C O N T E N T S
VOL. 1 | No. 3 | November-December 2010
A R T I C L E S
4
8
10
18
3 | Psalm 77- A Journey from Doubt to Hope by Joel Wirl
4 | The Sabbath: Glory to Yahweh Part 2 by Robert Wirl
8 | Is the New Testament Really Christian? - Part 2
14 | Questions and Answers FOR WOMEN BY WOMEN 16 | Harvesting Peaches by Linda Lowe
17 | The Real Price of Gift-Giving - Part 2 by Amy Pletz
by Alan Mansager
18 | Slip-sliding Away
FEATURE ARTICLE 10 | Tongues of Fire
19 | Letters
by Randy Folliard
n FRONT COVER: iStockphoto image - Flame depiction of Acts chapter 2
Restoration Times is published bimonthly by Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry. We have restored the true names of the Heavenly Father, Yahweh, and His Son, Yahshua the Messiah. These names were hidden by biblical scribes and translators and can be easily proved in any good encyclopedia or dictionary (under “God,” “Jehovah,” “Lord,” “Jesus” or “Yahweh”). They are found in ancient manuscripts from which we derive our modern translations. Our desire is to return as closely as possible to the pure teachings of scripture. That includes rooting out many popular doctrines and traditional teachings that are not Biblical, but which developed through the centuries from human custom or by compromise with error. We encourage each reader to prove scripturally for himself what he reads here, 1Thessalonians 5:21. 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.
by Debbie Reed
Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry PO Box 463 Holts Summit, MO 65043 Telephone: 573-896-YAH-8 (9248) Fax: 573-896-9533 www.yrm.org info@yrm.org
Psalm 77
A Journey from Doubt to Hope by Joel Wirl
W
e all experience trials and difficulties in life in some form. Many times when those difficulties last for prolonged periods of time, our hope for Yahweh to intervene on our behalf many times decreases. The hope that we once had gets smaller when the trials get bigger. Asaph, a man recorded in the Bible, encountered this sense of hopelessness in his life, too. In Psalm 77 we can find how Asaph changed his perspective from doubt to having hope in life. A Cry for Help Psalm 77:1-3: “I cried out to Elohim for help; I cried out to Elohim to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought Yahweh, at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted. I remembered you, O Elohim, and I groaned; I mused, and my spirit grew faint.” Asaph is dealing with a great deal of turmoil. Untiringly he stretches his hands out to Yahweh pleading before him for help, but the pain from his circumstances is still so overwhelming. His pain is such that his soul even refuses to be comforted, and nothing can be said that will take away Asaph’s pain. He has no more enjoyment in life. Doesn’t this situation remind you of a situation you may have gone through or are now going through? The difficulties we face can be so overwhelming that we feel that we will break from the strain in our lives. Asaph took the right approach in dealing with his pain; he sought Yahweh and cried out to Him for help. Although the pain may be great, we can always turn to Yahweh for help.
Reflecting on the Past Psalm 77:4-6a: “You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak. I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; I remembered my songs in the night.” “Back in the day” is the beginning of many a story by people who wish to reminisce about the past when things were somehow better. It is a way to compare how much better things were then. Asaph, too, thinks about his past and remembers the good times. He remembers when his heart was glad and he sang songs in the night. Life now is much different for him, and he longs for those times because right now all he feels is pain. We do the same when we encounter painful experiences. We wish we could somehow go back in time and relive those moments, but we can’t, and even that knowledge of not being able to relive those good times can add to the pain we are already suffering. Questions of Doubt Psalm 77:6-9: “My heart mused and my spirit inquired; Will Yahweh reject forever? Will He never show his favor again? Has His unfailing love vanished forever? Has His promise failed for all time? Has Elohim forgotten to be merciful? Has He in anger withheld his compassion?” The accumulation of turmoil and pain and the longing for better times have created in Asaph’s mind seeds of
doubt. His pain feels like it has lasted forever and will never cease. He feels rejected by Yahweh and that Yahweh has stopped loving him. He knows that Yahweh has promised that He will never forsake His people, but Asaph questions whether this is still true. When we get sick, even if it’s just a cold, it sometimes feels that we will never get better and that there is no end of misery in sight. Similarly but even more so, Asaph questions whether the suffering will ever end. Asaph discovers that suffering does end and that there is hope. Remembrance for Hope Psalm 77:10-12: “Then I thought, ‘To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High.’ I will remember the deeds of Yahweh; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.” “Then I thought” is the breakaway point in Asaph’s thinking. He stopped what he was doing, which was reacting poorly to the situation by doubting Yahweh, and he started to really think. about Yahweh. He remembered Yahweh’s deeds, Yahweh’s miracles, and of all the works that Yahweh had done. The cares and the worries that he just had a moment ago are not so big anymore. The pain is not so unbearable because Asaph knows that Yahweh is powerful enough to help him through any amount of suffering.
RESTORATION TIMES MAGAZINE November/December 2010
3
He has stopped focusing on the pain ourselves of who Yahweh is and what and started focusing on Yahweh. He can do. We need to trust in Yahweh and believe in His power. Remember Remembrance of Who Yahweh Is that Yahweh is great and awesome and Psalm 77:13-15: “Your ways, O that if He is with us, who can stand Elohim, are holy. What Elohim is against us? so great as our Elohim? You are the Elohim who performs miracles; you Recalling Yahweh’s Power display your power among the peoples. Psalm 77:16-20: “The waters saw With your mighty arm you redeemed you, O Elohim, the waters saw you your people, the descendants of Jacob and writhed; the very depths were and Joseph.” convulsed. The clouds poured down Yahweh is the one who is in charge, water, the skies resounded with not us. Yahweh is the one has great thunder; your arrows flashed back and power, not us. Asaph remembers, as forth. Your thunder was heard in the we need to, that Yahweh is sovereign in whirlwind, your lightning lit up the all things, even during our pain. Asaph world; the earth trembled and quaked. takes the focus off himself and puts it Your path led through the sea, your on Yahweh where it belongs. We can way through the mighty waters, though do nothing alone, but with Yahweh all your footprints were not seen. You led things are possible. your people like a flock by the hand of We need to constantly remind Moses and Aaron.”
Asaph remembers when Yahweh led Israel out of Egypt and how He delivered them from the Egyptians. Israel had to go through trials too, just as Asaph did and just as we do, but Yahweh never left Israel during their trials, and Yahweh will never leave us. Times may be scary or painful, but we can be assured of Yahweh’s power and promise to help us though. Remembering who Yahweh is and what He can do is just the first step in overcoming doubt. We must believe in who He is that He can do all things. We must also humble ourselves to His will in our lives and know that Yahweh is sovereign and not us. Asaph started losing hope during his pain, but by focusing on Yahweh he regained his hope. We too can regain hope in our lives during our times of doubt; we just need to stop, remember, and believe. n
The Sabbath Glory to Yahweh Part II
A
by Robert Wirl
believer must prepare for the Sabbath to observe it properly. As already noted in part 1 of this series, we cease from our labors on the Sabbath and observe it as holy time. That means preparing ahead of time. The sixth day of the week (Friday) is looked upon as a day of preparation for the Sabbath. Almighty Yahweh taught Israel to prepare for the Sabbath when He gave them manna from heaven while they were in the wilderness. “Then Yahweh said to Moses, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days” (Ex. 16:4-5). 4
We also are being tested to see if we will be prepared to keep the Sabbath. Preparing our food for the Sabbath is but one way that we make ready for that holy day. Yahweh even commanded Israel to cook their food on the sixth day of the week to emphasize how to keep the Sabbath holy. “Each morning everyone gathered as much as he needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away. On the sixth day they gathered twice as much — two omers for each person — and
RESTORATION TIMES MAGAZINE November/December 2010
the leaders of the community came and reported this to Moses. He said to them, ‘This is what Yahweh commanded: “Tomorrow is to be a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to Yahweh. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.”’ So they saved it until morning, as Moses commanded, and it did not stink or get maggots in it. ‘Eat it today,’ Moses said, ‘because today is a Sabbath to Yahweh. You will not find any of it on the ground today. Six days
Channelonline
The yrm
A
re you tired of what’s on TV? Then visit our 24-houra-day, 7-days-a-week video channel on the internet. Instructional videos, sermons, music, television programs and even more stream continuously. We preempt our regular programing for Live Sabbath service broadcasts every Saturday at 1:30 pm Central time on the YRM channel. The chat feature is popular among our regular Sabbath viewers who connect before and after the service. So become a regular viewer...it’s the next best thing to being there and it’s 100% FREE!
www.yrm.org/yrmchannel.htm
you are to gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will not be any.’ Nevertheless, some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather it, but they found none. Then Yahweh said to Moses, ‘How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions? Bear in mind that Yahweh has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Everyone is to stay where he is on the seventh day; no one is to go out. So the people rested on the seventh day.’” (Exodus 16:21-30) Yahweh used a miracle to teach Israel to prepare for the Sabbath. Sadly, some didn’t believe and weren’t prepared. They went out on the Sabbath to gather manna. As Yahweh taught physical Israel then, so He teaches spiritual Israel today. We must prepare if we are to keep the Sabbath holy. Closing Our Gates to the World Along with restricting work, the sanctity of the Sabbath was also maintained by restricting business transactions on that day. Laboring, buying and selling were all prohibited. Nehemiah took drastic measures to reinstitute the sanctity of the Sabbath. He zealously believed in sanctifying the Sabbath to keep it holy. He used his authority righteously as a true spiritual leader of the people. “In those days I saw men in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath and bringing in grain and loading it on donkeys, together with wine, grapes, figs and all other kinds of loads. And they were bringing all this into Jerusalem on the Sabbath. Therefore
I warned them against selling food on that day. Men from Tyre who lived in Jerusalem were bringing in fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them in Jerusalem on the Sabbath to the people of Judah. I rebuked the nobles of Judah and said to them, ‘What is this wicked thing you are doing-desecrating the Sabbath day? Didn’t your forefathers do the same things, so that our Elohim brought all this calamity upon us and upon this city? Now you are stirring up more wrath against Israel by desecrating the Sabbath.’ When evening shadows fell on the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I ordered the doors to be shut and not opened until the Sabbath was over. I stationed some of my own men at the gates so that no load could be brought in on the Sabbath day. Once or twice the merchants and sellers of all kinds of goods spent the night outside Jerusalem. But I warned them and said, ‘Why do you spend the night by the wall? If you do this again, I will lay hands on you.’ From that time on they no longer came on the Sabbath. Then I commanded the Levites to purify themselves and go and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember me for this also, O my Elohim, and show mercy to me according to your great love” (Neh. 13:15-22). What a truly valiant act it was on the part of Nehemiah to bring the people of Jerusalem into subjection on Yahweh’s Sabbath day. Do we have the same zeal and fervor to sanctify Yahweh’s Sabbath each week in our homes? Do we enter the Sabbath by closing the
gates to the outside world? Are we prepared each week to enter Yahweh’s holy Sabbath rest? By closing the gates to this world we open the gates to Yahweh’s Heavenly Kingdom. The Sabbath is a foretaste of that Kingdom to come! “This is what the Sovereign Yahweh says: The gate of the inner court facing east is to be shut on the six working days, but on the Sabbath day and on the day of the New Moon it is to be opened. The prince is to enter from the outside through the portico of the gateway and stand by the gatepost. The priests are to sacrifice his burnt offering and his fellowship offerings. He is to worship at the threshold of the gateway and then go out, but the gate will not be shut until evening. On the Sabbaths and New Moons the people of the land are to worship in the presence of Yahweh at the entrance to that gateway” (Eze.46:1-3). How glorious it is to observe the Sabbath now in anticipation of the time when the Prince of Peace will return and all mankind will observe the Sabbath together in the Kingdom of Yahweh, in the very presence of Almighty Yahweh. Was the Sabbath Changed? Most today assume that the seventhday Sabbath was changed to Sunday. They have been given various arguments in support of the change from Sabbath to Sunday. But what do the sacred Scriptures say? Let’s look at these arguments and compare them to the Bible. The most prominent argument is that Yahshua was resurrected on Sunday morning. Consider Matthew 28:1-2. “Now late on the Sabbath day, as it began to dawn toward the first (day) of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of Yahweh descended from heaven, and came and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it” (ASV). The scriptural (Jewish) day begins and ends at sundown. Late on the Sabbath would mean near – within one
RESTORATION TIMES MAGAZINE November/December 2010
5
hour or less of – sundown. The context shows that the earthquake (which occurred when the tomb opened) occurred before sundown. Therefore the resurrection of Yahshua took place on the weekly Sabbath just before sundown. He was not resurrected early Sunday morning as you may have been led to believe. This agrees with the one true sign of Yahshua’s Messiahship as given in Matthew chapter 12. “He answered, A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matt. 12:39-40). The fact that Yahshua was placed in the tomb just before sundown on Wednesday, before the High Day Sabbath, and was resurrected literally three days and three nights later means that Yahshua was resurrected just before sundown on the weekly Sabbath. The confusion over Sunday comes because churchianity believes that the Messiah died on a Friday. They apply the scriptures that relate to the first High Holy Day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the weekly Sabbath (Compare Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54 and John 19:14, 31, 42 to Lev. 23:4-8 and Num. 28:16-18). The result is that they believe Yahshua was resurrected on
Sunday morning. However, the year Yahshua died Passover occurred on a Wednesday. Counting three days and three nights from His entombment Wednesday just before sundown takes you to the weekly Sabbath just prior to sundown. This being the case there is absolutely no justification for moving the Sabbath to Sunday. Paul Met on the Seventh Day Another argument made for changing the Sabbath to Sunday is based on Acts 20:6-7. Let’s examine those two verses. “But we sailed from Philippi after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days. On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight.” The assumption is that Paul was worshiping on Sunday. A close examination of the text reveals just the opposite. In actuality the mention of the first day of the week in conjunction with the Feast of Unleavened Bread shows that Paul was meeting with the brethren on the first weekly Sabbath of the seven-Sabbath count to the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost). The Companion Bible shows this. It contains the following note on Acts 20:7, “First = first day of the Sabbaths,
How to Honor the Sabbath Day How does a believer properly keep the Sabbath holy to Yahweh and what are some things to look out for? To request your free copy visit: www.yrm.org/literature.htm
Call: 573-896-9248 6
RESTORATION TIMES MAGAZINE November/December 2010
i.e. the first day for reckoning the seven Sabbaths to Pentecost.” A close look at the scripture reveals the truth about the Sabbath. It should also be noted that he and the brethren were keeping Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread and not Easter, as “Passover” is erroneously translated in the KJV. All through the Book of Acts we find Paul and the other Apostles observing the seventh-day Sabbath. It was Paul’s practice to go into the synagogue on the Sabbath. “As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,” Acts 17:2. He engaged Jews and Greeks alike on the seventh-day Sabbath. “Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks,” Acts 18:4. Contrary to what is taught in mainstream Christianity, the Apostle Paul supported the keeping of Yahweh’s Law (Rom. 7:7-25). He taught that circumcision of the flesh was unnecessary for salvation (Gal. 6:15-16), and that the Law serves as our tutor so that we can be justified by faith (Gal. 3:24). He understood and taught that the sacrificial law had been set aside through the sacrifice of Yahshua the Messiah—the Lamb of Yahweh. As stated in Hebrews 10:8-10, “First he said, ‘Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them’ (although the law required them to be made). Then he said, ‘Here I am, I have come to do your will.’ He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Yahshua Messiah once for all.” Why the Change to Sunday? The adoption of Sunday for the Christian Sabbath has nothing to do with the Bible and everything to do with Constantine the Great. Constantine was emperor of the Roman Empire from 306 to 337 CE. He was a sun worshiper who near the end of his life (literally on his death bed) converted to Christianity. In 321 CE, while still a
Photo: Katie Chao
day provides True Worshipers an opportunity to show their love and respect for Yahweh as their Creator and Sustainer of life. Yahshua the Messiah has set the example for us to keep the Sabbath holy and thereby receive special spiritual and physical blessings from our Heavenly Father. As Master of the Sabbath He strictly observed it and did good deeds on the Sabbath. He showed us that the Sabbath was made for man so that we can rest from our labor and worship Yahweh. Yahweh’s seventhday Sabbath of rest is an everlasting sign of Roman Emperor Constantine I 306 to 337 CE the covenant between sun worshiper, Constantine established Him and His people. Those belonging Sunday as a “venerable day,” distinct to spiritual Israel, who have entered from the Jewish (seventh day) Sabbath. into Yahweh’s everlasting covenant, Some scholars believe that this observe that day. They have learned act was at least partially based on his the lesson of preparing properly for the hatred of the Jews. His edict did not Sabbath. They sanctify the Sabbath and affect the “Jewish True Believers,” keep it holy by guarding their gates. as they continued to worship on the The Scriptures teach us that from Genesis to the Book of Revelation, seventh-day Sabbath. His edict started a chain of True Worshipers have always observed events within the Roman Catholic Yahweh’s seventh-day Sabbath and Church which culminated in 364 CE that Yahweh has never changed His at the Council of Laodicea with a Sabbath to another day. It is truly a denouncement of anyone keeping the sad commentary that churchianity seventh-day Sabbath. This and other uses scripturally unfounded reasons to denunciations led to the persecution of observe Sunday when the truth is that a True Believers who still observed the pagan sun worshiper was the one who seventh-day Sabbath. From that point was responsible for the change. on Sunday as the Sabbath became a No man has the authority to change matter of church policy even though what Yahweh ordained at creation. We the change had nothing to do with the must answer those who say otherwise with the words of the Apostle Peter in Scriptures. Acts 5:29, “Peter and the other apostles The Seventh Day in the Kingdom replied: ‘We must obey Yahweh rather Almighty Yahweh has blessed His than men!’” people by giving them the seventh- This article just skims the surface day Sabbath. Observance of this of biblical information proving that
Yahweh’s seventh-day Sabbath is to be observed now, as it was in times past and as it will be in the future when our Savior returns and establishes the Kingdom of Yahweh on this earth. Let us conclude by looking through the eyes of Isaiah the prophet, into the not too distant future and see the Sabbath being observed by all mankind. “As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me, declares Yahweh, so will your name and descendants endure. From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, all mankind will come and bow down before me, says Yahweh” (Isaiah 66:22-23). May Yahweh richly reward the obedient now, who keep the commandments of Yahweh and have the testimony of Yahshua the Messiah. n
Projected
2011 Holy Days Passover - April 18
Feast of Unleavened Bread April 19-25 Pentecost - June 12 Trumpets - September 29 Atonement - October 8 Feast of Tabernacles & Last Great Day - October 13-20 These are projected dates for the year of 2011 and may be subject to change, depending on the sighting of the new moon in the U.S. and the barley in Israel.
RESTORATION TIMES MAGAZINE November/December 2010
7
Is the New Testament Really Christian? Part II
by Alan Mansager
Most Bible professing people think that the teachings of New Testament Christianity replace virtually everything prescribed in the Old Testament. In this article’s second half we examine more evidence that what we typically see in teaching and practice today hardly resembles what we find in the New Testament Scriptures.
S
omeone asked, if Christianity is the true faith, what about all the millions who lived prior to its inception? Are they lost? The question speaks directly to an important issue: was the New Testament faith a brandnew religion started 2,000 years ago, or was it a continuation of what Yahweh began in Genesis, with some key modifications? Should not the authentic faith taught and practiced by Yahshua and the apostles in the New Testament be evident among today’s believers? We invite you to look beneath the veneer of today’s worship and compare it, teaching-by-teaching and act-for-act with the New Testament. We believe you will be shocked by what you discover, even in the most basic of doctrines. First, we look at the name itself. Is “Christian” a legitimate label for believers in the New Testament? Fifteen years following the impalement of Yahshua, New Testament believers were identified by three terms, only one of which was employed by the early believers for themselves. These designations were: • “Nazarenes,” a name used by Jews for the converted believers, Acts 24:5. 8
• “Christian,” a label concocted by Greek Gentiles for the early Assembly: “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch,” Acts 11:26. Believers in Yahshua did not routinely call themselves Christians until the third century and by then it was a totally different group from the group in Acts. • Followers of “the Way,” a term the believers sometimes used for themselves. “And he entered the synagogue and continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of Elohim. But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, he withdrew from them and took away the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus” (Acts 19.8-9). “And about that time there arose no small disturbance concerning the Way (Acts 19:23). But Felix, having a more exact knowledge about the Way, put them off…” (Acts 24:22). Those who followed “the Way” are the earliest group of True Believers of which we have record in the Scriptures. “Church” derives from the Greek goddess Circe, which then morphed into the Dutch Kirk and German Kirche. We avoid using it in reference to the true Body of Messiah because of its heathen origin.
RESTORATION TIMES MAGAZINE November/December 2010
From its earliest usage the word “church” has been understood in pagan environments, then later in Roman Catholicism and now in this present day as a building, but never has the word “church” in Scripture represented the Greek word ekklesia. Church was a pagan concept and not a Christian one. Kuriakon, kirche, and church all meant simply a religious building, originally used that way by pagans and later by Christians following pagan customs. Christians originally didn’t use buildings, which distinguished them from the pagans whose focus was on buildings, statues, rank ritual and physical objects (Fausset’s Bible Dictionary). Significantly, Yahshua did not create or authorize any specific designation for His followers. He refers to them as disciples and believers, followers and friends. But He never employed any official name for the body of Messiah. Sources Verify ‘Nazarenes’ Prophecy said that Yahshua of Nazareth would be called a Nazarene. “And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene,” Matthew 2:23. From that association Yahshua’s followers would unofficially take on the identity of “Nazarenes.”
If there is a historical group with whom believers today can identify as being closest to the original teachings, it would be these Nazarenes who followed the Way. From the evidence, the Nazarenes were true to the teachings of Yahshua and the apostolic Assembly, making them likely the true Assembly of His day. (There is no connection between those ancient Nazarenes and today’s Church of the Nazarene.) According to the early “church father” Epiphanius (7,2), Nazarenes used both the Old and New testaments. He writes, “For they use not only the New Testament but also the Old, like the Jews. For the Legislation and the Prophets and the Scriptures, which are called the Bible by the Jews, are not rejected by them as they are by those mentioned above” (Manicheans, Marcionites, Gnostics). He also writes that they know Hebrew and read the Old Testament and at least one Evangel in that language (7,4; 9,4): “They have a good mastery of the Hebrew language. For the entire Law and the Prophets and what is called the Scriptures, I mention the poetical books, Kings, Chronicles and Esther and all the others, are read by them in Hebrew as in the case with the Jews, of course. They have the entire Gospel of Matthew in Hebrew. It is carefully preserved by them in Hebrew letters.” Latin Vulgate translator Jerome is another authenticator, especially because he quotes from Nazarenewritten works. The third century scholar wrote, “The most important conclusion of this chapter is that the Nazarenes were not mentioned by earlier fathers not because they did not exist but rather because they were still generally considered to be acceptably orthodox.” Here in a nutshell are the significant beliefs of the Nazarenes or earliest followers of Yahshua: • They believed the Old Testament as well as the New. • They believed in and accepted the Messiah, His resurrection, angels, spirits, haSatan, and the supernatural.
• They attended the synagogue, and kept the Feasts of Leviticus 23. • They obeyed the laws of Moses (Acts 6:14, 21:21). Circumcision and the Believers In about the year 50 CE a crisis developed that Paul had to deal with by consulting the other elders at Jerusalem. It was instigated by those who thought new converts had to convert to Judaism and adopt Jewish customs before they could enter the New Covenant body. The significant question we must ask is, why was this even an issue and why did Paul and the other leaders of the New Testament assembly have such a difficult time dealing with it? Clearly it arose because of the Jewish roots of the New Testament assembly. Early New Testament believers were Jews converted to messiahship and Yahshua’s message. Paul’s ministry changed the dynamics when he began to convert those of non-Jewish ancestry – known collectively as Gentiles. These Gentile converts had a dilemma. They were joining a “Jewish” sect, and to be Jewish involved circumcision – an unappealing rite of initiation for any adult male. Their impasse posed a crucial doctrinal complication: if the New Testament faith is for everyone, how does one become part of it? Was physical circumcision still required? The Apostles Paul and Barnabas and others did not have complete understanding of how to proceed on this issue, having never encountered it before. We read about the deadlock in Acts 15:1-2; 6-9: “And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren [and said], Except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.” (Keep in mind, the issue was over the specific rite of physical
circumcision and not whether to obey the law generally. Abolishing the law was never an option with Yahshua or Paul or any other apostle.) “And the apostles and elders came together for to consider this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men [and] brethren, you know how that a good while ago Elohim made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the evangel, and believe. And Elohim, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.” Going from classic Judaism to the New Testament faith of Yahshua did not involve the complete transformation that many think. According to Eusebius’ History the first 15 bishops of Jerusalem were “of the circumcision.” The big issues in the New Testament were accepting Yahshua as the Messiah as well as His sacrifice, eliminating man-made laws and traditions, and understanding the higher, spiritual intent and purpose of Yahweh’s laws. These changes were significant, but were not anything close to a complete overhaul or replacement of the Old Testament faith—a bogus notion taught by many today. Yahshua did not come to start a whole new religion, but to make some necessary changes to what was already there in order to deal effectively with man’s sin. Off on the Wrong Foot The toxic upheaval that derailed most of the early movement arose from the doctrinal chaos that became Christianity. Christianity has always been a highly eclectic belief system. A potpourri of teachings and practices not found anywhere in Yahweh’s Word. How could such a thing have happened? One historian observed, “The church of our [Savior] was established in Jerusalem on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of [Messiah]. Continued on page 12
RESTORATION TIMES MAGAZINE November/December 2010
9
Feature Article
Part I
by Randy Folliard
S
ince the beginning of the New Testament, the gift of tongues has been an intriguing topic for Bible scholars and students alike. Many questions surround this gift, including: What does it mean to speak in tongues? Do the modern examples of “tongues” correspond to what we find in Scripture? How is this gift used? Do we see signs of this gift today? To answer these questions, we will review • the modern history of tongues • the Biblical definition of tongues, • the gift of tongues • the benefits of tongues, and • how this gift was used in the New Testament assembly. 10
Modern Tongues Movement According to most Pentecostal references, the modern Pentecostal Movement can be traced back to a Charles Fox Parham. Parham was born on June 4, 1873 in Iowa. Through personal tragedy Parham at the age of seven made a commitment to follow his Father in heaven. In 1898 Parham opened his divine healing home in Topeka, Kan., which he named “Bethel.” It was Parham’s goal to provide for those seeking healing and spiritual enlightenment. Later, he was encouraged to open a Bible School. Parham believed that missionaries to other lands should be able to
RESTORATION TIMES MAGAZINE November/December 2010
preach in the native tongue or language. To receive additional insight on this subject, he gave a special assignment to his students to determine the Biblical evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. According to Pentecostal reports, although the students found that different gifts were given at the outpouring of the Spirit, the gift of speaking in tongues occurred in each. In a prayer service that followed, the first alleged occurrence of “tongues” was reported. One of Parham’s students, Agnes Ozman, asked that hands be laid upon her to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. At first Parham refused, as he never experienced the gift of tongues. Nevertheless,
she persisted and Parham agreed. As hands were laid upon Ozman, it is reported that she spoke and wrote in the Chinese language. This one episode is regarded by many as the beginning of the modern Pentecostal-Holiness movement. It’s fascinating that the lady spoke in Chinese! This is precisely what we find in Scripture. Most examples of tongues that we hear today are utterances of jibberish. This is not what Parham taught nor is it what we find in the first occurrence. Parham believed that it was important to be able to evangelize in the native language and for him tongues meant speaking in a native language. With this background, let us now consider what we find within the Word about speaking in tongues. First Account in the NT What does it mean to speak in tongues? The answer is found in Acts 2:1-4: “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” This is the first account of speaking in tongues found in the New Testament. There are several points to explore. First, the occasion was the day of Pentecost, otherwise known as the Feast of Weeks. Significantly, the outpouring of Yahweh’s Spirit happened on a Feast day. According to Jewish tradition, it was also on this same day that Yahweh’s Law was given to Israel in the Old Testament. As
Scripture indicates in Exodus 19:1, Yahweh’s law and Holy Spirit were both given on a day that Yahweh marked as holy or sacred. Second, we find that this gift was through the Holy Spirit and that it was manifested as a rushing wind and fire. So we find that when this gift was given that there were physical signs that were seen and heard by those present. Third, we find that this gift allowed those in attendance to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. This third point is most important. What does it mean to speak in other tongues? The word “tongues” comes from the Greek glossa, meaning, “a language” (specially, one naturally unacquired) (Strong’s Concordance Greek Dictionary).
This gift is not jibberish but known languages used in the New Testament Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines this word as, “the language or dialect used by a particular people distinct from that of other nations.” A third witness states: “(1) the “tongues... like as of fire” which appeared at Pentecost; (2) “the tongue,” as an organ of speech, e. g., Mark 7:33; Rom 3:13; 14:11; 1 Cor 14:9; Phil 2:11; James 1:26; 3:5,6,8; 1 Peter 3:10; 1 John 3:18; Rev 16:10; (3) (a) “a language,” coupled with phule, “a tribe,” laos, “a people,” ethnos, “a nation,” seven times in the Apocalypse, 5:9; 7:9; 10:11; 11:9; 13:7; 14:6; 17:15; (b) “the supernatural gift of speaking in another language without its having been learnt” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words). Based on these references, speaking in other tongues means speaking in a known language
that is not naturally acquired and different from one’s own. It should also be noted that the word “other” in verse 4 comes from the Greek word heteros, which literally means, “another of a different kind” (Companion Bible). In this instance, we find that when the people spoke in different languages, they were all known languages, a point that must not go unnoticed. This again is very different from what is considered speaking in tongues or glossa today. As we read on, we continue to see evidence of glossa referring to known languages. “And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of Elohim. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?” (Acts 2:5-12). In this passage we find that all those gathered heard others speaking in their native tongue or language. There were visitors from 15 nations. After they heard one another speak in different languages, followed by Peter’s dynamic sermon (Acts 2:1436), about 3,000 were pricked in
RESTORATION TIMES MAGAZINE November/December 2010
11
their hearts and gave their lives over to the Messiah through repentance and baptism (Acts 2:38, 41). If not for the outpouring of the spirit and the gift of tongues, this great awakening may never have happened. This gift was for a purpose and that purpose was to increase the growth and strength of the assembly. So from this passage we find what it means to speak in tongues or glossa — speaking in other languages acquired through Yahweh’s Spirit and that are different from your own. This gift is not jibberish but known languages used in the New Testament to convert nonbelievers. A Variety of Gifts Given We find within the Word that speaking in tongues is one of many gifts. “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. You know that you were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as you were led. Wherefore I give you to understand that no man speaking by the Spirit of Elohim calls Yahshua accursed: and that no man can say that Yahshua is the Master, but by the Holy Spirit. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Master. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same Elohim which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues” (1Cor. 12:1-10). S ome may have the ability to speak in other languages, while others may have the ability to interpret what is said. In part 2 we explore in detail the purpose of tongues and specific examples of how it was used in the New Testament.n 12
Is the New Testament Really Christian? Part 2 In it practices that are common in the religious world today were not found. Before the death of the apostles they gave such admonitions and exhortations as were necessary to keep the church pure…The failure of those who professed to be the people of [Yahweh], to accept the scriptures as the only safe guide, allowed pagan ceremonies and Jewish practices to be brought into the worship of the church” (History of the Church Through the Ages, Robert H. Brumback, p. 19). For example, in the second and third centuries there were Christians
Constantine, arguably a convert to the new movement, took advantage of the doctrinal chaos to mold Christianity to his own advantage. who worshiped a single mighty one. But others insisted that there were two. Some said there were thirty. Others claimed there were 365. Note what one writer observed, “As long as the gospel remained on the Jewish ground, there were mainly Jewish assemblies and, therefore, no discussions about the [Majesty] were known. At this stage, Roman and Greek thoughts and pagan thinking over gods and goddesses were brought into the discussions” (Traditional Christianity, Truth or Deception?, Ewald Frank, p. 27). Also in the second century began a movement away from “Jewish Christians.” “The Christians were declared to be [Yahweh’s] Israel and the Jews to be renegades who had fallen away.
RESTORATION TIMES MAGAZINE November/December 2010
The Apostle Paul looked upon this matter in a totally different way, ‘For in Messiah Yahshua neither circumcision availeth anything nor uncircumcision but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them and mercy, and upon Israel of Elohim.’ The Apostle Peter also made an important statement in this regard ‘…of a truth I perceive that Elohim is no respecter of persons; but in every nation he that fears Him, and works righteousness, is accepted with Him’ Acts 10:34-35.” Ibid, p. 30. Amalgamation with pagan beliefs, which became another hallmark of Christianity, led to doctrinal heresies and profane practices. “In regard to doctrine, Christendom was slowly taken step by step from the Jewish foundation and placed upon heathen thinking,” (Brumback) . He notes, “In the beginning the church was pure. The divine plan of the church as revealed in the New Testament, was followed. Now the apostasy of which the apostles warned, began to develop,” History, p. 31. Early on, disagreement reigned over such basics as which day to worship on. Most adhered to the seventh day of the week or Saturday, as was established by Yahweh’s Fourth Commandment and observed for thousands of years. Those who sought to distance themselves from the Hebraic roots of the early movement argued for Sunday, the first day of the week. The wrangling went on for centuries until Roman Emperor Constantine forced Sunday rest upon the realm by imperial edict: “In the year 321 A.D., Constantine decreed, ‘On the venerable day of the Sun let the magistrates and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed’” (Codex Justinianus lib. 3, tit. 12, 3; trans. in Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, Vol. 3, p. 380, note 1). Heathen converts did not just bequeath their Sun-day worship, either. “Many of our religious ideas, festivals and ceremonies, as witness Easter and Christmas, may be traced back to an origin in the practice and belief
of our heathen ancestors,” Medieval and Modern History, Philip Van Ness Myers, p. 42. (Request or read online our booklets, December 25 – Birthday of the Sun and also Easter – the Fertility of It All.) Constantine, arguably a convert to the new movement, took advantage of the doctrinal chaos to mold Christianity to his own liking. “He availed himself of the apostate Christendom and at the same time he did not break totally with heathenism. He supported the building of heathen temples and also the erection of Christian churches,” Frank, p. 27. Paul: A Law-keeping Apostle One characteristic common in the earliest Assemblies of the New Testament was explicit fidelity to the Law and the Prophets, which had pointed prophetically to Yahshua’s coming. Yahshua understood Himself in an Old Testament context. In Luke 24:44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” His followers were to be true to the fundamentals found in the Old Testament, the ONLY Scriptures in existence in His day. Churchianity today says that it follows Paul’s lead, contending that Paul taught against the law. Is this true? Surprisingly to many, we find Paul affirming in Acts that he was also a believer and follower of the Old Testament and its laws. “But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the Elohim of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law, and that is written in the Prophets,” Acts 24:14. In Acts 21 Paul comes to Jerusalem and sits down with the other elders, including James, and gives a report of his ministry. He is then told that some people believed he taught against the law. Here is their accusation: “And they are informed of you, that you teach all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise [their] children, neither to walk after
Ceiling mosaic from Pope Julius the 1st’s mausoleum under St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, “Christ-Sol” (Christ as the Sun). Representation of the Messiah as the sun-god Helios or Sol Invictus riding his chariot. Dated to the 3rd century C.E. Early Christian and pagan beliefs are cleary seen in this thirdcentury depiction. The triumphant sun-god, with rays shooting from his head, is pulled by two rearing horses in his chariot. The Dionysian vines in the background become the vines of Messiah.
the customs. What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. Do therefore this that we say to you: We have four men which have a vow on them; Them take, and purify yourself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave [their] heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning you, are nothing; but [that] you yourself also walk orderly, and keep the law” Acts 21:21-24. And so Paul proceeded to demonstrate that he was a law-keeper, not a law-abolisher.
Roots of the true Assembly are planted firmly in the beliefs and practices of the early New Testament believers who held true to fundamental teachings of Yahshua and the apostles. By harmonizing the entire Scriptures the believer can be assured of keeping faith of Yahshua and His disciples just as those who adhered to the Way did from the start. We note the changes that Yahshua’s coming mandated in the New Testament and we adjust our beliefs and practices accordingly. Man’s traditions must never set the standard for our worship today. n . MAGAZINE November/December 2010 RESTORATION TIMES 13
The Bible says in John 3:13 that no one has ever gone to heaven, but I read in 2Kings 2:11 that Eliyah was taken up to Heaven. Please explain. - email
The account of EliYah in 2Kings 2:11 is often used to justify that man goes to heaven after death. With careful study, however, one will find that EliYah never traveled to heaven. One reason we know is the fact that King Jehoram received a letter from EliYah after this incident (2Chron. 21:12). We believe that the chariot of fire and whirlwind described in this passage were likely manifestations of Yahweh’s Spirit (compare with 2Kings 6:17) and the reference to heaven simply refers to the “first heaven,” which by definition in Strong’s Concordance is “the visible arch in which the clouds move.” Three heavens are spoken of in Scripture. No conflict exists between John 3:13 and 2Kings 2:11. Yahshua, our authority on heaven, stated that no man had gone to heaven except for himself who also descended from heaven. Additional understanding can be gleaned in the Biblical concept of death and the resurrection. Scripture clearly states that upon death that one loses all thought (Ps. 146:4) and is only awakened to consciousness at the resurrection (Dan. 2:12, 1Thess. 4:1316). You have said that the sacrificial system has been set aside for the time being. Is it supposed to start up again? What does this mean and where can it be found in scripture? -LS 14
Many have difficulty understanding how sacrifices can be in effect in the coming Kingdom when Yahshua sacrificed once for all. However, in Jeremiah 23:6 we read that there will be a change in Yahshua’s role in the Kingdom, “In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, YAHWEH OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Yahshua’s mission will change from being Yahweh’s Salvation to Righteousness. Those who did not know Him as “salvation” will in the Kingdom need to return to sacrifices as they will not have his sacrificial blood covering their sins. That is what we find in Zechariah 14:21: “Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto Yahweh of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of Yahweh of hosts.” Animal sacrificing in the Kingdom is also clear from Isaiah 66:21; Ezekiel 44:15, 29-31 and the entire 45th chapter of Ezekiel. I came across an article off a website explaining that we are to use the lunar conjunction and equinox to begin the month and year, respectively... I wanted to get your thoughts on it. I am so new to this... and need your help. - Sandra The site begins by making the case that
RESTORATION TIMES MAGAZINE November/December 2010
the visible crescent is absent from Scripture. They need to look deeper and discover that Exodus and Deuteronomy clearly reveal the crescent: “This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you” (Ex. 12:2, KJV). “Observe the month of Abib, and keep the Passover unto Yahweh thy Elohim: for in the month of Abib Yahweh thy Elohim brought thee forth out of Egypt by night” (Deut. 16:1, KJV). The word “month” in both of the above passages is derived from the Hebrew chodesh meaning, “the new moon; by implication, a month” (Strong’s Concordance). Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words offers this definition, “The word refers to the day on which the crescent reappears.” The word chodesh is from the primitive root chadash, meaning, “to be new; causatively, to rebuild” (Strong’s). Clearly, the “black moon” or conjunction is neither new nor in the process of rebuilding. The only phase of the moon that fits this description is the first visible crescent. Another key is in Deuteronomy 16:1. The word “observe” is from the Hebrew shamar. A key meaning of shamar is “to mark, look narrowly for” the new moon of Abib (Strong’s). How does one mark or look narrowly for a moon that is black and invisible? It would be impossible. An argument some cite for a calculated new moon is that David
knew in advance when the new moon would fall, 1Sam. 20:5. Anyone capable of counting to 30 could know the same thing. The lunar cycle is approximately 29.5 days. As a result, the new moon falls at either 29 days or 30 days from its last verification. If it were not seen at day 29 we can be assured it will be visible at day 30. Historical evidence also confirms that Israel began the month with the first visible crescent: “The Hebrew or Jewish calendar had three stages of development: the preexilic, or Biblical; the postexilic, or Talmudic; and the post-Talmudic. The first rested on observation merely, the second on observation coupled with calculation, and the third on calculation only. In the first period the priests determined the beginning of each month by the appearance of the new moon” (International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, “Calendar”). Another source confirms, “The Israelites divided their year according to natural phenomena exclusively, combining the solar and lunar years. The months began with the new moon, but the first month was fixed (after the Exodus and by the necessities of the Passover) by the ripening of the earliest grain, namely, barley. The lunar month averaging 29 1/2 days, a year of twelve months of 30 and 29 days alternately resulted” (The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary, Calendar). This reference also verifies that the Israelites marked the year by the ripening of the barley. “The month was a unit of time closely tied to the moon. The Hebrew word for “month” also meant “moon” (Deut 33:14, NIV, NASB). The reason for the connection between the month and the moon is that the beginning
of a month was marked by a new moon. The moon was carefully observed by the people of Bible times. When it appeared as a thin crescent, it marked the beginning of a new month” (Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Calendar). As for the vernal equinox starting the Biblical year, there is no Scriptural evidence to justify such a claim. Besides the fact that the equinox is absent from scripture, perhaps the best evidence is found in the name for the first month, i.e., Abib. Actually, “Abib” is less of a name and more of a description of the stage of ripening grain. Strong’s Concordance offers this definition for Abib: “to be tender; green, i.e. a young ear of grain; hence, the name of the month Abib or Nisan.” By its very definition we find the first month firmly tied to agriculture, specifically grain or barley. Notice that the equinox is nowhere referenced. In addition to Strong’s, we find the following from the Brown Driver & Briggs Hebrew Lexicon, “(1) fresh, young barley ears, barley (2) month of ear-forming, of greening of crop, of growing green Abib, the month of the Exodus and the Passover (March or April).” Following is more confirmation from scholarly references: “The
month Nisan [a later name]. Meaning ears of grain, namely, barley (Ex 13:4). …the Jews began harvest by gathering a sheaf of barley firstfruits” (Fausset’s Bible Dictionary, “Abib”). “The month the Hebrews were divinely directed to make the first of the year as a memorial of their deliverance from Egypt (Ex 12:1-2; 13:4). The Passover and the feast of unleavened bread occurred in it, and it marked the beginning of the barley harvest” (The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary, “Abib”). “(‘Abhibh, young ear of barley or other grain, Ex 9:31; Lev 2:14): The first month of the Israelitish year, called Nisan in Neh 2:1; Est 3:7, is Abib in Ex 13:4; 23:15; 34:18; compare Deut 16:1. Abib is not properly a name of a month, but part of a descriptive phrase, “the month of young ears of grain.” This may indicate the Israelitish way of determining the new year (Ex 12:2), the year beginning with the new moon nearest or next preceding this stage of the growth of the barley” (International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, “Abib”). Write or go online for our study, ABCs of the Biblical Calendar. It examines in detail how Yahweh establishes His Sabbath and Feast days.
The Timing of Passover Herculean efforts are made to show unscriptural ways to calculate the Passover. Find out what the Bible clearly says without the baggage of bogus doctrine and man-made ideas. All in an easily understood booklet! Request: 573-896-9248 www.yrm.org/literature.htm RESTORATION TIMES MAGAZINE November/December 2010
15
For Women by Women
Harvesting
Peaches
by Linda Lowe
O
ne of my favorite Sabbath spaces is my hammock under two trees in our backyard. Last Sabbath, after listening to the live YRM sermon I was lying there remembering the Feast. One sister had brought bushels of apples and pears from her yard and I was thinking how wonderful it would be to live in Missouri where you could have fruit growing in your very own yard. My ambitious spiritual sisters had gardens larger than my whole yard and had busily spent their days canning and preserving their produce. As I swayed back and forth I looked down at the ground and noticed some small yellow round balls that looked like “wanna be” peaches from the tree I had haphazardly planted years before. We had never had peaches before that looked like these; we had hard, small green things that looked like olives. I was filled with hope. Would there be juice in these? Would they taste good? I picked one up and tasted the liquid that ran out. It was sweet, and I was delighted that we had hundreds of little yellow peaches all around the tree. I had been listening to Elder Randy and the importance of agriculture in the scriptures but, living in the suburbs I couldn’t physically relate to “seed time and harvest” and Yahweh, 16
in his infinite wisdom was giving me an elementary school lesson. I remembered an early spring conversation with my husband. He told me that he was going to borrow a chainsaw and “trim” the trees. I was upset, I liked the wild look of plants and argued that we needed the shade of the trees when we went outside even if our 6’ plus family and friends almost knocked themselves out when they came to the front door. To no avail, one day while I was at work my husband “scalped” the trees. They looked bare and forlorn; the peach tree in fact was only half of what it had been previously. But I was beginning to see what pruning could do. A wild shapeless
RESTORATION TIMES MAGAZINE November/December 2010
tree was never going to be all that it could be, it would never produce the way that Yahweh had planned. I was flooded with images. Those who came to the Feast had left their possessions (and later on Facebook said how they didn’t miss them). We had come, recently pruned during the Day of Atonement and had arrived with only a little baggage. We left our homes and lives to be planted spiritually in the rich deep soil of Yahweh’s truth. We were like trees rooted by the streams of living water, spiritually pruned by our Heavenly Father to produce good fruit. The fruit at the 2010 Feast was truly overwhelming, the best that I have ever experienced. Mature trees were laden with love, joy, peace, and longsuffering, the new trees brought the fruits of goodness, kindness, and patience. I spent hours the day after the Sabbath juicing those first harvested peaches and thinking how important it is to cut away the unnecessary parts of our lives. I have ziplock bags of peach juice in my freezer that may last for a few months. The sweet, abundant spiritual fruit that I tasted and experienced at the Feast will, I hope, last forever. n
The Real Price of
For Women by Women
Numbers Don’t Lie, Do They? The American Research Group, Inc. (ARG) released stats in late 2009 that showed Christmas spending was down from spending in 2008, and that number Part two of emotional was down from 2007 spending series. figures. The recession has impacted giftby Amy Pletz giving, and shopping in general for sure. shopping inter is upon us. The distinct Internet (42%) has now surpassed scent of fresh-cut evergreens shopping fills the air as people flock catalog (36%) for the first time. Most report to makeshift nurseries in already full it’s the ease in the shopping process parking lots, despite scripture telling us this custom is “worthless” (Jeremiah and the convenience of shopping in the comfort of one’s own home that 10:3-5). The sound of bells jingling and drives them to shop online, but what change clanking against metal donation if the lure of the internet in the home pots can be heard at nearly every store is just too great for many to stay away entrance; tis the season for giving, so from “window shopping?” Also, just we hear. Men in oversized red suits because people report to spend a certain belt “Ho-Ho-Ho” while holding lied- amount, doesn’t mean they aren’t to children on their laps urging them to actually spending more. This goes be good or he won’t slide down their back to the guilt of buyer’s remorse and even admitting to spend more than chimneys with gifts. I can’t help recanting with a “No- one knows she can afford. No-No.” I dread this worldly holiday, an But, what’s the real price of giftobservance rooted in pagan traditions. giving? And is this feeding frenzy I mean, come on, I just met an atheist filling the masses or are they coming who said he loves Christmas because up still hungry for something more? it’s not religious, just a family tradition. Defended by millions to be a The Real Price of Gift-Giving celebration of the “birth of Christ,” The sweater’s tag boasts a red sticker, this myth has turned the days, and and my mind automatically equates even weeks and months leading up to this with “sale.” This is what I like to December 25 into a gift-giving, keeping- call “the hook” phase of the shopping up-appearances, total spending frenzy. experience. But let me first back up In the previous issue we looked to phase one of this experience, “the at underlying issues that cause some courtship.” women to over-shop, from a pursuit to As soon as you enter a store, displays find happiness or as a means to calm and signs are strategically positioned emotional woes. Now we explore the to woo you into commitment. Some trap of spending money in excess, stores go so far as to pump scents beyond one’s means, in order to into the air to stimulate your sense of give gifts, and the psychology of smell. Music is selected to bring you keeping up appearances in the gift- cheer and offer a sense of calming, giving process. Christmas shopping to increase purchasing power. Sales falls right into the discussion of clerks are coached to make customers financial traps, so does the plastic that feel at home. Back to that sweater that’s on people use to spend, spend, spend.
Gift-Giving
W
sale. I ask myself, “Do I need this? Will I wear it?” I rub the soft texture of that pretty red fabric. I then enter the “me stage.” This is when I make myself feel like I deserve the sweater because I work hard. As I am trying to make sense of this potential purchase, I am holding the sweater, I am looking at the red sale sticker, I am hearing the gentle lullaby of the store’s music, and then a clerk walks by and tells me that the color makes my eyes look great. The temptation can be too much at times. Thankfully, I am stronger than the snare, and I put the sweater down to give it more thought. This is the “rationalization stage” of the experience. I remind myself that I have sweaters at home that are just as nice, sweaters I don’t even wear. From here I can either enter the “commitment phase” or “the release.” I decide to walk away. This five-stage process unravels for millions of people every day. But it gets a little more complicated when the item is for someone else. According to Psychology professor Karen Pine, an expert in the psychology of money, people give for more reasons than to simply give someone a present. People give gifts for the reactions to gift-giving, meaning how someone responds to receiving the gift they give. “There’s a strong pressure to appear grateful, even if the gift isn’t what we want. Yet when we say, ‘It’s just what I always wanted,’ who are we really kidding?” Pine’s research reveals that gifts can actually change relationships for some and that some even suffer from gift-giving anxiety, as revealed in her studies of the psychology of gift exchange. This all ties to the emotional element of spending. Watch for the final part of this financial-awareness series in next month’s issue, as we “wrap it up.” May you walk that good walk in becoming a virtuous woman. n
RESTORATION TIMES MAGAZINE November/December 2010
17
For Women by Women
Slip-Sliding Away by Debbie Reed
“Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.” Ecclesiastes 1:4
I
t is a gorgeous day in late May. My parents are here from Florida for a week, school is out and summer vacation has begun, freeing me from my teaching duties. My son is mowing the lawn and my daughter is playing with our two dogs, Chestnut and Annie. I, as usual, am in the kitchen adjusting the herbs and spices in the large amount of potato salad that I’m preparing for the barbecue we have for family and friends each year. My mother has been undergoing treatment for a rare autoimmune disease, but is responding well and we are hopeful that she will be cured. Basking in the love, smiles and sunshine, I savor these moments and
imagine that life will continue on this way forever. That was fifteen years ago… This afternoon, among the falling leaves of autumn, I walked down to the pond to visit my parents’ graves under the large hickory tree. Gazing 18
at their gravestones, I remember my mom’s happy chatter as we washed the dishes together and my dad’s dry humor as he chided me for missing a crumb while wiping off the dinner table. I also recall their last days and wish I had been able to ease their suffering. I miss them so much. Earlier this morning I talked to my daughter in upstate New York. Both she and our son are now married and living in other cities. We see them occasionally and speak to them over the phone often. On this overcast October day, as I walk alone from the pond through the pasture, I can still hear children laughingly calling the dogs to come play. It isn’t the same now. Those days are gone forever. As we see the progression of and changes in our lives, we all at some point question the purpose of our existence. In the short term, purpose can be found in our relationships with friends, family, community or work. But, friends leave, children grow up, parents die, communities change, and careers end. All that is left is the same question that has haunted and driven mankind since the beginning of time: What is the meaning of it all? In Ecclesiates 9:9 Solomon said, “Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which He hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity”. We are commanded to live joyfully. This excludes living with guilt, fear, avarice, jealousy and hate. These emotions are all expressions of the ego, the self, and do not lead to joy. Are all of the desires and conflicts we experience worth the regrets and losses that we must
RESTORATION TIMES MAGAZINE November/December 2010
later suffer? Is there a way we can change our attitudes, and ourselves in the process, to live joyfully and give joy to others? I believe there is. This same verse also reminds us that our days are “vanity”. Life passes quickly for each of us and nothing we can of ourselves do will insure that we, and those we love, will live on forever. To think otherwise is prideful delusion. King Solomon, in his great wisdom, concluded that the whole duty of man is to fear (love and respect) Yahweh and keep His commandments. When we do this, we will live with gratitude, gladness and hope – despite our troubles – and, by our example, encourage those around us. We will also inherit His promise which is engraved upon my mother’s headstone; a promise we can hold onto: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Rev. 21:4 n
Letters to my life in the world but with alot more joy in my heart. Just can’t quit singing!! Yah Bless you all. Thank you for the love you showed Kelly, David and me. Take care. Love you all!” RFFacebook Comments on Tabernacles 2010 “Well, we made it all the way back to New Mexico! We thank you and the assembly for all that you did for us, your hospitality and the love shown towards our family. I will miss my long conversations with the brethren. Yahweh has truly blessed us.” – RR, NM “Just wanted to take a minute and say thanks for the FOT report! We are still feeling the uplift and are doing even better in our everyday studying and our return to home lives! Truly we are blessed to have found you! May Yahweh continue to bless you at YRM... Our new family addition!” — KP, OH “After almost 4700 miles we finally arrived back home last Wednesday evening. We were greatly blessed to have attended FOT with YRM. The feast was everything my family had hoped for and more. If there was a downside it would have to be that there were too many attending to get a chance to really meet everyone. Most of the messages were very good. It was good to find so many with strong convictions to follow Yahweh. By far a very positive experience.” — DB and family, WA “Just wanted to say HI to everyone I met at FOT. I really feel I have a family now! It was a WONDERFUL time. I praise Yah that He lead us to you. Hope everyone got home okay. Back
“What a fantastic time we all enjoyed. Yahweh’s spirit and grace filled the entire camp! This is something difficult to capture on film. HalleluYAH!” RTFacebook “One of my best in 40 years, it was wonderful. Loved how there was a comfort level with everyone right from the start. Can’t imagine how it could have been better. Thanks to everyone who was there-you are treasured!” LLFacebook “The feast was a great blessing and fun time for all. The Raleigh group spent a whole Sabbath and then some just talking about it... And already plans are being made for the next one! It was awesome... Again thanks for going all out like you do.. People know how much you do and are very appreciative.” — NH, NC “It was wonderful! Everyone worked so hard to make it great. So many new people--what a blessing!” AP- Facebook (A reflections on the Feast video is now online. If you are wanting to come to the Feasts but are hesitant about being in an unfamiliar group, it is well worth a look. -ED)
Minister Wants Truth
Minister Wants Truth “I happened to visit your website and I got so interested about your teaching, belief, and doctrine. I have sent
to you my first letter just to let you know about me. But I am willing to learn from your teaching. If you will, you can teach me about your doctrine, and help me understand more. I admit that for me, in my heart I still felt that something is missing, or I may say, I am seeking for the truth. Thank you so much, and may Yahweh bless you always.” – Pastor CL, email A Reminder “One of my favorite songs right now is called “Hold Us Together” by Matt Maher. I just wanted to tell you that every time I hear that song, I think of YRM, and every time I sit and watch the pictures change on the YRM Website homepage, I think of the song!” – TM, NY Zealous to Spread the Truth “I love your website teachings. I just signed up for a lot of free stuff. I would like a copy of every pamphlet you produce. I wonder if I may make copies of them to hand out. I met you on Abib Moon Network first. Today I was reminded of your ministry on Face Book. I will be posting a link to you on my FB page. How many pamphlets do you have? I will send donations for the stuff I requested. I do appreciate your work. I have been looking for a place to send donations. Because your ministry offers so much and for free I feel this is the best place. I do not have a lot of money, and most people I know are even worse off. There is so much need for the info you put into your pamphlets. I believe I could use them to help spread the True Evangel which is recorded in Rev. 14:6-7.” – LD, email (You are welcome to freely copy our studies just as they are, making no changes.—ED)
RESTORATION TIMES MAGAZINE November/December 2010
19
You can re-name the worship but you can’t take Mithras out of
Christmas
Free booklet
December 25 Birthday of the Sun
Call: 573-896-9249 Request online:
www.yrm.org
Yahweh’s
R e s t o r at i o n
Ministry
PO Box 463 Holts Summit, MO 65043
address service requested
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Holts Summit, MO Permit No. 463