Category: Conversations

Becoming a Person of Virtue: A Journey of Change

Becoming a Person of Virtue: A Journey of Change
Daily writing prompt
Tell us one thing you hope people say about you.
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i want to be a man of virtue.
– Moral excellence, goodness, righteousness.
To conform my life and conduct to moral and ethical principles. To this end i will seek to achieve the virtue of knowing my weaknesses.

I haven’t always lived up to this virtuous standard. In fact, some might say the very opposite is true. Is it in my head? Perhaps. Some might say I need deliverance, from my thoughts, attitudes and false beliefs. This is probably true. However, as I continue to learn and grow, one thing stands out, it is never too late to change. Some people may never change their opinion of you, or me as this is about me, so be it. Their thoughts towards me (you) should not stifle us from reaching towards our goal. How the majority of people remember you can change today, with a change of heart. Like the book by Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol.”

Two verses I want to share here. The first is Micah 6:8. “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Yahweh require of you? It is to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your Elohim!” The idea of being or becoming a man or person of virtue begins here. Belief is more than knowing but doing. Scripture says, the demons believe and tremble, so if belief was all that was required they’d be in. No, belief requires action. It calls us to act justly. To love mercy. To walk humbly.

In the Christmas Carol, Scrooge, has spent his entire adult life acting unjustly, being merciless, and walking in arrogance. Charles Dickens walks his character first through his past. He does this to show that at one point he was a different person. Growing bitter, yes, but there was hope. The scene then changes to the now and he shows his character who he has become. This realization is difficult to take in at first. But necessary if one is going to change. Aton Chekhov, was a Russian play write. He wrote, “Man will only become better when you make him see what he is like.”

In the final attempt to change the heart of old Scrooge he is shown the future. It is the natural end of who he had become to that point. However, as Scrooge asks over and over, “these are only things that may come to pass?” He wanted another chance, he wanted to change, and he did. After the night was over he awoke a new man. One of justice, mercy, and humility. He became a man of virtue.

I was not visited by three ghosts but I have had the scales removed from my eyes. What was revealed was not who I ever wanted to be. Acting unjustly, without mercy, and in arrogance, “I am right and I will prove it!” If not for my hope in the gospel I would be lost. You see I believe in who many call Jesus, I prefer His Hebrew name, Yahoshua (Yeshua). It is in believing that I find strength for a new day, an evolving me. One who still has time to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with my Elohim.

To this end i know that there will be struggles and weaknesses revealed. That’s okay because i also now have the resolve to correct them. To seek advice from others and lean on them in times of struggle. It isn’t that i have to walk alone or even to have all the answers. Not knowing something isn’t a sign of weakness, however, pretending to know is. Failing, isn’t weakness, but giving up is. Therefore, i will continue to endeavor, to conform my life and conduct to moral and ethical principles. i will seek to achieve the virtue of knowing my weaknesses.

The second verse in two parts Philippians 3:12-14 and 15-16. “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect. Yet, I press on to take hold of that for which Messiah Yahoshua took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do! Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize of Elohim’s heavenly calling in Messiah Yahoshua.”

We are a work in progress. There will be good days and there will be bad ones. You cannot get hung up on either. Celebrate the victories, yes, but don’t dwell there. Be frustrated at the bad ones, yes, but don’t dwell there. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and move forward. Life isn’t a sprint, its a marathon, steady the legs and press on.

Let me conclude with this from Philippians 3:15-16. “All of us who are mature should embrace this point of view. And if you think differently about some issue, Elohim (God) will reveal this to you as well. Nevertheless, we must live up to what we have already attained.” So what do I hope people will say about me? That my belief in Yahoshua, guides my thoughts and actions. That I am a man of virtue. That I do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Elohim. This is the way of the Rabbi.

You are loved,
cj

Finding Joy in the Moment: A Guide to Mindful Living

Finding Joy in the Moment: A Guide to Mindful Living

I have spent a good portion of my life living for tomorrow. Hoping that tomorrow will be brighter. Singing, “The sun’ll come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there’ll be sun! Just thinkin’ about tomorrow, clears away the cobwebs and the sorrow ’til there’s none! When I’m stuck with a day that’s grey and lonely. I just stick out my chin and grin and say: ‘Oh! The sun’ll come out tomorrow so ya gotta hang on ’til tomorrow come what may!’ Tomorrow, tomorrow! I love ya tomorrow! You’re always a day away!” (TOMORROW – Lyrics from Annie – C. Strouse/M. Charnin) Sadly, this is still true at times. It’s hard not to think about tomorrow. What will it bring, how will one get by never-mind survive?

In that time I have preached a number of messages on “Don’t worry about tomorrow!” With a scripture to match, Matthew 6:34. “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.” Is hoping for, or planning for a better tomorrow bad? Not necessarily, only when it becomes the crux of who you are. Not only is the passage found in Matthew great advice it is medically proven. Those that live a life of worry don’t have to worry long because their lives are usually shortened. Stress, can reduce the quality of life, cause heart problems and countless other medical challenges.

I am not saying throw caution to the wind, by no means. What I am trying to say is live in the moments of life. Don’t judge a book by its cover, open it up and read it. Don’t judge a plate by its appearance, take a bite. (Although, it’s probably a good idea to judge a plate by its smell. Don’t eat garbage.) When life is hard. Take a breath. Listen. Listen to the birds, and the leaves rustling in the wind. Listen to the dog barking and listen to the people laughter in the distance. Life, is happening around you, embrace it. Step into it.

I have started to embrace the moments. I try to be present in every conversation. What is the other person saying? How are they saying it and why are they saying it? Listening to what they are saying is key to living in the moment. This creates a different problem, living in the past. Often we are so wrapped up in ourselves that when someone is speaking our thoughts are on our response. We are not truly listening if we are preparing our response. Nor rushing to tell someone of our own like experience, minimizing theirs. It’s hard to do. You hear someone tell a story, it reminds you of a personal experience, and you want to share. What’s wrong with that? Well, nothing really, if you do it having listened first. We don’t do much listening anymore. Everyone wants to talk, but no one listens.

We live in the past, we worry about tomorrow, we are dying in the present. What does Yahoshua teach? Well, in that same passage of Scripture from earlier, He says this: “But seek first the kingdom of Elohim and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” The instruction is easy to hear, easy to celebrate, easy to repeat, hard to live. What does it even mean to seek first the kingdom? In Adonai’s prayer He teaches us to pray, “Your kingdom come.” His kingdom, living in the moment, is about living in the Kingdom. Luke 17:21 says: “…Because, you see, the Kingdom of Elohim is among you.”

We are the light of the world as we live in the kingdom. We have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Live in the moment. Love others. Sing for joy. Live at peace. Practice patience. Be kind. Be good. Be faithful. Be gentle. Have self-control. If you are in a gray period of life, know that just above the clouds the sun is shining. And if you are living in a dark place? Love harder. Sing louder. Choose shalom. Have patience. Be kinder. Be the good. Remain faithful. Be gentler. Pray for self-control.

I promise you, you don’t have to wait until tomorrow for the Kingdom of Elohim is among you. This is the way of the Rabbi.

You are loved,
cj

Understanding Truth in Religious Conversations

Understanding Truth in Religious Conversations

Part 6 of my on going communication with two Mormon Missionaries. I don’t know how many more of these there will be as we keep circling the same ground. Yet, as long as they reply I suppose I will likewise. (You can read a part one, two, three, four, five)

Gentlemen, 
Thank you. I am feeling better. However, work has been a bit stressful of late. My time has been occupied with things that pay the bills but drain the soul. 

I have no doubt that your prayers are sincere. I didn’t mean to imply otherwise. Simply my goal was to point out that although our prayers are sincere, deception is real. The devil prowls around like a lion seeking whom he may devour. We must diligently seek Truth through prayer and His Word is Truth. The difference that we have is what we consider His Word to be. 

In Adonai’s prayer as you broke it down I would ask, what is the sin that we are repenting of? As you said, repent of all sins? What defines sin? Here I would like to point out that John defines sin in 1 John 3:4. “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” The law in reference here is Torah, sin is the transgression of Torah. It isn’t debatable it is indeed what John wrote. 

We don’t differ on the significance of Yahoshua’s sacrifice either. It is absolutely necessary for salvation. Also, your understanding of the Passover and even Yahoshua’s time in Gethsemane, from what you state, we are similar. However, does this absolve us from obedience? Does it allow us to “do as thou wilt?” As the satanic bible declares will be the whole of the law? By no means. As you yourselves have stated we will know who belongs to the kingdom by their fruits. Our differences lie in what is the sign of good fruit? I say it is sealed by our partaking in the covenant. To put on the Sabbath like a wedding ring. The ring doesn’t save us but it shows the world to Whom we belong. 

I would point out that the cup that Yahoshua prayed about was not a new revelation either. It was the cup of the adulterous bride that we read about in Numbers 5:11-31. The test of adultery of which the people of Israel were guilty. We as well, before coming into covenant relationship with Yahweh through the work of Yahoshua. He drank our cup, took our guilt and shame, bore our iniquity, that we might be forgiven and live. 

There is no need to have deeper meaning within Passover if one truly understands Passover. Yahoshua, the Lamb of Elohim. The perfect sacrifice. We can debate the timing of the crucifixion. Some would say all took place according to the times set forth for Passover. That His death, and resurrection were indeed three literal days and nights. We read that the tomb was discovered empty in the early dawn of the first day. However, this doesn’t mean Yahoshua wasn’t gone long before. Perhaps arising just after sunset or at dusk at the end of the third day. Although, fascinating I don’t believe this is important to our discussion. 

The deep seated importance and symbolism of the Passover was there all along and for all to see. Indeed Yahoshua Himself highlighted these things through out His ministry. And as previously stated, began with the proclamation of John the Baptist on the shores of the Jordan. He said, “Behold the Lamb of Elohim Who takes away the sin of the world.” The breaking of bread has its meaning, the cup in which they partook has meaning. But also there is the idea of the covenant meal. Some refer to this as communion, I did for so time, or the Lord’s Supper, the Eucharist, etc. 

We first see the covenant meal between Abraham and Melchizedek. “Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of Elohim Most High. And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of Elohim Most High. Possessor of heaven and earth; And blessed be Elohim Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Genesis 14:18-20. I would point out the beauty of Adonai’s prayer found in John 17. The whole thing is beautiful and revealing. An in-depth study reveals the vast richness of the heart of Elohim and His Son Yahoshua. One point I have tried to key in on is verses 17-19 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sake’s I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.” What is truth? “Your word is truth.” His Word, Elohim’s Word, is truth. 

When Paul wrote to Timothy he said something very important. “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:14-17).

There isn’t a need for new revelation, or clarification in Paul’s writing to Timothy. He simply states, “continue.” What we need can be found in what has been provided. Anything that alters that course is as Paul writes, “But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” This just before he says, “continue.” 

Gentlemen, I present my point simply. With the Tanakh, and specifically the Torah, I have all that I need to know, to grow and to be. There is nothing more required other than to believe, and to continue. I hope that your Thanksgivings are filled with family, friends, and the making of great memories.

You are loved, 
cj

Finding Hope: A Personal Story of Faith

Finding Hope: A Personal Story of Faith
Daily writing prompt
What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever found (and kept)?
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When I was a boy, somewhere around eight, my family picked up for the summer and traveled the country singing. We sang in churches mainly, but some houses and a few lodges, being used as a church meeting place. my parents were both raised Christian. my dad’s dad was a Pastor and Denominational Leader. my mom was raised by an Uncle and Aunt. Her Uncle was a pastor. my parents met at a Christian Youth Camp. They would correspond for some time and eventually get together and marry.

When my parents began having kids of their own they vowed to raise them in the Church. And so they did. i am the youngest of three. One thing my parents were passionate about was singing. So it was natural for them to form a family singing group. We each participated in the singing ministry. my sister was the sound technician, running the sound board and mixer. my brother and i participated by singing. We both sang three songs, a solo, a duet together, and a trio with our dad. my brother had the better singing voice than i but we were all celebrated for our talents.

This was our parent’s faith, and it was fun growing up with it. We attended camps, retreats, Faith night at Disneyland, and Magic Mountain, both located in Southern California where we lived. We traveled the country visiting National Parks, museums, and family. Making new friends along the way too. It was a joyful upbringing. Yet, the faith of my parents was just that it was their faith. i understood little, and tried to understand less. The few times i expressed interest it was shortly extinguished by my response to peers or by Church leadership.

When i was in my early twenties, i experienced a low point in life. Until that point, it was the lowest. i found myself lost and alone. In a small prayer chapel of my youth i took refuge as an adult and there i encountered Yahoshua. This time for myself. Pouring over my life, my mistakes, and my beliefs i was prompted to read. I knelt at the altar and opened the Bible and found Philippians 3:12-14. It spoke to my soul. It reads:

“It is not that I have already obtained it or already reached the goal. No, but I keep pursuing it. In the hope of taking hold of that for which the Messiah Yahoshua took hold of me. Brothers, I, for my part, do not think of myself as having yet gotten hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind me and straining forward toward what lies ahead. I keep pursuing the goal. That is, to win the prize offered by Elohim and the upward calling in Messiah Yahoshua.“

Here it was, my faith, my journey, my calling. Reaching out to me, in a moment of crises, was my Savior. He was saying, “get up, dust yourself off, I am here with you.” That is exactly what i did. my life hasn’t always been roses. i have screwed up more times than i would like to share. However, if you read through my blog you will get a glimpse. Each time I fall, He reminds me of this story, this encounter, this truth. He will never leave me nor forsake me.

Now, I write, not to give you my faith but to help you discover yours. This is the Way of the Rabbi. He shares with you the how and the why. Then He invites you to join Him. It is your choice, based on your faith, revealed by your action. For He has already demonstrated His.

Will you mess up, certainly, but He who calls you is able to complete the work He began in you. That is a promise. Won’t you start today your journey with Him?

You are loved,
cj

Examining Scriptural Authority in Modern Contexts

Examining Scriptural Authority in Modern Contexts

An on going email conversation with two Mormon Missionaries. Part 5. i encourage you to go back and read parts one, two, three, and four. Although, it isn’t absolutely necessary it would be beneficial.

my friends,

Let me begin by saying there is no need to apologize or explain any delay. This is the joy of email. We get to take our time. Allow life to happen around us while at the same time continue in dialogue.

Have you ever used the word love to express a feeling? For example, one might say, “I love taco’s.” Or “I love my wife.” Or “I love my kids.” Or “I love God.” A couple of points we would agree, all of these things are awesome. In English, we understand that in each instance what we mean by love is different in each of these circumstances. It is true that i love taco’s and i love my kids. However, i do not love them in the same way obviously. Of course my love for Elohim is beyond the limits of our English definition of love. English is a terrible language, it is full of inconsistencies. Partly because over time meanings have changed but also the English language is lacking in depth. 

For a time i taught 6th grade. During class one day we were having a discussion on classic works. We were reading as a class “A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens. As well discussing classic Christmas songs. For the sixth grade mind this wasn’t too far a leap. In the discussion one of the kids genuinely asked, “Why are they putting on gay clothes?” There is a classic Christmas Carol wherein there is a line, “Now we dawn our gay apparel.” Thinking they were putting on flamboyant gay-pride sort of clothing. This allowed for the conversation on language evolution. Gay once meant happy, to be gay didn’t mean to be homosexual, but to be joyful. So context, culture, language, audience, these things matter.

More deeply let us consider the letter ‘J’. When originally introduced had a soft ‘Y’ sound like the Latin ‘J’ still has to this day. For example the name Juan still carries the soft ‘Y’ in its pronunciation. However, even here there has been an evolution of the ‘J’ from that found in ‘Wahn’ to ‘Hey’. It is why the Hispanic cultures pronounce Jesus, Hey-Soos. It is the evolution of language and it can be found in every tongue. Therefore, we must be careful when interpreting things to always go back to as close to the original as possible. Who was the intended target? What was the overarching context? What other words are used that may alter the meanings? How would the original hearers have received the information. Perhaps most importantly from Whom is the origin and what have we been told about Him?

For instance, in Hosea, a book of redemption. A call to repentance, to turn from doing your own way to following the Way of Adonai. We read, “Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of Adonai are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them.” Hosea 14:9

Without these steps we are guessing at meanings, applying modern understandings. Over simplifying or over complicating words and meanings. We must be intellectually honest with the text in order to truly understand its meaning. As you state, “So what matters is whether the man who translated it had authority from God to do so.” i would assert that the same intended original meaning, is the same intended meaning for today. For Elohim is the same, yesterday, today and forever. This is His nature, this is what He says of Himself. The origin of the written Word is the Word Himself.  

When talking about authority we must take into account all of this, culture, context, language etc. Who is authorized to speak on behalf of Elohim? Is precisely the point i am trying to make. “But even if we — or, for that matter, an angel from heaven! — were to announce to you some so-called “Good News” contrary to the Good News we did announce to you, let him be under a curse forever!” Galatians 1:8

In all of this what is the test? i would agree it is the Holy Spirits work within the believer to teach and lead in all righteousness. Yet still how do we test the Spirit as we are called to do? We test the Spirit by the Word. Did you know that within the pages of the Quran the reader is instructed to pray for wisdom? 

“My Lord, increase me in knowledge.” Surah Taha 20:114
“O believers! Seek comfort in patience and prayer. Allah is truly with those who are patient” Surah Al-Baqarah 2:153                                        
“Successful indeed are the believers: those who humble themselves in prayer” Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:1-2

We must be careful when instructing others to pray over material, books, writings, notes, even situations. “Stay sober, stay alert! Your enemy, the Adversary, stalks about like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

“You believe that “God is one”? Good for you! The demons believe it too — the thought makes them shudder with fear!” James 2:19

“The fact is that such men are pseudo-emissaries: they tell lies about their work and masquerade as emissaries of the Messiah. There is nothing surprising in that, for the Adversary himself masquerades as an angel of light; so it’s no great thing if his workers masquerade as servants of righteousness. They will meet the end their deeds deserve.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

“Now the Bereans here were of nobler character than the ones in Thessalonica; they eagerly welcomed the message, checking the Tanakh every day to see if the things Paul was saying were true.” Acts 17:11

This brings me to your point of the Canon of Scripture. The council of Nicea was an abomination. They lacked authority and were lead by pagan “converts” lacking wisdom, knowledge, and integrity. i am sorry you miss understood my point about John and Revelation. Here i was simply trying to state that of all the writers of what we call the New Testament. Only John makes a reference to His letter being for all ages to the end. Not in so many words but the emphasis is there. My point, simply, that Matthew, Mark, Luke, Peter, James, Jude, even Paul himself didn’t write with the intention of Moses. In that what they were saying, wasn’t going to supersede the Torah or the Tanakh. They quoted from the Tanakh. In Acts we read, “On hearing it, they praised Elohim; but they also said to him, ‘You see, brother, how many tens of thousands of believers there are, and they are all zealots for the Torah.’” Acts 21:20

Peter actually speaks directly against the idea that Paul was somehow preaching against the Torah. He writes, “Indeed, he speaks about these things in all his letters. They contain some things that are hard to understand, things which the uninstructed and unstable distort, to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.” 2 Peter 3:16

From this, how do we know one is truly walking in the Word? Anointed and worthy of listening? What are the fruits we are to look for? Yes, we can certainly see from ones life, are they a good person. But there are a lot of “good people,” doing a lot of good things, but they deny the Savior Yahoshua. Are these fruits still good to consume, when it comes to how to walk out a life of Faith in Messiah? No, even if we can learn from them on how to care for those around us. We aren’t to listen to them in matters of the Spirit and of Faith.

How do we know someone is walking with Elohim in order to avoid, confusion, contentions, and contradictions? Do they honor the Sabbath? In the book of Acts there are 85 references to the early believers observing the Sabbath Day. Do they honor the Feast Days? Paul in more than one letter talked about His desire to get back to Jerusalem to honor the Feasts. These are the marks of the followers of Elohim. To make this point further let me ask a question, what is sin? Based on the definition of sin, then what is repentance? What did Yahoshua mean when He said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.”?

First, what is sin? For the simplest most straightforward answer we can look to John. John writes, “Everyone who keeps sinning is violating Torah — indeed, sin is violation of Torah.” 1 John 3:4 – Of course as i have stated in previous emails the word Torah is translated law. Most Bibles, of course, read “sin is lawlessness.” Truer yet, sin is Torahlessness. 

There are several references to the lawless one. Also known as the Anti-Christ. Anti or opposition/opposing. What law is he without? What law does he oppose? It isn’t the law of the land, it is indeed the Torah. He opposes Elohim and His Word, therefore he is referred to as Torahless or lawless. 

If we are to repent when we come into relationship with Yahoshua, what is it that we are repenting of? Sin? Which is? It is of course what John sights, “Sin is violation of Torah.” Yahoshua is said to be the Word made flesh. Another quote from John. He said, that He only speaks what the Father speaks and does what the Father does. John 5:19.

To close this point for now let me finish my thought with this quote of Yahoshua. “For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” John 5:46-47. This is the point. We only know sin by the Torah. We only know repentance, through Torah. You only truly understand Yahoshua through Torah.

When Yahoshua, made the statement that He was the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The hearers would have recognized the saying. For you see, the Torah was known as, The Way, Path, and Instruction. It was known as the Truth, “Your Word is Truth.” It was known as the Life, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every Word of Elohim.” 

There is much more that can be said on this subject. However, this is also a good stopping point. 

If you are just joining the conversation, please go back and read parts one, two, three, and four. (links above in the introduction)

You are loved,
cj

Understanding Hebrew Roots and 7th Day Adventists

Understanding Hebrew Roots and 7th Day Adventists

An on going email conversation with two Mormon Missionaries. Part 1.

Greetings friends,

To the question of differences between the 7th Day Adventists and Hebrew Roots, I must clarify. i am neither but somewhere in-between. 7th Day’ers as well as most of modern Christianity, separate Elohim’s laws into categories. Whether it be the Moral Law, Ceremonial Law, or the Civil Law. Yet, unlike modern Christianity, they hold that all 10 commandments are to be observed. These commandments fall under the category of Moral Law. Whereas modern Christianity moves the observance of the 7th Day Sabbath. They use names like the Lord’s Day, 8th Day Sabbath, or Head of the Week. Likening it to the Head of the Church. Dependent only on how one might define their rebellion.

7th Day’ers also adhere to the dietary law, some in fact, hearkening back to Genesis and being vegetarians. However this is where the separation begins with the Hebrew Roots movement. The idea being found throughout scripture that the law applies to both the Hebrew and the foreigner living among them. In Romans it says that the Gentile is grafted into Israel. The Covenants made with Israel are “Forever”. Therefore one simply concludes that the gentile is to learn the way of the Hebrew. This of course presented in a nutshell, isn’t wrong in its understanding but begins to vary in its application. 

The monicker i choose to go by is Messianic, however this too is problematic at best. The original followers of Yahoshua were of course Talmidim, which is where we today get Disciples, they were students. The classification given to them early on was, “Followers of the Way.” These words are simply based on the very words of Yahoshua. He said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Of course we read in Acts that eventually they became known as Christians. Which if broken down means, little Christs. Why? They emulated or imitated Yahoshua closely. In an attempt to shame them, Christian was thrown around like a slur. 

But i am sure you don’t need a history lesson. The Hebrew Roots movements ultimate desire is to be like those early Christians. Those who so closely imitated Yahoshua they were called, little Christ (in the greek of course). Where i differ with the Hebrew Roots movement is they have gone back to Rabbinic tradition. If we are being intellectually honest, Yahoshua had a BIG problem with mans rabbinic tradition. As those traditions were used it to supersede the Torah and the Tanakh. Which is what Yahoshua kept pointing out to the Pharisees and the Scribes. This of course ruffled feathers. Do you like to be called wrong on something you have believed to be true for your entire life? Perhaps, not even to any fault of your own but simply what you have been taught? This is what Paul struggled with and even writes about in his letters.

You see, this is where i was and if i am being honest still am. As i learn more every day. Not only did i believe that i had it all figured out. i believed the way that i was taught was superior to others. We had the lock on truth. When in reality we were guilty of exactly the same thing the Scribes and the Pharisees were guilty of . . . mans tradition over the very WORD of YHWH. What are we called to do? How are we called to do it? How can we do some of these things given we are not in the Holy Land? What is important? What is useless? 

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon writes, “When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear Elohim and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. For Elohim will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Micah writes, “He has shown you oh man what is good and what does Adonai require of you. To do justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with your Elohim.” (Micah 6:8). Paul tells Timothy, “All Scripture is breathed out by Elohim and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of Elohim may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16).

When Paul wrote those words somewhere around 66 AD (CE) the “New” Testament had not been compiled. Paul was referring to the Tanakh. He was saying all the information you need to teach the followers of the Way is this . . . the Torah and Tanakh. This scripture everyone loves to quote, but fail to recognize the implication. Just before this Paul writes; “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Messiah Yahoshua.”

Do you hear what Paul was saying? All we need to know is found in the Torah, and the Prophets. Do i love the writings of the Apostles? Of course I do. They are explanations of how to live out this lifestyle known to them as “The Way”. This is the way to life. Do i believe they were inspired by Elohim to write them, without a doubt. Do i think they thought their writings would one day supersede those of the Tanakh? Heaven forbid! Without question they did not hold this view. In every letter they quote from the pages of the Torah and from the Prophets. This is where the Way is found. Not in man, not in his traditions. (Not that all of mans traditions are bad only when held in place of or above the WORD of Elohim). 

Satan has been creeping in since the garden, attempting to lead men astray. Even as recorded in 3 Nephi, “Now the cause of this iniquity of the people was this–Satan had great power, unto the stirring up of the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and vain things of the world.” (3 Nephi 6:15). If truth never changes, and Elohim is Truth, and if the Word points to the Torah and the Prophets. If John the Baptist declared, “Behold the Lamb of Elohim!” And John writes, “The WORD became flesh. . .” Should we not then be more concerned with this Truth over anything else man has produced? Even if led by Elohim to write? Since, He cannot contradict Himself. Rather, in the light of the Tanakh, read the Apostles and other writings from inspired men, even my own. 

This seems a good place to stop. i look forward to our continued discussion.

Keep reading – Part Two, Second Email Response

This is the Way of the Rabbi,
You are loved,
cj

Understanding Yahoshua’s (Jesus’) Teachings

Understanding Yahoshua’s (Jesus’) Teachings
Daily writing prompt
What’s something you believe everyone should know.
View all responses

An on going email conversation with two Mormon Missionaries. Part 4. i encourage you to go back and read parts one, two and three. Although, it isn’t absolutely necessary it would be beneficial.

Greetings Elders,

First, thank you for your in-depth and thoughtful response. There is much we agree on but of course this discourse is intended to highlight our differences. This not to argue but to convince, in a debate of ideas and understanding. Is this not the concept of disciple making? To present truth in hopes that one receive it and choose it . . . the very idea of changing ones mind. To this i venture. 

A divergence of understanding appears to be in the idea of what was intended by the Sermon on the Mount. Although, i do agree it was to present clarity and a deeper understanding of how to live life. In my previous response i mentioned definitions for what i believe much of this debate hinges on these understandings. As you mentioned Yahoshua said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17). – If we stop here, even with little understanding, we should be able to draw a conclusion. What Yahoshua intended the meaning to be.

Even more so, His audience who were mostly Jews of the tribe of Judah. As well, ‘Benjamites’ of the tribe of Benjamin. Of course, perhaps a remnant of the other tribes. Certainly some Levites, but at this time in history only the southern kingdom had been regathered after the Babylonian exile. As we would later read, Yahoshua says, that even those remaining would soon be scattered. So what was His intended meaning? To abolish is to eradicate, to do away with completely. Whereas, He did not come to do such a thing but to fulfill them. What fulfillment was necessary? The idea here is not fulfill in terms of ending them. 

As you quoted from Alma 34: 14. “And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal.” i would have to agree. Yahoshua is the perfect atoning sacrifice. This Atonement was necessary and did fulfill once for all the requirement of death for sin. It did not end the necessity for sacrifice altogether however, as i alluded to in my previous email. The sacrificial system will return during the millennial reign of Yahoshua. Why? Briefly so that i may make my point. The Levitical Priesthood will be reinstated and as we read in the Torah, the Levites were not to own land. They were not given a portion of the inheritance like the other tribes of Israel. Rather, within the tribes they were given homes. This was due to their intended purpose as priests and ministers. The sacrificial system was, of course, pleasing to Elohim. It also provided offerings to take care of the Levites with food and provisions. This again will be the case.

So back to the idea of fulfillment. If there is no temple and no Levitical Priesthood there is no opportunity for sacrifice. Nor is there a need to provide for a Levitical Priesthood within the realm of tribal land. So with this knowledge let us look at possible definitions for the term fulfill based on this context.

Fulfilled: “to fulfill” is used in Torah to reference sacrifice. In the context stated above this seems to correlate well with what Yahoshua was presenting. As John the Baptist declared on the shores of the river. “Behold the Lamb of Elohim, who takes away the sin of the world.” Further, a deeper examination of the word fulfill shows it means to “fill up.” It also means “to make full” or “to bring fullness.” If we were to stop at verse 17, these ideas might not work entirely by themselves. However, it doesn’t end with 17. Yahoshua continues; “For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away. Not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”

Now in light of verse 18, the definition “to bring fullness” makes much more sense than to end. Here, accomplish, becomes the defining word of the statement, which is to say; “end of.” So what then defines accomplished? A new heaven and a new earth. To my knowledge this has yet to occur. Could we still debate the matter even in light of verse 18? Perhaps, if we wanted to argue semantics. However i feel verse 19 closes any such debate. “Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven. But whoever does them and teaches them, will be called great in the Kingdom of heaven.” It seems quite clear to me, a westerner peering into a culture not my own. A simple graft into the natural branch as Paul writes in Romans. What is being communicated. 

With all of this, we must then take into account, who again was His intended audience at this moment? This will reveal even greater understanding as we listen with their ears. You see the Torah, was intended as a permanent covenant and the Sabbath as an eternal symbol of that covenant. (See Exodus 31:13 & 17). It was instituted not with the giving of the Torah but at creation itself. To do away with it would be to call Elohim a liar, heaven forbid we do such a thing. To say Yahoshua presented a different gospel message is to call Him a false prophet. A liar even, heaven forbid!    

Law: For further clarification our modern translations do humanity an injustice as they have translated Torah to Law when a more true definition of Torah is: Instruction, or Teaching and Instruction. So are we to say that YHWH’s teaching and instruction is done away with? By no means, may it not be so . . . Yahoshua brought depth of meaning and an exemplary lifestyle. To say it wasn’t possible to know all that would happen, cannot be said, for Yahoshua taught from the Tanakh. “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Luke 24:27

Perfect Law: Regarding “Perfect Law” we can take from it the same principle as above and say, “Perfect Instruction.” When Yahoshua was confronted and asked, “’Teacher, what is the greatest commandment (OR instruction)?’ Yahoshua replied, ‘You shall love Adonai your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law (Instruction) and the Prophets.” The response of the Pharisees and Scribes was one of acceptance. Why? Because it wasn’t new. Yahoshua was quoting from the Torah. He was in fact quoting from Deuteronomy 6:4-5. “Hear, O Israel:” This phrase in Hebrew is ‘SHEMA’ and it means ‘Hear and Obey’.

The whole passage here in Deuteronomy became known as the Shema, a daily prayer. “Hear and Obey, O people Israel, YHWH our Elohim, YHWH is one. You shall love YHWH your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Although, this is where Yahoshua’s quote ends. We can conclude very reasonably that those hearing Him would have known the exact context of it. Continuing with verse 6-9. “You shall teach them diligently to your children. You shall talk of them regularly. When you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” 

There was nothing new being presented. Only a fuller understanding. You have been told My people how to live and how to worship and how to honor. Yahoshua adds to the answer to the Scribes and Pharisees. “And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law (instruction) and the Prophets.” Here Yahoshua draws from Leviticus 19:18. “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am YHWH.” This was surely a stinging rebuke to the Scribes and Pharisee. Who were not only jealous of Yahoshua’s following, but His command of Scripture as well. Are these perfect law? Yes, i would agree but they are not new revelations but a deeper, fuller understanding of Torah. It is why an understanding of Torah is absolutely necessary to discern what is truth and what is a lie. To see what has always been and what has been added or even removed.  

The Word made Flesh: The Apostle John writes, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Elohim and the Word was Elohim.” Later in the same chapter he writes, “. . . And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Isaiah says, “. . . and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which is translated, ‘Elohim with us.’” Understanding this makes it difficult to believe that Yahoshua would change the character of Elohim. It also makes it difficult to believe that He would alter the instruction or nature of Elohim. The Psalmist writes, “The Torah of YHWH is perfect. It revives the soul. The testimony of YHWH is trustworthy. It makes wise the simple.” (Psalm 19:7). Yahoshua is recorded by John in Chapter 17 in what is known as the High Priestly Prayer. He says: “I have given them Your Word.” He then says, “Set them apart for holiness, by means of the Truth. Your Word is Truth.” The very idea that Elohim would change after chastising, rebuking, and exiling His set apart people is nowhere found in Scripture. Yahoshua came and said, and did, only what was instructed by the Father.

Contradiction: Clearly, as stated and presented here, there is no room for contradiction. If there is one present, there are only two conclusions. One, we have misinterpreted a passage or two, there is a false teacher/prophet spouting things they should not. i would continue but i fear to beat a dead horse.

i am sorry to hear of Elder –– departure i hope that all is well and it is not for any major concerns, health or otherwise. Will his email still be active? Corresponding with him and you via email would still be something i would hope to continue. 

Until the next . . .
You are loved,
cj  

Finding Strength in Brokenness: My Path to Healing

Finding Strength in Brokenness: My Path to Healing
Daily writing prompt
What have you been working on?
View all responses

me. For years and years, i had believed it, it was my responsibility to work on other people. So much so, i neglected myself. In so doing, my life is tattered with failures and brokenness. In 2020, during a strange year in history, i made a series of poor choices. These choices led to the breaking of my marriage, family, and ministry. To top things off my mom passed away from colon cancer. It was rapid and felt like a whirlwind. my life was collapsing around me and it was now out of my control. A place i did not know, for i prided myself on being in control.

The only good thing is that i still had my relationship with Jesus. In all the brokenness, He never left, He never let go. In fact, He stirred me. He awakened in me a desire to know Him more intimately. This became my driving force. i sought him eagerly. A daily routine was made in which i started and ended my day with Him. my day was also filled with prayer, better yet, conversations with Jesus. In one of those mornings, i read Philippians 2:12. This wasn’t unfamiliar to me, i had read it many times, probably preached on it hundreds of times. It says: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

my ongoing conversation with God was, “What now, Lord?” “So now.” As i read this tears filled my eyes. It was as if the voice of the Lord was saying, “What now you ask? So now, obey my instruction. Even if you feel I am a million miles away, obey. Stop worrying about what others are doing and start caring about what you are doing. Work out your own salvation with Me. Learn what it is to love and to honor. What does fear and trembling mean to you? For it is ME who works in you and it brings Me great pleasure to so.”

This began my journey of working on me. In so doing i sought God through it all. Leaned on Him for understanding and wisdom. Putting behind me what i thought i knew and like a new born baby, craved the Word like milk. And the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit, like a mother’s embrace. The last five years have been, me working on me, with direction from the Word. It has lead me into discovering the Way of the Rabbi. It has stirred in me a desire to call Jesus by His given name, Yahoshua. To call the Father Yahweh. To refer to Him as Elohim, and Adonai. It has brought me to the Abrahamic covenant, the order of Melchizedek, to Moses, and the Way of the Rabbi. Yahoshua, the Word made flesh.

And now, i write about Elohim, working on me. To make me what He wants me to be and what i have learned along the way. In hopes that it inspires others. You even, who are reading this right now, to do the same. To “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” i invite you to join me on my journey, i call the Way of the Rabbi. You can read my transformation through the years. i hope that my working on myself, if anything, inspires you to work on yourself.

You are loved,
cj

Insights on Prophetic Authority and Scripture

Insights on Prophetic Authority and Scripture

An on going email conversation with two Mormon Missionaries. Part 3.

Hello friends,

i fear we are spreading out into too many topics to truly focus in on understanding. i will do my best to address each one of these topics with fairness of attention. With that said, i also want to let you know that i appreciate our email conversation. It feels good to talk about what i love most.

Let me begin with the topic of Prophets. Since that was the main topic of my last email in response to your question. i would agree with you on the definition of a prophet for the most part. Our differences are mostly inconsequential to address. However, on the point, “determine scripture.” i would have to disagree on this point. As Scripture clearly determines scripture. Man as we see with Rabbinic tradition and the modern Church, has deviated from Scripture. This was identified by Yahoshua during His ministry. In fact, when Yahoshua said, “If you believed Moses then you would believe Me for Moses wrote of Me.” Yahoshua, testified of Himself through the Word. Do prophets have insight, yes. Do they determine, absolutely not. For interpretation, and testimony have always been established by two or three witnesses. One witness is Scripture and that Scripture is the Torah and the Tanakh. If it isn’t there . . . it isn’t worth the time of day. Is there good writings worth study? Sure, i would hope that even my writing leads others to study Scripture for themselves. 

Yahoshua said, “Do not be called Rabbi, for you have one Rabbi.” The idea he was presenting is Scripture is our teacher. The Holy Spirit, leads us into all truth. i know you believe this as you hold to the idea of the “burning in your bosom.” i want to stress again the test of a Prophets authority. That is do they adhere to what has already been written. We are told not to add to or take away from His Word. If that is truth than there is no room for extra books of Scripture. Devotionals, study guides, thoughts, etc? Sure, of course again this clearly is acceptable as i expressed in my last response. Although, i would point out that perhaps John believed what he was writing was indeed going to be canon. The evidence of this would be his final statement in Revelation. “If anyone adds to the prophecy of this book, Elohim will add to him the plaques written herein. Likewise if anyone takes away from the prophecy written in this book, Elohim will take from him their part of the tree of life.” (Revelation 22:18) A pretty scary warning if you ask me. 

This warning written by John isn’t a stand alone passage. He is simply repeating from the Torah and the portion for the Tanakh called the wisdom books. Deuteronomy 4:2 and 12:32 Here Moses instructs the Israelites not to add to or take from the commands of Elohim. Proverbs 30:5-6 tell us, “Every Word of Elohim is pure and flawless, acting as a shield to anyone who takes refuge in it and trust in Him. Do not add to His Word lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar.” Jeremiah writes in 6:16 – “Ask for the ancient paths: ‘where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they say, ‘we will not walk in it!’” Later in 8:8 he writes, “How can you say, ‘we are wise, and the Torah of YHWH is with us,’ when in fact the lying pen of the scribes has produced a deception?’” 

The entirety of Jeremiah’s writings are to call back the people of Elohim to the ways instructed. This was Messiah’s message as well. The sermon on the mount is a call to Torah. He begins with the call to walking in it wholly and holy as intended since it was given. Messiah walked in Torah. He did so without error or His walk would not have been blameless and therefore His sacrifice insufficient, worthless even. Paul tells us, “imitate me as I imitate Messiah.” 

Matthew 5:17-20 – “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish it but to bring its fullness. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot , will pass from the Torah until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the Kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven.”

Has heaven and earth passed away? Has Revelation 21 already been fulfilled? If the answer to that is yes, than everything i have said and am about to say is wrong. If the answer is no, which i believe to be the right answer. Everything i have said, and will say, should at the very least, be considered. There is not one thing within the sermon on the mount that cannot be found within the Torah. The difference is it is given in practice. This is how you walk it out. Not in man made traditions and extra laws which the Scribes and Pharisees were guilty of. This is the point of our righteousness exceeding theirs. It was because they honored Elohim with their mouths but their hearts were far from Him. They read from the Torah but they taught from oral traditions. 

Jeremiah puts it this way – “For from the least to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for unjust gain; and from the prophet to priest, everyone deals falsely. They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is not peace. Were they ashamed when they committed abominations? No, they were not at all ashamed; they did not know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I punish them, they shall be overthrown,’ says YHWH.” Jeremiah 6:13-15

Yahoshua later in Matthew says this: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others.” Matthew 23:2-5

The seat of Moses is where the Torah was read from in the Synagogue. This is why they were instructed to do whatever they tell you, as they were instructing them in Torah. It was their practices and their self-righteousness that was being rebuked by Yahoshua. The fruit of their lives was success. They were sitting in the seats of authority, a counsel to the emperor of Rome even, to a certain extent. One could say the fruit of their lives were good on the outside. Which again is what Yahoshua was pointing out if we had continued to read Matthew 23. However, we understand the fruit we are to be judged by is that of the spirit – for we will be judged by the acts of the flesh. These two stand in contrast to one another. So those who walk in the Way will exhibit the fruit of the Spirit. Of which we will be able to tell who is and who isn’t walking in the Torah.

We know that Yahoshua was not talking about the Torah being a heavy burden because we read, “For this is the love of Elohim, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” 1 John 5:3. Also in Deuteronomy 30:11 we read, “For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off.” This was written after Moses wrote the covenant renewal in Moab in the previous Chapters. We also read throughout Scripture that the Torah is perfect. Psalm 19:7 “The Torah of YHWH is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of YHWH is sure, making wise the simple…” Romans 7:12 says, ‘So the Torah is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.”

Paul draws the comparison for us in Galatians of which he also expounds on in his letter to the Ephesians. That the flesh and the spirit are at war within us. The flesh is deceptive, the spirit is longing. As all of creation longs to be redeemed. So how will we know what are the signs or the fruit of the Spirit? “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Messiah Yahoshua have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:23-24. 

The Gospel message that Yahoshua has brought is the braking of the yoke of the Rabbinic tradition. As well the need for atoning sacrifice, and the temple role of the Levitical Priesthood. Although that role will one day be reinstated for the sacrifice of offering. When one understands the fullness and reason for the sacrificial system and the role of the priest. It becomes clear that it has a designated purpose. Of which for the time being is not necessary or even able to occur. Knowing this before hand, is a major reason for Yahoshua’s death and subsequent resurrection. He became the Atonement the exchange in order that our sins may be forgiven. Paul’s major focus and that of the disciples was spreading the good news. What good news? The once and for all atoning sacrifice of the Messiah. (Another topic all together).

Moving on. i have not yet read all of 3 Nephi. However, i do find it interesting. a good portion of what i have read thus far is simply a reiteration. And that of what we already have written in Scripture. Making it interesting but more historical, this is what was taught to them from the Scriptures themselves. For example 3 Nephi 14:21-23 says: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven; but he that doth the will of the Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day; Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them: I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

What is the will of the Father? Did He not instruct us to follow His Torah? And interestingly the word here being translated “iniquity” is also rendered “lawlessness”. We would both agree that the reference is sin. However, the word being translated is better defined “being outside of Torah.” Essentially Yahoshua is saying, “. . . ye that work Torahlessness” John writes about what sin is and how to define it. 1 John 3:4 – “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.” Again the word here for lawlessness is Torahlessness, sin is Torahlessness. The Torah is defined also as being in the light and out side of Torah as darkness. Understanding this Hebraic idiom we can see that “You once were in darkness, but now are of the light.” Is best understood, “you were once outside of Torah and now have come into Torah.” 

This seems a good stopping point. i wish you both a blessed week as we study and grow in maturity together. 

Keep Reading – Part Four, 4th Email Response

cj

Testing Modern Prophets: A Scriptural Approach

Testing Modern Prophets: A Scriptural Approach

An on going email conversation with two Mormon Missionaries. Part 2.

Good Day, 

i want you to know that much prayer and thought go into my responses. As i am sure yours do as well. There is however something to be said of mourning that is important. This may not directly apply to you. As i don’t know if either of you were directly affected by the events in Michigan personally. However, we read of the importance of grieving throughout Scripture. As well, science has proven the process is good for body, mind and soul. Yahoshua said, “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.” Yahoshua, himself mourned and wept over friends and humanity. Now enough of that. As i believe we are not arguing this point but simply stating ideas each of us hold to be true. It is good to mourn.

i would raise the question that i am sure you have gotten before. That is to the point of eternal marriage. This will also tie into our later discussion on prophets. 

Yahoshua, confronted on marriage said, “Yahoshua answered them, ’The reason you go astray is that you are ignorant both of the Tanahk and of the power of Elohim. For in the resurrection, neither men nor women will marry; rather, they will be like angels in heaven.’” (Matthew 22:29-30) How do you interpret this statement by Yahoshua?

On the question of Prophets being around now. Certainly, it is within the power of Elohim to call Prophets in our modern day. As He calls Pastors, and Teachers alike. The question isn’t whether Prophets are called but rather how one is determined to be a true prophet of Elohim. Many will say that the Election of such positions by congregants of a particular denomination is sufficient. That it reveals the Will of Elohim. And certainly there is a case to be made here. The example of the election of Matthias in the book of Acts to replace Judas. (Acts 1:16-26) As they casted lots and it fell upon him. Of course they had some prerequisites that each man had to meet, like a job interview. Yet still this is the only time Matthias is mentioned. Later, Saul, would be called as an Apostle and is credited with writing half of the ‘New’ Testament. 

Is election by man a sign enough of a Elohim’s calling? No i don’t believe so. For Scripture provides tests for us on determining not only prophets but teachers as well. We are called to test everything. The Berean’s, also found in the book of Acts (Acts 17:10-12) are called noble for their pursuit of truth. They received with eagerness the word of the Apostles. Then went and study the Tanakh to see if what was being taught was truth. If it cannot be found in Scripture then no amount of feelings should persuade one to void Scripture. Again as we stated Elohim is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

So how does one test the sayings of men who claim to be Prophets of Elohim? By testing everything: 

If they bring a different Gospel, they are not of Elohim. (2 Corinthians 11:3-4). Whether that message is brought by man or angel. If it diverges from the Tanakh it is to be ignored, accursed even. (Galatians 1:8-10) For even Satan masquerades as an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)The Torah tells us of prophets whose prophecy’s do not come to pass. (Deuteronomy 18:20-22)
In light of these passages what tests can we give to men who claim to speak for Elohim?       As to not repeat myself or belabor a point. i will just refer you back to the passage in 2 Timothy 3 from my previous response to you. (See previous post, Navigating Belonging).

Do they preach honoring the Sabbath Day as the 4th commandment states? 
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to YHWH your Elohim. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For in six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore YHWH blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” Exodus 20:8-11

“Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep… for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am YHWH who sanctifies you.” (Exodus 31:13). Do they preach honoring the Feast Days as the Torah teaches?        Here i would just refer you to Leviticus 23 in which the Feasts are given in detail. As well, that it is instructed the foreigner within their gates also celebrate them. This is in line with Romans 11 which teaches us that the Gentiles are grafted into Israel. We do not replace them we become one with them.

Do they preach that the gentiles are grafted into Israel and do not replace them?       
Here again as stated in the previous question on the relevance of the Feast Days. Romans 11 is quite clear that we are grafted in. It is in this that we become a light to Israel. In order to draw them back into covenant with Elohim through the Messiah Yahoshua.

Do they preach honoring the Torah in the fullness presented by Yahoshua? 
In Matthew 5 Yahoshua states, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Torah until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:17-19). The word FULFILL does not mean to do away with but rather to bring clarity. A fuller understanding of . . . in Hebrews we read that the New Covenant is not new like a new pair of shoes but new like the New Moon each cycle. Same moon, new emphasis. The Torah went from written on tablets to being written on our hearts and our minds. 

In conclusion anyone, prophet or teacher, teaching anything contrary to the Torah. These are not of Elohim. Therefore, are not to be feared nor listened to but rather cast out from among the Ekklesia. The heart is deceptive and signs are fleeting. He who believes by faith, to him it is counted unto righteousness. Yahoshua, warned against seeking signs, His word is sufficient. 

Clearly i don’t have all the answers, nor do i have full understanding. However, what i do have is sufficient for teaching, rebuking, correction, and training in righteousness. It is sufficient to complete, and to equip for every good work. As Timothy we are called to continue in what we have learned and have firmly believed. Knowing from whom we have learned it . . . Yahoshua the Word made flesh, He is the Way the Truth and the Life. The Torah is known as the Way, the Path, and Instruction. It is known as the Truth, Your Word is Truth. It is known as the Life, for man shall not live by bread alone but by every Word of Elohim. We do not need new revelation, we simply need to understand the sacred writings already provided to us.

It does bring me joy that you found something worthy of reflection in my book. Thank you for the kind words and the connection to your understanding of things. We are all on a journey of faith and we are all at different points of that journey. Yet, the key to that journey remains the same. We are to seek with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, Yahoshua through His Word.

Shema Israel! Shema means to listen and obey. It is a declaration and a prayer. i pray every morning, Shema! YHWH our Elohim is ONE Elohim, love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And the Words commanded in Scripture shall be taught diligently to our children. They are to be talked about in our houses, and as we walk on the way. When we lie down and when we rise. We are to bind them on our hearts and on our minds and write them on the door posts of our houses. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) 
This is the same message over and over, meditate on the Word day and night. It is the Word that confirms to us truth. If it does not align with Torah then it is rubbish. 

Keep Reading, Part Three, 3rd Email Response

This is the Way of the Rabbi,
You are loved,
cj