When Tradition Overrides Truth and Reason–Sabbath Thoughts & Reflection-88
When Tradition Overrides Truth and Reason
KJV Mark 7:1 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.
2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.1
3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.1
4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.1
5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.1
(Mar 7:1-9 KJV)
This is Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections—episode 88—When Tradition Overrides Truth and Reason—Shalom and Welcome.
Part-1-When Tradition Overrides Truth and Reason
If you by chance listened to or read the previous two or so episodes of this program, you may recall that I had embarked upon a new chapter in my life and that is relocating to the extreme opposite end of the country to care for my ailing folks. I also mentioned in the previous episode that one of those family members had actually passed away, now going on two-weeks ago. Needless to say, it was quite a jolt to my family and I, especially to me, not expecting the death to occur at all. Things took such a quick turn for the worse within a very abbreviated period of time such that I could not catch my breath before my loved one’s passing became a reality. I was not devastated over the loss, but I was profoundly affected and I have since had my time of mourning and grief and am looking to move forward in life, within the Will of Yahuah my Elohim, carrying with me the memories of my lost loved one.
The loss of my loved one, as sudden and profound as it was to me personally, it did not devastate me as I thought that it might. It did not take long for me to have peace about about the loss, even shortly after learning that he had taken his last breath during the early hours of two-Sunday mornings. The only regret I have was that I was not there physically by his side when he transitioned from this life.
Contrary to the statements and multitude of emotional pronouncements made by various members of the family and friends upon learning of the passing, I of course knew that my loved one’s soul had not gone up to heaven or that he had entered the glory of Jesus Christ. This was the traditional belief of the Baptist Church of my youth: that when one dies, if they have said the sinner’s prayer and are members of the local church and have been baptized in Jesus’ name and live a moderately holy and righteous life (whatever that actually means to individuals in the church), they are destined for heaven and the glory that is Jesus Christ. Of course, those who had not said the sinner’s prayer, who had not affiliated with the local church, had not been baptized and who had continued throughout their lives to live unrighteously (whatever that actually means to individuals in the church), would be destined to spend an eternity in hell. Yet, in all the years that I spent in the Baptist Church of my youth, and despite all of the funerals that I had attended over the course of those years, I had never heard a eulogy or passing words from family and friends condemning such to hell. Even the most ardent anti-church, anti-religion folks were happily assigned to spend eternity in heaven. I am not sure how that could be, given the foundational teachings and doctrines related to heaven and hell in the Baptist Church, but everyone seems to be getting a free pass to heaven and of course, they are said to have fought the good fight and ran that tough race that leads to eternity in heaven, regardless how they lived their life on this planet, or how much they rejected the things of God throughout their lives.
And we’re just talking about the deceased loved one; the ones left behind and how they process and react to the passing is another story altogether. Having been absent from the Baptist Church with all her trappings for 30+-years, I had not thought much about the traditions of the Baptist Church, especially the traditions that encapsulate death and dying. Having been suddenly reintroduced to many of those traditions at the passing of my family member, I found myself catapulted back to a time of innocence when I readily accepted all the things that I was now witnessing transpire in front of me; the traditions; the trappings; the practices; the talk about death and dying. And all these traditions, trappings, practices and talking carry with them the power and authority of the Holy Scriptures and the Baptist Church—or so everyone seems to think.
As I was watching and experiencing all these things transpire before me over the course of a week, I found myself utterly amazed that I had once bought into these things lock-stock-and barrel. And there I was, sitting off to the side, and watching and listening, as these traditions took center-stage and people were tightly embracing and exploiting them to their greatest potential—all seeming to incite and tickle and manipulate the emotions of all in attendance. Indeed, at the end of the proverbial day, it all came down to emotions—everything was based upon emotions. Unfortunately, reason and truth were left outside in the heat of the day, never once being invited in to help bring us mourners to a place of peace and hope and love in Yeshua Messiah. It was an eye-opener for me; yet more so, it was an invaluable experience that showed me just how monolithic and all encompassing traditions were in this region of the country. For no where in the Holy Writ could one find, not even remotely find, the things that the pastors, ministers, teachers and laity were putting forth to the family during their hour of grief. Yet the things that these individuals were serving up to the family and friends of our dearly departed, carried with them the same, if not greater, authority than that which is recorded in the Bible.
Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged
Before I continue, I wish to make it perfectly clear that this reflection is in no way an indictment or judgment against Baptist Christians. Most of the individuals who I witnessed as being part and parcel of the traditions displayed in response to my loved one’s death are well meaning and sincere individuals who happen to be sincerely misguided and blind to the errors of their ways. These various practices and traditions have been passed down from generation to generation and for all practical intents and purposes, these traditions and practices are all they know. They have been trained not to question denominational authority (namely the bishops, pastors and ministers) in any perceived theological matters.
Thus, with this belief and tradition of not questioning the teachings and beliefs of the church, add to that the perceived primacy of the church’s leadership on all things related to the Baptist faith, the folks who are part and parcel of these practices and traditions are essentially in bondage to their religion: it’s just that simple and obvious to me. The tragedy in all this is that few to none of the laity are interested in cracking open the dusty and yellowed pages of their bibles to actually read and understand “thus says Yahuah.” Apart from general laziness, one wonders why, given the importance of church life to the majority of citizens in this region of the country, why does the average lay member refuse to read and or study their bibles? Well, the answer is relatively obvious: the lay members have been trained from virtually birth, that one must have a teacher (namely the Pastor or a minister) to explain the bible to them in order for them to understand what the Creator of the Universe is saying to His people.
Hmmm, this sounds so familiar, doesn’t it? Did not the universal church (i.e., the Roman Catholic Church) during her infancy and even into her adolescence and young adulthood, forbid the laity from reading their bibles; teaching them instead, that all they will ever need to know about things of the faith will be revealed and taught to them by the church leadership? Although nowhere near the dire straits that members of the universal church found themselves facing if they were caught with a copy of the scriptures in their possession back in the day, today, one may possess several copies and translations and or iterations of the Holy Writ, but the church for all intents and purposes discourages her members from reading their bibles outside the doors of their communities’ sanctuaries. Oh, the church may host bible studies and Sunday School classes each week, but the bible passages being studied during those sessions are canvased over with denominational commentary and instructions; so much so that the actual bible passage in question is just a very small side note to the whole study.
So then, it seems pretty obvious to me that there is a firmly ingrained system in full operation here, as there is no doubt a very similar system operating in hundreds if not thousands of communities throughout the Bible-belt and around the nation. Denominational religion fosters traditions that cannot be easily challenged and certainly not overturned, even when truth and reason clearly trumps the viability and sanctity of the dozens of traditions and practices of these churches.
Therefore, who am I to judge or spiritually indict anyone for following the traditions and practices and belief system of their chosen religion, especially in the Baptist Church of my youth? Master taught that making judgments of others is not the job of the Torah Observant Believer in Yeshua Messiah, contrary to what so many in our Faith community practice. Master taught: KJV Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye. (Mat 7:1-5 KJV)
Thus I am convicted to watch my thoughts, words and heart as it relates to the cultural traditions of the people that I grew up around and even participated in. It was by the grace of Abba that the True Gospel message was revealed to me and that the Ruach HaKodesh moved within me to open my eyes and heart to accept those truths. Otherwise, I could just as well be embracing the many traditions and practices of the dear folks that I am now living amongst here in the Southeastern U.S. And let me just say: these are truly dear and genuine (in most cases) people who in many ways, put some of us to shame as it relates to their zeal for their Faith and their love for one another and the god they worship. Despite their lack of understanding of the truth as recorded in our bible and delivered to us by Father’s appointed ones, the lives they live—absent their sinful ways, just like us—speaks volumes about the caliber of individuals they are. I just think in the most wishful and hopeful of ways, that if these individuals were in the position to hear and accept the true Gospel message, oh what mighty warriors would the Kingdom of Yahuah gain!
Tradtions that Snuff Out the Truth
The very thing that came to my mind in the midst of my observing the various traditions and practices of the church and the people in this community, reacting to the passing of my loved one, is the passage of the Brit HaDashah where Master was confronted with a similar reality of traditions that stifle and snuff out Truth, was the event where He confronted the sages and Pharisees over their assigning primacy of tradition over that of Torah.
Yeshua here confronts the so-called sages and Pharisees about their traditions and practices that snuff out the Truth of Torah and the ways of the Creator. Rood’s Chronology places this event on the high-holy day of the Feast of Trumpets (sometime around 9/21/27) in Kfar Nahum. Of course this would seem most appropriate in terms of timing, assuming Rood’s Chronology is accurate, because Trumpets is a reminder of Yahuah verbally delivering Torah to us as we stood at the base of Mount Sinai.
As we stood there, huddled together, trembling at the sights and sounds transpiring before our uninitiated eyes and ears and souls, and knowing from the very depths of our being, that we were having an undeniable encounter with the Creator of the Universe, it became clear that our acceptance of Yahovah’s ways—His Torah—His instructions—was an all or nothing contract that was signed in blood (Exodus 24:8). With that covenant and instruction came also the understanding that we were not to add to or subtract from Abba’s instructions and commandments and that we were simply to trust Him and do according to His Word without question and without compromise. And looking ahead in the future, as Rood writes: “…the Almighty promised to send The Prophet in the future to show us the true path.” (Rood, Chronological Gospels)
The passage reads: “Then sages and Prushim, which were from Yerushalayim, came to Yahoshua saying, ‘Why do your disciples transgress the takanot of antiquity (i.e., the traditions of the elders in the authorized versions), because they do not wash their hands when they eat bread?’ Yahoshua answered them, ‘Why do you transgress the commandment of Yahovah by your takanot (i.e., for the sake of your traditions you bypass the commandments of Yahuah)? For Yahovah commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and mother, and he that curses father or mother shall be put to death.’ But you say, ‘Whoever shall say to his father or mother that whatever support they might have received from him is corban [a gift dedicated to the Temple], he is free [from his responsibility to care for his parents].’ In so doing, he does not care for his father or his mother. Thus, you have made the commandment of Yahovah of no effect by your takanot. You hypocrites! Well did Yeshayahu prophecy of you, saying, ‘These people draw near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men (reference: Isaiah 29:13).’” (Matthew 15:1-9, Rood’s Chronology)
The companion passage to this is found in Mark 7, with the added flavor of verse 9, “With full knowledge you reject the commandment of Yahovah that you may keep your man-made takanot.” (Rood’s Chronology) Here, Master was insinuating that these so-called experts of Torah and of course the Talmud knew very well that they were not following and teaching Torah but instead takanot—tradition-man made laws, all which they extolled with the same authority if not greater authority than Torah.
Indeed, the Pharisees of Churchianity haven’t changed much apart from their established systems of worship and belief systems, for they still wreak havoc upon the millions of followers that have entrusted unto them their very souls. For many of the church leaders have gone through formal training in various seminaries and have been taught church history and have no doubt read through the bible a few times, yet they continue to prop up the traditions and practices of the Baptist Church: Sunday worship; rejection of Torah; and the doctrines surrounding death and dying just to name a few. Yet the people, the worshipers and lay-folks, are fully asleep at the wheel and not in a spiritual and intellectual position to read their bibles from a contextual, historical and literal sense such that the light of Yahuah’s Word shines down upon them and completely turns their worlds upside down.
It can happen. It has happened to each and everyone of us. It takes the planting of the seeds of the true Gospel and a move of the Holy Spirit to topple the traditions of men and free the people from the bondage of religiosity.
Now the things that readily came to mind as I observed and watched the people in the community and of the church rally around members of my family, were varied yet consistent and common amongst all in attendance. Allow me to mention and comment on just a few of those traditions and practices that defy scripture and the instructions of Father:
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- The singing of songs during the funeral service that mislead the attendees and incite an emotional response that has very little to do with the leading of the Holy Spirit or the True Gospel message and Father’s instructions. Two such songs that elicited a great deal of emotional outpouring from the attendees were entitled “God is on your side” and “May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me.” Both songs were founded almost entirely upon the hijacked doctrine of “grace” that espouses all one has to do to receive God’s favor is affiliate with the church in one form or another and sort of live a good life (whatever that truly looks like) and God will be on your side (whatever that looks like) and when you die, you will go to heaven. Nothing is ever mentioned in either of these songs that one adheres to a life of Faith in Yeshua Messiah and live Torah as Master taught us. It’s, do the best you can, affiliate with a church, and you are good to go. And when things get tough, God will be on your side. Seems as though the lyricists failed to read and understand Deuteronomy 28 and 29, blessings to be had for obedience and curses to be expected for disobedience, respectively. Despite teachings to the contrary by churchianity, the principles of these two chapters still apply to every self-professing follower and believer in Yeshua Messiah.
- He is in heaven looking down upon us and he has entered into the glory of Jesus Christ, despite him having no interest whatsoever in things of God throughout much of his life. Again, I am not judging my loved one and any possible relationship he may or may not have had with Father. All I know is that he was not a Spirit-Filled Torah Observant Believer in Yahoshua Messiah. I have no idea if he will spend eternity in the Kingdom of Yahovah, that’s left up to Master. But I do know that he is not in heaven looking down upon anyone. Scripture seems very clear as it relates to what happens to us when we die: 7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. (Ecc 12:7 KJV) Ecc 3:20 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Job 34:15 All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust. Ecc 3:21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? Gen 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. Zec 12:1 The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. Job 34:14 If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath; Psa 90:3 Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men. Psa 103:14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. When we die, whether we die in the will of our Creator or not, our bodies and souls cease to be living and functioning entities and the breath of life goes back to the Creator who gave it in the first place. Pure and simple. And as sad and in some cases as disappointing as this may sound to the uninitiated who’ve been taught for generations that believers when they die go immediately to heaven, the truth still remains and no tradition or forced docrine can alter Yah’s Truth. Yet, we have a hope that is found in the coming resurrection and the advent of the Kingdom of Yahovah here on earth. I of course reflect back to Shaul’s letter to the Assembly of Believers in Corinth where he wrote of death: 12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. (1Co 15:12-28 KJV) And furthermore, the mystery of what will happen to us after we die at the time of the resurrection is revealed in the Cepher of Revelation: 7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. 8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.1 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. (Rev 5:7-10 KJV) Now some might contend that a belief in the doctrine of death and heaven are harmless and without consequence. I beg to differ. This lie has led and continues to lead millions down a path towards destruction for under this teaching and doctrine and tradition, there is no need to obey the instructions of Yahuah our Elohim and one gets to spend an eternity in heaven simply by having their names written on the local church’s roster of members and maybe saying the sinners’ prayer and getting dunked in some water. In fact, one can live however he or she chooses because God’s grace is all encompassing and there is no expectations whatsoever for us to live in accordance with the will and purpose of Yahuah. Talk about a dangerous game the leaders of these churches are playing with the lives of their members. And since being here, I have engaged at least one individual on this issue of death and dying and the resurrection of the dead, giving them my position on the subject based upon what the Bible teaches and that individual flat out told me that they choose to believe what they want to believe and that the rest of us can believe what we want to believe. Well, what can one say to that other than, so be it?
- Rearranging furniture in the home so that if the spirit of the loved one returns, he or she won’t recognize the place and will leave, I guess. Well, what else is there to say other than: what????!!!!
- The taking Scripture out of context and applying them as handy soundbites to the situation at hand: namely, to allay the family’s grief and mourning. The one passage that was used quite often throughout the funeral service was the passage: “Weeping endures for a night but joy comes in the morning (Psm 30:5).” This psalm of David spoke to David’s dire situation that He was trusting Father to deliver him from. Here this verse has been stripped from its contextual meaning and applied to the mourning of a deceased individual. The whole practice of taking scripture out of context and applying them to situations so that the people can be moved from a state of mourning to that of peace, hope and ultimately joy to me brings mixed feelings. I get the noble effort to lighten the emotional burden of those who are suffering using whatever techniques one can muster. Yet does the means always justify the ends? The bible was never meant to be an emotional and situational pharmacy as churchianity has over the centuries made it. The scriptures were given to us as a manual of instruction such that we have recorded for our convenience the elements necessary to live in accordance with the ways of Yahuah our Elohim (reference: John 13:15; Hebrews 4:11; 8:5; James 5:10; I Peter 2:21; Jude 1:7). Nevertheless, I see how such practices not only are inherently wrong at various levels, but that such practices serve to nullify the Word of Yahuah and lead people away from and off the straight gate and narrow path/way (Matthew 7:14).
- There was no encouragement of people to be obedient to the Word of Yahovah. If anything, the emphasis was that we stay the course in whatever station we currently exist in our lives, for God overlooks our situation and supplies our eternal needs. Indeed, Abba does supply our many needs and at times even our desires. However, living outside the will of Yahuah and continuing to live whatever way we want to live, is not going to spiritually prosper us and it certainly is not going to bring about eternal life.
- The play on emotions using music followed by carefully crafted and stirring words of encouragement and optimism pushed aside the vital truths of Yahovah. In fact, everything that occurred seem to be aimed at manipulating and controlling one’s emotional reactions to the passing of our loved one. What I have come to realize and understand, all of which is foreign to much of churchianity that places so much emphasis upon the emotions of the membership, is that emotions have nothing to do with the True Faith once delivered. The True Faith once delivered is all about Spirit and Truth and emotions is a byproduct of being human. We’ve been called to transcend the carnal and ascend towards the spiritual. Emotions, although one cannot nor should they completely discard them from their lives, must be held in check at all times unless they are to be employed by the Ruach Kodesh. Hasatan is a master at manipulating our emotions. Sadly, emotions have the tendency of getting the best of us and at times, in extreme cases, derailing us from the purpose and will of Yahovah. Now, I am not saying that we somehow destroy or discard our emotions and become like Borgs. No indeed. What I am saying is that Truth and Tradition must always be front and center at every turn of our lives. I have done more harm than good throughout my walk with Messiah by allowing my emotions to get the best of me which only serves to take control away from the Ruach Kodesh in my life and hand over control to self. Emotions have their place in our lives; we just have to figure out the proper times and situations in which emotions are best displayed and used.
Closing Thoughts and Reflections
Now this is certainly not intended to be an exhaustive treatment of the many traditions and practices of the Baptist Church and her members and how those traditions and practices and doctrines override truth and reason. Such a thing would go into hours of discourse and discussion and I would still not fully exhaust the subject or do the subject full justice. I simply wanted to highlight a few of the more prominent traditions and practices that I recognized seemed to override truth and reason. I invite you to consider some of the things that I have mentioned here and maybe compare and contrast them with the things that you have experienced and witnessed in your life prior to coming in to the Truth or even during your current walk with Messiah.
So then, what? What am I to do with the things that I have mentioned here in this episode of Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections? Why does any of this matter? Certainly some would feel and suggest that the people I described in this post have made their spiritual beds, let them lay in them. Others may see a shake the dust from your feet and move on to the the next opportunity type situation here and why give any further thought to the matter or these people.
I see things a little different. I see opportunity. I see an opportunity to share my Faith with the people of this community despite the massive opposition and traditions and beliefs and practices that are sure to cause me a great deal of grief. Indeed, I anticipate that there will come a great number of those shake the dust from your feet moments throughout my sharing opportunities, but I fear that I cannot exist in this environment and not somehow show the True Messiah in me through uncompromising Spirit-Filled Torah Living the way Master taught us and seizing upon teaching opportunities as the Ruach presents the opportunities. What seeing these traditions being practiced and manifested before me these last few weeks has prompted me to do is to delve deeper into the Word of Yahovah—deeper than I have ever done before. I am intending to spiritually equip myself for the work of the Kingdom while it is still day (John 9:4).
Prior to relocating here, my life in Southern California as a Netsarim was pretty cut and dry: I associated only with fellow Netsarim and I tried to carry myself as a Netsarim during the course of my workdays. My ways did not clash with those around me for the most part. Now, being here in the liberal bible belt (and yes, I did say liberal bible belt because people here have very liberal political leanings despite those liberal leanings being in conflict with the ways of Yahovah—I simply chalk this up to culture and tradition) where the citizens here reject Torah and the True Gospel and tightly hold to their traditions, I am faced with having to be perfect in my walk and ready at every turn to give an explanation to any who would ask me about my Faith and why I do the things I do and believe what I believe. Peter, in his first general epistle wrote of such an existence: 8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:1 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.1 13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:1 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. (1Pe 3:8-17 KJV)
It is my hope that these thoughts and reflections will bring us closer together as fellow Netsarim and that my experiences and observations will be of help to someone who is in some type of spiritual need. Again, I do not pretend to have all the answers nor am I a Torah expert or teacher: I’m simply a Netsarim just like you trying to live and do the Will of our Father and looking forward to that blessed hope. Shaul wrote to his evangelist apprentice Timothy: 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;1 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. (Tit 2:13-15 KJV)
Have a blessed and powerful week in Messiah—walk in the power and might of His Ruach HaKodesh and Abba willing, let us fellowship at the next Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections. Shavuatov. Shalom.
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The Blood Moon Controversy With a Side of Shmittah I. Introduction This Monday, September 28, 2015, a total lunar eclipse will be visible over Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas. This event is projected to last 1-hour 11-minutes. In Israel the eclipse...
Serve the LORD–Torah Living Daily Challenge–Parashah 47 Part 6
SERVE THE LORD Torah Living Daily Challenge The 4th aspect of Moshe’s admonishment to us from verse 4 of the 13th chapter in most modern translations and verse 5 of the CJB is that we serve Yahovah. In the KJV, the term “serve” is used some 193-verses. The term...
Blood Moons–Feast of Trumpets–Grace Revisited–Part 3 of Grace and the Law Series–STAR 29
Blood Moons--Feast of Trumpets--Grace Revisited Part 3 of Grace and the Law Series Day 27 of the 6th Biblical Month, also known as the month of Elul in Jewish circles. Creator's Calendar versus the Jewish Calculated Calendar. Choose your calendar. About 3-days or less...
Listen to What the Father Says–Part-5 of Parashah 47
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By Grace are you Saved–Grace and the Law Part 2
By Grace are You Saved Part 2 of the series: Grace and the Law In part one (1) of this series entitle Grace and the Law, we critically looked at some of the key bible passages that our cousins in fundamental and charismatic churchianity (or Christianity...
Listen to What God Says–Torah Living Daily Challenge–Parashah 47 Part 5
Listen to What God Says Torah Living Daily Challenge--Parashah 47 Part 5 We are commanded to listen to what Yahovah says as recorded in Deuteronomy 13: 5. What does that look like to us living in the 21st century? 15 ¶ All the people experienced the thunder,...
By Grace are you Saved–Grace and the Law, Part 2–STAR 28
By Grace are you Saved--Part 2 of the multi-episode series on Grace and the Law Supreme Court Ruling on Gay and Lesbian Unions Blog Post We're roughly 10-days out from Yom Teruah, or Day of Trumpets, or in Jewish circles, Rosh HaShanah The Creator's...
Obeying God’s Commandments–Torah Living Daily Challenge–Parashah 47 Part 4
Obeying God’s Commandments Torah Living Daily Challenge—Parashah 47 Part 5 Remaining in verse 5 of the 13th chapter of Deuteronomy, I want to examine the second directive and that is to “obey His mitzvot” (or rather, “obey his commandments”). What does that look like...
Grace and the Law–Hasn’t the Law Been Done Away With?–Part 1–Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections 27
Grace and the Law Hasn't the Law Been Done Away With? That Which Separates Us Those of us in the Hebraic Roots of the Christian Faith (Messianic Believers in Y’shua Messiah; Torah Observant Believers in Y’shua Messiah) are comparatively the smallest of...
Christianity and Biblical Inspiration–Understanding the Bible Part 4–STAR 26
Christianity and Biblical Inspiration Introduction This will be part 4 of the series generally subtitled "Understanding the Bible." Today's title is "Christianity and Biblical Inspiration." Certainly one of the most familiar phrases known by Bible readers and...
Babylon Rising and the First Shall be Last–Rob Skiba–Messianic Torah Observer Book Review
I came across Rob Skiba this past May while attending his breakout session at the 2015 United in Torah Conference in San Diego, California. I had never heard of Rob Skiba prior to attending the conference. Since coming into the Faith I had for all-intents-and-purposes...
Idolatry-False Prophets and Teachers–Clinging to the Father–Torah Living Daily Challenge–Parashah 47–Part 3
Idolatry-False Prophets and Teachers-and Clinging to Father Deuteronomy 12:28-13:19 Picking up where we left off in parashah 47, we come upon this portion that addresses three key issues: (1) the consequences associated with inquiring after the gods of those nations...
The Prayer Shawl Controversy-Part 1–STAR 25
The Prayer Shawl Controversy--Part 1 In recent months we've noticed a rather disturbing trend taking place in traditional Christianity, especially in the more charismatic circles of the Christian Faith. As more and more adherents/believers/Christians, if you will, are...
Where Do You Worship Yahovah?–Torah Living Daily Challenge–Parashah 47–Part 2
Where Do You Worship Yahovah Deuteronomy 12:10-28 Continuing on in my Torah daily Torah studies, beginning with verse 10 and reading through verse 28, Yahovah provided us clear instruction as to where “Central Station Worship” would be. At this early juncture, that...
Torah: Is it liberty or bondage?
There is a beautiful doe that has chosen our "back four" as her favorite place to give birth to her baby every year. Why here, is anybody's guess, but it seems she feels safer on our fenced property in the underbrush of a dry creek bed than she does in the forest,...
Blessings and Curses–Part 1–Parashah 47 (See)–Torah Living Daily Challenge
Blessings and Curses Part 1 I had somewhat of a short week this past week as I was returning from attending to a family emergency on the East Coast. I sort of alluded to this situation in my last podcast entitled Defeating Satan. If you’ve not had the opportunity to...
Blessings and Curses–Stuck in the Middle–STAR 24
Blessings and Curses Stuck in the Middle Why did Father drill in our heads in anticipation of entering the land of promise--over and over--the idea of blessings to be had if we stayed/remained in His Torah and curses if we strayed from His Torah? I have some thoughts...
Defeating Satan–Sabbath Thoughts & Reflections 23
Defeating Satan Matthew 4 and Luke 4 record Satan's tempting of Y'shua (Jesus) in the wilderness and how Y'shua was able to overcome those temptations. This event provides the Torah observing believer in Y'shua Messiah with an example and prescription for defeating...
The Bride of Christ (Messiah) Part 2–STAR 22
The Bride of Christ (Messiah) Part 2 is the second part of a two-part discussion between Hilary and Rod on the subject. Who or what is the Bride of Christ (Messiah)? This is the central question that demands an answer that most believers are not clear on....
The Bride of Christ–Part 1–Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections 21
What did Shaul and John mean when they made reference to the bride of Christ? Were they referring to the Church Triumphant? Were they referring to individual born again Christians? Hilary and I discuss this important element of our Faith in the first of a two-part...
Occupying Territory–Parashah 46 Part 7
Occupying Territory Deuteronomy 11:22-25 This passage brings us to the end of Parashah-46. As it has been throughout this lengthy portion, we see again Moshe's admonishment that we love Adonai our God. This concept of love in the Ancient Near East continues to be...
The Great Commandment–Torah Living Daily Challenge–Parashah 46 Part 6
The Great Commandment Deuteronomy 11:10-21 Verse 10 gave us a glimpse of the many features associated with our pending inheritance. One of those features included the fertileness of the land. Yahovah compared the fertileness of the land of Canaan compared to Egypt,...
The Messianic Declaration of Independence–Sabbath Thoughts & Reflections 20
The Messianic Declaration of Independence InfoWars on Americans' knowledge of history and Independence Day. Galatians 5:1 Matthew 23:23-34 The Opening of the Declaration of Independence When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to...
Barna Group on Same Sex Marriage
The Barna Group Reports on Same-Sex Marriage I came upon these statistics published by the well established and respected Barna Group, regarding the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage. I found these statistics not so surprising I must admit and it...
The Supernatural, Evil and Darkness of our Day–Torah Daily Living Challenge
Last week SCOTUS (Supreme Court of the United States) legalized same sex marriage in all 50-States of union; a week ago, a crazed, seeming racist young man shot and killed 9 men and women attending a bible study in a black-church in Charleston S.C.; last month rioters...
Willing Obedience is a True Act of Love–
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God’s Law Written on our Hearts–Parashah 46 (Part 4)
God's Law Written on our Hearts Deuteronomy 10:1-12 Moshe regales the time past when Yahovah instructed him to come up the holy mountain with two tables of hewed stone, similar to the ones that Yahovah provided in the first time. (Reference Exo. 34:1, 2) Prior to...
“Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads”? (Deuteronomy 6: 6-8)
What do you think YHWH (Yahweh) meant by: "Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads"? Deuteronomy 6: 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home...
The Supernatural, Evil and Darkness of our Day–STAR 19
The Supernatural, Evil and Darkness of our Day This week SCOTUS (Supreme Court of the United States) legalized same sex marriage in all 50-States of union; a week ago, a crazed, seeming racist young man shot and killed 9 men and women attending a bible study in a...
The Supernatural and Evil–Torah Living Daily Challenge
The Supernatural and Evil This month of June in the year 2015 may mark on of the worst months on record for the proliferation of evil throughout the world. Word on the street is that the Supreme Court of these United States will rule on same sex marriages sometime...
Who Do You Think You Are?-Torah Living Daily Challenge-Parashah 46 Part 3
Who Do You Think You Are? Deuteronomy 9:4-29 Verses 4-6 of part 3 of parashah 46 sort of puts us in our respective places, so to speak. Moshe reminds us thusly: "Don't think to yourself, after your God has pushed them out ahead of you (speaking of the nations...
Remembering God–Torah Living Daily Challenge (Parashah 46 Part 2)
Remembering God Deuteronomy 8:11-9:3 Part 2 of Parashah 46 (Because) reminds us to "Be careful not to forget Adonai (i.e., Yahovah) your God." (verse 11). How is it even possible to forget the Creator one could ask, at least that was the question in my mind initially....
TLDC-2–Read Torah Daily and Obey (Parashah 46 Part 1)
Deu. 7:12-8:10--Read Torah Daily and Obey Commentary Continuing my foray into Torah, I've come to this Torah portion, #46, day 1, entitled "Because." For the newbies among us, every Torah portion takes from the first verses of that portion a descriptive word that...
A Conversation with Chaim Goldman–STAR 18
Join me as I converse with Chaim Goldman of Repairing the Breach Ministries. You will be blessed.
What’s the difference between a “Greek” and a “Hebrew” mindset?
What is the difference between a Greek and Hebrew mindset? Have you ever thought about what it means when someone tells you you have a "Greek mindset?" Well, "Hebrew mindset" and the "Greek mindset" refers to the fact that there is a difference in their respective way...
What is Torah? – The condensed version!
What is Torah? Here is a condensed explanation. YHWH (God the Father) created everything, including Man. He commanded all living things - the birds, fish and animals - to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:21-25). He gave man some rules to follow as well. That is...
Questionnaire for our Christian friends
Shalom, everyone! My name is Carmen and I love to help people become Torah observant! To help you along the way, I have made up this questionnaire for our Christian friends. Enjoy! QUICK INTRODUCTORY QUESTION: Is it really true that to gain eternal life, all we have...
STAR 17–My Discussion with Author and Messianic Teacher Carmen Welker Part 2
Carmen Welker discusses her ministry--what The Refiner's Fire is all about and how it is impacting the Christian and Jewish communities.
STAR 16–A Discussion with Carmen Welker Part 1
STAR 16--A Discussion with Carmen Welker (Part 1) Shalom Saints! Check out Carmen's Webites and Associated Ministry: The Refiner's Fire Reality Check TV The Aramaic English New Testament
STAR 15–Understanding the Bible Part 3–A Question of Inspiration or Perspiration
Understanding the Bible Part 3—A Question of Inspiration or Perspiration What is the Bible? As it relates to the Bible, how many of you have heard the Bible described and labeled as the Holy Bible? What about the bible as the “unadulterated Word of God?” How bout...
STAR 12–Understanding the Bible Part 2 (Why Should Believers Read Their Bibles)
Understanding the Bible Part 2--Why Should Believers Read the Bible? Opening Scripture Passage: Hos 4:1-6 KJV The Moedim Conference--United in Torah--May 1-3, 2015 in San Diego, CA. Featured Guests: Psalmstress Elisha Rico Cortes--Founder Wisdom in Torah Ministries...
Torah Living 50–Understanding the Bible (Is the Church Suffering from Biblical Illiteracy?)
Introduction What is the bible? Some would contend the bible to be the “unadulterated Word of God.” Others would similarly contend that the bible is NOT the word of God per se, but rather it contains the Word of God. Others would say that it is an instruction manual...
STAR 11–Understanding the Bible or Is the Church Suffering from Biblical Illiteracy?
Understanding the Bible Part 1--Is the Church Suffering from Biblical Illiteracy? What is the bible? Some would contend the bible to be the “unadulterated Word of God.” Others would similarly contend that the bible is NOT the word of God per se, but rather it contains...
Sabbath Thoughts & Reflections 10–The Day of Firstfruits or the Wave Sheaf Offering
9 ¶ Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 10 "Speak to the sons of Israel, and say to them, 'When you enter the land which I am going to give to you and areap its harvest, then you shall bring in the sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest....
Torah Living 49–The Day of Firstfruits or the Wave Sheaf Offering
Yom Bikkurim or the Day of Firstfruits This Feast of Firstfruits in Hebrew is referred to as Yom HaBikkurim (meaning the Day of the First ripe fruits of a crop) or the Day of the Wave Sheaf. On this day, the cohen (aka priests) would wave a sheaf of the first fruits...
Mentally Preparing for Passover
6 aYour boasting is not good. bDo you not know that ca little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough?7 Clean out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our aPassover also has been sacrificed.8 Let us therefore...
STAR 8–Preparing for Passover Mentally, Physically and Spiritually
Preparing for Passover Mentally, Physically and Spiritually Preparation is a key factor in getting the fullest possible spiritual, cognitive and physical benefit from the Feasts. Failure to adequately prepare in every aspect of our being could lead to a less-than...
Because you are Obedient Part 3–Forgetting Yehovah
Picking up in Chapter 8, verse 11, we find that we are commanded not to forget Yehovah our Elohim. The passage reads: 11"Beware lest you aforget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments and His ordinances and His statutes which I am commanding you today;...
Because you are Obedient to Torah Part 2
Picking up from the previous section of Deuteronomy 7:12-8:10: 7:12--there is a 3-part requirement related to Torah observance: (1) listen (i.e., to shama or to hear); (2) keep (i.e., to watch and preserve); and (3) obey (i.e., to do them). What we have here is a...
Because you are Obedient to Torah-Part 1
Because you are Obedient to Torah (Part 1) Greetings Saints, My Daily Torah studies took me to D'varim 7 (Deut 7). Beginning at verse 12, we find Moshe speaking to the nation of Israel from a reassuring perspective. He'd already established the need for them to keep...
Episode 6–Hilary Thomas on the Hebraic Roots of the Faith
Calendar--March 14, 2015--23rd Day of the 12th Biblical Month 6014 (aka: Adar 5775) This past week, according to Rood's "The Chronological Gospels--The Life and 70-Week Ministry of Yeshua Messiah," Yeshua travels to the city of Ephraim as found in John 11:54: "Because...
Standing Up To The Christian Bullies Part 1
Standing Up to the Christian Bullies Part 1 Commentary on "Hebrew Roots Heresy" Facebook Page One of the posts on this site rails upon Hebraic Roots advocating Christian believers being Torah Observant. This post went out of its way to insist that the New Testament...
Sabbath Thoughts 5–Standing up to the Christian Bullies Part 1
Calendar--March 8, 2015--16th Day of the 12th Biblical Month 6014 (aka: Shevat 5775) This past week, according to Rood's "The Chronological Gospels--The Life and 70-Week Ministry of Yeshua Messiah," Lazarus is raised from the dead on Purim. Recorded in John 11:17-53...
Two of Purim’s Greatest Secrets
Happy Purim! Well, here we are in the Month of March which translates to the 12th Biblical Month or the Month of Adar as recorded on the Rood “Astronomically and Agriculturally Corrected Biblical Hebrew Calendar.” At the time of this post it will be the beginning of...
Sabbath Thoughts & Reflections 4–7 Reasons Why Hebraic Roots Over Mainstream Christianity
Calendar--March 1, 2015 This past week, according to Rood's "The Chronological Gospels--The Life and 70-Week Ministry of Yeshua Messiah," Miriam and Martha sent emissaries to Yeshua to report on the dire situation of their brother Lazarus. Passage found in John...
Why Hebraic Roots–An Ongoing Debate–Post 1
Why Hebraic Roots The Messianic/Hebraic Roots of the Christian Faith focuses on what the Father truly has to say to us. Thus, in order to understand what it is the Father has to say to us, it is vital that we somehow come to a place in our lives, existence, etc.,...
Sabbath Thoughts & Reflections 3–Dealing with Naysayers
Calendar--February 21, 2015 Renewed moon was sighted over Israel--New moon sighted from Jerusalem on Feb 20, 2015 by Gil Ashendorf at 5:54pm and Devorah Levine at 5:57pm. The photo at the top of this message was taken by Devorah Levine from Jerusalem.We will be...
Grieve the Holy Spirit?
Don't cause grief to God's Ruach HaKodesh, for he has stamped you as his property until the day of final redemption. (Eph 4:30 CJB) It comes down to us simply giving in to the leading of the Ruach Kodesh in every aspect of our lives. Things are not always going to go...
Doctrine of Baptisms
Doctrine of Baptisms Having just posted the latest episode of Sabbath Thoughts and Reflections where my focus was on baptism or the Doctrine of Baptisms as mentioned in Hebrews 6, a full day later I'm just as fired up about this topic as I was when I recorded and...
Sabbath Thoughts #2
Sabbath Thoughts #2--Baptism and Teachers Calendar--February 14, 2015--the West is celebrating St. Valentine's Day 24th Day of the 11th Biblical Month 6014 (aka: Shevat 5775) Upcoming Feasts and Messianic Celebrations Purim--Est. 03/06/2015 or 14th day of the 12th...
TL-46-Sabbath Thoughts & Reflections–Who’s Your Daddy?
Sabbath Thoughts & Reflections for February 7, 2015 Calendar 11th Biblical Month 6014, 17th day Upcoming Feasts and Messianic Celebrations Astronomically & Agriculturally Corrected Biblical Hebrew Calendar--Michael Rood Firstfruits--Est. 04/12/2015, or 22nd...
TL 45-We Must Deal with the Stronghold in our Life
We Must Deal with the Stronghold in our Life The Challenge--Causes of Strongholds What is a stronghold? The true, exegetical explanation of strongholds as I've learned this past Sabbath through Arthur's message and my own studies of the chapter has completely...
Yeshua teaches in the Dead Sea Valley During the Winter of 27 CE–Part 1–Prayer and the Disciple of Messiah
My Torah studies have stopped for a time to examine portions of the Gospel that correlate to this time of the year as it relates to the Creator's Calendar. During this period, the Master is believed to have been teaching His disciples in the Dead Sea region as winter...
Hanukkah’s Greatest Hidden Secrets Part 2
Part 2--A Case of Anti-Jewish/Anti-Hebrew Sentiments Leading to Christianity's Profound Ignorance On the Keeping of Easter--From the Letter of the Emperor to all those not present at the Council (Found in Eusebius, Vita Const., Lib. iii., 18-20) Jude 1:4 speaks to...
Deuteronomy 7:8–The Everlasting Love of Yehovah–Part 1
My Torah studies have brought me to Deuteronomy 7:8 which reads thusly (by the way, I attached verse 7 to verse 8 to ensure a complete thought and complete sentence): CJB Deuteronomy 7:7 ADONAI didn't set his heart [His love-chashaq] on you or choose you because you...
Torah Living 44–Hanukkah’s Greatest Secrets, Part 1–Context, context, context
I posted this audio blog episode specifically for our sister site "It's Not As You Perceive." I was led to post it here for your review as well. I realize that many of you who are of the Hebraic Roots/Messianic Community might be familiar with the context. But I hope,...
The Love of a Father for His Creation
My Torah studies brought me to Deuteronomy 7: 8 this morning and the passage reads accordingly: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you...
Torah Living-Episode 43–5 Reasons to Observe Hanukkah (and Reject Christmas)
Many in the Hebraic Roots/Messianic Community reject Hanukkah as a legitimate time of observance and celebration. The primary reasons are that Hanukkah is not one of the mandated Feasts of Yehovah and that Hanukkah is not found in our Bibles. Both of these are sound...
In Yehovah’s Eyes, Size Doesn’t Matter
Continuing my Torah studies, I've come to Deuteronomy 7:7 &8: 7 The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: 8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would...
Torah Living Episode 42–The Oneness of Yehovah–A Salvation Issue?
Dt. 6 speaks to the oneness/uniqueness of Yehovah and the love the nation must have for Yehovah. This is the basis of the Hebrew Faith. This mitzvah is not only central to the Hebrew Faith but also the Faith once delivered. All indications are that it is this creed....
The Shema is NOT a Precursor to the Trinity
Read each of these translations of Deuteronomy 6:4 and see for yourself how the Shema (incorrectly referred to by many) states the "oneness of Yehovah:" ASV Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah: (Deu 6:4 ASV) CJB Deuteronomy 6:4 "Sh'ma,...
Deuteronomy 6:5-Shema Yisra’el, Yehovah is Our God is One Yehovah
My Torah studies brought me today to The Shema, which remains the pearl--the gem--the beacon that stands out in the whole of the Holy Writ. It certifies that Yehovah is the one and only True God of the universe. It crushes (in my mind) any doctrine that insists that...
Speak to Us Yehovah as You did at Horeb
Continuing my Torah studies, I come to Deuteronomy 5: 24 (the corresponding Complete Jewish Bible's verse is 21). The CJB reads as follows: and said, 'Here, ADONAI our God has shown us his glory and his greatness! We have heard his voice coming from the fire, and we...
Commandment Keeping, Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Spiritual Side to Torah Observance
My Torah studies has taken me to Deut. 4:41-5:18 Passage Outline: * vss 41-43--Moshe establishes 3 cities of refuge (love of neighbor) * vss 44-49--Taking and marking of the boundaries of the land of promise * 5:1-4--Moshe reminds the people of the covenant that...
Deut 4: 9-40–Avoiding Idolatry at any Cost
As I continue my daily Torah studies, I come to Deuteronomy 4:9-40. What follows is a summary for your reference and review, followed by commentary and application: vs 13--He proclaimed His covenant to you which He ordered you to obey, the Ten Words which He wrote on...
Torah Living Episode 39-Halloween, Christianity (Messianic Believer) and the Bible (Torah)
In the West, this coming Friday--October 31st--will be Halloween. It is a time deemed primarily for children, although many adults take great pleasure in celebrating that night as well. As the day wanes and night settles in, millions of children will emerge from...
America the Beautiful versus Torah
7 For what nation [goy=nation=gentiles] is there so great, who hath God [elohim] so nigh unto them, as the LORD [Yehovah] our God [elohim] is in all things that we call upon him for? 8 And what nation is there so great, that hath *statutes [choq] and judgments...
Keep and Do Torah
6 Keep [shamar-guard, observe, give heed] therefore and do [asah] them; for this is your wisdom [chokmah] and your understanding [biynah] in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding...
Deuteronomy 4:2–Neither Add Nor Subtract from the Word of Yehovah
We've violated this mitzvah on so many levels in our Faith. Catholicism and protestantism alike have added to and taken away from the Word of Yehovah despite His clear admonishment to the contrary (2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye...
Torah Living 37-Yeshua’s Earthly Family
Now the Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles) was drawing near. Yeshua's brothers said to him, "Depart from here and go into Yehudaea that your other disciples also may see the works that you do. For there is no man that does anything in secret when he himself seeks to be...
Looking for Signs
As my practice, I began my day with prayer followed by reading Torah. I deter from Torah reading, however, when specific events contained in Rood's Chronological Gospels correspond to our Gregorian calendar date. In this case, events 114 and 115 happen to occur on...
Torah Living 34-John the Baptist (Yochanan), Christianity and Sex
My daily travels through the Torah was interrupted last week when Michael Rood's Chronological Gospels, event 100, correlated with September 14, 2014. As has become my practice, I temporarily stopped my Torah studies to examine this passage which is found in Matt....
Torah Living Daily Reflections-8-The Art of Listening (from a Hebraic/Messianic Perspective)
Continuing with my daily foray in to the Torah, we come to Deuteronomy 4:1 which reads as follows: "Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the...
Torah Living Daily Reflections 6–The Kingdom of Yehovah (of Yahweh or of God)
Continuing my daily ritual of Torah Study and incorporating Rood's Chronological Gospels as the dates correspond to the Julian calendar--specifically on August 25, 2014, I came across the passage in Matthew 13:36-43 (recorded as event 86) where Yeshua expounds for His...
Torah Living Daily Reflections 5-When Emotions Get in the Way of Service to Yehovah (Yahweh or God)
Continuing my trek through the Torah, I pick up where I'd left off--at Deuteronomy 3: 23-29. I found here a very touching and emotional passage. Despite what most scholars have to say about Deuteronomy not possibly being written by Moshe, my spirit tells me otherwise....
Torah Living Daily Reflections 4–Yehovah Your God will Fight for You-Don’t be Afraid
My daily Torah study foray took me to D'varim (aka: Deuteronomy) 3:1-22. Here Moshe continues to summarize Yisrael's conquest of the promised land in detail. By now, Moshe is 120-years old. The generation of Israelis that left Egypt in the great Exodus had all but...
Torah Living Daily Reflections 3–Following Messiah is not for Everyone
Continuing my foray into the life and 70-day ministry of Yeshua HaMashiach through Rood's Chronological Gospels, today's corresponding passage or event was found in Matthew 8:18-27 (also mark 4:35-41 and Luke 8:22-25). The passage reads as follows: "When Yeshua saw...
Torah Living Daily Reflections 2–Parables and Prophecy
Continuing on my in my reading of the date-sensitive, corresponding passages of the Rood Chronological Gospels, I came across an excellent example of the Master use of parable to describe the Kingdom of Heaven. I picked up right after the parable of the tares in...
Torah Living Daily Reflections 1–The Sabbath–True Torah Observance versus Our Own Preconceived Notions
A practice that I've begun following of late is incorporating the Michael Rood Chronological Gospels into my regimen of Torah Study. I do this following the Rood Astronomically & Agriculturally Corrected Biblical Hebrew Calendar and looking at the corresponding...
Torah Living 33–The Age Old Problem of New Wine in Old Wineskins
Continuing on with the inclusion of Michael Rood's Chronological Gospels and its date-sensitive corresponding passages in addition to my daily Torah studies, I came to the passage in the chronology where the Master responded to a question as to why His disciples did...
Post Sabbath Reflections for August 16–Faith, Spiritual Gifts and Personal Testimony
* Shabbat Night Live--Michael Rood and The Ark of the Covenant--Into the Wilderness * Michael continues on the subject of discovering the location of the Ark of the Covenant--sets the foundation of His coming in to the truth about the end times. He picked up from last...
A Case for Eating Out on the Sabbath or Not
A practice that I've begun following of late is incorporating the Michael Rood Chronological Gospels into my regimen of Torah Study. I do this following the Rood Astronomically & Agriculturally Corrected Biblical Hebrew Calendar and looking at the corresponding...
Torah Living Episode 28–The Israel-Arab Conflict and the Disciple of Yeshua
If you have been keeping up with news of late, you should be aware of the conflict that wages on between the Palestinian peoples and Israel. You may recall that this all started about a month ago--June 12th to be exact--when 3 Israeli teenagers were abducted by...
Vows–Where Should a Believer Stand on this Issue? (Torah Living 26)
I bet you've heard this before: I swear to God I did or didn't... How about: I solemnly swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth...so help me God. Hilary tells me of this one from her youth: truth that God loves? (simply saying, are you telling the...
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