Messianic/Nazarene faithALL ABOUT "CHRISTMAS"
2000 B.C.E. to 2007 C.E. By Ed Stevens, James Trimm & Baruch Ben Daniel YHWH foretold that from the "seed" of woman would come the Savior of all mankind, and by this seed "the Serpent" would be destroyed. Genesis 3:15 "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; it shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." After the flood, when the human race was centralized on the plains of Babylon, hasatan sought to turn men away from YHWH's plan of redemption by producing a counterfeit Messiah. Hasatan found an ambitious woman named Semeramis, the widow of Nimrod, "the mighty hunter before YHWH" Genesis 10:9 who had met with a violent death. Nimrod had been deified as the deliverer from the menace of wild animals. His wife, seeking to perpetuate his worship and also with designs to retain the power of the kingdom, deceived people into believing that through a miraculous conception she had given birth to a son called Tammuz, purported to be the reincarnation of Nimrod. Here began at 2000 B.C.E. hasatan's counterfeit to the promised "Seed". Semeramis with her illegitimate son was thenceforth worshipped as "mother of god" (Madonna) or "the queen of heaven." Thus originated the ancient Babylonian mystery religion, the fountainhead of all idolatry. Every idol whether it is mentioned in the Holy Scriptures or in Mythology, can be traced to this source. Alexander Hislop, in his monumental work "The Two Babylons", has shown that papal worship is none other than the worship of Nimrod and his wife, disguised in a garb of Christianity. Concerning the Christmas festival Hislop writes: "That Christmas was originally a pagan festival is beyond all doubt. The time of the year, the ceremonies with which it is celebrated, prove its origin. In Egypt, the son of Isis, the Egyptian title for the 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 Chaldee name for "infant," or "little child"; and as the 25th of December was called by our pagan Anglo-Saxon ancestors "Yule-day" or "the child's day", and the night that preceded it, "Mother night", long before they came in contact with Christianity, that sufficiently proves its real character. Far and wide in the realms of paganism was this birthday observed." The Two Babylons; Alexander Hislop p.93 It can be clearly demonstrated from Scripture that Yeshua Mashiyach was not born in the winter, but during the Fall Feasts. Since YHWH has in no way authorized the celebration of Christmas or even Birthdays, so who induced Christians to do so? As early as the first century Apostle Paul rebuked Gentile followers of Mashiyach for attempting to incorporate paganism into the True Faith. Galatians 4:8-11 "Howbeit then, when you knew not Elohim, you did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that you have known Elohim, or rather are known of Elohim, how turn you again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto you desire again to be in bondage? You observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain." Paul's letter was not heeded by the Church, in the year 230 C.E. the Christian "Church Father" Tertullian wrote: "By us [Gentile Christians] who are strangers to (Jewish) Sabbaths, and new moons, and festivals, once acceptable to G-d, the Saturnalia, the feasts of January, the Brumalia, and Matronalia are now frequented, with gifts being carried to and fro." Tammuz was worshipped as god incarnate, which implied that he was an incarnation of the "Lord of the heavens," since the sun begins to grow stronger after 25th of December, this date came to be known as the rebirth of Nimrod and of the Sun. In ancient Rome this day was known as "Natalis Invicti Solis", the birthday of the unconquered sun. Lights were kindled then to burn until the 6th of January (Epiphany). The week long feast of Saturnalia, was held at the time of the winter solstice, accompanied with much merrymaking, wild revelry and debauchery. In an effort to obtain more converts to Roman Christianity it was policy for the papacy to amalgamate heathen festivals with Christendom. Pope Gregory wrote to Augustine the first missionary to the British Isles (C.E. 597): "Do not destroy the temples of the English gods; change them to Christian churches. Do not forbid the "harmless" customs which have been associated with the old religions; consecrate them to Christian use." Sir James Fraser in "The Golden Bough" writes: "Thus it appears that the Christian Church chose to celebrate the birthday of its founder on the 25th of December in order to transfer the devotion of the heathen from the sun to him who was called the Sun of Righteousness. If that was so, there can be no intrinsic improbability in the conjecture that motives of the same sort may have led the ecclesiastical authorities to assimilate the Easter festival of the death and resurrection of their Lord to the festival of the death and resurrection of another Asiatic god which fell in the same season." The name "Christmas" first appeared around 450 C.E. when Pope Julius decreed that all Christians must celebrate the birthday of Christ at the same time that the heathen were celebrating the pagan Saturnalia feast. It was designated as "Christe-masse", or Christ's mass. Sadly, there are precious few true Christians who know that the origin of the "Christmas tree" is from Babylon mystery religion, many believe the tree originated among Christians in Europe. But there are even more precious few Christians who know better and who speak out to warn others against the dangers of sentimental agreements with paganism. The decorated tree represents Tammuz (which also means a sprout) hasatan's counterfeit of "The Branch". (Hebrew: NETZER; a shoot; or a sprout) The Mashiyach was prophetically called "The Root out of dry ground" Isaiah 11:1; 53:2; Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 6:12 "Behold the man whose name is The Branch". Ancient coins have been found picturing a tree stump which represented dead Nimrod and a small tree growing nearby which represented Tammuz. The Egyptians used the palm tree; the Romans a pine tree. The "Xmass tree" as worshipped by idolatrous Israelites is described in Jeremiah 10. Mistletoe and holly figured prominently in the early Anglo-Saxon and Druidic tree worship. Jeremiah 10:1-5 "Hear ye the word which YHWH speaks to you, O house of Israel: Thus says YHWH, learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cuts a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good." Clearly Jeremiah records a vivid depiction of a tree that is cut down from the forest, erected and decorated for a religious celebration. Ezekiel shows how YHWH's people sorely grieved Him by adopting the "imagery" of Tammuz which now has become the decorated Christmas tree. Ezekiel 8:11-14 "Then said He unto me, Son of man, have you seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? For they say, "YHWH does not see us; YHWH has forsaken the earth." He said also unto me, turn yet again, and you shall see greater abominations that they do. Then He brought me to the door of the gate of YHWH'S house which was toward the north; and, behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz." Part of Tammuz worship was to place golden balls on the tree which were representative of the testicles of Tammuz, as he was also considered a god of sex. The women were weeping because his prostitution services were no longer available. The whole hearted believer will not contribute to the perpetuation of Christmas by observing it in any manner; he or she will withdraw in horror from all pagan-born celebrations revered by a world that attempted to slay the infant Messiah with Herod's sword. The blood of baby boys born in Bethlehem cries out against the diabolical hatred toward the infant Saviour whom the world hated. The Mashiyach was crucified by those how had a diabolical hatred for the Way of Righteousness. The world is now racing towards the fulfillment of Revelations 11:10 when YHWH's two witnesses shall be slain and "they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them and make merry and shall send gifts to one another." Dear friends, heed the words of Apostle Paul, a man of TRUTH! Ephesians 5:11 "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." The birth of "Jesus" is remembered each year but the Name of Yeshua Mashiyach, the Kingdom of Elohim and His Righteous Torah are a contemptuous infamy for the lukewarm religious. The Torah reminds us: Exodus 23:2 "You shall not follow a multitude to do evil" Yeshua Mashiyach said: Luke 16:15 "That which is highly esteemed among men is abominable in the sight of Elohim" Apostle Paul writes: Romans 12:2 "Be ye not conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may know what is that good and acceptable and wholehearted will of Elohim." Please pass this message along to your family, friends whether they be Christian, Jewish, Believers or non-Believers, we have an obligation to love each other and warn each other. Delving into pagan rituals is NOT a light matter, regardless of one's "intentions"! Shalom U'Vrachot, YHWH be with you, Baruch Ben Daniel The Three Magi Some Christians posture that the story of the Magosi or Magi is either an insertion in Scripture or that the Magi were pagans. The Magi refers to the astrologers/astronomers who were originally taught by Daniel the Prophet about the coming of Mashiyach. These men are neither sorcerers nor Pagans, but Fearers of Elohim who were patiently awaiting the coming of Mashiyach. What the Babylonians learned through Daniel was becoming a reality, they had traveled to bear witness of Mashiyach's birth and bring the good news back to their homeland. One of the titles of the Mashiyach. Bar enosh, like Hebrew ben adam, can also mean "Son of man," or simply "man." Daniel 7:13, 14.) The History Channel: Christmas unWrapped - The History of Christmas http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5T5ibb2E9I (The video contains modern European history showing how Christo-Paganism adopted European "winter festivities.") .. .. .. .. .. .. .. http://www.mashiyach.com/xmass.htm (Note: We here at Graftedintotruth are thankful for all the research Mr Trimm has done and is continuing to do to advance the Believer movement, however we don't condone his current practice of calling himself a "rabbi" and taking up "tithes"): www.nazarenespace.ning.com CHRISTMAS means "anointed depart". CHRISTOS (Greek) means anointed, MAS (Latin, missa) means depart. It's a fusion word from parts of two languages. A Scythian monk, Dionysius Exiguus, traveled to Rome Italy in the year 525 CE, and was astounded that the Pagan festival of the birth of the sun, Saturnalia, was being celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the city. It probably rivaled the Mardi Gras festival (another Pagan celebration rooted in the worship / weeping for Tammuz) seen celebrated in New Orleans. So, to divert this obvious Pagan observance toward a more "clean" reason, he promoted the idea to make it apply to the birth of Yahushua, the Natsari, High Priest, and King of Kings. December 25 was believe to be "natalis sol invictus", the birthday of the sun, at the winter solstice. The Pagans used wreaths to represent the Nativity of the sun, since they were objects depicting the "womb" of the Earth mother, Asherah (Artemis, Ishtar, Eastre, Astoreth, etc., the queen of heaven and consort of BAAL. Another object in common use was a sexual object seen today as the tree, where the ornaments were testicles, the tree a phallus, and the tinsel representing the "semen of the deity". The star on top represented the heavenly object of worship, and the tree connected them to the Earth. By re-inventing the solar/astral symbols to pertain to the birth of the Mashiach of Israel, Pagans could keep doing what they were familiar with yet changing the meaning of them on the surface. This "fossilization" is against Dt. 12, but Yahuah's Word was not permitted in the hands of the common person. http://www.fossilizedcustoms.com/christmas.html ASHERAH - THE CHRISTMAS TREE CUSTOM BAAL & ASHERAH: THE SUN KING & HIS CONSORT Asherah is known in Scripture as the "Queen of Heaven", and is called "Artemis" by the Ephesians in the book of Acts (chapter 19). The word "Asherah" is found at least 40 times in the TaNaKh*, and refers to a wooden object used in worship of a consort of BAAL, known by the name of ASHERAH. The image of Asherah was a tree (a date palm) used by the Pagan Canaanites and Phoenicians. One of these Pagan Phoenicians was "Jezebel" (Izebel), who married Ahab, king of Israel (Samaritan king). When northern Israel was dispersed into the nations by the Assyrians in 722 BCE, they carried this "tree" custom with them. The lost tribes of dispersed Israel have preserved one of their most cherished Pagan customs among them: the Christmas tree. "Izebel" is also referred to at Rev. 2, and her "teachings". The Greeks gave the "Phoenicians" their name, Phoenicia, which means "date palm". They called themselves Sidonians or Tyreans, after their city-states of Tyre and Sidon. Their "date palms" were called ASHERIM, and Izebel taught this practice to northern Israel through her marriage to Ahab. Asherah was the "Queen of Heaven" (see Jer. chaps. 7 & 44). Now, read specifically how the Creator feels about it: Deut 7:26: " Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or YOU, like IT, will be set apart for destruction. Utterly abhor and detest it, for it is set apart for destruction." (Look at the verses around Rev. 2:20, again we see Izebel's influences) Yahuah distinctly warned Israel to not erect an Asherah next to His altar, nor bring a "detestable thing" into your house. Even though YOU may not remember what it represented long ago, Yahuah hasn't forgotten at all. He does not change. As some have said, the Asherah is a deal-breaker with Yahuah - He won't stand for it. He dispersed the northern tribes of Israel into the nations, and they have lived as Pagans for 2700+ years. They left Yahuah's Covenant, but they have held fast to the Asherim (plural of Asherah). "ASHER" is a Hebrew term meaning "happy", and is a word used as a proper noun, the father of the tribe of Asher (alef-shin-resh). This term was modified, and became the word "ASHERAH", a proper name used by Pagans for the female consort of Baal (Celtic Bel). Baal/Asherah worship is clearly seen during the time of "Elijah" (ElYahu), when 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah assembled at Mt. Carmel, and ElYahu (Elijah) challenged them to decide whether Yahuah is Elohim, or Baal (and his consort, Asherah). A sister asked the following questions regarding Asherim: Having read and re-read The Scriptures over seven times..... I have read about the Asherah hundreds of times. 1. What is an asherah? Answer: The adversary misled mankind with various fertility rites, and receives "worship" through these rites. Yahuah doesn't provide us with the details of the heathen rites, but we know generally from Scripture they performed their rituals in forests or "groves". The word "Asherah" is often translated as "groves". He mentions how the Israelites would bring "Asherim" and put them near His Hekal (Temple), behavior which we see inherited as the "Christmas Tree". Most probably the trees used were date palms. Modern witchcraft and Satanism in general follow most closely to the worship of Asherah. The name is most likely directly related to Ishtar, and Artemis, worshipped by modern day witches as well as the ancient Ephesians (Acts 19:28). Stumps of trees found in groves were also used as the altars of Asherah, which may be directly related to the fallen Nimrod, cut down by Shem (as tradition informs us). The purpose of the tree object was to display the fertility emblems (phallus, testes, semen) in the pole, balls, and tinsel, but the object was also a type of ALTAR, where offerings and sacrifices were placed. This is how people have come to place the wrapped "presents" beneath the tree, and bowing to it as they do so. Generations of people have been deceived with this behavior for thousands of years. While it is easier to see that the imagery associated with Halloween and Easter stem from Paganism, the words "Christmas tree" seem to cleanse the object of any former Satanic origin, but this is all part of the scheme. The "boughs" of holly were Saturn's emblem. The two swooping curves of holly are breasts, and wreath is the womb. All of these items used for decoration have significant meaning to the Pagan, the nativity of Sol Invictus - and must have no part in our lives. 2. What does she look like? The "Maypole" was originally a huge wooden phallus, and people would dance around it, wrapping it in colorful ribbons as they worshipped their sex deity, Asherah. It was later simplified into a pole, and it's previous meanings have been veiled in ignorance through tradition and denial. Look carefully, and you'll see there is a boy and a girl closely aligned to the pole, being told to stand there, yet being completely unaware of the significance of the setting they are at the center of. This is why Pagan worship is called "occult" -- the true meaning of things is "hidden" from view, yet in plain sight to those who are initiated to the secrets. 3. Where can I find pictures of her? 4. Why is it so difficult to do research on an asherah? Answer: Images of Asherah vary. One example is the "pole" above, and you can see photos of many alternate ancient versions of this deity on several popular witchcraft web sites (not that I'm endorsing witchcraft, but they do worship Asherah and some display the symbols that represent her). Yahuah has not wanted His people to study this demonic worship, yet it persists today. The most insidious part is right out in the open, and not "occult" (hidden) at all: the Christmas tree object! A more secretive side is also growing in popularity. In fact, it is the most popular fad among teens and young adults today. The reason it is not very easy to learn about is mostly because it is "occult" (hidden); it has been so since the patterns of worshipping the adversary went "underground" after the execution of Nimrod. They had once practiced their rebellion openly, but then withdrew into secrecy to hide their worship behind symbolism, which could only be interpreted correctly by those initiated in the occult. One dominant pattern found in occultic behavior is the matrilinear (mother-goddess) ideal. Rebellion against Yahuah is accentuated by this matrilinear focus, as opposed to the patrilinear - so we see the moon being used to represent the female astrologically. People imagine "sin" lurking in men's hearts over many issues. Some even believe that celebrating Hanukkah might be "adding" to Torah, and therefore is sinful. In all of Scripture, Hanukkah is mentioned once (if one ignores Maccabees I & II), at Yn. 10:22. So, Hanukkah is found in Scripture, yet "Christmas" is not. If a person shuns Christmas, and begins to celebrate Hanukkah, it will have consequences for them. Relatives and friends will shun or persecute them for it, thinking they have become influenced by radical ideas. Christmas has been celebrated for 5000 years by Pagans, it simply has a new name and application. The Romans used "womb-wreaths" at Saturnalia, so what could these possibly have to do with Yahuah's people? Although the original concept of Asherim worship has remained hidden from the general public, I feel that the acceptance of the solstice tree is drawn directly from the Pagan worship, transformed for public consumption. The Asherim were considered altars in themselves also, where animals and humans were ritually sacrificed. This altar could take the form of a tree stump, with the trunk snapped-off, leaving jagged spike-like splinters. The Christmas tree phenomenon is also a type of altar, where gifts and offerings are placed. (Easter is a word derived from Ishtar, Astoreth, and Astarte. Tree worship is the most prominent feature, however the serpent gets involved also. It seems that the adversary has the tree and the serpent seared into "his" mind indelibly. A serpent around a stump is one of the symbols we find used in ancient Pagan religions. The Tree of Life (ets chayim) and the Tree of the knowledge of good and evil may be the sources this fallen being is borrowing from in the design of the false worship. But we know it is forbidden to worship Yahuah in any false or perverted manner. Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and we certainly know that any involvement with Asherim is witchcraft. Some have even suggested that the symbol of "the cross" may have been a style of Asherah pole used by certain Pagans, and that it was brought into the mixed worship of Christianity. Certainly, the Christmas tree is considered a "Christian" symbol, yet the common culture has no idea how it actually relates to anything associated with Yahuah, or "Santa Claus" for that matter! "For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person-such a man is an idolater -has any inheritance in the kingdom of (Mashiach) and of (Elohim). Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things (Eloah's) wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the (Master). Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the (Master). Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret . But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. Eph 5:5-14 BAAL & ASHERAH HAD A "SHOWDOWN" WITH YAHUAH, REMEMBER? 1 Kings 18:16-21: So Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him, and Ahab went to meet Elijah. When he saw Elijah, he said to him, "Is that you, you troubler of Israel?" "I have not made trouble for Israel," Elijah replied. "But you and your father's family have. You have abandoned Yahuah’s commands and have followed the Baals. Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table." So Ahab sent word throughout all Israel and assembled the prophets on Mount Carmel. Elijah went before the people and said, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If Yahuah is Elohim, follow Him; but if Baal is Elohim, follow him." WREATH, ORNAMENTS, AND SCHEDULING OF MAIN PAGAN EVENTS: The round wreath symbolized the sun, and at the same time the “womb”, both thought of as symbols of fertility to Pagans. The sun was “male”, but “his” symbol was that of the female. The vertical tree was decorated with male symbols of fertility, testes (balls), yet was the image of the “female”, connecting the heavens to the Earth. This consort of Baal was worshipped as Asherah, Astarte, Artemis, Athena, Isis, Gaia, Nana, Austron, Ostara, Eastre, Easter, Aphrodite, Eostre, Astoreth, Ishtar, Diana, Ninurta, Cres, Nut, Venus, Indrani, Devaki, Tanit, and others. This "tree" was named Asherah in the Hebrew Scriptures, and her worship continued as we see recorded in the book of Acts, chapter 19. She is still worshipped today by Wiccans, and other Earth Mother cults. The Vernal Equinox pointed to the impregnation of the Earth Mother, and the Winter Solstice pointed to the birth of Baal, the sun, showing the human gestation cycle of nine months. It was all about fertility, and sex. Even the custom of throwing rice at the newlyweds is a fertility-driven act, and you can only guess what the rice really represents. The round ornaments represented the testes as mentioned, and have also come to be known as "witch balls". It would be interesting to see what a "theologian" might use as an excuse for all this, wouldn't it? (Also, see article www.fossilizedcustoms.com/seeds.html) Jer/YermeYahu 10:1-5: Hear what Yahuah says to you, O house of Israel. This is what Yahuah says: "Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the sky, though the nations are terrified by them. For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut a tree out of the forest, and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel. They adorn it with silver and gold; they fasten it with hammer and nails so it will not totter. Like a scarecrow in a melon patch, their idols cannot speak; they must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them; they can do no harm, nor can they do any good." Deut 12:29-32: "Yahuah your Elohim will cut off before you the nations you are about to invade and dispossess. But when you have driven them out and settled in their land, and after they have been destroyed before you, be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about their elohim, saying, "How do these nations serve their elohim? We will do the same." You must not worship Yahuah your Elohim in their way, because in worshiping their elohim, they do all kinds of detestable things Yahuah hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their elohim." Deut 16:21-22: "Do not set up any wooden Asherah pole beside the altar you build to Yahuah your Elohim, and do not erect a sacred stone, for these Yahuah your Elohim hates." Asherah poles are a deal-breaker with Yahuah. Learn NOT the ways of the heathen, and do not bring a detestable thing into your home! Deut 7:26: "Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction. Utterly abhor and detest it, for it is set apart for destruction." More details if you can bear them: The tree, and the ornaments on the Asherah tree, have specific meanings to them. The tree is a "phallus", the male reproductive member. The little balls are testicles, and the "tinsel" represents the semen of the deity being worshipped. During the late middle ages, the little balls were interpreted by Christians to be "witch balls", borrowed from witchcraft, to attract, then capture "evil" spirits. Where, exactly, did Yahuah tell us to do that? The wreath was used to represent the male deity, the sun, yet was the "womb" symbol. So, the male deity's symbol incorporated the feminine features, while the female's sign incorporated the masculine features. Similarly, a "witch" is seen utilizing the male characteristics of the pointed hat and broomstick - both male features. These "figures" were clear to the initiated, but to the uninitiated they meant nothing. Now, the secrets are being shouted from the rooftops, eh? Christians went deeper and deeper into apostasy as they ADOPTED the Pagan customs from those around them. The green ivy and holly were common symbols of "Saturn", the Roman deity. Early believers thought that if they decorated their homes with these trappings, they would appear to be conforming to the Pagan culture as everyone around them was observing Saturnalia. Thus they would "blend-in", and they would suffer less persecution. As time passed, the custom became part of the Christian world, and you will see the wreaths and Asherim trees in their assemblies and homes today. If we don't "join-in" with the celebration, we're considered to be freaks, or "Scrooges" - bah! Humbug it all truly is! Now, many centuries later, the doctrinal offspring of those who might have been persecuted for avoiding these Pagan traditions, believe that we who do not adopt them are in a "cult". It's not them, but Father Yahuah that we would not wish to offend. We know His heart, and He has called us to "Come out of her" (Rev. 18). The word "PAGAN" comes from the Latin word, pagus, and referred to a person that was from the "rural" hinterlands. The more educated, erudite, urban-dwellers viewed those who were "pagus" as superstitious, illiterate imbeciles because they had quaint beliefs about the world, especially the unseen, spiritual world. As the darkness of the world without the Torah of Yahuah became increased, those who thought themselves to be wise were themselves fools. "Pagan" became a label for anything that was outside the accepted religious practices of those in the majority who practiced the universalized state religion, which after Constantine was termed "Christian", the Roman word for "universal". As you see them decorating with the boughs, wreaths, trees, and holly, you might help them to repent of this behavior by explaining what these things actually are, or sending them this web page. The trappings themselves are set apart for destruction, and those who decorate with them are set apart for destruction as well. All of it together is witchcraft, and blatant idolatry. When will Ephraim repent of this idolatry? Matt. 24: the End of Days, and the times of the Gentiles (Ephraim is sown among the Gentiles) The really powerful point I draw first from this whole text is that Yahushua is describing the extreme last days. He begins by saying that the massive stones will be leveled, and this happened in 70 CE - but then He moves into more calamity that follows. Ultimately He describes how a great tribulation will occur which could only be compared with the time of creation itself. He declares that if the days of this tribulation were not shortened, then NO FLESH would survive at all. But, for the sake of the Elect (those qodeshim observing His Torah) who are still on Earth enduring to the end, He would shorten the days. So, what He is indicating here is obviously the extreme end times, just prior to His return - which are the days we now live in. In the midst of this, He orders us to pray that our flight will not be in winter or on a Sabbath day. So, the Sabbath is still in force in the extreme last days, not changed as most have been taught. But there is more to understand here. The lost sheep scattered in 722 BCE are to come to their senses after 2730 years. The prophecy at Ez. 4:4,5 concerning the exile of the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Samaritans driven into the nations in 722 BCE) shows us that 390 years was the original prescribed penalty for their Baal/Asherah worship. Having not repented after 390 years in captivity, the northern tribes then had to endure the seven-fold increase of the 390-year penalty (see Lev. 26:27,28). This means that 7 x 390 years from 722 BCE (2730 years), Israel's punishment will be lifted, and Ephraim will cry out to return to the Torah. (see YermeYahu 31). About when is this cry to take place? They've been living among the Gentiles with their Asherim (Christmas trees) for 2730 years as of the Roman year 2008. The olive tree's blossoming will indicate that Yahushua's Return is imminent! We are praying that our flight will not be in winter or on a Sabbath because of the hardship it will cause the weak among us. The flight will be caused by a great distress that is apparently planet-wide, and may include nuclear fallout: Matt 24:15-27 "So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel-let the reader understand- then let those who are in Yahudah flee to the mountains. Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now-and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Mashiach!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Mashiachim and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect-if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time. "So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." Now consider Revelation, and the mentioning of Izebel and "sexual" immorality: Rev 2:18-3:1 "To the messenger of the assembly in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of Yahuah, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Izebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time (390 years?) to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways (read Ps. 80). I will strike her children dead. Then all the assemblies will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so- called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you). (Satan’s Deep secrets like womb-wreaths, phallus-trees, and the ornaments of the Asherim). Only hold on to what you have until I come. To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations- 'He will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery'- just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give him the morning star. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.” ASHERAH: THE CHRISTMAS TREE CONNECTION IS "ALLAH" THE SAME BEING AS YAHUAH? (CAUTION: below are shocking images!) To answer this, all one has to do is consider the source of some of the practices. Here's one to look at: The followers of Yahuah do not practice the customs of Baal / Asherah worship. When the worshippers of Baal/Asherah implored their false mighty-one to answer them by fire, they cut themselves: 1Kings 18:28: "And they cried aloud, and CUT THEMSELVES AFTER THEIR MANNER WITH KNIVES AND LANCETS, till the blood gushed out upon them." Here is what some Shiite Muslims do: "The 6-year-old boy screamed and shook his head to avoid the razor blade. But his father held him firmly as Hajj Khodor parted the boy’s black hair and sliced his forehead three times with the blade. Ali Madani’s cries became more violent as blood gushed from the wound, covering his small, terrified face. His father and a few other men, waving daggers, broke into a religious chant, recalling how the 7th-century Shiite Muslim saint, Imam Hussein, was decapitated, his head placed on a lance. In marking the holiest day of Ashura, some Shiites believe children should learn at an early age about Hussein’s suffering, which is at the heart of their faith. Hajj Khodor, wrapped in white and wearing a white turban, said he has done cuttings on boys as young as 1-month-old and men as old as 100. Asked if it was difficult for him to hurt the children, he said: “The child doesn’t understand what’s going on. The parents are faithful and believe by doing this, their children will be protected and will enjoy a long life.” (quote taken from amren.com/mtnews/archives/2007/02/childrens_foreh.php, 3-6-2007) Not all Muslims practice this; however it seems to echo the type of behavior seen in the priests of Baal / Asherah. By the way, they do this on the "holiest day" of "Ashura". This word seems very close to the word "Asherah". It's interesting that the original "Asherah" image worshipped by the Canaanites was a "date palm" tree. An emblem is used in the Islamic faith, and it contains, by some strange coincidence, a date palm tree. http://www.fossilizedcustoms.com/asherah.html CHRISTMAS (CHRIST'S MASS) QUESTIONS Subject: Christmas – a few questions about it asked recently of Lew White Message from (name deleted): "This appears to be my year to break away from observing christmas. From what I have studied I believe that ceasing to observe christmas is part of "Coming out of her". I believe that I have been called to stop participating in this man-made holiday and to start observing the appointed times of Yahuah. I have already told my parents and grandmother and I can not say that this was an easy thing to do. It was met with sadness as I expected. I just now informed my wife's mother over the phone and she basically said that she "didn't feel her daughter should be with someone who doesn't want to be her family on christmas". She doesn't understand why I cannot at least be with the family on that day. Forsaking christmas has been a process over the past few years. I know that there is no way that I would be able to confront these people in my life if it were not for His strength and encouragement. If I were to ignore Yahuah's desire, I will live as a miserable coward not worthy of what He has called me to. I also believe that this is a test and that Yahuah can use my obedience to Spiritually benefit my family. I am assuming that you were brought up in a family that celebrated christmas. If this was the case, do you mind sharing with me a little about your experience with your family when you stopped participating in christmas?" 1) I believe that I am to cease from having anything to do with christmas, even if that means not even eating with my family. Would you say this is accurate? 2) Will you share with me some about your experience with your family when you stopped participating in christmas? Dear brother (name deleted), Like most people, I was raised celebrating Christmas as the “birthday of the Savior”. This practice under other names has been observed by Pagans as the rebirth of the sun deity for approximately 3000 years. The last big shift in the meaning or application of the solstice festival occurred in about 525 CE (AD), when Dionysius Exiguous (a monk) was appalled at what he discovered being celebrated at Rome upon his visitation there. He saw the raw, Pagan festival of Saturnalia in full swing. He was from Scythia, north of the Black Sea, an area once occupied by the northern tribes of Israel that had fled there from the land of Samaria in 722 BCE, driven out by the Assyrians. He recognized Pagan behavior, but chose to simply divert the “meaning” of the practice toward the birth of Yahushua, instead of the sun. The worship of Baal and his consort Asherah was wrapped-up in the practice and symbols of this festival originally dedicated to the re- birth of the sun deity, being nine months from the springtime fertility festival of Ishtar (Easter), a time when the sun was believed to impregnate the Earth with the rays of the solar disc. As Christianity developed, these formerly Pagan festivals became reinvented so the idolatry would be concealed, down-played, or cloaked beneath new meanings - they essentially put lipstick on a pig and kissed it, believing it had changed into a beautiful woman. The Jesuit practice of “casuistry” (google that term) makes it possible to think about something in a completely new way, rationalizing and justifying it, so adapting a Pagan practice is thought to be “cleansed” as acceptable as long as the camouflage covers the old ideas well enough. The wreath is a symbol of a womb, the tree is a phallus, and the balls are testacles -- all liberally sprinkled with the tinsel which represents the semen of the solar deity. These symbols are only “seen” for what they really are by those initiated in the occult, yet Yahushua told us that what is whispered in secret will be shouted from the rooftops. To the Canaanites, the tree was worshipped as Asherah, and gifts were brought into the “groves” of trees and placed beneath them as offerings. Goliath of Gath (a Philistine/Palestinian) would have certainly used the tree, balls, Easter baskets, and Maypoles seen today. All of this is specifically against Dt. 12:28-32, but it is all well camouflaged and promoted to apply to the Messiah of Israel throughout the entire world. People can live in denial of the truth for their entire lives, but most never have the opportunity to learn there is anything wrong. My parents and other family thought I had come in contact with a “cult” or had lost my mind when I first stopped going to the Christmas Day family get-togethers around 1986. They still don’t understand any better after over 20 years, but I always have hope they will come to understand my motivation for avoiding the Pagan practices specifically condemned by the Creator, Yahuah. All I can do is encourage you to avoid idolatry in all its forms (Acts 15:29), and embrace the faith once delivered to the saints, Yahuah’s Torah (the Covenant), which Yahushua seeks to write upon a believer’s heart. In answer to your first question, I’d say that Yahushua would not go to a party or gathering that people were having that had at one time been based on sun worship (Baal), or excuse it like the Jesuits with mental acrobatics (casuistry). So, completely ignoring the man-made “Christmas Day” is the best decision considering we’re going to have to give an account to the Creator of the heavens and the Earth one day. We also have to warn those who engage in such things, otherwise their blood (on the day of judgment) will be upon our heads. Needless to say, those who practice Christmas Day, Sun-day, and Easter Day are not exactly thrilled to hear about the true origins of the days from people like us. They feel we are judgmental, harsh, and no fun to be around. What they don’t see in us is the incredible freedom and clean-feeling we have because we have resisted the harlotry of idolatrous practices. We’re strange to them, and probably have the stench of the Messiah upon us. Peter told the former Pagans not to fall back into their idolatry, as a pig that has been bathed would return to wallowing in the mud, or a dog would return to that which it had once vomited up: 2Pe 2:21, 22:“For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the set- apart common delivered to them. For them the proverb has proved true: ‘A dog returns to his own vomit,’ and, ‘A washed sow returns to her rolling in the mud.’” http://www.fossilizedcustoms.com/christmasquestions.html THE REAL CHRIST-MASS STORY IN THE BIBLE IS NEVER ACTUALLY READ BY MINISTERS AT CHRISTMAS You probably already know Christmas is a Lie. You obviously know there is no Santa Clause (if you are old enough to read this). You probably already know Jesus wasn't born on December 25th. And you probably already know the date was really based on the winter solstice. But you probably don't know WHY this lie is told... And though a lie, YET believed and practiced anyway. And that is the biggest part of the Christmas lie that is a lie. The lie that is being told at Christmas is not simply a harmless little benevolent lie, Told to entertain children. It is a WHOPPER. Told to deceive adults. How big a WHOPPER will leave you in shock and disbelief. You will swear the truth simply cannot be what it apparently is. And you will look for excuses, rationalizations and even consider the cost of simple denial, When you read what you are about to read. But it is all true. Whether you admit it or not, it is true, Whether you believe it or not, it will still be true, Agree with it or not, it will not matter. It is the same truth, that has been true, For 4000 years. And gave birth to not only the world's three largest religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, But even the founding of America itself. What you are about to read, Is the truth about Christmas, That no one is ever allowed to tell. And until the age of the internet, Most were never allowed to hear. Not by their Ministers, Not by their school teachers, Not in their Churches, Not on their TVs, Not on the News, Not even on the educational channels, And some, not by their governments. It exists in parts and pieces throughout any common library, Shadows and shapes of it will occasionally surface, Fragments like broken bits of tiny glass left on the floor, That you don't see until you happen to step on it, And suddenly become aware of something painful. THE CHRISTMAS STORY is in the Bible. Every year, you will hear Ministers get up and read from the Bible at Christmas. But the oddest thing about THE CHRISTMAS STORY Is that the Ministers never read the parts of the Bible that actually speak about CHRISTMAS. Instead they read about the Birth of Christ. All along admitting they know he wasn’t really born then, and isn’t really the reason for their Christ-mass? Except he is. But he isn't. But he should be,because he is. But he isn't. And the shocking and perhaps most unbelievable thing about Christmas, Is that it existed before Christ was ever born. Not only did it exist before he was born. But it existed before he was born by thousands of years. In fact, Christmas was celebrated before the time of Abraham. It was already being celebrated when Abraham was called out of Ur. And all of the parts of the Bible that speak about Christmas, Which span throughout the entire Bible, From Genesis to Revelation, Are precisely the parts your Minister will never read at Christmas? Instead they read about the birth of Christ, Knowing he wasn't born then. Knowing no one who ever followed him did such a thing. Knowing they do what he never commanded or even requested. Instead he reads all the parts that have nothing to do with Christmas. Things that happened in other parts of the year, In the context of other events and festivals and even people. But he will never read at Christmas, the parts of the Bible, The Prophets and Apostles actually wrote about Christmas. Some knowing he actually forbade it. But they do it never-the-less... "for him". Because they love him so much, they do not care what he said. Or who he really was, Or when he was really born, Or what his name really was, Or what he even really looked like. Much less, what he really wanted. They are good Christians. And want to force all of the country, Through the penalty and punishment of law, To be good Christians just like themselves. Because they love the person born at Christmas so much, Who really wasn't born at Christmas. That they do not care what he really thought, what he really taught, who he really was, when he was really born, what his religion really was, what he really looked like, or even what his name ...really was? They love him so much. In FACT, These Ministers love him so much, They will never read the parts of the Bible he actually spoke About this time of year and it's practices. Because if he did... You would probably get up and walk out the door of his Church. Because you love him too. And that is why He never reads these texts. And why you have never heard THE CHRISTMAS STORY, ...THE REAL CHRISTMAS STORY that is. THE CHRISTMAS STORY you have heard, Is the one they tell you as a known lie, But ask you not to mind that it is a lie, Nor look too closely at the lie, they tell you they are telling you, To keep from having to tell you the truth. But when you find out THE TRUTH this lie is told to cover up, You will realize why people (Americans and Christians) not only risked their lives, But even died to escape it. Yes died. It is in fact that serious. At least to the Christians who founded the majority of America's once Protestant faiths, And even America's own Founding Fathers. These are the "Christians" that founded America. And they were literally dying to escape Christmas. The same who are now quoted by "good Christians" who say they love their country, just like they do the person born on December 25th, who wasn't, but was, but anyway they don't care. HOW STRANGE ISN'T IT? WHAT'S REALLY GOING ON HERE? It is a "Mystery" isn't it ! ....a "Mystery" that stretches all the way back to ancient Babylon CHRISTMAS DID NOT COME FROM CHRIST THINK YOU KNOW CHRISTMAS IS A LIE, DO YOU? YOU'VE NOT EVEN HEARD THE HALF OF IT. CHRISTMAS IS THE MOST DEADLY LIE ON EARTH. IT'S EXISTENCE STRETCHES BACK TO THE BEGINNING OF HISTORY WAY BEFORE CHRISTIANITY AND IT HAS SHAPED THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD INCLUDING THE FOUNDING OF AMERICA The Christmas Lie is MUCH BIGGER Than You Think. IT'S ABOUT THE HISTORY OF CIVILIZATION. ...and THIS is what they DON'T WANT YOU TO KNOW about it. CHRISTMAS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE REAL CHRIST OF THE BIBLE It was celebrated before he was ever born and would be celebrated in much the same way as it is today, if he had never even existed! Because what you are worshipping on this day, is NOT CHRIST. They just TOLD YOU it was, so you would do it as a "Christian" without complaint. DECEMBER 14TH, 1971CONGRESSIONAL RECORD E13461 in defense of the state's observance of Christ-Mass, it was openly declared and publically recorded in our own Public Congressional Record (Congressional Record E13461 December 14, 1971), that Christ- Mass was neither a "Christian" holy day, nor begun by Christianity. "As Christmas comes down to us today it is a rich heritage of customs, traditions, folklore, and legend, drawn from many lands and people --- The idea of celebrating on or about December 25 was born among ancient people long before the birth of Christ. In Rome, it was the 'dies natalis invieti solis'- the birthday of the unconquered Sun. In the same manner, other customs originally pagan in origin have been assimilated into our Christmas heritage -- the decorative tree, the glowing candles, the story of Santa, stockings by the fireplace, greeting cards, yule logs -- all are now associated with the birthday of Christ." CHRISTMAS DID NOT COME FROM THE REAL CHRISTAND IT DOES NOT "HONOR" OR "REMEMBER" HIMIT REPLACES HIM WITH AN "IMAGE" WHO IS ACTUALLY APOLLYON Like every lie, THE CHRISTMAS LIE has been CRAFTED to HIDE THE TRUTH about somethingand what it is HIDING is REALLY THE FIRST THING you SHOULD HAVE BEEN TOLD ABOUT IT!BY YOUR PROTESTANT MINISTER !!! WHY DO "CHRISTIAN" MINISTERS LIE ABOUT CHRIST-MASS? The following "True Confession" and "Testimonial" was written by a former Baptist minister who lost everything as a result of standing for the truth. Here is part of his story which will resonate with many who find themselves in similar situations in the Ministry. It illustrates why in all probability, your Protestant/Evangelical minister has chosen to lie to you about Christmas, and what happens to those who DO repent and surrender their will to the REAL CHRIST of the Bible, and give their lives to God (the real one). Until the body of people who make up the congregations of these historically Protestant/Evangelical Churches, institutions and denominations begin to speak up for their own true theological heritage, their own history, and their own faiths, you will see why given the options, most ministers who care more about their careers, than their souls, will simply sear their conscience and support the lies. If they do not, they are FIRED! PROTESTANT! ...We grew up celebrating Christmas, and December 25th was something we were trained to look forward to all year long. Every big toy or present we decided we wanted was deferred and promised to us for Christmas, which often times we got. As I grew older, I remember focusing more and more on the spiritual aspect of Christmas. The part about Christ. The Church functions and activities, etc. I do confess I did enjoy the music and the nostalgia and reflection of the holiday. But the commercialism always bothered me, as did the lying to children about Santa-Clause. I knew there was simply no way to reconcile that with scripture. I remember when I was in college, while training for the ministry, reading a book by Alexander Hislop called "The Two Babylons" and found it absolutely fascinating. I was blown away really how so many things had become part of our religious traditions that were simply straight out of hell. I was also a C.H.Spurgeon fan, and ran across his comments about Christmas. The more I begin to read about it, the more shocked I became about what I was endorsing to students of my ministry. I finally got to the point I could no longer in good conscience support this deception. The problem was of course, that most Baptist denominations now support Christmas. In fact, they have built much of the Church calendar around Christmas and holiday activities associated with it. Even certain charity drives and missionary fund drives are done especially at Christmas. I knew that I had to make a choice between being a "company man" and going along with the program, or doing God's will. The more I tried to justify the compromises, the worse I felt, and the more guilty my own conscience started to become. It was affecting my spiritual life definitely. I could actually feel God's presence leaving. That's when I knew, if I did want to serve God in reality, rather than just pretend, I simply had no choice. Well as you can imagine, that was the end of my career. But it was a career that I realize now would have taken me down the road to hell, even though on the outside, it would all looked quite the opposite. After you go to college and get your degrees in theology, and then find yourself in a state of disagreement, there is not much else you can do with your education. I ran across ministers who didn't believe in the Bible anymore, didn't believe in the afterlife, I even met one who admitted in private he was really an atheist or agnostic. But they were all doing the religious motions externally that kept everyone happy (like Christmas). I was angry about it for a while. But what has happened since is that God has tremendously blessed us financially, my relationship with God is better now than it has ever been, and I have had a life of ministry since then, that God has richly blessed. And most importantly of all, I can now speak the truth to those I talk to about God. The decision I made to withdraw from Christmas was one of the hardest things I ever did. It cost me what I thought was going to be my career. That was 30 years ago and the more I have learned about this subject, the more I am convinced that decision was a pivitol point in my own salvation. Had I chosen to go the way of the world with this, there is no doubt in my mind, I would have lost my soul, and become another angel of the devil that the the Church is now over -run with. I met one of my freinds from college, years later, who had made the decision to keep their job, rather that obey what the Spirit of God was telling them. This person broke down in tears with me and asked me to pray for them. They told me that if they were to die in a car accident on the way back returning to their Church for service, they really had no assurance in their own heart, they would even be going to heaven. I do believe this fork in the road can become an issue in someone's salvation. The Christ they are peddling for Christmas is not the one in the Bible. It is a phoney fake commercialized pagan Christ. I'm fairly convinced if I had followed that one 30 years ago, I would have wound up in the same spiritual condition as my friend. I hope this encourages others who find themselves in ministries, to do what they know is right, rather than what they know will advance their careers.. Because in the end, you might gain the world, but lose your own soul over it. And that's simply not worth what you will pay. If you would like to share your experiences coming out of Christ-mass, why you did it, and how, email your story to [email protected] and we will post it here. All postings will remain anonymous unless you request otherwise. WHAT THEY ARE INTENTIONALLY HIDING FROM YOU IS INEXCUSABLE AND SHOCKING BEYOND BELIEF! You'll understand why THE REAL CHRIST said those who were ALIENATED from Religion in 1st Century Israel were "BLESSED" (AND YOUR MINISTER HAS NEVER REALLY TOLD YOU WHY) Because he is now doing the same thing, only worse! AND WHY AMERICA'S OWN PILGRIM FOUNDING FATHERS, CHOSE TO RISK THEIR VERY LIVES FLEEING ACROSS THE ATLANTIC OCEAN TO ESCAPE COMPULSORY CHRISTMAS IN EUROPE. YOU'LL WANT TO RUN TOO, WHEN YOU FINALLY HEAR THE TRUTH THAT GAVE BIRTH TO THE FOUNDING FATHERS PILGRIMAGE TO AMERICA IN SEARCH OF FREEDOM (FROM CHRISTMAS!!!) "I DARE YOU to read this site" - Message board poster MAKE AN EASY $100 DOLLARS !!! THE $100 DOLLAR CHALLENGE BETWEEN 65-95 A.D., a prophecy was penned which would later become part of the New Testament. The prophecy is so specific and umistakable, it specifies a single person, by name, who would be one of the most powerful men in the world 300 years before a person of this exact and specific name appears in history FULFILLING over 40 descriptions of his activity and identity, beyond all odds. No other world figure of this description in the history of humanity has had this name, and he was the overseer of one of the most powerful legal instruments ever created in western civilization, and most Americans, (and most Christians) have never heard of any of this! This is what they will not tell you in school because of politics, and they will not tell you in Church because of something called apostacy. This site will PAY YOU $100 to find a single instance of another world ruler with this name, having occured at any time in the history of the human race. Just one and you get $100.oo. This should be AN EASY $100.oo, if what they have told you is TRUE. On the other hand, if you cannot... Rev 9:11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon. THE REASON FOR THE SEASON You will be surprised to discover it had nothing to do with "Christ". On December 14th, 1971 in defense of the state's observance of Christ-Mass, it was openly declared and publically recorded in our own Public Congressional Record (Congressional Record E13461 December 14, 1971), that Christ-Mass was neither a "Christian" holy day, nor begun by Christianity. So what does it have to do with then? The truth is that it revolved around the worship of an ancient Sun-god known as Apollo, previously Apollon in Greece (NT=Apollyon), the worship of which, the ancient Roman Ceasar Constantine was said to have been "addicted". This VERY SUN-GOD is mentioned BY NAME and condemned in the Scriptures. AND... prophesied in the New Testament as a FALSE CHRIST which would be the real "deity" of a Roman-Christian "empire" which would come in "Christ's name", but would deceive the world into damnation under a "Man of Sin" who would "speak as God". THE REAL REASON for the season. Rev 14:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his ICON THE CHRIST OF CHRIST-MASS The "Christ" they wish to put "back into" Christmas was NEVER the real Christ to begin with. Rome did not even intend it to the be the REAL CHRIST. It was intended to be a Icon created by the Roman empire socially and psychologically engineered to give Rome absolute power over the hearts and minds of a medieval fascist dictatorship. These well known but rarely discussed historical facts are shocking. The Christ they wish to "put back" into Christmas is a FALSE CHRIST everyone would be much better off without, which worshiping could even endanger one's eternal destiny. Not only was this Christ intentionally created to be a FALSE CHRIST to replace the REAL ONE, orders were issued to have every living member of his natural family exterminated to make sure the Roman Icon went unchallenged by pesky matters of reality. Find out how the REAL CHRIST actually prophesied this Roman Icon, and warned anyone patronizing this violent and cruel deception could be endangering their own salvation. Rev 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST-MASS We are constantly told the "Spirit of Christmas" is every ideal of human warmth and kindness to BE celebrated by all? Jews, Muslims and even Atheists are "expected" to "join in" without question or hesitation in this "holy day" promoted by the State. Why is it that NO ONE [including your Pastor] bothers to ever tell you, the name of the man in Rome who established this "holy day" as State law, was actually named 666! Literally! And yet most Christians todsy have never even heard of him! People from all denominations including Roman Christian CLERGY, who spent centuries examining and debating these texts, recognized this imperial power as the "Man of Sin" prophesied to come by the NT and stated so in public records for nearly 500 consecutive years. The "Christmas" CHRIST was identified as the prophesied "ICON of the beast" to be worshipped by force of law, that would lead the world into deception. Before it is finished the force of that law, will brutally murder more people throughout history, than any other organization in previous history Rev 17:4,5 And the woman was arrayed in PURPLE and SCARLET colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. THE CHURCH OF CHRIST-MASS Ever wonder why CHURCHES have STEEPLES on them? [Old English for "Tower"]? You might be surprised to discover it has to do with the Roman Christ of Christ-Mass and the same theology that motivated a Pope to call himself by the name of Sixtus III. [Literally 666] Constantine intentionally named THE FIRST CHURCH he built, the THEA SOPHIA, after the False Christ of the Egyptian gnostics. The CHURCH created to celebrate CHRIST-MASS was ACTUALLY created to fulfill the roles of the "bride of Christ" and "whore of Babylon" due to the influence of Eastern Monism prevalent in Roman "mystery religion" of the era. Leaders in every stream of Christianity for 5 centuries, including Roman Christian, recognized the hallmarks of this institution as having fulfilled an ominous prophecy, and went so far as to warn participation placed everyone in "eternal danger". Thus creating what we call today, the Protestant Reformation. A movement begun by Roman Christian clergy, in fear of what they had discovered! Luk 22:15,20 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this PASSOVER with you... Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. THE MASS OF CHRIST-MASS CHRIST-MASS is the central calendar observance of the Roman Mass. A practice started out of intense anti-Semitic hatred of Jews, as a substitute for the Passover Seder commanded by the REAL CHRIST. The real Christ admittedly never had anything to do with a Mass and not only observed the Seder meal, but commanded his disciples to do so as well. The Mass, established as a counter to the Passover, after which [though celebrated by followers of Christ for centuries] was actually outlawed as a crime against the state of Rome. The Mass is the ritualistic killing of an enemy of Rome at Saturnalia, and it's observance is STILL practiced as the killing of Christ to this day. CHRIST-MASS is actually not "celebrating his birth". It is "celebrating" his execution Rome itself conducted, and scapegoated Jews on behalf of, in a doctrine called "blood liable". It was also the official institutional rejection by Rome, of the very blood and body of THE REAL CHRIST who was Jewish, and in form, if not letter, the New Testament version of the "Abomination of Desolation". Rev 2:15,16 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. THE PATRON SAINT OF CHRIST-MASS The mystery of the "Patron Saint" of CHRIST-MASS is no mystery. "Saint Nicholas", known as an amibigious "early saint" who suddenly acquires a new history called "tradition" in the after-math of the Iconoclast wars in 847 CE. Find out how the "Patron Saint" of CHRIST-MASS, "Saint Nicolas" was long known before 847 CE and how he, as the association today suggests, is the actual "founder" of CHRIST-MASS (father Christ-Mass). What you are not told is that when he "founded" this syncretistic practice between paganism and NT faith, it was condemned as immoral filth and compared to adultery. The words are recorded by the writers of the New Testament, along with this "Patron Saint" whose followers are cursed by John in his vision of the risen Christ. The Mythical Character Santa Clause derived from the Patron Saint Nicolas, was actually brought to life through incorporation of Masonic symbolism, looking back to Nimrod, king of Babylon, [founder of the "legend of the Craft"] in Masonry, and the proto-type of the Antichrist! Isa 57:5 Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree THE CHRIST-MASS TREE "Christmas Apologists" crusade the internet informing people an obvious reference in Jeremiah to a Tree being cut down, brought into the home, placed in a stand, and decorated with silver and gold have "nothing to do with the Christmas tree". Unfortunately, the historical practices of the winter solstice in the Middle East are well documented by modern archeologists. The fact is that Mithraic practices were being assimilated into Israel [known to all historians] and reflected in the texts of the Tanakh, where both the ancient festival and its modern practice is thoroughly denounced in scores of texts. The New Testament in keeping with their predeccessors, openly called these practices the cause of separation from God, the practice of Apostates and the unmistakable mark of one's potential future damnation. Prophets warned if you mix the worship of God with the lake of fire in the sky, that is where you will go when you die. It is a worship the prophets warned God does not accept, and is a dangerous deception. Mat 5:10-12 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. THE SCROOGE OF CHRIST-MASS The Christmas productions of GRINCH and SCROOGE on closer examination are full of intolerance against people who, for "conscientious reasons" preferred not to recognize Rome's Christ-Mass. Who were these "awful scrooges"? They were actually Jewish & Protestant New England "FOUNDING FATHERS". And while they had no desire to celebrate Rome's Christ-mass, they were opposing Rome's slavery in the South, where the first "Christmas" in America was made STATE LAW, thanks to Valladolid Christianity promoted by Jesuit slave- traders in Southern slave-port cities. Later this theology became the basis of the Klan and its promotion of CHRIST-MASS in the 1920s. "Scrooge" is a residual orgy of anti-Semitism [as many Jewish children are aware], composed by Dickens, who referred to his "villain" as THE JEW and created the most vile anti-Semitic caricature ever penned in the history of the English language. The "ghost of Christ-mass past", did not "haunt" Ebenezer [a real man Dickens misrepresented]! But rather Dickens himself, who destroyed 20 years of letters to "hide" his own past. Pro 14:12,13 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness. THE JOY OF CHRIST-MASS Unlike the "image' it's promoters constantly create on television, CHRIST-MASS is by far the saddest, most depressive, and even deadliest times of the entire year. Find out how its practices have been implicated in everything from the actual cause of divorces, to financial ruin, to even death itself. Find out how the true "devastation" of this practice runs both into the billions of dollars and impacts our lives in ways we rarely are allowed to realize. Find out how it negatively affects not only on our personal lives, our marriages, our finances, but even our national economy, our environment and our "spiritual lives". Fragile and unstable personalities frequently collapse under the stress of it's annual demanding social rituals leading to peaks in random violence and crime. Its consequences for both you the individual, your family and even your society, are the complete opposite of what they claim with yearly multi-million dollar promotions based on pure known intentional deciet. "Merry Deathmas?" 2Th 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that (not "Vicar of Christ" but) MAN OF SIN be revealed, the (not "Holy Father" but) SON OF PERDITION ; Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth (EX CATHEDRA) in the sanctuary of God, shewing himself that he is God. THE MIRACLE OF CHRIST-MASS The "miracle" of CHRIST-MASS is that in a country where 70% of the population should find CHRIST-MASS absolutely unacceptable, it is Federal Law, Federally Funded and it's participation is legally Mandated, from Public education to government office, even if you are so far removed as to be an Atheist. And at a time when conservatives claim there is not so much money available to even feed people, they demand ever increasing budgets and government extravaganzas at tax payer expense to fund public displays of idolatry, "in the name of Christ" who has the honor of becoming a blonde-haired, blue eyed Gaelic Apollo-Baby and serving as Cheif Idol in the pantheon. It is obviously what some would call a "miracle". Find out how this "miricle" is prophesied in the New Testament as well, but not the kind you would want to participate in. There... it is called a miraculous "delusion". The same term employed by Charles Dickens himself upon writing THE CHRISTMAS CAROL, and the "vicious caricature" of Ebenezer Scrooge, on its behalf. 2Th 2:10-12 (Speaking of those who refuse to admit the identity of the "Man Of Sin") And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. If you worship the lake of fire in the sky, that is where you go when you die THE FAQs ON CHRIST-MASS Frequently Asked Questions about issues and controversies raised on this site such as; What are the consequences of mixing sun worship with God? Also discussions of practical concerns like; What can I do instead of observing Christmas during the holidays? How do I deal with the Public School system if they demand participation with Christmas? This section provides links, tools and resources to help you overcome the efforts of those who wish to undermine America's U.S. Constitution, and make homage to Rome's Icon the basis of economic, legal & professional persecution, threat and abuse. 1ST AMENDMENT OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION Congress shall make no law respecting (Christ-Mass) an establishment of religion, (But they do anyway) We're all for "Free rights" and "Free Speech" JUST NOT ON DECEMBER 25TH - FOX NEWS, MICHELLE BACHMAN, & THE RELIGIOUS REICH QUESTION: When else would you actually need your "Constitutional Rights" to escape worshipping the "Icon" (False-Christ Sun-god) of the "Beast" (Roman Empire)? Apollyon, born on December 25th, made state law of the empire by Pope Sixth III ? Secretary day? THE LAW ON CHRIST-MASS The Religious-Reich has placed the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution in it's cross hairs for elimination. Unfortunately, many Americans, Protestants and Evangelicals have been seduced by tfalse claims promoted by Romanists, that there is either some Biblical basis or historical precendent for eliminating our form of Constitutional government established by New England Protestants seeking protection for all Americans from the abuses of historical Rome, and replacing it with a "Christian State". Unfortunately, that is only a deception being used to erode and eventually eliminate the very legal protections Protestant Forefathers gave their lives to establish. The use of America as a platform for restoration of a "Christian" nation is political code for justifying the establishment of the (i.e., Holy Roman empire a/k/a Third Reich) in the United States. You've always known CHRISTMAS was a lie. But.... It's Much Bigger Than You Think. It is a DELUSION READ THE TRUTH ABOUT CHRIST-MASS AND IT'S ICON AND DECIDE TO "LOVE THE TRUTH" INSTEAD OF THE CHRIST-MASS LIE BECAUSE THE "LOVE OF THE TRUTH" WILL "SAVE YOU" FROM THIS DELUSION GLOSSARY AND DEFINITIONS Main Entry: Christ·mas Pronunciation: \ˈkris-məs\Function: nounUsage: often attributiveEtymology: Middle English Christemasse, from Old English Cristes mæsse, literally, Christ's massDate: before 12th centurylate O.E. Cristes mæsse, from Christ (but retaining the original vowel sound) + mass. Written as one word from mid-14c. 1 : The Christianized Solstice celebration in honor of the Sun, on December 25 or among some Eastern Orthodox Christians on January 7 that is claimed to commemorate the birth of Christ but whose observances predate Christianity usually observed as a compulsory legal holy day since the Theodosius II Codex and Pope Sixtus III. 2 THESS 2:11 - "DELUSION"Strong's G4106, πλάνη, planē, plan'-ay, Feminine of G4108 (as abstraction); objectively fraudulence; subjectively a straying from orthodoxy or piety: - deceit, to deceive, delusion, error. From G4108, πλάνος, planos, plan'-os, Of uncertain affinity; roving (as a tramp), that is, (by implication) an impostor or misleader: - deceiver, seducing. Main Entry: de·lu·sion Pronunciation: \di-ˈlü-zhən, dē-\Function: nounEtymology: Middle English, from Late Latin delusion-, delusio, from deludereDate: 15th century1 : the act of deluding : the state of being deluded 2 a : something that is falsely or delusively believed or propagated b : a persistent false belief ...that is maintained despite indisputable evidence to the contrary; also : the abnormal state marked by such beliefs Main Entry: de·lude Pronunciation: \di-ˈlüd, dē-\ Function: transitive verbInflected Form(s): de·lud·ed; de·lud· ingEtymology: Middle English, from Latin deludere, from de- + ludere to play — more at ludicrousDate: 15th century1 : to mislead the mind or judgment of : deceive, trick http://christmaslie.yolasite.com/ The third commandmentTHE THIRD COMMANDMENT Some startling facts The Ten Commandments are certainly under attack in recent years. The world wants the Ten Commandments out of their court rooms, out of all public places, and out of their lives. Some modern churches don't even believe we need to keep the Ten Commandments. But even of those who do not, most all agree that we should not take the name of our Heavenly Father in vain. But what does it really mean to take His name in vain? Many take the third commandment to mean that we should not use the Heavenly Father's name alongside a swear word or profanity. It certainly can mean this. Others say that taking His name on our lips while living a life of sin is another way of taking His name in vain. This would certainly make sense as well. However, there is another way of violating the third commandment that most people miss and even the so-called "church fathers" did not understand. Let's look at the third commandment as written in the King James Bible: Deuteronomy 5:11 "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold [him] guiltless that taketh his name in vain." Most of us know that this verse, taken from the King James Version, is simply a translation of the scriptures from Hebrew into English. Notice that it says we should not take the name of "The LORD" in vain. If you were to look at this commandment in the original Hebrew, you would not find "The LORD" or any word that carries such a meaning. Did you know that the Heavenly Father actually has a personal name? "The LORD" is not a name at all, it's just a title. All of us hold titles which might describe us (e.g. friend, mother, brother), but we also have a personal name that we primarily use. Well, the Heavenly Father has a personal name also and it is what He primarily uses in the scriptures. What is actually in the third commandment, but is missing from the King James and most all modern bibles, is the Heavenly Father's true name: YAHWEH (Thou shalt not take the name of Yahweh..in vain) But why would the translators remove the name "Yahweh" from our bibles? Well, it's not because "the LORD" is Yahweh's name in English. It all started a very long time ago with a Jewish tradition which stated that Yahweh's name is too holy to be pronounced: "Yahweh, the God of the Israelites, his name being revealed to Moses as four Hebrew consonants (YHWH) called the tetragrammaton, after the exile (6th Century BC), and especially from the 3rd century BC on, Jews ceased to use the name Yahweh for two reasons. As Judaism became a universal religion through its proselytizing in the Greco-Roman world, the more common noun elohim, meaning "god," tended to replace Yahweh to demonstrate the universal sovereignty of Israel's God over all others. At the same time, the divine name was increasingly regarded as too sacred to be uttered; it was thus replaced vocally in the synagogue ritual by the Hebrew word Adonai ("My Lord"), which was translated as Kyrios ("Lord") in the Septuagint, the Greek version of the Old Testament." Encyclopedia Britannica, under the heading "Yahweh". This tradition was picked up by the early church fathers, continues to this day, and few have thought to question it since. But Yahweh never told us to change His inspired word. In fact, His name is actually in scripture nearly 7,000 times. And each one of those 7,000 times it is replaced with the title "LORD" or "GOD" in all capital letters. Most modern translations freely admit doing this in the preface. Read the preface of the NIV and they'll tell you they are following tradition by using "the LORD." Consider this excerpt from the Revised Standard Version where they try to defend this practice: "...the use of any proper name for the one and only God, as though there were other gods from whom He had to be distinguished, was discontinued in Judaism before the Christian era and is entirely inappropriate for the universal faith of the Christian Church." RSV Question: Who are they to decide what is appropriate for one's faith? Their job is to translate, not decide what we are to believe. After all, who was the One that invented the idea of having a name of our Creator? Is it not Yahweh Himself? Is Yahweh also "entirely inappropriate" for placing His name in the scriptures nearly 7,000 times? Who are we to correct Him? If we are truly looking for something universal, it would be far more "universal" for all men of all languages to call upon one personal name. This is what Yahweh wanted to begin with. He tells us that He wants to make His name great among the Gentiles: "For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the Gentiles.."(Mala 1:11a) Many times Yahweh tells us to exalt His name, give thanks to His name, and call upon His name: "O magnify Yahweh with me, and let us exalt His name together" (Psalm 34:3) "O give thanks unto Yahweh; call upon his name.." (Psalm 105:1) "...whoever calls on the name of Yahweh shall be saved:" (Joel 2:32) So now that it is clearly demonstrated that the name of the Heavenly Father is not "The LORD," please notice that most translations are full of false statements. For instance, the King James Version: Isaiah 42:8 - "I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. " This is not true. His name is not "the LORD". His name is Yahweh. The translators did not translate, they purposely substituted the true name of the Heavenly Father with a title so that they could follow their tradition. It should instead read: Isaiah 42:8 - I am Yahweh: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. So what does all of this have to do with the third commandment? It is important to consider whether or not we should agree with and participate in this Jewish, and now Christian, tradition. Yahweh says to not take His name in vain. Let's take a moment and look at the Webster's dictionary definition of the word "vain": vain 1. Having no real substance, value, or importance; empty; void; worthless; unsatisfying. ``Thy vain excuse.'' ... 2. Destitute of forge or efficacy; effecting no purpose; fruitless; ineffectual; as, vain toil; a vain attempt.... Considering the meaning of the word "vain," what greater way to bring Yahweh's name to "emptiness...worthlessness...having no real substance, value or importance" than to remove His name altogether from the scriptures? This practice is so widespread and so complete that until modern times few people even knew the Heavenly Father had a personal name. So if we want to keep the Ten Commandments, we should never join them in replacing Yahweh's name with a false name or title of our own choosing. Doing so would be breaking the third commandment. This is not the only way to break the third commandment, but we can see that it is certainly one way of doing so. In fact, in most translations the third commandment (as translated) is a transgression of itself! Why? Because the third commandment forbids bringing His name to nothing, yet most translations do just that when translating that verse. His name is very important. Yahweh says that it is His name forever and His memorial to all generations, including the one we are living in. Let's not desecrate or remove His memorial. (Ex. 3:15) If it wasn't important, He would not have warned those who break the third commandment: "Yahweh will not hold him guiltless." Therefore, in spite of what others may think, let's keep His commandments by restoring what Yahweh placed there originally as we read and quote the scriptures. Continuing in error is never superior to walking in the truth. Our speech should be as the oracles of Yahweh (1 Peter 4:11). Therefore, let's primarily call Him by His name, just as the scriptures do. We are not supposed to add or take away from His word. But if we practice this tradition, we are both adding to and taking away from His word. Therefore, the "replace His name with a title" tradition is clearly unscriptural. We should not be surprised when unscriptural traditions of men find their way into modern denominational religions. Our Savior said to the mainstream teachers of his day: "Full well ye reject the commandment of Yahweh, that ye may keep your own tradition. (Mark 7:9) Therefore, just as He did, let's set aside vain traditions and fearlessly proclaim the genuine truth found in His word... just as He inspired it. Contact Information Website: www.eliyah.com Food LawsPart 1 - FOOD Past and Present Ever ponder the reason why YHWH created us to require food? He could have easily designed humans to extract their sustenance from the air, like the whales who "eat" plankton from the water, they just swim around and "breathe" their food in. It would be so easy! No grocery bags, no dishes to wash, no planting, harvesting, the farmers wouldn't have to pray for the rain. There wouldn't be famine, or poverty in "underdeveloped" countries, food would be as plentiful as the air we breathe, then we could expend our energy on other things. We don't think about it much, but we are extremely dependant upon food and water. Perhaps the Rabbis have it right to suggest the reason YHWH created us to be dependant upon food, is that we would remember to pray, even thrice daily. For millennia our forefathers prayed at least three times daily, the tradition of Jews, Christians, and Moslems is to pray either before or after every meal. One of the greatest Prophets of all time, a mighty man of Prayer, Daniel showed us that prayer comes even before life itself. In many ways, enjoyment of food is linked to our prayer life, and there are many lessons in Scripture that pertain to what we should or shouldn't put into our mouths. Most Bible students realize that food has always played an important role in observance, whether through the sacrifices, or by direct Commandment as it pertains to clean and unclean foods. Vayikra/Leviticus 11 provides a detailed summary of what YHWH Commanded as "clean or unclean" foods, which He instructed "To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the living thing that may be eaten and the living thing that may not be eaten." As we progress into the Ketuvim Netzarim (writings of the Nazarenes) we witness consistent revelation of the Word of YHWH as it pertains to clean and unclean food. We also discover that the Apostles resisted a few religious traditions pertaining to food, such as in Timothy. "Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which YHWH had created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of YHWH is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of YHWH and prayer. 1 Timothy 4:3-5 Food is "sanctified by the word of YHWH", which means that there are certain foods that are "set apart" by the Word YHWH for the household of Faith, which means some foods are ok, while others are forbidden. The Word of YHWH determines what is fit for food, and what is not. Most realize the "New Testament" wasn't written until years after Y'shua had ascended to the Father, therefore the Word of YHWH specifically refers to the Torah (five books of Moshe) and/or Tanakh (Torah Prophets Writings). Paul writes to Timothy to make sure that the Assembly is taught about the importance of eating food "sanctified by the Word of YHWH", and through prayer, which means both. According to Y'shua, some religious people in his day were making a very big deal out of things that go into the mouth, and forgetting about sanctifying their actions according to the Word of YHWH. "And you despise the word of Elohim, because of the tradition that you have handed down and that resemble these many things that you do. And Y'shua called all the crowd and said to them, Hear me all of you and understand, There isn't anything that is on the outside of a man that enters into him that is able to defile him. But the thing that goes out from him, that is the thing that defiles a man. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! And when Y'shua entered into the house away from the crowd, his disciples asked him about that saying. He said to them, You are likewise slow to understand. You do not know that everything which enters into a man from the outside is not able to defile him. Because it does not enter into his heart, rather into his belly and is cast out by excretion, which purifies all the food. But anything that goes out from a man is that which defiles a man. For from the inside, from the heart of the sons of men proceeds evil thoughts, adultery, fornication, theft, murder, Extortion, wickedness, deceit, lust. An evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things, they do proceed from within a man and defile him." Mark 7:13-23 The religious traditions of the Pharisees focused on external requirements, avoiding the deeper matters of the heart, but Christians shouldn't be quick to use this verse to point fingers. Many English translations, provide a parenthetical comment in Mark 7:19 stating (in so doing Y'shua declared all foods clean). This is also found in David Stern's Messianic Jewish New Testament where Mr. Stern adds the word "ritually" clean in the narrative. However the comment does NOT appear in any of the earliest Aramaic or Greek manuscripts, it is clearly a Gentile or Christo-Pagan attempt to abandon Torah's dietary laws. Yeshua states that if a person plots things like murder, lies, adulteries, has evil imaginations, and so forth, then they shouldn't be so concerned whether they've done n'tilat yadayim, which is a minhag (tradition) of religious Jews to have a ritual hand washing before a meal. For Christo-Pagans to suggest that Yeshua is referring to clean and unclean food here, is very telling of their motive. The first few verses of Mark 7 clearly refer to the traditional washing of hands, n'tilat yadayim, rather than the food one is about to eat. Neither does Yeshua renounce the ritual hand washing of the Pharisees, he and his disciples didn't follow this tradition themselves, but neither does Yeshua suggest that the Pharisees should discontinue the practice, there is a much greater principle being addressed here. The Christo-Pagan church founders however, have twisted this verse and even use it to claim that the Word of YHWH sanctifies all food for the Gentiles, but that is a deception. We have very clear directives given by the Ruach haKodesh for "entry level" observance for the non-Jewish followers of Yeshua. "That you should stay away from that which is sacrificed and from blood and from a strangled thing and from fornication that as you keep your souls from these things you will be well." Acts 15:29 These four commandments for non-Jewish followers of Yeshua are directly from Torah, the first three are commandments that deal with food. 1) Gentiles are not to eat food that was "sacrificed" or dedicated to other gods, Exodus 20:3 "You shall have no other gods before me." Eating food that was dedicated to other gods shows allegiance to the people and to the god it was sacrificed to, it is forbidden. 2) Leviticus 7:26 "Moreover you shall eat no manner of blood, whether it be of fowl or of beast, in any of your dwellings. 27 Whatsoever soul it be that eats any manner of blood, even that soul shall be cut off from his people." That's very clear and for the non-Jewish followers of Yeshua here is Leviticus 17:12 "Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, No soul of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood. 13 And whatsoever man there be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, which hunts and catches any beast or fowl that may be eaten; he shall even pour out the blood thereof, and cover it with dust." 3) Leviticus 22:8 "That which dies of itself, or is torn with beasts, he shall not eat to defile himself therewith: I am YHWH." Deuteronomy 14:21 "You shall not eat of any thing that dies of itself: you shall give it unto the stranger that is in your gates, that he may eat it; or you may sell it unto an alien: for you are an holy people unto YHWH your Elohim. You shall not seethe a kid in his mother's milk." The commandment of not eating anything which dies of itself refers to death by natural means, regardless of how it died, it is forbidden to eat it. The commandment in Acts specifically states that the animal must not have died by strangulation, which is how some "un-kosher" butchers kill animals for food. In other words, the non-Jewish followers of Yeshua were commanded to take special precaution for where they obtained meat. We know from the Word of YHWH that animals are to be treated with respect, whether being tended to for life, or being slaughtered for food. Imagine living in the days before Mashiyach, and bringing a sacrifice to the Temple, perhaps to make restitution for wrong doing. Imagine taking an animal to Jerusalem for an offering during the celebration of a Feast. Treating the animal harshly, would reflect a negative attitude toward the forgiveness, grace and blessings being bestowed on you. Anyone who does not show kindness to animals, is not likely going to show kindness towards people! The laws in Torah regarding animal welfare, are universal and timeless, because within the law are principles of Justice and Mercy that apply to all other components of life, even how we treat one another. Everything on our planet dovetails with laws that pertain to clean and unclean animals, and how we prepare our food, because they are part of YHWH's universal guidance. The laws that pertain to animals show us that if we are to treat the blood of an animal with respect, how much more are we to respect human blood, how much more should we establish dignity for all people! There are many underlying laws and principles that enter in. 1) Anyone who doesn't eat of things "sacrificed to idols" is also being careful to not convert cultural polytheistic values into a Messianic lifestyle. This is not solely about the abstention of certain foods, there are many aspects of community, and status quo values that are attached to things "sacrificed to idols." Rather than go with those who don't know Mashiyach or Torah, the tendency would be to invite them home, so as to keep the commandment given by the Ruach haKodesh. The company a person keeps is being addressed here, this distinction regarding food brings opportunity to introduce others to the Kingdom. This matter of eating things "sacrificed to idols" is so basic and foundational that it has the power to bring souls out of paganism, as do each of the Commandments of YHWH. To be a Kedoshim (Set Apart People), is Mashiyach, every individual makes a choice to uphold Torah as the Word of YHWH, or not. But false religion presents "alternatives" to the Word of YHWH, relativism, removing Set Apart distinctions to make convenient traditions so that people are not embarrassed by truth. Y'shua and his disciples never eat treif, nor things sacrificed to idols, neither would they eat "whatever" was set before them, this is simply a religious projection. Consider the nature of Mashiyach, he would never sit down to a plate of meat sacrificed to idols, or eat pork chops rather than embarrass his host or hostess, because he is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Neither would Apostle Paul, nor any of Y'shua's disciples. Mashiyach and his disciples emulated the Way, each soul in Mashiyach is a door to the Kingdom, this must be understood in the most literal sense. It would be unthinkable to treat another human with contempt by violating the Word of YHWH in order to be "accepted" by their status quo. The Ruach haKodesh draws a person into the kingdom, it's never a matter of posturing or convincing someone to repent of their sin and enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. They who credit themselves for winning souls, are simply winning souls into their own religious ideology, they are not bringing anyone into the Kingdom, simply because they have not entered themselves. It is extremely important to realize that Mashiyach extended the Kingdom offer to the world and those who follow Mashiyach are Israel, they are part of the commonwealth and inheritance that YHWH has promised. Just as Israel was very clearly warned about making sacrifice to other gods, so now is the Gentile required to enter into this same discipline. YHWH spoke through Moshe and made it very clear how He feels about sacrifice to idols. "For you shall worship no other god: for YHWH, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous Elohim: Lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call thee, and you eat of his sacrifice; And you take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods." Sh'mot/Exodus 34:14-16 A very straightforward directive, but it doesn't bode well with a Church that is embarrassed by the absolutes of the Word of YHWH. Christian sons and daughters are being instructed to go whoring after pagan gods by their Priests, Pastors, fathers, and mothers who "see nothing wrong" with decorating Tammuz trees for Christ-Mass, painting Ishtar eggs that commemorates a sex goddess of fertility and celebrating their gods on Sun-day. This is the modern way of fractionalizing the Word of YHWH and "eating things" sacrificed to idols. 2) When a person "stays away from blood", they are choosing to select meat that is butchered according to the Word of YHWH. When the Torah is looked at as a whole, and we can begin to understand the unity of the Word, we can easily deduce how an animal is to be slaughtered. Scriptures like Genesis 22:10 "And Avraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son" reveals a methodology of slaying a sacrifice. The same knife that Avraham was about to use on his own beloved son, will very shortly see it's real intended purpose, "And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son." Genesis 22:13. Obviously this foreshadowed Mashiyach ben Yoseph, who is Yeshua, however none of us can begin to image how important that ram was to either Avraham, or his son Yitzak! The blood of that ram was given in exchange for his beloved son's blood, how very grateful and contrite Avraham was toward the life of that very precious ram! This event holds insight for how we are to regard the life of an animal, whether for sacrifice, or for food. By showing respect for blood we are not only agreeing that blood is very important to YHWH, but that life itself is of supreme importance to the Giver of all Life! "Every moving thing that lives shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall you not eat. And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man. Whoso sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of Elohim made he man." Genesis 9:3-6 Yes, staying away from blood is a "negative" don't do commandment, but the positive proactive command then is to honor the life of all living creatures! 3) In light of the commandment to stay away from blood, the commandment to "stay away from a strangled thing" has a new progressive meaning attached to it. A strangled thing could either mean that the animal was strangled to death before it was slaughtered, or it got strangled in a fence or in a natural setting. Either way, the animal did not die peacefully and the blood was not drained thoroughly. The fact of the matter is that if the life of the animal is respected, then it is possible to slaughter it in a matter where it will die very peacefully, and not even know that it has been cut or that it is bleeding. For many, this is a difficult thing to contemplate, but of course we are not addressing vegetarians per se, but those who buy their meats from the guy across town. All who follow Yeshua, and who REALLY appreciate those summer barbecues in the park, or at the beach are commanded to "stay away from a strangled thing", no if's, but's or maybe's, therefore the action of fulfilling this commandment draws us together in Mashiyach. Those who would defy this commandment are diverging from the Kingdom of Elohim, and the values that Mashiyach upheld with his own life! When preparing the animal for slaughter, a person is to have a mindset that is consistent with regard to the blood of the animal. The blood and the life of the animal are synonymous, therefore the one doing the slaughter is to have an appreciation for the life he is taking, and show kindness toward the animal. Some folks will object, and suggest that the slaughtering of animals in any fashion, is not showing kindness, but we'll get back to this in a moment. 4) Abstinence from fornication, means avoiding every form of sexual perversion, however the broader meaning refers to fornication with cultural deities and lifestyle choices that are rooted in paganism. The Bride of Mashiyach has a distinct calling to be separate from paganism. The value of each soul is welcome into the Kingdom of Elohim as equals, and elevated with the understanding that each one is made in "the image of Elohim." Each believer is called to put away "the old man," the modern evolutionary gospel that elevates man's achievements, science and religions above the Word of YHWH. There are many examples within Christo-Paganism that caters to the pagan element. Sunday church services originated with sacrifices to the sun. Easter (Ishtar) was originally a pagan festival that commemorates a sex goddess. Easter eggs have their origin in pagan fertility rituals. Christmas trees have their origin with Tammuz (the Branch), a sex god, whose admirers put balls on small evergreen trees, as testicular remembrances of their male sex god. The small evergreen tree denotes the rebirth of Tammuz. The 4th commandment in Acts 15:19 to abstain from fornication demands that one not practice the ways of the heathen through fornicating with their deities, or permitting syncretism to bring paganism into "the gospel". "Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which YHWH had created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of YHWH is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of YHWH and prayer. 1 Timothy 4:3-5 In Paul's day there was a "vegetarian religion" afoot, it wasn't only that certain individuals chose to be vegetarians, but some of these vegetarians teach that it's commanded by YHWH, to be a vegetarian. For some individuals, vegetarianism is a supreme indicator of "faith", and Paul addresses this here. "And let us not, on account of food, destroy the work of Elohim. For every thing is, [indeed] pure; but it is evil, to the man who eats with stumbling. 21. It is proper, that we neither eat flesh, nor drink wine, nor [do] any thing, whereby our brother is stumbled. 22. You are one in whom there is faith; keep it to yourself, before Elohim. Blessed is he, who does not condemn himself, in that thing which he allows. 23. For he who eats and doubts, is condemned; because [he eats] not in faith. For every thing which is not of faith, is sin. " Romans 14:20-23 It's one thing for vegetarians to impose religious sanctions against eating meat, and cause others to stumble, but it's another to teach unclean food is ok to eat, when it most certainly is not! When Paul instructs a person to eat in accordance with their faith, he is referring to faith according to the Word of YHWH and the Ruach haKodesh, not what is right in a person's own eyes. Clearly the Christo-Pagan world has chosen to go to war against Torah, Yeshua, and the Apostles Torah lifestyles. "I know indeed, and am persuaded by Master MASTER YHWH, (who is) Y'shua, that there is nothing which is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks any thing to be unclean, to him only it is defiled.. " Romans 14:14 Paul makes this statement in the context of vegetarianism, he most certainly does not make it in the context of clean and unclean directives in Torah. However this is exactly how Christo-Pagan theologians spin this verse to suit their own religious tradition and lifestyles. Whatever the individual "thinks" to be clean, they say, heaven will comply. This is why we refer to such as, Christo-Pagans, on the one hand they say they follow "Christ" but on the other they live as pagans or "worldly" people who have no interest in living set apart lives. "And don't be yoked with those who do not believe: for what fellowship has righteousness with iniquity or what communion has light with darkness. Or what concord has the Messiah with Satan or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? Or what agreement has the temple of Elohim with that of demons? For you are the temple of the living Elohim; as it is said, I will dwell among them, and walk among them, and will be their Elohim, and they shall be my people." 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 This was written in the present tense, the Temple was still standing when Paul wrote this. Paul is referring to the same Temple where he presented offerings as recorded in Acts. "And it has been told them, of you, that you teach all the Jews that are among the Gentiles to depart from Moshe, by telling them not to circumcise their children, and not to observe the rites of the Torah. Now, because they have heard that you have arrived here, do what we tell you. We have four men, who have vowed to purify themselves. Take them, and go and purify yourself with them, and pay the expenses along with them, as they shall shave their heads; that every one may know, that what is said against you is false, and that you fulfill and observe the Torah. As to those of the Gentiles who have believed, we have written, that they should keep themselves from [an idol's] sacrifice, and from sexual sin, and from what is strangled, and from blood." Then Paul took those men, on the following day, and was purified with them; and he entered and went into the temple, manifesting to them the completion of the days of the purification, up to the presentation of the offering by each of them." Acts 21:21-26 Certain zealots of the Pharisees tried everything they could to slander Rav Shaul, and warn Jews away from him, these were the same tactics used to put Mashiyach on the torture stake. They slandered and condemned Paul for violating Torah, and for teaching other Jews to follow Mashiyach. But Paul never taught against Torah, any more than Mashiyach Yeshua did! Spin doctor Christo-Pagans, make Paul out to be a man pleaser, they view his offering as a political move to please the Jews, especially the Rabbinate, and not something done from his heart. This thinking is consistent with the Hellenized "political" man, who uses politics or religious posturing to gain influence. Christo-Pagans have projected their own pagan lifestyles upon Paul, however Paul didn't do things to please either the Jews or the Gentiles. The fact of the matter is that Paul took his vows and Torah observance very seriously. "And when Paul had been there many days, he bid farewell to the Brothers, and departed by sea to go to Syria. And with him went Priscilla and Aquila, when he had shaved his head at Cenchrea, because he had vowed a vow." Acts 18:18 Paul's shaved head serves as a public declaration to his devotion, and this certainly wasn't a Rabbinical directive either because Hillel, Gamliel's grandfather had already been making overtures that the Nazirite vow was not an important observance. There are no conflicts between the atonement accomplished by Yeshua's blood and the giving of offerings in the Temple. Paul walks in the footsteps of Y'shua, King David, and all the Yisrael of Elohim, when he declared "I rejoice in the Torah of Elohim, in the interior man." Romans 7:22. Each and every blood sacrifice and offering made in the Temple past, present and future is designed according to the Word of YHWH to point to Yeshua's perfect blood. The Temple stood until 70 AD, and from the time Yeshua ascended to The Father, Y'shua's followers met daily in the Temple, and also gave their offerings unto YHWH, in the name of Yeshua. In 2 Corinthians Paul says "Or what agreement has the temple of Elohim with that of demons? For you are the temple of the living Elohim" he is clearly associating the "Holiness" that YHWH commands for those of the physical temple in Jerusalem, with the holiness within the personal "temple" of our bodies, as followers of Y'shua Mashiyach. There is NO WAY anyone would be able to drag a pig into the Temple in Jerusalem without a fight! There is no way a follower of Yeshua should ever consider eating pig, or any other unclean food. When wicked men have forced pig meat upon the Jewish people, Jews fought back. Antiochus Epiphanes brought his armies against Jerusalem and offered swine in the Temple and so it is that same spirit of Antiochus is offering swine as an "alternative" food today, among Christo-Pagans. "Wherefore, you come out from among them, and be separate from them says MASTER YHWH; and don't touch the unclean thing, and I will receive you; And will be to you a Father, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says MASTER YHWH the Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:17 A textbook could be written from this one verse, especially with Paul's statement, "don't touch the unclean thing". This is a message that is found throughout Scripture, for a small sample see Leviticus 5:2; 7:21; 11:8, 31; Deut 14:8; Isaiah 52:11; Lam 4:15; Haggai 2:13. Then Paul quotes, "and will be to you a Father", which is a theme Yeshua repeated many, many times over! Yeshua teaches us that his Father YHWH is calling upon us, to accept Him as our Heavenly Father. But this Fatherhood relationship which YHWH desires for His people has it's origin in many places within the Tanakh. "Like as a father is compassionate towards his children, so YHWH is compassionate to them that fear him." Psalm 103:13 "Have we not all one Father? hath not one Elohim created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?" Malachi 2:10 Apostle Paul is clearly distinguishing the values that are consistent to both the Word of YHWH in Torah, and Yeshua's teaching regarding clean and unclean, and so did all the Apostles understand these principles. Peter states that in all his life, he had never eaten any unclean foods! "And a voice came to him that said, "Shimon! Rise up. Slaughter, and eat!" And Shimon said, "[Elohim] forbid, my Master, because I have not ever eaten anything that is defiled and unclean!" And again a second time a voice came to him that [said], "That which Elohim has cleansed, you should not consider defiled!" And this happened three times, and the garment was taken up to heaven. And while Shimon marveled in himself what was the vision that he had seen, those men who were sent from Cornelius they came and stood at the gate of the courtyard and inquired concerning the house that Shimon lodged in. And they called there and asked, "Is Shimon who is called Kefa lodged here?" And while Shimon thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him: Behold! Three men you seek. Arise, go down and go with them <while> not letting your mind be divided because I [am] he [who] sent them." Acts 10:13-20 Peter was instructed by the Ruach haKodesh to welcome Gentiles into the Kingdom of Elohim, he was given a vision of unclean animals to depict Gentiles, this has absolutely nothing to do to with Peter or any disciples of Y'shua eating unclean food! The Word of YHWH is a progressive revelation of Justice and Righteousness, Adam and Eve were give a choice between acceptable and forbidden foods. YHWH showed a distinction between clean and unclean animals to Noah. Torah teaches a progressive revelation by extending the choice to sanctify oneself according to the Word of YHWH, or to deny the Word of YHWH. Personal cognition of the soul is developed by our free choice, those who follow YHWH and His Mashiyach are able to sanctify every component of life, if they choose, because we are made in "His Image" and His Word reveals His Will. Unclean food is not one of the weightier aspects of Torah, the Ten Commandments for instance are much more weightier. According to Torah if a person eats unclean food they are unclean until evening, the punishment for disobedience is very small compared to let's say, breaking Shabbat, or murder, or idolatry. However rather than seeing the importance of sanctification and righteousness, Christo-Paganism invented terms like "supercessionism", "dispensationalism" and "replacement theology" to make void the Word of YHWH, and tell people that it's ok to eat unclean foods. Scriptures like Peter's vision are used to support pagan ideology that licenses sin according to traditional Christian principles, which are "majority rulings", by those who choose a denomination that suites their lifestyles. Unclean animals in the vision illustrate unclean people. At times the Prophets of YHWH likened Israel to unclean animals, no different than Pagans, when they rebelled against the Word of YHWH, however each soul is called to humility, and to recognize mankind's universal need for sanctification and redemption. Peter never ate unclean animals, he didn't start eating them after the vision. It is disgusting to suggest that any followers of Y'shua ate treif, those Christians who eat pig and unclean meats are simply projecting their own pagan cultural values upon the followers of Y'shua. The Spirit spoke to Peter, he confessed to clearly understanding the meaning of the vision pertained to a "man", "And he said to them, "You, You know that it is not Lawful for a Yehudean man to associate with a foreign man who is not a son of his tribe, but Elohim showed to me concerning a man not to say that [he is] unclean or defiled." Acts 10:28 If anything, a non-Jewish person without Torah and Mashiyach should understood they are likened to unclean animals, the swine (people) either choose to be clean or to remain unclean, there is neither justification nor sanctification for anyone who willfully continues to transgress the Word of YHWH. Anyone who is truly a follower of Mashiyach is led by the Spirit of YHWH to walk as Y'shua walked, they have passed from death to life, and will not be considered clean, until they put away unclean things. All the Apostles reiterate this many times over, see Ephesians 5:8, 11; Col 1:13; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 John 1:6. It is no coincidence that Matthew 8, Mark 5, Luke 8 records Yeshua casting demons into a herd of swine. Swine meat is unclean, demons are unclean spirits, Yeshua destroyed them both. However Hellenized Christo-Pagans look away, and continue to entice Christians according to Hellenized traditions, contrary to Torah, Y'shua and the Shaliach (Apostles) that YHWH chose. Christo-Paganism inadvertently takes directives from the Pharisees by making religious factions between Jews and non-Jews, and teaching that the matter of clean and unclean foods only applies to Jews. Modern Orthodox Judaism teaches that Gentiles are not required to be sanctified in the same manner as a Jewish soul, however this is not what the Spirit revealed to the Apostles, nor does it reflect the prophetic Word of YHWH which teaches universal equality between all followers of Y'shua. The fact of the matter is that the stewardship of the Kingdom of Elohim was taken out of the exclusive hands of the Jewish people and extended to all who are called by Mashiyach into the Kingdom. It is a lie and an impossibility for anyone to suggest that YHWH would endorse the religious traditions of the Gentiles any more than he would the religious traditions of the Jews. In reality there were many pockets of non-Jewish followers of Y'shua who did not dine on swine, nor break the Shabbat or any other part of the Word of YHWH. These of course suffered much persecution at the hands of "mainstream Christians" who were offended by those who would suggest that their religion was nothing more than a manmade fiasco. Part 2 - FOOD IN THE MILLENNIUM "And I saw [issuing] from the mouth of the dragon, and from the mouth of the beast of prey, and from the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs:" Revelation 16:3 The Prophet uses frogs to denote unclean spirits, if we trace the unclean spirits back to the beginning, we find another preacher who said... "...Yea, hath Elohim said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" Genesis 3:1 This is SO like Christian preachers who preach, "Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of the unclean food?" Unclean food is equated both literally and spiritually to that which YHWH hates. YHWH uses the physical things to teach spiritual things. Only a complete fool would second guess the Word of YHWH, and suppose himself to intellectually satisfy the requirements of the Word of YHWH, while disobeying them! "And he cried with a strong voice, saying: Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great: and has become a cavern of demons, and the home of every unclean spirit, and the home of every unclean and hateful bird and the home of every unclean and hateful beast of prey." Revelation 18:2 Babylon epitomizes everything that opposes the Most High Elohim and His Mashiyach. Demons, unclean spirits, unclean and hateful birds and beasts of prey are categorized as trademarks of Babylon. These forces are making war against YHWH, His Mashiyach and His people. The beast will endeavor to fight against Mashiyach ben David whose return is to sanctify the earth and his people! It is incumbent on each individual to sanctify the Word of YHWH, and not heed religious fables invented by the enemies of Mashiyach. "For thus says YHWH, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall you suck (be nursed), you shall be borne upon [her] sides, and be dandled upon [her] knees. As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. And when you see [this], your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of YHWH shall be known toward His servants, and [His] indignation toward His enemies. For, behold, YHWH will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire and by his sword will YHWH plead with all flesh: and the slain of YHWH shall be many. They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one [tree] in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, says YHWH." Isaiah 66:12-17 Prophetically speaking, those who eat swine, the sheqets (abomination), and the mouse as we go into the time of the Millennium are headed for utter destruction. Obviously a serious follower of Yeshua isn't going to follow Christo-Pagan traditions that uphold eating swine! The eating of swine's flesh and other unclean foods is a relatively superficial transgression compared to much of the other betrayal of lukewarm Christianity. Refusing to dine on unclean food is a choice that will bring retribution, mocking, and scorning from church people that are comfortable with their cheap grace lifestyles. All the betrayal, dishonor, and transgression against the Word of YHWH is inconsequential when you've been told all your life that you're going to heaven, and that all your sin is forgiven, past, present and future. The Catholic Church prospered by plying guilt against violation of church tradition, rather than upholding the Word of YHWH as the only authority for mankind. Catholics know they can pay a Priest to forgive sin, their premeditated sin is covered by money, influence and support of their institution. As evil as the Catholic church is, the same spirit that diminishes the Word of YHWH in favor of religious peer tradition is also found throughout the rest of Christianity in many forms, but the Word of YHWH has never changed. "These also [shall be] unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind." Leviticus 11:29 The "abomination", Hebrew sheqets is used 11 times in the Tanakh and always refers to creatures that are unclean for food. Observant Jews and Muslims don't dine on swine, so it's not an issue for them, but Christians have come to use the passage in Isaiah as a theological battle for their bacon. Jews and Gentiles are equally unclean when they break Torah and defy YHWH and His Mashiyach. Check out Haggai 2:14; Ezekiel 44:22; Ezra 9:10-10:1; Isaiah 30:6-12; 65:2, 3; Jeremiah 5:22-31. All who seek the Kingdom of Elohim must differentiate between clean or unclean according to the Word of YHWH, rather than Jewish or Christian traditions. In the matter of clean and unclean foods, whether you are a Jew or not, if you follow Mashiyach you have no right to eat unclean things. No Pastor has the authority to advocate eating of unclean food, if he does so, it is only by tradition learned at Seminary that he vowed to uphold, it's just that simple. Regardless of how good the clam chowder, blood sausage or bacon, these things are certainly accepted by the world, but are not sanctified by the Word of YHWH. It's your choice. Do you follow the traditions of men, or do you yield to the Word of YHWH and suffer persecution for the Truth. How is it, that for several thousand years it was against the Word of YHWH to eat swine, but then God changed His mind? If you think the Master of the Universe operates this way, then what's the next thing you think he might change? Nope. What makes false prophets "false" is their disdain for absolute Truth. YHWH is the same yesterday, today and forever. There are other gods who will tell you whatever you want to hear, and there are Bible translations which have been manipulated to endorse Christo-Paganism, but the Truth will both endure to the end and be sanctified by Mashiyach when he returns. It's just that simple. "Therefore if any man [be] in Mashiyach, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17 YHWH be with you, Shalom U'Vrachot, Baruch Ben Daniel P.S. Click on this video link for the latest cutting edge PORK discoveries... http://media2.foxnews.com/112008/worm_tumor_700.wmv http://www.mashiyach.com/Meditate/food.htm |
Is it legalism?LEGALISM First, let's get the correct Christian definition: leg' al ism, n. (Theol.) a) preference of the Law to the Gospel, b) doctrine of justification by works; c) exaltation of law or d) formula, e) red tape. (The Concise Oxford Dictionary) Let's remember that this term was coined around 1830-1840, so about 170 years ago. It was coined for Christian purposes by Christians and it is a term that Christians apply to Christians, Jews and others. Let's quickly examine all five of these definitions. LEGALISM Part 1 of 5 A) Preference of the Law to the Gospel LAW: I'm sure that it would be fair to assume that the person who wrote the definition is referring to "The Old Testament" as "the Law." If you open up a dictionary and read how the term Law is defined, you will notice that there is a vast difference between "Law" and "Torah." There are 613 "Laws" in the Torah, about 200 apply to priests, about 100 apply to the Temple, another 100 or so apply to judges and leaders and another 50 or so apply to either men or women, so in reality there are about 150 laws that apply to everyone. But, the Hebrew word Torah does not translate as LAW, it translates something like "Instruction in Righteousness." From an ancient Hebrew perspective the word Torah creates a word picture in our minds of shooting at a target. When you aim, you give it your best and then let the arrow go, sometimes you miss center, but if you hit the target you feel pretty confident that your levels of skill are still good, if you miss the target altogether then you could define that as, "sin." A child is not expected to hit the target as well as an adult, but when YHWH gave Torah (instructions in righteousness) He did not make them impossible for humanity to keep. Another element of the word "torah" is derived from the Hebrew/Aramaic root "aur" (or), meaning "light": "For the commandment (mitzvah) is a lamp and the teaching (Torah) is light (aur); And reproofs for discipline are the way of life." (Mishlei/Pr. 6:23) "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path." (Tehillim/Ps. 119:105) In the Aramaic New Covenant Writings, the word for "torah" is aur-rayta, which is the exact root for "light" that describes the Torah given at Sinai: "For all the Prophets and the Aur-ayta (Torah) prophesied until Yochanan," (Matthew 11:13). "Or haven't you read in the Aur-ayta (Torah) that on the Shabbat the priests desecrate the Temple and yet they are innocent?" (Matthew 12:5) "On these two commandments the Aur-ayta (Torah) and the Prophets hang," (Matthew 22:40) The bottom line is this: If anyone thinks that the 10 Commandments are impossible to keep they could not possibly have a relationship with Mashiyach Y'shua. Now let's look at the Gospel. GOSPEL: The Gospel is also a very specific truth. The Gospel of Mashiyach was revealed just after Adam and Eve sinned. Long before Y'shua came as Mashiyach, Torah Observant Jews were teaching that "her seed" refers or points to Mashiyach: "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed ; it shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." (Genesis 3:15) Hebrews 4:2 says "the Gospel was preached unto them," Paul clearly teaches that those who left Egypt were given the opportunity to respond to the Gospel, so obviously the Gospel originated before the First Century. Immediately after Adam and Eve sinned they were cut off from YHWH, they sinned and immediately realized they were naked. Obviously they were naked before sin too (because YHWH made some clothes for them) but their nakedness was now shame, guilt, and condemnation from haSatan. After sin, Satan had them where he wanted them and if you've ever felt condemned you know how haSatan talks to your mind, and of course Satan is actively recruiting others to think and speak his "language of condemnation." Guilt of course is due to spiritual separation, wrong doing, which also provides individuals with a feeling of emptiness and despair. The sinner doesn't know if they will be forgiven until they present their case before YHWH, confess their sins, and ask for forgiveness. Guilt is a function of the Ruach haKodesh; it is a force that makes us feel terrible so that we will go and make it right with YHWH and other people. The shame of course also came along by Adam and Eve knowing that their sin was preventable, they had needlessly exposed themselves to this very undesirable situation and risked everything even though they didn't fully understand the consequences. Nevertheless, we all know what happened to the first couple. YHWH said, "Where are you?" even though, of course, He knew where they were, but He was giving them a moment to compose themselves so they could prepare to speak with Him. Did He forgive them? Yes He did, but He also provided punishment, which came in the form of curses against them and us. LAW: The curses against Adam and Eve became part of a "universal law" that would apply to all the rest of the inhabitants of the earth. "Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil : and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever..." (Genesis 3:22) Man who was initially sinless became like the angelic host, to know good and evil, but if man were to eat of the Tree of Life and live forever then he would never be able to return to his perfect and sinless state. Through His Most awesome Mercy YHWH blocked mankind from becoming eternal beings then and there, so that through death there could be redemption of transgression, but that through life each human would experience both worlds, the Kingdom of Elohim and the fallen world of sin. If you miss this next point then you will miss the whole plan of redemption and never understand it properly, and the point is this. "For YHWH is our judge, YHWH is our lawgiver, YHWH is our king; He will save us." Isaiah 33:22 Make no mistake about it: There are many lawgivers but YHWH is the only legitimate lawgiver because His Torah is what sustains the entire plan of Redemption. His Word is His LAW!!! If you are having a difficult time comprehending this extremely vital concept then I would recommend that you say the following phrase to yourself about 8 or 10 times. His WORD is His LAW! His WORD is His LAW! His WORD is His LAW! "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be." (Genesis 49:10) The scepter refers to the imperial rod of divine lawmaking and justice, YHWH holds the scepter and the scepter is none other than Mashiyach. The lawgiver from between his feet simply refers to the lineage of Judah, that successive generations through the lineage of Judah would "hold" this scepter until Shiloh comes to take his seat over all the "lawmakers" of the earth. We must never ever assume that the laws of our governments are endorsed by the YHWH or His Mashiyach and we must never diminish the importance of YHWH's Word which is Torah. Please read these two verses VERY carefully: "All scripture is given by inspiration of Elohim, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of Elohim may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) Anyone who pits Torah (YHWH's Instructions) against Grace or the Gospel has a very, very big problem on their hands because they are ignorant of the "Way" of righteousness. Even a child can understand this if you explain it to them, and you likely do this when your child needs correction. When a child is disobedient, let's say they tell a lie, you don't punish them immediately, you teach them why lying is wrong and how it is going to hurt them if they don't stop. You explain the cause and effect of good and evil. When they miss the mark and make a mistake you can usually detect that look of horror on their face and oftentimes a ready admission of guilt, but you wouldn't think of punishing your child every time they fail, especially if you can clearly see that they are genuinely sorry and regret what they did! No, you just hug them, maybe sometimes you even cry with them, and you tell them that when you were a child that you had to learn to tell the truth too, perhaps you also tell them how your own father and mother corrected you when you lied and how you overcame lying. Then you'll tell them the blessings you've received over your life because of telling the truth, and that you wouldn't even think of lying because it brings harm to you and others, it brings curses, shame, and YHWH hates liars! That's how gospel works as well, law and grace are applied in a functional way so that all YHWH's children understand the cause and effect for themselves. That's what YHWH did for us through Mashiyach. He had every right to punish us, but he didn't, he saw our desperate need as children to be loved. He poured out his life for us until we could do nothing but fall at His feet and cry out to Him. Abba Father!!! You loved us while we where yet sinners!!! How blessed is His Name!! How much more we desire to please Him, now we have nothing to stop us from turning to Him and putting all our trust in Him!!! That is the meaning of the Scripture when Y'shua teaches: "Ask, and it shall be given to you. Seek, and you shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened to you. For anyone that asks will receive, and that seeks, will find. And to him that knock, it will be opened to him. Or whom among you fathers if his son asks of him for bread, why to him would hold out a rock? And if he asks a fish of him, why to him would hold out a snake? And if, therefore, you who are imperfect know to give good gifts to your sons, how so much more your Father who is in heaven will give good to those that ask Him." (Matthew 7:7-11) GOSPEL: Cain & Abel YHWH's Good News (Gospel) is the Way of truth which is a continuum of revelation of YHWH's intent to redeem fallen man. This plan of redemption is what also provided protection to Cain after he killed Abel. YHWH showed great Grace to Cain after he murdered his brother. Was it not haSatan who put the envy, hatred, evil imaginations and jealousy in Cain's mind against his brother? The Law at this time was a spiritual consciousness, Cain also knew that he had acted on some very wicked thoughts about his brother, but the Gospel was also what kept Cain from being killed by YHWH and YHWH protected him from being killed by others. Everyone on earth would have soon heard of the incident, everyone lived in close proximity to each other and Cain knew that he faced the possibility of someone taking vengeance on him. For Cain to fear for his life indicates that he felt condemnation mixed with guilt for what he did. GOSPEL: Noah In Noah's days it was exceedingly evil upon the whole earth, much like it is today, and the Gospel went like this... get on the boat now...or you'll have to tread water for 150 days without food or fresh water, will you receive "the Gospel" and get on the boat? Here's the Good News. Noah you will invest ONE HUNDRED YEARS building a big boat, and in a hundred years every human being on earth is going to hear about you. When they hear, each one will have the option to come and listen and hear the Good News and turn from their wickedness, or they will perish. GOSPEL: Abraham Abraham got circumcised and entered into Covenant with YHWH, he and everyone in his Gentile household with him. The Gospel went like this... There is ONE ELOHIM, whose Name is YHWH! Don't want to get your foreskin snipped, no problem, but you are cut out of the Promise, you are cut out of the Blessing and you will have no inheritance with YHWH's people. 318 men got circumcised and all their male offspring when they heard "The Gospel from Abraham." Circumcision is a symbol of separating good from evil, a part of the flesh is cut away. "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of YHWH, to do justice and judgment; that YHWH may bring upon Abraham that which he has spoken of him." (Genesis 18:19) Mashiyach is, was and always will be, the WAY! Peter issues a stern warning when he says, "For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than after having known it, to turn back from the Set Apart Commandment that was delivered to them." (2 Peter 2:21) Make NO mistake about it, "the Gospel" and "the Way of righteousness" are synonymous with the Kingdom of Elohim. GOSPEL: Moses Moshe received the "Ten Commandments" written by the Finger of Elohim, now if you had better ideas and went off to kindle a fire on Shabbat, make yourself some barbecued pork, no problem for Moshe, but you would perish. Moshe and all the righteous household of Faith would plead with you to not do it, but ultimately they would let you make your own choices. That was the Gospel according to YHWH revealed by Moshe. You are a sovereign individual, you choose life or death because of your testimony and your obedience or disobedience, YHWH calls everyone to humility and obedience. Moshe preached the Gospel to all the Israelites but in the course of time the Levites who were called to train up the Israelites in Torah turned away from YHWH, "But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the Torah; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says YHWH of hosts. Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law." (Malachi 2:8, 9) GOSPEL: Y'shua Most people on earth have heard a version of the "Gospel of Jesus" through a religious institution, rather than receiving it into their hearts, or having it written on their hearts by the finger of YHWH. Remember when YHWH wrote the Ten Commandments with His finger on stone? Remember when Jeremiah prophesied of the New Covenant and YHWH said that EVERYONE would know him from the least to the greatest? Read Jeremiah 31:31-37 carefully, but for our purposes here please meditate on verse 33 which states: "But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, says YHWH, I will put my Torah in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their Elohim, and they shall be my people." How absolutely beautiful this verse is for those who know Y'shua. Of course this means that the work of the Ruach haKodesh is to write Torah upon our hearts, that Grace would abound because we would NOT break the Law, but would be redeemed from the curse of the law. The curse of the law is for those who choose to turn against YHWH's Torah, remember what happened to Adam and Eve? Remember the curses that YHWH put on them??? Here they are: "Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow you shall bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to your husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam he said, Because you have hearkened unto the voice of your wife, and have eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, You shall not eat of it: cursed is the ground for your sake; in sorrow shall you eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and you shall eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shall you eat bread, till you return unto the ground; for out of it were you taken: for dust you arte, and unto dust shall you return." (Genesis 3:16-19) These are forever reminders for all the human race, they are curses for breaking "the Law", those who pit YHWH's "Law" against the Gospel are following a wicked religion. Without Torah (LAW) there can be no Gospel, it is Torah that reveals how to separate good from evil. About 6,000 years of human experience on this planet witnesses that YHWH's Laws are Just. YHWH's Law provides the parameters for Judgment, Justice, Peace, Equality, Protection of personal liberty and freedom, the protection of the sovereignty of each individual and the protection of everyone's property. To pit the Law against the Gospel is a false Gospel as Rav Shaul clearly teaches: "I am stunned into silence, as if dead, that you have so quickly forgotten Mashiyach who has called you to his grace and gone to another gospel that is non-existent, but there are men who agitated you and desired to pervert the Gospel of Mashiyach. For if us, or even an angel from heaven, preach outside from what was preached to you, let them be cursed. As I said before, so I say again: Whichever man preaches to you outside of what you have received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:6-10) It might well be a very popular motif within the Church systems, nearly every Christian denomination has bought into the use of the term "legalism," however it is unsanctified, unholy and demonic. Anyone who points their finger at another person and suggests that they prefer the Law to the Gospel is extremely ignorant of the motivation of that person. Additionally, Rav Shaul (Paul) says, "Who are you to judge another man's servant?" (Romans 14:4) LEGALISM Part 2 of 5 B) Doctrine of Justification by Works If you've read other articles here at www.mashiyach.com then you may already know some of the Hebrew origins of the word Justification versus the contemporary theology of Justification. But if you haven't, here it is in a nutshell. The word justify and the word righteous come from the same prime Hebrew word Tsadaq, the truth of the matter is that justification is really "applied righteousness," and the question then is how is righteousness applied. The answer is very simple: YHWH TSIDKENU (YHWH OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS) Mashiyach Y'shua ministers to his people according to YHWH Tsidkenu, Y'shua has been, is, and will always be our righteousness but if you sin and refuse to repent, you will die in your sins. Why? Because you've come into agreement with haSatan the destroyer who is the accuser of the brethren, a thief and a liar and you've chosen a lie rather than the truth. Not only will you die in your sins, you will have no atonement and you will have no advocate therefore in the resurrection you will be marked as a supporter of the "other" kingdom. Sorry, but neither you nor any other soul who has ever lived on this planet will enjoy "sin for a season" and then make it into the first resurrection. The fact of the matter is the doctrine of Justification by a belief system alone is also wicked device of the enemy, because it takes obedience as well as belief in order to be saved. The religious element can shout out their doctrines loud and proud but they will NEVER change or reverse what the Word of YHWH has spoken. It is impossible, do NOT believe the religious lie that Salvation is just a mindset, NO, it's a lifestyle and a complete transformation. In other words you must be conformed into the Image of Elohim to make it. You must be "born again", and this term in Hebrew actually literally means to be "Born from the Beginning", yes that means as though you never sinned, as though you were like Adam and Eve before they sinned. Impossible? It's not impossible, but neither is it a cake walk. Your family, friends, boss and mailman might shake their heads at you, even your pastor and your church or synagogue might mock you for following Mashiyach, BUT, the point is that HE MUST LIVE WITHIN YOU. The Spirit of Mashiyach will NOT dwell where sin dwells therefore His righteousness becomes part of you, what does that mean. Well, you are already sitting down so here it comes... you are called to live as Y'shua lived. Be just like Y'shua. Live like Y'shua and his disciples. Do you want to call that works? Only a fool would call LOVE, Peace and Joy something like "works." But wait a minute, what if you observe Shabbat, is that works? For some it is, for others it is FAR from "works". Now who is justified? The one who finds Shabbat a burden, or the one who can't wait for the next Shabbat? I can hardly believe it when people point their fingers at others and call them legalists because they observe Torah. WOW!! Is anyone "justified" by works? Is anyone justified by a cerebral belief system? NO, neither!! "Justification" comes about when a person is living a life that is pleasing unto YHWH and no finger pointing, anti-Torah Christians are most definitely not pleasing unto YHWH while they are servants of sin! Maybe you are starting to see something here already. Justified means to be made just, being just means that a person has applied righteousness to their lives. WORKS, is a word that has come to mean "doing Torah" when in fact it's origin is more of a religious application of tradition, nevertheless, when we are obedient to YHWH's Word it is because He has given us the Grace to walk in His righteousness. Do you see how these two terms are played off against each other? The "legalism" garbage my friend is a doctrine of demons, make NO mistake about it! Do you live as a Christian? Do you steal, cheat on your spouse, lie, covet, drink blood, sacrifice to idols, are you an idolater then? NO you're not because you make very sure that you don't cross that line, and that my friend has come to be defined as "works"? From my in-depth research and study of Torah and the life of Mashiyach I've listed every one of the 613 Laws of Torah and I can show any legitimate Christian that they are already keeping from 65 to 95 percent of "The Law." Yes, the "Old Testament Law," and let me clarify that as Torah; because I've had some Christians actually write me and say they don't need Torah but that they'll just stick with their Bibles. NO, Torah IS your Bible!!! Also from experience with Christian pastors and leaders around the world I have NEVER heard of a Christian tell me that carnal Christians who willfully and repeatedly break the Word of YHWH will get saved. YHWH saves, the revealed name of Mashiyach is "Y'shua," YHWH our Salvation. If you keep Torah you are in very good company. In fact, you might be able to answer this question: Who was it said of that... "you yourself also walk orderly, and keep the law"? Answer: In Acts 21:24 it was Paul the Apostle. The real problem that every Christian faces is what to do when they discover that their church has bought into the number one doctrine of demons, and teaches against Torah. What do you do when Christians point their finger at you and can call you a legalist, simply because you want to live according to the Word of the Living Elohim? Those who have come out from the churches know that it's a sorrowful heartache that's like having their guts ripped out of them. Family members, pastors, old friends start cursing them and laying all manner of unclean and dirty imaginations against those who choose the Faith that was once delivered to the Righteous. Yes "the Righteous" are called the Kedoshim in Hebrew which means "SET APART PEOPLE", it is by Grace alone that you will survive the contempt of your own church people and it is by Grace that you will have the JOY of watching the Ruach haKodesh write Torah upon your heart! Grace is the gift of power to cease from breaking Torah and stand up for what is right! The power of the word "legalism" is simply to put souls in bondage to false religion or to keep them from leaving "the church," but would you rather be imbedded in a church, or be embedded in the Kingdom of Elohim and the fact of the matter is that they are NOT one and the same! LEGALISM Part 3 of 5 C) Exaltation of Law Imagine watching David dancing as the Holy Ark of the Covenant was rolling up to Jerusalem, there David was in a linen ephod dancing like a wild man, the shofarim (trumpets) blasting, the Israelis shouting for joy, and right there beside you is your Christian friends with their arms folded, scowl looks on their faces... LEGALISM they pout!!! An "exaltation of the Law"!!! Solomon said that sometimes, even a whip for the back of a fool isn't going to help them, but nevertheless we are to love those who hate us and bless them that persecute us, pray for them that are in bondage to haSatan and all manner of demon and unclean spirit. Yes, it's popular for Christians to set themselves in an "upper class," above the law. Yes Christo-Paganism has given itself license to openly trash the Word of YHWH and condemn anyone who disagrees with their very bad religious choices. As far as me and my house we will worship YHWH and you better believe that we elevate the Word of YHWH which is Torah, but we don't make an idol out of Torah or use Torah for incantations, nor do we EVER suggest that people will get saved on the merits of their "works" because without Faith it is impossible to please YHWH. We must believe that YHWH is a good Father, and a rewarder of them who diligently seek Him but also that the Word of YHWH became FLESH and dwelt among us. YHWH is the Lawgiver and Mashiyach is the ARM OF YHWH revealed and like Apostle Paul said... "Wherefore the torah is holy, and the Mitzvah (commandment) holy, and just, and good." (Romans 7:12) So let's say your Christian "friends" are anti-Torah and are busy warning you off Torah Observance, well here's a picture. David "bought" Michal (Saul's daughter) with Philistine foreskins, you know the story. Saul conjured up a plan to snuff out David, he used his daughter Michal as a snare for David, so rather than ask for a dowry Saul asked for a hundred Philistine foreskins hoping that David would be killed in the process, but David and his men went out and got 200, YHWH was surely with David. Imagine your boyfriend showing up with a platter of foreskins as a present for your dad and let's face it, David was a warrior (not a certified mohel) every one of those foreskins was from an enemy with the potential of killing David. Michal loved David but somehow she failed to realize the source of his strength, which is why she mocked him for his "exaltation of Law." Because Michal scorned David for his love of Torah (righteousness) she remained barren all her years. So it is with the false church system, anti-Torah Christians who scorn Torah bear no fruits to the Kingdom of Elohim because they do not respect how and what YHWH did through His Mashiyach Y'shua to bring down the enemy. Y'shua proved that YHWH is JUST and His Laws are Holy, Just and Good and that as a loving Father He gives Grace to the humble and resists the proud. Michal represents the false bride, the false church who calls other Christians legalists because they "exalt the Law", the true bride of Mashiyach is careful to observe every Word the proceeds from the Mouth of the Living Elohim, because His Word which is Torah, is true altogether! Most Christians have never been around Torah observant Jews who put their trust in Mashiyach, but I recall a Christian lady saying one time..."they're hugging Y'shua", excuse me, I said??? Yes she said, "when they hug Torah like that they are hugging Y'shua because HE IS THE WORD MADE FLESH." Wow, I thought to myself, she was given a beautiful connection, in the spiritual world this woman could see beyond words on a scroll, to the intent of Torah. She could see that when the Israelites left the bondage of Egypt that YHWH gave them a Covenant of beauty and freedom. YHWH even said: "If you shall hearken unto the voice of YHWH your Elohim, to keep His commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the Torah, and if you turn unto YHWH your Elohim with all your heart, and with all your soul. For this commandment which I command you this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? But the word is very nigh unto you, in your mouth, and in your heart, that you may do it. See, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command you this day to love YHWH your Elohim, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that you may live and multiply: and YHWH your Elohim shall bless you in the land where you are going to possess it. But if your heart turn away, so that you will not hear, but shall be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; I denounce unto you this day, that you shall surely perish, and that you shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither you pass over Jordan to go to possess it. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both you and your seed may live: That you may love YHWH your Elohim, and that you may obey his voice, and that you may cleave unto him: for he is your life, and the length of your days: that you may dwell in the land which YHWH swore unto your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them." (D'varim/Deuteronomy 30:10-20) If you're not Jewish you would be very wise to take this to heart. Remember that these words were also directed to a "mixed multitude" from all the nations who joined with the Israelites to come out of Egypt. Also remember that all these souls were essentially pagans, they were the seed of Avraham but they had been in Egypt for 400 years, they had learned the pagan customs and they practiced sun and man worship. In other words, YHWH brought YOU out of Egypt right along with them. Regardless of your natural birthright, YOU are the one who YHWH wants to cherish, if only you will lift up your voice and worship Him in Spirit and in Truth! Do NOT believe the lie that Torah is for Jews only. Don't believe it whether it comes from Jews or Christians because it is still the same lie. Look at Caleb the Kenezite who wasn't a Jew but who became a most faithful and trusted witness, he was NOT a Jew, but his Faith made him one with Judah, and not only a Jew but he had a "different spirit", he became an example for all other Jews, Israelites and Goy to emulate. Look at Ruth the Moabite, and she became the mother of Mashiyach? From her ancestry came Mashiyach! In other words, YHWH chooses whom He chooses and men can play all the religious and political games they want but they cannot steal your true identity, unless you let them. Torah is freedom and you are either walking in Torah and free from sin or you're not. All the religious posturing and propaganda in the world will NEVER substitute for truth. LEGALISM Part 4 of 5 D) Formula Everyone knows that a formula is a set form of words, or something definite or authoritative or a procedure to be followed or something prescribed for a specific occasion....oops that really sounds a lot like "statement of faith" doesn't it? Yes that's right, this 4th definition is really saying that one formula is better than another formula. In other words when people call you a "legalist", one of the definitions then is that their "formula" is better than your "formula." It doesn't matter how long someone is going to preach their doctrine at you and tell you that they have no "formula", but the fact that they would preach about anything tells you that yes they do have a formula. In fact some people actually go to university for many years to receive credentials so they can authoritatively teach a formulae. Answer this question: What must I do to be saved? BUT, don't give me a formula of any sort!!! Nope, you can't do it, because the minute you open your mouth you will give me a set of things that you believe, even if you just quote Scripture to me and nothing else, it doesn't matter because you will quote the Scripture chronologically according to your formula. On the other hand if you were just to pick up your Bible and give it to me and say "read this"! Ooops, that was your answer, a formula. In other words those who point their finger at your formula are judging your formula and this term "legalism" is simply their way of saying that their formula is better than yours. But really the bottom line here is that the word legalism itself is legalism by it's own definition. Stay with me now we're coming up to the finish line and we're going to win this battle together. Legalism is the theological way of pointing a finger at someone else, but the stakes here are extremely high. The term "legalism" is the trump card for lawless Christians to point their fingers at others and judge others. If anyone ever calls you a legalist because of how you serve the King of all Kings it is very likely that it is not them, but a religious demon inside of them who is accusing you. I won't mention any names but a lot of Christian literature regularly employs the term legalism against other Christians. The source and authority of anyone using this term against another person is satanic, there is no other conclusion that one can come to and I can prove this by natural and spiritual law beyond a shadow of doubt. No organized denominational religious status quo will never label you as a legalist if you follow their formula, as you are accepted by your peers based on their formula. But when you point your fingers at others and call their formula legalism your peers are likely to have broad smiles on their faces because you are showing solidarity with their religious traditions (formulae). Condemnation of other human beings is in fact part of Christian culture, Christians have become Satan's little helpers. Where does it say in Scripture that we must condemn others in order to be saved? Where did Christians learn this ministry of condemnation? "For Elohim sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:17) "Judge not, and you shall not be judged: condemn not, and you shall not be condemned: forgive, and you shall be forgiven:" (Luke 6:37) Don't be calling people legalists unless you want judgment to fall on your own head! LEGALISM Part 5 of 5 E) Red Tape Traditionally, official Vatican documents were bound in red cloth tape and this is also where the 17th to 18th Century British Monarchy got their government tradition from. During the 4th Century all the Roman empire was "made Christian," Rome was the capital for the world's "superpower" that controlled all religious and governmental matters. "Rome" remade it's own religion called Christianity. The heart of Christianity is sun worship, and yet the Protestant reformers did not fall far from the apple tree, which is why all Christian denominations that reject Torah are daughters of the harlot system. Paul issued strict warning to all who have ears to hear: "For the mystery of iniquity does already work: only he who now will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Master shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause Elohim shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." (2 Thessalonians 2:7-12) It would be nearly impossible to epitomize the mystery of iniquity with a better example than the word "legalism" and how it is being used within Christianity today. There is no better way to define religion than "red tape", from the dawn of time YHWH came to His own, He walked in the garden with Adam and Eve and He appears to all who seek Him in Spirit and in Truth according to His Ruach haKodesh. Religion, on the other hand is man's carnal response to YHWH, it makes rules, traditions, buzz words, status quo trends and walls between YHWH and His people. YHWH sent Mashiyach to expose and take down the false traditions of mankind, but many loved the bondage of their traditions far more than they loved the freedom of Truth. What Mashiyach did for us came at a great price and it is because of what he did that we must be empowered to observe Torah by Grace, not of our own strength lest any man should boast. CONCLUSION OF THE MATTER: Based on the Word of YHWH El Elyon, I hereby declare in the authority if His Majesty Y'shua Mashiyach in this written affidavit that the use of the term legalism is a wicked device of Satan. It is not of the Household of Faith. It is a lie against the Truth. I further declare that ample warning has been issued to all Christians and others who read this affidavit that such person's who read this affidavit and continue to use such device as the term "legalist" are culpable of transgressing both the letter and intent of the Word of YHWH by condemning the souls of others. I declare and proclaim on this, the 25th day of October 2007 that the following witnesses of Scripture will bear witness to this affidavit as follows: "Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way." Romans 14:13 "Humble yourselves in the sight of YHWH, and He shall lift you up. Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaks evil of his brother, and judges his brother, speaks evil of the Torah, and judges the Torah: but if you judge the Torah, you are not a doer of the Torah, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who are you that judge another?" James 4:10-12 "Then shall you call, and YHWH shall answer; you shall cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If you take away from the midst of you the yoke, the pointing of the finger, and speaking vanity;" Isaiah 58:9 "Be you also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Master draws nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest you be condemned: behold, the judge stands before the door. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of YHWH, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. You have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of YHWH; that YHWH is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." James 5:8-11 Let Elohim be true, and every man a liar Baruch ben Daniel Signed in the presence and the witness of His Majesty Y'shua Mashiyach according to the Ruach haKodesh YHWH be with you, Shalom U'Vrachot, Baruch ben Daniel ps One telltale passage that legalist accusers regularly employ is a passage from Isaiah 64 that "all of our righteousness is as filthy rags" click here to find out about righteousness and filthy rags. ps if you attend a Christian or Messianic church where your "brothers and sisters" condemn others as "legalists," you are called to come out from among them and be ye separate and touch not the unclean thing. Those who condemn others as legalists are blind leaders of the blind who both fall into the ditch. The Spirit of YHWH also sends strong delusion to self righteous people so they will believe a lie, so they will be judged according to what they say and do against the Household of Faith. "You cannot be partakers of the Master's table, and the table of demons." (1 Corinthians 10:21) http://www.mashiyach.com/legalism.htm LoveA new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another. John 13:34-35 Love is the essential ingredient of life, without love, life on this planet cannot exist. We love ourselves, our mates, our children, relatives, the neighbours, the grocer, and our friends at the Temple, Church or Mosque. Love is everywhere in measure but LOVE isn't purified until the person who loves is willing to "hurt", but why must love sometimes hurt? It's within the definition of LOVE that we understand that true love is based on righteousness. Most would rather take a detour before love causes us pain, but we know we can't, so what is love really then? Most people have some sort of "God Consciousness", whether we believe in and acknowledge YHWH as the Architect Who made all and sustains all. Some call upon Him as HaShem, or God, or "The Lord", or Allah, or the Divine Presence, or the Higher Power, but most souls have a sense of One who is greater than humankind, One who is the author of Love and who put life as we know it together. The Torah mentions the FEAR of YHWH as a requirement of Love towards the Most High YHWH. Certainly the Giver of Life has every right to demand LOVE but the question is, what is the component of love that sometimes hurts? Imagine the 14 year old son who comes home after a bad day and says or does something not so pretty, you've also had a hard day, but what do you do? Do you spar with him? Nope, because you know there are good and bad days and we don't let bad days mess up the good, we uphold a righteous standard. We demand LOVE and RESPECT even when it's not so forthcoming, if we don't, it's not likely that we or those who travel this life with us will be appreciated for who they are in Mashiyach. YHWH DEMANDS love, though it may be difficult to always know the Mind of Mashiyach or the WILL of YHWH, the fact remains that LOVE is the common denominator of LIFE. By the wisdom of LOVE a Jew, Christian, Moslem, serial killer, drug addict, thief, politician or rapist must all yield or come to eventual defeat or misery. Love is the champion of life, because Love is based in Truth, and truth always finds it's way to victory. It pains and grieves our souls when we see people inflamed with hatred against those whom they've never even met, never welcomed each other into their homes, never enjoyed a meal together, never prayed together, because they've been fed hatred by their choice of religion, or money or politics. It grieves the soul when you know of a much better way, we know that if we could apply and demonstrate Love and Justice and work to correct the unfairness in this world, the enemies of Love would grow weary and cease to make war, because they would easily be defeated. When we explore the depths of LOVE, it's obvious that for the sake of YHWH and His Mashiyach, there is going to be pain in this world, some even pay the ultimate price and ride in coffins at a young age because of their belief in the power of love, others are made public examples and tortured or executed for their choice to uphold the values of Love. Two of the most profound examples of LOVE are seen in the lives of Avraham and Sarah. Their names were originally Avram and Sarai, but they entered into intimate relationship with YHWH. Instead of Avram "father of Aram", YHWH named him Avraham, the "Father of Nations", instead of "my Princess" Sarah became "Princess to all". Avraham was an extremely wealthy man, but rather than build himself a showpiece castle, he lived in tents and raised up "trained men" who learned to live and love YHWH. Avraham and Sarah are the spiritual Father and Mother of all who learn the Love of YHWH, YHWH chose them to be examples for us. And what amazing examples they really are, they demonstrated love to all, from all nations, not because the promise that nations would came from them but because YHWH revealed Himself to them. The LOVE OF YHWH was poured into every nation, kindred, tongue and people through Avraham and Sarah. When we treat a stranger as a brother or sister, this is the LOVE Avraham and Sarah taught towards all souls, this is reflected in their names, which is their calling and destiny. It's important to note that Avraham and Sarah had an "H" added to their names, the Hebrew letter "Hai" is the 5th letter of the Hebrew alef-bet, FIVE symbolizes Torah. Torah is the foundation of Love because it defines love and protects it, all the laws, rulings, charges, judgments, statutes etc of Torah uphold Mashiyach, who epitomizes Love. Avraham was an "AHAV", a LOVER of YHWH, the Hebrew does not depict a "friend" or acquaintance, but an intimate relationship. So it is, that if we are LOVERS of YHWH we will also LOVE the souls of the stranger, the sojourner, regardless of their ethnicity or choice of religion. Love hurts at times, it's too easy for those who do not know YHWH, to abuse the institution of Love, by offering love and kindness to others you are "threatening" the institution of the carnal or fallen man. Why would someone be accountable to either Love or Justice if they only know a self serving Love that brings personal Justification? True LOVE is unselfish love, sooner or later unselfish love is going to hurt, because LOVE is TRUTH, and TRUTH is perpetually at war with the lies. The household of Faith doesn't have a choice but to love or make an exit out of the Kingdom of Elohim. YHWH demands LOVE because HE is LOVE. The arrogance of religion says you can't pray or commune with the "outsider", but can people have different religions and still LOVE the Master? It's time to learn how to LOVE ...til it hurts. If you have the strength to love your "enemy", you can be sure that those who reject you will be those of your own religion, it's religion that knows how to hate the enemy and reflect the negative hurt and rejection back to the source from whence they suppose it comes. My beloved, let us love one another: because love is from Elohim; and whoever loves, is born of Elohim and knows Elohim. Because Elohim is love; and whoever does not love, does not know Elohim. 1 John 4:7-8. The fact of the matter is that those who hate are in bondage to death. This is how and why Mashiyach Yeshua is preeminent in all aspects of love and life. If you knew they were going to kill you, and you loved them anyways, what kind of love is this? If you knew that you had the power to forgive your murders, knowing also that some would come to realize their hatred is based on self made religious bondage, would you let them take your life? If you knew that your life would make a better world for many others, could you endure some pain? Wherever we find ourselves in this world, if we love as Mashiyach, we are going to be rejected. Love means to live according to righteousness, justice and equality, by demonstrating the Love of Mashiyach we enter into battle. Why? Because we uphold Love as more worthy than life itself. Elohim is Love. Love came before Life. The Nature of YHWH is both male and female, we know this because the attributes of YHWH are revealed equally in both genders. Elohim said, "Let us make man" and we see this picture of creation when husband and wife choose to have children. Love brings life. We all got on this planet because Elohim is LOVE. Life itself came about because Elohim chose to share His LOVE. Each of us are created with our unique blue, brown or green eyes, contagious smiles and every component within us is a product of love, even the not so nice things we experience help us appreciate and cherish love. Mashiyach warns that the love of many will become cold because of Torahlessness, iniquity will abound. It's remarkable how the corporate, scientific and government worlds have an answer for everything except for love, peace, justice and equality on earth. Isn't it telling how the mind of the evolutionist is so hell bent on doing away with morality and "conscience"? Love came before Life, the evolutionist mind cannot grasp the truth of love being dependant upon righteousness. In other words to have to "suffer" to establish love doesn't fit into the evolutionist equation, the avoidance of pain and suffering is the overall objective of the evolutionist, of course through intellectualism and philosophy one can make oneself believe the moon is made from Swiss cheese, so rather than love they muse about how the strong survive. When looking at Love according to Mashiyach, it's easy to understand how the spirit of man was created to exist eternally, because the spirit of man "in Mashiyach" knows he is given life so he can love, he will not die, because love precedes life itself, love is the substance of Elohim. The spirit of man that continues in "sin" cannot live, because he he has not known love. This is basic stuff and we shouldn't make it more complicated than it is, the point is that the more the world shows disdain for love, the more those who love are going to hurt, this is noted in verses like Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." http://www.mashiyach.com/Meditate/love.htm appointed timesLev 23:1 And ???? spoke to Mosheh, saying, Lev 23:2 "Speak to the children of Yisra'?l, and say to them, 'The appointed times of ????, which you are to proclaim as set-apart gatherings, My appointed times, are these: Lev 23:3 'Six days work is done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a set-apart gathering. You do no work, it is a Sabbath to ???? in all your dwellings. Lev 23:4 'These are the appointed times of ????, set-apart gatherings which you are to proclaim at their appointed times. Lev 23:5 'In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, between the evenings, is the Passover to ????. Lev 23:6 'And on the fifteenth day of this month is the Festival of Unleavened Bread to ???? - seven days you eat unleavened bread. Lev 23:7 'On the first day you have a set-apart gathering, you do no servile work. Lev 23:8 'And you shall bring an offering made by fire to ???? for seven days. On the seventh day is a set-apart gathering, you do no servile work.' " Lev 23:9 And ???? spoke to Mosheh, saying, Lev 23:10 "Speak to the children of Yisra'?l, and you shall say to them, 'When you come into the land which I give you, and shall reap its harvest, then you shall bring a sheaf of the first-fruits of your harvest to the priest. Lev 23:11 'And he shall wave the sheaf before ????, for your acceptance. On the morrow after the Sabbath the priest waves it. Lev 23:12 'And on that day when you wave the sheaf, you shall prepare a male lamb a year old, a perfect one, as a burnt offering to ????, Lev 23:13 and its grain offering: two-tenths of an ?phah of fine flour mixed with oil, an offering made by fire to ????, a sweet fragrance, and its drink offering: one-fourth of a hin of wine. Lev 23:14 'And you do not eat bread or roasted grain or fresh grain until the same day that you have brought an offering to your Elohim - a law forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. Lev 23:15 'And from the morrow after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, you shall count for yourselves: seven completed Sabbaths. Lev 23:16 'Until the morrow after the seventh Sabbath you count fifty days, then you shall bring a new grain offering to ????. Lev 23:17 'Bring from your dwellings for a wave offering two loaves of bread, of two-tenths of an ?phah of fine flour they are, baked with leaven, first-fruits to ????. Lev 23:18 'And besides the bread, you shall bring seven lambs a year old, perfect ones, and one young bull and two rams. They are a burnt offering to ????, with their grain offering and their drink offerings, an offering made by fire for a sweet fragrance to ????. Lev 23:19 'And you shall offer one male goat as a sin offering, and two male lambs a year old, as a peace offering. Lev 23:20 'And the priest shall wave them, besides the bread of the first-fruits, as a wave offering before ????, besides the two lambs. They are set-apart to ???? for the priest. Lev 23:21 'And on this same day you shall proclaim a set-apart gathering for yourselves, you do no servile work on it - a law forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations. Lev 23:22 'And when you reap the harvest of your land do not completely reap the corners of your field when you reap, and do not gather any gleaning from your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the stranger. I am ???? your Elohim.' " Lev 23:23 And ???? spoke to Mosheh, saying, Lev 23:24 "Speak to the children of Yisra'?l, saying, 'In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you have a rest, a remembrance of blowing of trumpets, a set-apart gathering. Lev 23:25 'You do no servile work, and you shall bring an offering made by fire to ????.' " Lev 23:26 And ???? spoke to Mosheh, saying, Lev 23:27 "On the tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. It shall be a set-apart gathering for you. And you shall afflict your beings, and shall bring an offering made by fire to ????. Lev 23:28 "And you do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before ???? your Elohim. Lev 23:29 "For any being who is not afflicted on that same day, he shall be cut off from his people. Lev 23:30 "And any being who does any work on that same day, that being I shall destroy from the midst of his people. Lev 23:31 "You do no work - a law forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. Lev 23:32 'It is a Sabbath of rest to you, and you shall afflict your beings. On the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening, you observe your Sabbath." Lev 23:33 And ???? spoke to Mosheh, saying, Lev 23:34 "Speak to the children of Yisra'?l, saying, 'On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the Festival of Booths for seven days to ????. Lev 23:35 'On the first day is a set-apart gathering, you do no servile work. Lev 23:36 'For seven days you bring an offering made by fire to ????. On the eighth day there shall be a set-apart gathering for you, and you shall bring an offering made by fire to ????. It is a closing festival, you do no servile work. Lev 23:37 'These are the appointed times of ???? which you proclaim as set-apart gatherings, to bring an offering made by fire to ????, a burnt offering and a grain offering, a slaughtering and drink offerings, as commanded for every day - Lev 23:38 besides the Sabbaths of ????, and besides your gifts, and besides all your vows, and besides all your voluntary offerings which you give to ????. Lev 23:39 'On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you gather in the fruit of the land, observe the festival of ???? for seven days. On the first day is a rest, and on the eighth day a rest. Lev 23:40 'And you shall take for yourselves on the first day the fruit of good trees, branches of palm trees, twigs of leafy trees, and willows of the stream, and shall rejoice before ???? your Elohim for seven days. Lev 23:41 'And you shall observe it as a festival to ???? for seven days in the year - a law forever in your generations. Observe it in the seventh month. Lev 23:42 'Dwell in booths for seven days; all who are native Yisra'?lites dwell in booths, Lev 23:43 so that your generations know that I made the children of Yisra'?l dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Mitsrayim. I am ???? your Elohim.' " Lev 23:44 Thus did Mosheh speak of the appointed times of ???? to the children of Yisra'?l. to obey or not?That is a good question. Yahushua didn't come to abolish the law but fulfill it... that means, he took the punishment for our disobedience. It doesn't mean that we can keep breaking the law, just because we no longer have to pay the penalty. Yahushua said those who love him will keep his commands... all of them. Why? because, he wants you to be blessed. In the old covenant, those who obeyed the law received blessings. Those who didn't received courses. Deu 28:1 "And it shall be, if you diligently obey the voice of ???? your Elohim, to guard to do all His commands which I command you today, that ???? your Elohim shall set you high above all nations of the earth. Deu 28:2 "And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of ???? your Elohim: Deu 28:3 "Blessed are you in the city, and blessed are you in the field. Deu 28:4 "Blessed is the fruit of your body, and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your livestock - the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. Deu 28:5 "Blessed is your basket and your kneading bowl. Deu 28:6 "Blessed are you when you come in, and blessed are you when you go out. Deu 28:7 "???? causes your enemies who rise against you to be smitten before your face - they come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. Deu 28:8 "???? commands the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and shall bless you in the land which ???? your Elohim is giving you. Deu 28:9 "???? does establish you as a set-apart people to Himself, as He has sworn to you, if you guard the commands of ???? your Elohim and walk in His ways. Deu 28:10 "And all peoples of the earth shall see that the Name of ???? is called upon you, and they shall be afraid of you. Deu 28:11 "And ???? shall make you to have plenty of what is good, in the fruit of your body, in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your ground, in the land of which ???? swore to your fathers to give you. Deu 28:12 "???? opens to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. And you shall lend to many nations, but you do not borrow. Deu 28:13 "And ???? shall make you the head and not the tail. And you shall be only on top, and not be beneath, if you obey the commands of ???? your Elohim, which I command you today, to guard and do. Deu 28:14 "And do not turn aside from any of the Words which I am commanding you today, right or left, to go after other mighty ones to serve them. Deu 28:15 "And it shall be, if you do not obey the voice of ???? your Elohim, to guard to do all His commands and His laws which I command you today, that all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you: Deu 28:16 "Cursed are you in the city, and cursed are you in the field. Deu 28:17 "Cursed is your basket and your kneading bowl. Deu 28:18 "Cursed is the fruit of your body and the fruit of your land, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. Deu 28:19 "Cursed are you when you come in, and cursed are you when you go out. Deu 28:20 "???? sends on you the curse, the confusion, and the rebuke in all that you set your hand to do, until you are destroyed and until you perish quickly, because of the evil of your doings by which you have forsaken Me. Deu 28:21 "???? makes the plague cling to you until He has consumed you from the land which you are going to possess. Deu 28:22 "???? smites you with wasting disease, and with inflammation, and with burning, and with extreme heat, and with the sword, and with blight, and with mildew. And they shall pursue you until you perish. Deu 28:23 "And your heavens which are over your head shall be bronze, and the earth which is under you iron. Deu 28:24 "???? makes the rain of your land powder and dust; from the heavens it comes down on you until you are destroyed. Deu 28:25 "???? causes you to be defeated before your enemies - you go out one way against them and flee seven ways before them. And you shall become a horror to all the reigns of the earth. Deu 28:26 "And your carcasses shall be food for all the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the earth, with no one to frighten them away. Deu 28:27 "???? shall smite you with the boils of Mitsrayim, with tumours, with the scab, and with the itch, from which you are unable to be healed. Deu 28:28 "???? shall smite you with madness and blindness and bewilderment of heart. Deu 28:29 "And you shall be groping at noon, as a blind man gropes in darkness, and not prosper in your ways. And you shall be only oppressed and plundered all the days, with no one to save you. Deu 28:30 "You become engaged to a wife, but another man does lie with her. You build a house, but do not dwell in it. You plant a vineyard, but do not use its fruit. Deu 28:31 "Your ox is slaughtered before your eyes, but you do not eat of it. Your donkey is violently taken from before you, and it is not given back to you. Your sheep are given to your enemies, with no one to save them. Deu 28:32 "Your sons and your daughters are given to another people, and your eyes look and fail for them all day long, and your hand powerless. Deu 28:33 "A people whom you have not known eat the fruit of your land and all your labours. And you shall be only oppressed and crushed all the days. Deu 28:34 "And you shall be maddened because of the sight which your eyes see. Deu 28:35 "???? smites you in the knees and on the legs with evil boils of which you are unable to be healed, and from the sole of your foot to the top of your head. Deu 28:36 "???? brings you and the sovereign whom you set over you to a nation which neither you nor your fathers have known, and there you shall serve other mighty ones, wood and stone. Deu 28:37 "Thus you shall become an astonishment, a proverb, and a mockery among all the peoples to which ???? drives you. Deu 28:38 "You take much seed out into the field but gather little in, for the locust consumes it. Deu 28:39 "You plant vineyards, and shall labour, but you neither drink of the wine nor gather, for the worm eats it. Deu 28:40 "You have olive trees in all your border, but do not anoint with oil, for your olives drop off. Deu 28:41 "You bring forth sons and daughters, but they are not with you, for they go into captivity. Deu 28:42 "Locusts possess all your trees and the fruit of your ground. Deu 28:43 "The sojourner who is among you rises higher and higher above you, but you come down lower and lower. Deu 28:44 "He lends to you, but you do not lend to him. He is the head, and you are the tail. Deu 28:45 "And all these curses shall come upon you, and they shall pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the voice of ???? your Elohim, to guard His commands and His laws which He commanded you. Deu 28:46 "And they shall be upon you for a sign and for a wonder, and on your seed, forever. Deu 28:47 "Because you did not serve ???? your Elohim with joy and gladness of heart for all the plenty, Deu 28:48 you shall serve your enemies whom ???? sends against you, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in need of all. And he shall put a yoke of iron on your neck until he has destroyed you. Deu 28:49 "???? brings a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flies, a nation whose language you shall not understand, Deu 28:50 a fierce-looking nation, which shows no regard for the elderly nor show favour to the young, Deu 28:51 and they shall eat the fruit of your livestock and the fruit of your land, until you are destroyed. They leave you no grain, nor new wine, nor oil, nor the increase of your cattle or the offspring of your flocks, until they have destroyed you. Deu 28:52 "And they shall besiege you at all your gates till your high and fenced walls, in which you are trusting, come down in all your land. And they shall besiege you at all your gates in all your land which ???? your Elohim has given you. Deu 28:53 "And you shall eat the fruit of your own body, the flesh of your sons and your daughters whom ???? your Elohim has given you, in the siege and distress in which your enemies distress you. Deu 28:54 "The man among you who is tender, and who is very delicate, his eye is evil against his brother, against the wife of his bosom, and against the rest of his children whom he leaves behind, Deu 28:55 against giving any of them the flesh of his children that he eats, because it is all that has been left to him in the siege and distress with which your enemy distresses you in all your gates. Deu 28:56 "The tender and the delicate woman among you, who have not tried to set the sole of her foot on the ground because of her delicateness and tenderness, her eye is evil against the husband of her bosom, and against her son, and against her daughter, Deu 28:57 and against her seed which comes out from between her feet, and her children whom she bears, for she eats them in secret for lack of all, in the siege and distress with which your enemy distresses you in all your gates. Deu 28:58 "If you do not guard to do all the Words of this Torah that are written in this book, to fear this esteemed and awesome Name, ???? your Elohim, Deu 28:59 then ???? shall bring upon you and your descendants extraordinary plagues, great and lasting plagues, and grievous and lasting sicknesses. Deu 28:60 "And He shall bring back on you all the diseases of Mitsrayim, of which you were afraid, and they shall cling to you, Deu 28:61 also every sickness and every plague, which is not written in the book of this Torah, ???? does bring upon you until you are destroyed. Deu 28:62 "And you shall be left with few men, although you had become as numerous as the stars of the heavens, because you did not obey the voice of ???? your Elohim. Deu 28:63 "And it shall be, that as ???? rejoiced over you to do you good and increase you, so ???? does rejoice over you to destroy you and lay you waste. And you shall be plucked from off the land which you go to possess. Deu 28:64 "And ???? shall scatter you among all peoples, from one end of the earth to the other, and there you shall serve other mighty ones, which neither you nor your fathers have known, wood and stone. Deu 28:65 "And among those nations you are to find no rest, nor have a resting place for the sole of your foot. But there ???? shall give you a trembling heart, and failing eyes, and sorrow of being. Deu 28:66 "And your life shall be hanging in suspense before you, and you shall fear day and night, and not be certain of your life. Deu 28:67 "In the morning you say, 'Oh, that it were evening!' And at evening you say, 'Oh, that it were morning!' because of the fear of your heart, with which you fear, and because of the sight which your eyes see. Deu 28:68 "And ???? shall bring you back to Mitsrayim in ships, by a way of which I said to you, 'You are never to see it again.' And there you shall be sold to your enemies as male and female slaves, but no one to buy." A string to rememberAnd the YWHW spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the YHWH, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your Elohim. Numbers 15:37-40 And ???? spoke to Mosheh, saying, "Speak to the children of Yisra'?l, and you shall say to them to make tzitziyot1 on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue cord in the tzitzit1 of the corners. Footnote: 1See Explanatory notes - "Tzitzit" - plural Tzitziyot. "And it shall be to you for a tzitzit, and you shall see it, and shall remember all the commands of ???? and shall do them, and not search after your own heart and your own eyes after which you went whoring, so that you remember, and shall do all My commands, and be set-apart unto your Elohim. Numbers 15:37-40 (ts) After reading this scripture, I thought it was a good idea. We often talk about putting a string on our fingers to remember things, and many christians can be found wearing crosses, and WWJD bracelets - why? I used to do the same thing... because I wanted to have a visible reminder to put G-d first. Those things are great, but if you look at the history... the cross is actually the letter T and was a pagan symbol of the sun god. WWJD? How many people wearing that actually try to do what Y'shua would do? The bible says we are to wear a reminder of G-d's laws, and this verse clearly states what that reminder is: a fringe on the corner of your garment, containing a blue thread. The jews have been wearing them for centuries... and if we truly wanted to do as "jesus" would do, we would wear tassles on the corners of our garments, rather than a bracelet that is worn now more as a fashion statement than an actual reminder of Y'shua. As followers of Y'shua, we have tried to show our faith to others by wearing crosses around our necks, bracelets on our wrists... but these things have fallen into nothing more than an accessory that christains and non-cristians alike wear for nothing more than a fashion statement. A fashion accessory? Hello? I thought these ornaments were supposed to remind people of Y'shua's love for us. Why not go back to the scripture... and show our love for Y'shua publicly, by choosing to wear the tassle with a blue thread on our garments? What could be a more perfect reminder of Yah's love, than to obey his command? He himself said, If you love me, follow my commandments. |