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VOL. 10 | Nos.5-6 | September-December 2020
A R T I C L E S
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3 | Christmiss - Folly of the Holly-day by Alan Mansager
16 | Q & A
7 | Fruits of the Spirit – Gentleness
19 | Letters
by Randy Folliard
10 |Earth’s First and Last Language by Alan Mansager
COVER: Christmas is rooted in unbiblical worship centuries before the Savior’s birth. Find out what it really celebrates. iStock
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. © 2020 Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry
PUBLISHER’S NOTE Because of disruptions and delays from the virus, we have combined the last two issues of 2020. EDITOR Alan Mansager COPY EDITOR Debra Wirl GRAPHICS / LAYOUT Ryan Mansager CONTRIBUTING WRITER Randy Folliard DIGITAL PUBLISHINGS Lucas Cecil
Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry PO Box 463 Holts Summit, MO 65043 Telephone: 573-896-1000 Office hours M-F 8am-4pm
www.yrm.org info@yrm.org
Christmiss Folly of the Holly-day by Alan Mansager
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s December days shorten, darkness overcomes light. Frigid blasts whistle through leafless, lifeless trees. Frozen ground is covered in silence. Nothing moves. By all appearances nature has died. But then, intruding on the pervasive quiet, comes the most hyperactive frenzy of merrymaking glitz and glitter ever conceived by man. Wine flows freely, songs of cheer echo through halls strung with holly and mistletoe. Gifts are exchanged while candles and fires like a thousand points of light puncture the darkness. Out of the throes of encroaching death springs a wild celebration of life – all in the urgent hope of awakening the gods of life and fertility. It’s Christmas, 2,000 years before the Savior’s birth. Or, it’s today. Time has no claims on this ancient rite.
Early American Warning Contrary to common belief, Christmas anciently was not the celebration of the birth of the Savior at Bethlehem. That connection came much later to this heathen festival celebrating life. The fact that the holiday is deeply rooted in pagan sun worship was more than enough reason to keep the Puritans and other early American settlers seeking spiritual purity from having any part of it. “Long before the fourth century, and long before the Christian era itself, a festival was celebrated among the heathen at that precise time of year, in honor of the birth of the son of the Babylonian queen of heaven; and it may fairly be presumed that, in order to conciliate the Restoration Times Magazine September-December 2020
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heathen, and to swell the number of the nominal adherents to Christianity, the same festival was adopted by the Roman Church, giving it only the name of Christ. This tendency on the part of Christians to meet Paganism half-way was very early developed,” Alexander Hislop, The Two Babylons, p. 93. No Thanks to Babylon Christmas, with its trappings of lifecelebrating superstitions, stretches back to ancient civilizations. Steeped in beliefs of reincarnation and immortality, the pagan Babylonians thought that their king and sun-god Nimrod, who had been cut down, was brought back to life in the form of a green tree. His return coincided with the winter solstice at the end of December, when the sun returns in its astronomical cycle and days begin to lengthen once more. And so we see the burning of the yule log signifying the sun’s light and warmth, and the evergreen tree wrapped in lights. As pointed out in the book, 4,000 Years of Christmas by Earl W. Count, “Mesopotamia is the very ancient Mother of Civilization. Christmas began there, over four thousand years ago, as the festival which renewed the world for another year,” p. 18. Lies of Yuletide None of the facts surrounding Christmas is a mystery. You can read about them every year in newspapers and magazines appearing in December. The total indifference churchianity has to the revelation of the heathen roots of Christmas is remarkable. Saturnalia is the forerunner of Christmas. It was an ancient Roman festival in honour of the god Saturn, held on December 17 of the Julian calendar and later expanded with festivities through to December 23. It was the most popular holiday in Rome and its celebrations are the source of many of the traditions we now associate with Christmas. But by the fourth century CE western Christian churches settled on celebrating Christmas on December
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Restoration Times Magazine September-December 2020
When Boston Crossed Off Xmas (from the Associated Press)
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f there’s one inescapable thing in America in December, it must be Christmas, but that wasn’t always the case. Christmas was once controversial. It was banned in Boston. It wasn’t some Scrooge who tried to stamp out the holiday. Two respected intellectual clergymen—Increase Mather, president of Harvard, and his son, Cotton, who enrolled in Harvard at age 12—preached against observing Christmas. Increase thought [Messiah] probably had been born in September, while Cotton said the occasion, in any event, hardly justifies ‘mad mirth.’” Historian Philip Reed Rulon of Northern Arizona University notes that the anti-Christmas sentiment of early American colonies was in rejection of the Church of England and any beliefs carried over from Roman Catholicism. In the middle 1600s the General Court of Massachusetts decreed that anyone found feasting on Christmas “shall pay for every such offense five shillings as a fine to the county.” Many churches of the day were split on Christmas keeping. Observing the holiday were Episcopalians, Roman Catholics, Lutherans, members of the Reformed sect and Moravians. Denouncing the holiday were Methodists, Baptists, Quakers, Scotch-Irish, Presbyterians, Congregationalists, Mennonites, Brethren, and Amish. Christmas was part of what the Puritans wanted to ‘purify’ the Anglicans from. According to Celebrations, by Robert J. Myers, anti-Christmas feeling was also strong in England. The Roundhead Parliament of 1643 outlawed the feast of Christmas, Easter, and Whitsuntide, along with the saints’ days. Clergymen were imprisoned for preaching on Christmas day. Myers notes that the Puritans were adamant in their cause. For 12 years the feast day was an ordinary day of business, noted, if at all, with a fast. “With the Restoration in 1660 the citizens reclaimed Christmas, but it was a different festival from what it had been. The religious aspects were often neglected, with the result that the secularization of the holiday was well under way.”
25, which allowed them to incorporate the holiday of Saturnalia. Many of the traditions of Saturnalia—including giving gifts, singing, lighting candles, feasting, and merrymaking—had become absorbed by the traditions of Christmas. Unable to refute its pagan origins and practices, they shrug, “We keep Christmas for the children. How can we deny them that?” Think a minute. Aside from being anchored in dark, mystery worship, the perceived “biblical” side of Christmas is tethered to a series of falsehoods and distortions. Should heathen fictions be the basis for the adoration of the Son of Righteousness, even if He were born Now with 24/7/365 video streaming and LIVE Services.
then? Jeremiah 10 clearly says not to learn the ways of the heathen. Saint Nick has usurped the role of the Savior. Children are taught to be good for Santa’s sake (a mythological character who can do magical things), not for the righteous Judge whose birthday is presumably being honored. Yet, we still have a big problem even if we remove Kris Kringle from the scene. Christmas promotes covetousness
in its obsession with gifts. This annual greedfest is betrayed by the fact that retailers earn up to half their yearly sales during the Christmas shopping frenzy. What a strange birthday observance anyway — where celebrators gather to give gifts to one another and not to the one whose birthday is supposedly being honored! Through common angel and mother-child icons displayed during the observance, both young and old are exposed to blatant idolatry. This is in flagrant violation of the Second Commandment not to make any graven image of any likeness on earth or heaven nor to bow down to them. The tree itself becomes that image of adoration. Contests are held for the most beautifully decorated trees and homes, while churches long ago broke the barriers to the forbidden by erecting evergreens in their halls. Christmas transfers the ancient worship of the sun to worship of the Son, violating Yahshua’s own words to Satan, “You shall worship Yahweh your Elohim and HIM only shall you serve,” Matthew 4:10. Tradition says the shepherds came and worshiped Yahshua in the manger. The Bible, however, says they glorified Yahweh the FATHER for all that they had seen and heard, Luke 2:20. No Command for Christmas Nowhere does the Bible say or even hint that the Messiah was born on December 25. That date coincides with the Saturnalia, the pagan Roman feast held in December at the winter solstice in honor of the returning sun (god). In the spirit of throwing in with what cannot be overthrown, the Roman church adopted this day of the sun’s annual rebirth as the birth of the Son of Yahweh. Significantly, not one verse in the Scriptures commands man to remember the birthday of Yahshua’s human advent. If there were, rest assured man would virtually ignore it, as he does other direct commands of Yahweh.
Ironically, this holiday conspicuously missing from Scripture tops the charts of man’s religious celebrations! “In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men,” Yahshua said in Matthew 15:9. Other truths twisted into fantasy include the fact that the wise men never came to the manger but to the Messiah’s house as much as two years later (Matt. 2:11). Neither is it clear how many came. Nor were their gifts meant as birthday presents but royal offerings for a King, of the Jews. A Relative Latecomer Nowhere in the entire Bible do we find that anyone kept Christmas. In fact, Christmas as a celebration of the Savior’s birth was not observed before the fourth century of the modern era. These facts alone are testimony to the absence of any heavenly command or mandated biblical practice. As Hislop reminds us, “That Christmas was originally a pagan festival, is beyond all doubt. The time of the year and the ceremonies with which it is still celebrated, prove its
origins. In Egypt, the son of Isis, the Egyptian queen of heaven, was born at this very time, ‘about the time of the winter solstice.’ The very name by which Christmas is popularly known among ourselves –Yule-day – proves at once its Pagan and Babylonian origin. ‘Yule’ is the Chaldean name for infant or ‘little child’ and as the 25th of December was called by our Pagan Anglo-Saxon ancestors...long before they came into contact with Christianity,” pp. 93-94. A person who seeks only the pure word of truth will give up the solar survival of Christmas in favor of what Almighty Yahweh DOES command in His Word. Leviticus 23 lists seven annual observances that Yahweh gave man as an ordinance “forever,” but which are largely ignored today. These are called Feasts of Yahweh, not Feasts of the Jews or of any other nationality or race. They are for ALL men everywhere in honor of the one true Creator Yahweh, the Designer and Maker of the universe. Shouldn’t True Worshipers seek to keep the days specifically COMMANDED in the Scriptures, and not the holidays man has devised – that are not?
Christmas – A Hapless Gift of the Roman Church Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th ed. pp. 293-294
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s late as 245 Origen, in his eighth homily on Leviticus, repudiates as sinful the very idea of keeping the birthday of Christ. The first certain mention of Dec. 25 is in a Latin chronographer of A.D. 354… Certain Latins as early as 354 may have transferred the human birthday from the 6th of January to the 25th of December, which was then a Mithraic feast and is by the chronographer above referred to, but in another part of his compilation, termed Natalis invicti solis, or birthday of the unconquered Sun. … As early as 400 in Rome an imperial rescript includes Christmas among the three feasts (the others are Easter and Epiphany) on which theatres must be closed. Epiphany and Christmas were not made judicial non dies until 534. …In 1644 the English puritans forbad any merriment or religious services by act of Parliament, on the ground that it was a heathen festival, and ordered it to be kept as a fast. Charles II revived the feast, but the Scots adhered to the Puritan view. Outside Teutonic countries Christmas presents are unknown. Their place is taken in Latin countries by the strenae, French etrennes, given on the first of January; this was in antiquity a great holiday, wherefore until late in the 4th century the Christians kept it as a day of fasting and gloom. The setting up in Latin churches of a Christmas creche is said to have been originated by St Francis.” Restoration Times Magazine September-December 2020
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The Sordid Record of
Christmas Past
From the Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, p. 276
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he institution may be sufficiently explained by the circumstance that it was the taste of the age to multiply festivals, and that the analogy of other events in our Saviour’s history, which had already been marked by a distinct celebration, may naturally have pointed out the propriety of marking his nativity with the same honorable distinction. It was celebrated with all the marks of respect usually bestowed on high festivals, and distinguished also by the custom, derived probably from heathen antiquity, of interchanging presents and making entertainments. At the same time, the heathen winter holidays (Saturnalia, Juvenalia, Brumalia) were undoubtedly transformed, and, so to speak, sanctified by the establishment of the Christmas cycle of holidays; and the heathen customs, so far as they were harmless (e.g. the giving of presents, lighting tapers, etc.), were brought over into Christian use. In later ages many observances, some pleasant, others absurd, grew up around the Christmas festival. Accounts of old English Christmas usages may be found in Chambers, Book of Days (Edinb. 1864, 2 vols. 8 vo), and in Brand,
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Popular Antiquities (Lond. 1841, 3 vols. 12mo). Among them are the following. It was customary to light candles of large size, and to lay upon the fire a huge log, called a Yule clog or Christmas block, a custom not yet extinct in some parts of England. Yule (from huel, a wheel) was a sun-feast, commemorative of the turn of the sun and the lengthening of the day, and seems to have been a period of pagan festival in Europe from ancient times. … The Puritans regarded these diversions, which appear to have offended more against good taste than against morality, with a holy horror. Prinne says, ‘Our Christmas lords of misrule, together with dancing, masks, mummeries, stage-players, and such other Christmas disorders, now in use with Christians, were derived from these Roman Saturnalia and Bacchanalian festivals, which should cause all pious Christians eternally to abominate them.’ The dishes most in vogue were formerly, for breakfast and supper on Christmas eve, a boar’s head stuck with rosemary, with an apple or an orange in the mouth, plum porridge, and minced pies. Eating the latter was a test of orthodoxy, as the Puritans conceived it to be an abomination; they were originally made
long, in imitation of the manger in which our Lord was laid (Selden’s Table-Talk). The houses and churches were dressed with evergreens, and the former especially with mistletoe — a custom probably as old as the Druidical worship. … The observance of Christmas is not of divine appointment, nor is it of N.T. origin. The day of [Messiah’s] birth cannot be ascertained from the N.T. or, indeed, from any other source. The fathers of the first three centuries do not speak of any special observance of the nativity. The baptism of [Yahshua] was celebrated in the Eastern Church by A.D. 220, but not in the Western until the fourth century; and the Eastern Church finally adopted the Christmas festival from the Western (about A.D. 380). …But it is historically certain that the Christmas festival proper is of comparatively late institution. This may doubtless be accounted for in the following manner. In the first place, no corresponding festival was presented by the Old Testament, as in the case of Easter and Pentecost. In the second place, the day and month of the birth of [Messiah] are nowhere stated in the Gospel history, and cannot be certainly determined.”
by Randy Folliard
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Fruits of the Spirit – Gentleness
ut the fruit of the Spirit i s l o v e , j o y, p e a c e , longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law,” Galatians 5:22-23. These nine attributes form the foundation or bedrock of what it is to be a believer in Messiah. If we desire to emulate and follow in the footsteps of our Savior, then we must adopt and live by the characteristics we find here. It’s not enough to simply keep the Sabbath and other commandments, but we must go beyond this and change who we are on in the inside. In Matthew 23, Yahshua refers to what He calls the weightier matters – judgment, mercy, and faith. I believe the attributes we see in Galatians 5 would also be considered the weightier matters that we should pursue. Does this mean, then, that commandments like the Sabbath are not important? The answer is obviously not; Yahweh’s commandments are critically important. We know that Yahshua and the apostles, including Paul, faithfully observed the commandments including the Sabbath and Feast days. Is it possible to obey these commandments and yet NOT be found worthy of the first resurrection? Based on the examples of the scribes and Pharisees, I believe this is a very real possibility. And for this reason we must not only focus on the commandments
Gentleness is one of the nine attributes of Yahshua and a necessary trait we must have if we seek to join in His coming Kingdom rulership. outwardly but also on how we’re to change inwardly.
Gentleness – Moral Excellence As we continue with the Fruits of the Spirit series, we focus on “gentleness,” which is described by the Greek word chrestotes. According to Strong’s Dictionary, this word means “usefulness; i.e. moral excellence (in character or demeanor).” Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines it as “moral goodness, integrity” and “benignity, kindness.” This word conveys moral excellence, a concept not seen in any of the other fruits of the spirit. There’s something special about gentleness that conveys the idea of a person who is morally upright. This characteristic also exemplifies Yahweh, our Father in Heaven, and Yahshua the Messiah. We see many examples where Yahweh showed kindness to Israel of Old, one of which is portrayed in Isaiah 40:9-11. “O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it
up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your Elohim! Behold, my Sovereign Yahweh will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” This is a prophecy of hope that Isaiah the prophet delivered to the people of Judah. Isaiah prophesied that Yahweh would gather His people as a shepherd gathers his flocks and the lambs within his arms. The imagery we see here shows the closeness Yahweh has with His people. It also shows His loving and gentle nature. Even though Israel and Judah continually rebelled against Yahweh, He never gave up on them. While He punished them and at times pushed them away, He never removed all hope. As we know from prophecy, Yahweh will again restore the people of Israel back to the land at the return of Yahshua the Messiah. One other passage showing Yahweh’s kindness and gentleness is Psalm 103:8-13, where we see a description of His mercy. “Yahweh is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded Restoration Times Magazine September-December 2020
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us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so Yahweh pitieth them that fear him.” This passage is one of my favorite Psalms and gives me a lot of hope. We learn just how gentle our Heavenly Father is when we see that He is merciful, gracious, and slow to anger. Also, He removes our sins as far as the east is from the west and has compassion upon us as a father has compassion upon his children. This last point is so important to me. Being a father of two daughters, I know the compassion and love I have for them. To know that this is how Yahweh looks upon us is comforting to me. As it should be to all of us. Many believe that Yahweh of the Old Testament was cruel and unkind. But as see here in Psalms, this simply is not true; He was and is a Mighty One of love and gentleness. Does this mean that He never punishes? Of course not. He punished Israel many times, but even their punishment was a show of mercy and kindness. As we see in the Book of Hebrews, those whom Yahweh loves He rebukes and chastens. As His people, we’re to follow in these examples. As He showed grace, mercy, and gentleness, we’re to show these same attributes to one another. We also know that our Savior was merciful and gentle in how He responded to the people. An example of this is Matthew 11:28-30. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” The NIV reads gentle and humble instead of meek and lowly in heart. We see many examples of Yahshua showing gentleness throughout His ministry, especially to those who did not know
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the truth. In fact, His principal adversaries were the pompous pharisaical leaders of His day. He had nothing but disdain for them. They were only concerned about the outward appearance with no compassion for their fellow man. But for others He showed compassion and gentleness in His acts, a few of which are listed in the following: • Matt. 14:14 - Fed the multitude with 5 loaves and 2 fishes. • Matt. 15:32 - Fed the multitude with 7 loaves and a few fishes. • Mark 6:34 - Moved with compassion and taught the people. • Luke 5:13 - Healing a man with leprosy.
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I try to show some compassion and even diplomacy when sharing Yahweh’s Word.” • Luke 5:32-Yahshua stated that He came not for the righteous, but for the sinner. From these examples we witness Yahshua’s compassion for the common people, even for those He deemed sinners. As believers, we’re to follow in our Savior’s footsteps. As He was hospitable, compassionate, and gentle, we must also live by the same attributes. Kindness to All Men The Apostle Paul speaks about the need for servants of the Master to show kindness. Do you consider yourself a servant of Yahshua the Messiah? If so, then the following applies to you: “And the servant of the Master must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if Elohim peradventure will give them repentance
to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will,” 2Timothy 2:24-26. Paul’s message here is that we’re not to have strife but be gentle unto all men. In the Greek, the word “strife” refers to an argument or a dispute, while the word “gentle” refers to being kind. Notice that this call for kindness is not only for believers; Paul says we’re to show this gentleness to all men, including our enemies. As we see from the Greek word for gentleness, chrestotes, we show ourselves to have excellent moral character or demeanor when we exhibit this fruit. Paul also states that we should be willing to teach, but in a spirit of meekness or humbleness. While we should be bold when we share Yahweh’s truth, we should also avoid strife and show a spirit of humbleness. If we witness in a way that brings strife or conflict, even if we “win the argument,” we’ve lost the debate based on how we’ve acted. It’s not about winning; it’s about sharing the truth and setting an example that reflects Yahshua the Messiah. This includes social media. Our behavior on social media should be the same as if we were there in person, exercising compassion and humility, not aggression and pride. Again, even if we “win the argument,” we’ve set a poor example as disciples of the Messiah. Embracing Servitude In Ephesians 4:1-3, we’re told to walk with meekness or gentleness. “I therefore, the prisoner of the Master, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Paul begins this passage by acknowledging that he was a prisoner of Yahshua the Messiah. The fact is, we’re all prisoners or servants of
“How then does a person witness in a way that is both persuasive and a blessing to Almighty Yahweh? What are some of the methods of effective witnessing? Surprisingly, the Word provides many.” yrm.org/effective-witnessing
the Messiah and belong to Him. We were purchased with His blood and because of this we belong to Him. Now there may be some pretentious people who will declare they belong to nobody or are a servant to no one. For those who believe this, let me assure you that we are all servants to someone or something. As we read in Romans 6:16, we are either servants of Yahweh or servants of sin; one leads to life everlasting and one leads to death. Paul also says to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we’ve been called. This is another common misnomer. Many have a notion that walking worthy is a form of legalism. But as we see here, we have an obligation to live a life that is worthy of Yahweh’s calling. We do this by walking in lowliness, meekness, and longsuffering, and forgiving one another in love. The word “lowliness” here refers to humility, a must-have for believers in the Messiah. The NIV renders the word meekness here as gentle. When it comes to how we interact with those in the assembly, do we show a spirit of meekness and gentleness OR do we show a spirit of aggression and agitation? Paul closes this passage by giving three very important points to consider: 1) we should forbear one another in love; 2) keep a spirit of unity that then 3) brings peace. To forbear indicates having patience with one another. In Greek this word is makrothymias and means long-suffering, embracing steadfastness, tolerance, and long temperedness. Paul splendidly describes showing forbearance with love in 1Corinthians 13:4. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not selfseeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs” (Berean Study Bible). Forbearance and love produce a spirit of unity and peace. There’s no greater achievement for an assembly than to have a true sense of unity and peace within it. But for this to happen all members
of that assembly must adopt and live by the characteristics we find here in Ephesians. If there’s one member who chooses to show something other than forgiveness and love, this can wreak havoc within the assembly and tear down the unity and peace within it. We encourage everyone to ask themselves: Am I living the values in this passage? Does my behavior bring unity or division? Bond of Perfectness A similar passage can be found in Colossians 3:12-14. “Put on therefore, as the elect of Elohim, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Messiah forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” As we saw in Ephesians, Paul here calls for compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. I cannot say enough about how important it is that we live by these attributes. When it comes to our salvation and position within the Kingdom, I believe these will either make or break us. Yahweh is looking for the cream of the crop or the best. To be the best and found worthy, we must not only obey the commandments, but also emulate Yahshua the Messiah by living the values in the passage. Paul goes on to say that if we have a grievance or complaint against someone, we’re to forgive them, as Yahweh forgave us. Once again, we should selfreflect and ask, do I hold a grievance or animosity against anyone? If the answer is yes, I encourage you to find it within yourself to forgive them and to let go of that grievance. Holding on to animosity or hatred is not healthy and is not something Yahweh wants. He wants us to forgive and to move on. Just as in Ephesians, so Paul closes this passage by speaking about love and unity. As we’ve already discussed, this is such an important concept. Again, I simply encourage everyone
to pursue love and unity by showing compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Sharing with Gentleness In addition to Paul, Peter also speaks about gentleness. “But in your hearts set apart [Messiah] as [Sovereign]. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks about the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” 1Peter 3:15, NIV. In this passage, Peter is speaking about witnessing and sharing the truth in gentleness and with respect. When it comes to sharing Yahweh’s Word, many miss the mark. Although our intentions may be right, we often witness in too forceful a way. The result of sharing the truth this way is typically that it brings only contention and also turns the person off from any future dialogue. I was guilty of this in my younger years. When it came to witnessing or enforcing Yahweh’s Word, my approach was to look for the biggest two-by-four that I could find and beat them over the head with it until they were bloody and worn down – metaphorically speaking, of course. Over the years I’ve changed my approach. Instead of reaching for that two-by-four, I try to show some compassion and even diplomacy when sharing Yahweh’s Word. As a minister, I try to also do the same when dealing with problems and disciplinary issues. So again, the lesson here is simple; when we witness and share the good news, we should always remember to show gentleness and respect. Again, this includes social media. Just because we’re not in person and behind a screen does not give the right to be short, rude, or aggressive. Restoring with Gentleness Galatians 6:1-5 gives some advice on how we should restore someone to the faith. “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted; Bear ye one another’s burdens, (please turn to p. 15) Restoration Times Magazine September-December 2020
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The Earth’s First and Last Language
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rowing numbers of enlightened Bible believers maintain that the first language of man was Hebrew. Among authorities, Noah Webster’s dictionary is not alone in tracing many English words back to the Hebrew language. Yet the belief that Hebrew was the original language has long since been replaced by the concept of an “IndoAryan” mother tongue. Solid evidence supports Hebrew as the mother of all languages. Evidence also shows that Hebrew is the language of heaven. Back at the Beginning… Who taught you to speak? Your parents, of course. It was your parents who taught you to communicate in your native language – their language. Where did Adam and Eve learn their human language? From their Father Yahweh as well. It stands to reason that He spoke the same language that He taught our first parents. The curriculum of Harvard was full of Hebrew, and an early graduate thesis at Harvard concerned Hebrew as the mother tongue. Noah Webster’s etymologies were full of English words traced to “Shemite” sources. The Word, a book by Isaac Mozeson, touts Hebrew as the original
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by Alan Mansager
language of mankind. His work is quite comprehensive, with many examples of word origins traced back to Hebrew. Some literary critics rave at Mozeson’s bold assertions showing Hebrew to be the mother of all languages. The noted etymologist Dr. Joseph T. Shipley says, “The Word is a challenge to linguists. The parallels traced seem beyond the range of coincidence, and call for a re-examination of our etymologies. Etymon (truth) must be the quest.” Matityahu Glazerson, in The Holy Language: Source of All Languages, writes, “Mozeson’s work is invaluable. A sanctification of the Name is made for the sanctified language (Hebrew).” Professor Louis Feldman of Yeshiva University, writes, “What I have seen of Mozeson’s work suggests a far wider sharing of the world regarding the monogenesis of language and the primacy of Near East culture.” Hebrew was the inspired language of the Bible. Evidence shows that it was the language spoken to Adam and Eve and will be spoken again in the Kingdom. Academia for centuries has pushed the idea that our language is an “Indo-European” descendent. In his book, Hebrew Source of Languages, Mattityahu Glazerson writes, “Linguistics is taught in the
‘enlightened’ Western countries according to the systems developed by anti-Semitic professors, who attempted to construct innovative theories to conceal the fact that Hebrew is the source of all languages.” A growing number of writers reject the teaching that the original language was some “Indo-European” tongue. Zephaniah 3:8 warns that Yahweh will pour out His wrath upon the rebellious people of earth, and only the meek in spirit will be left, while the Hebrew language will be spoken when the Kingdom is set up. Yahweh’s Name will reign supreme, as shown by the following verses: “For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the Name of Yahweh, to serve him with one consent,” Zephaniah 3:9. “In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to Yahweh of hosts...” Isaiah 19:18. The Living Bible, among others, declares that the language of Canaan is Hebrew. The resistance to calling upon Yahweh’s Name will vanish when His kingdom is established on earth, because all will speak and understand Hebrew. More scholars are coming to agree that Hebrew is the original language of both the Old and New testaments. Both were
originally written in Hebrew. The Hebrew language existed since creation and will be spoken in the Kingdom. Hebrew was the language spoken by Yahweh to Adam, and the language used by the heavenly messengers conversing with mankind. Whenever the celestial beings spoke to mankind, it was to those who understood Hebrew. Nowhere do we find the angelic beings speaking in Greek or Latin, but in Hebrew to those who knew Hebrew. Richness of the Hebrew McClintock and Strong’s Bible Commentary says of Shemitic (Semite) languages: “The Hebrew language takes its name from Abraham’s descendants, the Israelites, who are ethnographically called Hebrew. ...In the Old Testament it is called the language of Canaan; Isaiah 19:18, emphatically the language of the holy land consecrated to [Yahweh] as contrasted with that of the profane Egypt. In its earliest written state it exhibits in the writings of Moses a perfection of structure which was never surpassed.” Further, this commentary states that it was the descendants of Shem who spoke Hebrew and other Semitic languages, of which it lists 14 primitive dialects. Girdlestone’s Old Testament Synonyms says, “The Hebrew language, though poor in some respects, e.g. in tenses, is rich in others; and probably no better language could have been selected for the purpose of preparing the way of Messiah.” He points out the variety and richness of the Hebrew language and gives examples, such as seven Hebrew words rendered black in the King James Version: there are eight words translated axe; 12 words for beauty; 12 for body; 14 for dark; 18 are rendered fear; 22 for branch; 26 for cover; 42 for cut; 60 for break; 66 for bring; 74 are rendered take. It is obvious that in reading our English translation of the Bible that we are missing much of the richness and flavor of the original language. The exact shade of meaning is lost when 74 different words in Hebrew appear in
English translations as the single word “take”! How much more are we missing when we deliberately remove the Heavenly Father’s inspired Hebrew Name Yahweh, and call Him by some title derived from paganism? There is no reason to substitute titles for the Heavenly Father’s Hebrew Name. He is known as the Mighty One of Israel in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, the saints or believers are known as the “Israel of Yahweh,” Galatians 6:16. His Name has deep meaning in Hebrew! Yahweh Spoke Hebrew The first spoken command given to mankind appears in Genesis 1:28. It comes to us in Hebrew. Yahweh warned Adam and Eve not to eat of the forbidden fruit (2:16-17). He again spoke to them in chapter 3, and they understood and answered. Yahweh communicated with Adam and Eve in Hebrew, which is the language of celestial beings and would logically be the original human language. No other tongue but Hebrew is mentioned in Scripture for the earliest of biblical communication. It is the language of the oldest manuscripts and is the language specifically mentioned when people were spoken to from on high in the Old and New testaments. Obviously speaking Hebrew, Adam named the birds and beasts as Yahweh brought them before him, Genesis 2:1920. The conciseness, simplicity, energy, and fertility of the Hebrew can be seen by examining the names of the individuals appearing in the early chapters of Genesis. All are Hebrew! Adam means “red” or “ruddy.” Eve (Heb. Chavah) means “life,” or “lifespring.” Look at the names of other Old Testament personalities and you will see that they all have Hebrew meanings. A Towering Change The language spoken by Adam must have been spoken by one after another of his descendants, for “The whole earth was of one language and one speech,”
Genesis 11:1. This was after the flood of Noah’s time, and the population had increased considerably. It was the time of the people’s journeying east into the land of Shinar or Babylonia, where they decided to build a tower for a name for themselves. Genesis 10 tells of Nimrod, the son of Cush, the son of Ham, who began his kingdom in Babel in the land of Shinar, verse 10. The present world population is descended from the three sons of Noah — Shem, Ham and Japheth. All previous lines of humanity were destroyed in the flood. It is recognized that Nimrod was instrumental in getting the people together to build the city and the tower. The families of Ham and Japheth settled in the plains and seacoasts. The descendants of Shem, however, did not dwell in the plains of Shinar, but settled toward the mountains in the hill country of Mesha: “And their dwelling was from Mesha, as you go unto Sephar a mount of the east” (Gen. 10:30). So the Shemites stayed in the high country, much as did Abraham later, Genesis 13:6-12. They were not in the area of the Tower of Babel. Construction of the Tower of Babel was the project of sons of Ham and Japheth, under the direction of Nimrod. Reaching to the heavens, the tower was to be primarily a monument to man. Around the tower the city of Babylon was planned in order to establish for themselves a fame independent of Yahweh. This is a prime example of carnal man desiring to make a name for himself yet seeking all sorts of excuses to deny the Name Yahweh, the Elohim of the whole earth. Protectors of the Name Shem means “name,” and through Shem his descendants begat the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is very unlikely that the descendants of Shem (or Semites) were involved in this undertaking, having not joined those at the plains of Shinar. Shemites were righteous, and would not rebel against Restoration Times Magazine September-December 2020
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Yahweh. Furthermore, scholars assert the Shemites were persecuted by Nimrod, and dwelt apart (Adam and His Kin: The Lost History of Their Lives pp. 118, 123). Many use the old excuse that the Name Yahweh would change with the various languages of the world. Names do not change but remain the same from language to language. Neither should names be translated. Yahweh is the Mighty One of the Hebrews, and His Name is the same no matter what language is spoken. A Family Speaking Hebrew The lineage of Shem is a key showing that Hebrew is the heavenly language. Shem means “name” in Hebrew, and it was the Semites (Shemites) who continued to use Hebrew as their language. We find this confirming statement in The New Bible Dictionary, “Hebrew belongs to the western group of Semitic languages (the word Semitic is formed from the name of Shem, Noah’s eldest son),” p. 710. In his blessing on Shem, Noah called Yahweh the “Elohim of Shem,” and said Yahweh would “dwell in the tents of Shem,” Genesis 9:26-27. Yahweh, of course, was the Mighty One of the Hebrews. Shem, whose native tongue was Hebrew, lived 98 years during his great-grandfather Methuselah’s time. Remember, the earth was one language at this time. Shem had nearly 100 years to carry on a discourse with, and receive instructions from, his great-grandfather. Methuselah lived and shared a 243-year span with Adam, and 600 years with Noah. Noah lived 350 years after the flood, and died only two years before the birth of Abraham. Noah’s son Shem lived until Abraham was 150 years old, and Isaac was 50 years of age. Here is a FAMILY of which the patriarch Adam spoke in Hebrew with Yahweh His Creator. Parents even today teach their children their natural, native language; there is no reason to assume that Adam’s was any language other than Hebrew — by virtue of his family line and the Hebrew language they all spoke. Inheritance of language continued
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down to Genesis 11:1, where the whole earth was of one tongue. Then follows the inset chapter 12 telling of the rebellion of the people who, exploited by Nimrod, joined him to build a tower in the plains of Shinar. It was upon the descendants of Ham and Japheth that the confusion of languages came. Shemites were not involved, and so their Hebrew language was not affected. Here is more confirmation: we find in Genesis 10:21 that Shem is the father of all the children of Eber. From “Eber” we get the word “Hebrew” (NTV note on Gen. 10:21; Companion Bible note on Gen. 10:24). In Genesis 14:12-13 Abraham is
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All of those in the millennial rule will be speaking Hebrew and calling on the personal Name Yahweh.” referred to as a Hebrew. One has but to study the names of people and places in the Book of Genesis to acknowledge that they are all definitely Hebrew and have names with Hebrew meaning. Language We Grow Up With Children learn the language of their parents, even though they might be reared in a foreign country. It is not unusual for a group of people to cluster together in a foreign land because of the difficulties of language. Many cities contain foreign enclaves where common cultures and specific languages predominate. Some are known as “Chinatown” or “Germantown” or “Little Italy” sections of a city.
These people settled in areas that were less hostile toward their background, language and culture. This was true also of the biblical Hebrews. Beginning with chapter 12 of Genesis, the Bible focuses upon the man Abraham and his descendants, Isaac and Jacob. As was shown, Shem lived 98 years before the flood, 502 years after the flood, and 75 years after Abraham entered Canaan. All of these men held a special relationship with Yahweh. He was very real to them, as He occasionally spoke directly to them in their Hebrew language. The Ten Commandments were written with the finger of Elohim on two tables of stone and then given to Moses. They were written in the Hebrew language. Israel stood before Mount Sinai and listened as Yahweh spoke in a language they could understand. Moses would write the first five books of the Bible in Hebrew. This helped unify the Israelites and also establish Hebrew as the language of worship. Hebrew is the language of the Temple and worship in the synagogues. It can be shown further that this was Sephardic Hebrew as opposed to the later Ashkenazic, which was influenced by the German language. The Sephardic is anchored to the Masoretic vowel pointing system, which shows that it was in vogue when the Masoretes established the system of vocalizing Hebrew by vowel points. The Sephardic Hebrew is the language of the Temple and has been preserved for us by the Yemenite and Spanish Jews. (See Edward Horowitz, How the Hebrew Language Grew.) Even today young Jewish children for their bar or bat mitzvah learn to read and write Hebrew no matter what country they reside in. Old Testament in Hebrew The Old Testament was handed down from Hebrew originals, with the possible exception of Ezra 4:8 to 6:18 and Daniel 2:4 to 7:28. Note that in Nehemiah 8:8 the people were instructed in the law — likely in the Aramaic paraphrase, the language
“It is amazing that all religions are known by the name of the one worshiped … except Christianity.” yrm.org/your-fathers-name
A Sampling of English Words Rooted in Hebrew From Isaac Mozeson’s The Word
Ground – Heb. goren, “floor” (Joel 2:24) Barley – Heb. bar, “grain” (Gen. 42:3) Berry – Heb. peree, “fruit” (Gen. 1:29) Brass – Heb. barzel, “iron” (Gen. 4:22) Buckaroo – Heb. baqar, “cattle tender” (Amos 7:14) Evil – Heb. avell, “iniquity” (Deuteronomy 32:4) Finicky – Heb. phnuck, “pampered” (Prov. 29:21) Hail – Heb. halail, “praise” (Psalm 146) Hurry – Heb. mahar, “hasten” (Genesis 18:6) Mama – Heb. em, emma, “mother” (Genesis 3:20) of the captivity. The Levites went among the people elucidating and teaching what they had heard so that the Hebrew Scriptures would be clearer to them. By Daniel’s time (495 BCE), both Hebrew and Aramaic were used. A Family Speaking Hebrew The name Hebrew derives from Eber, great-grandson of Shem (“name”). Eber was a Hebrew and spoke Hebrew. So did his great-grandfather Shem. Parents always pass down their language to their children. Shem would speak the same language that his great-grandfather Methuselah spoke, with whom he shared 98 years of his life in the homeland. Methuselah would speak the Hebrew language that Adam spoke, with whom he shared 243 years of life. With the exceptions previously noted, we can safely say that the Old Testament was handed down to us by those who spoke and wrote Hebrew. It is apparent, therefore, that when Yahweh spoke to these Hebrew men, that He spoke in the Hebrew tongue. Yahshua Spoke Hebrew or Aramaic Some Bible scholars believe that the second chapter of Luke (relating Yahshua’s being left behind by Miriam and Joseph, who later found Him in the temple discussing the Hebrew Scriptures) shows that Yahshua even at a young age
was very knowledgeable of Hebrew and was ready for His bar mitzvah. He did read Hebrew, although some say He spoke Aramaic, a close dialect. Later we read that Yahshua was in the synagogue of Nazareth (Luke 4:17) and while there He read from the Book of Isaiah. Hebrew is still the language of worship and is heard in the synagogues when prayer and Scripture are heard. Angels Spoke Hebrew In examining the New Testament, we find again that when one was spoken to from the heavens, it was always in the Hebrew tongue. In chapter 1 of Luke we read that the priest Zachariah was performing his duties in the temple. The angel of Yahweh appeared to him and related how Elizabeth was soon to have a son who would be called John. Certainly a priest of the course Abia would be addressed in his native Hebrew tongue! Later we learn that the virgin Miriam was also visited by Gabriel who proclaimed the soon-coming birth of Yahshua the Messiah, Luke chapter 1. Both Miriam and Joseph were descended from the lineage of King David, the ruler of Israel, of the tribe of Judah. In chapter 2 of Luke we read of Judean shepherds watching their flocks by night when the celestial being came to them announcing the birth of the Redeemer of Israel. The language used to communicate
was Hebrew and was understood by uneducated, pastoral shepherds. In Matthew 3:17 and Luke 3:22 is the account of the baptism of the Messiah. A voice came from heaven declaring that this was the beloved Son in Whom He was well pleased — obviously in the Hebrew tongue. In Job chapters 1 and 2 we learn that Satan carried on a conversation with Yahweh, which would have been in Hebrew, the heavenly language. Resurrected Savior Used Hebrew Acts 9 tells of the Apostle Paul’s being struck down on the Damascus Road. Recounting this experience to King Agrippa (Acts 26:12-14), Paul says of the heavenly voice of Yahshua, “And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks” (Acts 26:14). Paul inquired of the speaker: “And I said, Who are you, Master? And he said, I am Yahshua whom you persecute” (Acts 26:15). This was after Yahshua’s death and resurrection, and He was still speaking Hebrew! Yahshua told us that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob would be in the Kingdom, Matthew 8:11, and there will undoubtedly be many other ancient worthies who have been chosen to be in that glorious Kingdom. All of those resurrected people will be brought back to life in a country that even now is speaking Hebrew as its national language. Notably in 1948, when it was admitted to the United Nations, the tiny nation of Israel established Hebrew as its national language. Elieazor BenYehuda, known as the father of modern Hebrew, already had prepared an updated Hebrew dictionary and thesaurus of the Hebrew language. It was his desire to see Hebrew revived and made alive as Israel’s spoken tongue. Hebrew the Heavenly Tongue Today Hebrew is the official language of Judea. Jewish immigrants must learn Hebrew as an essential part of their orientation and assimilation into Israeli society and culture. Restoration Times Magazine September-December 2020
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Hebrew is the heavenly language. It was spoken to Adam and Eve, and down through history was spoken to all the ancient worthies. The prophets who were given messages from on high were those who spoke Hebrew. When Yahweh had a message for a foreign nation such as Assyria, He spoke to Jonah and Nahum who understood Hebrew. They in turn warned the Assyrians of impending doom. When Yahshua returns, He will go to the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east (Zech. 14:4). He will return to deliver a nation that is already speaking Hebrew. The Hebrew speaking Jews will recognize Him. He will come again to His own, and this time they will receive Him. He will pour upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of grace and supplication and “they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him as one mourns for His only Son,” Zechariah 12:10. He will return to His people and save “the tents of Judah first,” verse 7. The Pure Language It is at this time that Yahshua com mences to take charge of world affairs and will rule with a rod of iron. He will set up His rule at Jerusalem and it will continue to expand until it encompasses the world, “...the law shall go forth out of Zion, and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem,” Micah 4:2. “For then will I turn to the people a pure language [Hebrew], that they may all call upon the Name of Yahweh, to serve Him with one consent,” Zephaniah 3:9. All of those who will be in the Millennial rule will be speaking Hebrew and will be calling upon the personal, only Name of Yahweh and His dear Son, Yahshua. Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Yahweh is the King of the universe. He Reads Our Very Thoughts It should be understood that at this time we can pray to Yahweh in any language, any tongue, because He is not limited to audible speech as humans are. The One Who made man’s tongue and ears can
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bypass speech, for He can read our very thoughts, “I am He which searches the reins and hearts,” (Rev. 2:23). But we must call on His true Name. “And he said unto them, You are they which justify yourselves before men; but Yahweh knows your hearts...” (Luke 16:15). “And they prayed, and said, You, Yahweh, which know the hearts of all [men], show whether of these two you have chosen” (Acts 1:24). The language spoken in Eden by Yahweh was Hebrew. The angelic beings continued to communicate with those who understood Hebrew. Yahweh
spoke to people through prophets who understood Hebrew. The Old Testament was without question written in Hebrew. In the New Testament the angelic messengers spoke to Hebrewspeaking people. Yahshua spoke and read Hebrew in the synagogue. On the road to Damascus, He spoke to Saul in the Hebrew tongue. From all this evidence and more, increasing numbers of scholars are coming to agree with Charles Cutler Torrey that the entire Bible was originally written in Hebrew, language of the heavens.
Do We Reallly Need to Use His Name
W
Yahweh?
hile Yahweh’s Name has been revealed by those who spoke Hebrew, His Name is the same around the world and does not change. There likely are many changes we need to make in each of our lives, but making His personal Name a part of our daily living is a firm witness to the coming rulership of Yahweh and His Son, when His Name will be spoken daily worldwide. Is it any wonder that we find salvation only in the true, revealed Name of Yahweh? Doesn’t it make sense that He would call out a special people to be in a covenant relationship through a Name that identifies only Him and through that Name makes His people His alone? Acts 15:14, Joel 2:32. Anyone newly convinced of the truth to worship exclusively in the personal Name of Yahweh will soon encounter the argument that it doesn’t matter. so long as He knows who we are worshiping. Taken to its logical conclusion, this reasoning says one can worship Yahweh in the name of Buddha and it wouldn’t make any difference to Him! Yet, Yahweh in Exodus 23:13 and Joshua 23:7 specifically commands us NOT to worship Him in other names. The following insight is from Zondervan’s The Pictorial Bible Dictionary under the heading “Name”: “A name was given only by a person in a position of authority (Gen. 2:19; 2Kings 23:34), and signified that the person named was appointed to a particular position, function, or relationship (Gen. 35:18, 2Sam. 12:25). ... Where a person gave his own name to another, it signified the joining of the two in very close unity, as when [Yahweh] gave His name to Israel (Deut. 28:9-10). To be baptized into a name therefore means to pass into new ownership (Matt. 28:19; Acts 8:16; ICor. 1:13, 15). In the Scriptures there is the closest possible relationship between a person and his name, the two being practically equivalent, so that to remove the name is to extinguish the person (Num. 27:4; Deut. 7:24). To forget [Yahweh’s] name is to depart from Him (Jer. 23:27).”
(continued from p. 9) and so fulfil the law of Messiah. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden.” Paul says that if someone sins, those who are spiritually minded and guided by the Holy Spirit should restore him gently. In this situation, he’s referring to someone in the assembly who is guilty of some sort of sin or infraction against Yahweh’s Word. In such a case we’re to show them their sin and restore them gently. In the Greek, the word “gently” refers to mildness or meekness. However, if the person doesn’t respond to this and continues in their sin, then we must look to other means. Inevitably, we know that we cannot allow sin to remain within the assembly. But the lesson here is that we’re to first use gentleness or kindness before we pursue other disciplinary actions. Articulating Gentleness In Colossians 4:5-6, Paul instructs us to let our speech be always filled with grace and seasoned with salt. “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” The word “grace” here comes from the Greek charis and refers to graciousness and Yahweh’s influence upon the heart. Based on what we find in Barnes’ Notes, the phrase “being seasoned with salt” refers to showing a balance of piety or virtue in our speech, which can be emulated by using gentleness or kindness in our communication: “Salt, among the Greeks, was the emblem of wit. “Here the meaning seems to be, that our conversation should be seasoned with piety or grace in a way similar to that in which we employ salt in our food. It makes it wholesome and palatable. “So with our conversation. If it be
not imbued with the spirit of piety, it is flat, insipid, unprofitable, injurious. The spirit of piety will make it what it should be—useful, agreeable, beneficial to mankind.” Are we using gentleness or kindness in our actions and speech? Are we articulating in this way at home with our spouses and with those in the assembly? If not, I encourage you to consider how you might improve. Realize that if we’re rude or offensive with one another, we’re falling short as believers. Remember, Yahweh is looking for the cream of the crop and whether we realize it or not, what we say and how we say it matters! Let us use grace and piety when we communicate, regardless of where we are. What Matters to Yahweh One of the most important passages we find in the Old Testament is Micah 6:7-8. “Will Yahweh be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Yahweh require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy Elohim?” The prophet Micah is asking here, what is pleasing to Yahweh? Many offerings? Or giving our firstborn for our transgressions? No, this is not what Yahweh’s looking for. Micah explains that to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him is what pleases Yahweh. To do justly refers to a verdict or decision of law, judgment, and derives from the Hebrew mishpat. The intent is to abide by and to apply Yahweh’s commandments judicially, in other words, doing the right things and making right decisions based on what we find in His Word. We are also told to love mercy. The Hebrew word for mercy is chesed and refers to kindness or piety, which we know is also a form of gentleness. As we’ve seen throughout this series, as believers we’re to be kind and show compassion and mercy to our fellow man, especially
to those in the assembly. For a moment, let’s self-reflect and ask, Am I showing this kindness or gentleness to my family and acquaintances? Walking humbly before our Elohim is the third element that pleases Yahweh. The word “humbly” here comes from the Hebrew tsana and is a primitive root meaning to humiliate. It’s so important that we humble ourselves before our Heavenly Father. We need to remember that He is our Creator and He is supreme. This is the reason the Bible speaks about fearing Yahweh and showing Him reverence. If we walk in pride and refuse to acknowledge Yahweh’s greatness and supremacy, we will never be worthy of that great prize in the first resurrection. Again, let’s ask ourselves, are we living these values? Are we doing justly, do we love mercy, are we walking humbly before Yahweh? If we’re falling short in one or more of these areas, consider how we might improve. Realize that these are matters of life and death. Our character and how we interact with one another and with Yahweh does matter.
“Of all calendars, the true biblical calendar is one of the easiest to understand and the one True Worshipers follow today in observing scriptural days.” yrm.org/the-biblical-calendar Restoration Times Magazine September-December 2020
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Q
What is the difference between the Leviticus 23:3 Sabbath and the Leviticus 23:24-25 Sabbath of no servile work? The latter appears to be connected with the Feast of Trumpets whereas Leviticus 23:3 is the weekly Sabbath.
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Servile is the Hebrew abodah and means work of any kind. It applies to all the high holy days in all the Feasts of Leviticus 23. Trumpets is just one day, as are Pentecost and Atonement, and all are days of Sabbath rest and no work is done on them. Technically, the weekly Sabbath is also a Feast, listed first in the series of Feasts detailed in Leviticus 23. No servile work applies to the weekly Sabbath as well.
Thank you for your works. My beliefs are the same as yours. For me, Yahweh’s laws are amazing, and beautiful gifts. I want to practice properly. I have some questions. In Vietnam, people often organize death anniversary ceremonies for those who have died or the deceased, to worship their ancestors. They often make offerings and prostrate. Is that right when I do not attend those days nor any activity for this anniversary?
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You are correct not to be involved in this tradition if it means to worship the dead. Yahshua told Satan to worship Yahweh your Elohim “and Him only shall you
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According to Vietnames tradition, I am living with my parents. But there is no one in my family who believes in the Heavenly Father Yahweh. They worship Buddha’s statues and images in the house. Should I continue living with them or move out? I have a strong belief in the Heavenly Father Yahweh, so those Buddha’s statues and images do not affect me.
serve,” Matthew 4:10. This command applies to many other celebrations and practices that do not honor Yahweh but someone or something else.
For some believers living in that environment would negatively impact their faith and devotion to Yahweh. It did not affect the Apostle Paul on Mars Hill to walk among all the pagan statuary of the Greeks because he knew that an idol is nothing and he was not there to worship. Some believers live in a house where Xmas and Easter are kept by family and they must deal with it in ways that preserve their faithfulness to Yahweh. You can’t mix error with Truth. If you find yourself being influenced by their falsity then it would be time to make a move. Some believers find themselves grappling with this issue because Yahweh may not call everyone in a family: “I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion,” Jeremiah 3:14. Remain close to Yahweh through prayer and study.
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I am female. I know that I must cover my head in worship. Do I also need to I cover my head when I am praying at home?
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I am Vietnamese, living in Vietnam. I am a new believer. I have not done any baptism yet. I am reading, studying and researching by myself. Around my place I did not find any church, organization, group that are family with my beliefs. Amazing, I found your website.
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You must ask yourself, is my art used by nonbelievers to honor false deities? If it is, then see the first answer above. It is best to find another subject for your art to be safe.
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Help me put this question to rest. In my study of 1Kings 8, I came across verse 9 that stated that only the two tables of stone containing Yahweh’s Ten Commandment were in the Ark of the Covenant, nothing else. My question then is, how about the pot of manna and Aaron’s staff? Hebrews 9:4 tells us that three items were in the ark: “the golden pot that had manna, Aaron’s rod that budded and the tables of the covenant.” Obviously the manna and Aaron’s rod were removed at some point (in a situation like 1Sam. 6:19, which was a serious violation, Num. 4:15).
make lotus flowers, because the lotus is a symbol of Buddhism. My paintings are only for decoration, not for worship.
I work as an artist. I paint and make flowers from clay. Before I used to draw and make lotus flowers. Now I don’t know if it’s wrong for me to draw and
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“The single most important religious holiday observed today in Christianity would have been FORBIDDEN in early New Testament times. Many historians and biblical scholars corroborate this fact.” Read more: yrm.org/december-25-birthday-sun Or request “December 25 -Birthday of the Sun” - yrm.org/request-booklet
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Neither the location nor your immediate company are specified in the headcovering instruction. It simply reads, “But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven,” 1Corinthians 11:5. Paul adds, “Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto Elohim uncovered?” 11:13. No matter where you are or who you are with, while in devotions you are to cover.
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Regarding the feasts, what of Firstfruits which is mentioned in Leviticus 23:10-14? Where does the Last Great Day come from which is not mentioned as a feast but just a Holy convocation at the end of Tabernacles?
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The firstfruits mentioned in Lev. 23:10-14 are a continuation of the Feast of Unleavened Bread’s commands in 23:6-8. The wavesheaf for the first day of Unleavened Bread was to be of first fruits of the harvest. This day also began the count to the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost. Last Great Day is the eighth day of Tabernacles, a high holy day, Lev. 23:36. It is called the “last day the great day of the Feast” in John 7:37, where Yahshua stood up and cried out about His being living water. See the footnote explanation at John 7 from the RSB, 4th edition.
Q
If a person is baptized in the name of Jesus is it scripturally correct? Or should the individual be baptized only in the name of Yahshua? And what if the person was baptized in the name of the father, the son and holy spirit, is this acceptable scripturally?
A
The command is to be immersed into the singular name Yahshua, Acts 10:48. All baptisms in the New Testament were performed in the singular name of Yahshua: Acts 2:38, 8:15, 19:5, 22:16, Romans 6:3, Galatians 3:27. Yahshua is the only name whereby we can be saved, Acts 4:12. Baptism in significant ways models His death and resurrection.
biblical hebrew word lesson
lkyh.. Hekal hey-kal
Composition: Hey, Tsere, Yod, Kaf, Qamets, Lamed. The Hebrew word Hekal means Temple or palace. It is found 80 times in the Hebrew Bible. “...Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple (Hekal) of Yahweh.” 1 Samuel 1:9
Outreach Program’s Current Partners We recognize our outreach partners for their outstanding dedication to the Truth in their effort to fulfill the Great Commission. If you are interested in becoming an outreach partner to help us spread the Truth, visit: http://www.yrm.org/outreach or call us at (573) 896-1000 during normal office hours (M-F, 8:00 am- 4:00 pm.) We willl explain how you can join this group committed to spreading the Good News!
Zipporah Mwangi David Nesta James Williams Steve Twillegar Michael Hubbard Antonio Kimble Ricardo Angolano Barbara Creel Judy Stern
Larry Godejohn Robert Kountz Michael & Meandy Bishop Linda Lowe David Lynch Dennis Boyle Nicholas Engmann
Restoration Times Magazine September-December 2020
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4th Edition
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n addition to restoring the sacred names Yahweh and Yahshua, this unique Bible includes: in-depth book introductions, thousands of eye-opening study notes, cross references, instructional and archaeological charts, chronological timelines, and an extensive topical reference section. This unique Bible has Strong’s numbering for all significant words in the text and Strong’s Hebrew and Greek dictionaries at the back so you can confirm meanings yourself. It even has a family record section for recording important life events. It is three books in one – a real value. * Three cover choices: Outreach (Paperback), Designer (Imitation Leather), and Premium (Cowhide); the contents is the same in each * Ten-point main text (as in standard newspapers and magazines); footnotes are slightly smaller. * Thumb tab cutouts for quick-and-easy referencing (Designer and Premium) * Ribbons for place-holding Place your order at: yrmstore.org/shop or telephone 573-896-1000
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“You are an amazing ministry, I’ve left Eastern Orthodoxy to find a Unitarian Ministry i.e. those who reject the trinity, and now I also learn Torah, you help me a lot in my Bible study, may Yahweh our Father bless your ministry with a lot of prosperity.” – Audrey “I had independently reached the conclusion that the ancient temple had to be near, if not actually over, the Gihon Spring. It is wonderful to find your source and all the additional proofs of which I was not formerly aware.” – JB “This is a great website! A friend gave me a Restoration Bible as a surprise gift. I saw the web address for yrm.org and checked it out, but have not watched the videos. I am going to study this Bible and watch the videos because from what I see, your mission statement and beliefs are very similar to mine and biblically sound, something that is becoming more and more rare. A job well done, looking forward to a new viewpoint in my studies, ready to learn! Thank you! – EB “This has been the year that blessed me in opening my eyes to the whole scriptures. I just want to thank you for your ministry. I have my RSB, and hope to provide one for my son very soon. He too came to the
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Simplify Your Hectic Life
truth a step ahead of me this year. It was an amazing discovery as we spoke over the phone. Me here in NE Tennessee, and he in prison. Yahweh binding us even closer with His truth. Your Sabbath service was of a great blessing to me today. Again Yahweh providing according to my needs. I look forward to my magazine subscription. You all will be in my heart and support.” – ML “I am in the midst of serving a 7-year prison sentence… Over the last four years and through two institutional transfers, we have successfully distributed over 125 of your Bibles into the hands of inmates whom I have personally had the pleasure of witnessing to… This has been accomplished in part by donations collected through the outreach, ‘The Root Bears You,’ that I founded in 2015. My mother, a missionary and baptized member of The True Body of Messiah, had previously been aiding as a coordinator on the outside working with and through your administration. As an Outreach Partner to YRM, our small outreach also has faithfully been distributing the 20-plus booklets sent to us monthly to various inmates on our personal mailing list over the last several years. …Inmates have a limited digital platform that is available to them through
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the vendor JPAY. This is how we can read and send JPAY emails to friends and family while also having video visits. If an inmate owns a JP5 player or JP5 S Tablet, Jpay then offers music and movies for purchase and rental fees. Other motivational and educational videos are also available for free downloads. Recently it was brought to my attention that within the shopping cart icon, a vast amount of spiritual videos were now available… how awesome would it be if we could have access to watching some of your documentaries and or sermons. I don’t quite know where one would start in getting this process started but If anyone could be triumphant it would be Yahweh’s diligent children who are walking in His spirit, guidance and direction! It is time for the seeds that are being sown to be germinated and take root. It is time for the cultivation through the watering they need. ‘’The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Master of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest,’’ Matt 9:37-38. I’m hoping to keep learning truth using your resources, and I really hope to be able to start something locally over here in Buda, Texas, for people to gather for the Sabbath - a building or just an event in the grass or who knows.” – JM
“I Didn’t Know That”
• The letter “J” as in “Jesus” wasn’t invented until 1,400 years after Yahshua walked the earth. The two never met. • The word “alphabet” comes from the first two letters of the Hebrew alphabet, “aleph” and “beyt.” • The Savior came as a Jew not a Christian. Christianity came many years later. • With the development of a clerical heirarchy the Scriptures were taken out of the hands of the laity and the Roman church sank deeper and deeper into the mists of superstition. (For more eye-opening facts see the Restoration Study Bible)
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