Tag: Tanakh

Understanding Redemption Through Yahoshua: A Scriptural Journey

Understanding Redemption Through Yahoshua: A Scriptural Journey

“Hear, O Israel: Yahweh our Elohim, Yahweh is One. And you shall love Yahweh your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

The journey of redemption is lead by Yahweh. It is His desire to make us into who He made us to be. A restoration of His garden plan found in Genesis. “And He saw ALL that He had made, AND IT WAS GOOD.”

Luke 24:13-19 “And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus. It was about seven miles from Jerusalem. And they were talking with each other about all these things which had taken place. While they were talking and discussing, Yahoshua Himself approached and began traveling with them. But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. And He said to them, ‘What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?’ And they stood still, looking sad. One of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, ‘Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?’ And He said to them, ‘What things?’

The scene is post crucifixion. Two disciples are walking together and discussing all that had transpired. They were saddened believing that all had come to an end. They were discouraged, and aimless. On their way back home presumably to resume that which they did before following the Messiah. When the very One they mourned appeared in their midst and began to question them. To ask them “What things?” seems out of touch but in reality it was the open door to bring the Scriptures to life. To open their eyes to the promises that had always been and now were. But first, Yahoshua needed to know what they understood and they revealed it in their answer to Him.

Luke 24:19-24 “And they said to Him, ‘The things about Yahoshua the Nazarene. Who was a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people. How the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to the sentence of death, and crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel.‘” Note here: Their expectation was of a Kingdom. That David’s throne would be reestablished with Yahoshua reigning in Jerusalem and Israel being reborn. Continuing now. “Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened. But also some women among us amazed us. When they were at the tomb early in the morning, they did not find His body. They came back, saying that they had also seen a vision. A vision of angels who said that He was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just exactly as the women also had said; but Him they did not see.“

Yahoshua (Jesus) had spent three and a half years teaching them. He told them multiple times of His purpose. He even tells Pilate, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world. To testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” Pilate then asks, “What is truth?” Do you know what truth is? Do you know why He said, “Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice?” It is because truth is the Word and the Word is Truth. As Yahoshua says, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” (John 18:37-38; & 17:17).

Luke 24:25-27. “And He said to them, ‘O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and to enter into His glory? Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.” The Scriptures here being referred to, we call the ‘Old Testament,’ but is better understood as the Tanakh. All the answers, all Truth is found in the Word. That Word is (for clarity) the Old Testament. The promise of the New Covenant is that the Torah would be written on the hearts His people.

Jeremiah 31 says, “I will put My Torah within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” Ezekiel 36 puts it this way; “Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My Statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.” Hebrews 8 records this idea not because the commandments were burdensome but because of the fault of man. “For finding fault with them, He says, . . . I will put My Torah (instruction) into their minds and I will write it on their hearts.”

The cry of David’s heart should be the cry of every heart that calls itself a believer. “Make me know Your ways, O Yahweh; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your TRUTH and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation. For You I wait all the day. Remember, O Yahweh, Your compassion and Your loving kindnesses, for they have been from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions. According to Your loving kindness remember me, for Your goodness’ sake, O Yahweh. Good and upright is Yahweh. Therefore He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in justice. He teaches the humble His way. All the paths of Yahweh are loving kindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. For Your name’s sake, O Yahweh, pardon my iniquity, for it is great.” Psalm 25:4-11

True revival is a desire for Elohim’s (God’s) instruction. It is a calling back to His instruction, a call to obedience. This was the instruction of Yahoshua who said, “If you love Me obey My commandments.” And, “Why do you call Me Adonai (Master), Adonai, and not do as I command?” We should desire His ways, His path, His instruction. Yahoshua said, “I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.” Did you know that the Torah is called, the way? It is also called the Truth and it is Life. Yahoshua is the Word made flesh, the Torah made flesh. Is any of this making sense yet?

In Deuteronomy you will find these passages . . .
5:8-10 “. . . but showing loving kindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.”
7:9-11 “. . . who love Him and keep His commandments.”
10:12-13 “. . . to walk in all His ways and love Him. To serve Yahweh your Elohim (God) with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep Yahweh’s commandments.”
11:1 “You shall therefore love Yahweh your Elohim. And always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments.”
11:13 “. . . listen obediently to My commandments . . . love Yahweh your Elohim . . .”
11:22 “For if you are careful to keep all this commandment which I am commanding you to do, to love Yahweh your Elohim. To walk in all His ways and hold fast to Him.”
19:8-9 “. . .if you carefully observe all this commandment which I command you today, to love Yahweh your Elohim, and to walk in His ways . . .”
30:16 “. . . love Yahweh your Elohim, to walk in His ways and keep His commandments . . .”

Joshua 22:5 “Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the Torah which Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded you. To love Yahweh your Elohim and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and holdfast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Nehemiah 1:5-6 “. . . for those who love Him and keep His commandments.”
Daniel 9:4 “. . . those who love Him and keep His commandments.”

John 14:15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”
John 14:21 “He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.”
1 John 5:2-3 “By this we know that we love the children of Elohim, when we love Elohim and observe His commandments. For this is the love of Elohim, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.”
2 John 1:5-6 “. . . not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.”

Therein lies the truth of the matter, the Torah, Elohim’s instruction was not done away with but was made manifest. It was done so through Messiah Yahoshua (Christ Jesus). He is the instruction that is now written on the hearts of those who love Elohim and keep His commandments. For as promised, we have the instruction now within us enabling us to walk in love. Both love for the Father and for our neighbor. To honor Elohim and His Sabbath’s, His Feast Days, His commandments and statutes. Through the power of our resurrected Adonai Yahoshua and the promised helper the Holy Spirit.

One day we will stand before the judgment seat. Many will hear something they are not expecting. Not because they didn’t hear the truth but because they didn’t keep it. Matthew 7:22-23 “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Adonai, Adonai, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.‘” It wasn’t because they thought their works would save them it was because they were not following the commandments of Elohim. They were lawless, they were without Torah. They made it a practice to not do what Elohim expects of those who say they love Him. If you love Him, keep His commandments. This is the way of the Rabbi.

Luke 24:30-32, 35 “When He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight. They said to one another, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?'” “They began to relate their experiences on the road and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.”

What will you do? Yahoshua is the bread of heaven, the Word made flesh. Do you know Him? Do you know His Word? He reveals the Father, the Father never changes nor does His word. Therefore, it stands to reason if we want to truly know Yahoshua Messiah the Son of Elohim. You must know the Scriptures, Genesis to Malachi. And not only know them but obey them. Are you on the narrow road that leads to Salvation? Or, are you on the wide road that leads to destruction?

You are loved,
cj

Understanding Alma 32: A Response to Mormon Teachings

Understanding Alma 32: A Response to Mormon Teachings

Part 7 of my on going conversation with two Mormon Missionaries. If there is anyone familiar with Mormon missionaries you will know two things. First, they are persistent, to their credit. Second, they serve on a rotation system that moves them from place to place over two years. This makes ongoing conversations with them difficult. I now have two knew missionaries in my area. They knew my name, it seems I have been marked, “We heard you like talking to Missionaries.” After meeting with them they suggested that I read Alma 32. So I did. This is my response to the reading. (You can read a part one, two, three, four, five, six)

There is nothing overtly in Alma 32 that attempts to discredit the Torah. A cursory reading of the chapter would find one reading what appears to be another Biblical text. Many of its thoughts are found in the writings of the Apostles. I will highlight a few for reference. At the end I will draw my conclusion. If one is to have an honest discourse with another, you must be willing to consider their point. If they are intellectually honest they will consider yours as well. Deception is deception because it is masked in truth. If one isn’t willing to challenge their own thought you may just be deceiving yourself with half truths and misunderstandings.

Alma 32:11 . . . (Also, Mosiah 18:25).
“And moreover, I would ask, do ye suppose that ye must not worship God only once in a week?”
Within this passage is a footnote leading to another passage in the Book of Mormon, Mosiah 18:25. “And there was one day in every week that was set apart that they should gather themselves together to teach the people, and to worship the Lord their God, and also, as often as it was in their power, to assemble themselves together.”

Here I want to address the Sabbath. This seems to be a contentious point within westernized churches based on church history. I have written on the counsel of Nicea before and the letter sent by Constantine to the surrounding territories following its conclusion. You can read about that here. The separation of the Gentiles “Church” from the fellowship of the Synagogue was encouraged by both sides. However, it was not ever the desire of Elohim. There is one Torah for the native born and the stranger who dwells among you. These are the words and the desire of The Most High. The Sabbath was sanctified in Creation, it was observed since then by the people of God. It is still His Sanctified day and both a sign and a seal of the followers of Elohim Most High.

Alma 32:15 . . .
“Yea, he that truly humbleth himself, and repenteth of his sins, and endureth to the end, the same shall be blessed—yea, much more blessed than they who are compelled to be humble because of their exceeding poverty.”

I found this passage particularly interesting as it calls for humility and repentance from sin. What is sin? John gives of the clearest definition of sin in 1 John 3:4. “Everyone who practices sin practices lawlessness as well. Indeed, sin is lawlessness.” Most bibles will have a footnote for this verse that says, “or, is violation of the Law.” The Law is the Torah. Sin is literally the breaking of Torah. Therefore, true repentance is turning from sin to the Torah. This isn’t me saying this, these are the Words of Elohim. ‘Oh, no one can keep the whole law!’ So does that mean we can don’t try? Does that mean we don’t seek to follow the commands that we can keep? The Sabbath, the dietary laws, these are easy to keep for the truly humble at heart. After all a humble heart seeks to honor before it seeks to be honored. In other words, walk humbly with God by seeking Him and His ways. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Alma 32:16 . . .
“Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is he that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized without stubbornness of heart, yea, without being brought to know the word, or even compelled to know, before they will believe.”

It is hard to fully know what is being portrayed or the idea of the message behind this thought. Yes, we must be humble, yes, Adonai will call who He calls. “As it is said: “Today if you should hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion.” (Hebrews 3:15) – However, we do see that it is noble to search out Scripture for what is true. As we read of the Bereans. “Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians. For they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.”

Now it is understood that the Book of Mormon is a collection of writings made after Jesus appeared in the America’s. I am not too familiar with the origin story, beyond a cursory reading of history. I suppose it can be assumed that those that came to the America’s only had the oral tradition and not any writings. However, we also know that Elohim is the same yesterday, today, and forever and therefore would not contradict Himself. So if there was an appearance here it would line up with Torah. Anything that doesn’t is either a forgery or misunderstood. Perhaps in the same way many misinterpret Paul’s writings as Peter warns. “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).

Paul was a teacher of Torah, he instructed others to study Torah. We know this because he told Timothy not to forsake what he knew. “But you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, recalling the people from whom you learned it. Recalling too how from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures. Which can give you the wisdom that leads to deliverance through trusting in Yahoshua the Messiah. All Scripture is God-breathed and is valuable for teaching the truth, convicting of sin, correcting faults and training in right living. Thus anyone who belongs to God may be fully equipped for every good work.” 1 Timothy 3:14-16

Alma 32:28 . . .
“Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.”

We can relate this to many passages in what is commonly known as the Old and New Testament. Yahoshua’s parable of the sower in which He talks about fertile ground in Matthew 13. We can read about tasting and seeing that the Word is good in Psalm 34. However, we can also read that the heart is desperately wicked. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9. This is why we are told to search the Scriptures and not to lean on our own understanding. Why? Again, Paul warns us that there is coming a time which now is that men will not adhere to sound doctrine. “For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

This warning is why it is vital that we check all things to the source of all truth. “Sanctify them by Your Truth, Your Word is Truth.” John 17:17. The default Scripture must be the Torah and the Tanakh. Because it tells how to spot false prophets and false teachings. It focuses the reader on the goodness of Elohim and His salvation through Messiah. It instructs us on what to do and how to do it. It tells how to worship. It calls us to be separate. It calls us to Torah. His instruction in righteousness. With this understanding we can read Alma 32 and put it within the context of Torah. Here it can fit. This isn’t an endorsement but it is a concession.

Alma 32:40 . . .
“And thus, if ye will not nourish the word, looking forward with an eye of faith to the fruit thereof, ye can never pluck of the fruit of the tree of life.”

This is true. We must look to Torah, the Word of Elohim. Otherwise we will have no place in His Kingdom. We must get back to the instruction that we can follow, Sabbath’s, and eating clean, just to name a couple. His Word is not burdensome. “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” 1 John 5:3. This is the Way of the Rabbi.

This is the Way,
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

Yahoshua: The Biblical Model for Living Faithfully

Yahoshua: The Biblical Model for Living Faithfully

If Yahoshua did it, and Paul says, “Imitate me as I imitate Messiah,” what then? What is the excuse to do anything else? The idiom, “May you walk in the dust of your Rabbi.” Means to become like him, that you emulate him, in every way. May you be so close to him that he rubs off on you.

Yahoshua kept the Sabbath. (Matthew 12:1-8)
“At this time Yahoshua went through the grain fields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they questioned Yahoshua. “Look, why do Your disciples do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” From here most skip the full answer and focus only on Yahoshua’s final statement. “For the Son of Man is Master of the Sabbath.” I chose this particular instance of Yahoshua’s Sabbath keeping for a few reasons.

First, what seems to get ignored, is that the accusation was against Yahoshua’s disciples, and not Yahoshua Himself. Second, as He responded to Satan in the wilderness so He responded to the Pharisees. “Have you not read?” Is basically the same as “It is written.” The Pharisees should have known better than to put man’s tradition over Scripture. Here Yahoshua gives two examples from the Scriptures.

Yahoshua, which remember means, Yah’s Salvation or Yah is Salvation. Here at the end of this exchange He quotes from Hosea which the name means, ‘deliverer’. “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of Elohim rather than burnt offerings.” He says, “Had you known the meaning of this Scripture you would not have condemned the guiltless.” All this relates around the idea that Yahoshua, the Living Word of Elohim was with them. And the Pharisees were to wrapped up in their oral tradition to see the Words popping of the parchment.

Yahoshua’s final statement now makes much more sense in light of the context and cultural significance. “For the Son of Man is Master of the Sabbath.” It is not Him assuming the role of the Sabbath Day. It is not Him profaning the Sabbath Day. For had He done so He would not have been sinless and therefore unable to make atonement for sin. It was simply another declaration of His authority, His position, and His command of Scripture. It was not a license to break the Sabbath. It was not a license to go against the Words written by Moses and the Prophets. He wasn’t placing Himself over the Word, He IS THE WORD made flesh, as John describes.

Yahoshua kept the Feast Days.
“Halfway through the Feast of Booths, Yahoshua went up to the temple and started to teach.  Astonished, the Jewish leaders asked, ‘He’s never been taught! How has he mastered the Torah?’” (John 7:14-15).
“The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Yahoshua was coming to Jerusalem.” (John 12:12).
Here we see in John that Yahoshua clearly partook in the Feasts. There is even mention of Him being present for the Festival of Dedication. Which commemorates the re-dedication of the Temple or as we know it today, Hanukkah.
“Three times a year every male among you must appear before the presence of Adonai your Elohim. In the location He will select. At the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Booths.” (Deuteronomy 16:16).
Elohim, is clear about the celebration of His Feast Days. In fact had Yahoshua not celebrated them He would have been in opposition to the Word of Elohim. But, that is impossible because, He is the Word made flesh and He was sinless. Don’t you want to celebrate what Yahoshua celebrated?

Yahoshua forgave.
A recent global broadcast of a memorial service highlighted an important fact. It mentioned that Yahoshua forgave those who put Him to death. “Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.” Forgiveness is the most difficult calling. In some instances it seems unfathomable to do so. Yet, our Messiah, who was beaten beyond recognition, while breathing His last, did so. There is nothing that equals the torture of Messiah. “Father, forgive them.” I read these words and ask myself, would I be able to do the same?

Yahoshua kept the Commandments. (Matthew 5:17-20)
“Don’t think that I have come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Yes indeed! I tell you that until heaven and earth pass away, not even a yud will disappear from the Torah. A stroke will stay as well. — Not until everything that must happen has happened. Anyone who disobeys the least of these commandments will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. This includes those who teach others to do so. But whoever obeys them and so teaches will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. Your righteousness must be far greater than that of the Torah-teachers and Pharisees. Only then will you certainly enter the Kingdom of Heaven!”

First, let’s talk about the word here, fulfill. The word has also been translated as complete. Both are poor choices. Even in the Strong’s Concordance which is popular among western Christians for defining words has the full definition.

G4137 πληρόω – to make full, to fill up, i.e. to fill to the full to cause to abound, to furnish or supply liberally.
to fulfill, i.e. to cause God’s will (as made known in the law) to be obeyed as it should be, and God’s promises (given through the prophets) to receive fulfillment –

Second, the idea of being more righteous than the teachers of Torah and Pharisees. The Scribes and the Pharisees that Yahoshua is referring to were more concerned about the oral traditions. They were self-righteous within their traditions. Yahoshua’s entire ministry was pointing out the right way to live out the commandments of Elohim. He did not slack in any of them. In fact, He brought clearer understanding to them. He said, “If you love Me, you will keep my commands“. Yahoshua is the Word made flesh, He is the walking Torah scroll. Don’t you want to love Him in a way He recognizes?

Yahoshua is the Word made flesh.
“In the beginning was the Word,
    and the Word was with Elohim,
and the Word was Elohim.
    He was with Elohim in the beginning.”
(John 1:1-2)

“The Word became flesh
    and made His home among us.
We have seen his glory,
    glory like that of a Father’s only Son,
        full of grace and truth.”
(John 1:14)

The Word, what was the Word being referenced here by John? Well, when it was written there was not a collection of books known as the ‘New Testament.’ Therefore, we can conclude that the Word being referred to is the Torah, perhaps even the Tanakh. That is Genesis to Deuteronomy, or through Malachi. If Yahoshua is the Word who came ‘to cause Elohim’s Word to be obeyed as it should be.’ Shouldn’t we want to live in obedience to the Word?

Yahoshua is Yah’s Salvation.
Yahoshua, quoting Isaiah in Matthew says, “‘These people honor me with their lips. But their hearts are far away from Me. Their worship of Me is useless, because they teach man-made rules as if they were doctrines.’” How can we say we know someone while using a name that has been poorly transliterated. Poorly, I say, because it is through the Greek and has been altered with the introduction of the letter ‘J’. Just say the name Jesus and then say the name Yahoshua. Do they even sound the same? We’re not talking about the name William and Bill, we are talking about Yah’s Salvation. The Fathers name within the Son’s name proclaiming Salvation to all who call on Him!

Moving on, when the angel Gabriel came to Joseph, he didn’t say name the boy Jesus. He actually said, name the boy Yahoshua. To really get the significance here we need to go back further. Moses, by Elohim’s instruction, appointed Joshua as his successor. However, Joshua wasn’t always Joshua, his name was Hoshea, which means, salvation. If you didn’t already know, names in the Scriptures are important. They have meaning, and purpose, and help drive the narrative of Elohim’s story.

Moses, changes Hoshea to Yahoshua, (Numbers 13:16) or in English, Joshua, which means YAH is SALVATION. Joshua was going to lead Israel into the promise land but it was through YAH (Yahweh). The true meaning of the name Jesus is simply Salvation, like the name Hoshea. Some good pastors and teachers who study have added to the meaning of Jesus, God-Saves or God is Salvation. It’s at least a step in the right direction but why the change? Compromise? We know the real name and its meaning is glorious. Yahoshua, the only begotten Son of Elohim, came to reconcile us to the Father. Through His blood, we are brought into the promise land. Yah truly is salvation. “I and My Father are ONE.” (John 10:30). Wouldn’t you want to call your best friend by their actual name? Shouldn’t we consider calling the Savior of the World by His given name?

Let’s wrap it up.
Simply put we can say we love Yahoshua. We can say we love the Father. We can say we want the Holy Spirit. However, as Yahoshua said, “These people honor Me with their lips but their hearts are far from Me.” He said this because there needs to be genuine heart change. There needs to be sincerity. There needs to be a dying to ourselves and a putting on of the new self. “If you love Me . . .” Let us walk in the dust of the Rabbi.

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

Transforming Inconveniences into Adventures

Transforming Inconveniences into Adventures

Every morning I get an email from an online news organization. The purpose of the email is to highlight four or five top stories. At the top of the email they put a quote from someone to inspire reflection. This is actually the part of the email i look forward to the most. The other day the quote was from G.K. Chesterton. He said:

“An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered;
an adventure is an inconvenience rightly considered.”

Recently my dad who just turned 83 years old took a train to New York City. Where he experienced an inconvenience with his luggage. i don’t know how baggage on trains work really. The last time i was on a train other than the one that circles Disneyland was many, many moons ago. i might have been 8. Anyway, at one of the stops along the way a lady grabbed my dad’s suitcase. Apparently hers looked very similar, so thinking it was hers she picked it up and exited the train. my dad was completely unaware of this occurring riding on and enjoying the scenery. That is until, he received a phone call. Surprisingly, it was the lady who mistakenly had taken his suitcase. Thankfully my dad had his name and number on the luggage tag. She apologized profusely. She was able to get the suitcase on the next train to Chicago where my dad had a layover. It arrived untouched for the most part before my dad continued his journey, now an adventure to New York.

my dad couldn’t really do anything but hope and wait. However, the lady with my dad’s bag had a task before her. Thankfully trains haven’t advanced much since their inception so they pretty much still work the same. Unlike many of the cumbersome safety protocols now associated with air travel. An unattended bag brought by a passenger on another flight? i don’t think this would have been an easy sell to airport security. Train security on the other-hand, seems right in line with baggage policy. Regardless, the lady seemed to have the situation well in hand. Obviously, living near the train station helped. She got all the way home before the discovery of the mistake. Apparently having some knowledge as to trains and how things work she talked to the right people. She made the appropriate arrangements. Which limited my dad’s inconvenience considerably. Hers on the other-hand, not so much. i wonder if she ever got her bag back since it was never in my dad’s possession he doesn’t know.

They say knowledge is power. It’s true. If you know how things work you can work things out. If you know where to gather information, information can be gathered. Information properly used can inform and educate. Wisdom is rightly using the information you gather, no matter how much or how little. What will you do with the information you gather? What will you do as you read through the posts of The Way of the Rabbi? What questions will you ask? What information will you seek? What knowledge will you put to power?

A young preacher, pastor of a small congregation of new believers was being encouraged by a veteran. There were some changes afoot within the faith. It was being called “new” but it wasn’t fully new. It was known and practiced, but there was a new understanding. There was an example given. There was explanations and clarifications. Still the source did not change immediately, nor should it have, even over time. Sources add, yes, but manuscripts deleted? Never! In a letter to the young preacher, the older, wiser, seasoned and tested instructor wrote the following words.

“But you must continue with the things you have learned and found convincing. You know who taught you. Since childhood you have known the holy scriptures. They help you to be wise in a way that leads to salvation through faith that is in Messiah Yahoshua. Every scripture is inspired by Elohim! It is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character. So that the person who belongs to Elohim can be equipped to do everything that is good.” (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

Paul was telling Timothy that all his questions had answers. Those answers, were found in his knowledge of the scriptures. Those scriptures were the Tanakh and the Torah. He reminded him that they will help him be wise. Even stated that within the scrolls of his childhood faith he would be led to faith in Messiah Yahoshua. The writings that were collected over time, like, this one to Timothy are great! Even “inspired by Elohim.” When used to supplement and support the Tanakh as Paul encourages, they are masterful. Life springs forth from the pages of the Gospel’s when you understand the culture in which they were written. Understanding and knowledge will be your friend. As you read through the illustration that the covenant went from stones to flesh. From written with a finger, to written in blood.

Nothing new was invented. It is the same. Knowledge leads you to understand that what has changed is associated with the atonement. The process in which one is cleansed. It went from a ritual performed by priests. To one sacrifice by the High Priest Yahoshua in the order of Melchizedek. The atonement kaphar (כָּפַר), closely connected with the word, Kippur (כִּפּוּר), which means to “cover over a wrong”. To תְּמוּרָה (temurah) which means to exchange. The priests could only cover ritual sacrifices. This was a shadow of the exchange coming in Messiah. Due to the Hellenization of the Israelite’s Greek was the language and that is where we get the term, antallagí (ανταλλαγή). We translate it atonement, which isn’t wrong but isn’t the full picture either. Yahoshua took our place, He doesn’t cover our sin, He wipes it away. He took it, exchanging His righteousness for our depravity. He who knew no sin became sin, so that we who were sin could be made whole in Him.

“An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered; an adventure is an inconvenience rightly considered.” Don’t be discouraged by what some perceive to be inconvenient. Rather take on the adventure of knowing Elohim through the fullness of His Word. Build upon the foundational faith you have in Messiah Yahoshua by searching the Tanakh and the Torah. Do this in order to know Him better. Enter into covenant relationship with Yahoshua the living Word of Elohim. The Word says, “Elohim is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” If true, we must realize that what happened 2000 years ago was not new. It was a rebirth and an exchange written in red.

If things got easier like so many believe today every pew in every church would be full. But as Paul tells Timothy earlier in the same letter. “And indeed, all who want to live a life in Elohim, united with the Messiah Yahoshua will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves.” i hope you will explore more here at the way of the Rabbi. Unlock the curiosity to challenge your old way of thinking. Embrace The Way of the Rabbi Yahoshua.

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

Discovering the Way of the Rabbi: Insights and Inspiration

Discovering the Way of the Rabbi: Insights and Inspiration

When i began writing this blog back in 2016 my intention was to write short 500 word motivational pieces. Occasionally, they were longer with more teaching and instruction. However, the underlying theme was to be motivational. As time went on teaching and instruction became more of the driving force behind my posts. That is still true to this day. There is however, yet another driving force behind each post and that is to stir a desire. To cause the reader to be like the Berean’s of Acts 17:11. To eagerly listen to the message. Then check the Tanakh to verify if what i have written is true. There is one other aspect i hope to accomplish with these writings. It is intended for those who do not share my faith in Yahoshua. The idea also comes from Acts 17 just a few verse down from eleven. In Acts 17:32-34 it records this:

“When they heard about the resurrection from the dead, some began to ridicule Paul. However, others said, “We’ll hear from you about this again.” At that, Paul left the council. Some people joined him and came to believe, including Dionysius, a member of the council on Mars Hill, a woman named Damaris, and several others.”

Ridicule will come because some people are simply mean spirited. i can’t let that get to me, although, at times i do. i try not to think about them too much. Now, on the other hand, those who want to hear more inspire me. Those who want to follow the Way of the Rabbi also inspire me to write more. Over the years because of my own writing and research i have come to new understandings. i believe differently than i once did. Like many who were under Paul’s teaching. They believed one way, they believed they had it right but then Paul showed them the truth. It caused them to pause, reflect, and adjust their beliefs. Sometimes this is very difficult because we have held beliefs for a long time, a very long time. We couldn’t possibly have been wrong that entire time could we? When faced with this it requires a great deal of prayer and study. One must be willing to ask, is what I am being shown true? Is what I have known been wrong, misquoted, or misinterpreted? No one wants to be wrong, i can assure you of that.

In Psalm 19 the Psalmist writes:
“Adonai’s Torah is perfect,
    reviving one’s very being.
Adonai’s instructions are faithful,
    making naive people wise.
Adonai’s regulations are right,
    gladdening the heart.
Adonai’s commands are pure,
    giving light to the eyes.
 Honoring Adonai is correct,
    lasting forever.
Adonai’s judgments are true.
    All of these are righteous!”

Many have come to believe that the Torah has been done away or was too difficult to maintain. In believing this they must ignore David’s words above. They have to ignore many other passages within the Tanakh as well. We cannot pick and choose what we find acceptable and discard what we find difficult. The Torah, has been translated Law within the majority of biblical translations. However, this is a terrible rendering. For the Torah as David describes is instructions, it is regulations, it is commands, it is judgments. It is also to be honored, and kept. For in doing so it brings revival, wisdom, gladness, light, and truth, that lasts forever.

David wraps up this Psalm by writing these words. “May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be acceptable in your presence. For You Adonai, are my Rock and Redeemer.” He ends this Psalm about the goodness of Torah with a request. A verse most people memorize today, for it is also their hearts desire. Yet they don’t grasp the enormity of his words, that they are wrapped around Torah. The very written Word of Elohim. May you read these posts, may they grab your heart and your attention. May they lead you to seek the Way of the Rabbi. May you be drawn into a love for the Torah and the Tanakh. May you understand that the Apostles used the Torah as a foundation in their writings. That they shared David’s heart, as revealed in this Psalm.

This was also Paul’s desire to a young preacher known as Timothy. (2 Timothy 3:14-17).
“But you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, recalling the people from whom you learned it; 15 and recalling too how from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which can give you the wisdom that leads to deliverance through trusting in Yahoshua the Messiah. 16 All Scripture is Elohim-breathed and is valuable for teaching the truth, convicting of sin, correcting faults and training in right living; 17 thus anyone who belongs to Elohim may be fully equipped for every good work.” We need to be more diligent in our study of the Tanakh. We should focus specifically on the Torah, taking the advice of Paul.

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

Every Wind of Doctrine ~ conclusion

“We love because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

“You know that He appeared in order to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin. No one who abides in Him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen Him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as He is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of Elohim appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of Elohim makes a practice of sinning, for Elohim’s seed abides in Him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of Elohim. By this it is evident who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of Elohim, nor is the one who does not love his brother.” 1 John 3:5-10

In all my reading, in all my study, no one i know would disagree with the idea presented here by John. John who was the only one of the twelve to be at the foot of the cross. Yahoshua, as He hung on that stake looks down at him as he stands next to his earthly mother, Mary, and said, “‘Woman, behold, your son!’ Then He said to (John) His disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple (John) took her to his own home.” This relationship between Yahoshua and John was a special bond it cannot be denied. Therefore, we should consider his words. Many will say that they do that it is Scripture but proceed to hold the letters of Paul above the letters of John. Mainly because it is easy to interpret Paul as excusing sin. Which Peter himself recognized, Peter another of the twelve writes in one of his letter, “And count the patience of our Adonai as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. You therefore, beloved knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Adonai and Savior Yahoshua Messiah.” 2 Peter 3:15-18

Paul himself writes to the Ephesians, “So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Messiah.” Ephesians 4:14-15 — So, therefore let us conclude the matter by defining two words, sin and truth. What is sin and what is truth? In order to not be blown about by every wind of doctrine we must understand what sin is and what truth is . . . Without these definitions the warnings given about following false doctrine become increasingly more dangerous. This is why we cannot expect any definition that is outside of Scripture itself.

To drive this point home lets look at what Paul writes to Timothy a young pastor. “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. 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.” The things learned from childhood within the sacred writings is the Torah, the Tanakh, the books of the law and prophets. It is also these books that Paul tells Timothy, “All Scripture . . . Profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness.” He wasn’t referring to his letter or any of his letters for that matter. Do i hold to the teachings in what is known today as the New Testament, Yes, but i hold them in light of the Tanakh, as they point to the same Messiah that is revealed in the sacred writings.

This brings us to the definition of truth as Paul says, “Speaking truth in love.” What is truth? In John 17 we read the Highly Priestly prayer of Yahoshua and He says, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your Word is TRUTH.” Who’s word? Elohim’s word is Truth, Yahoshua was praying that we be set apart by the WORD of TRUTH, the writings of the Torah, and the Prophets. And so then what of sin? Sin is as John writes, “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.” The word law is Torah so the word here is sin is Torahlessness. So if speaking truth is speaking the Torah and living without Torah is lawlessness than the doctrine we are to live by is found in the Torah.

Some will raise the idea that the Jerusalem council, the earliest council, gave the gentiles only a few things to observe. “Abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.” They see this as a final seal of approval on the gentiles. We, however, need to consider the entirety of the meeting. What was going on in its totality. The debate was to put upon them a yoke that they nor their fathers were able to bear. Much of the discussion was on extra things added on by the Priests and Rabbi’s over time. As is summed up by James final statement, “For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.” (For context you will find the full entry in Acts 15:1-33) — It was assumed, that these new gentile believers would be attending synagogue on the Sabbath. And in deed they did and formed the Sect of the Nazarene. These Nazarene’s were later persecuted, and kicked out of the synagogue because of their belief in Yahoshua as the Messiah. To which they formed house churches that still held to the Sabbath until the 2nd or 3rd century.

Because of this misunderstanding many wrongly say that the Torah is too hard to keep. Well, then Elohim is a liar, “For this commandment I give you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off.” Deuteronomy 30:11 — And John is a false teacher, “By this we know that we love the children of Elohim, when we love Elohim and obey His commandments. For this is the love of Elohim, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” 1 John 5:2-3 —

So what then shall we do as believers in Yahoshua Messiah? “Abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.” As well we should, “For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.” Attend a church that proclaims the whole of Elohim’s word and holds true to its teachings. You should begin to honor the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. You should begin to look at the difference between man’s tradition and Elohim’s instruction. It is an exciting journey. However, be warned, it is also difficult and narrow but in the end completely worth it.

This is me speaking the truth in love, Love Elohim with your whole heart and do your best to obey His commandments. Grow in grace and knowledge by studying the whole of Elohim’s Word, tear out that dividing page in your Bible that says New Testament on it and read it as one collection of divinely inspired books that point to one Elohim and one Savior Yahoshua Messiah.

You are loved,
cj

Levitical priesthood < Melchizedek (p2)

Every Wind of Doctrine Part 2

In understanding the hesitation of the Levitical priests, and the Sanhedrin we need to understand their recipe and ingredients. Over time, even though, “for from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the Synagogues.” —Acts 15:21— (The Torah along with the prophets these two make up the Tanakh.) Much had been added which is now collected in the writing of the Talmud and other Rabbinical writings. These added ingredients tainted the original recipe and cluttered the menu of YHWH’s banquet table. This in part, along with pride, made Yahoshua unrecognizable to the religious leaders of the day. i fear the same would be true today with the many denominations we have teaching for the most part the doctrines of man.

In part two of this series on “Every Wind of Doctrine” i want to take a step back, and yet still forward, as we look at what Yahoshua accomplished when He said, “It is finished.” i don’t know, but it seems to me that the argument that Yahoshua did away with the Law, or the Levitical Priesthood or that He just did away with the sacrificial system, all miss the mark. For it appears the Law is taught by the Apostles, we are all called priests and Kings, and sacrifice will return in the millennium. When we truly understand Torah, the Priesthood and the sacrificial system we also realize that they all point to giant banquets for the Most High on His feast days. Not only that but also a way for the Levitical priests in charge of the Temple to eat as they did their Temple duty rotations. However, now we see that there is no Temple, no Levitical priesthood, and no way or need to sacrifice. One of the misunderstandings of those who say the Torah is completely done away with is this idea of the sacrificial system. i don’t know but it seems misguided with the understanding of Yahoshua, and the High Priest duties in the order of Melchizedek.

Melchizedek is mentioned only a few times in Scripture.
Genesis 14:18 — “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a Priest of YHWH.” This is prior to the Torah or as described the Law of Moses.
Psalm 110:4 (a prophetic look at the coming Messiah) — “YHWH has sworn and will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.’” This is after the giving of the Torah (the first five books of the Tanakh and the Bible on your coffee table, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy)
Hebrews 7:1-3 (combining the understanding) — “For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, Priest of YHWH, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is King of Peace. Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of Elohim, he remains a priest perpetually.”
17-19 — “For it is attested of Him, ‘You are the Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.’ For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to Elohim.”
28 — “For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever.” (Following the ministry, death, and resurrection of Messiah Yahoshua)

Now, Yahoshua after the order of Melchizedek the High Priest forever, is the way the truth and the life. Through His blood we have redemption of sin, no longer daily, weekly, yearly sacrifices for sin no more redemption through another or priestly order of man. When one would sin or transgress the law they brought a sacrifice to the temple. Now we have Yahoshua our High Priest, who is constantly making intercession for us, and we bring His sacrifice to our Temple, the body, and He through His sacrifice cleanses us from sin. Our transgressions of the law (Torah) not the ordinances of man. Why? Because the law is now written on our hearts!

There is salvation in no other than Yahoshua Messiah. Although, the world would have you believe otherwise, He is the Way the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except by Him. He is the author and perfecter of our faith. The author of the Law written on our hearts. The seal of the NEW Covenant found in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Hebrews 8:7-12. The new ingredient isn’t new at all but rather implanted in our hearts and minds through Yahoshua. Are we still fallen creatures in a fallen world, full of sin and dysfunction? Yes, of course. Yet the recipe for salvation is still faith, still reckoned by obedience, as it was counted righteousness toward Abraham for his obedience by faith, solidified by the work of Yahoshua our King and High Priest.

It seems to me we need to get back to the original recipe of faith as found in Hebrews 11 and throughout the Scriptures in line with the order of Melchizedek. i don’t know but i am gonna dig around and write a part 3. Until then here is a Hymn written by James Montgomery, circa 1800’s —

“Prayer is the contrite sinner’s voice,
Returning from his ways;
While angels in their songs rejoice
And cry, ‘Behold he prays!’

“Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath,
The Christian’s native air,
His watchword at the gates of death;
He enters heaven with prayer.”

You are loved,
cj