Restoration Times Magazine January-March 2012

C O N T E N T S

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Magazine

VOL. 2 | No. 7 | January-March 2012

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A R T I C L E S

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4 | Handwriting of Ordinances Is Not Biblical Law by Donald Mansager

12 | Developing Character

6 | Born Twice

14 | Prophetic Days of Worship Part 2

by Joel Wirl

by Randy Folliard

by Alan Mansager

10 | That All Important First Resurrection by Donald Mansager

18 | The Battle We Fight

by Bob Wirl 20 | Questions and Answers

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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. © 2012 Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry

23 | Letters FRONT COVER: iStockphoto - Silhouette of Man

Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry PO Box 463 Holts Summit, MO 65043 Telephone: 573-896-1000 www.yrm.org info@yrm.org

Editorial by Alan Mansager

A Quantum Leap for YRM

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ahweh’s Restoration Ministry has a multifaceted outreach, and we are always updating, upgrading, expanding, improving, and looking for more and better ways to reach out with Yahweh’s Truth.

This brings us to the biggest and most exciting news we have ever been blessed to announce. It could have far greater impact than anything the Sacred Name has ever had for Yahweh’s glory and Truth.

We have received a verbal commitment to sponsor Discover the Truth TV program on a national television network this year!

The network has already approved us.

Yahweh is opening the door in an enormous way and we are excited as well as humbled when we consider the potential impact it will have and the responsibility it carries. We know that if it is Yahweh’s will all obstacles will be surmounted. Our experience in producing informative, lifechanging Discover the Truth programs on cable access TV will prove invaluable as we now reach out to potentially millions of viewers each week!

In anticipation of a flood of response requests from the programs we are tirelessly working on the new office building, concentrating on mailing and production operations. We also must complete a new television studio in the new building quickly as possible. To prepare for this giant leap, more than at any other time we need your help. YRM is a relatively small, Gideon-like force

facing monumental opportunities and big challenges that go with it. We especially need your prayers and dedicated commitment at this time. The estimated cost to get the TV offices and studio production-ready is $10,000. A building fund has already been set up.

Without the funds it will be virtually impossible to produce the kind of program we need for national exposure. Make no mistake—Discover the Truth WILL be produced for this network, even if the quality is lacking because we have to go back to recording in the front-end of our tractor shed for a time. We seek your help so that we will be ready when we get the final go-ahead.

In retrospect it is now clear that Yahweh was leading us to begin constructing the new office building several years ago, even before our needs became so clear and pressing. Since then we have continued construction as building funds allowed without seeking a single loan or paying a penny of loan interest. It was Yahweh’s foresight from the start. It was He who gave us this fantastic opportunity to make such an impact on this world!

The photos at the top show the progress of our new office building, which will also house the dual outreach operations of mail processing and television. In the last year we have outgrown our old office space several times over and eagerly anticipate an enlarged area in which to work and be more efficient and effective as well. We

anticipate the soon-coming time when we will be filling hundreds, maybe thousands, of literature orders each week. Front-end offices in the new building are nearly ready for carpeting. The new work space will revolutionize our operations, expanding and multiplying our present, single mail processing station into three or four for timely processing of requests. Besides ministerial offices several cubicles will be added for volunteers to help with the many office tasks of a growing ministry.

Magazine to Go Quarterly This Year The expansion of our outreach into electronic and digital media is mandating that we redirect more time and energy into those areas of evangelism.

Therefore, we have decided to publish Restoration Times quarterly for now.

Back in the day when the periodical was the primary means of outreach, the necessity to focus time and resources on a bimonthly magazine was clear. But with today’s Internet, when all of our magazines, literature and sermons can be instantly accessed and downloaded from our Website at any time from anywhere on earth, the need for Bible truth information in printed form is not so critical as it once was.

The future looks bright and we pray you will join with us to take the real message of the Word to the world. Please use the return envelope inserted in this issue.

Restoration Times Magazine January-March 2012

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‘Handwriting of Ordinances’ Is Not Biblical Law

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-A Close Look at Colossians 2:14- by Donald Mansager

hy did Paul write to the Assembly at Colosse that Yahweh “forgave all trespasses, blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, that was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His tree”? (Col. 2:14).

Was he saying that the law was no longer in effect, essentially blotted out and nailed to the torture stake, as many believe? To understand, let’s look at the background of his letter to the Colossians.

When we come across a problem verse it is helpful to understand the underlying reason the passage was written. Especially is that important when examining some of the passages Paul wrote that give many readers difficulty.

Colosse: Dominated by Paganism Situated in Asia Minor, Colosse was the great cultural center of the region. Here Epaphcas had raised up an assembly.

Competent Bible scholars believe that Paul had been presented some of the problems of this congregation situated in the very center of worldly wisdom. It was while jailed in Rome that Paul is credited with writing four of his letters, which have come to be known as prison epistles: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. The date is around 60 C.E.

The assembly at Colosse evidently met in the home of Philemon. Situated in the Lycus valley, Colosse was dominated

by Greek civilization and philosophy.

With her sister cities of Laodicea and Hieropolis, Colosse made up the part of Phyrgia, considered to be the seat of Greek philosophy. Rome had become dominant in world affairs by the time of Paul, but Oriental philosophy and asceticism continued to permeate the culture of this and other outlying areas.

The people had lapsed into paganism

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and gross immorality. There was no Jewish settlement as in Tarsus and Laodicea and other cities of commerce and business.

Greek culture dominated this part of Asia Minor, today known as Turkey. It was a great cultural center, but strong in heathenism, paganism, and the mystery religions.

Pantheism was everywhere.

The teachings of Plato centered on the demiurge. This is the Gnostic term for the Creator of the material world, who was considered much lower than and far removed from the Supreme Being. This was one of the main purposes of Paul’s letter — to prove that Yahshua was the Creator and the head of the Assembly, and not the bottom of the creation ladder (Col. 1).

After explaining the pressures upon the assembly in Colosse being brought

by Oriental theosophy and asceticism, McClintock and Strong point out that these pagan teachings “... promised thereby to their disciples a deeper insight into the spiritual world, and fuller approximation to heavenly purity and intelligence than simple Christianity could yield.”

The problem that Paul addressed in his letter to the Colossians was the syncretism of pagan, Oriental asceticism with the truth of the Scriptures. It was the mixing of the Word with worldly philosophy and esoteric wisdom along with spiritualism and mystery religions. As McClintock and Strong point out, it was the combination of Oriental philosophy “and the ascetic practices by which it was supposed that the soul is to be emancipated from the material thraldom under which it at present labors.”

Law Not Against Us Paul’s concern can be seen in reading the first chapter of Colossians. There in verses 9-10 he desires that they be filled with wisdom and spiritual understanding of the knowledge of Yahweh. In verses 13-

20 he shows that Yahshua is the fullness of Yahweh, and that Yahshua Himself was the Creator. He ends the last two verses of the chapter declaring that he is striving to present every man perfect in the Messiah.

Paul’s point is that Yahshua is the head of the body, the assembly.

In chapter 2 Paul warns the believers not to be taken in by those who would beguile them (verse 4), nor be spoiled (as spoiled by war) through philosophy and vain deceit by the traditions of men and the elementary teachings of the world, verse 8. In verse 10 Paul points out that the believer who has been baptized is complete in the Messiah, and in verse 13 he says the believer is now living a new life, with his sins forgiven.

Notice that in verse 13 it is the Father who has made the believer alive and has forgiven all trespasses. Yahweh is the subject here. Verse 14 tells how He did it.

“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing them to the tree” of His Son, Yahshua.

The “handwriting of ordinances” is not the Ten Commandments which were written on two tables of stone by Yahweh’s own finger. These ordinances were handwritten by man. They were not engraved on two tablets of stone as were the Ten Commandments.

In addition, this handwriting of ordinances Paul says is “against us, contrary to us.” This certainly cannot be the Ten Commandments, for they are not against us. David said, “O, How love I Thy Law! it is my meditation all the day” (Ps. 119:97). If King David, the patriarchs, and Yahshua Himself kept and obeyed Yahweh’s law, how can His law be “against us, contrary to us?” We might act contrary to His Law, but certainly His Law is not against or contrary to us. The problem was always with man, never with the law.

Yahweh’s law was never blotted out,

expunged, or erased. We read that it is still

in effect some 30 years later when John wrote the Book of Revelation, 12:17; 14:12; 22:14. Paul elsewhere uses the term tables of stone (2Cor. 3:3), but he does not do so here in the letter to the Colossians. This cannot be referring to the Ten Commandments, which were placed inside the ark (Heb. 9:4).

The writer of Hebrews refers to them as the tables of the covenant.

Neither were the ordinances referred to here the sacrificial law of animal offerings.

The animal offerings did indeed cease when Yahshua became the complete sacrifice for our sins by offering up His sinless life for us.

All the animal offerings and the sacrifices in the O1d Testament pointed to some phase of the redemptive work of the Messiah. The ceremonial law and Temple worship pointed to the Messiah; type met anti-type in Him. The ceremonial law was set in abeyance at that time.

The word from which ordinances is translated is the Greek dogma, and it occurs six times in the New Testament. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words says of dogma, “Primarily denoted an opinion or judgment (from dokeo, to be of opinion). Hence, an opinion expressed with authority, a doctrine, ordinance, or decree.”

Furthermore, it is used in the Bible to be the doctrine, decree, or teaching of man.

“Ordinances” here is a man-made teaching.

It is not Yahweh-ordained law.

From the Mouth of Man Dogma first occurs in Luke 2:1 where the birth of Yahshua is told. The decree (dogma) went out from Caesar Augustus. The term means a man-made teaching or ordinance. It was a decree (dogma) issued by the Roman emperor that all the world should be taxed.

Dogma occurs again in Acts 16:4, “And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were in Jerusalem.” The decrees were the result of the council recorded in Acts 15.

Here James gives his conclusion on what was to be required of the converted Gentiles coming into the Body of Messiah.

Because they were from pagan, heathen backgrounds (worshiping idols, indulging in fornication common with temple prostitutes, eating of things strangled and blood), these things were all a common practice in their prior heathen worship. Noting this, James states that those Gentiles should

be especially warned of these things, Acts 15:20 and 29.

These Gentiles were to be especially watchful to avoid such pagan practices.

Now that they had turned to Yahweh, they would be attending the synagogues every Sabbath day (verse 21) and would hear the law being read and taught to them.

Verse 23 tells of these letters being written to the Gentile assemblies in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. The decision was also made that it was not necessary to be circumcised and keep the law of sacrifices, verse 24. The decree (dogma) was the judgment of the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. This was a human, manmade decree or cautionary edict meant to strengthen the new Gentile converts.

The apostles were accused of turning the world upside down in Acts 17:6. These unbelieving Jews then went on to accuse the converts to the Messiah in Acts 17:7 “ ... and these do contrary to the decrees (dogma) of Caesar, saying there is another king, one Yahshua.”

Here again the word translated decree is the Greek dogma — a man-made edict or ruling and in this case by Caesar. These rabble-rousers were trying to thwart the efforts of the early disciples and converts by appealing to a decree of Julius Caesar.

Ten Commandments Gone?

Paul uses the word dogma again in Ephesians 2:15, “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace.” Some read this and contend that it says that Yahshua abolished in His flesh the Ten Commandments. Nothing of the kind!

Paul says that Yahshua abolished in His flesh the ENMITY, the HATRED of the law contained in ordinances. Yahshua did not do away with the law but by His death he did abolish the ethnic animosity between peoples by breaking down the wall of added rules and prejudicial judgments separating Jew and Gentile. Now both are able to become a part of the Body of Messiah.

These ordinances were evidently the regulations designed to separate and purify the Jews from the nations. Now the antagonism that resulted from these added tenets no longer exists between Jew and Gentile because they both can become one in the Messiah. That is one accomplishment of Yahshua’s death.

A Pagan Blend What exactly were the “handwriting of ordinances that was against us, that was contrary to us” in Colossians 2? The Bible clearly says again that these were man-made rules and regulations that were central to their old worship. The Colossian assembly was a mixture of pagan, heathen culture, and this time these new babes in Messiah were trying to blend back into their worship and continue that old system.

Their heathenism taught that punishment of the flesh helped the soul reach a higher spiritual plane. These are the same kinds of Eastern mystical teachings coming back through the New Age movement today.

There is no doubt that this worldly philosophy and crude teaching of the pagan world are all demonic, designed to draw man away from Messiah.

Twice in chapter 2 Paul warns not to let any MAN beguile or lead us away by philosophy and idle fantasies, verses 4 and 8. This is before he gets to verse 18, where he again warns against allowing MAN to beguile us of our reward by enticing with false teachings. Here it has to do with angel worship, and bragging of visions and being inflated by the human mind.

Knowing that the people in Colosse were pagan and influenced by worldly wisdom, Paul warns in verse 16, “Let no man therefore judge you in meat or drink, in respect of the new moon, or of Sabbaths.”

His point here is not to let those of the world pass judgment upon Yahweh’s commands: such as which meats are proper for His people to eat, what they can drink, or what holy days or new moons or Sabbaths a believer in Yahshua should observe.

We are not to allow puny man to make such judgments or determine such things for us.

Outsiders Not to Judge Saints Paul continues in verse 17, “Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body of Messiah.” Notice that the verb IS does not belong to the original, being italicized. It was added by the translators.

The meaning of the sentence is that the Sabbaths ARE a shadow of things to come. They foreshadow future events. The Sabbaths are prophetic! This includes not only the weekly Sabbath but also the seven annual Sabbaths and the Sabbatical and Jubilee years. (please turn to p. 22)

Request our booklet Yahweh’s Perfect Law for an in-depth look at the Law and the requirements of a true believer. To read, visit yrm.org/literature.htm To

Restoration Times Magazine January-March 2012

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Born Twice

We’ve all been born once. But what did Yahshua mean when He said we must be born again? by Alan Mansager

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rather savvy Pharisee named Nicodemus privately approached the Messiah Yahshua at night to say he was convinced that Yahshua was a teacher sent from Yahweh.

Yahshua used the opportunity to reveal a central fact about the Kingdom. “Yahshua answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of Elohim,” John 3:3.

Confused by Yahshua’s statement, Nicodemus asked how can a person be born when he is old? Can he go back into his mother’s womb and be born all over again?

Then Yahshua detailed what He meant.

“Yahshua answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of Elohim.”

Yahshua said that being born again for salvation involves two fundamentals: being born of water and the Spirit. Yahshua was talking about a process of conversion. That

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spiritual transformation that must occur in a Believer’s life leads to a full-fledged, new creation of an individual who no longer continues in his old nature, indulging in the world’s pleasures and sins, but now reflects the very image of Yahweh in thought and action.

A Process Taking Time Conversion is a life-long development, not an easy and quick confession followed by back to business as usual. To be found worthy of the Kingdom requires a complete, permanent change of mind and heart.

Transforming of the individual from a serial sinner into a spiritually mature individual useful to Yahweh in advancing His Kingdom requires a lifetime of tests and trials. It doesn’t happen with a mere declaration of Yahshua as one’s personal Savior; that’s only the start.

John gave us a crucial element to being born again: “For whatsoever is born of Elohim overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even

our faith,” 1John 5:4.

In Revelation 2:26 Yahshua says, “And he that overcomes, and keeps my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.” Obedience to the Word is how we overcome in this life. It leads to a position of rulership in the next, “To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne,” Revelation 3:21.

To be born again means overcoming.

But what does “overcome” mean? Isn’t a simple confession enough? Not any more than blowing on your hands will wash away grimy dirt.

Overcoming our old nature and the pulls of this world is serious, difficult business. It takes a lifetime. .

Windfall Blessings Now? No wonder people want to believe that being born again (being “saved”) is just a five-second confession!

Isaiah tells us what everyone

Request our booklet If You Seek Baptism for an in-depth look at what is required to begin the walk in Yahshua. To read, visit yrm.org/literature.htm To request, see back cover for details

would rather hear: “Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits,” Isaiah 30:10 Tell everyone that entrance into the Kingdom is easy and effortless and filled with all the worldly blessings imaginable.

That’s prophesying (teaching) deceits.

That’s today’s popular messages in a nutshell and an amazingly accurate prophecy about them.

The popular doctrine of being born again says it’s all downhill once you accept Yahshua. You are now saved, and you will slide on through completely unscathed.

Even better, you will have great health and wealth and prosperity as well.

But where’s the evidence? Which person who has undergone real, authentic conversion has been inundated with health and riches—and no problems from then on? This most popular of sermon themes of nominal worship is fundamentally not just flawed but a lie from the very the lips of haSatan himself.

Nowhere does Yahweh’s Word teach it and nowhere is there any evidence of it in the Word. In fact, the opposite is the truth.

A Tribulation Guarantee Instead of sunshine, lollypops and roses, many of His true Worshipers will pay the ultimate sacrifice for living for Yahweh.

We read of the consequences for some followers in the end times in Revelation 12:11, “And they overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

Forget the sugar and spice and everything nice. Forget wealth and health.

There’s going to be conflict when you take up the same walk that Yahshua took, which is the only walk that leads to salvation. This is fact and is anything but popular. The world in general has little love of the truth of Yahweh because the truth is convicting.

And remember how Yahshua ended up— nailed to a post! Is Yahweh going to give you what He didn’t even give His own son? Are we to have it better than Yahweh’s own, beloved Son had it?

We are told not to be surprised when tested for our faith. Yahshua guaranteed it, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against

her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes [shall be] they of his own household,” Matthew 10:34-36.

This is why the way is called narrow.

Salvation comes at a great sacrificial price. Peter wrote, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Messiah’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy,” 1Peter 4:12-13.

If we follow in Yahshua’s footsteps then we will experience the kinds of things He did.

That’s all part of the refining process.

Sifting takes out the junk. Heat melts away impurities. What is left is a highly refined product that Yahweh can use. He can’t utilize what is tainted with unrepented sin, 1Corinthians 6:9.

Let’s dig into the ancient language itself and see what “born again” actually means as taught by Yahshua Himself.

The Greek and ‘Born Again’ “Born again” starts with being begotten from above. Let’s look at the two words individually. “Born” is the Greek gennao and in Yahshua’s teaching means the entire birth process – from the beginning at begettal to the ending at birth. Gennao is used in Matthew 1:20, where Joseph is told by the angel that Mary’s conception (gennao , begetting) is by the Holy Spirit.

“Again” is anothen and means: 1) from above, from a higher place; of things which come from heaven or Yahweh; 2) from the first, from the beginning.

We are begotten spiritually by the Word of truth, James 1:8 tells us. Yahshua uses the process of conception and growth of a baby to illustrate the same concept with a babe in the Word. First the conception, then the gestation period, then the actual birth.

In that process the newborn undergoes radical change—from a single ovum or egg barely visible to the unaided eye to the birth of a fully developed infant.

When the egg becomes fertilized the begettal occurs. Spiritually for the True Worshiper it starts at baptism, when a part of the Holy Spirit is given by the laying on of hands of the ministry to start the spiritual growth process. Paul said in 1Corinthians 1:22 that we are “…given the

earnest of the spirit in our hearts.” He said again in 2Corinthians 5:5: “Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing [is] Elohim, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.”

Earnest means down payment, from the Greek arrabon. It is just the initial infusion of His Spirit. So long as the person does not quench the Spirit through sin, it will then develop and grow over time to create a fully developed Believer ready to be delivered by rebirth of that believer. He is at that time “born again.”

John 3:34 reveals that Yahshua is the exception to this. He got the FULL measure of the Spirit at His immersion by John.

“For he whom Yahweh hath sent speaketh the words of Yahweh: for Yahweh giveth not the Spirit by measure [unto Him].”

Resurrection by the Spirit Now we can review what we know so far about Yahshua’s teaching of being born again. From John 3:3 we learn: “Yahshua answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of Elohim.”

Nicodemus needed further clarification, which Yahshua provides in verse 5: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of Elohim.”

A man who was once being counseled for immersion said he believed that baptism wasn’t really necessary. Not only did Yahshua contradict that by His own words and by His own example of baptism, but the man was essentially saying he didn’t need the Holy Spirit, either, because at baptism is the very time the Holy Spirit is given through the laying on of hands of the elders.

Simply put, without the Holy Spirit in you, you will not be raised in the coming resurrection. Paul wrote, “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Yahshua from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up the Messiah from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwells in you,” Romans 8:11. See also John 6:63 and 2Corinthians 3:6.

The path to salvation begins with repentance from past sins followed by water baptism and laying on of hands for the Holy Spirit. Being born of water is not speaking of the fluid in the amniotic sac, as some have claimed. We all are born that way, and it would be pointless to mention it Restoration Times Magazine January-March 2012

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as something required of the believer when he has no choice in the matter!

To be born again we need power that comes down from above—from Yahweh Himself. And that power is the infusing of His Spirit. If this doesn’t happen, you cannot enter the Kingdom.

Changed By the Spirit When Yahshua comes back to this earth His people will be drawn to Him by the Holy Spirit they were given at baptism.

John 12:32: “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all [men] unto me.”

Draw is the Greek helko and means to draw by power. The Spirit will act like a magnet, and you must be “magnetized” to be drawn to Yahshua.

This is exactly how Yahshua was resurrected: “For Messiah also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to Elohim, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit” 1Peter 3:18. He was instantly changed and raised by the Holy Spirit.

Now comes the key verse 6: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

What does He mean to be born of the Spirit? Once that seed of the Holy Spirit is given it grows within the mind and heart to produce a mature believer.

Ultimately, and this is the result of the entire process, that person will be physically changed to spirit essence at the resurrection.

Paul had written in 1Thessalonians 4:16-17: “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 Savior.”

The process of spiritual maturity that started with repentance and water immersion ends with a miraculous transformation of a mind and heart, and from a physical human being into a spirit being at the return of Yahshua. He will

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raise His own at that time and reward them with a position in His kingdom.

“Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on such the second death had no power, but they shall be priests of Yahweh and of Messiah, and shall reign with him a thousand years” (Rev. 20:6).

This is the ultimate work of the Holy Spirit and the glorious future that awaits the faithful who keep the commandments and have the faith of Yahshua.

The saints will no longer be flesh and blood but will have spirit energy as do Yahweh and Yahshua.

Like the Wind Yahshua demonstrated it further. He said in John 3:8, “The wind blows where it lists, and you hear the sound thereof, but cannot tell whence it comes, and where it goes: so

is every one that is born of the Spirit.”

Yahshua compares the transformation to spirit essence with the wind. Wind is the Greek pneuma as demonstrated in Acts 2 when the Spirit was given and they heard a mighty sound like wind. Wind is often used in conjunction with the Holy Spirit. It has much the same properties.

Wind blows where Yahweh desires it to blow. He has complete control over it. Wind is invisible, you can’t tell where it comes from and where it goes. Yet it has power. So is the spirit essence of the True Worshiper in his spirit body at the

resurrection.

Yahshua in spirit form could appear and disappear at will. Suddenly there He was in a locked room with His disciples.

He could present himself to His Father in heaven and be back on earth that same day.

How did He do it? With Spirit power. He was spirit. Someday His chosen will have the same. Spirit essence is not limited by time, space or physical restrictions.

One must be begotten before one is born. The process of being “born again” is not a simple conversion experience. Pursuit of a Scriptural way of life must then follow.

Following are some key reasons you cannot be born again and still be a human in a physical body: Peter explains it clearly in 1Peter 1:23: “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of Elohim, which lives and abides for ever. For all flesh [is] as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower thereof falleth away:”

The spiritual commitment and life-change that is done spiritually ends with an actual spirit body that cannot break down, get sick, die or decay (incorruptible!). It will be immortal. Peter said plainly, being born again means not being physical, not being corruptible but incorruptible.

Incorruptible is the Greek aphthartos and means immortal.

It is used of Yahweh Himself.

Being born again means you are immortal.

Yahshua said in John 3:6, that which is born of the spirit IS spirit, not flesh. Being born again means to be of spirit in form and substance. “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of Elohim; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption,” 1Corinthians 15:50.

“Born again” is an entire process not just a confession; a declaration of sin is just the start of the spiritual process that results in being reborn.

They No Longer Sin Now read 1John 3:9, “Whosoever is born of Elohim doth not commit sin; for his seed remains in him: and he cannot sin, because

he is born of Elohim.”

Here is another simple test for the “born again” claim. Is the individual now sinless? Can he or she commit sin? The fact is, no human is sinless in this present world, Romans 3:23. Therefore, no one but Yahshua has been born again. He is the only one who was resurrected into spirit essence and the only one who is sinless.

Paul said in Rom. 3:23: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of Elohim.” No one is any different from anyone else on that score. John said that if you are born again you cannot sin. The reason is simple. Being born again you are now a spirit being. You’ve made the cut.

You are completely transformed in mind and heart as well as in essence.

Being born again you have overcome your sinful, human nature, the world’s obstacles and Satan’s devices. As a spirit being your mind is transformed so you no longer rebel against Yahweh through sin.

“If you know that he is righteous, you know that every one that does righteousness is born of him,” 1John 2:29. Righteousness is sinlessness. Show me a sinless person and I would agree that he or she is born again. I would also agree that they are now spirit beings and no longer flesh and blood.

Spirit Given by Measure John 3:34 reveals that the Holy Spirit is given in limited fashion. As we grow in grace, knowledge, and obedience, more of the Spirit is given to us. Acts 5:32 says He gives His spirit to those who obey.

With Yahshua it was different. The Spirit was not given to Yahshua in increments, but in whole: “For He whom Elohim has sent speaks the words of Elohim: for Elohim gives not the Spirit by measure unto Him.” But to us He gives just a small part of the Spirit at first, to see whether we will continue faithful and grow with it. “Who has also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts” (2Cor. 1:22).

Earnest is the Greek arrhabon and means a pledge or an advance, like a down payment.

As with Yahshua’s human begettal, the Holy Spirit is given us as a spiritual “begettal.” Then as we grow spiritually more of the Spirit is given, helping us mature into the nature and righteous stature of Yahshua.

Before any spiritual begettal takes place, though, repentance must occur. We find a prime example of repentance in Acts

2. It came following Peter’s explanation to the assembled Jews who came from 15 countries to keep Pentecost, saying that because of their sins and false accusation they themselves were the ones who put Yahshua to death. They were devastated, ashamed, stirred up, and asked Peter, “What shall we do?”

They were humbled and willing to change and do anything they were asked to do. That is the spirit of true repentance.

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Yahshua Messiah for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as Yahweh our Elohim shall call” (Acts 2:38-39).

Yahshua likened the Holy Spirit to flowing water, which will cover the earth when the Kingdom comes. His cleansing blood at Passover allowed the Holy Spirit to come and remain on earth. Through the sacrifice of Yahshua we receive the Holy Spirit by baptism in His Name. Our sins are washed away, and once empowered by the Spirit, we keep Yahweh’s laws and strive to stop sinning.

Yahshua Was Born Again You may be wondering, has anyone ever been born again? Yes indeed. As the firstfruits of many brethren, Yahshua Himself was.

Yahshua was the first to be resurrected with a body changed from flesh and blood to spirit. Those in the first resurrection shall also be changed to a spirit body: “And he is the head of the body, the assembly: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence” (Col. 1:18).

Paul also wrote, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many believers” (Rom 8:29).

Yahshua as the firstborn among brethren was “born again.” That occurred when His physical body was changed to spirit essence when He rose from the dead.

He was begotten (gennao) of water baptism and of the Spirit and was ultimately born from above (anothen) when He took on spirit form.

Being given the Holy Spirit upon baptism into Yahshua’s saving Name is just

the beginning for us.

Work of the Spirit His indwelling Spirit gives us peace of mind and produces fruits: “But the fruit of the Spirit of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Gal. 5:22-23).

But beyond what it does for us now, the portion of the Holy Spirit we receive upon immersion is also a kind of pledge or security toward an inheritance one day of the Kingdom.

Paul writes that we are sealed in Yahshua with the Holy Spirit of promise, Ephesians 1:13. He adds, “Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory” (Eph. 1:14).

Just as in a legal contract when an earnest deposit is made, there is a period during which the legal system puts everything in order. All necessary groundwork must be laid so that both parties are satisfied that they are getting just what they are bargaining for.

What, then, is expected of us during this early begettal and “spiritual gestation” period prior to being born again?

Our Obligation Peter writes, “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking. As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby: If so be you have tasted that the Savior is gracious” (1Pet. 2:1-3). We must grow in grace and knowledge of the Word, 2Peter 3:18.

This change is imperative.Yahshua said, “Marvel not that I said unto you, You must be born again” (John 3:7). To be different from the natural man with his envies, jealousies, hypocrisies, lies, worldly desires—that is the work the Spirit implanted at baptism.

Most are too busy with their daily lives to focus on their Father in heaven. Only when it is too late will many get serious about how they live.

“Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able,” Luke 13:24.

His chosen are humble and teachable as little children and they put into practice what the Bible requires. “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except you be converted, Restoration Times Magazine January-March 2012

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and become as little children, you shall not enter into the Kingdom of heaven” (Matt.

18:3).

We develop the character and love of Yahshua our Savior through obedience, just as He did. “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered,” Hebrews 5:8.

Carnal Won’t Enter Yahshua went on to say that only a few would be willing to pay the price to be in the Kingdom.

We are told plainly in 1Corinthians 6:9-10 that those who practice sin will have no place in the Kingdom, and will not be begotten of His Spirit and born again.

“Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of Yahweh?

Be not deceived: neither fornicators, not 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 .”

During the spiritual bettal when the Holy Spirit is working in the repentant heart, the old nature gives away to a completely different individual: “Therefore if any man be in Messiah, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new,” 2Corinthians 6:17-18.

A Few Are Called Now Being “begotten from above” by Yahweh’s Holy Spirit is a fulfillment of the promise made by Yahshua. The Heavenly Father is calling a few select people now to become His sons and daughters and to rule with Him in the Kingdom.

This is all made possible by the death

and resurrection of His Son Yahshua, who paid the price for our sins and arose that we might have life. He is now our Advocate as we struggle to overcome the world, Satan, and our carnal nature.

He intercedes for us, and through the Holy Spirit we grow in grace and knowledge of Yahweh, fitting into His design for the faithful. Once our spiritual growth has reached a maturity that Yahweh can use for His Kingdom, then we are ready to be born again.

It all starts by being begotten from above with His Holy Spirit. When we answer Yahweh’s call and are immersed into Yahshua’s saving Name, we are sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. From that time forward we are given a portion of His Spirit to see what we will do and whether we are totally serious about our new walk in Truth.

That All-important

First Resurrection

Of the two resurrections, the first is the goal of True Worshipers. The second offers hope for the unconverted.

W

hen Yahshua returns to this earth one of His first acts will be to gather His chosen people. They will have already proved themselves in this life and been judged righteous.

“And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other,” Matthew 24:31. He will take them to Jerusalem to help establish His Kingdom on earth, Zechariah 14:4.

This is the first resurrection.

We see from Isaiah that there will be babies born in the 1,000-year-long Kingdom when “the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and young lion and the fatling together; and

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by Donald Mansager

a little child shall lead them,” 11:6.

These unconverted humans will have lived through the end-time Tribulation.

After 1,000 years of spiritual restoration on earth another resurrection will take place when those who died now in

ignorance will be resurrected to the physical, human plane. They who come up in this second resurrection will then be taught and given the opportunity to demonstrate their willingness to follow the Truth. This second resurrection is called a resurrection to judgment, Revelation 20:5. In the second resurrection they will be given the same opportunity we have now to prove their sincerity and commit to being followers of Yahweh.

Those who attain the first resurrection will immediately inherit the Kingdom and will rule over those who are raised to life in the second.

It will be the job of today’s believers to bring the world into harmony with Yahweh’s government. This awesome potential and responsibility is why we live for Yahweh now. Let us not be weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not!

In His wisdom Yahweh has called certain ones now to comprehend what He expects of His chosen. Although “many are called and few chosen,” Matthew 20:16, Yahshua made the point that not everyone is called now.

Only some are given to understand the mysteries of the Kingdom of Yahweh, Matthew 13:11-15.

Yahshua deliberately spoke in parables so that the multitudes would not understand and would not be converted. He spoke in parables to hide the truth from those He did not choose at that time. Take heart if you have a loved one who rejects the truth of the Bible now and refuses to receive the Savior as the Captain and Ruler of his or her life. All will get an opportunity eventually.

If we are faithful, we can be in that Kingdom and help others later to learn the way of righteousness.

Although many of our loved ones are truly deceived by Satan (Rev. 12:9), and possibly won’t be in that spiritual realm as kings and priests with Yahshua (1Pet. 2:9), they will be given the choice whether to learn and accept Yahweh’s truth after the Kingdom is set up.

Just as Adam and Eve could have lived forever in Eden if they had taken of the tree of life instead of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, the same is

true for us. Imagine the prospects! If you are faithful in following Yahshua, you will have the opportunity to teach the Truth to a loved one in the future.

Yahshua now is choosing only those who will be overcomers — those who “overcome with EI” — Israel! Modern Israel is that select group of people who, when they find the truth of the Bible, will hold tightly to it and never let go, Matthew 24:13. Though trials, temptations, and persecution might hound them all the days of their lives, they can see the Holy City whose Builder and Maker is Yahweh, Hebrews 11:10, 16.

To receive the full reward, His people today must overcome and keep His works unto the end (Rev. 2:26-27).

Through the Word our Savior calls to you, “Follow Me!” Once we put our hand to the plow we cannot look back with longing for any part of the life of sin we left behind.

We look for a better resurrection.

Think of the glories of the coming Kingdom and the joy and bliss that may be ours when we find ourselves in that first resurrection! Paul wrote, “Eye has not seen nor ear heard, neither has

entered into the heart of man the things that Yahweh has prepared for those who love Him,” 1Corinthians 2:9.

The first resurrection carries the favored position. Just as the firstborn of Israel were given a greater inheritance, those in the first resurrection will be given greater responsibilities and opportunities.

Those in the first resurrection will rule with the Messiah for a thousand years, Revelation 20:4, 6. Even the Apostle Paul was eager to be in the first resurrection. He wrote, “If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” The New International Version renders this resurrection “from the dead.”

Yahshua called it the resurrection “of the just,” Luke 14:14.

Yahshua was given the highest position in the coming Kingdom because of His sacrifice, being the Firstborn of many, so His followers will share in the rewards.

For the Hall of Fame of the faithful and dedicated overcomers, read the 11th chapter of Hebrews. Then make your commitment to repent, be immersed into Yahshua’s Name, and join that list of the faithful.

Did You

Know?

Resurrection Facts • The Old Testament speaks of a resurrection in Ezekiel 37 and Daniel 12:2.

• Some dead rose from their graves 40 days after Yahshua was resurrected, Matthew 27:52-53, which may be why some believed the resurrection already happened, 2Timothy 2:18.

• Rising from the “watery grave” of baptism symbolizes Yahshua’s rising from the tomb, Romans 6:3-5, Colossians 2:12.

• The Apostle Paul had concerns about his own resurrection, Philippians 3:11.

Restoration Times Magazine January-March 2012

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Developing

C

haracter defines who we are.

Character is “the aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing” (Dictionary.com). In other words, if we create good traits in our individual nature then we have good character. Conversely, if we create bad traits then we have bad character.

This is simple to understand, but it doesn’t take away from the seriousness of the matter. Developing our nature into good character should be one of our highest objectives in life. If we fail to do this we will not reach our potential in service to Yahweh.

How can we develop right character?

We will start by breaking up into parts what good, righteous character is. The character Yahweh seeks is the

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Character

by Joel Wirl

combination of integrity and courage.

Without either of these virtues righteous character is not possible.

Source of Integrity The integrity Yahweh seeks is based upon our knowledge of the Scriptures and in doing the right thing. The Bible is in essence a moral guide book for humanity. Proper Bible understanding must come before the courage to act, otherwise poor decisions based upon poor knowledge will result.

For example, if you’ve been taught that lions are man’s best friend, and at a zoo you reach out your hand to pet one, you will need some good health insurance. The action taken was based upon a false premise resulting in a bad situation.

In Matthew 7:24-27 Yahshua shows that His true teachings are the same as building a house upon a rock: solid, firm, and unmovable. On the other hand, false teachings are like building upon sand: weak, shifting, and very movable. Start with a firm foundation in the Scriptures first.

He said, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain

descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”

Pleasing to Yahweh is the courageous application of our integrity.

It is seeing something wrong and doing something about it. It goes further than just doing the right thing, but is doing it despite what may happen to us.

To illustrate, suppose you see a blind man about to sit down, and a mean-spirited person pull the chair out from him. Courage with integrity is to correct the perpetrator for the misdemeanor and put the chair back under the blind man before he falls.

Yahweh commands us to have courage in all things we do. Joshua 1:7 is a great example of this, which reads, “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.”

Biblical Examples In the Book of Genesis we are introduced to Lot. Lot was the nephew of Abraham and lived in the city of Sodom, which was a most corrupt and vile place. It was a place of such perversion that it, along with its sister city Gomorrah, was sentenced for complete annihilation by Yahweh in Genesis 19.

Lot, a judge in Sodom, was a righteous man because he was spared from the destruction of the city. The judges were the ones who sat at the gates of a city to deal with disputes among the people.

We read in Genesis 19:1, “And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground.”

Why didn’t Lot move away from Sodom? Understandably, it was his home, and he may have been trying to restore the city to a better lifestyle through his influence as a judge, but why didn’t he take action to protect his family from such vile influences?

Notice, “And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons-in-law, which married his

daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for Yahweh will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons-in-law,” Genesis 19:14.

His sons-in-law didn’t believe him.

Genesis 19:26 tells us, “But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” Lot’s wife died because she desired to go back to Sodom, to that lifestyle she once had in a particularly sinful place.

Lot’s daughters, even though they escaped the destruction, still had perverted minds, which were a result of Sodom’s influences. They said, “Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father,” Genesis 19:32.

Because Lot failed to act and do the right thing, he lost his whole family to either death or corruption.

An example of courage with integrity is in Daniel 4. To summarize, Nebuchadnezzar had a certain troubling dream about a tree being cut down.

Since his magicians and astrologers were unable to interpret the dream, Nebuchadnezzar called Daniel to interpret his dream since Daniel had interpreted a previous dream of his in Daniel 2.

Daniel heard the dream and was troubled as well because it was related to the downfall of King Nebuchadnezzar in a seven-year period. Daniel gave the interpretation of the dream in verses 20 to 26.

He had courage in doing as he was commanded by telling Nebuchadnezzar what would become of him. Now just saying this was dangerous. Daniel had to have some courage with this act of integrity as Nebuchadnezzar was not a particularly nice person.

Nebuchadnezzar was not someone you wanted to anger. He had killed King Zedekiah’s sons in his presence and then put out Zedekiah’s eyes, Jeremiah 52:10-11. Daniel was putting himself at risk just giving the interpretation. But Daniel went even further; he actually counsels Nebuchadnezzar.

The key point in this chapter is verse 27, which reads, “Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy

to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility.” Daniel had the courage to actually tell the king what he needed to do, which was much more than just giving the king the facts.

Daniel had the courage of his integrity to offer the interpretation, and the additional courage to try to help Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel was a man of high character.

Character for Our Lives On tombstones is typically written two dates with a dash between them. When the dates start and finish we don’t have much control over, but the dash we do.

The dash is what we have done in our lives, from beginning to end. What do we want to be remembered by? Will we just learn the truth, or will we apply it to be better servants to Yahweh?

Will we be people of character or will we just skate by in life with few difficulties?

Right character is like a muscle; it can be used and strengthened, or it can be neglected and weakened. We develop our character by first strengthening our minds with knowing the truth of right and wrong. From there we strengthen the will to act upon that knowledge despite the consequences to ourselves.

No one ever said that doing the right thing would be easy, but it is worth it.

Revelation 21:3-7 reads, “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of Elohim is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and Yahweh himself shall be with them, and be their Elohim. And Elohim shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.

I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his Elohim, and he shall be my son.”

Develop righteous character and your reward will be for eternity.

Restoration Times Magazine January-March 2012

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Prophetic Days of

Worship

by Randy Folliard

Part 2

In part two of this series we will explore the meaning and purpose of the fall Feasts. As we saw previously, the Feasts offer great insight and richness into Yahweh’s plan for mankind.

The first of the fall Feasts is the Feast of Trumpets. (For part one, see vol. 2, No. 5.)

“

S

peak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.

Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto Yahweh” (Lev. 23:24-25).

The Jews call this day by many names, including Zikhron Teru’ah (a memorial of blowing of trumpets), Yom Teru’ah (day of the awaking blast) and Rosh Hashanah (head of the year). While the first two names are rooted in Scripture, the third is not. Rabbinical teachings state that the Feast of Trumpets begins the civil year.

Such a conclusion cannot be supported by Scripture. The Word speaks of one year and that is Abib (Deut. 16:1), which occurs in springtime and is determined by the early barley.

Unlike Rosh Hashanah, the first two names are biblically grounded and speak both to the meaning and fulfillment of this day. The first, Zikhron Teru’ah (as found in Lev. 23:24), refers to this day as a memorial of blowing trumpets. In ancient Israel the trumpet or shofar held special significance.

It was used to gather the assembly for travel, war, and worship (Num. 10:1-10). In the context of this Feast, the trumpet was used for the calling together of worship.

In addition to the Old Testament meaning, this name also expresses

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the likely prophetic fulfillment of the Messiah’s Second Coming. At this time Scripture speaks of trumpets sounding.

Paul in 1Thessalonians 4:15-18 provides a description of this momentous event: “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.”

Yahshua’s return will be announced with a shout, the voice of the archangel, and the trumpet of Elohim. Such a declaration will not go unnoticed. Once the trumpet sounds, Yahshua will descend from heaven and the saints will be resurrected to be “caught up” with Him in the air.

Many theologians claim that this passage refers to the rapture. As noted in the Restoration Study Bible, “This phrase is derived from the Greek harpazo and means, ‘to seize or catch away.’ It does not refer to a rapture, but to the Second Advent of Yahshua the Messiah (1Thess. 5:2)…The word ‘meet’ is apantesis and is used only three times in the NT (Matt. 25:1,6; Acts

28:15). It means ‘to join with and continue on to the destination,’ not reverse course and go back where one came from….”

The mention of the trumpet here and in other passages, e.g. 1Corinthians 15:5121, offers strong evidence that Yahshua’s Second Advent will occur on the Feast of Trumpets. As described by the Hebrew Yom Teru’ah (day of the awaking blast), this day will offer a deafening wakeup call to mankind.

The Day of Covering Next Feast is the Day of Atonement or as it is often called, Yom Kippur (day of covering).

“And Yahweh spake unto Moses, saying, Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto Yahweh. And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before Yahweh your Elohim. For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people.

Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the

Request our booklet The Biblical Calendar for an in-depth look at our modern calendar vs. Yahweh’s biblical calendar. To read, visit yrm.org/literature.htm To request, see back cover for details

ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath” (Lev. 23:26-32).

On this day Israel was commanded to abstain from work and to afflict their souls.

The word “afflict” is from the Hebrew ‘anah and means, “to browbeat or depress.” The Brown Driver Briggs Hebrew Lexicon defines ‘anah: “to afflict, to oppress, to humble, to be afflicted, to be bowed down.”

From the many examples of Scripture, e.g.

Psalm 35:13; Daniel 10:2-3; Jonah 3:5-7; Ezra 10:6; Luke 5:33; and Acts 9:9, we find that this word conveys fasting, i.e., complete abstaining from food and drink.

In addition to these prohibitions, this was a day of dealing with the people’s sins, as found in Leviticus 16. On Yom Kippur the high priest selected two goats, one for a sin offering and the other for a scapegoat (Heb. azazel). The sin offering was for atonement for sin.

While many biblical commentators apply the scapegoat to the Messiah, it is more likely that this goat symbolizes the father of lies. To understand this view, one must carefully consider the roles of the two goats and the parallels between the Azazel in Leviticus 16 and Satan in Revelation 20.

Azazel Not Messiah For starters, it was not the Azazel goat but the goat of the sin offering that atoned for Israel’s sins, a role that befits the Messiah and no other.

Another reason for this inference is found in the many parallels to these passages.

Leviticus 16:21-22 provides the necessary building blocks for understanding: “And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: And the goat shall

bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness.”

Why does the high priest lay his hands on the other live goat and confess the sins of Israel again? As representative of our own High Priest, Yahshua, who took all our sins away by becoming sin for us (2Cor. 5:22) so the Israelite high priest took the collective sin and dispensed with it on the head of the Azazel.

Why didn’t the other goat of the sin offering obliterate the sin? Because Hebrews 10:8 says the blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sin, only cover it. It takes the blood of Yahshua to eliminate it. Yahshua,

who does take away sin, will return it back on the head of father of lies and originator of sin.

After Aaron confessed and transmitted Israel’s sins to the live Azazel goat, that goat was not sacrificed but taken alone into the wilderness by a “fit man.” The word “wilderness” comes from the Hebrew midbar and refers to a pasture; by implication, a desert.

The primitive root of midbar is dabar, which means, “to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue” (Strong’s

Concordance). By placing debar into the proper context we learn that the fit man subdues the live goat by taking it into the wilderness or desolate place.

This last point again makes it unlikely that the live goat or the Azazel symbolizes the Messiah. Yahshua offered atonement only through the shedding of His blood, not through His removal to a forgotten place. It is much more plausible that this goat refers to Satan the devil.

In Revelation 20:1-3, John of Patmos provides an ominous description of Satan’s defeat: “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.”

Now we can compare the similarities between Leviticus 16 and Revelation 20. Both passages depict a being that is taken by a “fit” being; in the case of the Azazel, it was a fit man, while in the case of Satan, it will be a powerful angel. Also, as the live goat was taken without harm, Satan will likewise. Lastly, as the Azazel was taken to a desolate place, Satan will suffer a similar fate.

It is for these reasons that the scapegoat probably depicts the defeat of Satan and the transference of the world’s sins back to their originator — haSatan. In addition, it should also be noted that Messiah’s death and atonement is symbolized in the Passover; removing the need for a second fulfillment through the Day of Atonement.

Also, if the Feast of Trumpets symbolizes the return of Yahshua, then the fulfillment of this day must occur after this event. In the instance of Satan’s defeat, this Restoration Times Magazine January-March 2012

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Days of Worship - OT Meaning / NT Fulfillment

immediately follows the Messiah’s Second Coming.

The Coming Kingdom The next Feast on the biblical calendar is Tabernacles: “And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field” (Ex. 16:23).

As the Feast of Unleavened Bread and Feast of Weeks marked the two grain harvests, the Feast of Ingathering or Feast of Tabernacles marked the end of the agriculture cycle by the gathering in of the fall crops. It is imperative to recognize the agricultural significance.

Not only does this impact our basic understanding of Old Testament worship, but also the theme and culture that continued

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into the New. Many of Yahshua’s parables were

agriculturally based, including those pertaining to the resurrection of the saints.

For example, in Matthew 13:24-30 Yahshua provides the parable of the wheat and tares: “Another

parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst

not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.”

In verses 36 to 43 Yahshua explains the meaning of this parable. The one who sows the good seed represents the Messiah; the one who sows the tares represents Satan the devil; the reapers represent the angels of heaven; the wheat represents the resurrected saints; and the tares represent the sons of the Evil One. Yahshua again illustrates the first resurrection through agriculture.

It is important to note that while Tabernacles does not specifically symbolize the resurrection, it is through the resurrection that Yahshua will establish the Millennial Kingdom.

“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” (Rev. 20:6).

The Bible speaks of two resurrections. We find the first mentioned here. Scripture promises that those who are found worthy of the first resurrection will rule with the Messiah for a thousand

years. This time is called the Millennium (from the Latin mille, thousand, and annus, year) and is the fulfillment of the seven-day Feast of Tabernacles.

The last annual Feast is the Last Great Day. Ironically, many believers gloss over or

combine this with the Feast of Tabernacles.

It is a separate Feast in its own right. In the law this single day marked the end of Yahweh’s annual Sabbaths: “…on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto Yahweh: it is a solemn assembly; and ye shall do no servile work therein” (Lev.

Scripture “promises that

those who are found worthy of the first resurrection will rule with the Messiah for 1,000 years.

”

23:36).

As this marked the end of Yahweh’s sacred season, it is likely that this time prophetically symbolizes the end of an era through the Great White Throne Judgment.

This prophetic

event is the final judgment for mankind.

“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. 12 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. 13 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. 14 And death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

At the end of the Millennium all of mankind will be judged based on their works. The word “works” is from the Greek ergon, referring to the actions and deeds of man. Those who lived a life of virtue will have an opportunity for everlasting life. Howbeit, those who purposely defied Yahweh will face judgment and eternal destruction (which is different from eternal torment).

It is for this reason that the Last Great Day symbolizes the end of one era and the beginning of another. Immediately following the Great White Throne Judgment, there will be a new heaven and a new earth with the coming of New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:1-2).

Yahweh’s Plan Revealed From the death of the Messiah through the completion of an era, Yahweh’s annual Sabbaths clearly reveal His plan of salvation for mankind. It is not enough to simply understand this truth. To recognize the fullness and receive the blessings of these days, one must embrace and observe them as we find in the Old and New Testaments.

Yahshua the Messiah kept the Feasts while He walked this earth. He is our example. So did His apostles, including the Apostle Paul.

These days

commanded Israel of old continue to be in effect today and will be observed on into the coming Kingdom.

We welcome you to join Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry in honoring our Heavenly Father through obedience to His appointed days of worship! No other annual days are commanded in the Scriptures for His people.

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The

Battle We Fight M

any times people look at the New Testament prophecies of the end-times and conclude that those predicted events were for the most part fulfilled in 70 CE when the Temple and Jerusalem were destroyed.

Undoubtedly, the authors of those prophecies felt that the time of the end was near and so they were motivated to record these prophecies. The Apostle John stated this view when he wrote: “Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antimessiah is coming, even now many anti-Messiahs have come, by which we know that it is the last hour” (1John 2:18, NKJV).

There was a partial fulfillment of prophecy then, and there will be total fulfillment of those same end-time prophecies in the near future. The antimessiahs described in 1John will ultimately lead to “the Antimessiah.”

His appearance will bring about the time known as the “Great Tribulation.”

At the very center of all past, present, and future evil is Satan the adversary. He is the one who deceived Adam and Eve in the garden and he is the one who comes down with great wrath upon the end-time believers

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by Bob Wirl

of spiritual Israel.

“And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, ‘Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our Elohim, and the power of His Messiah have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our Yahweh day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.’” (Rev. 12:7-12; NKJV) In the time of the end, that evil deceiver will seek to destroy the spiritual offspring of believers who keep Yahweh’s commandments and have the testimony of Yahshua. The forces of darkness are directed

by Satan to make war with those believers.

“And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of Yahweh and have the testimony of Yahshua Messiah” (Rev. 12:17; NKJV).

Two-front War A war is being waged against Yahweh’s people on two fronts. First, there is the physical front where Satan seeks to destroy the followers of the truth. Second, there is the spiritual front where Satan desires to deceive those who attempt to follow the truth and cause them to fall away from the truth.

Yahshua prophesied of both of these battlefronts in Matthew 24.

“Then they will hand you over to be tortured and will put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of my name. Then many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another.

And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because of the increase of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt. 24:9-13; NRSV).

These predicted events had a partial fulfillment in the time of the apostles. The complete fulfillment will come in the time of the end. Having knowledge of these events prepares us to face these adversities and endure to the end.

At the present time, True Worshippers are not facing the threat of death. Satan is waging a war of deception and temptation to lead people astray and to put them in bondage to sin, just as he deceived Adam and Eve with his lies, so he has deceived the majority of people.

Only a remnant, a miniscule amount of people will not be deceived by the Adversary. For the most part we are waging a spiritual war against the dark forces of evil. This is what the Apostle Paul spoke of in his epistle to the Ephesians.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in Yahweh and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of Yahweh, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:10-12) NKJV. Sin as His Weapon Even though the devil uses people to do his dirty work by attacking and betraying Yahweh’s people, it must be understood that we are waging spiritual warfare against the dark forces of evil.

First and foremost, the devil seeks to destroy our faith through sin and deception. As each of us works out our salvation, we must not allow sin to get a foothold within our heart or mind. Satan is out to destroy the saints, and his tried and proven method is to make people slaves to sin through deception.

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which Yahweh has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by Yahweh;’ for Yahweh cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren” (James

1:12-16; NKJV).

The battleground for the war we wage is in our hearts and minds. We must control our thoughts and actions if we are to prevail over the enemy.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in Yahweh for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of Yahweh, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Messiah, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Messiah’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Messiah’s, even so we are Messiah’s” (2Cor. 10:3-7; NKJV).

By taking ourselves in hand and obeying

Yahweh we will be able to be victorious against the powers of darkness by remaining pure within. We encourage all to follow the advice of the Apostle Paul when he wrote: “But you, O man of Yahweh, flee these things and pursue righteousness, holiness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I urge you in the sight of Yahweh who gives life to all things, and before Messiah Yahshua who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Master Yahshua Messiah’s appearing” (1Tim. 6:11-14; NKJV).

Overcome Fiery Trials Yahweh gave Yahshua so that we might receive salvation through forgiveness of our sins. Because Yahshua suffered for us, we must be prepared to partake of His sufferings. The adversary is responsible for motivating those who defect from the truth to accuse the brethren and cause them to suffer. We must not allow such persecutions to stop us from sending forth the Truth of Yahweh’s Word.

“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Messiah’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Messiah, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of Yahweh rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a believer of Messiah, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify Yahweh in this matter.

“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of Elohim; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the good news of Yahweh?

Now if the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the unrighteous and the sinner appear? Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of Yahweh commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator” (1 Peter 4:12-19; NKJV).

Never be surprised at the ways and means that the adversary uses to wage war against Yahweh’s people in these last days.

Prepare yourself for what is ahead and fight the good fight against the devil and his followers. Don’t allow sin to dominate you.

Overcome and be strong through Yahshua.

Facing adversity will either make a person better or it will destroy him or her.

We must turn the negative into a positive and let Yahweh turn all curses into blessings.

The fire that we face in the end-times will purify us and make the faithful members of the Body of Messiah better people who will exhibit the love of Yahweh in their lives. Let us remain faithful to our calling and receive the gift of life.

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in Scripture In your website you are saying that [Yahshua] is a created being. How do you explain 1John 5:20? How can [Yahweh] be created when He is eternal? –RM, email Only confusion results from the notion that the Father and Son are one and the same individual. The terms father and son should be dead giveaways as to their relationship to each other. How can a father and son be one and the same? We read in 1John 5:20: “And we know that the Son of Yahweh is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Yahshua Messiah. This is the true Elohim, and eternal life.” That last sentence in the Greek reads, “This is the one who is true.”

“Elohim” as used here is a Hebrew title of a heavenly majesty and can apply to either Yahweh or the Son. The Father and Son are of the same essence but are not the same individual, no more than a son is also the father. Yahshua’s creation is found in John 5:26 and Revelation 3:14.

Are you saying that [Yahshua] is not eternal and that the Holy Spirit is a force? How can you grieve a force? Read for example Ephesians 4:30, Isaiah 63:10, Psalm 106:33.

How can you pour out a person? How can a person be flames like fire that stand on the heads of Apostles?

How can a person come out of someone’s breath? How can you make

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a down payment of a person, or give a person by measure? How do you impart a person by laying on hands? Clearly these are examples of the true nature of the Holy Spirit, which is revealed by the terms Ruach HaKodesh in the Hebrew and Pneuma Hagion in the Greek. Both terms mean hallowed wind or breath. The Holy Spirit is the active force by which Yahweh accomplishes His work. Hebrew is a flowery language filled with metaphors, symbols, and colorful, poetic imagery.

These were Hebrews writing their native Hebrew language in the New Testament, which was later translated into Greek. Most translations say “Holy Spirit of [Elohim],” a merging of the power of Yahweh and the Holy Spirit as one. Yahweh’s spirit can be grieved because it is Yahweh Himself who is grieved in His spirit and not a separate third “person.”

Is ‘Jesus’ not an acceptable name for our Savior? I’ve prayed in that name and have had my prayers answered.

We use the true Name of the Messiah as revealed in the biblical manuscripts. He was never called “Jesus” in His lifetime because he was a Hebrew, not a Roman or a Greek.

“Jesus” is a Latinized Greek name. The letter “J” did not exist before the time of Christopher Columbus (consult any unabridged dictionary to see that “J” is the newest letter in our alphabet). If you saw Mel Gibson’s movie “The Passion” you noted that the Greek name “Jesus” was never used, but only His Hebraic name. All Hebrew names have an intrinsic meaning. In “Yahshua” is the meaning

“Yah[weh] is salvation.” He said He came in His Father’s Name, John 5:43 (i.e. Yahweh/Yah-shua). It makes perfect, logical sense! Why was your prayer answered?

Yahshua said that even an evil person won’t give his son a stone when he cries out for bread (Matt. 7:9). Each one who initially seeks the Truth of Yahweh does so with a certain lack of understanding. If Yahweh let our ignorance get in the way of our heart’s desire to seek Him, then we would soon become discouraged and give up our quest. When we first learned the truth, we didn’t do everything right, and even kept worshiping onSunday until the error of it was revealed. Even though we were worshiping in error, He never gave up on us and kept answering our prayers for more knowledge. When more truth was revealed to us, however, then we became accountable to make the proper changes in our lives and move toward True Worship.

“And the times of this ignorance Yahweh winked at; but now commands all men everywhere to repent,” Acts 17:30. Our walk in Truth must start somewhere, and if calling on Him through common titles is all we know at the time, then Yahweh will show leniency and toleration. But as He gives us more knowledge and Truth of His true Name, He expects us to walk in that light. Paul wrote, “For you were sometimes darkness, but now are you light in the Master: walk as children of light,” Ephesians 5:8. Yahshua said, “Not every one that says unto me, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi’ shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven,” Matthew 7:21. (See “Born Twice” on p. 6) “I have heard that a certain Karaite is promoting the name

Yehovah instead of Yahweh. I thought it has been proven that the name Jehovah was a monumental linguistic error from inserting the vowel pointing of Adonai and Elohim into the Tetragrammaton. Is this not correct?”

That is correct. Out of misguided reverence, the Jews historically have tried to hide the Name Yahweh. This apparently is a continuation of those attempts. Yahweh, however, specifically commands His people otherwise. In numerous passages we are told to call on, sing to, praise, and proclaim His Name, including: 1Kings 8:33; Psalm 99:6; 2Chronicles 6:24-26; Isaiah 12:2-4; Deuteronomy 1:3; Psalm 9:1-2; Romans 9:17; Hebrews 2:12. The use of Yehovah is a historic effort to conceal the Name. In his explanation for his use of “Yehovah” the Jew in question tries to disprove the fact that “hovah” in Yehovah means destruction, such as is found in Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary No. 1943. Rather than argue the etymology of hovah and its use in what is already an erroneous form “Yehovah,” shouldn’t our concern and focus be on discerning Yahweh’s true Name? First off, the “Yeh” in “Yehovah” was an attempt by mostly Karaite Jewish groups called Masoretes from the 7th to the 11th centuries to conceal the “Yah” in the true Name “Yahweh.” These Jews inserted the vowel points for “e” instead of the correct “a” in rendering the first part of Yahweh’s Name, YH, thus creating “Yeh.” Note this quotation from the Encyclopaedia Judaica: “…the vowel points of Adonai with one variation—a shewa [was inserted] with the first yod of YHWH instead of the hataf-patah under the aleph of Adonai were used for YHWH.” The Catholic Church followed right along and perpetuated the error with the form Jehovah. Ironically, this Jew even admits that “Yah” is found in the Hebrew rendition of his own name, a name that he says means “Yah Comforts.”

He legitimizes the “Yah” form for the Name but continues to argue for the “Yeh” form in the erroneous Yehovah. As for the “v” in Yehovah (also Jehovah), the original letter sound was a vowel vocalized by the “w,” a letter we even call a “double u.” The “v” is a later European manipulation made popular by German Jews called Ashkenazi.

In summary, “Yehovah” is bogus on

two counts, and was never the Name of Almighty Yahweh.

Why do women wear head scarves in worship?

Fifty years ago the reverse question would have been asked of church congregations: “Why aren’t all the women wearing a headcovering in worship?” because virtually all of them did so, wearing mostly hats with veils attached. The Apostle Paul explains in 1Corinthians 11 the need for women’s headcoverings when in worship or praying. “But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with [her] head uncovered dishonors her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.”

The headcovering teaches divine headship. It goes back to ancient times as a symbol of humility and respect. In Genesis 24:64-65 we read of how Rebekah reacted upon seeing Isaac, her future husband: “And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel. For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself.” A traditional wedding today still has the bride in a veil to signify her subjection to Yahweh and her husband.

We are the bride of Messiah, and therefore we are in subjection to Him as His people, Jeremiah 2.

To put a wife’s fidelity to the test when there were no other witnesses (history’s first lie detector exam!) Yahweh had her drink potentially bitter water and witness the physical changes. Notice how this exam was to be carried out: Numbers 5:18: “And the priest shall set the woman before Yahweh, and uncover the woman’s head, and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy offering: and the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causeth the curse.” To cover the head was a sign of subjection to the husband. To uncover the head meant that the woman was deprived of the protection of her husband who was now her accuser, vv. 14-15. For a deeper explanation of the headcovering, go to our online study at: http://www.yrm.org/headship.htm

Would figurines of angels, animals or anything like that be a violation of the commandment? And what about a large photo of family member in frame placed above fireplace? Would that also be a violation of the commandment?

In the second commandment “graven image” refers to icons made for the purpose of worship, Exodus 20:5.

This is also clear from Deuteronomy 4:15-19. If an image is not worshiped then it is not proscribed here.

Recall that there were many images on the walls of the temple, 1Kings 6:2935, images of cherubim in the 10 temple curtains (Ex. 26:1), and two cherubim on the lid of the ark (Ex. 25:18-22). The priest had pomegranates and bells sewn into the hem of his robe (Ex. 28:34). Moses was commanded to make a fiery serpent and put it on a pole (Num. 21:8). These were not worshiped, however. An exception comes with what is worshiped and/or sacred, like Yahweh or Yahshua. They are in a class by themselves and any image depicting them is particularly to be avoided.

Can you please help with some biblical authority to nail home [the error of the Trinity]?

The Trinty doctrine is in opposition to the Scriptures on a number of fronts. The Trinity was not official church teaching until the council of Nicaea in the year 325 CE. The New Catholic Encyclopedia, 1967, vol. 14, concedes, “The formulation ‘one G-d in three Persons’ was not solidly established… prior to the end of the 4th century…” This means it was never taught by the Savior and the Apostles.

A triune deity can be traced back to ancient Babylon. “Will anyone after this say that the Roman Catholic Church must still be called Christian, because it holds the doctrine of the Trinity? So did the pagan Babylonians, so did the Egyptians, so do the Hindoos at this hour, in the very sense in which Rome does” (The Two Babylons,

by Alexander Hislop).

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Proverbs 8:22-25 and Revelation 3:14 reveal that Yahshua was created by the Father. How can the Son and Father be co-equals? Yahshua said, “For my Father is greater than I” (John 14:28). Also, Paul said the head of Messiah is Yahweh” (1Cor. 11:3). First Timothy 6:16 says that only Yahweh has immortality, which He grants to the Son. Matthew 1:20 says Yahshua was conceived by the Holy Spirit. If the Holy Spirit were a person then Yahshua prayed to the wrong father in John 17 and other places.

See http://www.yrm.org/trinity-fact-fiction.

Handwriting of Ordinances continued from page 5

Don’t let corrupt man judge Yahweh’s people, Paul is saying. Humankind is taken up with the ways of the world. They ignore and reject Yahweh’s Name as well as His way of life found in obedience to His laws.

Notice the last part of verse 17 reads, “but the body of Messiah” (“is to judge,” which is understood). It is the Body of Messiah that has studied the Scriptures, it has yielded Yahweh’s Word, and it is the true assembly of Yahweh that can make a profound judgment on what meats are proper and fit for Yahweh’s people.

The true assembly is diligently keeping Yahweh’s new moons and Sabbaths. Meat and drink, new moons, holy days, and Sabbaths are all prophetic, for these will all be the supreme law when the Kingdom is established on this earth. We are not to let unconverted, worldly man make judgments on these things, for Yahweh has already told us in His word what will all be observed in His Kingdom.

The ordinances that were blotted out in verse 14 are again mentioned in verse 20. In this latter verse Paul chides the people for not following the Messiah all the way. He asks, “Wherefore if you be dead with Messiah from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you subject to ordinances [dogma]?”

Paul asks, “Why if you people have been put to death through baptism into Yahshua, do you continue to live in and obey the pagan, worldly customs of this world?

(Gr. stoicheion).

He is referring to fundamental Gnostic philosophy about how the world is ordered, much as people turn to horoscopes, mysticism and fortune-telling today.

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Laws of Pagan Society The Gnostics were measuring the Messiah through their understanding as men do today, rather than the the reverse—having Yahshua be the measure of all human knowledge.

When we are immersed into Yahshua, we are to be a new creature and our lives are to be ordered and governed by His teachings, not human traditions.

But these Colossians had gone right on living as before, still influenced by pagan culture. Why did you subject yourselves to ordinances (dogma) he asks, and then goes on to point out these worldly, ascetic practices such as “Touch not, taste not, handle not, which all are to perish with the using after the commandments and doctrines of men [Gnostic teachings].”

He brings to mind practices of the Oriental religions, like the Hindu caste system. In verse 23 Paul says such practices pass for wisdom, with their self-imposed devotions, their self-humiliation, and ascetic discipline, but they are of no value; they simply pamper the ego.

Paul says that such punishing of the flesh is of no value in overcoming the old nature. It is a question of attitude, a change of heart. He goes on in chapter 3 to discuss the new life each believer follows after baptism.

The “handwriting of ordinances” was not the law of Yahweh that was nailed to the tree. It was the ordinances of a pagan society, the decrees of a heathen culture, the worldly philosophies. The Satan-inspired worldly religion was nailed to the tree when Yahshua died for the sins of the world.

Now Yahshua’s true spiritual nature rules the hearts of the faithful through His Holy Spirit.

The demands, rites, ceremonies, and religion of the world can be overcome when we turn to Yahshua and make Him the Captain of our life. We no longer have to submit to Satan’s philosophy and worldly teachings of pagan tenets, as many are doing today through mystics and psychics.

Sacrificial Laws Added Through the sacrifice of the Messiah (the coming Ruler of this world), Satan and his demonic followers were overcome. The evil powers were subdued by the death of the Messiah. Soon Yahweh will send His Son back to this earth to set up His Kingdom and Yahweh’s law, which some try to set aside.

His law will reign supreme.

In the Septuagint, the Greek word dogma occurs twice, and in both places it means man-made rules or edicts. In Esther 3:9 we read of Haman’s urging King Ahasuerus to destroy those who were not obeying the king’s laws or dogma. In Daniel 2:13, 15 King Nebuchadnezzar commands the destruction of all the wise men of Babylon by his own decree (dogma).

The word dogma is used in the Scripture to exemplify a man-made law. It is not used for Yahweh’s laws. A proper understanding of the ordinances, that were blotted out gives a clear picture that we are to obey Yahweh’s laws even now. Only the sacrificial laws having to do with physical circumcision and Temple worship have been set aside since the Messiah is now our sacrifice. He is the sacrificial Lamb toward which all the sacrifices pointed.

Therefore, it is only the ceremonial laws that were added because of the breaking of Yahweh’s covenant law. The ritual, ceremonial law was put into motion because of transgressions, we read in Galatians 3:19, and was to impress on men the gravity of their sin.

At first, sacrifices were not commanded, but Yahweh simply wanted obedience to His laws, just as He does today, Jeremiah 7:22.

Give Up Man’s Ways The blotting out of ordinances (erroneous, man-made notions of conduct) referred to in Colossians 2: 14 has a parallel in 1:21-22, where Paul explains that our previous life of a worldly, hostile attitude has been set aside, taken away.

Yahweh has now forgiven our former way of life. He has reconciled us to Himself even though we were enemies by our wicked works. We are now brought to His very presence through Yahshua’s shed blood.

The “blotting out the handwriting of ordinances” simply means (as in Acts 3: 19) that the sins committed, the human works of the mind and flesh resulting in disobedience to Yahweh’s law have been blotted out. Yahweh has fully forgiven our sins because of the death of His Son on the tree.

Now we are to follow in the footsteps of His Son, our Example. “Away then with the sinful, earthly things; deaden the evil desires lurking within you; have nothing to do with the sexual sins, impurity, lust, and shameful desire; don’t worship the good things of carnal life, for that is idolatry,” Colossians 3:5, Living Bible.

Feedback Needs Group Like YRM in New York City “YRM is certainly helping so many people who are unable to hear messages that incorporate the Sacred Names. I wish that somehow our Father could raise up such a group like yours in NYC. I think it is important that Believers assemble on Shabbat.” – H, Email Scripture Alone Refreshing “We have left our church after discovering the truth of the Sabbath, [Yahweh’s] Feasts, and the continuation of [Yahweh’s] law in the New Covenant. It has been a difficult time with family. We miss fellowship. Actually, we have been searching for a church that believes.

We discovered what we thought was a group that was scriptural until they claimed to be the new Israel. Then we found another group who seemed to speak more about the beliefs of a particular man than Scripture. We listened to a sermon from your Website that was Scripture alone ... it was refreshing. We will be listening on the Sabbath.” – RC A Whole New Door Has Opened “I discovered your wonderful Website a few months ago. Since then I’ve tuned in regularly. I know that you have the REAL TRUTH. I’ve been searching for the truth for a long time now! I wasted 20 years associating with [another group] thinking that they had the truth. Several years ago I became deeply unhappy and disillusioned with the whole set up of that organization…and I publicly withdrew from their organization. They viewed me as an apostate and I was snubbed, but I felt a sense of freedom and pursued studying my Bible. I’ve spent several years praying and asking for guidance. I was delighted to discover that the letter J wasn’t invented till the 15th century in France! So this told me that Jehovah and Jesus were not their correct names. Finding your website was like finding that “pot of gold”! You have opened up a whole new door for me! I’ve started to observe the Sabbath, but I am

not doing it correctly because I have an unbelieving family whom I have to cater to on Friday sundown to Saturday sundown, so there’s a bit of a clash there. However, I do listen to one of your Sabbath sermons from the Website archives on a Friday night, and again on a Saturday morning! I just wish I could belong to your congregation and enjoy fellowship with like-minded believers! Alas, there are no Yahweh ministeries in the northwest region of England where I live. I adore Yahweh and Yahshua, want to belong to them and live the rest of my life dedicated to them....would love to observe the passover and the other feasts, but I don’t know how to do it as I am an isolated believer.” – Jeanette, email Comments on the New Study Bible “Got it [Restoration Study Bible] today.

Thanks SO much for this. I was trying to just remember to say His Name as I read the verses with L-rd in them, but this is SO much easier! Just one of the great things about this Bible. Thanks again!”

– KL, email “I received the Restoration Study Bible 3-4 days ago and I LOVE IT. I love that it’s a real nice study Bible with excellent references and notes. I love everything about it from nice cover to cover. Great work guys”. – PM, Email Some have asked how we could distribute such a Bible for only $25 each. It was possible only because many had initially helped us get this monumental work off the ground with their extra donations.

Our cost is now yours. We are not making a penny of gain on the RSB, but put all proceeds from orders back into a Bible account for the next edition, which will have additional costs, and extra offerings toward it are welcomed. – ED. “Just received the new Bible..what a beautiful, amazing work! I pray Yahweh continues to bless your ministry as you strive to do His will and spread His Word!” – Facebook

Send us your comments Visit: yrm.org/feedback Better Late Than Never “This convicted me [Christmyths article online], I just took down our tree this morning and repented. Thank you for posting this. I just found your page early this morning, too bad I didn’t find it before Christmas.” – RW, facebook Wants to Share on Paltalk ““I have to tell you how blessed I am to have discovered your ministry. You have opened my eyes to many truths and the wonderful blessing is that you bring me back into studying the Bible.

Your messages are packed with truths. I am just starting out on this new journey that sets me apart from the traditions of men. Please keep me in prayer that I will continue on in this journey. I would like to have opportunity to join your assembly during the next Feast of Tabernacles.

Please pray that YHWH will make a way for me financially to travel. One more thing, I have room on Paltalk and would like to share your teachings from Sabbath services on Sundays. I play into my rooms for people on Paltalk. I appreciate you uploading your messages on video archives. I like to go back and review and type my notes into my computer for studying and sharing with others on Paltalk. I will be posting scriptures into the room for others to see. I see that you just uploaded the message on December 3rd. I was waiting for that to have access to it so I can go back and review it since I don’t catch everything during my notetaking during the live service. And also wanted to share it with others on Paltalk on Sunday following. Your ministry is a blessing!” – SB, Email The way to ensure that you can keep the Feast of Tabernacles with us in Indiana this year is to put some funds away monthly. The Scriptures call it the second tithe and it is meant for that purpose, Deut. 14:23-26. – ED

Restoration Times Magazine January-March 2012

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Biblical Law?

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