Restoration Times Magazine May-June 2013

C O N T E N T S

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Magazine

VOL. 3 | No. 3 | May-June 2013

A R T I C L E S

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3 | Rewriting the New Testament

12 | Cry of the Unborn

by Randy Folliard

by Alan Mansager

7 | Freedom in Yahshua - Part 2

by Joel Wirl

9 | The Miracle of Pentecost

by Alan Mansager

16 | What Happens After Death?

by Randy Folliard 20 | Questions and Answers 22 | Restoration Study Bible Ad 23 | Letters

FRONT COVER: From its Hebraic source the New Testament has been transformed over time to look and feel Grecian photo - Randy Dimmett

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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

Rewriting the

New Testament

by Alan Mansager

The New Testament grew out of Hebraic teaching and practice, making it a continuation of the Old Testament. Once we accept that basic fact we will begin to understand it the way it was intended, not in the Westernized, Greco-Roman flavor it has been given today.

O

ver time myths and legends can take on a life of their own and often give the appearance of fact.

A common legend is that George Washington threw a silver dollar across the Potomac River, even though silver dollars did not exist at the time and the Potomac

was a mile wide. Paul Revere was supposed to have ridden from Boston to Lexington yelling, “The British are coming,� even though at the time most residents of Massachusetts considered themselves British.

Many Bible beliefs today are awash in myths that grew and flourished over the centuries and yet are nowhere found in its pages. Knowing how fables involving George Washington and Paul Revere became generally accepted in the course of only a couple hundred years, imagine how the facts can suffer after a couple of thousand years when it comes to the Scriptures.

Have you ever wondered why the

typical paintings of a Hebrew Messiah show an individual with western European features, including a narrow nose, blue eyes and long, golden hair?

Have you ever looked at illustrations in old Bibles depicting various biblical scenes and wondered why these ancient Israelites of the Middle East are all wearing clothing of Renaissance Italy, 1500 miles away and 1500 years into the future?

Over time, tradition and foreign beliefs have seriously altered the way the Bible is portrayed and understood today.

Perceptions sometimes deviate so far from the truth that for the sake of accuracy we must stop and take a serious look at what we have been told or believe. Debunking Restoration Times Magazine May-June 2013

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traditional error is a key part of the work of Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry.

Most of our society looks at the Bible through Westernized filters, rather than in the light of its native Hebraic language and culture. This problem has proved so stealthy and persistent through the millennia that most never give traditional notions a second thought. And they also don’t realize what is at risk. Until you fully grasp that the New Testament is an extension of the Old, with a few key revisions, you will not understand it properly.

Also coming down this path are many doctrinal disparities that were shaped by cultures and practices of people who came later. As a result, truth suffered substantially. Blinded by faulty teachings, many today don’t recognize the truth even when pointed out clearly and plainly.

Let’s dispel the first issue we raised regarding the Savior. The Messiah Yahshua (being a Jew, with a Hebrew Name) never had His portrait done by an artist or sculptor.

Even if some were lurking around Galilee He never would have posed for them.

No one today knows what He looked like. Scripture doesn't offer any description, except to indicate that He was average in appearance, had shorter hair, Ezekiel 44:20, 1 Corinthians 11:14 and a beard, Isaiah 50:6. He looked so much like any other Hebrew of His day that He could pass through a crowd of Jews unrecognized.

If the Bible had provided a description of His appearance many would create and worship His image rather than concentrate on what He said and did. Many do that regardless, focusing entirely on His person and overlooking His primary teaching about a coming Kingdom and the part the called can have in it.

Our Savior was certainly no weak and frail European, but a rugged Hebrew craftsman who worked with wood and stone. Being that His mother was Jewish, he had the typical dark, curly Mid-Eastern hair and features that reflected years of hard work and ministry carried out in the open elements and hot sun of the Middle East.

But this is only the tip of a huge iceberg.

Anomalies concerning the simplest biblical facts underscore the work of the Adversary to derail both a correct understanding of biblical truth as well as the proper worship that would naturally flow from it.

To understand the harmony of both

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Restoration Times Magazine May-June 2013

testaments we first must be open to their thousands of connections.

A Gulf Develops

Most of the Western world looks at the Bible through Western eyes. In actuality, the Bible is a book about Middle Eastern peoples known as Israel and their Hebrew beliefs in a Mighty One named Yahweh.

This fact applies to the New Testament as well as the Old and is basic to realizing what happened in the first several hundred years of the New Testament.

The plain fact is that the New Testament body of believers was still Hebraic in thinking and behavior. That they had inherited a “Jewish” Messiah was an inescapable fact, and it was His Hebraic roots that the early church would seek to suppress any way they could. It was something the third century Romanized “church” wanted to move away from.

Almost from the beginning the emerging universal church became entrenched in Greco-Roman trappings.

To distance their worship from its Israelite origins, another “Sabbath” day was created; biblical holy days, which were relegated as Old Testament obligations meant only for ancient Israel, were replaced by celebrations that would become predominately secular over time.

Passover, the memorial of Yahshua’s death, was morphed into Easter, a new celebration of His resurrection. Yet, the Roman church had zero authority from the Scriptures to create a resurrection observance.

New Testament writings of Hebrew men like Matthew, Mark, Paul, and Peter, were given a different spin to support an array of new doctrines, some of which reflected the teachings of Greek philosophers. Even their names were Grecianized in a subtle transformation.

Paul was given a Westernized facelift to advocate no-law disobedience in his letters. Peter’s experience was misinterpreted in Acts 10 to say all animals are now cleansed and edible.

Apostolic writings were ripped from their Israelite framework and force-fitted into a European culture and mindset. The Apostles were made to look as if they wrote their books and letters on the steps of Roman Basilicas.

Over time a vast gulf would develop between original biblical truth and modern beliefs. The pivotal question becomes:

Is the New Testament a Hebrew book, a Greek work, a Latin volume... or a hopeless mixture? And what difference does it make?

Even Bible students with a basic understanding of Scripture know that Hebrew is the language of the Old Testament manuscripts. It’s the language found in the text of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest Bible in existence.

But what about the New Testament?

The common belief is that the New Testament was originally written in Greek simply because Greek is the language of the oldest available manuscripts of the New Testament. By the same token, however, the Greek text also was the oldest available text of the Old Testament until the Dead Sea Scrolls, written in Hebrew, were discovered in 1947.

In the minds of many the New Testament included Jews who were in the process of switching from their Israelite faith to Grecianized, Romanized beliefs and language.

Along with that was a tacit belief that Paul, the major New Testament writer, was a Hellenist Jew from Tarsus who wrote his letters specifically to Greekspeaking assemblies in Asia Minor and the Mediterranean region ostensibly to convert them to a new religion.

This has worked to the advantage of those who want to keep the Old and New testaments separated and not viewed as a continuum of truth.

As we read Philippians 3:5 – which is part of Pau1's autobiography – let us ask ourselves whether cutting the New Testament away from the Old is proper or yet another tactic of the Adversary to derail proper understanding and worship.

Paul writes of himself, “Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee.”

Paul's own expression, “an Hebrew of Hebrews” is a Hebrew idiom that means a Hebrew through and through – in thinking, attitude, language, and life.

Paul, whose actual name was the Hebrew Shaul (the KJV also calls him Saul), was in fact a consummate Hebrew.

As for his politics, Paul was a Pharisee, a prominent sect of Judaism. Paul also grew up in Jerusalem, which was the center of Pharisaic Judaism.

Now at this point you might be saying,

yes I realize that Paul may have been a Hebrew, but he was educating various Greek-speaking churches through the Greek language.

In reality, Scripture reveals that Pau1's letters or epistles were written to various groups of the Jewish dispersion. Each group or assembly he founded contained a core of Jews along with others, including gentiles and Hellenists or Jews who spoke Greek. The Hebrews among them would then transmit the biblical message from Paul’s letters to the others in their circle.

Note what one authority writes: “ ...we must not forget that Christianity grew out of Judaism ... The Pauline epistles were letters written by Paul to small [Messianic] congregations in Asia Minor, Greece, and

Paul was a Jew and as a Jew he kept and taught seventh-day worship as well as Yahweh's seven annual Feast days.

He continued doing so even after being instructed and trained by the resurrected Messiah, showing us that nothing there changed with the death of the Savior. The law was still in effect.

Another example is his letter to the assembly at the Greek city of Corinth in 1Corinthians 10, where Paul talks about “our fathers” who were in the Exodus from Egypt, meaning their Israelite forefathers.

Repeatedly we find that Paul went to the synagogue on the Sabbath where both Jews and gentiles were worshiping. And he never told them to stop doing so. He never explained about any resurrection switch

from the Law and prophets, which was another way of saying the Old Testament Scriptures.

In addition, Paul included in his ministry and writings what he had learned from the resurrected Messiah Yahshua.

Obviously Paul saw no contradiction with combining fundamental Old Testament truth with what Yahshua had revealed for the New Testament worshiper.

Yahshua Himself said in Matthew 5:17 that He didn’t come to destroy the law or the prophets but to fulfill, or live out, the Old Testament Scriptures in obedience to His Father.

But Paul had critics coming at him from the other side too. In Acts 24:5 he is being accused by the religious establishment of being a ringleader of the “sect” of the Nazarenes, or the followers of the Savior of Nazareth. So he was getting it from both angles: those who thought the Old Testament was obsolete, and those who could not bear to hear about the New Testament Savior Yahshua.

Clearly, Paul harmonized Old and New testament doctrines in his writings. Being that he was directed to do so by the risen Savior, his approach is proper for us today.

In fact, this is what Paul had told the young Timothy in 2Timothy 3:16-17, “ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of Yahweh, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of Yahweh may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

“All Scripture” refers here specifically to the Old Testament and only later would include the New Testament once the New Testament was written.

How did it happen that two major, but divergent, world religions exist, with one supposedly based on the Old Testament and the other ostensibly founded on the New Testament? If the Old and New testaments teach the same basic truths, why the dichotomy? Is the Bible designed as two separate books, revealing one way of faithful obedience for Hebrews and a different way of simple faith for today’s believer?

“Paul was given a Westernized facelift to advocate no-law disobedience in his letters.

Peter’s experience was misinterpreted in Acts 10 to say all animals are now cleansed and edible.”

Rome. These early believers were mostly Jews of the dispersion, men and women of Hebrew origin ... The Epistles were translated into Greek for the use of converts who spoke Greek” (The Holy Bible from the Peshitta, by George Lamsa).

Incidentally, Greek gods were worshiped by the Greeks in Greek temples.

These temples were later repurposed into churches. Many of the old Roman Basilicas, which were public buildings in ancient Rome, were also appropriated for use as churches beginning in the 4th century. The circle was now complete.

Paul Sustains Sabbath Obedience

An example of how the Apostle Paul ministered first to the Hebrew-speaking Jewish element wherever he went is found in Acts 17. Here Paul and Silas come to Thessalonica, where there is a synagogue of the Jews.

In verse 2 we read: “And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures.”

Why did he go specifically to the synagogue, on three consecutive Sabbath days no less, if he was not interested in teaching the Jews the truth of the Savior?

that made Sunday the new Sabbath. Both Jew and gentile still kept the true Sabbath.

Also critical to our understanding is the question, which books did Paul teach from?

The only books in existence at the time were what were known as the Scriptures, the Old Testament.

This is highly significant because it is the Apostle Paul who is a preeminent transmitter of the New Testament, after the Savior Himself, of course. He taught from the Old Testament, the only Bible in existence. The Old Testament was a Hebrew collection of books about Hebrew people – not Greeks or Romans, but Israelites and their faith.

Notice what he said in Acts 24:14: “But this I confess unto you, 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.” The word “heresy” here refers to men following their own tenets (as in a sect or party).

By continuing to teach from the Old Testament as a foundation for their New Testament worship, Paul made some people very uncomfortable. Some even went so far as to call his ministry a heresy, or in the modern vernacular, a cult, for teaching

Not a Divine Misstep

One fact is crystal clear: Yahweh said He Restoration Times Magazine May-June 2013

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doesn't change, Malachi 3:6. His design for salvation is the same from the beginning.

Through command and through His writers Yahweh instructed His people to obey Him. Yet, many continue to believe that Yahweh's laws must have been given to Israel by mistake, an error committed by the Father that Yahshua corrected by purging our lives of Yahweh’s statutes in this age of grace.

Hebrews chapter 11 tells us about law-observant, Hebrew patriarchs who will be in the coming Kingdom because of their faithful obedience. So why will Yahweh specifically reward them for their faithfulness to His laws if obedience is unnecessary and irrelevant for salvation?

If Paul in the New Testament were teaching a Grecianized faith, why did he quote from a Hebrew Old Testament? Why did he use lessons about Old Testament Israelites (for example, in 1Cor. 10) if today’s worship is under an entirely different system based on faith alone?

In truth, none of the apostles had ever heard of the terms Old Testament and New Testament. The first use of the term New Testament is by the theologian Tertullian more than a century after the death of the apostles.

The simple truth is that Paul upheld Old Testament precepts. He wrote: “Do we then make void the law through faith?

Yahweh forbid: yea, we establish the law” (Rom. 3:31).

Yahshua the Messiah Taught the Law

Something is clearly amiss if we believe that the New Testament teaches a whole new system of faith and conduct disconnected from the Old. Yahshua Himself upheld and even amplified the necessity to obey His Father Yahweh.

Read Matthew 5:17 to the end of the chapter. In that passage He starts out with, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets.”

Yahshua Himself taught from the Old Testament. He quoted the law books, or Torah, some 60 times. There are nearly 700 individual citations from the books of the Old Testament found in the New. If you include references to the Old Testament as well as quotations of it in the New, the number would be over 4,000, according to The Expositor's Bible Commentary.

The Messiah Yahshua in John 10:35 says Scripture cannot be broken. And yet

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for 2,000 years persistent efforts have been made to break the New Testament away from the Old Testament. Claiming that the New Testament was written in Greek has had the effect of disconnecting it from its foundational, Hebraic roots.

New Testament Is Hebrew Based

An abundance of internal evidence points clearly to the unavoidable conclusion that the New Testament was originally written in the Hebrew language and was translated into Greek only later.

This fact alone provides the essential tie that binds Israelite worship in the Old Testament with the faith of spiritual Israel of the New Testament.

Paul says in Romans 11 that the believer today is grafted in to that same Israelite Covenant promise given in the Old Testament. He wrote in Romans 11:25, “For I would not, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you 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.” Paul writes that both believing Israelite and believing gentile will receive the reward of salvation, confirming the continuity of the testaments.

Now let’s look at the text itself.

Survivals from the Hebrew Originals

If the New Testament writings were originally Greek, then we could reasonably expect to find an occasional Greek word surviving in English from the Greek original.

Instead we find many Hebrew words and expressions in the New Testament that have survived into the English. That’s because the Greek had no word to convey certain Hebrew words and expressions when the Hebrew New Testament text was translated into the Greek and from there into English.

For example, we find in the King James New Testament and other versions the purely Hebrew/Aramaic word “Abba” (which means dearest father); “Messiah” (anointed one); “Sabbath” (repose, desist from exertion); “Eli, eli lama sabachthani” (my El, my El, why have you forsaken me?); “talitha cumi” (meaning maid arise); “mammon” (riches), and “hosanna” (savior we beseech).

If we were translating a book from German to English, would we throw some

Russian words into our English translation?

Russian words would get through to our English version only if the original was being translated from Russian. So finding Hebrew words and expressions in supposed Greek manuscripts is powerful evidence that the original was not Greek at all but Hebrew.

Also scattered through the New Testament we find many Hebrew (and Aramaic) idioms, which are expressions that cannot be translated well in the Greek so they were left virtually untranslated.

They make perfect sense in Hebrew, but not in Greek or in English, for that matter.

Such expressions include: “If your eye is evil” (Matt. 6:23); “let the dead bury the dead” (Matt. 8:22), and “you shall heap coals of fire on his head” (Rom. 12:20).

Many other examples show clear evidence in the text itself that the New Testament was originally a Hebrew work that only later was translated into the Greek.

When Yahshua returns His feet will not touch down on Mount Olympus in Greece, or on one of the seven hills of Rome, but on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. He is coming to redeem Israel and those who are faithful to the same covenant that Israel accepted.

We read in Zechariah 14:4: “And His feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave [split] in the midst thereof.”

Notice what Paul wrote about the believers, the household, of the New Testament Assembly, “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Yahshua the Messiah being the chief corner stone,” Ephesians 2:20.

Did you catch that? He mentions both apostles and prophets as establishing the foundation of the New Testament Assembly.

We know that the apostles are those who lived in the New Testament era and were with the Messiah Yahshua, but who are the prophets?

Simply defined, “prophets” is a general term used for the Old Testament proponents of truth.

In Luke 16:29 Yahshua the Messiah in His parable implored us to listen to Moses and the prophets. Interestingly, both are in the Old Testament.

By citing only a few of these facts, and there are many more we could list, we can clearly see a harmony that exists in the whole Bible.

More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is your servant warned: and in keeping of them is great reward.”

It was the choice of Adam and Eve to do wrong, and that cursed all of mankind.

Freedom in

Yahshua Part 2

by Joel Wirl

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n part 1 (Jan.-Feb.,‘13) we discussed how the knowledge and application of law, especially Yahweh’s law, produces a free people. Yahweh’s laws show us how we ought to live for the liberty and safety of ourselves and those around us.

We concluded, however, that the law by itself cannot give us true freedom, but only when it is coupled with Yahshua. Why is this?

The Bible begins, “In the beginning Elohim created the heavens and the earth,” Genesis 1:1. But Yahweh’s laws existed even before that. Before you make anything you must know the principles or laws that govern that particular field. Prior to their first airplane flight at Kitty Hawk, Orville and Wilbur Wright had to know about the principles of flight and propulsion. So, too, when Yahweh created all things He had principles and laws in place beforehand.

On the sixth day of creation in Genesis 1:26-27, Elohim created Adam and Eve, who lived happily in the Garden of Eden until Satan entered the scene. Through his treachery he convinced them to eat of the tree of knowing good and evil in Genesis 3, thus causing them to sin. Elohim had decreed that the fruit of that tree was not to

be eaten.

Because of this one sin a moral struggle and an appointment with death have been passed down from generation to generation, like a chronic disease that runs in the family, and we are part of that family and have all learned to sin. Paul talks about this in Romans 5:12-14, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was come.”

What went wrong? Were Adam and Eve at fault or was the law at fault? Certainly the law was not at fault; it did not change.

Psalm 19:7-11 gives us properties of the law, “The law of Yahweh is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of Yahweh is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of Yahweh are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of Yahweh is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of Yahweh are true and righteous altogether.

Man’s Sinful Nature

How can mankind be saved from this curse?

Many of the Jews in the New Testament believed that salvation and perfection could be achieved through stringent keeping of the law. That is one of the reasons the Pharisees added and enacted so many rituals beyond the law, like the one found in Mark 7 with the washing of hands before eating.

They thought that more law would equate to perfection, but law cannot change the nature of man and the sin which lies within. No matter how free we become through obedience to the law, it can only instruct and restrain us instead of cleansing and freeing us from this human condition.

There is a war that rages inside everyone. You feel it in the struggle of doing right in the face of wrong. Paul described what all of us face, “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not, but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me... For I delight in the law of Yahweh after the inward man: but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members,” Romans 7:14-17, 22-23.

It’s not the law’s fault that we sin, it is ours. How then can we overcome this condition?

Yahshua Frees Us from Sin’s Penalty

If we continue in the same passage of Romans 7:24-25, we find the answer, “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

I thank Elohim through Yahshua Messiah our Master. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of Elohim; but with the flesh the law of sin.”

It is Yahshua who frees us from our sinful condition; He has the power to overcome Satan and his wiles. Yahshua conquered sin and death, not so He could boast about it but so that we could be Restoration Times Magazine May-June 2013

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saved.

If we could free ourselves through just keeping the law, then Yahshua came for nothing because our strength of will alone would be enough to defeat Satan. But this is not the case. It is only through Yahshua with His Holy Spirit within us that we can be freed from our sinful nature and death.

Paul in Galatians 2:20-21 says, “I am impaled with Messiah: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Messiah liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of Yahweh, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of Elohim: for if righteousness come by the law, then Messiah is dead in

vited! n I e r A You

vain.”

It takes faith and obedience to Yahshua through the Holy Spirit given at baptism to free us from our sinful natures.

Galatians 5:1 reads, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Messiah hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

Greater Strength Is Available

This yoke of bondage is sin – the sin that we continually return to even after knowing that Yahshua is here to help us. We may stumble from time to time, but we know also that we have a strength to rely on that is far greater than our own.

Yahshua even writes His commands on

our hearts and minds as found in Jeremiah 31:33, “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.”

Our hearts and natures will be changed through faith and obedience. Know that faith and obedience are tied to one another. To say otherwise is like saying you believe in gravity and yet think you will be unharmed by skydiving without a parachute.

Actions follow faith. Believe that Yahshua exists, that He is there to rescue you, and allow Him to direct your life as you live in service to Him.

Feast of Tabernacles September 20-29, 2013

Knob Noster State Park, Missouri Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry invites you to this year’s Feast of Tabernacles at Missouri’s Knob Noster State Park, September 20 – 29. (The Feast begins on a Saturday evening, 9/21, and we have reserved the group camp beginning 9/20 to avoid arriving on the Sabbath.) This beautiful state park in western Missouri is 15 miles from Sedalia and 10 miles from Warrensburg. Knob Noster offers all the needed facilities, including a meeting and dining hall.

Worship Foremost, the Feast is a time to worship Almighty Yahweh (Lev. 23:1). There is no greater purpose! To follow this command, we have scheduled daily worship services with several Bible studies throughout the Feast, as well as the always popular Night of Special Music. All are invited to participate in the music activities. To honor our Father in heaven, we ask that all Feastgoers make an effort to attend each day as this is an eight-day biblical observance.

Activities In addition to worship services, we have several family activities 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 younger children.

Lodging Public Campground: 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 or reservations, call (877) 422-6766 or visit www.icampmo.com. It is suggested that you reserve a site prior to the Feast. The Ministry has also reserved 20 rooms at the local Econo Lodge in Knob Noster at a special discount rate of $45.44 per room, including tax. In addition to continental breakfast, each room comes with free high-speed wireless, microwave, refrigerator, and other essentials. For additional lodging options, visit www.yrm.org/fot2013.

(Please note that those who reserve a hotel room or site at the public campground must still register with YRM).

Airport and Bus Connections The closest airport to Knob Noster is Kansas City International Airport (http://kansas-city-airport.com/). For those taking Greyhound, the closest location is the Chamber of Commerce in Warrensburg.

We pray that you will make plans NOW to join us for the 2013 Feast of Tabernacles. The many instructional and inspirational messages, fellowship, and the many family activities promise to make the upcoming Feast one for the ages! May Yahweh bless your desire to serve Him.

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The Miracle of Pentecost

‘Now You’re Speaking My Language’

by Alan Mansager

F

or three days the disciples were devastated. The One they had followed as the Messiah had been murdered and their dreams of a restored Kingdom died with Him. They had thought that this Savior Yahshua was going to return Israel to the splendor and power it had known in the days of Solomon. Now they believed that it wasn’t going to happen.

Their darkest hour suddenly turned to joy, however, when the women visiting the tomb reported that Yahshua of Nazareth was alive again! They had actually seen and touched the risen Savior. Dashed hopes evaporated into tears of joy.

He had told His followers to remain in Jerusalem and that they would receive power through the Holy Spirit. Power to proclaim His truths; power to be witnesses in Samaria and around the world; power

to one day sit at His right or left hand to reign in His coming Kingdom, Acts 1:8.

What a prospect! For now they were obedient to His command, as well as to scriptural law, and were still in Jerusalem preparing to observe the Feast of Firstfruits.

Yahshua reinforced their habitual obligation to observe this Feast even after He resurrected from death by telling them to wait and gather for Pentecost at Jerusalem.

The barley harvest was nearly over and the wheat harvest was about to begin with the gathering of the firstfruits.

They were unsure exactly what kind of power they would be given from on high and just what they would do with it.

Maybe they could free themselves from their detested Roman conquerors. After all, Yahshua did promise kingdom rulership.

Here they were, gathered for this Feast called Pentecost. Through the years

they had read Leviticus 23:21 till they could recite it by memory: “And ye shall proclaim on the selfsame day, that it may be an holy convocation unto you: ye shall do no servile work therein: it shall be a statute forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.”

This holy day continued in effect even after the Savior’s death, just as have the six other appointed times. On this Feast they would see what Yahshua meant by power of the Holy Spirit. Amazingy, the gathered disciples were suddenly empowered to speak in various languages that they had never learned.

But it was to keep this Feast that they were there, not just because they waited for the Holy Spirit. The same motivation of obedience, before all else, should be for us today.

First and foremost we must also Restoration Times Magazine May-June 2013

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do Yahweh’s will before we can expect anything from Him. Too many are told to seek His blessings first, without a single mention of being worthy of those blessings.

But Yahweh does not work in reverse.

He looks primarily for our willingness to follow and obey Him first. Then the blessings follow.

Devout Jews from around the world were also in Jerusalem observing this Feast of Weeks, Acts 2:5. These Jews were astounded that the uneducated Galileans were speaking their languages—some 16 nationalities in all—having never learned them, verses 9-11. They understood all that the disciples were saying as they heard in their own tongues the great truths of Elohim.

Acts 2:16-21 reveals that this was a partial fulfillment of Joel 2:28-31. The disciples were given supernatural power when the Holy Spirit came to earth

immediately. The religious establishment of that day rejected both them and later Paul, just as they had in general rejected the Messiahship of the Savior Yahshua. And many even today reject the message of the coming Kingdom of Yahweh as is shown us in His Feast Days.

Joel 2:28-32 tells us that “in the last days” Yahweh will again pour out His Spirit upon all flesh (“a portion of His Spirit on all mankind,” New English Bible). That has yet to happen.

The charismatic movement tries to emulate this phenomenon, but ignores the fact that it took place at Pentecost, a special observance ordained by Yahweh for His people. We cannot “call down another Pentecost” to gain widespread Holy Spirit power whenever we want to because it came only at a special time when all had come together to worship, and only under special circumstances, Acts 2:1.

be kept safe,” Basic English Bible. Or as the New English Bible renders this verse, “Then everyone who invokes [Yahweh] by name shall be saved.”

When the Bible speaks of “calling upon the name of Yahweh” it means to call upon Him in all His power and splendor, which is incapsulated in His Name “Yahweh.”

His Name means that He will be whatever His people need of Him. He will be their Protector, Deliverer, Provider, Strengthener, Healer, Guide—whatever is needed. “Yah” means “I will become,” or “I will be.” It is the Hebrew verb of existence.

We cannot expect the same promise and results by calling on “G-d,” as it lacks any such meaning or power. It was Paul who said there be “Gods many, and Lords many,” 1Corinthians 8:5.

A future fulfillment of Joel 2:28-32 likely will take place at Pentecost as before.

His promise is sure and we must be prepared for that time so that we will not be caught unawares. Acts 3:1921 reveals that the Savior will remain in the heavens until there is a universal restoration of Yahweh’s truth on this earth (Greek

“Had the Jews at that time accepted the message of the disciples, the Millennial Kingdom could have been set up immediately.” permanently on this Pentecost day.

This gift of divine spirit was necessary to get the early Assembly off the ground.

The miracles the disciples were able to perform caused a sensation not only among the assembled Jews, but in time also among other residents of Jerusalem.

Before the Holy Spirit came predominantly to this earth at Pentecost it was sent for a special task and then removed once it had completed Yahweh’s purpose. When Yahshua’s innocent blood was spilled on this earth, atonement was made and Yahweh’s Spirit could then remain, permanently indwelling the hearts of His people.

His Spirit Here Now

Now His Spirit indwells believers everywhere, protecting and guiding those who seek to walk in the footsteps of Yahshua. We no longer pray for Yahweh to send us His Spirit. It is already here, dwelling in those who obey Him, Acts 5:32.

Had the Jews at that time accepted the message of the disciples, the Millennial Kingdom could have been set up

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More Power to You

Clearly, not all the prophecies of Joel were completed then. What happened during the time of the Apostles on the day of Pentecost could take place again with even greater impact.

A little reflection on Joel 2:28-32 shows that there will yet come another pouring out of Yahweh’s Spirit before the Savior returns. We are told that sons and daughters shall prophesy (“tell forth the divine counsels,” Amplified). There will also be marvels in the sky above and the earth below, blood, and fire, mist of smoke, and the sun will change into darkness and the moon to blood. All of this before the great and resplendent day of Yahweh arrives.

There will be a people who will perform miracles again, much as the early disciples in Acts 2. They will be given the same supernatural power as was given to the early disciples to get the new Assembly off to a commanding start.

Many shall learn of Yahweh’s Name.

We read in Joel 2:32, “Whoever makes his prayer to the name of [Yahweh] will

apokatastasis — reestablishment from a state of ruin).

Not only was the New Testament Assembly started at Pentecost in the year 31 C.E., but the Apostle Paul also continued to keep the day long afterward. Acts 20:16 says he wanted to be in Jerusalem

by Pentecost. In 1Corinthians 16:8 we learn that he would stay at Ephesus until Pentecost, as a great door was opened to him, verse 9.

Firstfruits Are Treasured Foremost

Pentecost (Feast of Weeks) is one of three harvest feasts, which are specially commanded. “Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the Yahweh your Elohim in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before Yahweh empty,” Deuteronomy 16:16.

Unleavened Bread marks the start of the barley harvest. In Exodus 23:16 and 34:22 we learn that Pentecost is the firstfruits of the wheat harvest; Tabernacles or Feast of

Ingathering is the general harvest at the year’s end (margin: revolution of the year).

It was the time to bring the offering of all firstfruits to the house of Yahweh, Exodus 23: 19 and 34:26.

Firstfruits of the harvest depict the spiritual “firstfruits” of those called of Yahweh.

No work is to be done on this Feast of Weeks. “Also, in the day of first fruits, when you bring a new meal offering unto Yahweh, after your weeks be out, you shall have an holy convocation; you shall do no servile work.”

The prophet Ezekiel in 48:14 reveals that firstfruits are holy to Yahweh, which will again be offered in the Kingdom, Ezekiel 20:40, “ ... there shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the firstfruits of your oblations, with all your holy things.”

Jeremiah 2:3 refers to Israel as Yahweh’s firstfruits. They did not, however, measure up to His high calling.

New converts to the body of Messiah, the assembly, are referred to as firstfruits, Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:15.

James said believers “should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures,” 1:18.

Yahshua is referred to as the firstfruits from the dead, 1Corinthians 15:20. Note especially verses 22-23: “In Messiah shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order. Messiah the firstfruits: afterward they that are the Messiah’s at His coming.”

‘Pentecost’: Greek for Fiftieth

Pentecost is observed when the “weeks are out.” A week is over on the Sabbath, the seventh day. Because it falls on the “morrow after the [weekly] Sabbath,” Pentecost is always on Sunday.

Some say this holy day could never fall on the “venerable day of the sun” (Sunday). But there is little difference between the day of the sun and the day of the moon (Monday). Or “Woden’s day” (Wednesday). Other Feast high days commonly fall on Sunday, which doesn’t stop us from observing them when they do.

We cannot be hindered by what pagan names man gives to the days of the week, for even the Sabbath is called “Saturn’s day.” The point is, we do not worship the Roman

A Closer Look

Pentecost: A Feast You Count On Pentecost, or Feast of Firstfruits, is also called “Feast of Weeks,” Exodus 34:22; Deuteronomy 16:10, 16; 2 Chronicles 8: 13. It is designated “Feast of Weeks” because to determine when Pentecost is it must be counted with complete weeks.

“Also in the day of the firstfruits, when you bring a new meat offering unto Yahweh, after your weeks be out,” Numbers 28:26. “Seven weeks shall you number unto you: begin to number the seven weeks from such time as you begin to put the sickle to the corn (grain),” Deuteronomy 16:9.

“And you shall count unto you from the morrow after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete: even unto the morrow after the seventh Sabbath shall you number fifty days ...” Leviticus 23:15-16.

The count must be from the morrow after the weekly Sabbath that falls within the days of Unleavened Bread. We begin with a Sunday

and end with a Sunday seven weeks and one day later, making 50 days. A week is out when the Sabbath ends (seven Sabbaths). Therefore, the next day, Sunday, is the proper time for Pentecost (which in Greek means fiftieth).

The Pharisees held that “morrow after the Sabbath” meant to count from the first High Day Sabbath. But the Sadducees and later the Karaites held that the count must begin from the weekly Sabbath of the Feast. They began counting “seven weeks” from the morrow after the Saturday during Unleavened Bread.

Pentecost, therefore, always fell on a Sunday, but not just any Sunday.

The Septuagint translates the phrase to support the Pharisees’ interpretation (“on the morrow of the first day”) and Talmudists substituted the word azaret (solemn assembly) for “Shabuot.” Thus, today’s Jewish calendar has Pentecost on Sivan 6, and it may never fall on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday, according to their tradition.

Rabbis begin their count with the 16th of Abib, which is the day following the first High Sabbath, but they skip over the last High Sabbath on the 21st.

How can one include one annual High Day Sabbath in the count and not the other? Further, we are commanded to celebrate Pentecost when “the weeks are out.” Is not the Sabbath the seventh day that ends the week, which then restarts with the first day of the week? How can a week be out on Tuesday? Or Wednesday?

Because they always end up on Sivan 6, we must ask, what is the point of counting?

deity Saturn on that day; neither do we venerate the sun on Pentecost.

Jewish Practice Misses Mark

The Jews do not observe Passover at the scriptural time. They keep it a day late, at the end of the 14th of Abib instead of at the beginning of the 14th as the 13th ends, just as they did at the time of the Messiah, John 18:28.

Thus, they fail to grasp the significance of Yahshua and do not understand that He is the Lamb that takes away the sins of the world. Neither do they observe Pentecost on the correct day, but allow it to float through the week instead of observing it “on the morrow after the Sabbath,” which is Sunday. It also comes when “the weeks are out.”

It is important that we understand that the Holy Spirit monitors the believer today. Now it is possible to obey Yahweh in fullness as His Spirit power is with us day by day to guide and keep us in the narrow way. In observing His Feast Days

we enjoy a fuller understanding of His plan of redemption.

Many significant events took place on the Feast days. Yahshua died on Passover.

Yahweh’s law was given on Pentecost, while the Holy Spirit also came on Pentecost to help us keep His law.

But a greater fulfillment awaits mankind. The last four Feast days in the seventh month have not been fulfilled: Trumpets, Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles with its Last Great Day. The last Feast is a special time when we shall “see His face” and Yahshua who was the Immanuel (El with us) will be joined by the Father Yahweh Himself, as we see in Revelation 21-22.

Are you missing out spiritually by not observing these days kept by Yahshua and the early Assembly under the direction of the Apostles? Will you be able to teach others how to keep these times in the Kingdom?

(See Zechariah 14:16-18 and Ezekiel 45:21 to the end of the chapter). Now is the time.

Come out and be clean!

Request our booklet Tongues of Fire for an in-depth look at this important subject.

To read or request online, visit yrm.org/literature.htm To request by mail, see back cover for details.

Restoration Times Magazine May-June 2013

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Cry of the Unborn

W

by Randy Folliard

hen we consider the sins of this nation, one that possibly stands out more than all others is abortion. It’s not bad enough that abortion takes the lives of human beings, but it takes the lives of the unborn – the innocent and those unable to defend themselves.

In this article we’re going to review the occurrences of abortion, who has abortions, reasons for abortions, a few facts about the unborn, what our Father Yahweh says about abortion, and the forgiveness that can be found.

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From the Guttmacher Institute, a leading worldwide organization on health and research, we find some key facts about abortion.

Abortion Statistics

“Nearly half of pregnancies among American women are unintended, and about four in 10 of these are terminated by abortion. Twentytwo percent of all pregnancies (excluding miscarriages) end in abortion.

In 2008, 1.21 million abortions were performed, down from 1.31 million in 2000.

However, between 2005 and 2008, the long-

term decline in abortions stalled. From 1973 through 2008, nearly 50 million legal abortions occurred.

Each year, two percent of women aged 15-44 have an abortion. Half have had at least one previous abortion. At least half of American women will experience an unintended pregnancy by age 45, and, at current rates, one in 10 women will have an abortion by age 20, one in four by age 30 and three in 10 by age 45.”

It is shocking that about 40 percent of all unintended pregnancies end in abortion.

In other words, for every 10 women who

experience an unplanned pregnancy, four of them will abort that unborn child.

Even though there has been a decrease in the number of abortions, we’re still seeing over a million per year. According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2012 the population of Denver Colorado was 619,000.

This means that the number of abortions per year nearly double the population of Denver.

Since the infamous court case of Roe vs.

Wade in 1973, we’ve seen over 50 million legal abortions. The current population of the entire state of California is 38 million – this means that a baby’s life has been extinguished

obtained by women who have one or more children.”

Of all the statistics, this one may be the most troubling. Why are so many teenagers having abortions? The most obvious answer is that they are not waiting for marriage; instead they are physically active without concern or thought to the consequence.

Abstinence today is almost a novel idea, belonging to the days of “Father Knows Best” and “I Love Lucy.” Instead of teaching these principles, schools are handing out birth control and encouraging

virtues that our Father Yahweh has given to us through His Word.

Out of all the information we find on abortion, possibly the most alarming are all the reasons why it is done. In 2004 the Guttmacher Institute did an extensive survey on why women have abortions. Some may surprise you:

for every man, woman and child living in the state of California, plus 12 million more! This is beyond stunning; it’s an abomination that we as a nation continue to allow and will one day face Yahweh for it.

The demographics behind abortion are also shocking. According to the Guttmacher Institute: “Eighteen percent of U.S. women obtaining abortions are teenagers; those aged 15-17 obtain 6 percent of all abortions, teens aged 18-19 obtain 11percent, and teens younger than age 15 obtain 0.4 percent.

Women in their 20s account for more than half of all abortions; women aged 20-24 obtain 33 percent of all abortions, and women aged 25-29 obtain 24 percent.

“Thirty-seven percent of women obtaining abortions identify themselves as Protestant and 28 percent as Catholic.

Women who have never married and are not cohabiting account for 45 percent of all abortions. About 61 percent of abortions are

illicit behavior. Abortion is a moral problem and it begins with our children. Instead of instilling within them the values of our Father’s Word, we have communicated a very different message. This message is one of tolerance and acceptance, and as a result we are witnessing the consequences in our young people today. When we refuse to take moral stands and to impress upon our children the sanctity of marriage, we will lose their hearts and minds.

Significantly, those in their 20s account for more than half of all abortions.

This is again the result of not raising our young people with the morals and ethics we find in the Scriptures. Many consider the Bible old fashioned and out of date, but Yahweh’s Word has stood the test of time.

While our growing secular nation continues to fall apart and crumble, the Bible is still the very best and true source of virtue and morality. What we need to do as a nation is to repent and return to the

career, 38% • Have other children or dependents, 32% • Can’t afford a baby now, 73% • Unmarried, 42% • Student or planning to study, 34% • Can’t afford a baby and child care, 28% • Can’t afford the basic needs of life, 23% • Unemployed, 22% • Can’t leave job to take care of a baby, 21% • Would have to find a new place to live, 19% • Not enough support from husband or partner, 14% • Husband or partner is unemployed, 12% • Currently or temporarily on welfare or public assistance, 8% • Don’t want to be a single mother or having relationship problems, 48% • Not sure about relationship, 19% • Partner and I can’t or don’t want to get married, 12% • Not in a relationship right now, 11%

Percentage of Reasons Cited for Abortion • Having a baby would dramatically change

my life, 74% • Would interfere with education, 38% • Would interfere with job/employment/

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• Relationship or marriage may break up soon, 11% • Husband or partner is abusive to me or my children, 2% • Have completed my childbearing, 38% • Not ready for another child, 32% • Don’t want people to know I had [relations] or got pregnant, 25% • Don’t feel mature enough to raise a child, 22% • Husband or partner wants me to have an abortion, 14% • Possible problems affecting the health of the fetus, 13% • Physical problem with my health, 12% • Parents want me to have an abortion, 6% • Was a victim of rape, 1% From these disturbing excuses, we see that most abortions are done for personal convenience or finances. Only a tiny portion is for medical reasons. And in the one excuse

abortion advocates, there are many serious physical and psychological risks to abortion.

Among the physical risks are infection, perforation of the uterus, hemorrhage, cervical incompetence, cancer, and even death. Among the psychological risks are regret, nervous disorders, sleep disturbances, suicide, alcohol and drug abuse, eating disorders, child neglect or abuse, divorce or chronic relationship problems, and repeat abortion.”

It’s hard to convince someone that abortion is safe when there are so many risks involved. Regardless of what others might say, abortion is anything but safe – there are many real dangers. It can leave both lifelong physical and psychological scars.

Understand though that as believers we’re not to condemn those who’ve had abortions, but to encourage them not to repeat this mistake. Taking responsibility for our

18-24 days after conception an unborn child has a heartbeat. Six weeks after conception a baby shows signs of brain waves; two weeks later he is able to feel pain. That an unborn can feel pain provides more evidence of life.

Here’s the crux of the issue: if life begins in the womb, then abortion is the taking of a human life. On the other hand, if life doesn’t begin in the womb then there’s nothing ethically wrong about abortion. As shown, a baby in the womb is alive. A beating heart, no matter how small, indicates life. Morally, ethically, and scripturally we cannot extinguish another human life, including that of the unborn.

Pro-choice Perspective

To understand the other side of the abortion issue, the following is a quotation from an article from an anonymous pro-choice advocate. The person writes: “The status of the fetus is a peripheral issue.

Regardless of whether a fetus is a human being or has rights, women will have abortions anyway, even if it means breaking the law or risking their lives. Even women who believe that abortion is murder have chosen to get abortions, and will continue to do so.

That’s why we should leave the decision up to women’s moral conscience, and make sure that they are provided with safe, legal, accessible abortions. Because ultimately, the status of a fetus is a matter of subjective opinion, and the only opinion that counts is that of the pregnant woman….”

There’s one key sentence that summarizes the error with the pro-choice point of view. In the second sentence, the author states, “Regardless of whether a fetus is a human being or has rights, women will have abortions anyway….”

Number one, it does matter whether a “fetus” is a human being; this is at the core of the whole issue. If the “fetus” were not a human being then there would be no debate.

The argument of women having abortions regardless of its legality is again without merit. One could use the same argument with any crime. For example, since we know people are going to commit murder, should we remove the law prohibiting murder? Of course not! Such

“Regardless of what some might believe, everything about the abortion issue comes back to whether that ‘fetus’ is a human being. From medical science we find undeniable support to show that life begins in the womb!” most often used in pro-abortion arguments, only 1 percent is done in response to rape!

They will say that it’s for the health and safety of the mother. But based on this survey, the vast majority of abortions are unrelated to the health of the mother or the unborn child. The overwhelming excuse for aborting is to avoid personal responsibility or for the sake of convenience.

When we make a mistake, we are to own up to that mistake and instead of making another, we do what is necessary to make it right. This includes both the woman and the man involved in the pregnancy. That unborn child has both a mother and a father.

Abortion’s Safety

A common misconception about abortion is safety. While many claim that abortion is harmless and without risks, the facts say otherwise. According to the Pro-Life Action League, those who have abortions often suffer from both physical and psychological problems: “Contrary to the claims of many

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actions is not always easy, but it’s always the right thing to do. Often a situation that we view as negative can turn out positive. While pregnancy might seem overwhelming at first, in time that child will become a blessing beyond measure.

Facts about the Unborn

As knowledge in medical science has grown, so has knowledge about a fetus. According to www.prolife.com, “An embryo’s heart begins to beat 18-24 days after conception.

An embryo’s brain waves can be detected six weeks after conception. Based on the development of the nervous system, a fetus is likely able to feel pain as early as 8 weeks after conception. At 11 weeks a fetus is taking nourishment steadily and will do so until birth. At 20 weeks, a fetus can be startled by a loud external noise. At 23 weeks a fetus can demonstrate rapid eye movements (REM).”

If a beating heart doesn’t indicate life, what does? It’s common practice to check an injured person for a heartbeat to see whether there’s still life remaining. Amazingly, only

an action would be irrational.

Regardless of what some might believe, everything about the abortion issue comes back to whether that “fetus” is a human being and again from medical science we find undeniable evidence that life begins in the womb!

Known in the Womb

Beyond medical science, there is also biblical evidence that a new life starts at conception. David in Psalm 139:13 wrote, “For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.” The word “possessed” here is from the Hebrew qanah, a primitive root in the Hebrew meaning “to erect or create” (Strong’s).

Yahweh covered him in his mother’s womb. The word “covered” comes from the Hebrew cakak meaning “to entwine as a screen; by implication, to fence in, cover over, or to protect” (Strong’s).

Not only did Yahweh create David, but He also protected him while in his mother’s womb. So from a biblical standpoint, this shows that a “fetus” is a human being; it is created and protected by our Father in heaven.

David wasn’t the only one known in the womb. Jeremiah was also known by Yahweh before his birth: “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations,” Jeremiah 1:5.

Not only was Jeremiah known, but he was also selected while in his mother’s womb. The word “sanctified” comes from the Hebrew qadash and means here to “consecrate or dedicate.” Jeremiah was dedicated as a prophet even before his birth.

Here again is undeniable evidence that life begins at conception. A baby in the womb is no less of a human being than any other person.

John the Baptist was also known before his birth. Luke 1:15, 41 reads, “For he shall be great in the sight of Yahweh, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb…And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”

There was something unique with the conception of John the Baptist. He received

the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb. If this doesn’t provide biblical support that life begins at conception, what would? Surely the ability to receive the Spirit shows proof of life.

Evidence in Torah

Exodus 21:22 provides a very special command that shows that the unborn is considered a human being. It reads, “If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman’s husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life….”

If a man accidently injured a pregnant woman in a fight, causing a miscarriage, that person responsible for the injury must pay what the husband of the woman determined.

Keep in mind that this was for unintentional

natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,” 2Timothy 3:1, 3.

Notice here that these prophesies are for the last days. Based on prophecy, we’re likely living in these last days. At this time, perilous time shall come. The word “perilous” comes from the Greek chalepos and means, “difficult, i.e. dangerous, or (by implication) furious” (Strong’s).

In the last days people will be without natural caring. We can see this within many facets of today’s culture, including the recent bombing in Boston. As a culture we’re becoming numb and callous to these horrible crimes and acts of violence.

Abortion is no different; it’s the taking of a human life.

As a culture we’ve allowed this behavior to become acceptable. If there’s any hope for change, we must as a culture reverse course by acknowledging the sanctity of life. Life begins in the womb; that life within the womb is a human being and just as valuable as any other human being.

Forgiveness

injury.

What happened if the guilty person continued to fight? As it says, if mischief or hurt followed, the person must pay life for life. Some scholars believe that the latter part here applies only to the pregnant woman, but the fact that the Bible shows that life begins in the womb verifies that this must also refer to the unborn child.

To recap, if the initial injury was by accident, the person responsible for the injury paid what the husband determined and the judges approved. However, if conflict continued, Scripture states that he shall give life for life, including for the unborn child.

Without Natural Affection

Paul writing to young Timothy provides a prophecy that partly speaks to abortion.

He writes, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come…Without

Now what about those mothers who’ve had abortions – can they repent, can they find forgiveness?

From 1Corinthians 6:9-11 we find that forgiveness is indeed possible.

Paul states, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of Yahweh? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of Yahweh. and such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Master Yahshua, and by the Spirit of our Elohim.”

While we don’t find abortion specifically mentioned here, we see that forgiveness is possible if we repent and seek baptism into Yahshua’s Name! As Paul says again here, “…but ye are washed, [referring to baptism], but ye are sanctified, [referring to righteous living], but ye are justified, [referring to redemption from sin]...”

Even for those who’ve made mistakes Yahweh wants us to confess our sin and look to Yahshua our salvation.

Restoration Times Magazine May-June 2013

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What Happens After Death?

by Randy Folliard

A

s Sam sat in his pew listening to His minister explain the afterlife, he was baffled as to why there was such a discrepancy between what he was hearing and what the Bible taught. How was it possible for his minister and the vast majority of ministers to be so wrong?

Even though Sam did not fully comprehend the truth of Scripture about the afterlife, he understood that there was something gravely wrong with the message he was hearing. If you are also trying to make sense of what happens after death, rest assured that you are not alone.

Most of what we hear today about the life to come clashes with Scripture.

Many of these teachings are the result of Greek mythology and centuries of tradition embraced by the church.

It is time to get down to the facts and determine exactly what the Bible says about death. For example, does Scripture really say that the righteous go to heaven while the ignorant or rebellious burn forever in an unending, relentless hell-fire? You might be surprised at what your Heavenly Father Yahweh reveals in His Word.

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No Man Has Ascended

Possibly the most shocking discovery is what our Savior, Yahshua the Messiah, says in John 3:13, “And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.”

No one but Yahshua Himself has ever gone to heaven. The word “ascended” comes from the Greek anabaino and means, “to go up” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance).

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon adds, “to rise, to mount, to be borne up, to spring up.”

Peter confirms this truth in his dynamic sermon on the day of Pentecost: “Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day…For David is not ascended into the heavens” (Acts 2:29, 34).

If anyone would have been found worthy of going to heaven don’t you suppose it would have been David? After all, he had a heart after Yahweh’s own. He had a relationship with his Father that few have ever had. He will be a king in the coming Kingdom right under Yahshua, Ezekiel 37:24. With all this, any rational

person would believe that David would have ascended to heaven after he died. Based on what Peter states, however, this never happened.

What about our Savior’s description of heavenly mansions in the book of John? Did He not promise a heavenly paradise for the saved? Let’s investigate. We read in John 14:2-3, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

On the surface this passage seems to be describing a heavenly paradise. However, as we often must do, we need to look below the surface. Yahshua here is not speaking of places of dwelling, but of positions within the heavenly family. The word “house” is from the Greek oikia, which by extension refers to a family, and the word “mansions” is derived from the Greek root meno, meaning “to stay in a given place, state, relation or expectancy” (Strong’s Concordance).

This passage should be better rendered, “In my Father’s [family] are many [positions]: if it were not so, I would have

told you. I go to prepare a [position] for you.” When the Messiah returns, Scripture states that the saints will receive positions as priests in Yahweh’s Kingdom (Rev. 20:6) and will reign on the earth (Rev. 2:26; 5:10).

Spirit Returns to Yahweh

If we don’t go to heaven, where then do we go? What happens to our spirit, what happens to our thoughts, what happens to our consciousness when we go to the grave?

We find the answer from David’s son, Solomon, in Ecclesiastes 12:7. He wrote, “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto Elohim who gave it.”

When we die our bodies return to dust and our spirit returns to Yahweh. What is our spirit? Is it an immortal soul? This word is from the Hebrew ruach and means, “wind; by resemblance, breath,” Strong’s Concordance. The Brown Driver and Briggs Hebrew Lexicon defines ruach as, “spirit (used of the living, breathing being in man and animals); as gift, preserved by [Elohim], [Yahweh’s] spirit, departing at death.”

The word ruach literally means, “wind,” and by extension refers to breath. It represents the life that Yahweh, our Father in heaven, breathes into every living soul or human being. At death, this life returns to the one who gave it, where it is preserved until the resurrection. It’s important to understand that ruach here does not refer to an “immortal soul,” which is a foreign concept that never appears in Scripture, but to the life-force that He infuses in each living being.

Perish the Thought

When our spirit returns to the Father we lose all thought and awareness. Solomon also wrote in Ecclesiastes 9:5, “For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in anything that is done under the sun.”

King David verified this concept in Psalm 146:4: “His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.” When the ruach returns to Yahweh two things happen. First, our bodies return to the earth and, second, our thoughts perish. The word “thoughts” is the

Hebrew eshtonah which literally means, “thinking” (Strong’s). The word “perish” comes from the Hebrew abad, which is a primitive root meaning, “to wander away, i.e. lose oneself; by implication to perish or destroy” (Strong’s).

From the Hebrew we find that when our spirit returns to Yahweh that our thoughts come to an end. Thus far we have verified that when we die our physical bodies return to the earth, our life or ruach returns to Yahweh, and our consciousness ends.

Critical Condition

What happens after we are placed in the grave depends on us. The Bible speaks about two resurrections. How we live now will determine whether we receive everlasting life in the First Resurrection or be judged in the Second Resurrection.

Daniel 12:2 provides one of the first insights in Scripture of the resurrection: “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”

Death is a type of sleep. Many view death as a permanent state, but death is only temporary. While we lose awareness or consciousness in the grave, this state is transitory or momentary.

Only two possibilities exist in the second resurrection. We will either be raised to everlasting life or be condemned to everlasting contempt. Whichever it will be depends on us.

If we strive to live a moral, obedient life according to our Father’s Word, we will have an opportunity for everlasting life. For those, however, who know and understand and yet through their own rebellion refuse to obey, they will find themselves in an unfavorable condition. As Paul admonishes in Philippians 2:12, “…work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” What we do today will determine what we receive in the life to come.

First Resurrection

When do these resurrections occur? Paul in 1Thessalonians 4:13-18 reveals that the first resurrection takes place at the Messiah’s Second Coming: “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Yahshua died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Yahshua

will Elohim bring with him. 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 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.”

This is the greatest promise we have as believers. When Yahshua the Messiah, our Savior, returns to the earth those who died in Him will rise first, followed by the righteous who are still alive. Remember that death is not final; for those who are found worthy of Yahweh’s grace, death is but the beginning.

Imagine seeing our Savior coming down from heaven with thousands of angels and seeing the saints by the multiple thousands coming forth from their graves to meet their Savior in the clouds!

This is the reward that awaits those who are found worthy. There’s not a greater assurance than the resurrection. When Yahshua descends from heaven we will hear the shout of an archangel and the trumpet of Yahweh. This will be an event all will see. Contrary to popular belief, this is not a secret rapture, but a very visible return or Second Coming. It says here that the saints will always be with the Master. Imagine being with the Messiah forever!

Kingdom Bound

What comes next for those who are found worthy of the first resurrection?

In Revelation 20:6 we find the answer, “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of Elohim and of Messiah, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”

Those in the first resurrection will rule as a kingdom of priests with the Messiah for a millennium. Imagine, at this time the saints will be changed from mortal to immortal, from corruptible to incorruptible, and will be with our Savior forever.

Notice here that the second death will have no power over those in the first resurrection. As Israel was exempt from most of the plagues of Egypt, those in the first resurrection will be exempt from the second death. Do you comprehend the Restoration Times Magazine May-June 2013

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significance of this promise? Yahweh is guaranteeing everlasting life to all who will devote their lives to Him! At this time His chosen will be immortal and will be with their Savior forever.

During the Millennium, the 1000 year Kingdom, where will the saints dwell?

Most would say that this occurs in heaven, but Scripture says otherwise. Revelation 5:10 confirms, “And hast made us unto our Elohim kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.”

We see here undeniable evidence that the saints will dwell on the earth. This again occurs during the Millennium, the 1000year Kingdom. This dispels the myth that the elect are taken to heaven upon death.

What will the saints be doing on earth? The millennial Kingdom is a time of restoration. Along with the Messiah, the saints will be teaching those who survived the Great Tribulation without the opportunity to know or serve Yahweh, Isaiah 30:20. What about those who died who never had the opportunity to learn and live the truth and be in the first resurrection?

Second Resurrection to Judgment

John of Patmos provides a description of the second resurrection, otherwise known as the Great White Throne Judgment, in Revelation 20:11-15. It reads. “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.”

The Great White Throne Judgment is for all mankind, except for those who were found worthy of the first resurrection. We also see here that books were opened. While Scripture doesn’t say what information these books contain, we can safely assume that one contains a record of how we lived.

The other book is likely Yahweh’s Word, the standard of judgment, which will be the

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Constitution in the coming Kingdom.

At this time all of mankind will be judged from these books based on how they lived, meaning their works, verse 13.

This message of the Kingdom is nonexistent in modern teachings. Many believe that we are under grace alone, that there’s no need to worry about works. This is not the message we find in Scripture.

Yahweh states that we will be judged according to our works. So where does this leave grace? While salvation is free, based on our Father’s grace or favor (Rom. 6:23), that fact doesn’t remove our obligation to obey or to be found worthy.

In the book of Jude, verse 4, we find this warning, “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, wicked men, turning the grace of our Elohim into lasciviousness, and denying the only Sovereign Yahweh, and our Master Yahshua Messiah.”

Yahweh’s grace does not provide a license to continue in sin. Upon repentance we are to change our lives and abide by the morality of our Father. This is accomplished by obedience to His commandments, 1John 2:3, Revelation 12:17; 14:12; 22:14.

Those who teach that the commandments are no longer obligatory are guilty of turning Yahweh’s grace into lasciviousness (lawlessness).

What about those who were not law observant because of ignorance? Will they be given an opportunity for salvation?

Those who lived a moral life based on what they understood will certainly receive grace in the judgment. Yahshua alludes to this in John 9:41: “Yahshua said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.”

While Yahweh’s law is always present, His condemnation is not. Yahweh doesn’t condemn for that which is not understood.

If we are indeed ignorant of certain commandments (e.g. the Sabbath, Feasts, Yahweh’s Name, etc.), He overlooks that disobedience. We also find this principle in Acts 17:30, “And the times of this ignorance Elohim winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.” Notice here that once we know the truth we are responsible to repent and follow that truth.

Traditions of Hellfire

Willful ignorance will not be acceptable to our Father and Savior.

We read earlier from Revelation 20, “And death and hades were cast into the lake of fire.” The word hades is traditionally rendered “hell” and has been understood as a place of perpetual torment. The fact is, this belief is not founded in the Bible, but in myth and man’s traditions.

According to authors Alan F. Johnson and Robert E. Webber in their book, What Christians Believe - A Biblical and Historical Summary, the current concept of hell developed from Greek influence, “In the intertestamental period there were significant developments in eschatological themes. The first relates to the development of a compartmental view of sheol. When the righteous and the wicked die, they go to different places. This is to be contrasted with the Old Testament view that sheol is the place where both the righteous and wicked go. Under the growing influence of Greek concepts of a distinct body and soul, some Jews taught that after death ‘the immortal and perishable soul, once detached from the ties of the flesh and thus freed from bondage, flies happily upwards’ [quote from Flavius Josephus, The Jewish Wars, II, VII.2]…On the other hand the wicked go to sheol, which is now identified with the Greek hades. This is a place of damnation and is also called gehenna, a place of eternal fire (originally the old rubbish heap and a place of child sacrifice south of Mount Zion in Jerusalem).

It was known as the Valley of Hinnom,” pp.

423-424.

As confirmed here, the current concept of hell as an ever-burning fire is absent from the Old and New testaments and arose only through pagan traditions of man. This belief was further propagated and solidified in the 14th century through “Dante’s Inferno,” the commencement of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. In this poem he depicts sheol or hades as a place of fire and torment. Images of this epic poem continue to influence New Testament believers today.

Gehenna, Sheol and Hades

While these words come from different languages, not one refers to an ever-burning hell fire within the confines of Scripture.

Let’s examine each one of these words individually.

Let’s first review sheol. This word appears 66 times in the Old Testament and is rendered in the KJV as, “grave, hell and pit.” Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance defines sheol as, “Hades or the world of the

dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates.” Notice that Strong’s defines this word as the “world of the dead.” This “world” included both the righteous and the wicked, as verified in Genesis 37:35, “And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave [Heb. sheol] unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.” In this account Jacob is mourning the supposed death of his righteous son Joseph.

Gehenna refers to the Valley of Hinnom. It was a place where the Israelites burned their trash and committed their children to Molech, an abominable practice abhorred by Almighty Yahweh. This word occurs 12 times in the New Testament and in every instance is rendered “hell” by the KJV. Strong’s defines this word as, “…of Hebrew origin [OT:1516 and OT:2011]; valley of (the son of) Hinnom; ge-henna (or Ge-Hinnom), a valley of Jerusalem, used (figuratively) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting punishment.” The Valley of Hinnom was not a place of perpetual torment, but one of total eternal destruction. In other words, those who go to “hell” will suffer from the totality of Yahweh’s judgment. However, the concept of burning forever is foreign to Scripture.

The third and final word is hades. It appears 11 times in the New Testament and means, “the place (state) of departed souls,” Strong’s. The Complete Word Study New Testament, under its Lexical Aids, states that hades “corresponds to sheol in the Old Testament” and that “both words have been inadequately translated in the KJV as hell.”

According to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, in biblical Greek this word was associated with “Orcus, the infernal regions, a dark and dismal place in the very depths of the earth, the common receptacle of disembodied spirits. Usually Hades is just the abode of the wicked, Luke 16:23; Rev 20:13,14; a very uncomfortable place.” Keep in mind that this understanding developed through Greek thought and philosophy. For this reason, it’s essential that we interpret this word based on the context of Scripture.

Scriptural Definition of Hell

If hell or hades were a place of the wicked, why then do we find it used in reference to believers? For example in Acts 2:27, 31 we find that Yahshua the Messiah was in hell:

“Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption…He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Messiah, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.”

If hell is reserved only for the wicked, why then was Yahshua there? While some purpose that Yahshua went to “hell” to preach to the wicked, Scripture is clear that He was in the heart of the earth or grave for three days and three nights, Matthew 12:40. Further verification is found from the context of verse 31, where Paul connects “hell” with corruption or decay, a state only associated with the grave.

The Apostle Paul in 1Corinthians 15:55 provides another example, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”

The word “grave” here is derived from hades. Interestingly, this is the only passage where hades appears as “grave.” Not only is this verse referring to the saints, those who will be found worthy of the first resurrection, but it also connects hades with the grave.

Clearly, hell is not reserved only for the wicked and is not a place of continual torment in the Scriptures.

Eternal Fire

You might be asking, what about eternal fire? To the surprise of many, this phrase does not refer to an everlasting punishing.

From Sodom and Gomorrah we find that “eternal fire” simply refers to the totality of Yahweh’s judgment, “Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire,” Jude 7.

In our Restoration Study Bible we find that this phrase “refers both to its ability to continue burning in the presence of sufficient fuel, as well as its lasting effects….” The latter explains the eternal nature of this punishment. It’s not the fire that burns forever, but the punishment or judgment that remains forever. Sodom and Gomorrah no longer burn, but their judgment will be forever remembered. Two additional examples are found in Jeremiah: • “But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall

not be quenched,” Jeremiah 17:27.

• “Therefore thus saith my Sovereign Yahweh; Behold, mine anger and my fury shall be poured out upon this place, upon man, and upon beast, and upon the trees of the field, and upon the fruit of the ground; and it shall burn, and shall not be quenched,” Jeremiah 7:20.

These prophecies would be later fulfilled when Judah was conquered by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon.

In these examples this fire would not be “quenched.” This word comes from the Hebrew kabah, a primitive root, meaning, “to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger).” Similar to Sodom and Gomorrah, this is not referring to eternal fire, but to fire that no one shall put out until it has completely burned up its fuel, alluding to the totality of Yahweh’s judgment.

Heavenly Paradise on Earth

What occurs after the Great White Throne Judgment? John of Patmos provides an image that could be described only as “heavenly paradise on earth.” He states, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from Elohim out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of Elohim is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and Yahweh himself shall be with them, and be their Elohim. And Elohim shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away,” Revelation 21:1-4.

For those found worthy of our Father’s calling, this is the prize. After the Millennium and the second death, Yahweh, our Father in heaven, will bring His holy city, New Jerusalem, to earth. In this Kingdom there will be no more tears, no more death, no more sorrow, no more crying, and no more pain. Can you imagine such a paradise?

This life now is only transitory, but the life to come is eternal, full of abundant happiness and blessings beyond measure.

There will be no end to Yahweh’s Kingdom.

Regardless of our current afflictions, we can take hope that there’s a better promise ahead. May we live today for the promise of our Father’s Kingdom.

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in Scripture

Q

“A church organization we have been affiliated with has indicated that the Passover this year falls on the evening of the 24th, not the 25th as your eNews states. Additionally, the Pentecost date is the same, but thereafter there is a three-day difference for the Feast of Trumpets. That is major. How can that be? Better yet, how can I determine or prove the correct date myself? We need to know since we do NOT want to keep the incorrect dates!”

A

While your organiza-tion uses the tradition-al Jewish calendar, we follow the biblical calendar. There are several key differences between the two: one is when the biblical year begins and the other is the commencement of each month.

The Jewish calendar goes to the end of the year and counts backward from the autumnal equinox to the first month. We begin the first month by the ripening of the barley, as Israel did during the time of Moses. The first indication of this is Exodus 9:31: “And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled.” The word “ear” here is from the Hebrew abib. Strong’s Hebrew dictionary defines this word as, “green, i.e. a young ear of grain; hence, the name of the month Abib or Nisan.”

The Brown Driver & Briggs Hebrew Lexicon provides a similar definition,

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“month of ear-forming, of greening of crop, of growing green Abib, the month of the Exodus and the Passover (March or April).”

The second distinction is the method for determining the month. The Jewish calendar uses the conjunction (the astronomical, invisible, new moon), while we go by the visible new moon crescent. In Deuteronomy 16:1 Yahweh commands, “Observe the month of Abib, and keep the passover unto Yahweh thy Elohim....” The word observe is from the Hebrew shamar and means “to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.:--beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man),” (Strong’s).

Notice that this word refers to the action of watching. In addition, the word “month” is derived from the Hebrew chadash and refers to the “new moon; by implication, a month.” The new moon here refers to the crescent, not to the conjunction.

According to the New Unger’s Bible Dictionary, under Festivals, the new moon was determined by observation: “...As the festivals, according to the Mosaic law, were always to be celebrated on the same day of the month, it was necessary to fix the commencement of the month. This was determined by the appearance of the new moon; for the new moon was reckoned not by astronomical calculation, but by actual

personal observation. On the thirtieth day of the month watchmen were placed on commanding heights around Jerusalem to watch the sky. As soon as each of them detected the moon he hastened to a house in the city kept for this purpose and was there examined by the president of the Sanhedrin.

When the evidence of the appearance was deemed satisfactory, the president stood up and formally announced it, uttering the words, ‘It is consecrated.’

The information was immediately sent throughout the land from the Mount of Olives by beacon fires on the tops of the hills. The religious observance of the day of the new moon may plainly be regarded as the consecration of a natural division of time.”

For additional information on the proper calendar, see our booklet: The Biblical Calendar ­­ ­- on paper or online.

Q

“Am I sinning because I cannot find a church that I trust to attend? I believe that Yahshua is my Messiah, I pray in His Name, I keep the commandments, but, I don’t go to church.”

A

Your decision to come out of mainstream worship is not sin. In fact, it’s fundamental that we don’t accept error in our worship. Paul in 2Corinthians 6:14-15 states, “Be ye not unequally yoked

together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Messiah with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” As believers we must separate truth from error. Worshiping on Sunday and calling on titles that do not give our Creator and Savior honor is not pleasing to them. For this reason, it’s incumbent that we make a separation in our worship.

Q

“I have recently come to the truth concerning Yahweh…and was directed to your website. I like what I see and am enjoying the learning experience...and I am wanting to learn more. I’d like to purchase all your booklets, some in quantity to supply my Sunday school class, for as of yet I am still attending my church; there is no one here that is aware of this teaching as of yet. Pray as I try to teach carefully these truths. The booklets are perfect. Email me and let me know how I can do this without getting only two at a time, and besides I would like to donate to get them, or however you want...I am considering the Bible, and the woman’s magazine.”

A

We are pleased that our website has been a blessing to you. Because of the expense, we are happy to fill requests of more than two free booklets if accompanied by a donation of $1 per booklet. This covers the cost of the booklet and some of the shipping. We highly recommend both our Restoration Study Bible and Come to the Garden magazine. As for continuing in error, please see answer to the previous question.

Q

“I occasionally see all sort of ‘new age’ junk come across one of my email boxes. It almost always sets off the ‘Beware of

false doctrine’ alarms in my head.

Part of me wants to rebuff them, but I’m trying to do a better job of controlling my emotions and actions.

I went back and reread the booklet on Effective Witnessing, which was helpful. However I’d like to see if you can give me any additional pointers here…. At the end of the witnessing booklet it speaks about “Wasted Efforts.” Reading it kind of hit home in that I may be facing just such a situation. Is there anything you would add to those two paragraphs in that booklet?”

A

As the booklet states, there are occasions where after we have witnessed we must leave that person to our Father Yahweh and allow His will to work. We must also remember that we can only plant the seed. Paul in 1Corinthians 3:5-9 states, “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Master gave to every man?

I have planted, Apollos watered; but Elohim gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth, but Elohim that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

For we are labourers together with Yahweh: ye are Yahweh’s husbandry, ye are Yahweh’s building.”

From the Apostle Paul we learn that we can only plant and water, but we cannot bring forth the increase. For that we must wait on Yahweh, our Father in heaven. The best thing you can do in these situations is to pray that Yahweh would touch hearts and open eyes, if it is His will.

Q

“I live in Columbus, Ohio and I’m having trouble finding a church where I can be baptized in the RIGHT name. Any help would be so appreciated.”

A

At this time we have no affiliate in your vicinity to perform baptisms. In your situation we encourage you to join us at one of the biblical Feasts where baptismal services are available.

Realize that baptism is not something that once done you return to your old ways. It involves repentance first followed by a complete commitment to an entire change of life in turning from sin to obedience. That means being totally faithful in observing the Sabbath and Feasts and all the other commands Yahweh gives the True Worshiper.

Although we don’t immerse into an organization but rather into the Body of Messiah, there is also the need for having the service done by those who are in obedience to all the Truth of Scripture themselves, who will then provide proper guidance and support before, during, and after your commitment.

Q

“I believe YHWH is the true G-d but I don’t understand all the violence in the Bible: the stoning, hamstringing of horses, etc., that causes needless suffering and turns people into monsters.

I’m not against the death penalty, but why the torture and crippling?” –MM, email

A

The violence and pain we find in the Scriptures and on earth today are entirely of man’s making. It all started with the rebellion of man. Yahweh never intended any of it, but put man in a paradise in Eden.

Earth would have remained a pristine utopia if man had not turned away from his Creator and sinned. As soon as Adam and Eve sinned, suffering and death entered into their dreamland. Sin has continued unabated since. Sin and rebellion are at the root of every evil, wickedness and pain known to man.

Until Yahshua returns to stop the sin we will continue to see pain and suffering.

Restoration Times Magazine May-June 2013

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“

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” 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.

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Feedback Letters / Emails “I am so glad that I came across this ministry on Sky Angel several months ago. I had long believed that the Old Testament was very important, but had never really understood that it was (is) still relevant today. Since basically I was “churched” into thinking that the “old law” was harsh and no longer necessary and that [Yahshua] was a tender, loving Savior (more like a mother than His Holy Father Yahweh) that I could be complacent and not be concerned about sins committed — thanks to a forgiving Messiah and “once saved, always saved” concept. Yet, after hearing the Truth thanks to ministries such as YRM, I not only want to hear these words and reflect on them but to obey them.”

– RG, KY The natural inertia in humans causes us to want as little personal obligation in our lives as possible, and doctrines that have become overwhelmingly popular over the past 50 years feed that natural inclination. No wonder the vast majority gravitate to the faiths that offer them the easiest path, just as Yahshua explained when He said, “Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction and many find it.” You have broken through that spiritual barrier, which all true followers of Yahweh must do, and we praise Him for convicting you to find the necessary, closer walk.

Your desire to help us bring Truth to this world is a blessing. – ED “How grateful I am to receive Yahweh’s answer to my prayers, for answering questions I have had for a long time.

Praise be to Yahweh’s love for me that He will let me know His truths in His and through His Word. Thank you all for being faithful and willing to be used and sent.”

– EM, NV

“I really enjoy your TV ministry and get goose bumps on some of the things you talk about. I’m not good with words, but you are doing a wonderful job for Yahweh. ‘I’m hooked.’ Is there any chance that I could receive your DVDs?” – email “I have come to believe, over the past nine or 10 months, that Yahweh’s Name is as important as all the rest of His laws, statutes, Sabbaths, and Holy Days. As a result, I had an epiphany night before last. Why continue to tithe to an assembly, no matter how well meaning, that doesn’t share my viewpoint concerning the Real Name of our Father and His Son? So…I’m going to tithe to you from here on out.”

– QA, GA “Thank you for excellent teachings! And for opening the eyes of those needing truth from this lying world.” – VB, OR “I truly love your program. I am thankful that I found it on my TV.” – RG, MI “I just received the order form for the Bible and will send it back to you in the morning. You don’t know how I’ve looked forward to this. I’m 66 years old now and have studied the Word since I was 17. When I began studying, a few years later I got with a ministry that taught what I already knew just from reading it myself. I was maybe not

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surprised, but say gratified that I knew these things except the proper Name, which you teach and you are absolutely right. As to the 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 “Thank you for this ministry. It is long overdue in my life. So many times I have prayed for the educated church leaders to speak with the accuracy you do. I love the new mid-program music behind the Bible quiz. It’s a WOW! We pray for your continued infusing of truth into our minds.”

– VB, OR Every seminary of note teaches the true Name of our Father Yahweh. But then with typical gloss they tell the aspiring minister that it is not necessary to actually use it. And so Christianity continues as the only major religion without a name for the One it worships.

Being the most important Name in the universe, Yahweh’s Name occurs nearly 7,000 times in the biblical manuscripts.

Whenever they came across it in the Old Testament Hebrew autographs, the 70 translators of the early Greek Septuagint considered Yahweh’s Name so important that they let it remain unchanged in its Hebrew letters. – ED

Upcoming Seminars – Join Pastor Randy and Friends!

• Fort Worth, Texas – May 31, 6:30 pm

Holiday Inn Fort Worth North – 4635 Gemini Place

• Lexington, Kentucky – June 18, 7:00 pm

Lexington Public Library (Northside Branch) – 1733 Russell Cave Road

• Brentwood, Tennessee – June 19, 7:00 pm

Brentwood Library – 8109 Concord Road (15 miles from Nashville)

Interested in baptism? Contact YRM at 573-896-1000 prior to the seminar.

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

Watch our upcoming program, “The History of the Sacred Name Movement,” with special guest; Pastor Samuel Graham, starting May 8th.

(Based on Central Time)

● Church Channel: Wednesdays at 10:30 pm and Saturdays at 10:30 am (Direct TV 371, Dish Network 258). View on your mobile device ‒ search: TBN Mobile app, online: www.churchchannel.tv/watch ● Angel One: Wednesdays at 5:30 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

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 request the free literature offered in this magazine 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