July August 2013 Restoration Times Magazine by Yahweh's Restoration Ministry

C O N T E N T S

Magazine

VOL. 3 | No. 4 | July - August 2013

A R T I C L E S

3 | Fall Feasts Reveal Yahweh’s Salvation Plan by Randy Folliard

6 | Hidden in Plain Sight The Defining Link to Truth by Alan Mansager

10 | Blessed Are the Humble by Joel Wirl

12 | Finding Balance in Faith and Life by Randy Folliard

16 | Have a REAL Personal Relationship by Alan Mansager 18 | Discovering Faith - Part 1 by Randy Folliard 20 | Questions and Answers

FRONT COVER: iStockphoto image - A neglected lighthouse symbolizes the light of Truth hidden for millennia.

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 sent free of charge, made possible through the tithes and offerings of those who desire to see the truth of Scripture restored in our day. © 2013 Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry

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

Fall Feasts Reveal

Yahweh’s Salvation Plan

by Randy Folliard

here’s an exciting truth that the vast majority of believers overlook today and that is the prophetic meaning of Yahweh’s Feasts. From Passover through the Feast of Tabernacles, our Father reveals His salvation plan through His annual observances. Those who ignore these days won’t know this critical truth. The Apostle Paul in Colossians 2:16 further explains: “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Messiah,” (or, as it should read, “but the body of Messiah” is to judge). What did Paul mean by, “…are a shadow of things to come?” He was referring to the prophetic nature of the seven annual Feasts. He understood that these days were more than times of commanded worship; they also express

the prophetic nature of Yahweh’s plan of salvation. With this in mind, let’s now examine the fall Feasts and the prophetic insight that we glean from each. The first to come is the Feast of Trumpets. Feast of Trumpets

To build a foundation, let’s first review the Old Testament command: “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto Yahweh, Leviticus 23:24-25. Notice that this Feast falls on the first day of the seventh month. Why is this important? The biblical month begins with the crescent moon, which while not a Sabbath or high day, is a time of fellowship and worship, Isaiah 66:23. The seventh

month is also a special time since it holds four of the seven scriptural Holy Days. Not only does this Feast coincide with the new moon, but it also ushers in one of the most important months of the biblical year. How was this day observed in the Old Testament? Foremost, it was a day of blowing of trumpets. It was also a holy convocation and a day that Israel was to abstain from work. These truths are still valid today. We now move on to the prophetic significance of this day. This time likely foreshadows one of greatest events at the end of this age, i.e., the Second Coming of Yahshua the Messiah and the first resurrection. Paul provides prophetic insight into these events: “For this we say unto you by the word of Yahweh, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Master shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Master himself shall Restoration Times Magazine July-August 2013

descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of Elohim: and the dead in Messiah shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Master in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Master. Wherefore comfort one another with these words,” 1Thessalonians 4:1518.

the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” Paul once more mentions a trumpet in connection with Yahshua’s coming and the resurrection. He says this will happen at the last trumpet, again likely symbolized by this Feast. At this time we’ll be changed in a split second. How will we be changed? We’ll go from corruptible to incorruptible, from mortal to immortal. As we find in the Greek, from a state of decay to one of unending existence. Day of Atonement

This is a description of the Messiah’s coming and the resurrection of the saints. Yahshua will first descend from heaven with a voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of Elohim. Notice the use of the trumpet of Elohim. According to many who study Eschatology or events of the last days, the trumpet here symbolizes this Feast. When our Savior descends from heaven, the dead in Messiah will rise first to meet Him in the clouds. After this, those who are yet alive will be changed and will also meet the Messiah in the air. And after all of this, the resurrected saints will forever be with the Master. Can you imagine this day happening in our lifetime? Can you visualize being changed from flesh to spirit? Can you picture being with your Savior forever? This is the promise that this time foreshadows. In 1Corinthians 15:51-53 we have a vivid depiction of how we’ll be changed at the resurrection: “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for

Restoration Times Magazine July-August 2013

The next Feast that comes is the Day of Atonement. This day is special for many reasons, notwithstanding the fact that Israel found forgiveness from their sins on this day. “And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you: For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before Yahweh,” Leviticus 16:29-30. The Day of Atonement (Hebrew: Yom Kippur) is observed on the 10th day of the 7th month. On this day Yahweh’s people were to afflict their souls through fasting, i.e., going without food and drink from sunset to sunset. On this day Israel also found atonement for their sins. This word “atonement” comes from the Hebrew kaphar, a primitive root meaning, “to cover” (Strong’s). We know from the New Testament that the animal sacrificial system in the Old was only able to cover sin. While many believe that this day foreshadows Yahshua’s death and our atonement, there is evidence to suggest another fulfillment. The challenge with Yom Kippur symbolizing Yahshua’s death is that it was on the Passover that Yahshua died and shed blood for mankind. In other words, that prophetic fulfillment already occurred with the Passover. It stands

to reason that this day contains another fulfillment. In the Old Testament Israel took a scapegoat and laid upon it all the sins of Israel. What’s intriguing about this scapegoat is that it wasn’t sacrificed as was the Messiah in the New Testament. Instead it was removed from the camp by a “fit man” into the wilderness. This scapegoat may foreshadow Satan the Devil. John of Patmos in the book Revelation provides a description of Satan being cast into a bottomless pit for the duration of the one thousand-year millennial Kingdom. “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season,” Revelation 20:1-3. Like the “fit man” removing the scapegoat into the wilderness, an angel will cast Satan into a bottomless pit where he will remain for the duration of the millennial Kingdom. In essence, man’s sin will be given back to the author of sin. This has striking similarities with the scapegoat in the Old Testament. It also corresponds chronologically. Feast of Tabernacles

The next Feast we come to is the Feast of Tabernacles. “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto Yahweh. On the first day shall be an holy convocation: ye shall do no servile work therein…And ye shall keep it a feast unto Yahweh seven days in the year. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month. Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths: That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am Yahweh your Elohim,” Leviticus 23:34-25, 42-43. Like the week-long Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is observed in the first biblical month, the Feast of

Tabernacles is seven days in duration and begins on the 15th day of the 7th month. The first day is a holy convocation, referring again to a sacred calling out. During all seven days we’re also commanded to stay in booths. This word comes from the Hebrew cukkah and refers to “a crude or temporary shelter,” Brown Driver & Briggs Hebrew Lexicon. Prophetically this Feast points to our Father’s future kingdom. What do we know about this Kingdom? It represents a thousand-year duration in which our Savior will rule this earth with those from the first resurrection. During this time, Yahweh’s commandments will govern this world. The main purpose of this time is to restore righteousness to the earth and to prepare it for the coming of our Father in Heaven. Micah provides insight into the coming kingdom: “But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of Yahweh shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of Yahweh, and to the house of the Elohim of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 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,” Micah 4:1-4. In the Bible “mountain” represents a kingdom or nation. We find here that Yahweh’s kingdom will be established or exalted above all other kingdoms of this world. His commandments will also go out to all peoples and nations. Unlike today, Yahweh’s Word will be the guiding light and standard of morality. No longer will man dictate what is moral and not moral, as Yahweh’s Word will be that measure. Knowing that Yahweh’s laws will govern this world in the future, should we not be obeying them now? Especially since the Messiah and His Apostles observed them in the New Testament, Matthew 5:1720; 19:17; 22:37-40; Romans 3:31; 7:12; 1Corinthians 7:19; 1John 2:3; 3:4; 5:3; Revelation 12:17; 14:12; 22:14. In addition to Yahweh’s Law being universally observed, man will no longer engage in war. Instead, “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks.” We see also that every man will sit under his own vine and fig tree, indicating a return to an agricultural life as in the Garden of Eden. Last Great Day

One Feast remains, which the Bible calls the 8th Day or the Last Great Day. “…on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto Yahweh: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein,” Leviticus 23:36. This Feast immediately follows the seven days of the Feast of Tabernacles and is a holy convocation or gathering. Perhaps the most important aspect of this Feast is that it marks the end of the annual Feasts. Similarly, this Feast likely foreshadows the final judgment of mankind. As the Feast of Trumpets symbolizes Yahshua’s Second Coming and the first resurrection, the Last Great Day foreshadows the final judgment

and resurrection of mankind. In Revelation 20:11-15 John of Patmos provides a prophecy of this judgment: “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before Elohim; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and the grave delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” This time is called the Great White Throne Judgment and the second death, and will be final judgment for mankind. Who will be part of this judgment? Except for those who were found worthy of the first resurrection, who will be exempt (Rev. 20:6), every person that has ever lived since the beginning of mankind will stand before the judgment seat. What will Yahshua use as the criteria of judgment? Verse 12 states judgment will be on “every man according to their works.” Many believe that because of Yahweh’s grace, works are irrelevant. Others view obeying the law as a form of legalism. Scripture, however, states that we must obey, that works count! Knowing that we will be judged by our works, are we living according to our Father’s will? Are we following His Word without compromise, including the observance of His Sabbaths and Feasts? We need to decide now whether to fully live for Him, because going halfway will never be enough. If we are not fully committed to Almighty Yahweh, let today be that day that we pledge our lives to Him.

Request our booklet The Amazing Biblical Feasts for an in-depth look at this important subject.

To read, visit yrm.org/literature.htm To request by mail, see back cover for details. Restoration Times Magazine July-August 2013

Hidden in

Plain Sight

The Defining Link to Truth

by Alan Mansager

ave you ever questioned all the different beliefs held by modern denominations and wondered which is right and true according to the Bible? Have you ever tried to prove from the Bible what YOUR church believes? If you do a thoughtful investigation of popular teachings, comparing each one with the Scriptures, you may be surprised to find many strange discrepancies. Your discovery would start looking like those carnival attractions where you put your face in the hole of the head of a life-size caricature and you become part of the sketch. Guys look funny in a straw hat and bib overalls, while the ladies are hilarious in bloomers. A lot of today’s teachings are just as out of sync with Yahweh’s Word. Centuries of tradition have skewed the truth. The truth began to derail from the very start. Your Savior Was Hebrew

We must begin our quest at ground level to recognize a fundamental truth that has been hidden in clear view for thousands of years since the New Testament era began. The reality is that the Savior of the Bible was a Hebrew. And so were virtually all of His

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apostles. This realization puts His teachings, as well as the teachings of His apostles who wrote the New Testament, in a whole different light. His life, beliefs, and worship were in the Judaic tradition. He was born of the tribe of Judah. We read in Hebrews 7:14. “For it is evident that our Master sprang out of Judah; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.” The simple fact of His Hebrew roots makes churchianity’s GrecianizedRomanized worship strangely alien. Today’s church has remanufactured and repurposed biblical worship by giving it a whole new western European flavor. Yahshua spent His time on earth teaching His countrymen and women how to correctly honor His Father Yahweh in life and worship. His ministry was based on the Old Testament, the only Bible that existed in His day. During His ministry He quoted from 24 different Old Testament books. It wasn’t Paul’s writings that He based His teachings on, as is typical today. Rather, He refers often to the Law, the Prophets and the Writings, which are all sections of the Old Testament. Now what should this say to us when it

comes to the teachings of the Old Testament and even the Bible as a whole? Paul and his ministry didn’t enter the picture until after the death and resurrection of the Messiah Yahshua. New Covenant Truth did not begin with him, but with Yahshua. But Paul as well adhered to the standard of the Old Testament. Incidentally, the Apostle Paul was not Greek. He also was Hebrew. He also taught the Old Testament. He said of his own worship: “But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the Elohim of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets,” Acts 24:14. Another essential fact that has been marginalized in most teaching today is that our Savior’s ministry focused exclusively on Israel, those He called the lost sheep of the House of Israel. He taught and practiced the Israelite faith. In the book, Early Christian Doctrines, we find that for the first century and a half Christianity was still taking shape. It was first molded by Judaism. Nearly all early New Testament writers were Jewish. Their Hebraic theology influenced the church for hundreds of years. But a big change began in the second century which would continue until the fifth century. A pivotal question is, why did it take several hundreds of years for Christianity to develop into what we see today? Why did it not continue going forward seamlessly as the same faith that the apostles taught and practiced? Shouldn’t it reflect exactly what our Savior taught and what His apostles followed? Why all the extra-biblical changes and additions that went on for centuries? Forces That Caused Change

The answer is, after the apostles the early church began to make basic revisions that were not authorized in Scripture. Outside influences also infiltrated the body. One prominent force called Gnosticism took up residence in the early church environment. The Gnostics drew upon Jewish, pagan and Oriental beliefs. Many Gnostic teachers regarded themselves as Christian, and Gnostic ideas began to alter church teaching and creed. Another persuasive force that was effecting change in the beliefs and teachings of the early church was Greek philosophy as taught by Plato. Philosophic religion of the pagan Greeks competed with Christianity

for the meaning of life and human existence. In the book, Backgrounds of Early Christianity, we find this revealing statement: “The religion of ancient Greece had no creed…there was nothing like a code or system of morality which must be accepted by everyone who worshipped Athena or Zeus.” The standard of personal behavior in Greek religion was by consensus of the worshipers. That meant that for the Greek, various modes of devotion were acceptable, depending on the deity worshiped. This ecumenical thinking came to influence the early church. As a result, many today think that whatever you believe and however you choose to worship is okay so long as you are sincere. Without a set of principles to live by, coupled with the fact that some major church dogma today traces back to Grecian beliefs, is it any wonder that we see a universal desire to dispense with biblical law in our day? Yahweh commanded Israel to live by His commands, statutes and judgments. This set His true faith apart from the religion of the pagans around them. In the New Testament our Savior adhered to that same standard of obedience, and He taught His disciples to do the same. It is all part of overcoming sin, which is defined by the law. Without law there is no sin, Romans 4:15. Make no mistake: the Apostle Paul was not sent to Athens, Corinth and Ephesus because he was promoting Grecian worship. Rather, he traveled all over Macedonia to establish Israelite assemblies of worship in pagan cities. That fact must be taken into account when understanding his writings, including the book of Galatians. He was not advocating a complete change in theology from what is presented in the Old Testament and by Yahshua. And neither was Yahshua Himself.

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Only Yahweh Matters

the religion known as Christianity has been mostly remanufactured to be its own unique faith, untethered to Yahweh’s commands for Israel. The churches have preferred the Grecian way, where devotion can take on and adapt to a variety of forms that don’t necessarily adhere to the Scriptures. The question is, what kind of worship and faith does the Father Yahweh want? He’s the one that matters, not ancient traditions or writings of church fathers. Looking more deeply into the makeup and protocol of modern worship, we see much more than first meets the eye. Tradition is a very powerful influence. The faith of millions is deeply imbedded in what they have believed all their lives, and anything different is considered heresy. For fear of what they might discover, most are reluctant to take their Bibles out of their closets, dust them off, and really investigate for accuracy what they have been told the Bible teaches. Are you willing to “prove all things; hold fast that which is good,” as the noble people of Berea were praised for doing in lThessalonians 5:21? Act 17:11 says of these devout Bereans, “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily,

make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it,” Exodus 20:25. No human hand was to be applied to the method of worshiping Yahweh. If man himself fashions his own worship, in any way, his worship will be polluted. And this is exactly what happened in the succeeding years. Popular devotion has even turned from the worship of Yahweh to center on the worshiper himself. What’s in it for me? I want abundance in my life. The old “name it and claim it” belief. But the Bible says the way to be blessed is to worship Yahweh in the way He has commanded. He told His people in Deuteronomy 28:1-2, “And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of Yahweh thy Elohim, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that Yahweh thy Elohim will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of Yahweh thy Elohim.” Imprints on Nominal Worship

Some may still be thinking, yes but Old Testament commands have no relevance today and have nothing to do with worship

For fear of what they might discover, most are reluctant to take their Bibles out of their closets, dust them off, and really investigate for accuracy what they have been told the Bible teaches.

Western culture is often defined by the term, “Judeo-Christian.” This popular designation shows a fusion of Judaism and Christianity. That Christianity grew from a Hebraic faith is a transparent fact hidden in plain sight for 2,000 years! But today,

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whether those things were so.” If you examine with an open mind what you have always believed, you will likely discover that the Scriptures teach quite differently from what centuries of tradition have taught. Consider this: Because of their Israelite roots, churches still have “altars,” just as ancient Israel did. Yahweh commanded Moses and the prophets to “build an altar” for their worship. The altar holds special insight into proper worship. We find this in Yahweh’s commands at Mt. Sinai, “And if thou wilt

now. Consider this: The imprint of worship given by Yahweh and practiced in the Old Testament is still there and is not hard to identify. It is the reason churches continue to take up what is known as “offerings,” just as Israel did when they came before Almighty Yahweh at the tabernacle and temple. They brought their sacrificial offerings on the weekly Sabbath, on the Feast days and on the new moons. Because it grew out of Judaism, church teachings still give lip service to keeping one day of the week “holy,” just as Judah and Israel did each Sabbath. Why not two Restoration Times Magazine July-August 2013

or three or four days of weekly worship, rather than just one? The answer is found in Hebraic devotion, which followed Yahweh’s command to set aside one day of the week, the seventh day, for worship. As a vestige of its Old Testament ties, the weekly Communion service is an effort to replicate and replace Israel’s proper Passover with New Testament symbols of the body and blood ingested by the congregation. Easter was originally the Passover (see Acts 12:4, where “Easter” is a mistranslation of the Greek Pascha or Passover). The question is, which does Almighty Yahweh sanction and accept: Is it what He commanded or what man has delivered? Many churches have “sanctuaries,” or holy places. The tabernacle and Solomon’s Temple had a sanctuary first. Others see the church building itself as holy. This is probably a throwback to the Jerusalem temple and tabernacle, which housed the Holy of Holies where Yahweh Himself is said to have dwelled. It was so holy that no one but the High Priest dared to enter but once a year on Atonement. The music of the modern worship service is directly tethered to the Old Testament practice of singing Psalms, which King David set to music, as well as the songs Israel sang. Many ministries have music ministers. That’s nothing new. The Levites were Israel’s priests and they were in charge of the music service, as well. Have you wondered where terms like “elder,” “teacher,” “pastor,” and “shepherd” came from? They trace to the worship of Old Testament Israel. Some claim to “prophesy” today. They aren’t the first, however. They also prophesied in the OT, calling those who did so “prophets.” Even terms used in the modern worship service like, “amen,” “halleluyah,” “praise” and others have been hijacked directly from Hebrew language or Hebraic worship. In saying HalleluYah, today’s worshiper is actually giving honor to the one named Yahweh. Hallel-Yah is Hebrew and means, “praise Yah,” the short form of Yahweh’s Name. Even the bridal gown with its headdress and veil is another clear link to biblical worship. Paul explained in 1Cor. 11 that the female headcovering signifies acknowledgement of divine headship, and in the case of the bride, submitting to the authority of the husband.

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Clearly the roots of modern worship are deeply imbedded in the worship found in the Old Testament. If you were to go into most modern worship environments and advocate using the Old Testament as the basis for Truth, you would probably be shown the door. Yahshua the Messiah warned of those who would reject Old Testament teachings and its laws. In Luke 16:31 He said: “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” He Himself commanded that the OT be read, studied, and lived today. In Matthew 4:4 He said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of Yahweh.” Through centuries of preconditioning, today’s Bible believer has been led to the erroneous notion that the Old Testament is essentially useless; its system of worship, outdated; and its laws, unsolicited and unwelcome. Ask yourself, if the Messiah Yahshua advocated the Old Testament Scriptures, if He quoted them, referred to them, taught them, and lived by them, then why shouldn’t they be central to New Testament teachings as well? The Apostles and the Savior based their entire ministry on the Old Testament Scriptures. They never said, or even hinted that those basics would ever change. Traditions Replace Truth

In Matthew 15, Yahshua said that man’s traditions negate the Truth. He said this was prophesied by Isaiah in Verses 7-9: “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Suppose you attended a two-part drama. How much would you understand if you missed Part One and went on to Part Two? Without an understanding that the New Testament Assembly has Hebraic roots, that “Christianity” grew out of Judaism, that the promise was given to Israel and still is -- without these stabilizing truths New Testament worship is blown about by every teaching and is subject to all sorts of doctrinal anomalies. Who would go into battle defenseless? Today a spiritual battle is being lost because many have been disarmed.

Without a foundation established on adherence to and teaching of Yahweh’s resolute standards, many are powerless to confront and overcome today’s lawless, sin-filled world. The religious voice has effectively deactivated truth and tied its own hands. It was all foretold in Jeremiah 5:31, “The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?” When law, standards, and obedience are removed, sin will inevitably move in. In Romans 11 we read a portion of a letter by the champion of modern worship. Paul is often quoted, especially in his letter to the Galatians, as supporting a new, “lawless” worship. But notice what he says about Yahweh’s plan for worship: “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away wickedness from Jacob” (Rom. 11:25-26). He calls it a “mystery,” musterion in the Greek. It refers to a sacred secret that Yahweh intends to carry out. That secret rests in the duration of Israel’s blindness. To bring about deliverance, He sent a deliverer from Zion, not from Athens or from Rome. Paul doesn’t say that Yahweh has a different plan for the church, which would succeed Israel. He says Yahweh has opened a way up for Gentiles to come into the same covenant promise established with Israel. There is only one covenant in effect today, and that covenant is based on, is a takeoff of, the first covenant made with Israel. Old Testament Facts

Being uninformed or misinformed about this foundational truth, many believe that the New Testament faith replaced the Old Testament and that they are going to their heavenly reward regardless of what they believe. Scripture says that the Kingdom is promised only to those who are of Israel. All who are not OF ISRAEL must be grafted in to the same promise. That is the theme of what Paul was writing in Romans chapters 9 and 11. You may be wondering, why has the Old Testament not been accepted as the

foundation that it was meant to be? Let’s look at a few practical reasons before we investigate the underlying doctrinal ones. First, its called “old,” which is a misnomer. It never calls itself that. The term “Old Testament” is credited to Melito of Sardis, a bishop of the second century. In the Scriptures it is more accurately referred to as the First Testament or covenant. That the “Old” Testament is the foundation for the New is obvious. One verse in every 22 and a half of the New Testament is a quotation of the Old. If clear allusions to the Old Testament are also included, the figures are much higher: More than 4,000 passages in the New Testament are directly tied to Old Testament Scripture. In pure volume, the Old Testament makes up two-thirds of the entire Bible. For millennia church teachings about Old and New testaments have stressed differences rather than similarities. Contrast and contradiction were played up, while similarities were downplayed. As the church became more Grecianized and infused with Platonic thinking, the Old Testament was increasingly seen as outdated and out-of-touch. Instead of seeing the harmony in Yahweh’s plan of salvation, the Old Testament today is usually contrasted with the New. Yahweh, however, gave the Old Testament with His very breath.

In 2Timothy 3:16 we learn that the Old Testament is inspired, which means, “breathed by Yahweh.” (Latin: inspire = ininto + spirare, to breathe.) The Scriptures are literally spoken by Yahweh, “Yahweh breathed.” The verse in Timothy reads, “All scripture is given by inspiration of Yahweh, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Yahweh spoke the words of His book through the Holy Spirit, which served as a conduit to pass them on to the inspired writers of the Bible. Our Savior’s View of the Old Testament

The truth seeker must ask himself, what is the attitude of Yahshua and the other teachers in the New Testament toward the Old Testament? Was the Messiah sour on the Old Testament, and did He plan to abolish its importance with His death? Let’s go to the source. The Savior said in Matthew 517, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” (Matt. 5: 17). These are the words of the Messiah Himself. He did not come to do away with the Old Testament and its teachings. Rather, He came to bring them to their proper fruition in the lives properly lived by His people. He came to show by His own life how Yahweh’s laws are to be lived to produce the complete and righteous individual acceptable to Him. Paul tells us in Romans 8:4 that we

Fundamentals

of the Old Testament The Old Testament constitutes nearly 80 percent of the Bible directly or in shared quotations and references in the New. How can we ignore 80 percent of a book and still claim to understand it? The original Testament explains the following fundamentals necessary to understanding the rest of the Word: •. Creation; •. The fall of humanity and our need for a Redeemer; •. The concept of grace in the way Yahweh dealt with a sinful Israel; •. The concept of love as Yahweh showed Israel;

fulfill the law under the New Covenant the same way He did. “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” In the rest of Matthew 5 our Savior goes on to show how the Ten Commandments are to be observed in various applications and circumstances today. Rather than abolishing them He raised the bar! He made Old Testament statutes more binding by opening up the spiritual side of them to better understanding. No doubt people were thinking even back then that He came to abolish Old Testament law. But they missed the entire point. Through His many teachings He revealed the hypocrisy of the Pharisees in their keeping the letter of the law and completely missing the whole purpose of obedience. He says to them, you are not getting what I am saying. You don’t understand the heart and soul of My message. I’m not saying the law is done away, nor are the writings of the Old Testament. I’m saying look into motives for your lawkeeping. Have the right heart not to put your own righteousness on display. Notice what Yahshua said in the last part of John 10:35: “ … the Scripture cannot be broken.” This phrase in the Greek means, “loosened or undone.” The relationship between Old and New Testaments is complex and highly integrated. Without the Old Testament, the New would be virtually impossible to understand correctly.

•. That the covenant is a conditional promise. If you do this, I will bless you with that; •. What Yahweh’s standards of behavior are. Get in line with them and you will be blessed; •. The priesthood, of which our Savior is chief and of which the believer will one day be part; •. Yahshua’s coming Messiahship and personal sacrifice. It’s time to dismiss the thinking that the Old Testament is optional and begin to see it as essential to understanding Yahweh’s entire plan for man through what He did for Israel and what He expected from them. Simply put, we cannot properly comprehend the New Testament if we sever it from its Old Testament roots. Restoration Times Magazine July-August 2013

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

– Matthew 5:3

ahshua spoke these words in His Sermon on the Mount message. What was His purpose and reasoning behind these words? Surely He wasn’t serious when He said that blessings come to the poor in spirit or, in other words, the humble. It is the lowly man who gets crushed by the stronger in this “dog-eat-dog world,” or at least that is what was and is the prevalent thought in Yahshua’s and in our time. Yet Yahshua meant every word when He said that blessings come to those who humble themselves. To get a valid understanding of what He meant, we will need to look into what it means to be humble and how blessings flow from such an attitude.

come into his house. This woman humbled herself before Yahshua and showed her humility by all her actions because she recognized that she was a sinner. Simon also recognized that she was a sinner, but

come short of the glory of Elohim.” Seeing ourselves for what we really are is what it means to be humble. If we see ourselves in comparison to Yahweh, we realize that we are nothing before Him. Yahweh’s Majesty

Blessed are the

Have you ever considered Yahweh’s awesome majesty and power? Yahweh gives us a glimpse into His amazing power when He asked Job some questions in Job 38. We begin in verse 4, “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath hid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? Or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of Elohim shouted for joy? Or who shut up the sea with doors when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddling band for it, And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed? Hast thou commanded the morning since the days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; that it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?...Hast thou entered into the springs of the sea? Or hast walked in the search of the depth? …declare if thou knowest it all.” How can we feel anything but humble and small when we read this passage? We can stand in awe as we gaze on a sculpture or painting, until we find the One who created the rock from which the figure was chiseled or who formed the very sun that was painted, and who gave these artists their talent to create. It is Yahweh who gave

humble by Joel Wirl

What It Means to Be Humble

In Luke 7:36 Yahshua is invited into a Pharisee’s home to eat. During the course of Yahshua’s stay, a woman came with an alabaster box of ointment and proceeded to wash Yahshua’s feet with her tears and hair, kissed His feet, and then anointed them with the oil she had brought. Simon the Pharisee said in his heart as he watched this happen, “This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that touches him: for she is a sinner.” Yahshua, knowing the Pharisee’s thoughts, replied with this parable: “There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.” Yahshua told this parable because of how Simon viewed the woman who had

Restoration Times Magazine July-August 2013

failed to realize that he too was a sinner. His response to Yahshua should have been the same as the woman’s. He loved Yahshua little because he didn’t think much was to be forgiven of him. To whom do we relate more in this account? Do we perceive ourselves as a good person to whom little is to be forgiven, or do we see ourselves more as a wretched sinner in need of forgiveness? Paul said in Romans 3:23, “All have sinned, and

these artists their talents and who brought all things into being. We owe everything to Him. Humility Is Strength and Blessings

With this thought of Yahweh’s majesty and power in mind, humility really isn’t weakness but strength. Humility is not a passive nature where you just get pushed around and where it’s the survival of the fittest. It is strength because we stop relying on our own strength and start relying on Yahweh’s. We are much stronger with Yahweh than without Him, but it takes humility. Isaiah 57:15 reads, “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the

high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” In Romans 8:31 we find that if Elohim be for us then nothing can be against us. If we humble ourselves before Yahweh, He will be for us. Micah 6:8 tells us, “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Yahweh require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy Elohim?” Yahweh is with us because He is pleased by our humility towards Him. If we desire to please and obey our Father, humility is a must. Just as Yahweh blessed Nebuchadnezzar

after he humbled himself before Yahweh, Daniel 4, so Yahweh will give blessings to those who humble themselves. In Luke 18:4 Yahshua stated, “For every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Which one would you rather be? Would you rather exalt yourself in this life, and perhaps gain glory in this life, only to have a painful discovery on judgment day? Or would you rather humble yourself before Yahweh and His amazing power now and be exalted? The choice is yours.

Feast of Tabernacles

2013 Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry invites you to this year’s Feast of Tabernacles in western Missouri at Knob Noster State Park,September 20 – 29 (With the Feast beginning on a Saturday evening and a slight possibility of the new moon being confirmed early, we have reserved the group camp starting on 9/20). This beautiful state park is located 15 miles from Sedalia and 10 miles from Warrensburg. We encourage all feastgoers to make an effort to attend all eight days of the Feast, as we are to obey Yahweh fully. The feast is a time to worship Almighty Yahweh (Lev. 23:1). We have worship services planned throughout the Feast, along with numerous Bible Studies that will include the new Defending Your Faith format. All who have gifts of music should plan to participate in the always popular Night of Special Music. Several family activities are also planned, including: kickball, basketball, ladder golf, family games, and a group field trip to the Kansas City Zoo. There will also be several activities for the children. Lodging options include: Camping: For those interested in a site at the public campground, Knob Noster offers basic and electric campsites, family campsites and special-use camping areas. For camping rates and reservations, call (877) 4226766 or visit www.icampmo.com. We encourage making reservations for a site prior to the Feast. Econo Lodge: The Ministry has also reserved 20 rooms at the local Econo Lodge in Knob Noster at a discounted daily rate of $39.99 per room. Rooms are filling fast! For additional lodging options, visit www.yrm.org/ fot2013 or call the Ministry at (573) 896-1000, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, CDT. To register for this year’s Feast, complete and return the enclosed registration card with the required fees to: YRM, P.O. Box 463, Holts Summit, MO 65043. We pray that you will make plans NOW to join us for the 2013 Feast of Tabernacles. The many instructional and inspirational messages along with numerous family activities promise to make the upcoming Feast one for the ages! May Yahweh bless you in your desire to serve Him.

Restoration Times Magazine July-August 2013

Finding Balance and

Faith Life by by Randy Randy Folliard Folliard

verything in life requires balance. This is true for families, careers, hobbies, and faith. A great example of balance is a tightrope walker who walks a small cable keeping his or her balance at all times. In cases where a safety net is not present, losing one’s balance may lead to death. This concept also applies to those in the Messiah. To find balance in faith is one of the most common challenges for believers. Many are either too far left or right. As the tightrope walker must achieve precise balance, we too must learn balance in life. We must also learn to rightly divide the word of truth.

Restoration Times Magazine July-August 2013

This is even more important for believers, as it impacts our eternal salvation. It’s possible for us to go through the motions of following Yahweh’s Word and yet still miss the mark. So how do we achieve stability? Be Not Overly Wise

One of the best ways of keeping balance is in Ecclesiastes 7:16-17: “Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?” Before exploring this passage, let’s first review its author, King Solomon. This

man was blessed with incredible wealth and wisdom. “And Elohim gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all men….”1Kings 4:29-31. If anyone understood the wisdom of balance, it was King Solomon. He says not to be overly righteous or to be overly wise. Being overly wise often leads to a sense of pride and self-righteousness. This was the very cause of Satan’s fall: “Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth;

and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of Elohim; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of Elohim: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee,” Ezekiel 28:14-17. Satan’s beauty and wisdom led to his rebellion. Too much of anything can be a detriment, including a self-obsessed pursuit of righteousness and wisdom. When we become self-righteous, we frequently lose humility and compassion. When we lose humility, we forget that we ourselves are sinners and undeserving of Yahweh’s grace. As believers we always need to be conscious of humility, mercy, and compassion. No amount of righteousness or wisdom can compensate for these virtues. If we allow our righteousness or wisdom to justify pride, then we’re following the same path as Satan. Notice how Solomon ends this passage: “…why shouldest thou die before thy time?” Living in extremes has a way of destruction. This is why we need moderation and balance in faith. Much Study Is Wearisome

Moderation even extends to our study. Solomon in Ecclesiastes 12:12 wrote, “And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” Too much study can be a detriment. Some spend every moment in the Word to the neglect of life’s responsibilities. Whether in neglecting their families or simply refusing to find work, there is a lack of stability. Understand that while we should spend time daily focused on Yahweh’s Word, we must not allow that focus to take away from our other obligations. For example, Paul in 2Thessalonians 3:10 says, “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would

not work, neither should he eat.” He also states in 1Timothy 5:8, “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” As believers, we have an obligation to work and to provide for our own families. If we don’t, we’re worse than an infidel or unbeliever, and no amount of study will justify that neglect. This balance can even include exercise. Paul states, “But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto righteousness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but holiness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” While physical exercise is important and profitable for good health, righteousness is more profitable. He is not saying here that we should not exercise; he’s simply saying that moderation is required. Once more Paul teaches balance and moderation. Some allow exercise to become an obsession and as a result, a distraction to their faith. In some cases they backslid and lost their spiritual footing. If we’re not careful, we can all make this mistake. For some this distraction may not be exercise, it may be some other fixation. If we’re spending more time with our personal interests than we are with Yahweh’s Word then we need to reevaluate what’s important. Understand that Yahweh’s Word and the pursuit of righteousness should never be secondary. When it comes to salvation we know that we must make a choice as to whom or what we follow. In Matthew 7:13-14 Yahshua describes the Truth as a narrow way, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” We find two paths here, one leading to destruction and the other to life. Yahshua

confirms that the way to destruction is broad and easy, but the way to everlasting life is difficult and full of challenges. This contradicts the notion that many roads lead to salvation and all are equal. As a tightrope walker must walk a very narrow cable, believers must walk a narrow and difficult way. If we lose our balance and get off course, we may find trouble. We can’t be too far to the right or left; instead we must stay on that narrow way, which leads to life everlasting. Lukewarm Worship

The Messiah in Revelation stated that we must be fully devoted and if not, bad things will happen. “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth,” Revelation 3:15-16. Yahshua reprimands this assembly because they were lukewarm, meaning that they had lost their zeal and passion for the Faith. This serves as a sober reminder that

lukewarm worship is never enough. The consequence for half-hearted devotion is rejection, as Yahshua will spew or vomit them from His mouth. From this description we see that lukewarm worship disgusts our Savior and our Father in heaven. What was the reason for this assembly’s apathetic or lethargic dedication? According to biblical scholars, the city of Laodicea was quite wealthy at the time of this prophecy. The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia under “Laodicea” states: “Though Laodicea stood on the great highway at the junction of several important Restoration Times Magazine July-August 2013

routes, it was a place of little consequence until the Roman province of Asia was formed in 190 BC. It then suddenly became a great and wealthy center of industry.” The root problem for the Laodicean assembly was its sudden wealth. The people allowed their wealth and abundance to compromise and devalue their faith and dedication. That is why Yahshua said, “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked,” verse 17. Through their wealth they lost the thing that mattered most, their Faith and devotion to their Father in heaven. They placed more focus on riches than on the Word of Yahweh. This is why Paul warns that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. If not managed

“

Do we allow our own traditions or past biases to cloud the keeping of Yahweh’s Word?

correctly, wealth can cause a person to lose balance and discretion. Even the poorest in the United States is wealthy compared to much of the world. If not careful, we too can fall into this same trap. Many have lost their way because they placed their career or wealth before what mattered most. In some cases, believers have fallen away, never to return. Woe Unto You….

Perhaps the most salient case of a people who struggled with balance is found in Yahshua’s discourse with the scribes and Pharisees. Yahshua states, “Then spake Yahshua to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not,” Matthew 23:1-3. Why did Yahshua tell His disciples to obey the scribes and Pharisees, but not to follow their works or examples? Before explaining this, we must first understand the meaning of “Moses’ seat.” This represented an actual place where

the scribes and Pharisees would sit and read from the Law of Moses. When they strictly read only from the Law of Moses or the Torah, without commentary, Yahshua could legitimately command His disciples to obey what they heard. Yahshua added, “…but do not do according to their works…” The scribes and Pharisees would say and not do. In other words, they were hypocritical in their lives and worship. They were unwilling to follow what they required from others. Yahweh abhors hypocrisy. These men lacked balance; they understood the requirements and were more than happy to enforce them on others, but they themselves were unwilling to do the same. This type of hypocrisy is not exclusive. Many share this tendency. As followers of the Messiah our faith is to be sincere and without hypocrisy. This is especially true for those who minister in the Word. If we preach against a sin and then willfully engage in that sin, we’re no better than the scribes and Pharisees.

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”

Commandments of Men

In addition to the scribes and Pharisees as poster boys of hypocrisy, they also unjustifiably added to Yahweh’s Word: “Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart

is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctines the commandments of men,” Mark 7:1-7. These hypocrites placed more emphasis on their own rabbinical, manmade commandments than they did on Yahweh’s Word. In this passage they condemned Yahshua’s disciples for not following their traditional washings. Understand that this was not simply washing your hands before a meal. These washings required specific ceremonial acts that were outside Yahweh’s inspired commandments. Because of their insistence, Yahshua further chastised these men by stating, “For laying aside the commandment of Elohim, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do,” verse 8. The lack of balance here is obvious. They placed more emphasis on their own rabbinical traditions than on Yahweh’s commandments. Before we condemn the scribes and Pharisees for this obvious mistake, understand that we too can be guilty of this sin. Just as these men allowed their own man-made traditions to take precedence over Yahweh’s commandments, we can do the same. Is there a belief that we are so passionate about that we refuse to honestly evaluate its authenticity? Do we allow our own traditions or past biases to cloud the keeping of Yahweh’s Word? Before we condemn others, ask ourselves: Are we also guilty of placing our cherished traditions or biases before Yahweh’s instructions? Adding and Removing

In addition to not allowing our traditions to detract, we’re not to add or delete from the Word: “Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which Yahweh Elohim of your fathers giveth you. Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of Yahweh your Elohim which I command you,”Deuteronomy 4:12.

Yahweh specifically states here that we’re not to add or remove from His Word. If He commands us to do something, we’re then to follow that command. The sad reality is, however, that it’s easy to compromise His truth because of personal biases. How many of us knew the truth about the Name, the Sabbath, or the Feast days, but because of biases denied the truth? You might say, but this was before I accepted the Messiah. While this may have some merit, the truth is we’re still susceptible to personal bias. Part of achieving balance in faith is not allowing those biases to add to or remove from our Father’s Word. For some of us the issue may not be removing, but adding to the Word. Often the motivation to add is to ensure compliance. Notwithstanding, this reasoning does not justify adding to the Word. This was the very sin that Yahshua chastised the scribes and Pharisees for in the New Testament. Whether it’s removing or adding, both are equally prejudicial. It’s imperative that we follow the entire Word. This again was a bone of contention between Yahshua and the scribes and Pharisees: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel,” Matthew 23:23-34. The scribes and Pharisees here were neglecting justice, mercy, and faith. This is one of the worst cases of disobedience and imbalance in Scripture. However, it is not unique. It’s common for believers to fall into the same trap. We can become so focused on only part of Yahweh’s Word that we overlook the other. For example, it’s common to see believers make one subject their entire focus, often it is prophecy. This frequently leads to an imbalance, especially with those greater commandments. We can observe Yahweh’s physical laws without fault, but if we forsake love, mercy, and faith then our religion will be for naught. This was Yahshua’s message to the scribes and Pharisees. He did not chastise these men for tithing, but for neglecting the weightier

commandments. Don’t be fooled, if we are not careful we too can lose our stability and follow this same pattern. Success Through Humility

One of the best methods of maintaining balance is found in Yahshua’s parable of the Pharisee and tax collector: “And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, Elohim, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, Elohim be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted,” Luke 18:9-14. In this parable the Pharisee was proud of his accomplishments. He fasted twice a week, gave tithes of all that he had, and obeyed the commandments as only a Pharisee could. There was only one problem, he lacked humility. The other man, a tax collector, was without the decorated achievements of the Pharisee, but had something the first lacked: humility and meekness. The tax collector approached Yahweh in humble prayer and asked of Yahweh, “… be merciful to me a sinner….” According to our Savior, the man justified was the tax collector because he showed selfeffacement. Achieving balance in faith requires more than the keeping of the commandments, but also a change of heart. Proverbs 11:2 states, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” We must strive to avoid pride and arrogance. This is again the reason Satan fell from grace. He allowed his beauty and righteousness to corrupt his ways. This is also why Solomon said in Ecclesiastes that we were not to be overly righteous or wise. This type of righteousness or wisdom only corrupts.

Achieving spiritual equilibrium requires not only obedience, but a change of heart, a change of character. In Matthew 23 we find our Savior chastising the Pharisees for this reason, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,” verses 27-29. The Pharisees had a problem not with the outside, but with the inside. Yahshua compared these men to whitewashed tombs. From the outside they looked great, but within they were full of all uncleanness. What is seen from outside doesn’t always reflect what’s within. Yahweh wants us to obey His commandments without neglecting the fruits of the spirit, Galatians 5:22-23. As believers, we must show love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. To achieve balance we must ensure that both the outer and inner man is clean before our Father above. In summary: • Avoid being self-righteous or wise. • Do not use the Word to neglect life’s other responsibilities. • Do all things in moderation. • There’s only one road that leads to salvation. • Avoid lukewarm worship. • Do not allow personal biases to add to or remove from Yahweh’s Word. • Focus on the entire Word and not only on select parts. • Avoid hypocrisy. • Avoid pride and arrogance. • Exhibit the weightier matters.

May Yahweh grant us the wisdom and humility to achieve balance in faith as we faithfully serve Him!

Restoration Times Magazine July-August 2013

Have a REAL ‘Personal Relationship’

We learn key facts about the close bond we can have with Yahweh through the experience of the common marriage covenant.

“

o you have a personal relationship with the L-rd?” the evangelist bellows to a packed auditorium. Heads nod up and down like bobble dolls on a car window. “If you don’t, it is time you did!” the preacher shouts. The choir breaks out in “Saved by the Blood” as hundreds hustle down to answer the altar call. “Thank you, J-sus, I’m saved,” someone cries. Outside, attendants hand out tracts to passersby while asking, “Do you know the L-rd? Do you have a close, personal relationship with Him?” Most of us are familiar with this scene and the popular expressions, but only a few have any real idea of what Yahweh Himself considers a “personal relationship.” Despite what they may think, few actually “know the L-rd” and truly understand what the love of Yahweh is. Not many have studied what it means to be saved and know what it takes to reach that point. Knowing Yahweh is to make a covenant with Him. A parallel is found in the covenant of marriage. The Closest Relationship

Marriage was exclusively created and

Restoration Times Magazine July-August 2013

by Alan Mansager blessed by Yahweh. (Redefining this sacred institution to mean more than a union of a man and woman is a sin for which Yahweh has no tolerance.) A couple become married after reciting wedding vows that include a promise of lifelong fidelity. The institution of marriage mirrors the contract made between Yahweh and Israel, and between Yahweh and His people today. He told Israel, “I am married unto you,” Jeremiah 3:14. The terms are similar whether marrying a spouse or marrying the Messiah Yahshua. Yahweh made a union with Israel through a promise of faithfulness. This concord with them was based on terms that have not changed. Israel entered a personal relationship with Yahweh through a covenant agreement in Exodus 24, the only way the Bible allows it. Their promise to do all that Yahweh commanded in His law “and be obedient” sealed this commitment. In return, Yahweh would be all they needed of Him: their Deliverer, Protector, Healer, Provider, Salvation—all that is locked up in the different manifestations of His personal Name “Yahweh.” In verse 8 He said Israel committed adultery by worshiping other deities and so He gave her a bill of divorcement.

Just as a bride takes on her husband’s name, Israel was known by the One they worshiped. “Your people are called by your Name,” the prophet Daniel said in 9:19. Not only did they know the Name of their “husband,” but Israel also knew what pleased Him and what their bethrothal with Yahweh was all about: keeping His mandates and being faithful to Him in serving only Him. The Terms Don’t Change

But Yahweh’s espoused bride, Israel, proved unfaithful by worshiping the deities of the pagans. We read, “She defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks [idols],” Jeremiah 3:8. Following His “divorce” of Israel and the death of her potential Husband (who was Yahshua, the Yahweh of the Old Testament), He was free to marry another. That new potential bride is you and me if we are faithful till the end. We may now enter a “personal relationship” with Him if we desire to conform to His will. When a man and woman remarry upon the death of their spouses, they take new vows of faithfulness. The vow of fidelity that they take in marriage remains the same. Yahweh through Yahshua is marrying a new Israelite bride, you and me. He as our “Husband” has not

changed, Malachi 3:6. What He expected of old He expects now. Like Israel, we are in an engagement period today, and we won’t be fully married until the marriage supper of the Lamb. Yahweh had a perfect right to separate from Israel during this period, just as Joseph could let Miriam go when he found her pregnant with Yahshua the Messiah. Both instances occurred in the engagement period. Anciently, engagement carried much more weight than it does today, taking on nearly the force of marriage if not all of the liberties of a full marital union. Notice what Paul says, “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery; but I speak concerning Messiah and the Assembly,” Ephesians 5:31-32. Yahweh still requires fidelity. As with any husband, He has expectations of faithfulness.

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His Son live by. They are their code of ethics and life. And they want you to learn them and live by them as well. Doing so helps develop in you the mind of Messiah. You think, act, and live just as He does. And just as He did when He walked this earth. Exodus 34 is a recap of the giving of the law on Sinai. Here Yahweh proclaims His Name to Moses, verse 6; Moses calls on His Name, verse 9; and then Yahweh details the terms of the covenant. As part of that covenant agreement or “marriage vows,” Yahweh reviews His Sabbath and His Feast

and obedience. (Before the Women’s Liberation Movement of the 1970s, marriage vows of the bride usually included the words, “love, cherish, and obey ... “) Paul said of Yahweh in 2Corinthians 3:6, “Who also has made us able ministers of the new testament [Greek diatheke, covenant] ... “ Notice that “new” in this verse is the Greek kainos, which means, “renewed or recently made fresh”. If Paul had meant brand new, the word “new” here would have been neos in the Greek. The “New” Covenant is actually a revitalized Old Covenant, where Yahweh’ s laws are now on our hearts and the Holy Spirit is given to enable us to obey those laws. Of course, Yahshua became our sacrifice, offering Himself “once for all,” Hebrews 10:10. Therefore we do not sacrifice animals under the New Covenant, nor concern ourselves with rites like physical circumcision. Now we are circumcised in heart, 1 Corinthians 6:19.

A key part of a “personal relationship” with Yahweh includes observing His laws and His Feast days as a marriage obligation under the New Covenant.

His Laws Are His Standard

How Yahweh defines faithfulness is expressed in His laws. King David understood it. He wrote, “I delight to do Your will, O my Elohim: yes, Your law is within my heart,” Psalm 40:8. The writer of Acts makes a clear correlation between what Israel did and what is expected of us, even using a term that in the Greek is ecclesia, meaning, “a religious congregation.” “This is he [Moses], that was in the assembly in the wilderness with the Angel which spake to him in the Mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles [utterances, laws] TO GIVE UNTO US,” Acts 7:38. This New Testament passage was written years after the death and resurrection of Yahshua, and still His laws are for us in the New Covenant. We are now the new bride in a New Testament “personal relationship” with Yahweh. Contrary to Hollywood, Moses received more than the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai. He was on the mountain for 40 days, receiving ALL of Yahweh’s laws intended for anyone who desires to become the bride of Messiah. They constitute the family rules, so to speak. His laws are the standards that He and

days with Moses (vv, 18-23). Moses is still getting the law at this point. A key part of a “personal relationship” with Yahweh includes observing His laws and His Feast days as a marriage obligation under the New Covenant. The New Testament Covenant

Now we take a look at the terms of the New Covenant, as a covenant is the ONLY compact Yahweh makes with people today. This is the “personal relationship” so many talk about but so few truly understand. We read it in the book of Hebrews, a New Testament commitment of Yahweh Himself. “I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah ...I will put my laws into their mind and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them an Elohim and they shall be to Me a People. And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know Yahweh: for all shall know Me from the least to the greatest. . . In that He says, ‘A new covenant,’ He has made the first old,” Hebrews 8:8-13. Notice. His laws are at the core of His NEW Covenant, as they were with the Old. The basic marriage terms are the same. However, the circle of those called to be the bride has now been enlarged to include gentiles brought into the contract. To know and love Yahweh is to keep His Commandments, 1John 2:3, 5:3. As our future Husband, Yahshua demands fidelity

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How You ‘Know’ Him

You cannot “know” Yahweh unless you obey Him, calling on His personal Name. Spouses who don’t respond to the needs and desires of each other don’t have a true marriage. We need to ask ourselves, how intimate can a wife be with her husband if she always calls him “husband” and never uses his name? If she doesn’t think her husband’s name is necessary to use she may be trying to usurp his authority. The same happens when WE decide how we should worship Yahweh and rebel at what He commands. We usurp His authority by taking matters into our own hands, deciding that obedience is unnecessary today. Yahshua was our example for True Worship, not the initiator of a completely new faith. Note what He said, “I do nothing of myself; but as my Father has taught me, I speak these things,” John 8:28. “For whoseover shall do the will of my Father in heaven, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother,” Matthew 12:50. Study Yahweh’s Word. Let Him guide you into truth. Then, be baptized into His family through the only Name that holds any hope of salvation.

Restoration Times Magazine July-August 2013

Discovering Faith Part 1

by Randy Folliard

ince the Apostolic assembly, faith has been a cornerstone for those in Messiah. As believers, it’s imperative that we understand what faith is and what it is not. To begin, what is faith? “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of Elohim, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear,” Hebrews 11:1-3. Faith Defined

The word “faith” here is from the Greek pistis and means, “a persuasion or moral conviction…” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance). Faith means having our assurance or confidence in something that we have not seen, specifically in Yahweh, our Father in Heaven, and Savior, Yahshua the Messiah. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of Yahweh. This vast universe with its innumerable stars and billions of galaxies was not the result of random chance, but of the power and Word of Almighty Yahweh. This is why it’s important to dismiss the notion of

Restoration Times Magazine July-August 2013

Darwinian Evolution; that the heavens and the earth came from nothing, without our Creator. Many people in this secular world would like us to believe that our Father in heaven and His Son don’t exist. Faith is at the vortex of this debate, because it is through faith that we believe Yahweh and His Son exist and that through them all things came into being. In verse 6 we find that having faith in Yahweh is crucial as believers: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to Elohim must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” As disciples of our Father in heaven, we must believe that He exists and that He will reward those who faithfully follow Him. What about those who don’t believe; as it says it’s impossible then to please Him. Remember again that faith is our conviction, assurance or confidence in the one we worship. If we doubt or disbelieve, not only is our faith weak, but also we cannot please our Father Yahweh. This applies to any promise we find in His Word, including His promise of the resurrection. Do we have a desire to be found worthy of the resurrection and eternal life? If so, we must believe or have faith

that He is and is able to deliver upon this promise. Faith is an absolute necessity for those who strive to follow Him. We find this same message in James 1:6-7: “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of Yahweh.” As believers we must have faith. Without it we’re like waves in the sea, being directed by the wind without any defined course. Those who doubt or suffer from disbelief will not receive anything from Yahweh. This is the message we find in Hebrew 11:6. Do we believe that Yahweh is able to heal our diseases? Do we believe that He is able to mend our relationships? Do we believe that He is in control of this grand universe? Do we believe that He is able to offer everlasting life? If we’ll receive any of these blessings then we must first believe that He is and is able to do all that we find within His Word. So besides believing in His presence, we know that we must also believe in His promise of everlasting life. Faith’s Foundation

While many assume that this kind of faith

is found only in the New Testament, we find in one of the most unlikely books that this isn’t the case. Habakkuk 2:4 states, “… but the just shall live by his faith.” From here, we find that faith is not only essential to the New Testament, but also to the Old. Habakkuk confirms the necessity of living by faith. The word “just” comes from the Hebrew tsaddiyq and refers to a lawful or righteous man. The word “faith” is derived from the Hebrew emuwnah and means, “firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity” (Strong’s). Through the Hebrew, Habakkuk is stating that the lawful man shall live by his devotion or steadfastness. To emphasize here the connection between Old and New, Paul quotes this passage in Romans 1:17. So we find here that the foundation of faith is not in the New, as many assume, but in the Old. Our Father in heaven has always wanted His people to live by faith, maintaining moral purity and believing in His promises. Salvation by Faith

In Romans 3:25-28 Paul explains the need for faith with salvation. He says there, “Whom Elohim hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of Elohim; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Yahshua. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." Paul confirms that Yahshua the Messiah has become our propitiation through faith. The word “propitiation” comes from the Greek hilasterion and “…an atoning victim, or (specially) the lid of the Ark (in the Temple),” Strong’s. It’s only though the blood of our Savior that we find salvation or eternal life. In other words, outside of the Messiah, there is no salvation to be found. Notice here that this salvation is through faith. Understand that to receive eternal life through the shed blood of Yahshua the Messiah, we must believe. In verse 28 Paul offers this summation, “…a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” How does faith work in conjunction with grace and the law? As we’ve already seen, faith is our conviction, belief, or assurance in our Father in heaven.

Grace is defined as Yahweh’s favor and is the method of justification through baptism. The Law is the standard of morality and the measure of sanctification or living a life free from sin. These three work together for the purpose of salvation. Faith brings us to a belief or conviction of our Father in heaven, which leads to grace, baptism, and justification from sin, which then leads to sanctification, which we maintain through obedience. The problem with so many today is that they stop with faith and never proceed on to sanctification. As we can see here, though, we need all three, because each one builds upon the other. Without faith, we would never arrive at grace, without grace we could never find justification, making obedience a moot point since redemption comes not through works or deeds. This is why justification begins with faith. If our walk is not in faith, then our walk is in vain. Paul confirms that even Abraham was counted worthy through faith: “What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before Elohim. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed Elohim, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the wicked, his faith is counted for righteousness,” Romans 4:1-5. The patriarch Abraham was not justified by works; but through his conviction or faith. Notice again what Paul says in v. 4; he states, “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.” Paul confirms that salvation or redemption from sin is not received by debt, but by grace, which again begins with faith. It’s important that we understand this distinction between redemption and obedience. Even though we do not earn salvation by works, it’s important to note that sanctification comes by works or obedience to Yahweh’s Word, Revelation 20:12. Father of the Faithful

Paul continues to explore the meaning of faith through the life of Abraham, “Who [Abraham] against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, so shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body

now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: He staggered not at the promise of Elohim through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to Elohim; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness,” Romans 4:18-22. How old was Abraham and Sarah when Isaac was conceived? Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 10 years his younger. How many do you know who have had a child at this age? This is physically impossible, unless our Father in heaven makes the impossible possible. Even though Abraham knew that Sarah was beyond her years, he still had faith that Yahweh could deliver upon His promise. Matter of fact, in verse 21 it again says that Abraham was “fully persuaded.” This phrase literally means to be completely assured or fully convinced. You see Abraham had no doubt; he was fully persuaded that His Father could and would deliver upon His promise, even though he knew that this was physically impossible. This story offers a great example; we should always remember that Yahweh, our Father in heaven, has a way of making the impossible possible. There is nothing He literally can’t do; there is no limit to His power; there is no boundary as to what He can accomplish. Abraham knew this and for that reason, it was imputed to him for righteousness. From this, we find that there’s no difference between the faith of Abraham and the faith of the Apostle Paul. Even though Abraham was found righteous by faith, do we find evidence that he also obeyed? Genesis 26:5 confirms that he obeyed, “Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” Based on this passage, there should be no doubt that Abraham obeyed Yahweh’s commandments and laws. Keep in mind also that this was hundreds of years before Moses would receive the Law at Sinai. So this example also shows that our Father’s commandments were known prior to Sinai. Let’s summarize what we’ve seen thus far. Number one, we’re justified by faith apart from works. Number two, Abraham was found righteous by his faith. And number three, Abraham obeyed his Father in heaven. Restoration Times Magazine July-August 2013

in Scripture

Q A

Is it really necessary to belong to a congregation of believers or can I just study and worship on my own and apply my own understanding as I see fit? The framework for worship in both Old and New testaments was always a structured assembly with a man ordained to a leadership position to lead that worship. Yahshua intended that worship be organized. He Himself said He would build His Assembly on Peter’s confession that He was the Messiah. He also appointed Apostles to start and lead various Assemblies. The tabernacle and temple were established as the physical structures for common worship where believers gathered regularly. The leadership was also established to unite the body and keep fidelity in beliefs and worship. Yahshua was continuing that ordered worship environment. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Messiah: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of Elohim, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Messiah: That we henceforth

Restoration Times Magazine July-August 2013

be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive,” Ephesians 4:11-14. Leadership is given specifically to minister, teach, and safeguard the Assembly so that everyone is not going in different directions, being misled by “cunning craftiness.” Individuals in the Scriptures who converted to the Truth always connected with others in regular worship and fellowship. There are many important reasons why, and they speak directly to the way Yahweh intended for Truth to operate, thrive, and increase. Today we are commanded in Hebrews 10:25 not to neglect to gather with the assembly of the saints. Fellowship is even more critical in these last days: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching.” Virtually every believer in the New Testament was associated with a true assembly. Paul refers in 1Timothy 5:9 to the “number” or list of widows enrolled in the Assembly, and he thus reveals an organized body of believers. Paul and others sent letters to various Assemblies in an effort to help them with their problems and to keep all united in harmony with the teachings of Yahshua. If following Yahweh were intended as an exercise in private independence, then Hebrews 13:17 would never have

admonished us, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you” (New American Standard Bible). The only structure within which the gifts and fruits of the Spirit operate is the collective Assembly of believers. Those gifts and fruits cannot work in an “assembly” of one. In 1Corinthians 12:14 Paul said the Body is not one member but many. He continues in verse 18: “But now has Elohim set the members every one of them in the body, as it has pleased him.” He then asks a pivotal question, “And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body.” Just as a hand cannot survive detached from the body it belongs to, so every follower of Yahshua needs a firm connection with other believers in unified worship if he or she is to remain strong and on track in spirit and Truth. The truth cannot reach the world without a united body behind it. It takes many to make a ministry go. Each believer must come to a decision about which assembly is teaching all the Truth and whose leaders are in compliance with 1Timothy 3 and Titus 1 qualifications, and then work wholeheartedly in that assembly so that it will grow and be a guide to others.

Q A

I f Ya h w e h ’s c o m mandment is, “thou shalt not kill,” why did He ask Abraham to sacrifice his son, and why did He tell Israel to wipe out all the heathen nations in Canaan? In the case of Abraham, this was obviously a test from Yahweh to see the depth of Abraham’s faith. It’s also noteworthy that Abraham believed that Yahweh could resurrect Isaac to life again, Hebrews 11:19. The reason Yahweh at times commanded the elimination of heathen nations was for the absolute need to keep purity of faith within Israel. If allowed to live, these pagans would have caused Israel to apostatize. Because of Israel’s refusal to fully obey this command, that very thing eventually happened. Even though these people were killed in this life, scripture offers hope for the ignorant in the resurrection. As Yahshua stated in Matthew 11-23-24: “And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to the grave: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.” The Sixth Commandment, against murder, focuses on individual behavior, rather than corporate actions, as when soldiers go to war.

Hasn’t the Old Covenant been completed and put away (Heb 8)? We have a New Covenant based upon better promises as [Yahshua] fulfilled all the demands of the Old and gave us a New that is of faith in Him, not law.

What does faith in Him mean, exactly? If I have faith in you it means I trust that you will deliver and do what you say. Our faith in Yahshua means that when He said He did not come to destroy the commands of the law, we trust Him in what He said, Matthew 5:17. Yahweh specifically defined the transition from the Old to the New Covenant: “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith Yahweh, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their Elohim, and they shall be my people. And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know Yahweh: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith Yahweh: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more,” Jeremiah 31:33-34. See also Hebrews 8:10-11. Although the Old Covenant is old, it’s not dead. Hebrews 8:13 states, “In that he saith a new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.” If something is only ready to vanish, it has not yet vanished. This is clear in many New Testament passages. Lawkeeping is found in both the Old and New Covenants. Here are some New Testament (Covenant) verses that testify to this fact: • “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same

shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven,” Matthew 5:1719. • “Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not: yea, we establish the law,” Romans 3:31. • “Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?..Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good,” Romans 7:1, 12. • “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of Elohim perfected: hereby know we that we are in him,” 1John 2:3-5. • “By this we know that we love the children of Elohim, when we love Elohim, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of Elohim, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous,” 1John 5:2-3. • “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of Yahweh, and have the testimony of Yahshua Messiah,” Revelation 12:17. • “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of Yahweh, and the faith of Yahshua,” Revelation 14:12. • “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie,” Revelation 22:14-15. The basis of the New Covenant is Restoration Times Magazine July-August 2013

an understanding of and adherence to Yahweh and His Word: His teachings are internalized and become a spontaneous part of the believer’s thinking and actions. Yahshua did not do away with the commands in the law, but measured up to them (fulfilled their demands) as an example for us.

Q A

I have never seen the S a v i o r ’s N a m e a s “Yahshua” before, but always “Yeshua.” Is it the difference only in the transliteration from the Hebrew to the English? Or is there really no material difference between Yahshua and Yeshua? Yahshua said: “I am come in my Father s name, and you receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him you will receive,” John 5:43. In a prophecy of an Angel (actually the Son), Yahweh tells Israel, “Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him.” The four letters of the Tetragrammaton, YHWH, spell out “Yahweh” The first two spell “Yah,” not “Yeh.” Note in Psalm 68:4 of the KJV that the short form of the Father’s Name is Yah, not Yeh. (There was no J in the Hebrew language, therefore the use of the J in the KJV came later.) No Hebrew authority, scholar, or reference we know of calls the Heavenly Father “Yehweh.” It follows that the Son’s Name cannot be “Yehshua” or “Yeshua,” being that He came in Yahweh’s Name. When the Masoretes vowel pointed the Hebrew to preserve the pronunciation, they inserted a shewa (eh) instead of the proper qamets (ah) to conceal the sacred Name as “Yah.” Moses prefixed the name Yah to Oshea (Joshua) or more correctly, Yahshua. Yah is the family name of the Most High, which is shared by many patriarchs such as EliYah (Elijah), Yahel (Joel), JeremiYah, IsaYah, and

Restoration Times Magazine July-August 2013

ZechariYah. There is a big difference between Yeshua and Yahshua. Yeshua does not mean “Salvation of Yah” as does Yahshua. Yeshua means “he will save,” while Yahshua means “Yah will save.”

I attend a [Sabbath group] in my area. They believe in the Sabbaths, Feast days, and most of the same things you believe in except for the use of the NAME. I have asked the pastor to baptize me in the name of Yahshua and he said he would as he has others. My question is, will this be a true baptism since he does not believe in the importance in the difference in the name between J-sus and Yahshua? Also, would I receive the Holy Spirit through his laying on of hands?

In Matthew 7:21 Yahshua said, “Not everyone that saith unto me, Master, Master, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Master, Master, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Just professing the Name and even using it occasionally does not guarantee Yahweh’s approval. One must also follow all that the Bible commands. Employing deception to draw people to

For an in-depth study on baptism read our booklet: If You Seek Baptism To read, visit yrm.org/literature.htm To request by mail, see back cover for details.

fill pews reveals an insincerity of heart. Salvation is only through the Name of the Messiah Yahshua, Acts 4:12. Immersion in His Name must be pure and free of disingenuous strategies. We know of no one in Scripture who was given a legitimate immersion by anyone who didn’t believe and follow ALL that the Word commands. Acts 5:32 says Yahweh gives His Spirit to those who obey Him. It is highly unlikely that the minister is ignorant of the Names. If in his heart he knows they are correct, then failing to use them is blatant disobedience according to the Word. The other problem is that your group does not use the scriptural calendar when it comes to the Feasts. They go by the calculated Jewish calendar that ignores the scriptural new moons as well as the green ears of Abib. Therefore their Feasts are off base and don’t conform to the command to observe specific days of the month established by the new moon. Can you get the Spirit imparted through this man? In light of these facts it is most doubtful. Would we trust him with something that is as salvationcritical as immersion? No. And neither would we want to affiliate with a group that fails to practice all truth. We entreat you to make sure you are doing all in your power to be acceptable to Yahweh. YRM has an immersion service at the spring and fall Feasts, and we welcome you to join us.

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You don’t know how I’ve looked forward to this Bible. I’ve looked at the two big national book stores and could not find a suitable one. Over the years I’ve worn out a few and the one I have is falling apart. The one you are sending with Strong’s dictionaries will be such a treasure. - RB, NC

” The Restoration Study Bible - 2nd Edition If you want a Bible that answers the hard questions, then the Restoration Study Bible is for you. This attractive and durable resource offers insight and clarity found nowhere else. It is the result of 150 years of in-depth study spanning three generations of scholarship. The Restoration Study Bible examines the source languages behind the English text to reveal original meanings. In addition to restoring the sacred names Yahweh and Yahshua, this unique Bible has thousands of eye-opening study notes, cross-references, instructional charts, a topical reference, Strong’s numbering and Strong’s Hebrew and Greek dictionaries. It answers such questions as: What is the Father’s Name and its meaning? Are we saved by grace alone? Is the law against the promise of faith? What are the signs of the Messiah’s Second Coming? What do the toes of Daniel’s prophetic image represent and how will they impact this world? You can have your own 2,100-page Restoration Study Bible for a donation of only $25, plus shipping and handling. Orders may also be made online at yrm.org/bible or by credit card Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Central, by dialing 1- 573-896-1000.

1-573-896-1000

Yahweh’s

R e s t o r at i o n

Ministry

PO Box 463 Holts Summit, MO 65043

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Holts Summit, MO Permit No. 463

address service requested

Discover the Truth Weekly (Based on Central Time)

● Sky Angel - Angel One: Wednesdays at 5:30 pm, Fridays at 4:30 pm, and Sundays at 11:00 am (Dish Network 262) www.angel1.tv ● The CW (Mid Missouri): Sundays at 9:30 am ‒ VHF channel 8.3 for Columbia, Jefferson City ● WGN: Sundays at 5:30 am - Dish Network 239, Direct TV 307, Verizon FiOS, AT&T U-verse, and most U.S. cable systems For a complete list of satellite, tower and cable stations broadcasting the networks listed above, visit:

www.discoverthetruth.tv

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Here’s how to contact us Online: www.yrm.org E-mail: request@yrm.org Phone: 1-573-896-1000

Mail: Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry PO Box 463 Holts Summit, MO 65043