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VOL. 11 | Nos.1-2 | January-February 2021
A R T I C L E S
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3 | Are We Living in the End Times?
15 | Q & A
by Randy Folliard
18 | Letters
8 | Yahshua Spoke the Name Yahweh by Alan Mansager
10 |Destination Earth, the Center of Everything by Alan Mansager
Restoration Times expounds the close ties between the Old and New Testaments. We teach the continuity and harmony that extend from Yahweh’s actions anciently down through His present activity in Yahshua the Messiah. This was also the conviction of the early New Testament Assembly. This publication is made possible through the tithes and offerings of those who desire to see the truth of Scripture restored in our day. © 2021 Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry
COVER: A disintegrating White House symbolizes a country and world suffering the same fate. iStock
EDITOR Alan Mansager COPY EDITOR Debra Wirl GRAPHICS / LAYOUT Ryan Mansager CONTRIBUTING WRITER Randy Folliard DIGITAL PUBLISHINGS Lucas Cecil
Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry PO Box 463 Holts Summit, MO 65043 Telephone: 573-896-1000 Office hours M-F 8am-4pm
www.yrm.org info@yrm.org
Are We Living in the End Times?
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he year 2020 will be a year few will forget. We saw a global pandemic and civil unrest. Many cities had untold violence, including the forced takeover and burning of city property. Along with this, we witnessed possibly the most fraudulent election in the history of this nation. These events have many asking, are we near the end? While it is not the intent of this ministry to predict dates and times, the signs that we are seeing on a global scale are undeniable! In this article we will explore many prophecies from Scripture, including from the Apostle Paul and Yahshua the Messiah, and show how many of them are being fulfilled in our day. Yahshua the Greatest Prophet There is no better place to begin our prophetic journey than with the Olivet Prophecy. Yahshua there provides many prophetic signs that will precede his coming. In Matthew 24:32-33 he compares this time to the changing of a fig tree: “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender,
by Randy Folliard
and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors,” Matthew 24:32-33. Just as we see signs in nature telling when the seasons are upon us, we can use the prophetic Word to know that the Messiah’s coming is near. Today we are seeing many of these signs coming to pass. For this reason, now is not the time to be spiritually negligent. Yahshua warned in His Olivet Prophecy that we would see deception, war, disease, earthquakes, famines, and other horrific plagues before His return. Many of these have already begun. From the global pandemic, growing lawlessness, and the threat of wars and conflict, the plagues in Yahweh’s Word are knocking at the door – the branch is tender. Perilous Deceptions The first sign given is deception. Yahshua in His Olivet Prophecy states, “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying. I
am Messiah: and shall deceive many... For there shall arise false Messiahs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders: insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect,” Matthew 24:4-5, 24. During this time, there will be deception as never before. Many false prophets and false messiahs will arise to show great signs and wonders. The word for “signs” is derived from the Greek semeion and refers to a miracle. Many will witness these great wonders and believe in the power of these false men. These signs will be so remarkable that even the most sincere may be deceived. Yahshua warned, “... if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect,” Matthew 24:24. Because of the deception of miracles, this time will require complete faith and devotion in the One we worship. If we are deceived by a false prophet or false messiah into forsaking Yahweh, we will forfeit our eternal salvation. As found in Revelation 14:9-11: “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and Restoration Times Magazine January-February 2021
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his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of Elohim, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.” Those who forsake Yahweh for the worship of the Beast will pay with their lives and salvation. Scripture declares that they will drink of the wine of the wrath of Elohim. Our Father will destroy the Antimessiah and those who follow him. This includes those who receive the mark of the Beast on their right hand or forehead. How can we avoid such deception? We must know the signs that our Savior gave in the Word. These serve as a roadmap of that which we’re to avoid as believers. As the end draws closer, these threats become increasingly real and dangerous! Mass Defections Coming The Apostle Paul prophesied of a great falling away that would precede the revealing of the Man of the Sin. He wrote. “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Master Yahshua Messiah, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Messiah is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed the son of perdition,” 2Thessalonians 2:1-3. This same admonition is as relevant to us as it was to the people of Thessalonica. We are not to be soon shaken. We’re to hold firm to the promise and truth of Scripture. This is why it’s critical that we prove all things, as Paul instructs in 1Thessalonians 5:21 and as we find from those of Berea. “And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither
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went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so,” Acts 17:10-11. What is the result of not proving all things? The consequence is deception and falling away from the truth. Paul prophesied here of a great falling away that would occur before the exposing of the Man of Sin. Will we be one of the deceived or one of those who will not be quickly shaken from their faith?
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Protection in Knowing the Word The answer lies in our willingness and ability to study and prove what we believe from our Father’s Word. If we simply coast through life without proving
If we have allowed the pandemic and the current political issues to weaken our faith, Yahweh help us. What we see today is nothing compared to what we will see near the end. our core beliefs, then what makes us think that we could possibly have the spiritual stamina and strength to hold firm to the end? If we have allowed the pandemic and the current political issues to weaken our faith, Yahweh help us. What we see today is nothing compared to what we will see near the end. The life of a believer requires action, and this was the message of our Savior in His Olivet Prophecy. This is why He warned first about deception. He knew that this sign would be the most destructive. As believers we’re to be cautious of deception. We’re to obey the commandments and hold to the faith Watch us on Roku, Search: Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry
of Yahshua the Messiah (Rev. 14:12). Any man claiming to be a prophet and trying to persuade that Yahshua is not the Messiah is to be avoided. Now we may say, “We could never be deceived by a man claiming to be a prophet or the Messiah.” Remember what Yahshua said: these false prophets and false messiahs would show great signs and wonders and if possible, deceive the very elect of Yahweh. To protect against such deception, all believers should put on the whole armor of Yahweh: “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of Elohim, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the good news of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of Elohim,” Ephesians 6:13-17. First Horseman, the Antimessiah In Revelation 6:2 we find the first horseman and counterpart to the Messiah’s warning about deception in the Olivet Prophecy: “And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.” A debate continues among scholars as to what or who this horseman represents. Some attribute this horseman to the Messiah: however, a far more likely interpretation points to deception and by extension, the Antimessiah. One reason this view is favored is the parallel between Yahshua’s Olivet Prophecy and the four horsemen. As Yahshua began His prophecy in Matthew 24 with a warning against deception, we find the same message here. Let’s consider some of the attributes
of this horseman. The rider travels upon a white horse, comes forth conquering, and wears a crown, indicating kingship. While this horseman resembles the Messiah, he also bears a striking resemblance to the Antimessiah. The Antimessiah will go forth conquering (Dan. 7:25: Rev. 13:4) and rule this earth as the ultimate tyrant (2Thess. 2:4: Rev. 17:12-13). Also, the fact that this horseman carries a bow with no obvious arrows is another indicator of the deception by the first Beast of Revelation 13:1. The Messiah also warned about war: “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom...” Matthew 24:6-7. Of all the prophetic signs, this one is focused upon most often. What did He mean when He said, “nation”? This word comes from the Greek ethnos, which means, “a race or tribe.” When Yahshua said that nation would be against nation, He was likely referring to civil wars. Today we see internal conflict in Indonesia, Colombia, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Syria, and many other countries. Millions have suffered and countless others have lost their lives in these conflicts. Wary Eye on China Yahshua also said that kingdom would be against kingdom. This word is from the Greek hasileia and means, “royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)” (Strong’s). The word “kingdom” refers to a sovereign nation. While it seems for the time being that many of the recent wars have diminished, there are still many examples of unrest throughout the world and the potential for war at any moment. Russia, China, and North Korea continue to pose a serious threat to the peace of this world. As believers, it would be wise to watch China, as prophecy indicates that they may have a major impact on endtime prophecy. Revelation 16:12 speaks about the kings of the east, which according
to many scholars is a reference to the nations of the Orient coming against Israel: “And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.” Some also connect China to the 200 million-man army in Revelation 9:16. Middle East Threats Increase Besides ongoing wars, our Savior also said that we would hear of rumors of wars. It may be only a matter of time until Israel strikes at a nuclear Iran or another threat in the Middle East. This threat is only heightened with the possible change in policy with the new U.S. administration, which will likely be unfavorable to Israel. These conflicts corroborate the words of our Savior in His Olivet Prophecy. It’s imperative that we put our faith and assurance in our Heavenly Father and to remember that no matter what happens Yahweh can see us through. There’s no trial too great for Him! Second Horseman, War In Revelation 6:3-4 we find a parallel horseman to this prophecy: “And when he had opened the second seal. I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.” This second horseman rides on a red horse, likely symbolizing the blood of war. According to Strong’s, the word “power” is not found in the original text: howbeit, based on the context, this can be assumed. This horseman is given authority to cause death through the act of war, which is symbolized by the great sword. As prophesied by Yahshua in His Olivet Prophecy, we find here that before the Messiah’s Second Coming this earth will suffer horrific conflict. Remember also that this time likely refers to the first three-and-a-half years of the Tribulation, also known as Jacob’s trouble (Jer. 30:7). This war will likely provide an
opportunity for the Antimessiah to bring peace (Jer. 6:14) and unite all nations under him for the last three-and-a-half years of the Great Tribulation. As Israel suffered through the first four plagues of Egypt, prophecy indicates that the saints will suffer from these four horsemen. Shortage of Food Another prophecy is famine. In Matthew 24:7 Yahshua prophesied, “...and there shall be famines...” The word famine comes from the Greek limos and means, “a scarcity of food.” So before the Great Tribulation occurs there will be a shortage in foodstuffs. In part, this will be the result of war. We have also seen a shortage of food and other goods because of the current COVID pandemic. According to the website worldvision. org: • 689 million people live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $1.90 a day. • Children and youth account for twothirds of the world’s poor, and women represent a majority in most regions. • Extreme poverty is increasingly concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa. About 40% of the region’s people live on less than $1.90 a day. • Extreme poverty rates nearly doubled in the Middle East and North Africa between 2015 and 2018, from 3.8% to 7.2%, mostly because of crises in Syria and Yemen. • Although countries impacted by fragility, crises, and violence are home to about 10% of the world’s population, they account for more than 40% of people living in extreme poverty. By 2030, an estimated 67% of the world’s poor will live in fragile contexts. • About 70% of people older than 15 who live in extreme poverty have no schooling or only some basic education. • 1.3 billion people in 107 developing countries, which account for 22% of the world’s population, live in multidimensional poverty. • 644 million children are experiencing multi-dimensional poverty. From these statistics many are suffering today from poverty, often caused by conflict and civil unrest. Restoration Times Magazine January-February 2021
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Although, environment is also a cause. Before Yahshua returns, such poverty will become worse. It will be on a global scale. Just as Israel suffered from the first four plagues of Egypt, we will likely be impacted by this horseman. It would be wise for believers to begin preparing and have a food supply for when hard times come. There is no shame or weakness in faith in being prepared. “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest,” Proverbs 6:6-8.
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People ask why Yahweh allows diseases like COVID to flourish. In part it’s because of man’s refusal to obey. As a nation we can’t expect our Father’s blessings if we refuse to follow Him.
Third Horseman, Famine This plague is also seen in the third horseman of Revelation: “And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine, “ Revelation 6:5-6. This horseman holds a pair of balances in his hand. These balances indicate famine and a shortage of food.
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The word “penny” refers to the denarius, a Roman coin that was worth about one day’s wage. A quart of wheat or three quarts of barley is considered the rations for one man. Famine will be so severe that it will require an entire day’s wage to purchase one day’s rations. Where will this leave families with children and those tending to the needs of others? This again is why it would be wise to begin preparing now for this time. Storing grains and other items with long shelf lives would be wise.
it’s because of man’s refusal to obey. As a nation we can’t expect our Father’s blessings if we refuse to follow Him. In Deuteronomy 28 Yahweh speaks about both blessings and curses – blessings for those who obey and curses for those who disobey. We are also living in a cursed world where good people often suffer as well. Parallels in Revelation In Revelation 6:12 we find another parallel to our Savior’s Olivet Prophecy.
Earthquakes and Disease Scripture speaks of two more signs of the end: earthquakes and pestilence. In Luke 21:11 Yahshua said, “And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences: and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.” A c c o r d i n g t o Wi k i p e d i a , i n 2020 there were 13,654 earthquakes throughout the world. This was 124 more earthquakes than reported in 2019. From these, nine earthquakes had a magnitude of 7.0-7.9 and 112 earthquakes had a magnitude of 6.0-6.9. As time continues, we will see a greater number and strength of earthquakes. Fourth Horseman, Pandemics We will also see pestilence. This word comes from the Greek loimos, which refers to “a plague or disease.” With a reported 93 million cases of COVID and 2.01 million deaths, COVID would certainly be considered a pestilence. Although, based on the CDC, it should be noted that 94 percent of COVID deaths had other instances of comorbidity (the existence of two or more conditions or illnesses in a patient). However, COVID was far from the leading cause of death. I n 2 0 2 0 , t h e Wo r l d H e a l t h Organization estimated that there were 19.3 million new cases of cancer with 10.0 million deaths. Other kinds of pestilence would include heart disease, malaria, tuberculosis, and stroke. People ask why Yahweh allows diseases like COVID to flourish. In part
“And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake: and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood.” A great earthquake will precede Yahshua’s Second Coming. Afterward the sun will turn black and the moon will become like blood. Some say that this is only allegorical but Scripture speaks of these events happening. Zechariah speaks about the day of Yahshua’s return. “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark: But it shall be one day which shall be known to Yahweh, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass,
that at evening time it shall be light,” Zechariah 14:6-7. This passage seems to correspond with Revelation 6:12. We also find a similar parallel with plagues in Revelation 16:10-11: “And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast: and his kingdom was full of darkness: and they gnawed their tongues for pain. And blasphemed the Elohim of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.” Near the end of the Great Tribulation, Yahweh’s angel will pour out a plague upon the Man of Sin and his kingdom, corresponding to what Yahshua said in Luke 21. Whatever the nature of this plague, it will torment the Beast and those who follow him. Despite all of this, mankind will refuse to repent of sin. This passage is reminiscent of what we witness in the Exodus account in Egypt. Instead of repenting and recognizing the power of Almighty Yahweh, the Egyptians fought and defied His will, and in the end they paid with the lives of their firstborn. Increased Lawlessness Also significant, our Savior prophesied that we would see an increase in lawlessness in the last days. In Matthew 24:12, He stated, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” The word “iniquity” is from the Greek anomia and means, “illegality, i.e. violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness” (Strong’s). Before Yahshua returns, the level of sin will increase, and as a result many will become calloused. They will lack kindness and concern for others, probably out of fear of them. This is reminiscent of the atrocities that occurred under Nazi Germany. It is unthinkable how many millions of people, including children, suffered, were tortured, and died, under this regime. The inhumanity and acts of terror of that dreadful time showed what evilness man is capable of. During the Great Tribulation the persecution and suffering will be far worse. This is why we must have complete faith in Yahweh. Lukewarm faith will not sustain anyone then. Only
the strongest believers with the deepest faith will overcome the coming trials that will rock the world. Loved Ones Turned Rivals Because of burgeoning sin and callousness, many will be hated and murdered for their faith, while some who aid and abet the Beast system will come from an alarming source. Yahshua declared, “And you shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends: and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake,” Luke 21:16-17. A believer’s loved ones will become adversaries as they fear the powers in control. During the Great Tribulation, believers will rely only on their spiritual family in Messiah. This is why we’re told to love or “agape” one another, to care for another, and to even prefer one another, Romans 12:10. No matter what happens, though, Yahshua said that those who lose their lives for His sake will find them, Matthew 10:39. This sign is also found in Revelation 6:9-11: “ And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of Elohim, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Yahweh, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.” Faithful Richly Rewarded Some will die as a testimony to their faith. At the same time they are guaranteed a white robe, symbolizing salvation and the promise of eternal life in Yahweh’s Kingdom. Those who are martyred as a testimony to the true Faith will rise to everlasting life at our Savior’s return. There’s no greater promisein our Father’s Word. No matter what tribulation we encounter, it won’t compare to what we’ll receive in the
life to come. “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of Elohim is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and Yahweh himself shall be with them, and be their Elohim. And Elohim shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his Elohim, and he shall be my son,” Revelation 21:3-7. We have trials in this life, but the life to come for those who prove worthy and faithful will far surpass anything we can imagine.
Discover what scripture says about the future and the end-time battle that will ultimately bring the second coming of our Savior Yahshua the Messiah. Request the booklet, “The Prophecy of the Beast and the 10 Toes.” yrm.org/booklets
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Yahshua Spoke the Name
‘Yahweh’
by Alan Mansager
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n His model prayer in Luke 11:2, the Savior taught us to say, “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be your Name...” Why such great emphasis on His Name? Because His Name is to be hallowed or set apart for a holy purpose. Calling on His Name is how we show honor and obeisance to Him. How can we hallow or keep holy His Name we never use or call on? Clearly we are expected to call on Yahweh’s Name and do so reverently and responsibly. Some claim that Yahshua never used the Father’s Name Yahweh. That’s false. As His custom was, on the Sabbath Yahshua gathered with other Israelites in the synagogue at Nazareth. On one occasion, He openly read the following verses from Isaiah 61:2: “The Spirit of Yahweh [is] upon me; because he has anointed me to preach good tidings unto the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of Yahweh...” (Luke 4:18-19). In quoting Isaiah 61:2, Yahshua
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invoked the Name of Yahweh twice. The King James says “Lord,” but the Hebrew source text says “Yahweh.” Banned by rabbinical or man’s tradition, the Name was not to be spoken aloud. This explains why the audience was aghast and the eyes of the people remained on Him, verse 20, for He had uttered the sacred Name Yahweh! Already by the third century BCE the pronunciation of the Name Yahweh was avoided. Even the high priest refrained from invoking Yahweh’s Name, but used the euphemism, “The Blessed.” Another instance in the New Testament where Yahshua quotes directly from the Old Testament using Yahweh’s Name is in John 6:45: “It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of Yahweh. Every man therefore that has heard, and has learned of the Father, comes unto me.” This is likely taken from Isaiah 54:13: “And all your children [shall be] taught of Yahweh; and great [shall be] the peace of your children.” The same thought is expressed in Jeremiah 31:34. We have every reason to believe that Yahshua would reject Pharisaical traditions against the Name and would not hesitate to declare Yahweh’s Name as it appears in the Old
Testament, especially when He was prophesied to do so! More Old Testament ‘Yahweh’ Quotes
On numerous occasions, Yahshua quoted the Old Testament, which was known as the Holy Scriptures. Following is a list of some of the verses that contain the Name Yahweh in the Hebrew that Yahshua quoted verbatim in the New Testament: • Matthew 21:42 (Psalm 118:22) • Matthew 22:37 (Deut. 6:5; 10:12; 30:6) • Matthew 22:44 (Psalm 110:1) • Matthew 23:39 (Psalm 118:26 • Mark 12:29 (Deut. 6:4) • Mark 12:30 (Deut. 6:5) • Mark 12:36 (Ps. 110:1) • Luke 4:4 (Deut. 8:3) • Luke 4:8 (Deut. 6:13; 10:20) • Luke 4:12 (Deut. 6:16) • Luke 4:18-19 (Isa. 61:1-2) • Luke 10:27 (Deut. 6:5) • Luke 13:35 (Ps. 118:26) • Luke 20:37 (Ex. 3:4-6) • Luke 20:42 (Psalm 110:1) All the passages where Yahshua directly quotes the Old Testament and that include Yahweh’s Name can be easily verified in the Hebrew.
Read and request our booklet Your Father’s Name: yrm.org/request-booklet/
On trial for His life, Yahshua stood a silent prisoner before the intimidating interrogation of the high priest: “But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him, and said unto Him, Are you the [Messiah], the Son of the Blessed?” (Mark 14:61) Here is an example of the high priest using the euphemism “the Blessed” to avoid invoking the sacred Name Yahweh. The Anchor Bible on Mark 14:61 says, “The Blessed One (Greek eulogetos): Used in the New Testament solely of [Yahweh], it is found in Luke 1:68; Rom.1:25; 2Cor. 1:3, 11:31; Eph. 1:3; 1Pet. 1:3.” The superstitious Jews decided the best way not to blaspheme the Name Yahweh would be never to use it. Substitutes such as “Ha-Shem [The Name],” “Adonai [Sovereign],” and “The Blessed” soon replaced the memorial Name Yahweh. By the time of the Messiah, this had become established. Blasphemy Charge Against Yahshua
Yahshua was again questioned whether He was the promised Messiah. Note His answer: “And Yahshua said, I am: and you shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of POWER, and coming in the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62). The question has been asked, why use the Greek word dunamis, translated “power”? Does it stand for something important that we should be aware of? Author F.F. Bruce in his book, The Hard Sayings of Jesus, observes, “Here the ‘Power’ on [Yahshua’s] lips, meaning much the same as we mean when we say ‘The Almighty, is, like the Blessed’ on the high priest’s lips, a substitute for the divine name” (p. 246). The 20th Century New Testament agrees, and translates Mark 14:62: “... and you shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of the Almighty...” The New International Bible Commentary says, “...see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One (lit., ‘the Power,’ a Jewish periphrasis for ‘[Yahweh]’)...”
The Amplified Version reads, “... and you will (all) see the Son of man seated at the right hand of Power (the Almighty)...” The Berkeley Version says, “...And you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Almighty...” The New English Bible states, “...and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of G-d...” All these versions agree that the word “power” is a euphemism for Yahweh’s Name. Did Yahshua really substitute another word for Yahweh’s Name when He said He had proclaimed Yahweh’s Name to the brethren? Or did the translators take advantage of
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On many occasions Yahshua quoted the Old Testament verbatim, and some verses contained the Name Yahweh in the Hebrew. their position and take liberties with the text, supplanting Yahweh’s Name with a euphemistic title? The latter is much more likely. “Then the high priest rent his clothes, and said, ‘What need we any further witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy: what think you?’ And they all condemned him to be guilty of death” (Mark 14:63-64). The New American Commentary asks a significant question of Luke 22:71, a parallel account of the above: “...Exactly ‘what’ it was in [Yahshua’s] answer that the Sanhedrin considered worthy of death is unclear. For Pilate, [Yahshua’s] claim to be the [Messiah] was the issue. ..The legal reason for having condemned Him is more difficult to assess. Was it [Yahshua’s] claim that he would sit at the right hand of [Yahweh]? Was it the claim to be the Messiah? (But later Bar Kochba in C.E. 132-35 claimed to be the messiah, and the claim itself was
not thought worthy of death.) Was it the claim to be the son of [Yahweh]?... speaking against the Temple?...What grounds would (it) have been for carrying out the death sentence..?” Most churches do not even teach His Name, and some even deny that His Name is important. But Hebrews 13:15 is a direct command that we are to confess His Name as we bring our praise and thanks, giving glory to Yahweh’s majestic Name. Jeremiah warns of those prophets and Bible teachers who teach deceitfully, saying we can call Him Father, L-rd, G-d, Eternal, etc.— whatever we want and can forget or ignore His Name Yahweh: “Which think to cause My people to forget My name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbor, as their fathers have forgotten My name for Baal [God!]” (Jer. 23:27) Some contend that Yahweh has “many names,” confusing titles with His Name. It should be pointed out that the Bible refers to “His Name” 108 times; “Thy Name” 109 times; and “My Name” 97 times. Name is always in the singular. Moses wrote for our learning and understanding that there is one name that is His “Memorial Name,” Yahweh, the Name by which He wants to be remembered: “And Elohim said moreover unto Moses, In this manner shall you say to the children of Israel, Yahweh, the Elohim of your fathers, the Elohim of Abraham, the Elohim of Isaac, and the Elohim of Jacob, has sent me to you: this is my name forever and my memorial to ALL generations” (Ex. 3:15, TSS, emphasis added). Will you follow Paul and humble yourself before the inspired statements of the beloved apostle? “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father, from whom every family in heaven and earth is named,” Ephesians 3:14-15 (TSS). May Yahweh open the eyes of people everywhere to the life-saving truth of His Name! Restoration Times Magazine January-February 2021
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Destination Earth Center of Everything by Alan Mansager
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or the individual who desires to worship and follow Almighty Yahweh, this life is only the beginning. Human beings are a very special creation of Yahweh Almighty. We are meant to honor and serve our Creator, not just now but for eternity. He has incredible plans for those who follow Him. Yahweh so loved His human creation that He placed them in a paradise in Eden to live there potentially forever as there was no death originally. But the first man and woman proved dissatisfied with just their Edenic bliss. They discovered a sinister desire within to want much more. They wanted the knowledge and power of mighty ones. Eve was mesmerized by the lies of the evil one who aspired to turn Adam and her away from their Creator through a single, defiant act of sin. Eve fell for it. Adam did as well. Both he and his wife believed the deceits of Satan and coveted what was beyond their sphere. Yahweh placed man on this planet to have dominion over the physical earth and this is where He intended man always to be. The human desire for what is off limits did not stop with our original parents. Notions about an eternal, heavenly reward immediately
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following death have been deceiving millions for millennia. The Heavens Declare Although Yahweh does not give many details about what rewards await the faithful beyond this life, He gave us enough insight to reveal the key to His marvelous plan. Even outer space silently witnesses to an incredible design in this universe. Complex and sophisticated telescopes are now showing astronomers that virtually every star we see at night has its own planetary system. They have also found that at least one in six stars in our Milky Way hosts a planet the size of ours, meaning that there are at least 17 billion Earth-size worlds just in our galaxy alone. And there are millions of galaxies. The big question is, why were these planets created? Luke 1:33 says there will be no end to Yahweh’s Kingdom. Nothing He made was created in vain and without purpose. Yahweh disclosed the heart and soul of His intent with a covenant promise to Abraham that included not only blessings for him and his family back then, but also much greater promises in a life to come (Heb. 11:10). But it would not have happened without Abraham’s
total commitment to His Father Yahweh. Salvation was also pledged to various patriarchs and others based on THEIR faithfulness as well, just as we find the same terms of obedience in the New Testament. Why were the promises made to Abraham and the faithful today? What did he do to be granted the very blueprint of salvation? The answer is in Genesis 26:4-5, where Yahweh pledged: “And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” Obedience is necessary for everlasting rewards and Abraham was clearly obedient to Yahweh’s commands. His offspring would even give the world Yahshua the Messiah through the womb of Miriam. The Apostle Paul speaks of the promise of salvation in Galatians 3:16 and 29: “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Messiah... And if you be Messiah’s, then are you Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to
the promise.” The believer does not yet have his reward for obedience to Yahweh realized. He or she is but an heir to a promise of everlasting life. As Yahshua explained in Matthew 24:13: “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Salvation is not bestowed until after judgment and after each person is found worthy and gathers at the trumpet call of Yahshua. We find a key to what salvation is all about in Yahweh’s promise to Abraham. The patriarch was pledged all the countries of the earth in Genesis 26. This promise of an earthly reward foreshadows what the obedient today are also promised. A fascinating fact of the Scriptures is that what is found in the Old Testament inevitably returns in a similar manifestation in the New Testament. Solomon attested to this fact: “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun,” Ecclesiastes 1:9. In chapter 3 verse 15 he says, “That which hath been is now; and that which is to be has already been; and Elohim requires that which is past.” Most Are Clueless About the Future Most have no concept of what awaits those who faithfully serve Yahweh in this life. The masses instead have comic notions of going to heaven at death. They believe in automatically rising angel-like, flitting around heaven with wings, lounging on clouds, strumming harps, and singing hymns. An online query asked, What will the saints be doing in paradise? The dozen responses centered mostly on the pristine nature, beauty, and ecstasy of heaven…but none gave a biblical answer to the question. Very few ministers will or can say exactly what the Bible teaches the redeemed will be doing for eternity. The answer is clearly given in the Word, and yet many juvenile notions about heaven persist. Paul divulges that a mind-boggling promise awaits those who prove worthy
of salvation, a destiny so wonderful that the natural mind cannot fathom it. “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which Elohim hath prepared for them that love him. But Elohim hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of Elohim,” 1Corinthians 2:9-10. To grasp what salvation means for the worthy believer, we go back to Abraham to look again at what Yahweh first promised the patriarch and his offspring. Genesis 12:7 says, “And Yahweh appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land.” In Romans 4:13 we learn that Abraham and his offspring were promised the entire earth as theirs. Specifically it says he is “heir of the world.” The promise to Abraham and his heirs of earthly inheritance extends to the redeemed today. Yahshua the Messiah provided a clear and plain statement about what happens after death. He said in His Beatitudes, “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth,” Matthew 5:5. Heaven Is a Goal of Satan The meek have not yet inherited anything. He was speaking about a future time, a life after this one, when the earth will be given to the faithful saints to govern under Yahshua. Satan has coveted the heavenly realm ever since his power grab failed and he was thrown back to earth. Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14:12 tell us that he originally was put in charge of the earth, but that didn’t satisfy him. He wanted to be like Yahweh Himself. He wanted his own throne in heaven. Having been defeated in his evil aspirations, he then tempted our original parents by instilling in them the same covetous desire he has. And ever since, man has been reaching for heaven and believing that heaven will be his automatic inheritance after this life. Yahweh never intended heaven to be our reward. He never promised heaven. No reference
about our going to heaven is found in the Scriptures, neither in Old or New testament. Yahshua the Messiah said in John 3:13 that no man has ascended to heaven. Not Abraham, not Noah, not David. Hebrews 11:39 tells us that none of the patriarchs has yet realized the salvation promise: “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise.” Yahshua added in John 13:33 that He would be glorified, return to heaven, and “whither [or where] I go, ye cannot come.” Rewards on Reserve Some may be asking, then why in Matthew 5:12 does Yahshua say, “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven;” and why the Apostle Peter was inspired to write that Yahweh the Father has given the believer “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” 1Peter 1:4? Look closely. The reward of the believer is RESERVED in heaven. That is where it is kept at this time. The saved will not go there to get it, however. Yahshua said in Revelation 22:12: “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is WITH me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” When the Savior returns to earth from heaven, He will bring the rewards for the faithfully obedient with Him. If many had already gone to heaven, as popular beliefs maintain, then isn’t the Messiah a bit confused? He spoke of mansions in John 14:2: “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” “Mansions” is translated from the Greek root meno and means “to stay in a given place, state, relation or expectancy.” More than just an abiding place, it can mean an office or position one is in. Anyway, how do you get mansions in a house, let alone MANY mansions? Notice that He had to prepare a place for the righteous. If the righteous go to heaven at death, souls of the righteous who had been dying throughout the previous 4,000 years would already be Restoration Times Magazine January-February 2021
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there. It would have been far too late to prepare something for them! In fact, Scripture clearly says that the righteous dead are in their graves awaiting the call at the resurrection. In fact, ALL who have died are still asleep in death, except for Yahshua. Also, He said that at His second coming He would return to gather His people to Himself, which, again, would make no sense if they were already in heaven. Read verse 3: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” So Where Will Yahshua Be? The obvious question is, if He gathers His saints to be with Him forever, where will HE be? His Olivet prophecy says that on the day of His return to earth His feet will stand on the Mt. of Olives. Why isn’t He back in heaven? Because He is not going back there. He is going to set up His rule right here on earth, and that is where His resurrected people will also be. Isaiah reads in chapter 2 verse 3, “…for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem. …And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people.” Simply put, Earth is the reward of the chosen. The prophet Daniel wrote, “And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him” (Dan. 7:27). Note that this kingdom, which will be given to the saints, will be “UNDER the whole heaven,” not IN heaven. Neither did Yahshua say the faithful will inherit their reward in heaven. Rather, the reward – meaning offices of priestly power in the Kingdom – is being temporarily reserved in heaven now because that is where Yahshua the coming King is. But it won’t stay there. Our Savior will bring this reward
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of priestly rulership with Him to earth when He gives His saints authority over the earth. Earthly Rule Under Yahshua The faithful believer, as a priestly administrator, will serve under Yahshua the Messiah in His Kingdom soon coming to earth. Revelation 3:21 has this promise to those who prove worthy now: “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” Yahshua is presently at His Father Yahweh’s throne in heaven. The
proven and chosen believer will be under Yahshua’s throne here on earth. Revelation 5:10 adds, “And hast made us unto our Elohim kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” As spirit beings, the faithful followers of Yahweh today will one day guide those living on earth at the time of the Millennium into the same righteous life that Yahshua taught while He walked this earth 2,000 years ago. This will take place during a thousandyear Kingdom rulership here on earth with His headquarters at Jerusalem.
Revelation 2:26-27 gives us more detail, “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.” Yahshua Himself promised in Matthew 19:28: “Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” The resurrected saints won’t rule in heaven, but right here on earth, judging, teaching, and guiding mortal human beings. The prophet Isaiah even gives us some revealing insight into how the faithful follower of Yahweh today will carry out his or her teaching of the uninformed in that earthly kingdom. The ignorant and rebellious alike will have no choice but to learn Yahweh’s precepts in the way of truth: “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left,” Isaiah 30:21. Being spirit essence at that time, the saints of today will be able to teach with perfect knowledge, having been given that understanding by Yahweh’s Holy Spirit. Earth Prepared for Yahweh The activity of training and teaching in the millennial Kingdom will be for a specific and glorious purpose: to prepare this earth for the time when Yahweh Himself will come down to establish His own throne in the New Jerusalem. This is detailed in Revelation chapters 21-22. The Father Yahweh Himself will set up His throne on earth after the Millennium. But it won’t happen immediately. The earth itself must be prepared for Yahweh. After all the wars, plagues, earthquakes, general destruction, and sin, the planet will need to be cleaned up and revitalized. It will be a thousandyear process of renewal and re-education
to get this world back to its former state of paradise in Genesis 1. Isaiah 61:4 provides some specific information about activities during the coming thousand-year reign of Yahshua on earth with His saints. “And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.” Then in verses 5 and 6 He addresses the saints. “And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. “But ye shall be named the Priests of Yahweh: men shall call you the Ministers of our Elohim: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.” Amos 9:14 talks about the earth at that time returning to an agricultural economy, planting, growing, harvesting, and eating from gardens, just as man once did back in the Genesis. The prophet Micah in 4:4 continues this prophecy: “But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of Yahweh of hosts hath spoken it. For all people will walk everyone in the name of his Elohim, and we will walk in the name of Yahweh our Elohim for ever and ever.” No more will man suffer from evil and harm and destruction on this earth because of sin. Isaiah 11:9 tells us, “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: [mountain means government in Scripture] for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of Yahweh, as the waters cover the sea.” But before that happens, there will be some extreme times this earth will go through because of man’s sin and rebellion. There will be a final rebellion of the planet. The time immediately ahead of us will be a culmination of tribulation such as this world has never seen nor will see again. Prophecies in Isaiah 6, Amos 5, and Ezekiel 5 indicate that only 10 percent of the world’s population will
survive the coming catastrophes from man’s wars and Yahweh’s wrath. In His Olivet prophecy of Matthew 24, Yahshua said that nation would rise against nation, meaning ethnic conflicts will abound, kingdom will fight kingdom, as we already see in the conflicts of the Mideast the past 50 years. But the coming wars will be far more mammoth and devastating and will make the twentieth century world wars look like little league. Nations of the world will ultimately march on Jerusalem, the future capital of the world. Just before they can destroy this favored of all cities, Yahshua will return and obliterate their armies. Yahweh’s People Protected The question asked by many is: Where is the way of escape, and how can we find it? Scripture says some will give up their lives as a witness to the true Mighty One of the universe. Others who are seeking to serve Him in Truth will find refuge when Yahweh takes them out into the wilderness for protection. He describes it as taken on wings of a great eagle. Revelation 12:14 tells us, “And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.” This woman represents the body of Messiah, the true people of Yahweh. We confirm this in verse 17, describing this woman as those “which keep the commandments of Yahweh, and have the testimony of Yahshua Messiah.” Contrary to popular dogma, the faithful are defined as those who adhere to the law and who also accept the ministry of Yahshua the Messiah. His law and His teachings are mutually inclusive. In fact, our Savior taught His Father’s law as the conduct and code of ethics that He and His Father have themselves always lived. These true worshipers will be protected on earth for three and a half years. We know this is not a rapture in heaven because they will be the target of a failed attempt by Satan to drown them in a flood. But Yahweh protects
them and opens the earth to swallow the flood water. Our only hope, when this earth rocks from tribulation never seen before or be seen again, will be in our Savior. The Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” Philippians 2:12. The coming trials will test this world’s populations to the limit. It will demand faith as never before, and a determination to stay true to the end despite what happens. The fact that believers will NOT escape all of this through a rapture has been proven already in the passages we have given. The notion of a rapture also flies in the face of the Bible’s ongoing message of perseverance and faith. Salvation Begins Now Salvation is not a passive act. It requires the total involvement of mind and heart. Yahweh wants only the completely sincere and tested to rule with His Son in His Kingdom. They must be proved and found worthy. That is what His calledout are doing right now. He wants the “cream of the crop” for His Kingdom. He wants those who take their salvation seriously – those who desire from their deepest being to serve Him in His rule of this earth, and who prove it by their dedication in obeying Him now. Hebrews 5:9 tells us that Yahshua became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him. Consider this: if the role of the faithful will be to rule in the Kingdom by administering Yahweh’s will as the law goes forth out of Zion, does it make any sense that He would select those to rule who have no desire to obey Him now, and who have a deep disdain for His commandments, statutes, and judgments? This world is a training ground for a future kingdom that will never end. May He find you worthy of an incredible, eternal future in His Kingdom government one day coming to earth. Restoration Times Magazine January-February 2021
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Q
I am seeking information about how to handle “forced” vaccinations. I read several articles speaking of requiring documentation proving one has been vaccinated against Covid. This is concerning to me for many reasons: it’s a new type of vaccine, it’s not been long enough to know long-term risks, it was rushed development, and I don’t see a need to restrict those that don’t want it. Could this be the mark that prevents us buying and selling? Please give me as much information as possible.
A
Ya h w e h ’ s R e s t o r a t i o n Ministry recently hosted a presentation on the Covid-19 vaccines by a physician and brother in the faith who practiced at the Mayo Clinic. He shared your concerns from a medical and biblical perspective. He pointed out that we don’t know about all the ingredients in the vaccines because the developers consider such “trade secrets.” The most alarming was that of the dozens of vaccines under development, some could modify the DNA or genetic code in human cells through the RNA. Altering DNA changes the person in many ways. He noted that it takes about eight years to learn what long-term effects could result from a vaccination. The vaccine was developed so rapidly that it was not adequately tested. Some ingredients in the shot could be non-kosher as well, like human fetal tissue often used as a stabilizer. The mark of the beast is tied to a Satanic religion and worship of a Man of Sin. See Revelation 13:1617; 14:9-10 and 2Thessalonians 2:3-10. Those accepting the mark of the beast must make a conscious decision to defy Yahweh and join with this evil system of worship. We see no clear connection to a vaccine, but to restrict buying or selling without proof of one’s vaccination coincides with the same prophesied tactics of the beast system’s restricting buying and selling.
Q
I have questions about the Messiah Yahshua being the mighty one of the Old Testament and even being called Yahweh. Where is the biblical proof?
A
First, no one has seen or heard the Father Yahweh at any time, except Yahshua, who said in John 5:37, “And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.” That means that any time someone in the Old
the Word was Elohim. The same was in the beginning with Elohim. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” He came in His Father’s Name, and His Father’s Name is in Him, John 5:43; Exodus 23:31.Yahshua was “in the beginning of his way before the works of old,” v. 22. He was by the Father before creation, v. 30. Yahshua told Philip in John 14:9, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?” In other words, they have the same mind, goal and purpose. One is like the other and that is how Yahshua is the Yahweh who acted in the Old Testament. He worked on earth for and represented the Father Yahweh.
Q Testament heard or saw “Yahweh” it had to be Yahshua they heard and saw. Jacob saw His face, Genesis 32:30. Moses saw His backside on Mt. Sinai, Exodus 33:23. Yahshua is called in Hebrew the Dabar, the spokesman for Yahweh in the Old Testament. He spoke and acted for His Father. Yahshua himself said: “Before Abraham was, I am,” John 8:58. “And they said, Is not this Yahshua, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?” John 6:42. Proverbs 8:22-35 affirms that Yahshua was established from the beginning. But the biggest proof that Yahshua was the one who created the universe is in John 1. “In the beginning was the Word [Dabar], and the Word was with Elohim, and
I just read a negative reply in a religious periodical about observing the annual Feast days. This group apparently believes in the weekly Sabbath, but points out that Zechariah 14:16-17 teaches that only the Feast of Tabernacles will be observed in the Millennium. Furthermore, they state that these things were fulfilled in the Messiah and therefore all feastkeeping is symbolic, for He was offered as the ‘’final sacrifice.” Your response?
A
Zechariah 14:16-17 does teach that Tabernacles will be kept in the Millennium. Isaiah 66:23 says of the Millennium, “And it shall come to pass that from one new moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before Me, says Yahweh.” This passage speaks not only of the new moons and the weekly Sabbath because the Hebrew for Sabbath is in the plural. Therefore, the annual Sabbaths will be observed in the Millennium as well. Leviticus 23 lists the seven annual Holy Days and we read that these “shall be a statute forever Restoration Times Magazine January-February 2021
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throughout your generations in all your dwellings” (vv. 14, 21, 31, 41). If these days were actually done away or set aside by Yahshua, then why did Paul say in 1Corinthians 5:7-8, “For even the Messiah our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the Feast, not with old leaven, neither with leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth”? Note that Paul was writing specifically to Gentiles. The Corinthians were not Jews. Yet he plainly described the Savior as “our” Passover sacrifice, adding that we should keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread! Obviously, the Corinthians had been taught about Passover and the seven days of Unleavened Bread that follow. All this was after the death and resurrection of the Savior, and Paul was still teaching the annual Holy Days, including the weekly Sabbath, as did the apostles. Why? Because the Bible calls them “Yahweh’s Feasts,” not Jewish Feasts. In writing the history of the early assembly, Luke makes specific mention that he and others sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, Acts 20:6. In Acts 27:9 Luke establishes time according to the fast on the Day of Atonement, described in Leviticus 23:27-29 (about 61 C.E.). Paul was determined to spend Pentecost at Jerusalem (Acts 20:16), and Acts 24:11 reveals that he went
there to worship, not just to address a crowd of people. This was 25 years after the impalement and resurrection of the Messiah. In Acts 18:21 we learn that Paul observed the Feast of Tabernacles. Some try to equate the suspension of the animal sacrifices on the Feasts with the suspension of the Feasts themselves. The sacrifices ordained in the Old Testament are in abeyance today because of the death and resurrection of the Messiah who became the ultimate sacrifice for all. But the sacrifices were only one aspect of the ceremony carried out at the Feasts. Just because the sacrificial ceremony is in abeyance does not mean the Feasts went into disuse as well. The sacrifices will be reinstituted in the millennial kingdom, as we see in Ezekiel 40-44. These annual observances were kept by ancient Israel. They were observed by the Messiah and His disciples. Paul kept them as shown. They will be kept in the Kingdom. They are commanded to be observed forever, Exodus 12:14; Matthew 26:29. How can we be a teacher and a priest in the Kingdom (Rev. 1:6; 5:10) unless we can show others how and when to observe these annual feasts? How can we bring dire judgment upon someone for not observing Tabernacles (Zech. 14:16-18) when
we ourselves never observed it as Yahweh commanded?
Q
Does Exodus 34:26 mean that we are not to eat meat and milk together as Judaism believes? Does this pertain to just goats or all meats?
A
The Jews in their Talmud have taken Exodus 23:19, et al., to say that it is forbidden to eat meat and milk together. This is going beyond what the verse is saying. It does not talk of consuming milk and meat together, but of “seething” (boiling) them together. In Genesis 18:8 the angels had no trouble with eating milk and meat together when Abraham prepared it for them. This command is found in two other places in the Old Testament (Ex. 34:26; Deut. 14:21). There are at least three possible explanations for this command: • Clarke’s Commentary says, “It was a custom of the ancient heathens, when they had gathered in all their fruits, to take a kid and boil it in the milk of its dam; and then, in a magical way, to go about and besprinkle with it all their trees and fields, gardens and orchards; thinking by these means to make them fruitful, that they might bring forth more abundantly in the following year.” Yahweh tells us not to learn the way of the heathen, Jeremiah 10. • Some believe the preposition “in” could also have been translated “on,”
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Restoration Times Magazine January-February 2021
which means that one is not to eat a goat that is still feeding on its mother and has not yet been weaned. • There can also be a moral issue addressed here. To take a goat and cook it in its mother’s milk is a kind of perversion of proper and respectful food preparation. Similarly, He commanded against capturing together both the mother bird and her brood in the nest, Deuteronomy 22:6-7. Neither was Israel to sacrifice together both a mother cow and her calf or a ewe and her lamb. In Leviticus 22:27 He said that the offspring of a bull, sheep or goat was to be allowed to milk its mother for seven days before being taken for a sacrifice. These are Yahweh’s standards established so that we understand the sanctity of and propriety in creation and not pervert the moral separation of things the way the heathen often did (like beastiality).
Q
I am a believer, my husband is not. His family is very religious in a Christian sense. He likes to celebrate their holidays with them and wants me to also. How can I be faithful to my husband’s wishes and still honor my Father Yahweh?
A
If your husband asked you to help him rob a bank would you do it? Yet, when the act is seemingly less impacting, many will compromise. Keeping man’s holidays is violating biblical law and a believer will not submit to them. We suggest challenging your husband with the biblical teaching of Yahweh’s Feasts vs. the error of man’s days.
biblical hebrew word lesson
bya ‘Ayab
Phonetic: ah-yav’ Composition: Aleph, Qamets, Yod, Pathach, (soft) Bet. The Hebrew word Ayab means “enemy,” or “adversary.” Strong’s H340 “That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;” Genesis 22:17
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Zipporah Mwangi David Nesta James Williams Steve Twillegar Michael Hubbard Antonio Kimble Ricardo Angolano Judy Stern Ryan Patrick
Larry Godejohn Robert Kountz Michael & Meandy Bishop Linda Lowe David Lynch Dennis Boyle Barbara Creel Nicholas Engmann
Restoration Times Magazine January-February 2021
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4th Edition
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h ac H tre S& Ou 99 + 8. $1
ium &H em + S r P 99 9. $4
r ne H sig + S& e D 99 5. $3
n addition to restoring the sacred names Yahweh and Yahshua, this unique Bible includes: in-depth book introductions, thousands of eye-opening study notes, cross references, instructional and archaeological charts, chronological timelines, and an extensive topical reference section. This unique Bible has Strong’s numbering for all significant words in the text and Strong’s Hebrew and Greek dictionaries at the back so you can confirm meanings yourself. It even has a family record section for recording important life events. It is three books in one – a real value. Three cover choices: Outreach (Paperback), Designer (imitation leather), and Premium (cowhide); the contents are the same in each. Ten-point main text (as in standard newspapers and magazines); footnotes are slightly smaller. Thumb tab cutouts for quick-and-easy referencing (Designer and Premium) * Ribbons for place-holding
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Truth in the Discards ”I am incarcerated. Some time ago I was lucky enough to find one of your Restoration Study Bibles, 2nd ed., of all places in the trash can. I have learned so much through reading it. I have read many different Bibles and versions but I’ve never really thought about G-d’s Name being Yahweh. This book teaches with such authority and I Iove it! And I want to learn more. I know without a doubt that this is something I want to be part of.” – JM
Praise Yahweh for His leading. You may also inquire about getting the 4th edition RSB, which offers much more insight and answers for study, with nothing lost from the 2nd edition. – ED Booklets Offer Many Subjects “I love the booklets I got, very informative,” – MK
Covid Vaccine a Concern “With this Covid19 being a big concern and a major topic, they are working on vaccines to prevent it. I am attaching
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a link to a watchdog site that presents some very scary information and one of the things discussed would be something that might be considered the “Mark of the Beast”. I would like to hear your thoughts on this if possible.” – BK Please see p. 15 in the QA section which deals with the vaccine and a possible buying-selling mandate. – ED RSB Cover a Conversation Starter “I am just wanting to share that the recently purchased delux version of the Restoration Bible was well received by my son, who is incarcerated. He called to tell me that the cover has been a great witnessing tool, in getting a conversation rolling. Praise Yahweh. Unfortunatly he is presently the only whole Word believer in his annex pod, but he continues to follow our faith mightily. Your publication of the scriptures in this 4th edition format is helping him do so.” – ML.
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Living for the Kingdom “I love the way you teach the Truth of Bible Scripture. I only wish I could be part of the community. I watch your service every Sabbath. I think I have seen all of your videos and read all of your articles. I love all of you Brethren. It can be lonely reading and understanding Scripture. I am so thankful that I found you. After studying Scripture and reading history for the last 11 years I thought I was all alone. I now know the cost of the truth. I am losing my family and all old friends. I am now living for Yahweh and his son Yahshua. I no longer live for things of this world but now live for the coming Kingdom. I now celebrate the True holy days and look forward to every Sabbath. Thank You for everything you do.” – RS, M.D. Getting It Right “I have many issues with the American Christian beliefs and if there is anything in life I want to get right, it is to properly love, honor, and obey my L-rd.” – KA
Yahshua Answers a ‘Gotcha’ Question
Taxes were an extreme hardship on the Jews in first century Judea. They had to pay a steep temple tax, taxes to Rome, and taxes to the ruling Herods. An ongoing theological debate among the Jews was whether it was treason to pay taxes to foreign rulers when Yahweh alone was King of Israel. Pharisees tried to trap Yahshua in Mark 12:13-17 by posing the question to Yahshua. If He answered that they should pay taxes to Rome, He would risk taking an unpopular stand that the Pharisees could use against Him. If He said they should not pay taxes to Rome, it could incite a tax revolt, as happened in Judea in CE 6 and the Romans could move against Him. He disarms them entirely by pointing to Caesar’s image on a Roman coin and sayinggive to Caesar what is his, and to Yahweh what is His. (For more eye-opening facts see the Restoration Study Bible)
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