous publication "The Sabbath Day", it was seen that Saturday, the seventh day, is in fact the stipulated day of worship by Yahweh. An older post, "Who Nailed The Law To The "Cross" (Part 2)", revealed that members of the then Roman Empire unlawfully nullified the laws of Yahweh, and passed down their own traditions and beliefs as laws. The Voice of Yahweh has been digging away the dirt of time, and revealing the deceptive seeds that has been planted by demons themselves; exposing all falsehood in Christendom to the light of truth! The issue of the Passover is no different, as many Christians believe they are keeping the Passover through practices such as "Lord's Supper" or "Communion". Is the Passover still to be kept today? ... Is there a difference between 'Passover' and 'Communion'? ... How do we Celebrate the Feast of the Passover?

Historic and Prophetic Meaning of the Passover

The first mention of the Passover festival is seen in Exodus 12:8-11. In this passage the Israelites were taught how to observe the Passover festival. They had to get a year old, male lamb without fault (Ex.12:5), roast it over fire and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs (Ex.12:8-9).

Historically, the Passover speaks of the redemption of the Israelites. It speaks of a time when Yahweh, through His servant Moses, brought His people out of the bondage of Egypt. The Passover [then] was symbolic of divine protection and the deliverance of the Israelites. The Israelites were asked slaughter a male lamb, and smear the blood on their door posts (Ex.12:7). This blood mark acted as a divine mark of protection so that when Yahweh PASS OVER Egypt, those who are under this blood mark will not suffer the curse (Ex.12:13). From just this single fact, one can see that the Passover is no minor thing, hence it has to be observed with reverence, sincerity and in accordance to Yahweh. Paul alluded to the seriousness of the feast in 1 Corinthians 11:29-30. After the Israelites were delivered from the Egyptians, they were asked to observe the Feast the following year on the exact same day (Num.9:1-3). It was then given as command for it to be done annually on the fourteenth day of the first month (Lev.23:5).


Prophetically the Passover speaks to the redemption of the elect! It speaks to a time when Yahweh, through His son Yahshua, will bring His children out of the bondage of this world. The Passover [now] is symbolic of divine protection and the deliverance of the saints. As it is that the lamb was slaughtered, so was Yahshua brutally murdered, and yes, he died on the fourteenth day of the first month. Yahshua died on the Feast of the Passover! Observe the sequence starting with Luke 22:1-2. The Scribes plotted against Yahshua as the Passover drew neigh. It is important to note that according to the Jewish calendar, the day begins at sunset, hence when Yahshua sat down at the table to eat with his disciples in Luke 22:14, it was the START of the day which was the evening of the fourteenth. Later on that night when it was dark, he was arrested and brought into custody (Luke 22:53). When the sun rose (still on the 14th) he was brought before the council (Luke 22:66). Finally he was murdered BEFORE sunset, hence he died before the fifteenth. John said something very important that most people might have missed in John 19:31. He described the approaching Sabbath as a 'High Day'. What could possibly make one Sabbath higher than another? The book of Leviticus chapter 23 gives a list of "holy days" in which holy convocations ought to be proclaimed on these days (Lev.23:2). In Leviticus 23:38 Yahweh described all these days as SABBATHS. One of these "Sabbaths" happened to be on the fifteenth day of the first month (Lev:23:6). The approaching Sabbath that John wrote about in John 19:31 therefore was not the regular seventh day Sabbath, but an annual Sabbath known as Unleavened Bread. The Feast of Unleavened Bread comes AFTER the Feast of the Passover, and if Yahshua died BEFORE the Feast of Unleavened Bread, then indeed he died on the Passover. This is why Paul described him as our 'Passover Lamb' (1 Cor.5:7).

Now it all makes perfect sense, and proves that the covenant really has not changed. As it is that Israel had to eat the flesh of the lamb, so must we eat Yahshua's flesh. This is why he gave the bread and said "this is my body" (Luke 22:19). As it is that Israel was saved by the blood of the lamb, so are we saved by the blood of Yahshua. As it is that Israel had to keep an annual memorial to remember that blessed day when they were freed, so we ought to keep an annual memorial to remember what Yahshua has done to free us from the curse of sin. The law of the Passover has not changed, its prophetic meaning remains, and the name has not changed either. It is still called the Passover. All that has changed is the PEOPLE and the emblems.

Misconceptions of the Passover

One of the greatest misconceptions of the Passover, is that it is the same as Communion or Lord's Supper - It is not! Should one ask a Christian "Why do you take communion?", eight out of ten responses would be "because 'Jesus' told me to". The institution of "Lord's Supper" and "Communion" has robbed Passover of its significance in our lives. The rich typology and prophetic symbolism are torn away from the Passover through the observance of "Communion" and "Lord's Supper". Most Christians are not even aware of the fact that this Feast IS a memorial of the death of the messiah. They gather weekly, monthly, quarterly and so on to "commemorate" ... but to commemorate what? If someone dies, the memorial is held annually on the day the person died; not weekly or monthly. We were commanded to keep the Feast "at their appointed time" (Lev.23:4), not when we feel it is necessary. It is also somewhat insulting to see Christians using bread with leaven (yeast) in this practice. Leaven, throughout scripture, is a representation of sin. Yahweh commanded us in Deuteronomy 12:32 to do ONLY what He has commanded. Once we alter or change what is written, we are no longer being obedient, but rebellious.

Passover Today

The Passover today, as it has always been, is kept on the fourteenth day of the first month [of the Jewish calendar]. The Passover this year was on the 24th of March. The Passover meal comprises of unleavened bread and wine, and it is ate at evening (start of the Jewish day). Yahshua introduced a new practice which is commonly done at the Passover, which is the washing of feet (Jn.13:14). At the meeting, the reflection is on Yahshua who died for us on this day, but more importantly the comfort that we are covered under his blood so when Yahweh shall PASS OVER the earth in the last day, we who are marked by his blood will be left alive (Rev.7:3).

The Voice of Yahweh has spoken ... He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches

The Sabbath Day

In previous publications such as: "Saturday or Sunday - Does The Day of Worship Really Matter?", "Three Fundamental Beliefs of Christianity That Does Not Make Sense" and "Who Nailed The Law To The 'Cross'?"; the practice of Sunday-worship was exposed as an extra-biblical establishment, that is in no way pleasing to Yahweh. The very scripture speaks profoundly to such a practice in Mark 7:7-8, showing that man-made commandments are nothing but vain worship. Again in Deuteronomy 12:32 Yahweh Himself declared and commanded that His people ought to worship Him in the way that He prescribed, and in no other way. Having established that, Sunday-worship evidently has no part in the worshiping of the true and living Elohim (God); but does that make Saturday the right day of worship? Why do some people worship on a Saturday? Which day is the [true] Sabbath day?

The Creation and Sanctification of the Sabbath

The very popular Genesis 2:3 echoes the creation and sanctification of the Sabbath day. It is very important to note that what Yahweh did to the Sabbath, He did to no other day at creation. Unless Yahweh has suddenly gone into the business of doing things just for 'doing' sake, the fact that He separated the Sabbath day in this format shows that the Sabbath has to be of utmost importance. The Hebrew word for "bless" as seen in Genesis 2:3 is "Barak" (S#01288), and it paints the image of one kneeling in reverence, saluting in honor or giving praises. Yahweh "blessing" the Sabbath day therefore was not simply a pronunciation of blessing upon this day; but rather, it was a lauding of honor, holiness and superiority over any, and every other day. Yahweh has singled out the Sabbath day, sanctified it, and placed it above all other days. The approach Yahweh took towards the Sabbath can only be compared to the approach He takes towards His own children whom He singled out, sanctified and placed above all others (1 Peter 2:9). If the Sabbath was of such great significance to Yahweh from the very beginning, what possible reasons could there be for the Sabbath to become insignificant or obsolete now?

The Command of the Sabbath

The fact that the Sabbath was made from the beginning (along with food and other necessities), shows that the Sabbath was a gift from Yahweh to man. The Messiah alluded to the fact in Mark 2:27. After the fall of man, the Sabbath became a command (Ex.20:8). Man has now become disobedient and rebellious. Yahweh wanted man to continue in the Sabbath, hence it became a command. Otherwise man would have done what many are doing today - neglecting the Sabbath. The command of the Sabbath stands out above all the other commands in Exodus 20. Every other command was explained in one or two verses, but the command of the Sabbath was explained in four verses and in great details! (Ex.20:8-11) How much more emphasis could possibly be made on the Sabbath to show just how important this day is? The others began with the phrase "You shall..." or "You shall not...". The command for the Sabbath however, took on a whole new atmosphere in its structure: "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy". Two words readily jump at you in this command; the words "remember" and "keep". The first word "remember", implies that the Sabbath day is NOT a new establishment, it is something that has already been established. And if it was something that has been previously established, then it cannot be limited to the current even, as it would have predated the event. The Hebrew word for "remember" as seen in Exodus 20:8 is "zakar" (S#02142), and it speaks to the action of bringing back to memory or keeping a memorial. Yahweh wanted His people to remember and meditate on what He did to the Sabbath in Genesis 2:3 and keep it that way! Note that the command was not to make the day holy, or to do "holy" things on that day. The command was to keep the day the way Yahweh has made it, which is holy, honorable and sanctified.

Knowing our human limitations, Yahweh explained to us in great details exactly how to keep the day holy. We begin by sanctifying the day. This is done through the abstinence from secular work activities (Ex.20:10). By not working on this day, we distinguish this day from every other day of the week and we set it apart as a special day above any other day. This action replicates what Yahweh did in Genesis 2:3, hence making our action a memorial, as it was commanded to be. Secondly, it provides a peace of mind for those who observe the Sabbath. Because the cares of the world are put aside on this day, a clear access is provided to Yahweh, where one can commune with Him one on one in His presence. This feeling is comparable to none, hence fulfilling the  purpose of the Sabbath being a gift. Finally man was commanded to assemble together on the Sabbath day for worship (Lev.23:3). In a futile attempt to justify the non-observance of the Sabbath, many people claim that the "true" Sabbath day is unknown. The Scripture was very clear on which day is the Sabbath day. Genesis 2:3. Exodus 20:10 and Leviticus 23:3 all stated that the Sabbath day is the seventh day of the week. One could ask a six year old which day is the seventh day of the week, and he would have answered correctly by saying SATURDAY is the seventh day. If that is not clear enough, in virtually every known language on earth, the day "Saturday" is translated "Sabbath": In Dutch, the seventh day "Zaterdag" is translated "Sabbath", In Spanish, "Sabado" is also translated to "Sabbath". Even in earlier languages such as Greek "Savvato" is translated "Sabbath", and of course in Arabic and the authentic Hebrew "Shabbat", all point back to the holy day of rest - the Sabbath. Saturday therefore is in fact, and undoubtedly, the Sabbath!

Misconceptions of the Sabbath

The Sabbath has always been misunderstood and made out to be what it is not; firstly by the Jews and now even by the Gentiles. This is the reason many people are of the impression that Yahshua never kept the Sabbath. Indeed Yahshua kept the Sabbath. It was his custom (Luke 4:16). What he did not do, was to follow the misguided rules that the Rabbis attached to the Sabbath day. These rules changed the Sabbath from a peaceful gift of tranquility and holy communion with the Father, into a burden of rules and regulations. By this, Yahshua said they have made the law of no effect (Mark 7:13), as people are now turning away from the Sabbath, and the true meaning of the Sabbath is neglected. It is being said that the Sabbath prohibit: sex, driving, cooking, walking long distances, using a cellular phone among many other trivialities that are really not biblical. These so-called rules rob the Sabbath of its true meaning, and by extension, hinder the person from actually observing the Sabbath. If the true meaning and benefits of the Sabbath is not being received, then despite the many rules, the Sabbath is still NOT being kept!

The Sabbath is a day of freedom and liberty, not one of boundaries and rules. The Sabbath is a vacation, not an imprisonment. To be frank, there are really only two concrete laws for the Sabbath; to abstain from secular work and to assemble for worship (Lev.23:3). One person may choose to spend the Sabbath with his family, another may choose to spend his Sabbath in seclusion. One could choose to use his Sabbath as a time for meditation, whereas another could use his Sabbath for relaxation. As long as the rest is being obtained, and there is a fellowship, it does not matter how it is done. The Sabbath is for man, not man for the Sabbath.

Fulfillment of the Sabbath

The Apostle Paul in Colossians 2:16-17 established the fact that the Sabbath is a shadow of something greater to come. Of course many have twisted this passage of scripture to suit their own beliefs, but what Paul was doing here was simply giving a reassurance of faith to the Colossians, reminding them that their beliefs and practices are not mere beliefs and practices, but are representations of greater things to come. The Sabbath represents the final rest of man which Paul expounded on in Hebrews 4. It represents a time when man will no longer have to live under the curse that causes him to work for a living. It represents a time when man will no longer be bounded by the flesh and the realms of evil. It represents a time when man will be able to live freely without the hindrance of death, pain or even sorrow. It represents a time when man will ultimately rest from his sojourning, take off the baggage of mortality and finally become what he was created to be. The Sabbath represents the final destination of man, and as glorious as it will be in the spiritual realm when we arrive, so must it be today in the physical realm as we practice. In this we can now say one to the other ... "Have a Happy Shabbat"

The Voice of Yahweh has spoken ... He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches

"Old" Covenant to "New" Covenant - What Has Changed?

From the time of Abraham to the time of Moses ... From the time of Moses to the time of Yahshua ... From the time of Yahshua, even unto the present time; what we now call Christianity has undergone innumerable changes in virtually every facet of its establishment. This has given birth to a paradoxical keynote of Christianity in the minds of unbelievers, as these same Christians proclaim that "God" is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. How can the God of Christianity be a "never-changing God", yet Christianity itself has changed so much that it no longer has any of its original beliefs and practices? This is often polished away by the perception that Christians are now under a "New Covenant", hence the original beliefs and practices are now obsolete! Is this really a fact? Has Yahweh finally gone back on His words and changed what was written? From the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, what [really] has changed?

The History and Establishment of the First Covenant

It is always comical to see Christians trying to "explain" the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, using only the New Testament. It should not take a rocket scientist to highlight that a transition is a process that can only be accurately explained through a timeline. One must begin at the very beginning: starting with the Old Covenant, then describe the events and changes leading up to the New Covenant. This is the only way the transitional process can be clearly seen. The first thing we may want to do is to remove the man-made concept of an "Old and New Covenant", and refer to them as the Scripture portrays them: "First and Second Covenant" (Heb.8:7). The concept of an Old and New Covenant as seen in Hebrews 8:13, is an entirely different concept that does not even involve the Gentiles, but speaks specifically to the house of Judah (Heb.8:8).

This covenant relationship between man and Yahweh started some 4,000 years ago with a man name Abraham (Gen.17:1-2). Yahweh promised to bless this man and make him a great nation (Gen.12:2). This promise was extended to his descendants, who will inherit a piece of land (Gen.12:7). Believe it or not, this great promise that Abraham and Israel received was the promise to a piece of land! (Gen.13:15, Gen.15:18) This was the same promise spoken of in the New Testament (Acts 7:5, Heb.11:8), and it is the very same promise Christians are to receive through Yahshua - Land! (Gal.3:14,16) This may come as a surprise to many, as a piece of land seems all too simple; but this land will not just be any piece of land. On this land will be a kingdom (Daniel 7:27), and not just any Kingdom, but the Kingdom of the Messiah in which all those who are a part of the covenant will partake and be rulers (Rev.5:10). This is the real promised that Abraham received which was passed down to his descendants, then finally extended to the rest of the world through Yahshua the Messiah - the land, or rather, the earth! The benefit of the meek as seen in Matthew 5:5 is this same land!

A covenant is an agreement between two or more parties; hence if Yahweh has promised man land as a part of a covenant relationship, man must do something in return. Otherwise it would not be a covenant at all. Man (Israel) therefore, was required to obey Yahweh and keep His commandments (Exodus 19:5-6). Israel agreed and the deal was seal (Ex.19:8). Anyone who went contrary to the commandments of Yahweh was rejected and cut off from the covenant (Lev.18:29). This was the first covenant that was created; Israel would have been given a special land if they obey the commands of Yahweh.

The Establishment of the Second Covenant

The first covenant was later broken, and a second was created. Many people use Paul's words in Hebrews 8:7 to say that the law had a fault. This would have been a direct contradiction to Psalm 19:7 which establish the law as being perfect. It is impossible for perfect laws to have faults; hence the fault in the first covenant could have never been the law. That is contrary to the very nature of Yahweh! The fault in the first covenant was with the people! Israel did not fulfill their end of the bargain. Their duty was to obey the law of Yahweh, and they did not do it (Nehemiah 9:29). Since they did not obey the law, they breached the contract (covenant) and as such made it faulty. It would not make much sense to change the law if it was the people who were at fault. Yahweh, therefore, did not change the law as many professed. He changed the people (Isa.65:1)! Yahweh replaced the Israelites with the Gentiles in the covenant, hence making it a different covenant, since it does not deal with the same people. This, however, does not imply a change of agreement. Paul explained this process thoroughly in his epistle to the Romans. Using the analogy of an olive tree, Paul stated that branches were broken off so that wild olives can be grafted in (Rom.11:17). These original branches represented the Israelites, whereas the wild olives represented the Gentiles (Rom.11:25). Paul made it crystal clear that these wild branches are supported by the same root (Rom.11:19). This shows that whosoever conditions or agreement was there in the first covenant is the same that exist for the second. The root has not changed, only branches were broken off. In other words, the covenant has not changed; it only applies to a new set of people. Paul again cautioned the Gentiles in Romans 11:22 to continue in their kindness as Yahweh continues in His kindness. What "kindness" is this? -This 'kindness' is being true to one's word! Yahweh is true to His people that He will give them the land, so His people are to be true to Him that they will obey His commands. Paul reassured the Gentiles that Yahweh will not spare them as He did not spare the original people (Rom.11:21). If the Israelites were replaced because they did not keep the commands, the Gentiles too will be replaced if they follow suit. The commandments, therefore, are an integral part of the covenant.

Legal Institution vs. Methodology

Ever so often the institution of the law if confused with the method of which it is carried out. The institution of the law contains the purpose and what is to be taught. The method is just the way it is done. Whilst the method may change, the institution or the law itself remains. A perfect example of this is the law of circumcision. Many will say that law of circumcision was abolished, but the truth of the matter is that it was not! No law was ever abolished. What happened was simply a change in methodology. Instead of a physical circumcision where the foreskin is removed (Gen.17:11), there is now a spiritual circumcision where the carnal 'flesh' is removed (Rom.2:29). The law still remains; one must be circumcised to be a part of the covenant.

A clear analogy of this would be a house being built. It is not yet finished, but someone has to live in it while work is being done. There are no windows, doors or roof. The structure of the house is temporarily covered by plastic which is functioning as the roof. The places where the windows and doors are to be, are held by pieces of boards. Until the roof comes, the plastic will have to suffice. When the roof is finally available, it replaces the plastic, but the function is the same as it provides shelter. Notice that the installation of the roof does not affect the boards in place, as those pieces of boards will have to remain until the actual windows and doors are installed.

So it is with the change from the first to the second covenant. Scripture shows that the promise was always meant to be fulfilled through Yahshua (Gal.3:16), but until he came things had to be put into place. Yahshua was always meant to be our sacrifice, but until he came, blood had to be spilled for sins to be forgiven (Heb.9:22). This was the reasons lambs were sacrificed in the past. In fact, Yahweh did not even delight in animal sacrifices (Isa.1:11). It pleasured him when Yahshua finally came and fulfilled that purpose (Isa.53:10). Many will say that the priesthood and temple worship has been abolished, but that is not so either. Why would Yahweh make a bunch of laws then turn around and destroy them? Is He not all-knowing? Is His mind so shallow that His establishments were only for a period? Think about it! We still have a High Priest, so the priesthood still exists (Heb.4:14). This High Priest still stands as a mediator between us and Yahweh (Rom.8:34). We still have a temple (1Cor.6:19), and we still offer sacrifices (Heb.13:15). The institution of the law therefore remains in place, it is only that there has been a change in methodology. A classic example would be Capital Punishment (for countries with this practice). In the past Capital Punishment was done by hanging, but now it is done by lethal injection. The method has changed, but the law remains the same.

As seen in the analogy with the house being built, the instillation of the roof did not affect the pieces of boards  which were substituting for the windows and doors. In like manner, the first appearance of Yahshua did not affect every single law in place, but some were left unaltered until his second advent. Paul alluded to such practices in Colossians 2:16-17 stating that they are a shadow to things TO come. One such practice is "The Sabbath Day" ... coming up next in this series

The Voice of Yahweh has spoken ... He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches

Who Nailed The Law To The "Cross"? (Part 2)

In the previous publication (Who Nailed The Law To The "Cross"? (Part 1)) it was clearly established that neither Yahweh, Yahshua, nor even the apostles had any part to play in the abolition of the law. Nevertheless, the law is seemingly abolished today. This ought to be an area of great concern as the apostle Paul warned in Galatians 1:8 that no other gospel other than what they have taught ought to be accepted. Despite this warning, Christians today readily accept the erroneous doctrine of law abolition, though it was never taught by any of the apostles. Is this not a direct violation of even the very New Testament that Christians hold so dearly today? To uncover the mystery behind the abolition of the law, one would have to go beyond the Scriptures -this is, in fact, and extra-biblical matter. The abolition of the law cannot be found in Scriptures, simply because the law was not abolished in the Scriptures.

The Untold Truth

Through the writings of the apostles, it was clearly seen that the early church consisted of Jews and Gentiles (Acts 13:42 KJV). In fact, Paul in Galatians 3:28 made it known that there is no difference between a Jew or a Gentile in the body of Messiah. He further alluded to the fact in Romans 2:28-29, that being a Jew was not a matter of racial background, but rather, of spiritual belief and a desire to please Yahweh. Having established these facts, it is now quite obvious; anyone who believes in Yahweh and obeys His commands is a Jew!

The distinction between Judaism and the apparent "Christianity" did not come about until the third century, during the rise of the Roman Empire, when St. Constantine The Great decided to make his own religion. He wrote this legislation in the Theodosian Code on February 28, 380 AD

IT IS Our will that all the peoples who are ruled by the administration of Our Clemency shall practice that religion which the divine Peter the Apostle transmitted to the Romans, as the religion which he introduced makes clear even unto this day. It is evident that this is the religion that is followed by the Pontiff Damasus and by Peter, Bishop of Alexandria, a man of apostolic sanctity; that is, according to the apostolic discipline and the evangelic doctrine, we shall believe in the single Deity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, under the concept of equal majesty and of the Holy Trinity.We command that those persons who follow this rule shall embrace the name of Catholic Christians. The rest, however, whom We adjudge demented and insane, shall sustain the infamy of heretical dogmas, their meeting places shall not receive the name of churches, and they shall be smitten first by divine vengeance and secondly by the retribution of Our own initiative, which We shall assume in accordance with the divine judgment "

Let us examine this legislation for a moment. First of all this declaration was made from their will. Not even the Messiah exercised such authority, but acted in the will of Yahweh (Luke 22:42). It seems as though the Roman Empire had more authority than the Messiah himself! They even declared Peter as being divine. The Messiah Yahshua, being as sinless as he was, would not even accept the title of "good" (Mark 10:18), yet the sinful Peter was lauded as being divine! If all that was not disturbing enough, they went on to changing the most fundamental law ever! (Mark 12:29). Yahweh who has always been ONE, became THREE on this day. The most fundamental law for any Jew is the Shema. This is a daily prayer commencing with Deuteronomy 6:4 declaring that Yahweh is ONE! Yahweh Himself testified that there is no other beside Him (Isa.45:6), but St. Constantine The Great declared that there are two others beside Him who share "equal majesty". As erroneous as this was at the time, many were forced to succumb to this dogma. Any other belief was deemed as a criminal activity, and was punishable by death! Many stood for what was right, but one by one they were martyred and used as public examples. The remnant of those who worshiped Yahweh according to His law fled for their lives and worshiped in secret. This made St. Constantine's religion the standing and dominant religion, hence giving birth to what we now call Christianity.

As hard as this may be to accept, the honest truth is that Yahshua did not come to establish a religion, he came to create a pathway so that the Gentiles can partake in Israel's promise. Paul puts it beautifully when he said we were grafted in (Rom.11:17). In other words, Yahshua the Messiah did NOT establish a religion separately from the Jews, but rather, he made it possible for we (the Gentiles) to worship LIKE UNTO and ALONG WITH the Jews. It was St. Constantine The Great who made the distinction. In fact, it was St. Constantine The Great who made Christianity! The book of Revelation shows that there will be twelve gates to the Holy City, on these gates are written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel (Rev.21:12). Where is the gate for Christians? If Yahshua really brought a new religion, then it is only fair for him to have made provisions for these people. Did he not say he has gone to prepare a place? (John 14:2) Where then is this place? The Scripture reveals no provision for Christians, and this is because Christianity is an anti-biblical religion. The Messiah himself declared that salvation is from the Jews in John 4:22.

The scripture openly reveals sin as lawlessness (1 John 3:4). It therefore becomes very distasteful, and frankly contradicting, to see Christians striving to live lawlessly and proclaiming righteousness. The apostle Paul, in Romans 6:16 tells us plainly that we are slaves to whomever we obey. Yahweh commanded us to keep the Sabbath in Exodus 20:8, but St. Constantine The Great said this in 321 AD:

"On the venerable Day of the sun let the magistrates and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed. In the country, however, persons engaged in agriculture may freely and lawfully continue their pursuits: because it often happens that another Day is not so suitable for grain sowing or for vine planting: lest by neglecting the proper moment for such operations the bounty of heaven should be lost"

Think about it for a moment, who are Christians really worshiping when they neglect the divine law of Yahweh for these miserable man-made laws? Yahshua in Mark 7:7 said it boldly that they are worshiping in vain! St. Constantine The Great, being a "Converted Sun Worshiper", past the decree that Sunday ought to be observed as the day of worship instead of Saturday. Not only does this blatantly contradict the law to reverence the Sabbath (Ex.20:8), but it is also a violation for any man to change what Yahweh has written (Deut.12:32), or worship Yahweh in the way they worship other gods (Deut.12:30). If all that still was not disturbing enough, this was later declared in 364 AD:

 "Christians shall not Judaize and be idle on Saturday (Sabbath), but shall work on that Day: but the Lord’s Day, they shall especially honour; and as being Christians, shall, if possible, do no work on that day. If however, they are found Judaizing, they shall be shut out from Christ"

These people did not only invent a new religion, they utterly destroyed (or tried to) what the Messiah had done! From this establishment I can factually state that St. Constantine The Great was an "Anti-Christ" (and I use this term loosely). This would therefore make his religion (Christianity) an "Anti-Messianic Practice"! One needs no further evidence or conviction to know who nailed the law to the "cross". It is now evident! St. Constantine The Great, and the Roman Empire, are found guilty for nailing the law to the "cross". Yahshua came and taught us how to live according to the law, but these people thought the law was too "Jewish", hence they invented a new religion that was anti-lawful, professing that the laws were nailed to some "cross"!

With the captivating words of Joshua I now say: CHOOSE THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE! .... as for me and my household, we will serve Yahweh.

The Voice of Yahweh has spoken .... He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches

References:

The Theodosian Code (Book XVI)

James Everett Seaver, The Persecution of Jews in the Roman Empire (300-428)

Chambers Encyclopedia Volume 11 (1982)

Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church Volume 3

Next in the series: "Old Covenant to New Covenant - What Has Changed?" ... coming soon