Recovering Baptist Ramblings

8 Ways to make Hanukkah More Meaningful

2014-12-19T22:43:00.001-05:00

From: www.emetministries.com

Chanukah is the 8 day festival of lights. Though this holiday is traditionally Jewish, there are benefits for lighting the menorah.

Here are 8 reasons and ways (one for each night) to celebrate Chanukah this year.

#1
Who doesn't love a party? Chanukah gives us many reasons to be festive. The holiday commemorates events that occurred between the writing of the Old and New Testaments. That's when a military miracle occurred as a small band of Jews defeated a huge oppressive army. Chanukah is all about the Heavenly Father's devotion and protection to His people Israel. You can read about the true story of Hanukkah in the history books and in the apocryphal books of Maccabees.

#2
The Hebrew word Chanukah literally means "dedication." After the Jewish victory over the Greek army, the Hebrews discovered that the holy temple had been ransacked and desecrated. The Jewish priests cleaned up the holy place and prepared for Biblical worship. First though the temple needed to be dedicated. Like the original dedication of Solomon's Temple, this setting apart was special. It was so awesome that remembering it became a yearly tradition. Chanukah is a special time to rededicate yourself to the Messiah as well. You are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Does your temple need to be cleansed?

#3
Tradition tells us of a miracle that occurred during the first Hanukkah. The holy menorah only had enough oil to burn for one night. We are told that it lasted the entire eight nights of the first Chanukah celebration. A great miracle happened there. We can also experience miracles in our life. In fact there are miracles every where you look. Life is a series of miracles that happen one after another. Chanukah reminds us that miracles still exist. Ask. Believe. Receive a miracle for your life! The Almighty is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, over anything you could imagine.

#4
By the time the Messiah walked the earth, Hanukkah had already become a traditional celebration by the Jewish people. In John chapter 10 we actually read that the Savior was there at the temple for Hanukkah. The Messiah did not teach against this holiday. The Messiah could have but he did not. This shows us that we can celebrate Chanukah today and remember the light of the world. Like the bright menorah, the Savior shined the light of heaven and expelled darkness. Arise and shine for the Light has come!

#5
One way to celebrate Chanukah is to light a special menorah each of the eight nights. As the holiday continues the light of the menorah gets brighter and brighter. The Hanukkah menorah is a symbol of how light defeats the darkness . By lighting the menorah we remind ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren of the power of light. Matthew chapter 5 says, "let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." In the Bible the word "light" is a code word for obedience and good deeds. Chanukah is a special time to be kind to others, give gifts to the needy, and volunteer to help those less fortunate. It's okay to give gifts to friends and loved ones too! "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:11

#6
The dreidel game is another fun activity that is associated with Chanukah. When you play the dreidel you spin a special toy top. Each side of the top is imprinted with a Hebrew letter. These letters are an acronym for "nes gadol hayah sham" or "a great miracle happened there." This fun game reinforces the many messages of Chanukah. It's customary to play dreidel with gold covered chocolate coins. When you play dreidel you might win all, you might lose all, and you might even have to put more in. Dreidel reminds us that even though life is a gamble, there is a greater message behind all the ups and downs. Life may spin you around but Someone loves you more than a child loves his favorite toy. The Heavenly Father loves you and wants to answer your prayers.

#7
What's a holiday without some great food? Chanukah food is normally fried and greasy. This recalls the miracle of the oil. Latkes are the favorite food of the feast of dedication. What's a latke? Its a fried potato pancake or fritter that tastes yummy with sour cream or applesauce. Fried donuts are another Chanukah favorite. Of course you shouldn't eat too many fried foods, so remember to share! The Bible tells of two miracles of oil and food. Check one out in 1 Kings 17 and the other in 2 Kings 4.

#8
When lighting the menorah the first candle to be kindled is the servant candle. In Hebrew it is called the "shamash." The shamash is used to light all the other candles. It's interesting that on Chanukah menorahs the shamash is usually higher than the other candle sticks. The servant is exalted. This symbolizes the Messiah who humbled Himself, became a man, and served. He even served those who would reject Him. We should never forget that we are most like the Savior when we are a shamash servant. "The greatest among you will be your servant," Matthew 23:11.

Chanukah is a great opportunity to share in the joys of the Biblical faith. With so many wonderful and spiritual themes of this holiday, it's easy to see why Chanukah can be celebrated by all Bible believers.

Why your vote doesn't count

2014-11-04T19:17:00.001-05:00

By Daniel Rendelman

Well, the midterm elections are history. Decisions have been made that could change the course of our nation and put us back on track. Or not.

Politicians are politicians. They may start out with good intentions but things happen and allegiances are made. Those that go to Washington with an urgency to change the place often get sucked up into. Returning America to its Christian heritage may be a lost cause. Why?

The notion that the United States of America is a Christian nation, founded upon Christian principles is an incorrect idea that falsely promotes a blending of church and state. Many of the founding fathers, like Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and James Madison, were staunchly opposed to the organized religion of Christianity and took special precautions to ensure the government never legislated morality.

Most of the Founding Father's writings may seem to be from a Christian perspective but further investigation reveals that these leaders were deists and not necessarily Christian. For example, Thomas Paine in his book "The Age of Reason" wrote, "I do not believe in the creed professed by the Jewish Church, by the Roman Church, by the Greek Church, by the TurkishChurch, by the ProtestantChurch, nor by any church that I know of. My own mind is my own church." Whatsmore, John Adams made the same alarming point as he once said, "The government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion."

One major reason for the revolutionary war and the events of July 4th was that the colonies wanted a nation that would not dictate a religious creed. The Founding Fathers remembered that for over 1,000 years, including much of the Dark Ages, the Roman Catholic Church ruled millions of people with government edicts sent straight from the Pope. Even England had theocratic tyrants who used the "calling of God" to mandate taxes and increase the influence of government. In response to such abuse, the First Amendment instituted the Establishment Clause which stops the power of religion from controlling individual's rights and the government from controlling issues of faith.

There were many Christians involved with the founding of our nation, yet that doesn't justify calling America a "Christian Nation." The founders of our country wanted the United States to be a place where all were free to worship as they chose, without governmental restriction or regulation.

President Abraham Lincoln wrote that "The only assurance of our nation's safety is to lay our foundation in morality and religion." He also said, "Christianity is not my religion and the Bible is not my book. I have never united myself in any church because I could never give assent to the long, complicated statements of Christian doctrine and dogma."

President Thomas Jefferson was so anti-Christian, that he wrote his own Bible that did not include many of the New Testament miracles of Jesus and even ended with the burial of Jesus. Jefferson and others promoted the deists theology that God created the world to operate by natural law and then left it totally in the hands of mankind. George Washington wrote in Article 11 of the Treaty with Tripoli that "the government of the United States is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion..."

Today, many political conservatives speak of the Judeo-Christian values of our Founding Fathers. These commentators are absolutely wrong in their assumption that America is a Christian nation. The United States is a place where Christians, Muslims, and others are free to worship how they chose. Those who seek to re-write history by focusing on the Christian foundations of America should remember that religious freedom was one of the reasons that the colonies separated themselves from the mother land. A separation of church and state protects both entities and should be upheld. During an address to the Army in 1875, President Ulysses S. Grant said, "Leave the matter of religion to the family altar, the church and the private school supported entirely by private contributions. Keep the church and state forever separate."

Our own Messiah said that his kingdom was not of this world. He didn't even recognize the face of Caesar on a coin. He was totally occupied with the Father's Will. Our focus must not be on politics but on the kingdom of heaven. Yes, pray for the world's leaders but trust in YHWH.

5 Idols Messianics Still Worship Today

2014-10-25T22:27:00.001-04:00

by Daniel Rendelman
http://www.emetministries.com

Though Hebrew roots seekers shun anything that resembles paganism, there are idols galore in our congregations. Could you actually be worshiping something other than YHWH?

If we're honest we'll recognize we've got some major idol issues. Idols used to be made of wood and stone. Today our idols are ideas and actions. Don't let these common messianic idols steal your worship and ruin your life.

#1 Idol
Not Being Wrong

People who are attracted to the Hebrew roots movement often have a passion for truth. And that's a good thing until being right is all we seem to care about. I've had to learn this lesson the hard way. Because of my desire to do things the "right way" I've often alienated myself from people who cared about me.

Being Torah observant should not cause us to also be rude and arrogant. No one cares if you know the 613 commandments if you are easily offended by differences. And just because you might be an expert in a certain subject, like calendars or kosher eating, doesn't mean others want to hear what you've learned. We must reconsider how we share the truth with love. The right thing said the wrong way is absolutely wrong.

It's much better to show people your faith than it is to make a fuss about theirs. Sinners are going to sin. We've got to be the light and not focus on being right at the expense of others.

Proverbs 11:12
"It's stupid to say bad things about your neighbors. If you are sensible, you will keep quiet."

#2 Idol
Church Bashing

If Christianity is Jewish then everyone who stays mainstream Christian must be wrong. Right? Wrong again.

Bashing the church doesn't bring us closer to YHWH. And it certainly doesn't help us love our neighbors. This is a really silly practice that should be avoided. We must not make our faith about who or what we are against. Hating those people who are still "in the church" is a dangerous idol. One of the seven deadly sins is to sow discord.

Now you might say you don't hate the people in the church, but most Messianics are bitter towards those in traditional Christianity. I certainly was. I was so upset at Christians that I once put anti-Christmas tracts on cars parked at a Christmas musical. All this did was make people mad and cause them to litter the ground. (Not a good idea!)

Most of us started out "in the church" and wouldn't know anything about the Bible if it wasn't for those Sunday services we often disdain. Smash that idol and refuse to smash the church. Pray for those whose eye's have not been opened. Share the truth gently and only when you're asked.

Like 6:28
"Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you."

#3 Idol
Tradition! Tradition!

Tradition can be an ally or an idol, depending upon its hold on your life. You've got an idol if you feel others must be involved in your traditions. You've got an ally if a practice is just a practice and not your focus. For example, the 15 step Seder is a man made tradition that isn't sending anyone to heaven or hell. You can actually not have a Seder and still observe the Passover. Its just a tradition, and nothing more.

Biblical customs that help you experience your faith are beneficial, as long as you don't force those practices on others. I have used traditions to help define my faith with my family. I've also stopped using those same traditions to keep my family from becoming militant. Balance is key.

This is a hard area of concern for Hebrew roots followers because we've left many popular traditions behind to simply develop new ones. We must be on guard to not repeat the sins of our past by allowing traditions to become an idol.

These are some questions I've had to ask myself lately... Is the traditional way of welcoming the Sabbath the best? Which traditional way is right? What if I mess up the timing or the wording? Is it wrong to not do anything and let the Sabbath begin without notice? Is my Sabbath observance helping me mature or dwarfing my spiritual growth? How can I know YHWH more with the Sabbath?

Never stop questioning your actions or motives. And don't get stuck in a traditional routine.

Luke 6:28
"Thus you nullify the word of YHWH by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that."

#4 Idol
Conspiracies and Culprits

An idol takes time and attention away from the true faith. Conspiracy theories act like a spider's web entrapping people for hours without end. Worse yet, our witness is damaged by our constant social media posts of some big bad plan to take over the world. This idol absolutely must be destroyed before our message will be taken seriously.

There's nothing you can do about it, even if, the powers that be are orchestrating world wars, spraying us with chem trails, or manipulating the money markets.

Personally, I know two former Messianic believers who have denounced the Messiah and now believe in ancient aliens. Their fascination with conspiracies led them down a wild and crazy path.

Use your time wisely. Resist this snare of getting caught up with the latest internet buzz. Refuse the web of the web. Perhaps the greatest conspiracy is the enemy's plan to keep believers preoccupied with his plans?

Isaiah 8:12
"Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it.

#5 Idol
The Hebrew Language

Oy vey we've got so much to learn!

The Hebrew language is a beautiful gift that helps us better understand the original meaning of the Bible. The restoration of the holy tongue is a prophecy coming true today. It can also become an idol. How?

Some people focus so strictly on proper Hebrew that they scoff at any slight mix up. Others have made the spelling or pronunciation of the name YHWH an issue of division. I'll never forget how I was once corrected mid worship. What was my problem? A self-made Hebrew scholar stopped my song because I supposedly pronounced "hallelujah" incorrectly. (He said I needed to space out the syllables or I was saying it totally wrong!)

There are amazing insights found in the Hebrew language. Letters, numbers, and symbols all combine to often blow the mind. We can also discover so much that Hebrew can become addictive. Watch what you say, how you say it, and how you study it!

Hebrew is the language of heaven. Don't spoil it with the stuff of earth.

1 Corinthians 13:13
"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal."

True Worship

Idols are all around. We must guard our heart so that our devotion is to YHWH and YHWH alone. The Messiah said we must worship in Spirit and in Truth. Prayerfully consider these and other areas that might be stealing your attention from YHWH. Consider the fruit of your actions... are you producing love, joy, and peace?

Ebola & Common Sense

2014-10-17T09:27:00.003-04:00

You know, I'm not a doctor, but I could do a much better job at handling this ebola thing in America than our current administration and the CDC are doing right now just by using some simple common sense.

1) Restrict travel from infected areas. Common sense dictates that if you eliminate or reduce the sources of infection, then likewise, you reduce or eliminate the additional infections.

True, like they say, if we restrict travel directly from infected areas that some people may just go through other countries in an attempt to enter this great nation of ours anyways, but does that argument really have that much merit to it? I mean, after all, travel to and from international countries generally requires a passport from what I understand. In this way there is a record of where each person has been to. In this way we can still restrict the movement of people from infected areas and just about eliminate the import of this deadly disease.

The other reason given by this administration and the CDC is that it would negatively impact business and the economy by restricting travel from infected areas. Big whoop!! Common sense dictates that a few temporary lost dollars is insignificant to the permanent loss of many lives and also the increased stress that comes from an atmosphere of worry over the spread.

2) Quarantine everyone who may have potentially come in contact with ebola victims. They say that the incubation period of this ebola virus is 21 days. So, common sense dictates that if you quarantine and monitor anyone and everyone who came into contact or near an ebola victim for 3 weeks after their last contact would both allow you to determine whether these individuals also contracted the virus and would eliminate these same people from spreading it to other people they come into contact with through their daily activities. Common sense dictates that had the CDC and the Dallas hospital taken this measure with the first ebola victim in America, then they would have known about the first nurse who contracted the virus and developed symptoms and wouldn't have had to monitor and quarantine others that she came into contact with.

Common sense also dictates that using this procedure would have also prevented the second nurse as well from traveling and coming into contact with dozens of other people on an airplane and potentially spreading the virus to countless other people and states within our great nation.

3) If someone who has been in contact with an ebola victim reports even the slightest change in health, then DON'T GIVE THEM THE OK TO TRAVEL. Common sense dictates that if something is out of the ordinary, then we should look into it before saying that everything is fine. The second nurse did her job and reported an elevated temperature only to be told by the CDC that there was nothing to worry about and she was safe to travel. That makes absolutely no sense and that's the troubling part of having idiots like this running and managing a deadly outbreak in America like ebola. Then again, maybe that second nurse and the rest of us are the real idiots for actually believing anything that comes out of the mouths of these morons.

But then again, this is all just common sense and it doesn't seem like either our president, the administration, or even the CDC know how to use common sense or even HAVE common sense. That's the best case scenario though. At worst, they're using this for an even more sinister plan they have.

The Skinny On Fasting

2014-10-05T08:38:00.001-04:00

Here's the Best Way to Fast
by Daniel Rendelman

Fasting is an important spiritual practice that reminds us that we are not what we eat. When you choose to fast you are afflicting your appetites and allowing your spirit to reign instead of your flesh. It's a cleansing experience that believers should practice more often. Of course you can fast three days a week and make a mockery of the sacrifice, so here are a few tips to make your next fast be beneficial and even easy.

1) Remember that you are more than just your body and your desires. You were made in the image of the Creator and you have an eternal born again spirit. Fasting shuts off the ever needy cravings of your body and mind so that you can draw power from the Holy Spirit within. You are the temple and inside of you is today's ark of the covenant. Go into your next fast focused on the unseen realm. Cut off the carnal cravings. Connect with the One who made you.

"Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear YHWH," 2 Corinthians 7:1.

2) Fasting can be easy. Fasting should be easy. Or at least it should look easy. We never read of Daniel, Moses, or the Messiah moaning and groaning while they fasted. They kept their composure.

If you have a sour face or attitude while you abstain you might as well pull into a drive thru and order a big juicy burger. The Savior told us to keep our service personal. Fasting should be between you and YHWH. If you don't make a big deal about your hunger pains you might not have as many.

"And when you fast, don't make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get," Matthew 6:16.

3) The prophet Isaiah had a lot to say about fasting. Much of what he wrote wasn't too nice either. It seems the religious leaders of his day fasted only for show. They would deny their tummies to appear righteous one day and then mistreat people the next day. Real religion is based on our relationship with the Almighty YHWH and how we treat other people. Our worship should never excuse us from being kind and loving. Make amends with people you have offended and repent of your sins before your next fast.

"No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people," Isaiah 58:6.

4) When your stomach growls try growling right back. This may sound silly but there is benefit in talking to your tummy. Messiah said to "speak to the mountain." Words are conduits or containers. They hold and transport either faith or fear. Remind your body that your spirit is being fed as you fast. And of course feed your spirit. When you fast set aside extra time to read the scriptures and pray. Turn your meal time into a devotional time. Read the Bible out loud if possible. Faith comes by hearing the word. Let your body hear what Messiah has to say. The point is that fasting is about starving the flesh and feeding your faith.

"You will decree a thing, and it will be established for you; so light will shine on your way," Job 22:28

5) Have a purpose and plan. Your fast will fail if you just wake up on Thanksgiving Day and decide to abstain. Choose a time, the length, and the subject carefully. You could fast television, food, drink, Facebook, or whatever. Decide on what to do and then stick with it. And stay humble!

Repentance brings humility, which is the gate to Almighty's presence. Being humble brings you before the King and brings results. Why are you fasting in the first place? Well, every fast allows you to "draw near to YHWH and He will draw near to you." What more do you need than a closer walk with Thee?

Never fast as an effort to get a prayer answered or some need met. Make your purpose clear that you're fasting to know YHWH and unplug from the world. The Father will honor you and you'll be taken care of. Guaranteed.

"Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings," Proverbs 1:23.

Why do bad things happen to good people?

2014-05-04T16:05:00.000-04:00

Why do bad things happen to good people? Why should bad things NOT happen to good people? Just because what you deem to be good and what you deem to be bad do not align as YOU think they should does not mean that they should not go together.

You are not special princess! Everyone does not get their way all the time and things do not always go according to the way you WANT them to. Other people have experienced "bad" things as well. It does not just happen to you. Grow up!

Think about and consider this for a moment: YOU COULD BE WRONG ABOUT YOUR DEFINITION OF GOOD AND BAD. Just because you think someone is a good person does not mean that they are actually a good person and just because you think that something or a situation is bad does not mean that it is bad. You COULD just be misinterpreting it.

Think about this also. Good people will learn more of a lesson from an inconvenient or "bad" situation than bad people ever will. Good people will come to realize things they could have done better and take steps to avoid such a situation in the future or better prepare themselves for such a situation in the future. "Bad" people will moan and groan and complain and not learn anything. They might, and usually do, just find something or someone to point a finger at instead of learning from the situation. Therefore a situation that you think is "bad" happening to someone that is "good" WILL benefit a good person because it will make them stronger and more educated.

And if you are one of those lily-livered yellow-bellied pansies that think you should do things for the Almighty only AFTER He has done something for you and only then do HALF of what He did for you, have another thing coming. Yahuweh, the Almighty creator of heaven and earth is NOT here to serve you. You are here to serve and praise Him and serve others. So pull your head out of your rear end, take off your diapers, and put on your big boy pants. Learn from your mistakes, admit that you MADE mistakes, learn from the "bad" things that happen to you, quit whining, realize all that you have ALREADY been blessed with, praise Yahuweh in Heaven, and serve Him and others.

When you stop staring in the mirror with blinders on all the time you will start being happier. Again, pull your head out. That is not roses you are smelling.

Coming Out Of The Closet

2014-03-16T12:04:00.002-04:00

So with all the talk about homosexuals in the news, especially the news about the Arizona bill, I figured it was the right time to finally come clean. I know you all are my friends and family and some of you may not understand or accept me after this, but this is something I have to do. I have kind of felt ashamed for most of my life living like this, but I can't change who I am anymore than I can spin the earth in a different direction. So I have finally accepted the person I am and I think it is time that everyone else knows too so that all of you can come to accept me for who I am as well. So here goes........................I'm a black man.

Now before you go judging me, you should know that I was born this way and it is not something I can change. Yes, I realize that I was born from two white parents and that I have white skin, but there's still no changing the fact that I was born black. I don't know how it happened or why it happened, but I am who I am and I can't change that. You are just going to have to accept me for who I am and the way I was born.

Some people may accuse me of trying to choose this life, but trust me, this is not the way I would choose. I mean, a black man living with white skin? Who would choose that? Who would choose to be questioned and judged and ridiculed and made fun of? This is not a choice for me. I was born this way and I cannot go back and change that. If I could choose to be normal, I would. I would choose to just be a normal white guy with white skin or a normal black guy with black skin. But for some reason I was born this way and that's something that no one can change.

So I really hope that all of you can come to accept me for who I am and for the way that I was naturally born. I do not need your judgement. All I need is your love and acceptance for the way I am and for what I cannot change. I'm a black man with white skin and born to white parents and that's just the way I am.

The truth about Saint Nicholas

2013-12-08T22:04:00.000-05:00

By Daniel Rendelman
http://www.emetministries.org/

Spoiler alert: this article will examine the deception and history of Saint Nicholas. Only the strong of heart should read further.

Adults know the classic, "Yes, Virginia" reply first given to a girl who wrote a letter to the New York Sun in 1897, was an ingenious lie. But, most adults do not know that St. Nicholas was once the most popular symbol of worship for Christians worldwide. In fact, more churches in Europe are named after St. Nicholas than any of the Apostles.

Christianity claims that legend of Santa Claus dates back to a fourth century Turkish monk. Stories abound about this man of kindness who reportedly gave away his wealth and even walked on water to save the life of a drowning sailor. He also supposedly rescued three sisters from a life of prostitution by sliding bags of gold down their chimney. Because of his piety he became known as the patron saint of schoolchildren and sailors. The Christmas Almanac states, "By the height of the Middle Ages, St. Nicholas was probably invoked in prayer more than any other figure except the Virgin Mary and Christ Himself" (The Christmas Almanac. New York: Random House, 2004, p. 131)

For almost 1,000 of years, the "Feast of Saint Nicholas" was held on December 6th with merry-making and gift giving. The Feast of St Nicholas is still celebrated in several countries, including Holland and the Netherlands. (Here St. Nicholas or Sinter Klass travels from Spain instead of the North Pole to bring gifts to children.) The popular idea of a chubby St. Nick with red priestly robes and white beard was created by author Washington Irving around 1809. Just a few years later reindeer were introduced by Clement Moore in the poem 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. This poem also promoted the idea of St. Nicholas delivering presents on the night before Christmas and not on December 6. Together Moore and Irving morphed the legendary Catholic bishop into an elf that would travel the world spreading holiday cheer. The Coca-Cola Company solidified the idea of a standard image of Santa through years of advertising.

Today, the religious undertones involving Santa Claus are obvious. He is known as a carpenter/toy-maker with God-like powers. He records naughty or nice behavior in his giant book and is all knowing. Children pray to him through wish lists of toys and then wait in line to ascend his throne to sit on his lap. Like a thief in the night he distributes rewards and punishment. His crown of holly thorns, white beard, red robes, and feet that do not burn by the furnace all mimic the appearance of the Savior in Revelation 1:14-15, Isaiah 63:2, and Mark 15:17.

The fantasy of Santa Claus is real to children who are often led astray by parents who see no problem in St. Nick taking the place of the Almighty. Satanist Anton LaVey, author of the Satanic Bible and founder of the First Church of Satan, has written that "fantasy plays an important role in any religious curriculum. The subjective mind is less discriminating about the quality of its food than it is about the taste. Thus, fantasy is utilized as a magic weapon in Satanism." (Anton LaVey, The Satanic Rituals, p. 15)

For centuries, the legend of Santa has changed to match the whims of the world. It is quite puzzling how anyone who claims to know the God of the Bible can also encourage gullible children to believe in Catholic Monk-Elf figure named Saint Nicholas. Perhaps this Christmas more parents will not mislead their children and abruptly stop the worship of Santa Claus.

The Christian-Chanukkah Connection

2013-11-27T12:51:00.003-05:00

By Daniel Rendelman

www.emetministries.com
emetministries@gmail.com

    Without the courageous actions of a small Jewish family, the world would have no Christianity and no Savior.

    Chanukah has a history that pre-dates Christ for over 165 years and is quite important to the development of Christianity. Historical records show that after the death of Alexander the Great, the conquered Roman world was split into quadrants. The area surrounding Jerusalem was under the control of the murderous Antiochus IV. This ruler was a vile dictator that ordered the Holy City to be pillaged and the Hebrew people persecuted. His kingdom forbade the study of the Torah, and the act of circumcision. He also mandated that all Jewish virgin brides had to spend their wedding night with a Roman General. It is said that
he entered the holy of holies to perform sex acts and slaughtered pigs upon the set apart altar. Antiochus thought so much of himself that he took the name "Epiphanies," which means "god manifest." His mission was to destroy the Jewish people through military might. He also pressured the Hebrews to assimilate into the modern culture by introducing the pantheon of Greek gods.

    Though the army of Antiochus Epiphanies was possibly the best trained in the world, a Hebrew named Judah led a rebellion against the Syrian Greeks. The opposition army became known as the Maccabees. After several years of battle, the Greeks finally retreated and turned control of Jerusalem back to the Jewish people. Upon returning to the Temple Mount, the Maccabees found the holy place to be in disarray. They worked hard for almost a year to restore the Temple to its Biblical glory. Tradition states that when the Temple menorah was to be lit, there was only enough oil for one day. A great miracle happened there and the oil burned for eight nights. During this time, an eight day dedication of the holy site was held. The Hebrew word for dedication is the name of the festival, known today as "Chanukah."

    The Greek oppression led by Antiochus sought to destroy the blood line of Judah, and corrupt the faith of the Hebrew people. He attempted to end the religion of the Jewish people and totally annihilate them from the earth, thus stopping the birth of the Messiah as foretold in the Scriptures. The Savior was prophesied in Micah 5:2 and Genesis 49:10 to descend from the lineage of Judah and born in Bethlehem. Because Antiochus was defeated by a Chanukah victory, the Messiah was able to be born as prophesied. Had the Maccabees lost, monotheism could have been lost forever.

    In the Gospels, Messiah Y'shua paid special tribute to the holiday by attending a Chanukah celebration at Solomon's Porch at the Holy Temple. John 10:22 - 23, "And it was at Jerusalem The Feast of The Dedication (Chanukkah), and it was winter. And Y'shua walked in The Temple in Solomon's porch." By participating in Chanukah, the Messiah placed his approval upon the holiday. (Y'shua never celebrated Christmas!)

    Today, Chanukah is traditionally honored by lighting a nine-branched menorah called a "chanukiah." Dreidels are spun, latkes are fried, families gather, and small gifts are exchanged in remembrance of Judah and the Maccabees. Christianity and indeed the world owes recognition to the Maccabean revolt. If there was no Chanukah then there could have been no Jewish Messiah.

Discovery channel claims we evolved into mermaids

2013-07-04T18:33:00.001-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9z_zUrmx7s&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Sunburned - Christmas and Easter

2013-03-24T00:15:00.000-04:00

If you are really interested in your relationship with God, if you are really interested in how He wants to be loved and does not want to be loved, then this teaching is for you. We take a hard look at a subject that most are too scared to consider critically, Christmas and Easter. This teaching is for those that are bold in the faith, and really want a relationship with their Creator that is founded on love, in the way He defines love. Prepare to challenge your faith, and Test Everything.

Defeating yourself and your cause

2012-08-26T10:05:00.001-04:00

When your purpose and TRUE intentions are to help someone, you automatically defeat your own purpose by forcing someone to put up walls to defend themselves from your attacks. A person is unlikely to bring their walls down when their original reason for putting the walls up in the first place was to protect themselves. By attacking someone you force them to seek a place that is safe and stay there. They will not move to a different place as long as that is the only safe place for them to be.

If your purpose and TRUE intention is to help someone then it is counterproductive to your cause to say and do things from a hateful, hurtful, and vengeful position and cause the person to retreat to a safe place. To wound someone for your own pleasure and/or to make yourself feel as though you are the smart one, makes yourself your own worst enemy and a self made traitor to your own supposed cause.

Let's Go Topless!!!

2012-08-24T19:09:00.001-04:00

Hopefully I have your attention now.

Today is August 24th, 2012 and in two days on August 26th, 2012 there will be, yet again, another "topless" rally in downtown Asheville by people "protesting" for "women's rights" and a woman's "right" to walk around topless if she so wishes. This has been off and on in the news for weeks now in the lead up to this "protest".

It actually is not a protest
when you come to think about it anyways. In North Carolina it is completely legal for a woman to walk around topless if she so wishes. So...........can you really have a "protest" in a location where it is already legal? Not really, your objective is already completed without you before you even have the "protest". Plus, the guy who got all the permits for the event is Jeff Johnson from Huntsville, Alabama and the General Manager at Over the Rainbow Pediatrics in Huntsville. So why is someone from out of state organizing a "protest" in another state for a cause that is not relevant in the target state and which his own wife and family do not support him on?

Well, it REALLY gets a lot weirder when you dig into it. I was listening to the Pete Kaliner show on a local radio station here in Asheville today. For the first two hours of a three hour show he was talking about and discussing the matter of the topless "protest" here in Asheville, what it is really all about, the national organization GoTopless.org behind the nation wide protests, and the connection to a cult [my words] that this organization has.

Apparently there is a very small world wide cult called the "Raelians" created by a guy in France who supposedly had an extraterrestrial experience some years ago. He was told by the aliens to change his name to "Rael" and that he would be their prophet here on earth. This is where it starts to get very interesting or very disturbing or both. Personally, I find this very disturbing.

The topless rallies held around the nation are part of the plan for the return of these aliens in 2035. This "Rael" prophet for the aliens whom "Rael" calls the "elohim", has a number of women in his own personal sex harem. One of these ladies is none other than the very spokeswoman in the video on the GoTopless.org website. (WARNING: The GoTopless.org website DOES show pornography in the form of women's bare breasts) There are also links to the Raelian cult on the site and news and links to GoTopless.org from the Raelian news site and the Raelian main website. (Links provided at the bottom of this blog post)

If you watch the video on the GoTopless.org website you may notice that this woman in the video is wearing a necklace with a charm/pendant on it. This charm/pendant looks a lot like the Star of David, but closer examination and more research will reveal that it is actually the symbol of the Raelian cult. This symbol is something that looks similar to the Star of David, but has a swastika in the middle of it. This is the symbol that the woman in the video on GoTopless.org is wearing.

Some VERY scary and disturbing stuff. Let us just hope these cultists will somehow be stopped in their message and their "protests" for "women's rights".

Hopefully the audio podcasts will be up on Pete Kaliner's page when you view it. You really should listen to the first two hours of his show. It is very worth the education on all this.

Pro-Topless Rally
GoTopless.org Website
Raelian News Site
Raelian home website

Anti-Topless Rally
Pete Kaliner Show Page on WWNC.com
GoBrainless.org Website
AshevilleToplessChildAbuse.com Website

Which god do you really worship

2012-08-17T07:50:00.000-04:00

All around the world and all throughout history we see many religions and religious ideas that have existed and which still exist. Everything from the plurality of gods in ancient Egyptian culture, ancient Greek cutlure, ancient Roman culture, etc to the monotheistic gods of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, etc. It is almost mind blowing to try and keep up with the various aspects of these religions and what each one entails. However, the simple mention of the name of one of these religions brings to mind an entire array of mental images.

For example, if you say the word "Christianity" or "Christian", you might
automatically think of christmas, easter, and/or the pope. If you say the word "Judaism" or "Jew" you might automatically think of Passover, Hanukkah, Kosher eating, or even the Holocaust. If you say the word "Islam" or "Muslim" you might automatically think of mosques, women clothed from head to toe, or the September 11th plane bombings.

However, it does not just take the name of a particular religion to invoke mental images. It even happens with the name of the particular god that a certain religion is associated with; even with polytheistic religions. The mere mention of a name like "Zeus" could remind you of an old man with a long white beard sitting on a marble throne holding lightning bolts in his hand. Saying the name "Anubis" could also conjure up the thought of a jackal-like figure standing upright. Even the name "Allah" could bring up multiple mental images about Islam.

"This is just common sense. I already know this." you might be saying. In fact, most people would even consider this a fairly basic concept: second nature even. But what most people do not realize and understand is the dangers of NOT using the name of their god, but rather only using a title in place of the name of their god. And unfortunately this phenomenon is one that is largely constrained to the faiths and religions of Christianity and Judaism. Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc generally do not have a problem with saying or speaking the name of their deity(ies), but Christians and Jews usually do.

The unfortunate matter of the situation is that a lot of Christians actually think that they know and are using the name of their deity when they say the word "god". Most people in the Christian faith really believe that the name of the almighty creator of heaven and earth is actually "god". Lots of Jews on the other hand, generally understand that the name of the creator is not "god", but they still refuse to use His sacred name.

Both situations with Christianity and Judaism are really sad, but they are situations which are on the up turn in regards to being remedied. More and more people are learning about and using the name of the one true creator of heaven and earth.

So what is the big deal with not using a name anyways? Even if it is the name of the one true almighty creator of heaven and earth? Well, let us take a look at what the scriptures say about the issue.

Exodus 3:15 "And Elohim said further to Mosheh, “Thus you are to say to the children of Yisra’ĕl, ‘Yahuweh, Elohim of your fathers, the Elohim of Aḇraham, the Elohim of Yitsḥaq, and the Elohim of Yaʽaqoḇ, has sent me to you. This is My Name forever, and this is My remembrance to all generations.’ "

Exodus 20:7 "You do not bring the Name of Yahuweh your Elohim to naught, for Yahuweh does not leave the one unpunished who brings His Name to naught."

Deuteronomy 6:5 "And you shall love Yahuweh your Elohim with all your heart, and with all your being, and with all your might."

Psalm 91:14 "Because he cleaves to Me in love, Therefore I deliver him; I set him on high, Because he has known My Name."

These are just a few verses, but I am sure that you can already tell and get the point of scripture that the name of the almighty creator is very important. In fact, I am sure you could find many more verses fairly easily which illustrate and promote not only the importance of His name, but also how sacred/holy His name is.

Look back at the third of the ten commandments in Exodus 20:7. Here we can clearly see how seriously Yahuweh takes His name. We are commanded, in a very straight forward fashion, to not bring the name of Yahuweh to naught (ie bring it to nothing). But as the years have gone by and as the church establisment has progressed, we have disregarded the sacred name of Yahuweh as something trivial and not of very much importance. So much so that nowadays people either do not even know the name of the creator or disregard His name altogether as something that is meaningless. This, my friends, is actually profaning the name of Yahuweh.

So let us take a moment and get a look at what the scriptures say about profaning the name of Yahuweh.

Leviticus 19:12 "And do not swear falsely by My Name and so profane the Name of your Elohim. I am Yahuweh."

Ezekiel 20:39 "As for you, O house of Yisra’ĕl,” thus said the Master Yahuweh, “Go, serve each of you his idols, and afterwards, if you are not listening to Me. But do not profane My set-apart Name any more with your gifts and your idols."

Again, we are seeing the importance that is placed upon the name of the creator. The last verse that was presented here even shows that Yahuweh Himself would rather that His people forsake Him completely as to profane His set-apart (holy) name. But what does it mean to profane something. Well, let us take a look at that and educate ourselves further.

Merriam-Webster Online - Profane
transitive verb
1 : to treat (something sacred) with abuse, irreverence, or contempt : desecrate
2 : to debase by a wrong, unworthy, or vulgar use

Dictionary.com - Profane
verb (used with object)
6. to misuse (anything that should be held in reverence or respect); defile; debase; employ basely or unworthily.
7. to treat (anything sacred) with irreverence or contempt; violate the sanctity of: to profane a shrine.

Hopefully learning exactly what the definition of 'profane' is does not come as a complete shock or surprise. Of course, it may be disturbing to put two and two together and realize that considering the name of Yahuweh as unimportant is treating His name with irreverence and thereby actually profaning His sacred name. If you were to be honest with yourself, have you profaned the name of Yahuweh by considering His name as unimportant?

But what is the big deal with using the word "god", you may ask. Is not the word "god" good enough? Well, not exactly. There is actually two very important reasons that we should not use the word "god".

First off, the word "god" is actually nothing more than a title. The Greek god Zeus was a "god". Albeit one that never existed. The Egyptian god Anubis was a "god", but again, one that never existed. Even the Muslim god "Allah" is a "god", but yet also does not exist. All of these, and many more, are given the title of "god". So why would we also want to place the almighty creator of heaven and earth with the same name as the title of other deities?

Consider this for a moment: if you were to stand in the middle of a group of people who were religiously diverse and make the statement "God is good", what would everyone think you were saying? The Muslims would think that you were saying "Allah is good". The Buddhists would think you were saying "Buddha is good". They all refer to the one they worship as "god", but you were meaning the god of the scriptures. On the other hand, if you were to instead make the statement "Yahuweh is good", then there would be no confusion as to which god you were referring to. So using the sacred name of Yahuweh will not mistakenly make you seem as though you are praising some false god.

The second, and probably most important, reason that we should not use the word "god" as the name of the almighty creator of heaven and earth, is because, well, it is already taken. In fact, if you were to look back through the original language of the Tanakh (aka old testament), the Hebrew language, you would find that "god" is actually a name of a person and a false god.

Genesis 30:11 "And Leah said, "Good fortune has come!" so she called his name Gad." (ESV)

Looking back at the Hebrew words in the original text, we come to find out that the name "Gad" used here is actually pronounced in the same way that we say the word "god". So in reality, one of the names of the twelve sons of Joseph was actually named and called "God". Hopefully you can already start to realize the second reason for not calling the almighty creator by the name "god". It is already the name of a mortal man. Unfortunately we are not done and it gets even worse than this.

Isaiah 65:11 "But you are those who forsake Yahuweh, who forget My set-apart mountain, who prepare a table for Gad, and who fill a drink offering for Meni."

Here in Isaiah, as we again look back into the original Hebrew, we see a word that is pronounced exactly the same way that we say the word "god". However, this time instead of being the name of a mortal man it is the name of a false god. Strong's concordance explains further:

H1408
גּד
gad
gad
A variation of H1409; Fortune, a Babylonian deity: - that troop.

H1409
גּד
gâd
gawd
From H1464 (in the sense of distributing); fortune: - troop.

So now with all of this information and this evidence, the shocking truth is that when we use the word "god" as the name of the almighty creator, we are actually calling Him by the name of a false deity and further profaning His sacred name. In fact, a translation called "The Great Bible" uses the name "Jupiter" here for "Gad', the Young's literal translation and the Smith's literal translation both use the straight transliteration of "Gad" from the Hebrew, and even in the Septuagint the word used here is the Greek word for demon.

G1142
δαίμων
daimōn
dah'ee-mown
From δαίω daiō (to distribute fortunes); a demon or super natural spirit (of a bad nature): - devil.

I know this is a lot to take in and probably something that you have never even put much thought into before this, but with everything that you have seen here with your own eyes, why would anyone want to consider the name of Yahuweh as meaningless or replace His sacred name with the name of a man or false god? To do either one would be to profane His name, but the sad truth of the matter is that many people, both Christians and Jews, do BOTH of these without even knowing or understanding the wrong that they are committing towards Yahuweh.

I ask you today, in love of Yahuweh, that after seeing the information and evidence here for yourself, that you start using the name of Yahuweh instead of the false name of "god" and that you start telling others about His sacred and holy name. I know there are a few different ways of pronouncing His name from the Hebrew, but one thing that you know for certain now is that it definitely is not "god". So whether you pronounce it as "yaa-way", "yaa-hoo-aaa", or even "yaa-vey", the important thing is that you are loving Yahuweh, keeping alive His sacred name, and not profaning it by bringing it nothing, considering His name as irrelevant, or replacing His name with the name of a false god.

Psalm 72:19 "And blessed be His esteemed Name forever! And let all the earth Be filled with His esteem. Amĕn and Amĕn."

Psalm 113:2 "Blessed be the Name of Yahuweh, Now and forever!"

Psalm 118:26 "Blessed is He who is coming in the Name of Yahuweh. We shall bless you from the House of Yahuweh ."

Joel 2:32 "And it shall be that everyone who calls on the Name of Yahuweh shall be delivered........"

Acts 2:21 "And it shall be that everyone who calls on the Name of Yahuweh shall be saved."

Romans 10:13 "For “everyone who calls on the Name of Yahuweh shall be saved."

For a translation that is more accurately presented by using the name of Yahuweh instead of "god", my personal recommendation is a translation called "The Scriptures" which you can download for free or purchase at an extremely reasonable price from their website.

http://www.isr-messianic.org/

Unless otherwise noted, all scripture presented in this posting came from "The Scriptures" translation.

Answering Jewish Objections #1: Finale

2012-06-19T14:02:00.001-04:00

So here is the conclusion to the first post. The verses and some responses:

Here is some more verses from the Jewish person that I was conversing with. These verses re-enforce the Isaiah 43:11 verse in making the same point:

Isaiah 43:3, 10-15 For I YHWH your G-d, the Holy One of Israel, and your Savior, gave Egypt as a ransom for you, Cush and Seba in your place. “You are My witnesses“ – this is the L-rd’s declaration- “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He, No god was formed before Me, and there will be none after Me. I, I am YHWH and there is no other savior but Me. I alone declared, saved, and proclaimed- and not some foreign god among you. So you are My witnesses”- this is the L-rd’s declaration- “and I am G-d. Also from today on I am He alone, and none can deliver from My hand. I act, and who can reverse it?” This is what the L-rd, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel says: Because of you, I will send to Babylon and bring all of them as fugitives, , even the Chaldeans in the ships in which they rejoice. I am YHWH, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.

Isaiah 44:6&8 This is what the L-rd, the King of Israel and its Redeemer, the L-rd of Hosts, says: I am the first and I am the last. There is no G-d but Me. Do not be startled or afraid. Have I not told you and declared it long ago? You are My witnesses! Is there any any G-d but Me? There is no other Rock; I do not know any.

Isaiah 44:24&25 …I am YHWH, who made everything; who stretched out the heavens by Myself; who alone spread out the earth; who destroys the omens of the false prophets and makes fools of diviners; who confounds the wise and makes their knowledge foolishness;…

Isaiah 45:12&15 I made the earth and created man on it. It was My hands that stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all their host. Yes, You are a G-d that hides Himself, G-d of Israel, Savior.
Isaiah 64:4 From ancient times no one has heard, no one has listened, no eye has seen any G-d except You, who acts on the behalf of the one who waits on Him.

Isaiah 45:21-25 Speak up and present your case- yes, let them take counsel together. Who predicted this long ago? Who announced it from ancient times? Was it not I, YHWH? There is no G-d but Me, a righteous G-d and savior; there is no one except Me. Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth. For I am G-d, and there is no other. By Myself I have sworn; Truth has gone from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: every knee will bow to Me, every tongue will swear allegiance. It will be said to Me: Righteousness and strength is only in the L-rd. All who are enraged against Him will come to Him and be put to shame. All the descendants of Israel will be justified and find glory through the L-rd.

Isaiah 46:9-10 Remember what happened long ago, for I am G-d, and there is no other; I am G-d, and no one is like Me. I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: My plan will take place, and I will do all My will.

Isaiah 48:11-12&16 I will act for My own sake, indeed for My own, for how can I be defiled? I will not give My glory to another. Listen to Me, Jacob, and Israel, the one c alled by Me: I am He; I am the first, I am also the last. Approach Me and listen to this. From the beginning I have not spoken in secret; from the time everything existed, I was there…

Isaiah 49:26 …Then all flesh will know that I, YHWH, am your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.

Isaiah 60:16 …you will know that I YHWH, am your Savior and Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.

Isaiah 63:8&16 He said “They are indeed My people, children who will not be disloyal,” and He became their Savior. …You YHWH, are our Father; from ancient times, Your name is our Redeemer.

Isaiah 51:6-8 …But My salvation lasts forever, and My righteousness will never be shattered. Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, the people whose heart is My instruction; do not fear disgrace by men, and do not be shattered by their taunts. …But My righteousness will last forever and My salvation for ALL generations. I- I am the One who comforts you. Who are you that you should fear man who dies, or a son of man who is given up like grass?

Jeremiah 51:57 I will make her princes and sages drunk, along with her governors, officials, and warriors. Then they will fall asleep and never again wake up. This is the Kings declaration; YHWH of Hosts is His name.

Jeremiah 50:34 Their Redeemer is strong; YHWH of Hosts is His name.

Jeremiah 23:6 In His days, Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely, This is what He will be named “YHWH Our Rightousness”. (Redeemer & Saviors’ name)

Jeremiah 14:7&8 Though our guilt testifies asgainst us, YHWH, act for Your names sake. Indeed our rebellions are many, we have sinned against You. Hope of Israel, its Savior in time of distress, why are You like a foreigner in the land, like a traveler stopping only for a night.

Hosea 13:4 I have seen YHWH your G-d ever sincwe the land of Egypt; you know no G-d but Me and no savior exists besides Me.

Psalms 72:18 May the L-rd G-d, the G-d of Israel, who alone does wonders, be praised.

Psalms 73:25 Who do I have in heaven but You? And I desire nothing on earth but You.

Psalms 76:8&9 From heaven You pronounced judgment. The earth feared and grew quiet when G-d rose up to judge.

Psalms 89:6,8&11 For who in the skies can compare with the L-rd? Who among the heavenly beings is like the L-rd? L-rd G-d of hosts, who is strong like you L-rd? The heavens are Yours; the earth also is Yours. The world and everything in it- You founded them.

Zechariah 14:9 On that day YHWH will become King over all the earth- YHWH alone, and His name alone.

(All texts come from HCSB)

And here is the response that I wrote back:

I love the majority of those verses. Some of them I'm not entirely sure why they're there, but for the most part the majority of them speak of making the same point of Isaiah 43:11. That Yahuweh is our saviour. You'll find no disagreement here. However, that does not mean that no one else can not be an agent of that salvation from Yahuweh. Here are some examples:

The below verses are quoted from "The Scriptures":

Judges 3:9 And when the children of Yisra’ĕl cried out to יהוה, יהוה raised up a saviour for the children of Yisra’ĕl, who saved them: Othni’ĕl son of Qenaz, Kalĕḇ’s younger brother.
Judges 3:15 And when the children of Yisra’ĕl cried out to יהוה, יהוה raised up a saviour for them: Ěhuḏ son of Gĕra, a Binyamite, a man impeded in his right hand. And by him the children of Yisra’ĕl sent a present to Eḡlon sovereign of Mo’aḇ.
2 Kings 13:5 And יהוה gave Yisra’ĕl a saviour, so that they came out from under the hand of Aram. And the children of Yisra’ĕl dwelt in their tents as before.
Isaiah 19:20 And it shall be for a sign and for a witness to יהוה of hosts in the land of Mitsrayim. When they cry to יהוה because of the oppressors, He sends them a Saviour and an Elohim, and shall deliver them.
Jeremiah 14:8 O Expectation of Yisra’ĕl, its Saviour in time of distress, why should You be like a stranger in the land, or like a traveller who turns aside to lodge?

And a little more indirectly stated in these verses. Here, the same word that is traditionally translated "saviour", as in the verses above, is translated as save/saved (ישׁע yaw-shah').

Judges 2:16 Then יהוה raised up rulers who saved them from the hand of those who plundered them.
1 Samuel 4:3 And when the people came into the camp, the elders of Yisra’ĕl said, “Why has יהוה smitten us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the covenant of יהוה from Shiloh to us, so that He comes into our midst and save us from the hand of our enemies.”
etc, etc, etc

It's a great point that people should understand that salvation starts and originates from Yahuweh Himself, but we also need to realize, understand, and accept the fact that other people and even the ark itself can be saviours as we have seen above. Since we have just seen that there is precedent for this from the Tanakh as stated in the examples above, I think it is a great testimony to look at the very name of Yahushua Himself. After all, His name literally means "Yahuweh is salvation" or rather "Salvation is from Yahuweh." His very name exemplifies and proves what has just been shown.

Proverbs 30:4 Who has gone up to the heavens and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who established all the ends of the earth? What is His Name, And what is His Son’s Name, If you know it?
Zechariah 9:9 “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Tsiyon! Shout, O daughter of Yerushalayim! See, your Sovereign is coming to you, He is righteous and endowed with deliverance, humble and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.

I have yet to receive a response from this Jewish person that I am conversing with, but it has only been 17 hours at this point since I sent them my response. So they may respond back. If so, I will try to post the response here so as to give equal and fair treatment.

Until then, or until next time, SHALOM!!!

Answering Jewish Objections #1

2012-06-18T13:09:00.000-04:00

Recently a Jewish objection that I came across to Yahushua being the Messiah was that only Yahuweh is savior. The only text they put forth for this is Isaiah 43:11

Isaiah 43:11 "I, I am יהוה, and besides Me there is no saviour."

However, they do this to their own detriment. Using this verse, and only this verse, is misleading and out of context. The truth of the matter is that multiple people are called saviours, even in the Tanakh. Before I put up those verses I'll let you do a quick search to see if you can find them.

So don't be fooled by people using verses out of context. Study and research and find out the truth for yourself.

Trinity Discussion: Proving The Trinity

2012-01-14T18:45:00.001-05:00

     Ok, so the time has finally come to inevitably prove the doctrine of the trinity. We have already been through some Scriptures, some of the various concepts of the godhead, and a detailed explanation of what exactly the doctrine of the trinity is. Now it is time to put the proof to rest. So here goes!

     Many people claim that the trinitarian formula is not contained within the scriptures themselves, but in fact, it is. Let us take a look at Matthew 28:19

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

     Right here in this very verse we have the basis for the proving of the trinity. The disciples are told by Jesus to baptize people in a singular "name". Within this name is the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Therefore we can clearly see that the disciples were told to baptize in the name of the triune god. But what is the name of the triune god? Well, we can find that by continuing to look through the Scriptures and noticing what name the disciples baptized in. Let us take a look.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord [Jesus]. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

     So here we can see that the disciples use the name of Jesus to baptize people with. Therefore, in conjunction with Matthew 28:19 we can clearly see that Jesus is the name of the triune god. Jesus is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

     Ok, seriously, how many of you bought into that? Hopefully no one did. So what is wrong with that thought process? Well, the name of the almighty is given over seven thousand times in the Hebrew texts. And not even once was His name revealed to be Yahushua (aka Jesus). Next, not even the hard core trinitarians would ever make, accept, or promote such a claim. This would make Jesus His own son since He is the Son of God. Such a claim would be more along the lines of the modalist concept of the godhead than any other concept.

     So that leaves us with a conundrum in regards to the Scriptures that were quoted above. We are therefore left with two options. Either Jesus got the process wrong when He instructed His disciples (Heaven forbid) or His disciples got it wrong when they were baptizing people (highly unlikely). So did Jesus get it wrong or did the disciples get it wrong? Or, could there be a third possibility?

     That third possibility is coming up in our next blog posting. So stay tuned.....................

Trinity Discussion: Comparing Yahushua to Yahuweh

2012-01-11T19:31:00.000-05:00

According to the doctrine of the trinity, Yahushua (aka Jesus) IS Yahuweh (aka God, aka Jehovah). In order to understand more about the trinity, we also need to understand just exactly how it is that Yahushua relates to Yahuweh, or if He even does relate to Yahuweh in many of the same ways that we have been taught over the centuries.

Below I have laid out several attributes of Yahuweh, Yahushua, and humans. I have also provided Scripture verses to back up each attribute with each person. I fully invite you to have your Bible handy as you go through these verses and look up each one and see for yourself. The verses provided below are not an exhaustive list by any means. After we get done going through the various attributes and Scriptures, I have provided a chart to put the attributes side by side in an easy to understand way.

Yahuweh

Immortal
Genesis 21:33 And he planted a tamarisk tree in Be’ĕrsheḇa, and there called on the Name of יהוה, the Everlasting Ěl.
1 Timothy 1:17 Now to the Sovereign of the ages, incorruptible, invisible, to Elohim who alone is wise, be respect and esteem forever and ever. Amĕn.
1 Timothy 6:16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or is able to see, to whom be respect and everlasting might. Amĕn.

Omniscient
Psalm 147:4-5 He appoints the number of the stars, He gives names to all of them. Great is our Master and mighty in power, There is no limit to His understanding.

Cannot be tempted
James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

Does not sleep
Psalm 121:3 He does not allow your foot to be moved; He who watches over you does not slumber.

Yahushua

Mortal
Romans 5:6 For when we were still weak, Messiah in due time died for the wicked.
Romans 5:8 But Elohim proves His own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Messiah died for us.
Romans 8:34 Who is he who is condemning? It is Messiah who died, and furthermore is also raised up, who is also at the right hand of Elohim, who also makes intercession for us.
Romans 14:9 For unto this Messiah died and rose and lived again, to rule over both the dead and the living.
1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered to you at the first that which I also received: that Messiah died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
1 Thessalonians 4:14 For if we believe that יהושע died and rose again, so also Elohim shall bring with Him those who sleep in יהושע.

Limited Knowledge
Mark 13:32 “But concerning that day and the hour no one knows, not even the messengers in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

Sleeps
Mark 4:38 And He was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. And they woke Him up and said to Him, “Teacher, is it no concern to You that we perish?”

Could sin
Hebrews 4:15 Our High Priest is not one who cannot feel sympathy for our weaknesses. On the contrary, we have a High Priest who was tempted in every way that we are, but did not sin.

Can be tempted
Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
Hebrews 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Can do miracles
John 11:41-43 So they took away the stone where the dead man was laid. And יהושע lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. “And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the crowd standing by I said this, in order that they believe that You sent Me.” And when He had said this, He cried with a loud voice, “Elʽazar, come out!”
Mark 8:23-25 And taking the blind man by the hand He led him out of the village. And having spit on his eyes, laying hands on him, He asked him, “Do you see at all?” And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.” Then He placed His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored, and saw all clearly

Can forgive sins
Luk 5:24 “But in order for you to know that the Son of Aḏam possesses authority on earth to forgive sins...” He said to the man who was paralysed, “I say to you, rise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”

Humans

Mortal
Hebrews 9:27 And as it awaits men to die once, and after this the judgment,

Limited Knowledge
1Co 13:9-12 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part shall be inactive. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I thought as a child, I reasoned as a child. But when I became a man, I did away with childish matters. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know, as I also have been known.

Sleeps
2 Samuel 11:9 But Uriah did not go home; instead he slept at the palace gate with the king's guards.

Could sin
Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the esteem of Elohim,

Can be tempted
1 Corinthians 10:13 No trial has overtaken you except such as is common to man, and Elohim is trustworthy, who shall not allow you to be tried beyond what you are able, but with the trial shall also make the way of escape, enabling you to bear it.
James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Can do miracles
1Ki 17:21-22 And he stretched himself out on the child three times, and cried out to יהוה and said, “O יהוה my Elohim, I pray, let the life of this child come back to him.” And יהוה heard the voice of Ěliyahu, and the life of the child came back to him, and he lived.
1 Kings 18:36-38 And it came to be, at the time of bringing the evening offering, that Ěliyahu the prophet came near and said, “יהוה Elohim of Aḇraham, Yitsḥaq, and Yisra’ĕl, let it be known today: You are Elohim in Yisra’ĕl, and I Your servant, have done all these matters by Your word. “Answer me, O יהוה, answer me, and let this people know that You are יהוה Elohim, and You shall turn their hearts back to You again.” Then the fire of יהוה fell and consumed the burnt offering, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench.
Acts 9:34 And Kĕpha said to him, “Aeneas, יהושע the Messiah heals you! Rise up and make your bed.” And immediately he rose up.

Can forgive sins
John 20:23 “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained.”

So now that we can clearly see the differences and the likenesses laid out plainly and directly in plain sight, the time has come to ask yourself, who does Yahushua line up with more? Yahuweh or mankind?

And coming up next time: Proof for the trinity, straight from the scriptures.

Stay Tuned!

2012-01-04T15:59:00.000-05:00

My apologies to everyone for not posting as much as I used to. With the holiday season and new year over with I will be getting back to posting and continuing the discussion on the trinity here REAL soon. So stay tuned!!

Christmas is biblical

2011-12-11T22:34:00.001-05:00

Many people celebrate the holiday of Christmas to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Still, there are some that claim that Christmas is not Christian or that Jesus was not born in the winter on December 25th. Well, let us try and put this to rest once and for all. Please understand, that no matter what anyone says, there is no denying that Christmas is Biblical.

Throughout the centuries people have believed that the first time that Christmas is mentioned in the Scriptures is in the gospel of Matthew. However, the truth of the matter is that the first time Christmas is mentioned is in the book of Jeremiah, around six hundred B.C.E.

Jeremiah 10:2-5 "Thus said יהוה, “Do not learn the way of the gentiles, and do not be awed by the signs of the heavens, for the gentiles are awed by them. For the prescribed customs of these peoples are worthless, for one cuts a tree from the forest, work for the hands of a craftsman with a cutting tool. They adorn it with silver and gold, they fasten it with nails and hammers so that it does not topple. They are like a rounded post, and they do not speak. They have to be carried, because they do not walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they do no evil, nor is it in them to do any good.” - (The Scriptures)

Jeremiah 10:2-5 "Thus saith the LORD, 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 cutteth 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." - (King James Version)

     So if Christmas is about the celebration of the birth of Christ Jesus, then why is it that people were celebrating Christmas almost six hundred years before Christ was actually born. Well the answer is that Christmas has never been about the birth of Christ. Christmas is a pagan holiday to commemorate the birth of the sun god.

     During the summer of 2005 I was serving in the middle of Iraq just west of Fallujah. One night I was serving gate duty with a National Guardsman who was a Neo-Pagan. As the night went on, and there was really nothing to do except talk, we got to talking about each of our respective faiths. He, talking about neo-paganism and I, being a baptist at the time, talking about Christianity. He got to telling me about how the neo-pagans believed in a duality in everything and that they believed in a god and a goddess. However, it was on halloween every year that their god dies. Seeing as how their god is a good god that protects them, once their god dies on halloween there is no one to protect them from the demons and evil spirits. That is where halloween comes from. Then on December 25th of every year, their god is reborn again. At the time I really did not see that as any more than a coincidence, but as I went through the years and started studying and questioning things for myself I soon realized that this was no coincidence, but actually the same thing.

     Long before Christians started celebrating christmas as the birth of christ, pagans, especially sun worshippers, were celebrating December 25th as the birth of their sun god. In the ancient world, this was the day that the people could noticeably discern that the days were starting to get longer and the people took this as a sign that their sun god had been born and was growing. Part of their celebration included cutting trees from a forest and decorating it with all kinds of ornaments. The tree symbolized a penis for them and to go along with this, they also created wreaths from the boughs of trees to symbolize the opening to a woman's womb. Together these two were used to help celebrate the birth of the sun god.

     It was not until many years later that the christian church under the rule of the roman emperor constantine, adopted this pagan holiday as the birth of the Christ Jesus. This was done in order to gain converts from paganism and to further the goal of a universal church. Real followers of Christ, however, would not believe in or celebrate a pagan holiday such as christmas. Why? Because Christ Himself would not follow such pagan practices. In fact, the Scriptures never tell of any of the righteous people ever celebrating the birth of anyone, let alone the Messiah. Not once is there ever a reference to the Apostles/Disciples celebrating the birth of the Messiah. In the entirety of Scripture there is only two references to the celebrating of birthdays, both are by pagans/heathen, and both times someone gets their head cut off.

     Further proof that Messiah was not born in December is that during the winter months in Israel it is too cold for shepherds to keep their herds/flocks out at night in the field. However, the Scriptures clearly indicate that there were shepherds in the fields. Also, the Messiah was born in Bayit Lechem (Bethlehem) during a great gathering of people. Many people understand this as the census. True, a census was being taken at the time, but the people were not gathering simply because of the census. Instead the Roman government knew it was much more efficient to undertake such an effort during a time when the people would be gathered anyways. In the Scriptures the people are instructed to come to Jerusalem three times a year. During Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Feast of Weeks (aka pentecost)), and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). It was actually during this last feast mentioned, the Feast of Tabernacles, that the people were gathered there at Jerusalem and subsequently Bethlehem, and which Messiah was born. This would have placed His birth somewhere near the end of October.

John 1:14 The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. We gazed on his glory, the kind of glory that belongs to the Father's unique Son, full of grace and truth. - (ISV)

So in conclusion, we can see that christmas is biblical because it is in the bible, but it is not righteous and good. In fact it is an evil pagan holiday that should not be believed in or observed by true followers of the Messiah. Our Heavenly Father Himself instructs us NOT to do this. Let us turn from the pagan holidays that we have been brainwashed into and return to the Holy Days of our Heavenly Father, the Holy Days of our Messiah, and the Holy Days of the Scriptures.

To Yahuweh be the glory!

For further study and resources:

Solstice Celebrations - Dies Natalis Solis Invicti and Mithras

Survivals of Roman Religion

ASHERAH - THE CHRISTMAS TREECUSTOM

Trinity Discussion: Evolution of words over the centuries

2011-12-03T19:28:00.001-05:00

     As time has progressed and moved on, so have many of the words that we know. The meaning that some words originally had are very different than the way that we think of them today.

     Take for example the word "apology". Today in the 21st century we think of apology as saying "I'm sorry". Nowadays an apology is verbally or non-verbally admitting to something wrong that we did to or against another person and seeking their forgiveness. However, the word "apology" comes from the greek word "apologia" which means "a defense especially of one's opinions, position, or actions" (Merriman Webster Online) or "a speech or writing that defends the speaker or author's position" (Wikipedia.com).

     Unfortunately this "evolution" of words has also taken place within the religious realm as well. In this posting we will be discussing the two most important words for this discussion "god" & "lord".

God

     In modern society, in fact for many centuries now, people have thought of the word "god" to be the one almighty creator of the universe. For a lot of people the word "god" is the name for the almighty. However, the word "god" is merely a title and not a name. Many religions refer to the one or ones that they worship as "god". This, at times, can become very confusing and lead us to misleading results, even within Christianity and a study of the Scriptures.

     In the Scriptures the word "god" is used many times and in many different ways. Not just in reference to the almighty Yahuweh (aka God, aka Jehovah). Moses is called god in Exodus 7:1, the judges of Israel are called "gods" in Psalms 82:6, and even the angels are referred to as "gods" in Psalm 138:1. So the word "god" or "gods" is not a word or a term that is exclusively referring to the one almighty "God".

     The word "god" is translated in place of the Hebrew word "Elohim" which means "mighty one", "mighty ones", or "Mightiest of the mighty". This word can refer to the almighty Yahuweh, the angels, to judges, or even to great men. It is not a term that is exclusive to "the" almighty. Even though the word "Elohim" is constructed in the plural in Hebrew, it is not always meant or translated that way. It all depends on the context. We will be getting into more detail about "Elohim" in Section 6 of this discussion. Just understand for the meantime that "god" is a title that refers to many people in the Scriptures, not just the almighty.

Lord

In modern times we generally think of the word "lord" as referring to Yahuweh as well, although we also think of Yahushua (aka Jesus) in reference to "lord". Using "lord" in reference to Yahuweh and Yahushua is completely correct. However the word "lord" is not an exclusively divine title and is not just used exclusively of Yahuweh in the scriptures.

The word "lord" simply means "master", "ruler", "husband", or "one with authority". In England there is the "House of Lords". However, we are not saying that there are a bunch of gods in this house. Simply that there are lots of people who rule or oversee a particular part of government. This is also true in the Scriptures as well. Yahuweh is Lord in the Scriptures, Yahushua is Lord in the Scriptures, Abraham is Lord in the Scriptures, etc. Even in the bible the word "lord" does not mean or relate directly to Yahuweh. It is a word of respect to someone in that position, such as "Dr", "Sir", "President", "Minister", etc. "Lord" can, and does, relate to even mortal men.

Trinity Discussion: The Trinity in more detail

2011-12-03T19:27:00.001-05:00

Now that we have very briefly looked over multiple concepts on the godhead, it is now time to get into more detail on the concept or the doctrine of the trinity. After all, if we are going to discuss something then we need to at least know what we are talking about.

The first thing that we must realize is that the word trinity is never used in scripture. Neither in the English, the Greek, or the Hebrew. However, this is rather a moot point and neither proves nor disproves the concept of the trinity. What is more important, though, is that the concept of the trinity itself is never specifically mentioned, discussed, described, or explained in the entirety of the scriptures. Therefore, in order to understand the trinity and exactly what it is, we need to be told exactly what it is and how it works and that is exactly what I will do below.

The trinity is the existence of God as three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost
God exists as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost
All three are co-eternal
All three are co-equal
All three are co-essential
All three are omniscient and omnipresent
All three are separate and distinct persons
All three are fully 100% God
Even though God is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost
- the Father is not the Son
- the Father is not the Holy Ghost
- the Son is not the Father
- the Son is not the Holy Ghost
- the Holy Ghost is not the Father
- the Holy Ghost is not the Son
In their union each nature preserves it's distinct attributes

          The christian church as we know it was officially created and organized by the Roman emperor Constantine in 324 C.E. However, the doctrine of the trinity was not fully formulated until at least 451 C.E. with the Council of Chalcedon. The council of Nicea in 325 C.E. established the divinity of Jesus, but did not deal with the subject of the Holy Ghost. Instead, the Roman Catholic Church simply tacked on the end of the creed "And in the Holy Ghost.". In 381 C.E. at the Council of Constantinople, the Nicean Creed was modified to include the Holy Ghost. It was not until the Council of Chalcedon in 451 C.E. that the two natures of Christ was worked out and confirmed. And finally with the development and acceptance of the athanasian creed, the doctrine and the concept of the trinity was finally finalized into the form that we know it today. (For further reading and to get a brief overview of the evolution of the concept of the trinity, please read through the provided roman catholic creeds below).
          The concept of the trinity is generally held to be of such high importance that some would even place the salvation of a person upon the concept: saved if believing and professing the trinity and unsaved if denying the trinity. This view and practice, however, is again not one that is found within the pages of the scriptures. Of all the requirements and circumstances surrounding salvation, neither our Messiah Yahushua nor His apostles ever included anything even remotely dealing with the concept of the trinity. The importance of the trinity in regards to salvation is an extra-biblical concept.
           Now that we have explained what the trinity is and briefly shown how the concept came into existence, we almost have a good foundation to go right into our study. However, there is one more area that we need to cover and that is how some words have changed over time. And we will be getting into that next time. So stay tuned!

Nicene Creed (325 C.E.)

"We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, begotten of the Father the only-begotten; that is, of the essence of the Father, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; By whom all things were made both in heaven and on earth; Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down and was incarnate and was made man; He suffered, and the third day he rose again, ascended into heaven; From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. And in the Holy Ghost.

But those who say: 'There was a time when he was not;' and 'He was not before he was made;' and 'He was made out of nothing,' or 'He is of another substance' or 'essence,' or 'The Son of God is created,' or 'changeable,' or 'alterable'—they are condemned by the holy catholic and apostolic Church."

Nicene Creed (381 C.E.)

"We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds (æons), Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man; he was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried, and the third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; from thence he shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead;
whose kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceedeth from the Father, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spake by the prophets. In one holy catholic and apostolic Church; we acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen."

Chalcedonian Creed (451 C.E.)

"We, then, following the holy Fathers, all with one consent, teach people to confess one and the same Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, the same perfect in Godhead and also perfect in manhood; truly God and truly man, of a reasonable [rational] soul and body; consubstantial [co-essential] with the Father according to the Godhead, and consubstantial with us according to the Manhood; in all things like unto us, without sin; begotten before all ages of the Father according to the Godhead, and in these latter days, for us and for our salvation, born of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, according to the Manhood; one and the same Christ, Son, Lord, only begotten, to be acknowledged in two natures, inconfusedly, unchangeably, indivisibly, inseparably; the distinction of natures being by no means taken away by the union, but rather the property of each nature being preserved, and concurring in one Person and one Subsistence, not parted or divided into two persons, but one and the same Son, and only begotten God (μονογενῆ Θεὸν), the Word, the Lord Jesus Christ; as the prophets from the beginning [have declared] concerning Him, and the Lord Jesus Christ Himself has taught us, and the Creed of the holy Fathers has handed down to us."

Athanasian Creed

          "Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the Catholic Faith. Which Faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled; without doubt he shall perish everlastingly. And the Catholic Faith is this: That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity; Neither confounding the Persons; nor dividing the Essence. For there is one Person of the Father; another of the Son; and another of the Holy Ghost. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, is all one; the Glory equal, the Majesty coeternal. Such as the Father is; such is the Son; and such is the Holy Ghost. The Father uncreated; the Son uncreated; and the Holy Ghost uncreated. The Father unlimited; the Son unlimited; and the Holy Ghost unlimited. The Father eternal; the Son eternal; and the Holy Ghost eternal. And yet they are not three eternals; but one eternal. As also there are not three uncreated; nor three infinites, but one uncreated; and one infinite. So likewise the Father is Almighty; the Son Almighty; and the Holy Ghost Almighty. And yet they are not three Almighties; but one Almighty. So the Father is God; the Son is God; and the Holy Ghost is God. And yet they are not three Gods; but one God. So likewise the Father is Lord; the Son Lord; and the Holy Ghost Lord. And yet not three Lords; but one Lord. For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity; to acknowledge every Person by himself to be God and Lord; So are we forbidden by the Catholic Religion; to say, There are three Gods, or three Lords. The Father is made of none; neither created, nor begotten. The Son is of the Father alone; not made, nor created; but begotten. The Holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Son; neither made, nor created, nor begotten; but proceeding. So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts. And in this Trinity none is before, or after another; none is greater, or less than another. But the whole three Persons are coeternal, and coequal. So that in all things, as aforesaid; the Unity in Trinity, and the Trinity in Unity, is to be worshipped. He therefore that will be saved, let him thus think of the Trinity.

          Furthermore it is necessary to everlasting salvation; that he also believe faithfully the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the right Faith is, that we believe and confess; that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and Man; God, of the Essence of the Father; begotten before the worlds; and Man, of the Essence of his Mother, born in the world. Perfect God; and perfect Man, of a reasonable soul and human flesh subsisting. Equal to the Father, as touching his Godhead; and inferior to the Father as touching his Manhood. Who although he is God and Man; yet he is not two, but one Christ. One; not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh; but by assumption of the Manhood into God. One altogether; not by confusion of Essence; but by unity of Person. For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one man; so God and Man is one Christ; Who suffered for our salvation; descended into hell; rose again the third day from the dead. He ascended into heaven, he sitteth on the right hand of the God the Father Almighty, from whence he will come to judge the quick and the dead. At whose coming all men will rise again with their bodies; And shall give account for their own works. And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting; and they that have done evil, into everlasting fire. This is the Catholic Faith; which except a man believe truly and firmly, he cannot be saved."

Trinity Discussion: Concepts of the godhead

2011-11-30T21:47:00.001-05:00

Before any proper study can be done on the trinity, we must first briefly look at the different concepts that exist concerning the godhead. We will not get into much detail here. I provide this to you just to give you a basic understanding of each. However, I fully invite you to go on from here and learn more about each one to broaden your understanding.

Please note that all of these concepts discussed below are monotheistic, teaching that there is only one god.

Trinitarianism
Trinitarianism teaches that there are three persons who make up the godhead. The Father, the Son, & the Holy Spirit. Each one is seperate and distinct from each other, but yet they are all the same god.

Wikipedia
"The Christian doctrine of the Trinity defines God as three divine persons (Greek: ὑποστάσεις): the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. The three persons are distinct yet coexist in unity, and are co-equal, co-eternal and consubstantial (Greek: ὁμοούσιοι). Put another way, the three persons of the Trinity are of one being (Greek: οὐσία). The Trinity is considered to be a mystery of Christian faith.

According to this doctrine, God exists as three persons but is one God, meaning that God the Son and God the Holy Spirit have exactly the same nature or being as God the Father in every way. Whatever attributes and power God the Father has, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit have as well. "Thus, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are also eternal, omnipresent, omnipotent, infinitely wise, infinitely holy, infinitely loving, omniscient."

According to James Rendel Harris (1852-1941), the doctrine developed as early Christians tried to reconcile the traditional Jewish monotheism recorded in the Hebrew Scriptures with their portrayal of Jesus as also divine."

Encyclopedia Britannica
"Trinity, in Christian doctrine, the unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as three persons in one Godhead.

Neither the word Trinity nor the explicit doctrine appears in the New Testament, nor did Jesus and his followers intend to contradict the Shema in the Hebrew Scriptures: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord” (Deuteronomy 6:4). The earliest Christians, however, had to cope with the implications of the coming of Jesus Christ and of the presumed presence and power of God among them—i.e., the Holy Spirit, whose coming was connected with the celebration of the Pentecost."

Binitarianism
Binitarianism teaches that there are two persons in the godhead. The Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is generally accepted as the working of the Almighty or of the working of Heaven here on earth.

Wikipedia
"Binitarianism is a Christian theology of two personae, two individuals, or two aspects in one Godhead (or God). Classically, binitarianism is understood as strict monotheism — that is, that God is an absolutely single being; and yet with binitarianism there is a "twoness" in God."

Unitarianism
Unitarianism teaches that the Father is the only one who is God. Yahushua (aka Jesus) is seen as Yahuweh's (aka God, aka Jehovah) son and is also the Messiah. The Holy Spirit is generally accepted as the working of the Almighty or of the working of Heaven here on earth.

Wikipedia
" 'Unitarianism' is a proper noun and follows the same English usage as other theologies that have developed within a religious movement (Calvinism, Anabaptism, Adventism, Wesleyanism, etc.). The term existed shortly before it became the name of a religious movement, and thus occasionally it is used as a common noun and would describe any Christology (i.e. understanding of Jesus Christ) that denies the Trinity or believes that God is only one person. In that case it would be a monotheistic belief system not necessarily associated with the Unitarian religious movement."

Encyclopedia Britannica
"Socinian, member of a Christian group in the 16th century that embraced the thought of the Italian-born theologian Faustus Socinus. The Socinians referred to themselves as “brethren” and were known by the latter half of the 17th century as “Unitarians” or “Polish Brethren.” They accepted Jesus as God’s revelation but still a mere man, divine by office rather than by nature; Socinians thus rejected the doctrine of the Trinity. One of the Socinians’ doctrines was that the soul dies with the body but the souls of those who have persevered in obeying Jesus’ commandments will be resurrected."

Modalism
Modalism teaches that God is someone who exists in different "modes". Sometimes He exists as the Father, sometimes as the Son, and sometimes as the Holy Spirit. However, modalism teaches that all three are one in the same with no seperation between them.

Wikipedia
"In Christianity, Sabellianism, (also known as modalism, modalistic monarchianism, or modal monarchism) is the nontrinitarian belief that the Heavenly Father, Resurrected Son and Holy Spirit are different modes or aspects of one God, as perceived by the believer, rather than three distinct persons in God Himself.

The term Sabellianism comes from Sabellius, a theologian and priest from the third century. Modalism differs from Unitarianism by accepting the Christian doctrine that Jesus was fully God.

God was said to have three "faces" or "masks" (Greek πρόσωπα prosopa; Latin personae).[1] Modalists note that the only number ascribed to God in the Holy Bible is One and that there is no inherent threeness ascribed to God explicitly in scripture."

Encyclopdia Britannica
"Sabellianism, Christian heresy that was a more developed and less naive form of Modalistic Monarchianism (see Monarchianism); it was propounded by Sabellius (fl. c. 217–c. 220), who was possibly a presbyter in Rome. Little is actually known of his life because the most detailed information about him was contained in the prejudiced reports of his contemporary, Hippolytus, an anti-Monarchian Roman theologian. In Rome there was an active struggle between the Monarchians, or Modalists, and those who affirmed permanent distinctions (“Persons”) within the Godhead."

Trinity Discussion: Primer

2011-11-28T22:06:00.001-05:00

Hey guys,
So coming up soon I "should" have some more time to write some more stuff. I thought that a good place to pick up with would be the topic of the trinity. If you do not know what that is then that is ok. We will get into defining terms as we go. Also, we will be briefly discussing some other concepts on the god-head as well.

If you have never done a study on the trinity then you could find this very intriguing. Also, if you come from a background such as mine, you really did not hear this preached in church all that much, if any. Just realize this one thing
, "The truth will always be the truth, regardless of whether or not it is questioned". So do not let other people intimidate you with fear tactics. Have faith in Yahuweh and always question to find the truth.

Here is a brief (working) outline of what I have planned. Bear with me if I do not follow exactly along this outline as we go along.

Briefly defining and explaining some of the various god-head concepts
Defining in more detail the doctrine of the trinity
Evolution of words over the centuries
Comparing Yahushua (aka Jesus) to Yahuweh (aka God, aka Jehovah)
What's wrong with that verse?
Words and phrases and concepts, OH MY!!!
Various other scriptures not otherwise included
Conclusion

And somewhere along the way, I am not going to say when, I will be proving the trinity, straight from scripture. You do not want to miss that. So don't forget to subscribe and stay tuned!

To Yahuweh be the glory!

Name of the Almighty

2011-10-01T21:09:00.001-04:00

Names are more than just letters arranged into words on a piece of paper or guttural utterances from someone's throat. Names identify a particular being and convey a multitude of meanings. Names are not a singular meaning, but multiple meanings rapped up into that one word. Names are powerful. Even one single name has power. A name, not a meaning, makes one unique.

For instance, think of what comes to mind when you think of the name “Da Vinci”. Maybe you think of various paintings such as the Mona Lisa, the Last Supper, or a number of various sketches of inventions. Think of what comes to mind when you hear the word “Hitler”. Instantly the thoughts of World War 2 come to mind. You start thinking about the Holocaust, the Nazi regime, and fascism. Now think of what comes to mind when you think of the name “Einstein”. Relativity, intelligence, and funny hair do is just some of the things that people think about from the name Einstein. All of these names can instantly conjure up any number of ideas and any number of meanings. One single name has a lot of power and a lot of meaning.

When we come to the name of the Almighty, the Creator of Heaven and of Earth, His name is by far the most powerful name that has ever existed and ever will exist. So how do we know the name of our Heavenly Father? Well, let us turn to the third chapter of the book of Exodus.

Exodus 3:13 And Mosheh said to Elohim, “See, when I come to the children of Yisra’ĕl and say to them, ‘The Elohim of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His Name?’ what shall I say to them?”

Exodus 3:14 And Elohim said to Mosheh, “I am that which I am.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Yisra’ĕl, ‘I am has sent me to you.’ ”

Exodus 3:15 And Elohim said further to Mosheh, “Thus you are to say to the children of Yisra’ĕl, ‘Yahuweh Elohim of your fathers, the Elohim of Aḇraham, the Elohim of Yitsḥaq, and the Elohim of Yaʽaqoḇ, has sent me to you. This is My Name forever, and this is My remembrance to all generations.’

In verse 13 of chapter three Moses is inquiring of the Almighty as to what His name is. Then in the very next verse, verse 14, the Almighty says “I am that which I am”. However do we really think that His name is “I am”? That is not a name, but rather a phrase. Let us think on this a minute and see just how this would have played out if “I am” was actually His name.

Moses goes into the court of Pharaoh to ask that he let the people of Israel go.

Moses:

“I am has sent me to you”

Pharaoh:

“Who?”

Moses:

“No, who's on first. I am has sent me.”

Pharaoh:

“What?”

Moses:

“No, what's playing second. I am has sent me.”

Pharaoh:

“So......you have sent you?”

Moses:

“No, I have come from I am”

Pharaoh:

“You are..........never mind! Why have you come?”

Moses:

“Why is in left field. He didn't come with me.”

Pharaoh:

“Uggghhh!! OFF WITH HIS HEAD!!!!”

Now obviously we can see the humor in such a scenario. “I am that I am” is not a name. Rather it is just one of many meanings of the Almighty's name. It is just one of many revelations of the Almighty's name. If we say that a name is just a meaning then we severely limit that name and what it does mean. The reason for this is because a name conveys more than one meaning. Therefore we cannot say that a name is only a meaning.

So what is the name of our Heavenly Father? We simply need to only continue down one more verse to verse 15 in the third book of Exodus to find out. Here we can see that YHWH is the name given to Moses. (Literally from the Hebrew “yod” “hey” “wod” “hey”). These four Hebrew letters, often called the Tetragrammaton, are so much more than just “I am that I am” or “I will be that which I will be”. They convey mercy, love, grace, jealousy, creator, power, salvation, limitless, all knowing, all powerful, all present, etc, etc. We cannot limit this powerful name to just one meaning.

When we say that a name is not important, but only the meaning is important we are limiting the power of the name itself and we could really get into trouble in some areas. Take for example the name of King Yehu (Jehu in KJV). If we say that it is only the meaning that matters then in this instance we are saying that King Yehu is God Himself. Why? Well when you look this name up in the Strong's Concordance and the Brown-Driver-Briggs (H3058) his name literally means “Jehovah is He”. Now anyone with common sense can realize that this human king is not the almighty creator of the universe. We can see that his name is Yehu. That is what is important.

Also, when we say that a name is not important, but only a meaning or description of a name, we are only doing the same thing that the demon did with the Messiah in Luke 8 verse 30.

Luke 8:30 And Yahushua asked him, saying, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered into him.

Here we can see that Yahushua inquired of the demon as to what his name was and the demon simply responded with a description or a meaning. He never really gave his name or their names. And that is something to consider. Does one really want to be on the level of a demon in only using meanings/descriptions? Or does one want to use the actual name of a person like the Almighty does and like the Messiah does?

Take this real life example into consideration. Gentleman, the woman you are married to is your “wife”, but you do not go around calling her “wife”. You call her by her name. Ladies, how would you feel if your husband went around calling you “woman” or “girlie” all the time? You would not feel very connected, now would you? The same happens with our Heavenly Father. He knows us by name and calls us by name. He wants to have that personal relationship with us. We should want to have a personal relationship with Him as well. However, in order to do that we need to be on a personal name basis.

Many people in today's day and age call the god of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, etc “God”, but that really is not His name. “God” is merely a title. Yes, He is a “god” as we currently think of “god”, but the word “god” is merely a title, and nothing more, in any context. If you were to stand in the middle of a mixed faith group of people and proclaim “God is great!” then this would mean a variety of things to different people.

To the Buddhists it would mean “buddha is great!” and to the Muslims it would mean “allah is great”. This is because in their eyes and in their hearing you would be extolling their god. We do not want to do that though. We want them to understand clearly who we are talking about and that we are not promoting their god. That is why we should use the name of Yahuweh. If instead you were to say “Yahuweh is great” then there would be no confusion as there is no other named Yahuweh.

The use of pagan names to refer to the one true creator of heaven and earth is disrespectful at best and profaning at worst. Let us look at Exodus 20:7

“You do not bring the Name of יהוה your Elohim to naught, for יהוה does not leave the one unpunished who brings His Name to naught. - (The Scriptures)

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. - (KJV)

Thou shalt not idly utter the name of Jehovah thy God; for Jehovah will not hold him guiltless that idly uttereth his name. - (Darby)

"Do not use my name for evil purposes, for I, the LORD your God, will punish anyone who misuses my name. - (GNB)

Do not misuse my name. I am the LORD your God, and I will punish anyone who misuses my name. - (CEV)

So we can see here that misusing His name or bringing it to nothing is extremely disrespectful of the Creator of heaven and earth. The use of pagan names when praying to the Almighty would be exactly the sort of misuse and vanity that the Almighty is talking about here because it lowers the name of Yahuweh to the gutter level of the pagan gods and brings His name to nothing. He gave us His name so that we would not confuse Him with the pagan gods and so that we could have a more personal relationship with Him.

In the gospel of John chapter 4 verses 23 through 24 we are told that we should worship Yahuweh in spirit and in truth and that Yahuweh seeks those who do. My friend, the truth is that “god” is nothing more than a title and not the name of the Almighty. You know this. Yahuweh is His name and that is the truth. That is part of the most true worship: using His almighty name. And as we all know, the truth shall make us free! (John 8:32)