Tag: Yahoshua

Journey Update (part 1)

As the blog heading says, this is my journey with Yahoshua and in the description i mention that the writings you will read here are inspired by that journey. So i thought i would share an update on where i am on this journey; What is it that i believe and why i believe. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians he writes, “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.” (Philippians 2:12 ESV) This passage and this one from Micah 6:8 “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does YHWH require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your Elohim.” Are my starting points. We are called to be like Him, “Be holy for I am Holy,” and as Paul also writes, “Imitate me as I imitate Messiah.”

Back in 2017 i put down most commentaries when reading and picked up a regular dictionary and a strongs as well as an interlinear concordance. In 2020 i put down nearly the rest of the commentaries i was still using and really began word studies and reading more history. What i began to discover was that i relied on the interpretations and customs of man which is exactly what the Pharisees had done and it was what Yahoshua was calling them out on . . . Not the observance of Torah, but of the traditions of man.

First lets talk about the name Jesus. This one had me spun for some time. Why do we use the name Jesus, when we also translate the name into English with the name Joshua? And why do we use those names at all when we know His Hebrew name is יֵשׁוּעַ which would be transliterated in modern Hebrew to Yeshua? This led me down another path on language. The letter J didn’t come into existence until 1650 and when it did it had a soft Y sound. Therefore the name Jesus as we know it today would have sounded more like its origin Yeshua, Yesus, a deeper study led me to the fact that in the Greek the S on the end (Ιησούς prior to 1650 transliterated Iesus) would have been silent so it would sound like, Yesu, which if we equate it to modern English it would be like calling a person named Joshua, Josh.

Somewhere along the line, much like the game operator, where you start by whispering something in the ear of one person. Who then whispers it into another until it goes around the circle. When it gets back to the beginning its more likely than not something different, even if its close, to the original. We have been playing operator and few seem to care about the original because they have become accustomed to the alternate. Yet we still use the excuse of transliteration, when its the evolution of language. i had to ask myself if i had gone on a long vacation and while i was away the sound of CH in my name went from K to M and the R became silent and suddenly everyone was reading my name off my passport and calling me Mistopher, would i know they were talking to me?

Yes, Yahoshua, this is how scholars render the name for Joshua son of Nun, who we understand to have the same given name as our Savior. This is why i use this spelling. Also, it has a pretty cool story of development which leads me to believe it was no coincidence. (See this Post, ‘Why Yahoshua, and other names and titles’ for a starting point on reasons why i choose Yahoshua), is the Word made flesh, He was in the beginning and He is at the end, the Aleph – Tav or the Alpha – Omega, so i am pretty sure He knows who we are talking about. However, with that i also believe that as we grow in knowledge and understanding we should take into account the commandment; “You shall not take the name of YHWH your Elohim in vain, for YHWH will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.” (Exodus 20:7)

We have made this to mean simply, by using the name Jesus or saying God in slang or a curse word is taking His name in vain. Although, partially true, it is much deeper than this. It also, includes, attributing sayings to Him, “Thus says the Lord . . .” Etc. that He did not say or believing that His Word is inconsequential as Israel did often, “Her priests have done violence to My law and have profaned My holy things. They have made no distinction between the holy and the common, neither have they taught the difference between the unclean and the clean, and they have disregarded My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them.” (Ezekiel 22:26). They would justify this by saying they haven’t been punished, when it was simply Elohim’s patience, that sought from them a repentant heart. His NAME is Holy! Isaiah (9:6) writes, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty Elohim, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Did you read that, “Mighty Elohim, Everlasting Father,” this is specifically talking about Yahoshua, who most modern Christians call Jesus. Now i came to know Yahoshua through the name Jesus, i appreciate the name Jesus, i believe in the Power of the Name of the Word made flesh, the Lamb of Elohim, Emmanuel which means Elohim (God) with us. However, knowing what i know now makes it difficult for me call the Messiah anything other than His given name, Yahoshua. Even saying, Yesu, seems disrespectful to me. He is Mighty Elohim! The I AM!

i hope this makes sense to you, really i do. In the coming posts i will be discussing my beliefs on the Sabbath, Feast Days, Torah, among other things. Although, you can go into my archives and read about them there here, i will be spelling out the “WHY.” Anyway, i hope this at least gets you to ask the question, “WHY?” Just like when you were a kid and your parent told you to do something and you asked, “Why, why, why?” May you be so curious . . . For it is this curiosity that has made me to fall in love with Yahoshua ha’Mashiah all over again and in a much deeper way than ever before.

You are loved,
cj

Contend for the Faith (Torah)

“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 3:16-17

If Paul was writing to Timothy that all Scripture is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness . . . Surely he was also referring to Ezekiel and Ezekiel records this:

“Her priests have done violence to My Torah and have profaned My holy things. They have made no distinction between the holy and the common, neither have they taught the difference between the unclean and the clean, and they have disregarded My sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them.” Ezekiel 22:26

The thing i am finding more and more frustrating with modern translations is their separation from Israel, and by this separation the changing of and diluting of Elohim’s word. If you open your modern translation for Ezekiel 22:26 it will read, “Her priests have done violence to my law.” In our westernized, hyper grace way of thinking it is easy to disregard the word ‘law’ as outdated and done away with. However, the word is Torah and it refers to HIS WORD. His written word and if Yahoshua is the WORD made flesh it even sets Him aside.

“In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with Elohim, and the WORD was Elohim. He was in the beginning with Elohim. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” . . . “And the WORD become flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-5,14

Yahoshua, declared, “I and My Father, are one.” “If you have seen Me you have seen the Father.” “I can do nothing of Myself. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.” What is the will of the Father? Well, according to Ezekiel YHWH, the Father, was calling out Israel for what they had allowed to happen among them. Violence towards the Torah, profaning the Holy things of Elohim, neither have they taught the difference between the unclean and the clean, and they have disregarded the sabbaths.

Micah records YHWH saying, “I have told you o’man what is good and what does YHWH require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your Elohim.” It isn’t so much a set of rules as it is acting justly by following the decrees of Elohim, it is loving mercy, and walking humbly. Not by our own will or understanding but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of Elohim. Yahoshua is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If He and the Father are one what is the writer of Hebrews saying? Malachi writes, “For I YHWH do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the WORD of our Elohim will stand forever.” Matthew writes, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My WORDS will not pass away.” John in the book of Revelation records Yahoshua saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega (Aleph—Tav), the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

Has the WORD been done away with? Are we now outside of Torah? Are we allowed to live lawlessly? By all means NOT! But Yahoshua, writes the Torah on our hearts and through the Holy Spirit we are empowered to live for Him, not under the punishment of the law but by faith we must be obedient to the WORD made flesh. “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 5:18-19 — His coming, was the fulfillment of the Torah and the prophets not the dissolving of them. He states that Moses wrote about Him, He reads Isaiah in the Temple and declares, “Today this verse is fulfilled in your eyes.” He is the promised Messiah. In Him is healing and forgiveness, “Behold the Lamb of Elohim who takes away the sin of the world.”

There is coming a separation of the sheep and the goats. The sheep will enter through the narrow gate. “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Matthew 7:13-14 The idea of being a sheep is a reoccurring theme, in John, Yahoshua is recorded as saying, “And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and THEY will listen to My voice. So there will be ONE FLOCK, ONE SHEPHERD.” Messiah is not divided, nor are we two different nations, but we are one people, with one Shepard.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Adonai, Adonai,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” Matthew 7:21 —If profaning the sabbath, and treating the holy things of Elohim as common, and putting that which is unclean in place of that which is clean was detestable in the days of Ezekiel, then they are detestable today. Oh yes, thank Adonai for favor, for grace, for forgiveness, but grace does not excuse our lawlessness or better our Tora’lessness. Obedience is righteousness, FAITH drives our obedience.

In a world hell bent on excluding Elohim, we the PEOPLE of Elohim, need to stand up, stand apart, and live our lives in obedience through the power of the Holy Spirit in us. Yahoshua said, “In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. Whoever has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love Him and manifest Myself to him.” . . . “If anyone loves Me, he will KEEP MY WORD, and My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does NOT love me does NOT keep My words. And the word that you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.” . . . “But the HELPER, the HOLY SPIRIT, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:20-21, 23-24, 26

Many will hear Yahoshua say, “Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.” The Greek “Anomos,” means, “Destitute of Mosaic Law” or Tora’lessness, being without or outside of Torah. Yahoshua is the doorway by which we enter into relationship with Elohim. He is the Way, the Truth, the Life, the very WORD of Elohim, in the flesh.

Time is short—

“And if it is evil in your eyes to serve YHWH, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve YHWH.” Joshua 24:15

You are loved,
cj

Community Awareness

“Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world— the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of Elohim abides forever.” 1 John 15-17

We need to begin to wake up to the world around us. It doesn’t matter what TV shows or movies you watch it is nearly a guarantee that there will be something associated with the show, the commercials or the coming attractions that are evil in the sight of Elohim. i haven’t reached a point that i advocate for a total boycott or abstinence of these forms of entertainment, but i am close. It is wicked! When Satan is paraded as a good guy, cartoons even promote him this way, what is being soaked into the mind which influences the heart? i can assure you it isn’t good. John continues:

“Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.” 1 John 2:18

“Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life. These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you.” 1 John 2:24-26

It isn’t just on TV, Movies, and Music/Radio, it is all around us every day. It walks among us silently, as the hearts of people grow colder and colder. For many are under the spell of the deception of anti-christ. Look what is happening in our communities from human trafficking, to smash and grab robberies, with community violence increasing, being aware of your surroundings is vital. i think pastors or any layperson wanting to understand their community should drive a couple hours a week for Lyft, Uber, or a Taxi. It would definitely give one a good perspective of the community they serve. Also, getting involved in a local mission or jail ministry. It would open ones eyes to a whole new understanding to those so easily brushed aside. Of course to help, but also to understand the community, the environment, and the pulse of the people.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of Elohim, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to Elohim, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of Elohim. For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as Elohim has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” Romans 12:1-3

“And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.” 1 John 2:28-29

Time is getting shorter, the return of Messiah draws nearer, His footsteps in the garden are getting louder, are you ready? Are you doing all you can to stand in righteousness? Holiness unto Adonai! Yet even still thank you Yahoshua for the grace found in knowing You, empower us through Your Holy Spirit to live, to preach, to proclaim, today is the acceptable day to call on the Name of Adonai! Before it is too late!

You are loved,
cj

By the Power of His Name

“But these are written so that you may believe that Yahoshua is the Messiah, the Son of Elohim, and that by believing in Him you will have life by the power of His Name.” John 20:31

Here me out on this, it will be an unpopular opinion for sure. Your knee jerk reaction will be to throw stones at me. However, if you just reason within yourself and wrestle with the word you will see my point. Also, let me say, that i am not against the name of Jesus, i came to know the Son by this name.

The other day i was talking with a gentleman about a place to live. i was calling him Clint. i did this several times. He interrupted me at one point and corrected me, “my name is Colt.” At first i was embarrassed, as i had been using the name Clint for a couple of days. So what right? Well, here is the moral of the story, Colt responded to me calling him Clint. He answered my questions, and interacted with me all while i was calling him by the wrong name. Why? Because he knew that i was talking to him. However, when he realized that there was potential of us interacting more frequently, he corrected me, “my name is Colt.” Of course i want to call him by his name, yet i was thankful that he responded to me even when i called him by the wrong name.

In the case of the name Jesus. The letter J didn’t even exist until the 1600’s. Pryor to it’s creation Jesus’ name was rendered Iesus. When the letter J was brought into the language it had a Y sound to it. i know i have written about this before and mentioned if one travels abroad do they translate their name into another language so as to better communicate with them? No of course not, at least not the super majority. We go by our legally given name. Not only is Jesus not the legally given name of Messiah, it didn’t even exist for 1600 hundred years after Messiah. In Matthew 1:21-23 we see the angel of YHWH giving to Joseph the name of the Son.

“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name יהושע, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by YHWH through the prophet saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “El with us.”

Now how was the name of Elohim rendered in the Scriptures? It is called the Tetragrammaton and it looks like this: יהוה — Now, reading from right to left as is done in Hebrew do you see a similarity? Yes, because Yahoshua, came from the Father, is one with the Father, and reveals the Father. His name literally means YHWH is Salvation. It also makes verse 23 of Matthew even more significant, “‘and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, “El with us.’” As if this isn’t sufficient enough for us to understand the importance of using the name Yahoshua, (alternatively spelled, Yahushua, Yeshua, Yashua, Yahshua, i liken this discrepancy to my own name; Christopher, Kristofer, Chris, Cris, Kris, Cristofer, Cristopher, Kristopher. The reason i feel the Yah in Yahoshua is more accurate is because many scholars render the Tetragrammaton, Yahweh. —Note: i wrote a blog about the Yah you can read here.) let’s look deeper.

We understand that Elohim is Jealous; “for you shall worship no other el, for YHWH, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous Elohim,” Exodus 34:14.

We know that He instructed us not to profane the name of Elohim; “You shall not take the name of YHWH your Elohim in vain, for YHWH will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.” (Deuteronomy 5:11)

We know His name is Exalted; “Oh, magnify YHWH with me, and let us exalt His name together!” Psalm 34:3 — “Sing the glory of His name; give to Him glorious praise!” Psalm 66:2 — “Bless YHWH, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name!” Psalm 103:1 — “I bow down toward Your Holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for You have exalted above all things YOUR NAME and YOUR WORD.” Psalm 138:2

Yahoshua said, “I have come in My Father’s name, and you have not received Me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will receive him.” John 5:43 — In light of Psalm 138:2, i find so much more meaning here. Are we preparing to meet the Elohim of the Bible or the god of man? Should we not take the word of Elohim serious when it says; “You shall not take the Name of YWHW your Elohim in vain, for YHWH will not hold him guiltless who take His name in vain.” He is as John described, the WORD made FLESH, and He did as the John described, the WORD dwelt among us.

i do believe there is power in the Name of Elohim and i do my best to honor it. i also believe that once i truly realized the significance of the name of Yahoshua and its relation to the name YHWH/Yahweh i could no longer continue to use the name Jesus, a translation of Iesus, the Greek transliteration of what? Because the name translated Joshua is more accurate than that of Jesus. So why? Especially, when we are warned time and time again about honoring the Name of Elohim! Folks, in these last days it will be increasingly difficult to discern truth. The word warns of a great deception coming. We need to get into the root of YHWH’s Word. We need to understand that that very WORD became flesh and dwelt among us — “He will be called Emmanuel, which is translated, ‘El with us.’” And the Angel of YWHW said, “You shall call His name Yahoshua, for He will save HIS people from their sins.”

When you know you know . . .

You are loved,
cj

Understand this saying . . .

I FIND HIM NOT GUILTY

What must have been going through Pilate’s head when he was questioning Yahoshua? Yes, we get a glimpse of his thoughts but not the inner struggle and that is what i find fascinating. What was his inner struggle in those moments. Certainly there was a battle raging in his heart and mind; “‘Take Him yourselves and crucify Him,’ Pilate said, ‘I find Him not guilty.’” Everyone has struggles, have you seen the meme that states, “Be kind, everyone is struggling with something.” Oh, I know the scene at the Governor’s Mansion reveals a heartless account of all involved in the betrayal of Yahoshua, but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t inner struggle. Here is a portion of the account.

“Then Pilate took Yahoshua and flogged Him. And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head and arrayed Him in a purple robe. They came up to Him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ And struck Him with their hands. Pilate went out again and said to them, ‘See, I am bringing Him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in Him.’ So Yahoshua came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, ‘Behold the man!’ When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, ‘Crucify Him, crucify Him!’ Pilate said to them, ‘Take Him yourselves and crucify Him, for I find Him not guilty.” (John 19:1-6)

The struggle here is evident, although Pilate had Yahoshua flogged and He was mocked and disrespected, the pronouncement was made from a true understanding, “I find Him not guilty.” Yahoshua, was in that moment taking on the sins of the world, the sins of those mocking Him and ridiculing Him, for those shouting, “Crucify Him!” Understanding, that in the end, when He returns as the victor, riding in the clouds, that He will be returning as the King of kings and the Master of masters. He is the Everlasting King of Israel and we gentiles are grafted into that Kingdom, thanks to the work of Yahoshua.

Even now however, Yahoshua is on trial. Not just from those outside the fellowship of believers, but those also of the household of faith. For it is true everyone is struggling with something. If not for the finished work of Yahoshua, not a soul would be spared the suffering of eternal separation from YHWH. Oh perhaps, one might find favor in the eyes of YHWH, as Noah did, as Abraham did . . . But not on the scale that we have today thanks to Yahoshua. HalleluYah!

Over the last five posts, i have been writing about the Signs that would set the stage for Yahoshua’s triumphant return. One area that i pointed out was, “The love of many will grow cold.” Matthew 24:9-12 — Here is the passage that reveals the heart of struggle within those who would say today that they are believers in Yahoshua. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for My Name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.”

i think it is important for us to remember and to build on our faith while we still can. Because, there is coming a time when we will be under such great persecution that many will fall away, betray one another, fall for the false teachings that have and will continue to lead many astray and allow for our hearts to grow cold. The struggle within our hearts and minds are real. The struggle to forgive others, the struggle to see those through the eyes of Yahoshua, “‘Who condemns you?’ Yahoshua asked the woman, ‘No one Adonai,’ Yahoshua said, ‘Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.’” Or to those who have given in to weakness, “‘Do you love Me?’ Yahoshua asked Peter, and Peter replied, ‘Yes Adonai, I love you!’ Yahoshua said, “Feed My sheep.’”

Salvation is in Yahoshua, there is no other name to which one can call upon for forgiveness. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. “Behold the lamb of Elohim, who takes away the sin of the world.” It is by grace, through faith, that our names are written in the Lambs Book of Life! Yet, History repeats . . . Some call it a foreshadowing, regardless, we seem not to learn. As the Israelites in the desert so we tend to forget the goodness of Elohim. Both, His power and His forgiveness. May we never forget what Yahoshua did for us on the cross.

Remember, no matter the battle you are facing, or the struggles in your heart and mind, Yahoshua our High Priest has and is praying for you. “I am praying for them . . . Holy Father, keep them in Your Name . . . That they may be one . . . I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that You keep them from the evil one . . . Sanctify them in the Truth; Your Word is Truth . . . That they also may be sanctified in Truth.” Portions taken from John 17

Pilate’s words, “I find Him not guilty.” Are the very words we receive when we put our faith in Yahoshua, for He took our guilt and shame upon Himself and suffered and died in our place. That where He is we may also be! The accuser, the evil one, stands and accuses us; while our advocate the High Priest prays for us; And because of the work of Yahoshua on the cross, He who judges the earth declares, “I find him not guilty!”

Behold the LAMB and BELIEVE! Time is getting short.

You are loved,
cj

Will Believers Face the Final Anti-Christ? Insights from Scripture (Signs Pt 5)

Harpazo?

“The day is coming when you will see what Daniel spoke of . . .” Matthew 24:15

There is a great deal of thought, opinion, and theory, concerning what is widely known as the 70th week of Daniel. What most scholars agree on is that the main character referenced in it is the final Anti-Christ. Why final? Because the word says that there will be many anti-Christs throughout history, that even the “spirit of anti-Christ is present in the world already.” Where there is some differences in timing and whether the church will see these things is the debate. However, we are going to read the word and see what it says. It is important at this time to remind us that this discussion and teaching that Yahoshua is having with His disciples is a private lesson, He was speaking to them about them.

“So when YOU SEE, the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And woe to the pregnant women and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.” Matthew 24:15-22

The 70th week of Daniel is the final seven year period known by eschatologists as the tribulation period. It is believed to be broken up into two equal parts, three and half years on either side of this event spoke of— “the abomination of desolation.” When the final Anti-Christ, steps into the Holy of Holies and declares himself to be God. Something satan has been trying to do since at least the beginning of human history, recoded in Genesis. We need to recognize that prior to this final Anti-Christ the Church is warned that there will be many false Messiah’s and false prophets. Some will even perform great signs and wonders. We are to be prepared NOT to follow them but especially this final one. For he too will perform many wonderful signs and there will be a great delusion or deception, that will fool MANY.

The teaching of those who believe in a pre-tribulation rapture would have you believe that the Church will not be present at this time. They believe that they will be raptured or caught up (harpazo is the Greek term being translated), to meet Yahoshua in the clouds and become spectators from afar of the tragic events unfolding on earth. However, it is clear that Yahoshua wasn’t teaching this at all. Let’s take a little time exploring some clues to get some understanding. Here are a few clues. Yahoshua said, “So when YOU SEE . . .” Who was He teaching? His disciples, the pre-tribulation crowd will say they were Jews, my rebuttal is simple, were they not Messianic Jews? Are Messianic Jews not worthy of the rapture? That should be enough but there is more.

The pre-tribulation crowd also will say that babies and children will be raptured. This is depicted in the movie Left Behind. However, again Yahoshua teaching His disciples says, “and woe to the pregnant women and for those who are nursing infants.” If the rapture takes children why are there nursing infants? Again, will it only be Jewish infants that remain? There is still another clue here in Yahoshua’s teaching to look at. “And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elects sake those days will be shortened.” Now who are the elect? The pre-tribulation crowd will say the elect is Israel, which they are not wrong but who are we? Gentiles, yes, but we are grafted into Israel. There is no longer, Jew or Greek . . .

Ephesians 1:5 says, “He predestined us for adoption through Yahoshua Messiah, according to the purpose of His will.” When a child is adopted, they take on the name and become one with the family. This is what Elohim does with us who have accepted Yahoshua as our Adonai. We are adopted and take on the name of the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Here is one more clue, “Immediately after the tribulation of those days . . . Then will appear in the heaven the sign of the Son of Man . . . They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds . . . And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect.” (Matthew 24:29-31). Read this alongside the passage the pre-tribulation crowd teach as the rapture verse in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. Sure does sound like the same event.

Why do i make so much of this point? i fear that the rapture teaching will lead to great harm. This fear comes into play when the things spoken of in Matthew 24 begin to unfold. It concerns the pre-tribulation crowd still being here. i fear if they are not ready to stand against the final Anti-Christ, they will end up standing with him. At the very least, they will not be in his way. There is coming a great deception, that if possible will fool the very elect. If i am wrong about the rapture, no harm is done. Trust me if there is something to be wrong about, i hope it would be this. Even so i prepared myself to endure. I readied my spirit to stand in the face of death. I will NOT deny my Adonai Yahoshua Messiah. However, if the pre-tribulation crowd is wrong, and i fear they are, are they spiritually ready to endure? Are they ready to deny the many false Christ’s and THE false christ to come? “See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, ‘look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.” Matthew 24:25-26

Matthew 24:31 NLT— “And He will send out His angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather His chosen ones from all over the world — From the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.”

Even still Adonai come quickly, Maranatha!

You are loved,
cj

Signs . . . Pt 2

Wars and Rumors of War

War is messy and destructive. It has also been around nearly, since time began. What we look for in the fulfillment of prophecy is frequency and magnitude. WWI, the war to end all wars was thought to be it. Then just a few years later WWII followed by localized boarder skirmishes. Now if it hasn’t already started technically, certainly, we are on the doorstep of WWIII. So given history, why are so many pointing to what is going on now and saying that this time it is prophecy fulfilled? Another point that we need to address is our western understanding. We have a sense of entitlement, everything must run through us.

Yet, the Word of Elohim is clear. The center of the world, the time piece of history, is Israel. Therefore, any and all prophecy needs to run through and around Israel. With that understanding, until Israel was back on the map in 1948 there couldn’t have been birth pains as described in Matthew 24. Perhaps what we could call all of the previous wars are Braxton Hicks type of labor pains. i think we can safely say that WWII was Braxton Hicks contractions as it prepared the way for the reformation of Israel. It was getting things ready for the real labor pains to come. You see all of end times prophecy involves Israel, period. Now does it effect the rest of the world? Of course. So, lets take a look at what is going on globally.

Here is a partial list of wars, rumors of wars, nation rising against nation and kingdom against kingdom conflicts around the world. Russia and Ukraine, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Kosovo, and Serbia, China and Taiwan, North Korea and South Korea, Upheaval of French Africa, Russia and USA (in proxy wars in Ukraine, and Syria). China and USA (if China does invade Taiwan, this will be a major point of conflict). Now lets add to the partial list, activity directly related to Israel. Iran through proxy groups in Syria, Libya, and Yemen, verse Israel. Israel and Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Palestinians. Israel and Iran. In support of Israel a western coalition directly engaging the Yemeni Houthis.

i just saw a news article out of Yemen, in which it appears hundreds of thousands, if not a million, protesters in the streets. Not opposing the Houthis, but in support of the Houthis leader Mohammed Ali al-Houthi. Condemning the attack by the United States and its allies, referring to the USA as “the Devil.” Again the Houthis are aligned with Iran in support of Hamas against Israel. Add to this the protests against Israel and in support of the Palestinians in its global reach and it numbers in the millions. And don’t forget the involvement of the United Nations, who are supposedly neutral, but full of condemnation for Israel.

So, is what we are seeing a sign? To answer this lets look at Zechariah 12:2-3 — “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples. Judah will be besieged, as well as Jerusalem. On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it.” This is just one passage of many, that gives us an understanding that what we see happening now could very well be part of the actual birth pains Yahoshua described to His disciples. Certainly, if we were just looking at this it would be fair to conclude that this present age of wars, rumors of wars, etc is indeed a sign and part of the birth pains described by Yahoshua.

The Word tells us not to fear, although, fear is a natural response to war. Yet, we know that those that endure will be saved, that is the great hope we have in Messiah. Yahoshua, says, “See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom . . .” If we are in the last days, buckle up because, the ride only gets wilder from here.

You are loved,
cj

Roses are Red

Did you know that if you want healthy rose bushes you are to prune them back to basically stumps in the fall? Doing so will allow growth and produce beautiful, full flowers throughout the season. It’s a wild concept, one that goes against the natural instincts, especially if you have ever seen a properly pruned rose bush. They look ruined and nearly dead. Yet it is in this pruning that allows for new growth. Likewise, during the growing season if a branch doesn’t produce a gardener will cut it down to the base. Sometimes this will restore life, other times it just hides the uselessness of the branch.

Yahoshua said, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” (John 15:1-4)

There was a time when i had rose bushes. And in the fall it was custom to spend a day in the yard pruning back the bushes. The cuttings were thrown into the dumpster to be collected and eventually burned. At the end of the day i was usually quite dirty, with scratches and cuts and a splinter or two from the thorns. i don’t know what the bush felt as i am no rose bush but i can say that i was tired and a bit beat up. In our life the processes of cutting and pruning are never fun or easy. It cuts away the dead and useless in our lives, even if we don’t recognize them as dead or useless, and often times we don’t.

In fact, what makes the process so hard is that when we allow for Elohim to prune us and really seek Him through the process we have things revealed to us that we didn’t even recognize or know were there. That my friends is an uncomfortable feeling. After all we are supposed to know ourselves, right? Pruning requires the eye of an outsider, just like the rose bush, we need the gardener’s eyes and hands to cut away those things in our life that are dead. Now . . .

Yahoshua continues, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.” (John 15:5-6)

Through the work of the Holy Spirit, Elohim will use, friends, family, and the Church, as His instruments of revelation. However, in that same vain, Elohim may very well prune from our life, friends, family, work, church, other things we value for comfort, etc. away. These things are done in love with our best interests in mind. As i stated, revelation may come from friends, family and the Church but the work is done by the Holy Spirit. The hardest part from a human perspective is what pruning sometimes looks like, abandonment, chastising, friends and family turning their back on you.

Even if others abandon us if we remain in Him, He promise never to abandon us. We will always have an advocate with the Father. Yahoshua says, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:7-11)

This is how the pruning takes place, by abiding in Him. His message, the Word, prunes us. His Spirit prunes us. As iron sharpens iron, through the Holy Spirit, those of us that are likeminded, seeking first the Kingdom of Elohim and His righteousness, prunes us. If we remain in Him, He promises to remain in us. Let Him prune away, let Him shape you into an instrument of righteousness, a rose bush in full bloom.

You are loved,
cj

Die

“. . . ‘Let’s go, too — and die with Yahoshua.’” John 11:16

This statement was made by one later dubbed, doubting Thomas. How does one go from charge to retreat? It happens with a lack of understanding. Once Thomas fully understood he once again picked up the mantle and charged forward for Yahoshua, dying a martyr. There is coming a time, i believe not too far into the future, that we will be faced with a choice. The choice, to live in this world that is fallen and deny Yahoshua Messiah our Adonai or die.

Revelation 13:15 describes it thusly, “And it was allowed to give breath to the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain.” Some will say that the rapture will take place before this and therefore the “Christian” needn’t worry. Unfortunately, if they are wrong, which i believe Scripture shows, i fear many of them will fall away for lack of understanding.

Now is the time to build your faith. To deny yourself, and live for Yahoshua. To stop participating in the fallen nature, in a fallen world. Stop the compromise of entertaining evil, and practicing those things that Scripture calls detestable, or abominable.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of Elohim in Messiah Yahoshua for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophesies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the Elohim of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Adonai Yahoshua Messiah. He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Martha, the sister of Lazarus, in the eleventh chapter of John makes the following statement and confession; “. . . I know that he (Lazarus) will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” And, “Yes, Adonai; I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of Elohim, who is coming into the world.” (John 11:24,27)

This needs to be our confession regardless of what comes of our lives. Are you ready to die for Yahoshua? That is a hard question, especially for the western church as it lives on positive experiences and not the harsh reality, of the ever increasing intolerance of the Elohim of the Bible and His Son Yahoshua. The Jesus of the coexist movement is a false-Christ. Seriously, are ready to be a martyr? Not a martyr like the Muslims teach, in which you attempt to take out as many infidels as possible. But, a martyr for Yahoshua, in which you proclaim the truth of salvation to the world in hopes of saving even just one.

“Come out of her, My people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues; for her sins are heaped high as heaven, and Elohim has remembered her iniquities.” Revelation 18:4-5

Are you ready to die for Yahoshua?

You are loved,
cj

The Inhumanity of Humanity pt 2

60 Days and Nights

“I was in prison and you came to Me.” Matthew 25:36

In a span of 60 days . . .

There was a place called bologna row, where i spent four days. It is called bologna row because for breakfast (yes breakfast) and dinner, that is the main course, bologna sandwiches.

i had a conversation with a gang member from Pomona, California. Since i lived in the area we were able to talk about places of familiarity. There was a place in Covina, called “El Loco Taco,” we were in agreement, it was the best restaurant around.

i got to know a guy who lived the movie Fast & Furious as a character in his own life story. Upon returning, after he was gone for a spell, he brought with him two books. “31 Days of Prayer” for me and “Highway to Hell” for himself. He said, “Here I brought you a piece of heaven, and for me a piece of hell.”

What a mess you leave that could easily be cleaned

Now that you’re here do your best to see

i met men named, Black Eagle, Little Bird, and Melvin. There was a man in a wheel chair, another who walked stooped over. There was a yeller, i don’t know what he was yelling, i don’t think anyone did. There was a gang, i referred to them as the blue shoe gang, mainly, because they all wore blue shoes. One guy who had a cast was caught with a shank. Then their was the broken hearted fool, well a few of those. The saying, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions,” was a thought i had many times.

Every evening at roughly 7:40 mountain time the call came, “Prayer circle, prayer circle!” This was followed by The Adon’s Prayer, “Our Father . . .”

i read The Hobbit in three days, and played a million games of chess, give or take. Shaving was a challenge, it took some practice to not look like i was slitting my throat. There was a day with no hot water which was better than the day without any water. In a room built for one, i slept on the floor. Well, i had a two inch thick mat that was roughly three feet wide and six feet long. There was a leak through the wall from the shower, which was just next door. Every night at 3am the nurse came through administering medication to those who had need.

“But the righteousness of belief speaks in this way, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who shall ascend into the heavens?’ — that is, to bring Messiah down; or, ‘Who shall descend into the abyss?’ — that is, to bring Messiah up from the dead. But what does it say? ‘The Word is near you, in you mouth and in your heart’ — that is, the Word of belief which we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth the Adon Yahoshua and believe in your heart that YHWH has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. . . . For ‘everyone who calls on the Name of YHWH shall be saved.’” Romans 10:6-9,13

Humanity truly is inhumane. Sadly, speaking from experience, i sat with individuals in jail who hadn’t even been convicted, hadn’t had their day in court, being treated exactly the same, worse in some cases, than others who were serving out their sentences.

“For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Adon Yahoshua Messiah, from whom all family in the heaven and earth is named, in order that He might give you according to the riches of His glory by power, to be strengthened in the inner man, through His Spirit, That Messiah might dwell in your hearts through faith — having become rooted and grounded in love, in order that you might be strengthened to firmly grasp, with all the saints, what is the width and length and depth and height, to know the love of Messiah which surpasses knowledge, in order that you might be filled to all the completeness of Elohim. And to Him who is able to do exceedingly above what we ask or think, according to the power that is working in us, to Him be glory in the assembly by Messiah Yahoshua unto all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:14-21

The goodness of the good news is this, that those who call on the name of YHWH, who believe in the Son Yahoshua Messiah, these are new creations, the old is gone. There is no distinction in the eyes of YHWH for He see’s His Son, Messiah Yahoshua, our filthiness washed in His righteousness. If only we had eyes like Yahoshua, if only we had hearts like Yahoshua, if only . . . “Put on then, as Elohim’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Adon has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. . . . And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Adon Yahoshua, giving thanks to YHWH the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:12-14,17

May we filter our vision through the lens of Messiah Yahoshua.

You are loved,
cj