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Issue 5// Volume 2 // winter 2018
RECONNECTING TO THE ROOT Inside This Issue... Editor’s Corner: Washing & Rinsing Out of Egypt I Called My Son
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Our Weapons of Warfare Christmas: What is the Origin of the Festival of Christmas?
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RESTORATION MAGAZINE is published for FREE distribution in the public interest. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission. All Rights Reserved. RESTORATION MAGAZINE is published by Restoring the Branches Ministry. Editor & Graphics Designer: Kelly Vonner Cover Image: Bryan Minear @unsplash.com Email: restoringthebranches@gmail.com
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Photo by Trent Erwin on Unsplash
Have salt in
yourselves, and have peace with
one another.
Boys and Baths. Some days are like pulling teeth, and other days, they are willing vessels. This past week, my middle son struggled immensely to meet the expectation of using soap. I tried my hardest to teach him that rinsing and washing are not the same. Rinsing is a water only event; washing requires soap. “When mommy is asking you to take a bath, she asking you to use soap. You’re not clean if you don’t use soap”. Then the spirit of YAH fell all on me. “Are we rinsing in the Word of YAH or are we washing in it”? In our walk with YAH, we go back and forth between washing and rinsing. Rinsing: Excited about the promises but not about the change required to be a disciple of the Most High. We love the Word and get “crunk” at the thought of blessings and prosperity, but we have little interest in the art of obedience. Rinsing allows us to keep our traditions. Rinsing allows us to abandon truths in order to love on the lie. Rinsing is pleasing to the flesh and will eventually reap destruction. Rinsing keeps us from dying daily to the truth of YAH’s word. Rinsing will keep us living in the world of assumption and
Mark 9:50
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opinion, and we fail to see that we are still dirty. Washing: Washing exhibits a desire to be truly clean. It’s an acknowledgement of “Dang, I’m really dirty”. This is a washing to be righteous and not just right. It is a desire to have our conscious cleansed and not just our flesh. Washing removes traditions and commandments of men. Washing brings us to a place to be more than just hearers of His Word; it calls us to be doers as well. We are guaranteed to miss spots washing alone. Who can cleanse us from secret faults? How can we keep our way clean before YAH? We must clean our hands and double-minded hearts so that we can draw nigh to YAH through Yahshua to be washed right. It will be by His Word through His righteousness that our lives our changed. It will be through our surrender for His glory that we will be renewed. We are in
a perfect season to decide that rinsing is no longer enough. We pray you desire to be washed in truth and forever changed by the power of YAH. ...that He might sanctity and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she would be holy without blemish. Ephesians 5: 27-28 Shalom,
Kelly Vonner
Like & Follow: Malkah Norwood 5
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Out of Egypt I have called my son By Kelly Vonner “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son” (Hosea 11:1). Yahshua represents the whole house of Israel and all that seek to follow YAH must learn the way of His Son (Matthew 2:14-15). Yahshua says, “I am the way…” (John 14:6) and rightfully so. As servants of YAH we must proclaim the way of salvation to all mankind (Acts 16:17). Our obedience unto death will bring great reward in the kingdom of YAH, but we must not neglect the matters of the heart. Exodus 13:3 call us to remember the day when we went out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage, by the strength and hand of YAH. YAH is to be praised for opening our eyes. It is He who we should now serve. We should be ever mindful that freedom is costly and cognizant of the things that bind us. “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Yahshua, the author and finisher of our faith, who
for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of YAH” (Hebrews 12:1-2). Consider the Witnesses “You are My witnesses,” says the LORD, and My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there is no God formed, nor shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the LORD, and besides Me there is no savior. I have declared and saved, I have proclaimed, and there was no foreign god among you; “therefore you are My witnesses, “ says the LORD, “that I am God. Indeed before the day was, I am He; and there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?” (Isaiah 43:10-13). Those who believed and exhibited faith by their actions, those are the witnesses. Great men and women who, by faith, obeyed and, by faith, overcame. Their testimony is true and we have the evidence to back of their faith. They are the men and women who fully believed in 7
the promises of YAH; those that resolved that there was no savior but Him. Those redeemed from the house of bondage were witnesses of the power of YAH. We, who have been saved by grace through faith, are witnesses of YAH’s salvation, Yahshua. Grace comes through faith, and faith requires action. Witnesses can attest to a fact or event; they have a testimony, or a firsthand authentication of a fact. I am a living witness of YAH’s Word, His Faithfulness and His Salvation, and you are too! HalleluYAH! It is by faith in the fact that YAH sustains the world by His Word that we even exist. It is by faith that we cling to the promises of His mercies being new every morning that we can find the peace and grace to do this thing called life each day. It is in this faith that we find forgiveness and redemption. We are witnesses of YAH’s might and power, and if we truly desire to be like the patriarchs, we must lay aside every weight and every sin that seeks to ensnare us. “...who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mocking and scourging, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with sword” (Hebrews 11:3337). Lay Aside the Sin What is sin? Sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4 NKJV) or the transgression of the law (1 John 3:4 KJV). When we examine the word sin in Hebrews 12:1, we find the greek word hamartia G266. To be without a share in To miss the mark To err, be mistaken To miss or wander from the path of uprightness and honour, to do or go wrong To wander from the law of God, violate God’s law, sin That which is done wrong, sin, an
offence, a violation of the divine law in thought or in act Collectively, the complex or aggregate of sins committed either by a single person or by many
We must remember that a snare is something that is deceptively attractive. That means sin or our fleshly desires have the power to cause us to accept something that is false as true. Lawlessness ensnares. We have been called to be servants of righteousness, but we repeatedly settle for tradition. YAH has clearly defined sin, but we have attempted to redefine it to fit our lifestyles. Laying aside sin affords us the opportunity to pick up the lawful and righteous ways of YAH. We acquire a desire to obey from the heart and pick up a love for the Shabbat and Holy Days, the appointed times with the Most High. Laying aside the sin requires self-reflection and humility. It is sin that separates, but it is the love of YAH, seen through the obedience of His Son, that draws us unto Himself. One Way to Run
Consider the race that is set before us. Hebrews states that there is one way to run and that is with endurance, the ability to withstand hardship or adversity. James encourages us to “count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3). Yahshua’s goal was to see YAH glorified in all things. Because of His obedience, He is able to sit in the unapproachable light of the Father. We must be determined to follow the Great Teacher. It is our reasonable service to see YAH glorified is all that we do. We’ve been called out to serve and to serve well. No longer can the traditions of men take president over the instruction of YAH. We are warned in Colossians 2:8 to “beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ”. We must believe the truth and apply it to our lives. Salvation is available to those who completely surrender to the will of YAH. 8
For our weapons of warfare are not carnal but mighty in YAH for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of YAH, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all d is o b ed i en c e w h e n y o u r obedience is fulfilled. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 NKJV Then Mattathias shouted loudly in the town, “Everyone who is zealous for the Law and supports the covenant should come with me!” 1 Maccabees 2:27 CEB Just as in the time of the Maccabees, we must be a people who are willing to offer our lives for the law of YAH. During their fight against evil, the battles were intense and the righteous were few, but those who loved the law of YAH prevailed. Today and in the days approaching we must possess a boldness to stand for the ways of YAH. Our stand must encompass a righteous zeal for YAH according to knowledge and our weapons of warfare. During the time of the Maccabees only those that had a zeal for the Law chose to fight.
Many of today’s believers have a zeal for YAH but not according to the knowledge of Him. In their ignorance of YAH’s righteousness, many have sought to establish their own righteousness and have failed to submit to the righteousness of YAH (Romans 10:2-3). We have been called to cast down every argument that exalts itself against the knowledge of YAH. The Maccabees lived this out when they offered their lives willingly for the law of YAH in order to destroy those who deemed the ways of YAH a strange thing. The Maccabees knew who YAH was. They understood the freedom that existed in Him and that allegiance to Him was more important than life. Our zeal for Him must be according to the knowledge of Him, and our knowledge of Him will strengthen our resolve for fight for Him. How does one find the knowledge of YAH? “My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; 9
the feast of dedication Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. And Yahshua walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Yahshua answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” John 10:22-30 10
then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of YAH” (Proverbs 2:1-5). As we obey YAH, our knowledge of Him and zeal for Him increases. Being filled with zeal for the Law of YAH should not fill us with hate towards our brother; it should fill us with a righteous anger against sin and the true enemy. It should fill us with love because love fulfills the law of YAH. It should fill us with obedience to walk out The Way in truth. It should fill us with the Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Guide. It should fill us with a boldness for Him and a determination to be in right-standing with our Elohim (God). Our zeal intertwined with knowledge will produce an obedience and a steadfastness to never abandon the commands of YAH, and this obedience is one of our greatest weapons. Our weapons of warfare are not governed by mere human nature, nor are they pertaining to the flesh . Our weapons are not carnal; they are not worldly, temporal, or fleshly (Merriam-Webster: synonyms for carnal). Our weapons are spiritual and everlasting; our weapons are holy and never-failing; our weapons are spirit and truth. Our weapons of warfare are mighty in YAH! They are able to cast down anything that exalts itself against the knowledge of YAH, but we have to know Him to be equipped with the weapons. In knowing Him we will love Him, and in loving Him we will obey Him, and in obeying Him we will fight for His truth and be deemed as His disciples, His children and His friends. For the word of YAH is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). We have been called to set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2). We have
been called to lay aside every weight and sin and run with endurance (Hebrews 12:1). Consider the law of YAH and consider the zeal, worship, and knowledge needed to stand when everyone else has bowed to the things of this world. YAH is spirit; His law is spiritual, and it will require the Holy Spirit to fight in truth and stand in faithfulness. Arrogance and contempt are present everywhere. It is a time of ruin and raging anger. Now, my children, demonstrate zeal for the Law, and give your lives for our ancestors’ covenant. Remember the deeds of the ancestors, which they did in their day, and you will inherit great honor and everlasting remembrance. Wasn’t Abraham found faithful when he was tested, and it was considered righteousness? Joseph kept the commandments in the time of his distress, and he became ruler of Egypt. Our ancestor Phinehas received the covenant of everlasting priesthood because he was deeply zealous. Joshua became a judge in Israel because he fulfilled the command. Caleb received an inheritance in the land because he testified in the assembly. David inherited the throne of the kingdom forever because he was merciful. Elijah was taken up into heaven because he had great zeal for the Law. Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael believed, and were rescued from the flame. Daniel was delivered from the lions’ mouths because of his innocence. So you see that from generation to generation, no one who continues to trust YAH will lack strength. Don’t fear the words of sinners, for their glory will turn into dung and worms. Today they may be exalted, but tomorrow they can’t be found, because they will have returned to the dust and their plans will have vanished. My children, show courage and grow strong in the Law, because this will bring you honor. 1 Maccabees 2:49-64 CEB Put on the armor (Ephesians 6:10-17) and go forth. 11
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What is the origin of the festival of Christmas? From Richard M. Rives of Too Long in the Sun Old English: Cristes maesse “Christ’s mass” “The traditional customs connected with Christmas have developed from several sources as a result of the coincidence of the celebration of the birth of Christ with the pagan agricultural and solar observations at midwinter. In the Roman world the Saturnalia (December 17) was a time of merrymaking and exchange of gifts. December 25 was also regarded as the birth date of the Iranian mystery god Mithra, the Sun of Righteousness” (Encyclopedi a Britannica). “After the triumph of Constantine, the church at Rome assigned December 25 as the date for the celebration of the feast, possibly about A.D. 320 or 353. By the end of the fourth century the whole Christian world was celebrating Christmas on that day, with the exception of the Eastern churches, where it was celebrated on January 6. The choice of December 25 was probably influenced by the fact that on this day the
Romans celebrated the Mithraic feast of the Sun-god (natalis solis invicti), and that the Saturnalia also came at this time” (Collier’s Encyclopedia). Both encyclopedias plainly reveal that the source of the celebration of December 25 is the birthday of Mithra, the pagan sun god. Saturnalia, December 17-24, was the observation of the winter solstice in pagan Rome. The winter solstice was the shortest day of the year. Sun worshippers of antiquity, fearful that the sun would continue to decline in the sky, and not return, observed Brumalia, December 25 as the birth of the new sun when the sun began to rise higher in the sky. The basis of this celebration can be traced back to the kingdom of Nimrod, Babel. After the death of Nimrod, who seems to have been considered the sun god, Ninus was born to Beltis and considered to be the reincarnation of Nimrod (god incarnate). This is the origin of the worship of the “Mother and Child”. Because of this, 13
Beltis, the wife of Nimrod and the mother of Ninus, became known as “the mother’s husband-the mother of god-queen of heaven”. This fable has been the basis of pagan worship throughout history. The celebration was also know in Egypt. The only difference was that in Egypt the names had changed: Osiris was the sun god, Isis was the “queen of heaven”, and Horus was the son, born on December 25th. Sun worshippers since the time of Babel recognized this time of year in honor of their gods. There are many more features of Christmas that can be traced back to pagan sun worship such as Christmas trees, yule logs, mistletoe and other things. These facts are easy to research and document. In conversation with a leading theologian, I was expressing my concern about Christmas being called a Christian celebration. He stated that there was no biblical authority for the celebration and that in the second century, believers were reprimanded for trying to choose dates for the birth of Christ. He said that in 354 A.D. December 25th was listed as a pagan holiday on a calendar of that time and that it was only in the fifth century that it was accepted as a “Christian” observance. When I asked him who authorized the celebration of December 25th in honor of Christ; he laughed and said : “The Church.” As he had already stated that early believers, those who had walked and talked with Christ did not observe December 25th; I knew that He was referring to a different “church”: the “church” of man’s tradition. I mentioned the fact that God never allowed nor accepted the blending of pagan practices with His worship. I quote Exodus 32 where the golden calf was built and the celebration was declared a “feast of the Lord”. I went on to cite how God
wanted to destroy those people. If Moses has not pleaded with God, He would have destroyed His “chosen people” for their transgressions. After just hearing God’s voice thundering “thou shalt have no other gods before me” they were doing what they thought was right: declaring the pagan practices were in honor of God. At that point he said: “That’s a giant leap.” I guess that he meant from the present-back some 3400 years. He said that the Christmas celebration is not the same as worshipping the golden calf. I reminded him that not only had they made the calf, but they had declared “a feast to the LORD”. The people had declared a celebration to honor God that he did not recognize as being in His honor. He wanted to kill them! I think that what happened at Mount Sinai is a very good analogy to the present Christmas celebration. Even though those who celebrate Christmas do not actually bow down to the sun on December 25th, they do declare something that is pagan in nature, “a feast to the LORD.” First century believers, taught personally by Christ, did not celebrate His birthday. Second century theologians condemned the thought. Only after a severe persecution, destruction and inaccessibility of the biblical scripture and the blending of pagan doctrine with the worship of God was the Mithraic celebration of December 25th proclaimed to be “Christian” in nature. Truly “A Giant Leap” from the faith presented by Christ. Source: Rives, Richard M. (2006). Too Long in the Sun. Chapter 12: Christmas. www.toolong.com The author grants permission, and encourages, that portions of this book be copied for noncommercial purposes. Quotes and other non-original material should be properly acknowledged and permission obtained from their source. 14
Bible Pathway Adventures
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