TO EAT OR NOT TO EAT, THAT IS THE QUESTIONTorah and the Lost Tribes |
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Warning - this is an extensive
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This is How I Eat . . . |
(01/07/04) |
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The other extreme is that of progressive revelation, that over time, Elohim revealed new practices that superseded the old, especially regarding the Law of Yahweh found in the Old Testament – that Yahshua came to do away with the old and bring in the new: that instead of adhering to any absolute standard (like the Bible), Elohim’s grace will be accepting of all who call on him, regardless of how they live. Of course, there’s a wide range of understanding between those two extremes; the most highly populated segment, it seems, are those who call the Bible the inerrant Word of Elohim yet at the same time claim that Yahshua came to nullify most of it (i.e. nail it to the cross). They claim to have an absolute standard based on the Bible, and at the same time, they say the Law of the Bible has passed away. They claim to adhere to the Ten Commandments; they even idolize them. Though the Ten Commandments are a vital part of the Law of Yahweh, they have changed these Commandments or they claim some of these Commandments have passed away, especially the first, second and fourth. These also take a very legalistic viewpoint about certain activities they deem to be sinful that are not even mentioned in the Bible as sins, while continually disobeying many commandments that are explicitly given in the Bible. Though they will never admit to being anything but Bible-believing Christians, they believe only parts of the Bible, and misinterpret very clear sayings of Yahshua and the Apostles to fit their own convictions and opinions. They will never admit to reinterpreting Scripture progressively, based upon the decrees made by their church, even though a cursory reading of the Bible proves they are. Many such are led astray by their church doctrines, their family traditions, their shepherds, pastors and teachers, onto an easier way, a less biblical way, a riskier way (when it comes to the risk of being resurrected). But many of these people who tread a dangerous and slippery path are serious about their faith, and may, with the right approach, turn to a more authentic, biblical faith and practice. Personally, I have gone from ignorance to skepticism to belief in the integrity of the seventy books of the Bible, and the Elohim that is therein portrayed. And I believe, with the consent of the Bible, that we can never be saved or justified by works of the law; however, in love and gratitude for our Elohim and his Son for our exemption from his wrath, our desire should be to adhere strictly to the words and commandments of both while we walk this earth. For we know, if his Word is true, we who are privileged to walk in the light of the Millennium will indeed be adhering strictly to his law, his commandments and his form of worship. This is written in many and various places in the prophets, both Old and New Testament. If we will follow the “Law of Moses” in the Millennium and teaching others so, it makes sense to me that we should be studying how we shall live, and live that way in the now, insofar as possible. As for Law, James, the brother of Yahshua, calls the Law of Yahweh found in the first five books of the Bible “the law of liberty.” We have interpreted that to mean that he couldn’t be referring to the Law of Yahweh, because that law is very binding on a person’s liberty. But in the context of James’ teaching, any good law is liberating not so much because we are made to follow the law, but that others are. The Law of Yahweh is a law of liberty because others who are made to follow this law may not sin against us, enslave us, bind us or afflict us; and being protected by the rule of law and enforcement thereof, gives us liberty in a temporal sense, while being “in Messiah” at the same time makes us free indeed. Now the question we desire to answer is, “Biblically speaking, how are we to express our faith in Elohim through the Messiah Yahshua?” This study means to answer that question and help bring us into a new understanding of many of biblical concepts that have been tainted by the progressive revelation of ecclesiastical groups, sects and church dogma. In the remainder of this study, I’ll refer to “the Law” with a Hebrew word you’ve all heard – Torah. Torah is better translated as “instruction” than “law.” So when I say “Torah” I’m referring to the books of Moses at the beginning of the Bible, and that Torah is defined as the “instruction of Yahweh to his people of all ages.” (This is based on E. Chumney with use of other sources and original material. We must remember that if we are using any of the popular Bible translations we must unpaganize them: in the Old Testament, “the LORD” = “Yahweh,” “Elohim” = Yahweh, and in the New Testament, “the Lord” may refer to either Yahweh or Yahshua, or may be translated “Master,” depending on the context. “Christ” = “Messiah.” Quotes from the will Bible will come from the King James Version or Revised Standard Version, reflecting the corrections noted above.) A. After we are justified / saved / born again, are we to express our faith in Yahshua by learning and becoming obedient to the Torah? 1. Paul’s answer to this question is found in (Romans 3:28-31) Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 29. Is he the Elohim of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30. Seeing it is one Elohim, which shall justify the circumcision (Jews) by faith, and uncircumcision (Gentiles) through faith. 31. Do we then make void the law through faith? Elohim forbid: yea, we establish the law. (Ephesians 2:8-10) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of Elohim: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10. For we are his workmanship, created in Messiah Yahshua unto good works, which Elohim hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 2. We are not justified or saved by keeping the Torah; how could we be? But for Paul, we express our love, faith and discipleship for the one(s) who saved us by studying and keeping his Commandments / Torah after we are saved. This is what he means be “we establish the law” and we do “good works, which Elohim hath before ordained.” 3. Paul, as a Pharisee (a religious Jew of the tribe of Benjamin), saw the Torah as a holy (supernatural) thing and the will of man as a carnal thing. (Romans 7:12 – 14) Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. 13. Was then that which is good made death unto me? Elohim forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. 14. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 4. Traditional Christianity teaches that one is cursed for obeying the Torah for that one is crucifying the Messiah afresh. But the Bible teaches just the opposite; that disobeying the Torah is a curse unto death. Deuteronomy 28:15 But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Yahweh thy Elohim, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee ... The curse for willfully, intentionally disobeying the Torah (when one knows the Torah) is death. The word is plain. 5. What is sin? The Bible has a succinct definition of sin, and it’s found in the New Testament (not the Old): (1 John 3:4) Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (1 John 3:4 Weymouth translation) Every one who is guilty of sin is also guilty of violating Law; for sin is the violation of Law. (1 John 3:4 literal translation by me) All those doing the sin also does the lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness (anomia). What are the consequence (curse) of disobeying the Torah? (Romans 6:23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of Elohim is eternal life through Yahshua Messiah our Master. (Romans 1:29-32) Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30. Backbiters, haters of Elohim, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31. Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32. Who knowing the judgment of Elohim, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. The consequence and curse is death. 6. How are we to be redeemed from the consequence and curse of lawlessness, which is death? (Galatians 3:13) Messiah hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. This “hanging on a tree” is referenced in the Torah: (Deuteronomy 21:18,22) If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them: 22. And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree. It is the penalty for a rebellious, disobedient son – one who doesn’t obey the Torah, specifically the Fifth Commandment. So we are called to obey the voices of father and mother. 7. As believers, we are to obey the Instruction (Torah) our Father Abba / Yahweh and our Mother, the Holy Spirit. For we are sons (and daughters). (John 1:12,13) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of Elohim, even to them that believe on his name: 13. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of Elohim. (Galatians 4:6) And because ye are sons, Elohim hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (Proverbs 1:8) My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the Torah of thy mother. In Bible thought, our mother is the Shekinah glory of Yahweh, which we understand to be the Holy Spirit, who is like a mother dove hovering over her young. She is compassionate and loving, but is vigilant enough with her children to teach them Yahweh’s instruction (Torah / Law / Commandments). That is why Yahweh prophesies that: (Ezekiel 36:27) And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. (Ezekiel 36:27 New Jerusalem Bible) I shall put my spirit in you, and make you keep my laws, and respect and practice my judgments. 8. Regarding the nature of the Torah / the Law / the Instruction / the Commandments: First, the Torah is truth: (Psalm 119:142) Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy Torah is the truth. (Malachi 2:6) The Torah of Truth was in his mouth ... (John 16:13) Howbeit when he, the Spirit of Truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth. (The Torah is truth.) Remember, our Mother, the Holy Spirit, came to teach us the Truth, which is the Torah. Second, the Truth / Torah is to be written on our hearts. (Hebrews 8:10) For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Yahweh; I will put my Torah (Law) into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a Elohim, and they shall be to me a people. Third, Paul said that the flesh naturally seeks to disobey the Torah, and that the spiritual man needs the strength of the ‘mother’ to lead and guide into truth. (Romans 7:14) For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. (Romans 7:22) For I delight in the law of Yahweh after the inward man... So Paul is admonishing us that the Holy Spirit should be guiding us into the truth of the Torah and that we should be delighting in this study instead of disdaining it or claiming it is cursed by being nailed to a tree. 9. Conclusion of Part A: The reason the Messiah died on a TREE is because we are rebellious sons, striving against our Father and Mother. Though WE deserved death on the tree for our disobedience, Yahweh wanted none of us to perish that way, so he sent his OBEDIENT son to die on the tree for us for paying our past penalty for disobeying the Torah. That sets us at one with Yahweh (if we choose to appropriate his saving grace), and turns our hearts toward obeying his commandments and instruction in the future (if we don’t want to lose our salvation); (Hebrews 6:4-9) 4. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5. And have tasted the good word of Elohim, and the powers of the world to come, 6. If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of Elohim afresh, and put him to an open shame. 7. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from Elohim: 8. But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. 9. But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. Such warnings are worth studying and avoiding. (End Part A) B. The Torah and Common Attitudes Toward It Jackson Snyder, January 11, 2004 (We remember that “Torah” means “the instruction of Yahweh.”) 1. The Psalms and Prophets declare that the Torah is the Truth (Psalms 119: 142. Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.) Notice that this is a parallelism: “Righteousness” is parallel with “thy law” and “everlasting righteousness” is parallel with “the law.” (Malachi 2:6. The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips...”) The result of the law of truth is also described: (Malachi 2:6b He walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.) And the inspired evangelist refers to the truth of Torah in describing the Holy Spirit and the results of being spirit-filled: (John 16:13. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth...) 2. What is the New Covenant? It is the Torah written upon our hearts. (Hebrews 10:10. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith Yahweh; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a Elohim, and they shall be to me a people: 11. And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know Yahweh: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.) Paul explained that since we are in the flesh, and the flesh is worldly, it naturally seeks its own way; i.e. to disobey the instruction of Yahweh. This is why we need the strength of a mother to help overcome the flesh and obey the instruction. This ‘mother” is the Shekinah of Yahweh, the Holy Spirit. (Romans 7:14-22 14. For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22. For I delight in the law of Elohim after the inward man: 23. But I see another law in my members...) Paul says that though his members have their own law, the law of sin and death, his heart delights in the Torah after the inward man. And this is why Yahshua died a sacrifice – the law of sin and death demands we die. But Yahweh didn’t will that any perish so he sent his son to die at the stake to accept our penalty for disobeying the Torah. (See A.6.) 3. Freedom in Messiah – Free from Torah or to Torah? The freedom we receive in Messiah is that the penalty of the law of sin and death is paid by his death, and that his resurrection allowed the Holy Spirit to be with us and guide us to follow the Torah, now written on our hearts. This new mind, body and soul is given so that we might have the ability to express our love and gratitude by keeping the commandments, for that’s how he wishes we express our love for him. (John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.) Do we desire to enter into the gates of the New Jerusalem in the Millennium? In order to do so we must show our love for Yahweh and Yahshua by keeping their commandments. (Rev 22:14. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.)
4. Is the Torah for Everyone or Just Jews? Christianity teaches that whether we observe the instruction of Yahweh depends entirely upon our parentage – our bloodline. However, this doctrine is never phrased this way. Rather, the terms “Jew” and “non-Jew” are used (or Jew and Gentile). In any case, whether you’re Jewish or not depends entirely on your parents. In other words, both Christianity and Judaism teach that if we have Jewish parents, we are to express our faith in Yahweh one way, but if our parents are not Jewish, there’s another way. The Torah (Bible) doesn’t present this popular view. Did Yahweh invent the way we are to express our faith based on physical descent only or did His Torah (Bible) make provision for the “stranger” (non-Jew) to embrace the covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? Do a study with your concordance on stranger, sojourner or foreigner in your Bible. You’ll find many verses like the following: (Isaiah 56: 3. Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to Yahweh, speak, saying, Yahweh hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. 6. Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to Yahweh, to serve him, and to love the name of Yahweh, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; 7. Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. 8. Yahweh Elohim, which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.) (Numbers 15. One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before Yahweh. 16. One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you.) And Yahshua concurs: (John 3: 16. For Elohim so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17. For Elohim sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.) And Paul the Pharisee concurs: (Galatians 3:28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Yahshua. 29. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.) And the Revelator: (Revelation 7:9. After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10. And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our Elohim which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.) Traditional Christianity and the Messianic Jewish Movement both teach that it’s OK for non-Jews to have “bacon breath” but it’s not OK for Jews to have “bacon-breath.” Traditional Christianity, the Messianic Jewish Movement and Judaism all teach that non-Jews are to worship Yahweh by eating unclean foods, changing the Sabbath to Sunday, celebrating the birthday of the sun Elohim December 25th and identifying with the ancient fertility customs of the Elohimdess Ishtar (Easter in English). They also teach that non-Jews are not to keep the Sabbath of Yahweh or any of the other Commandments or Feasts. Non-Jews are to worship Yahweh by giving Yahweh a false, heathen name, observing pagan customs, contriving non-biblical holy days and following worthless, man-made laws decreed by the pope or some other ecclesiastical tyrant. They also teach that only Jews are to worship Yahweh through Messiah in a biblical fashion. 5. The Great Stumbling Stone The stumbling stone for Christians in understanding the role of the Torah in the lives of ALL believers is that the Messiah divided the Bible into two separate books. The Old part of the book doesn’t apply to the New part, and that when Yahweh said that his ordinances were for all generations and forever, He really didn’t mean it – that Yahweh lied. (Psalms 33:11 The counsel of the Lord standeth forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.) However. the Messiah said, (John 5:46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.) “Believing Moses” is believing what is written in the Torah. But Christianity and Judaism call Yahweh’s word a lie and him a liar when they set their traditions, especially those inherited from idol worshipers and heathens, before the Word of Yahweh. Yahshua encountered the same stumbling stone: (Matthew 15: 1. Then came to Yahshua scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, 2. Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. 3. But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of Elohim by your tradition?) The “traditions” represents our customs and practices; the “commandment” is the Torah. So though the Scripture clearly states that there is one Torah or instruction for both the native born (Israelite) and the foreigner (Gentile), and that the commandments are forever, why do we not believe it or explain it away? Why do we not keep his commands and ordinances? Do we believe we will retain his favor once we’ve been enlightened to the truth?
6. Doing Away With Torah by Dying on the Tree Theologian’s idea that Yahshua’s death on a tree nullified the Commandments of Yahweh is described in the Bible as a false witness. Look at this false witness against Stephen. (Acts 6: 11. Then they (false witnesses) suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against Elohim. 12. And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, 13. And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: 14. For we have heard him say, that this Yahshua of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.) Haven’t we been taught all along that Messiah died on the tree to change the customs of the faith and do away with that which was given Moses by Yahweh? One of the great teachings of Moses is that there is one Torah for both native born and the stranger. However, these accusations against Stephen were false, and even more false when witnessed against Yahshua, who said, (Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.) The Messiah explains that we don’t believe him because we didn’t first believe Moses. (John 5: 46. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. 47. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?) The implication (if not the direct inference) is that the writings of Moses, the Torah, should be believed, that the Messiah’s teaching finds it’s foundation in Torah and that, as the truth, HE IS TORAH.
(End Part B.) C. Messiah and Messianic Predictions Jackson Snyder January 14, 2004 1. What Biblical holidays did the Messiah Yahshua keep, if any? Yahshua didn’t do away with the weekly seventh-day Sabbath, but observed it (Luke 22:15). (For extensive biblical survey of the Sabbath, click here.) The non-Jew is also blessed for observing the weekly, seventh-day Sabbath. (Exodus 20:10. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of Yahweh thy Elohim: ... 11. For in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore Yahweh blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.) Yahweh has already chosen the day. How is it to be observed? Minimal observance that I find in the Scripture is doing one thing and not doing another. a) no work for profit is allowed – it’s to be a day of rest from labor, being made for man to rest b) a holy convocation is to be held – a prayer meeting. The non-Jew is also to observe Sabbath and will get a great blessing from the Almighty for being obedient. (Isaiah 56:2. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. 6. Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to Yahweh, to serve him, and to love the name of Yahweh, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; 7. Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.) “A house of prayer for all people.” 2. Yahshua kept Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Luke 22:15) and said that he would keep it again in the coming Kingdom. (Matthew 26: 17. Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Yahshua, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the Passover? 29. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.) The “fruit of the vine” is drunk during the Passover Seder. Did Yahshua then nullify this holidays that Yahweh declared should be celebrated forever? 3. Yahshua kept Hanukkah: (Matthew 10:22. And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. 23. And Yahshua walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch. 24. Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Anointed, tell us plainly. 25. Yahshua answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.) 4. He kept Tabernacles: John 7:10. 5. Yahshua will teach Torah personally again from the throne of Jerusalem in the Millennium. (Isaiah 2: 2. And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Yahweh’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. 3. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Yahweh, to the house of the Elohim of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Yahweh from Jerusalem. 4. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.) The just and equitable enforcement of law brings peace, order and unity to the world. 6. All nations will celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles in that day. (Zechariah 14:16. And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, Yahweh of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. 17. And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, Yahweh of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.) Even now, Christian emissaries from all over the world journey to Jerusalem to keep the Feast of Tabernacles in the fall. We attended in 1989. There were tens of thousands of Christians there for the feast from every nation and every denominational stripe, worshiping together and observing the Torah, Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Messianic, Pentecostal, nondenominational and Jews all keeping Tabernacles together. There is a “International Christian Embassy“ in Jerusalem that sponsors tabernacles for the world every single year. Here is a description of this organization from their website: In the summer of 1980, the Israeli Parliament declared the city of Jerusalem to be the undivided, eternal capitol of the State of Israel. Protest resounded across the international political spectrum, resulting in the closure of all thirteen (13) national embassies in Jerusalem. A number of Christians living in Israel then were hosting a Christian celebration during the Jewish Feast of the Tabernacles. They sensed Israel’s deep hurt that resulted from the withdrawal of the foreign embassies and decided to open a Christian embassy in this, the City of the Great King. They Called it the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem and it represents Christians from around the world speaking words of comfort and support to Israel. “Comfort, comfort My people. Speak comfortingly to Jerusalem” (Isaiah 40:1) The Symbol of the Embassy, like a “succa”, two olive branches are poised over a world with Jerusalem at its center. The graphic symbol of the Embassy speaks of a divine solution coming from above - not from man’s efforts below. Peace will come only from Elohim and it will unfold in His beloved Jerusalem. The design speaks further of that day when all nations will gather unto the Feast of Tabernacles at Jerusalem to see “Messiah” King Yahshua and enjoy His reign of peace and righteousness. So we are already seeing the prototype for the complete fulfillment of this prophecy. 7. The Torah is available for “download” to all hearts now. Eddie Chumney: Those from among the NATIONS were ALWAYS intended to be “strangers / sojourners” who would be GRAFTED / ADOPTED into the NEW COVENANT made to the HOUSE OF ISRAEL and the HOUSE OF JUDAH (both house of Israel) and OBEY the TORAH having their sins forgiven in Messiah and allowing the Holy Spirit / Ruach HaKodesh to lead them and guide them in their Torah observance. The redeemed of YHVH in Messiah are ALL a NEW COVENANT family whose TORAH is written upon our hearts, our King is Messiah and we are ALL to follow and keep His Torah / commandments. Those who are not following the instruction of Yahweh now obviously don’t have it written upon their hearts. However, many Christians do have it written there, only they don’t know what law is there. It may be that they only need to be taught to observe what’s already on their hearts. 8. For the observant are to teach now and in the future Kingdom. (Matthew 5:18. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law (Torah), till all (prophecy) be fulfilled. 19. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. 21. Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill (Ten Commandments); and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: 22. But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of the Gehenna of fire.) Who will be greatest and who will be least? IN this passage, not only is the law justified, but AUGMENTED. 9. The Great Commission is to teach what Yahshua taught to all the nations of the world. And what did Yahshua teach? He interpreted and taught the Scriptures of the Hebrew Bible. Most of what Yahshua said can be traced right back to the Torah, Prophets and Psalms. (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: 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you...) Our understanding of the “Great Commission” is generally that we are to simply tell people they need to be saved. But that’s only the beginning, not they ending. New disciples need to learn Yahweh’s instruction (Torah). Certainly, those who say the “law” is passed away are breaking the law. However, there is a resurrection even for these: (Revelation 20:5a. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.) for they are the least (last) in the Kingdom. All believers are called to be great in His Kingdom. Those who are great become Messiah’s bride. All believers, the bride of Messiah, keep the commandments to the best of their ability, through the grace of Yahweh, and teach others to do so as well. Commandment keeping, Sabbath observance, celebrating biblical holidays etc. should not be seen as an EXTREME view, but it is. However, the outward observance of the Torah and the inward attitude of agape love will constitute a beacon of light for those around. Many will be pricked to anger at your insistence on following and teaching the Bible. But a few will, like moths to the candle, be drawn to the light. (Matthew 5:16. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.) (Proverbs 6: 23. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.) (Psalms 1: 1. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the unElohimly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.) (Psalms 40: 8. I delight to do thy will, O my Elohim: yea, thy law is within my heart.) Neither should commandment keeping be considered salvation by works or works righteousness. Commandment keeping can never save. Only the faith that comes from free grace can save, made possible by the last Passover sacrifice of Yahshua’s body. But we do his will and keep his ordinances out of delight and love of Yahweh, not to keep our salvation. (End of Part C) D. Acts 15 and Common Christian Misconceptions, Part 1 Jackson Snyder January 21, 2004 1. Acts 15, the great Jerusalem Council, is often used by Christians to prove that non-Jews (foreigners and strangers) are not to follow the code (Torah) of Yahweh. Here is the text: (Acts 15:5. But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up, and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses.” 6. The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter. 7. And after there had been much debate, Peter rose and said to them, “Brethren, you know that in the early days Yahweh made choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8. And Yahweh who knows the heart bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us; 9. and he made no distinction between us and them, but cleansed their hearts by faith. 10. Now therefore why do you make trial of Yahweh by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11. But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Yahshua, just as they will.” 12. And all the assembly kept silence; and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders Yahweh had done through them among the Gentiles. 13. After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brethren, listen to me. 14. Simeon has related how Yahweh first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. 15. And with this the words of the prophets agree, as it is written, 16. ‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the dwelling of David, which has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up, 17. that the rest of men may seek Yahweh, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, 18. says Yahweh, who has made these things known from of old.’ [Amos 9:11,2; Jeremiah 12:15; Isaiah 45:21] 19. Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to Yahweh, 20. but should write to them to abstain from the pollutions of idols and from unchastity and from what is strangled and from blood. 21. For from early generations Moses has had in every city those who preach him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”) 2. Christian theologians make at least four claims for this passage: a. Gentiles (non-Jews) are to observe some ordinances but not others, namely: i. abstain from meats offered to idols ii. and from things strangled iii. and from fornication iv. and from blood. In addition, we are taught to keep the Ten Commandments with the exception of the third and fourth Commandments. We are taught to absolutely not keep laws that govern the Nation of Israel or Laws pertaining to the sacrificial system.
b. We are taught Gentiles are absolutely not to keep the Biblical feasts. We have been told that these are Jewish holidays; however, the Bible calls them “the appointed feasts of Yahweh.” (Leviticus 23: 1. Yahweh said to Moses, 2. “Say to the people of Israel, The appointed feasts of Yahweh which you shall proclaim as holy convocations, my appointed feasts, are these . . .”)
c. We are taught that there are two different Torah standards to be applied to those joining with Yahweh. Which we follow is based entirely on who are parents are. One is for Jews and one for non-Jews.
d. And if a non-Jew desires to follow the Bible or Torah, he / she is trying to be “Jewish.” He / she has backslidden into legalism like a dog going back to vomit. We are taught that it is “blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan” (Revelation 2:9) and that they “crucify to themselves the Son of Elohim afresh, and put him to an open shame” (Hebrews 6:6).
3. Let’s destroy these false teachings and arguments one by one with the Word of Yahweh and the reasoning power of a sound mind. a. Gentiles (non-Jews) are to observe some ordinances but not others: Look to (Numbers 15: 15. For the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you, a perpetual statute throughout your generations; as you are, so shall the sojourner be before Yahweh. 16. One law and one ordinance shall be for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you.”) Yahweh says there is one Torah for Israel and the same for the Gentile, and it is to be perpetual for all generations. “Perpetual” is defined by the dictionary as “lasting for eternity.” The KJV, ASV and NJB say “forever.” If Yahweh told Moses the Torah (law) is forever, then he means forever – into perpetuity. Those who teach otherwise call Yahweh a liar. Is he a liar? (Numbers 23:19 Elohim is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should repent. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?) Has Yahweh changed his mind about Torah? (Malachi 3: 6. “For I Yahweh do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed. 7. From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says Yahweh Sabaoth.) b. We are taught Gentiles are absolutely not to keep the Biblical feasts. But what did Yahshua teach and practice in regards to these? (Matthew 5: 19. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.) Was Messiah breaking the Commandment by lying about this important topic? (Hebrews 4: 14. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Yahshua, the Son of Elohim, let us hold fast our confession. 15. For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.) And didn’t he keep Sabbath and the Feasts of Yahweh? (Luke 4: 16. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up; and he went to the synagogue, as his custom was, on the Sabbath day. John 7: 10. But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private. 14. About the middle of the feast Yahshua went up into the temple and taught. 37. On the last day of the feast, the great day, Yahshua stood up and proclaimed, “If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink.”) And what does the inspired apostle say about how we should walk? (1 John 2:4. He who says “I know him” but disobeys his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 5. but whoever keeps his word, in him truly love for Elohim is perfected. By this we may be sure that we are in him: 6. he who says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.) Eddie Chumney asked a neighborhood Jewish Rabbi about this passage. I then said to him. “You are Jewish. What does ‘we ought to WALK as He WALKED’ mean to you from a JEWISH perspective? He replied to me. “That is easy. It means to keep the commandments (Torah).” c. There are two different Torah standards to be applied to those joining with Yahweh. Teachers with this view site Paul as abolishing the Torah in Romans and Galatians. But did Paul teach this? (Romans 3: 28. For we hold that a man is justified by faith apart from works of law. 29. Or is Elohim the Elohim of Jews only? Is he not the Elohim of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30. since Elohim is one; and he will justify the circumcised on the ground of their faith and the uncircumcised through their faith.) Paul says one Elohim justified (saves) both Jews and Gentiles. Paul also says that both Jew and Gentile are justified (saved) by faith and not works. Then Paul goes on to ask, (Romans 3: 31. Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.) The “we” refers to both Jews and Gentiles who are justified (saved) by faith apart from works of the Torah. So once justified, what are we to do? We are to uphold the Torah; and since Yahweh said it was one ordinance forever, Paul is referring to the whole Torah, not a picking and choosing. Some say that Paul didn’t keep the Torah. But this is what he says about it: (1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.) Paul was a Pharisee. He kept the law, and followed in the footsteps of Messiah. Had he not, how could he admonish others to imitate him? If he was a sinner, against the Torah, how is it that the devil got his letters into the Bible? d. And if a non-Jew desires to follow the Bible or Torah, he / she is trying to be “Jewish” and has backslidden into legalism. The assumption here is that James is making up new commandments to replace or supercede that which Numbers 15:15 tells us is one Torah for both Jew and Gentile forever. The other assumption is that Messiah’s death on a tree changed the word of Yahweh through Moses. However, Messiah Yahshua made one thing clear to the religious. (John 5:45. “Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; it is Moses who accuses you, on whom you set your hope. 46. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote of me. 47. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”) As mentioned before, this teaching, that Yahshua died to do away with Moses’ prophetic word, is considered a false witness in the case of Stephen’s martyrdom. (Acts 6:9. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, arose and disputed with Stephen. 10. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. 11. Then they secretly instigated men, who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and Elohim.” 12. And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, 13. and set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law; 14. for we have heard him say that this Yahshua of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us.”) That Yahshua would destroy that which Moses delivered to them was a lie. The Bible is one unified book, inspired by Yahweh. The part we call the New Testament does not replace or supercede or interpret the inspired books previously written, but compliments them. We dare not separate the writings of the followers of the Son of Yahweh from the Word of Yahweh found in the Law and Prophets. In the next section, we’ll see how the New Testament developed from the teachings of the Old, and not vice-versa.
(End of Part D)
E. Acts 15 and Common Christian Misconceptions, Part 2 Jackson Snyder January 25, 2004 1. To understand the admonition of James in Acts 15 correctly we must remember that it is linked to the Messiah, who is linked to the prophets, who are linked to the greatest prophets Moses, who is linked with Yahweh and his instruction (Torah). But this is backward. It’s better to say that the ‘law’ laid down by James is a direct descendent of the Torah, which Yahshua fulfilled to the letter and told us to fulfill. If we go back a step, we can learn the social and historical situation of James’ proclamation. If we go back three, we can learn what the prophets expected of the Messiah and his age (by the divine word of Yahweh). 2. The Mosaic covenant between Yahweh and Moses was on the behalf of the children of Abraham and a mixed multitude that would be grafted into Israel. (Exodus 12:37. And the people of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children. 38. A mixed multitude also went up with them, and very many cattle, both flocks and herds.) Yahweh offered them, Israelites and the “joiners,” many great blessings as long as they followed the Torah. (Deuteronomy 28: 15. “But if you will not obey the voice of Yahweh your Elohim or be careful to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command you this day, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you. 25. Yahweh will cause you to be defeated before your enemies; you shall go out one way against them, and flee seven ways before them; and you shall be a horror to all the kingdoms of the earth.”) In some hundreds of years, both houses of Israel broke the Torah sufficiently to see this prophecy through. Israel went off into Assyria and Judah went off into Babylon – and who knows where from there. This is called “The Exile” or “The Dispersion” or “The Diaspora.” 3. Messianic expectations in the Torah: these documents predict that the Messiah would regather both houses of Israel, including the mixed multitude of all ages before that had joined up with Yahweh. (Deuteronomy 3:1. “And when all these things come upon you, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before you, and you call them to mind among all the nations where Yahweh your Elohim has driven you, 2. and return to Yahweh your Elohim, you and your children, and obey his voice in all that I command you this day, with all your heart and with all your soul; 3. then Yahweh your Elohim will restore your fortunes, and have compassion upon you, and he will gather you again from all the peoples where Yahweh your Elohim has scattered you. 4. If your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there Yahweh your Elohim will gather you, and from there he will fetch you; 5. and Yahweh your Elohim will bring you into the land which your fathers possessed, that you may possess it; and he will make you more prosperous and numerous than your fathers.)
4. Messianic expectations in the prophets: {this section is worth the effort of close study} (Ezekiel 37: 15. The word of Yahweh came to me: 16. “Son of man, take a stick and write on it, ‘For Judah, and the children of Israel associated with him’; then take another stick and write upon it, ‘For Joseph (the stick of Ephraim) and all the house of Israel associated with him’; 17. and join them together into one stick, that they may become one in your hand. 18. And when your people say to you, ‘Will you not show us what you mean by these?’ 19. say to them, Thus says Yahweh Elohim: Behold, I am about to take the stick of Joseph (which is in the hand of Ephraim) and the tribes of Israel associated with him; and I will join with it the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, that they may be one in my hand. 20. When the sticks on which you write are in your hand before their eyes, 21. then say to them, Thus says Yahweh Elohim: Behold, I will take the people of Israel from the nations among which they have gone, and will gather them from all sides, and bring them to their own land; 22. and I will make them one nation in the land, upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king over them all; and they shall be no longer two nations, and no longer divided into two kingdoms. 23. They shall not defile themselves any more with their idols and their detestable things, or with any of their transgressions; but I will save them from all the backslidings in which they have sinned, and will cleanse them; and they shall be my people, and I will be their Elohim. 24. My servant David shall be king over them; and they shall all have one shepherd. They shall follow my ordinances and be careful to observe my statutes. 25. They shall dwell in the land where your fathers dwelt that I gave to my servant Jacob; they and their children and their children’s children shall dwell there forever; and David my servant shall be their prince forever. 26. I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them; and I will bless them and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. 27. My dwelling place shall be with them; and I will be their Elohim, and they shall be my people. 28. Then the nations will know that I Yahweh sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary is in the midst of them for evermore.”) Notice that in both places the people repent of their sins (what is sin?) (Deuteronomy 30:2,3; Ezekiel 37:23), that Messiah of David will rule over a united people (Ezekiel 37:24), they will live in an extended, much larger version of the land of Israel (Deuteronomy 30:4,6; Ezekiel 37:26,27); also that all nations would join themselves with Messiah, that he will teach all nations Torah, (Isaiah 2:2. It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of Yahweh shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, 3. and many peoples shall come, and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of Yahweh, to the house of the Elohim of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem. 4. He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 5. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of Yahweh. ) and that all nations thus taught would receive and outpouring of the Holy Spirit. (Joel 2: 28. “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit on all flesh ...) 5. How does the New Testament address these same issues? (John 10:16. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd. 17. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again.) The “other sheep” are the scattered northern kingdom of Israel and the mixed multitude that joined with it. “This fold” is the southern kingdom, Judea – the people he was addressing – plus the mixed multitude that had joined with it. The Messiah was telling the fold that he needed to die in order to bring all of Israel (and the mixed multitude that had joined) together. Taking his life up again was crucial to this effort for reunification. In addition, the high priest that year, Caiaphas, prophesied this publicly: (John 11: 49. But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all; 50. you do not understand that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation should not perish.” 51. He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Yahshua should die for the nation, 52. and not for the nation only, but to gather into one the children of Elohim who are scattered abroad. ) The nation and the children scattered abroad are the whole house of Israel – Judah, Israel and the mixed multitude. The Messiah was asked when this reunification would happen. (Acts 1: 6. So when they had come together, they asked him, “Master, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7. He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.”) We have signs that lead us to believe that this either has come to pass or will soon. It’s been 104 years since the Holy Spirit has come in the latest renewal, 56 years since Israel regained sovereignty, 37 years since Jerusalem became part of Israel, 24 years since Jerusalem became the capital of Israel. Prophecy tells us that Israel will expand to engulf the Euphrates river – that’s in Iraq. What’s next? 6. Finally in this section, we again recall to mind who will constitute this regathering. (Isaiah 2:2. It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of Yahweh shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, 3. and many peoples shall come...) (Revelation 7:4. And I heard the number of the sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand sealed, out of every tribe of the sons of Israel, 5. twelve thousand sealed out of the tribe of Judah, twelve thousand of the tribe of Reuben, twelve thousand of the tribe of Gad ...) (Revelation 7: 9. After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no man could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10. and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our Elohim who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb!”) Note that Israelites of both houses plus the multitude from every nation will be together as a “one stick” in the hand, observing Torah and insuring peace on earth in the Millennial age. (End of Part E)
F. Acts 15 and Common Christian
Misconceptions, Part 3 1. We mentioned that one of the signs of the ingathering of Judah, Israel and all those others who would join with Yahweh, of all tribes, languages and nations (the mixed multitude) was the outpouring of the holy Spirit. Experience in our lifetime has proven that the holy Spirit has indeed been poured out upon all people in these last 104+ years with the same signs and manifestations as in the days of the Acts, but in far greater measure. When did this age of outpouring and regathering begin and how long has it thus far taken to bring the two sticks into the hand of Yahweh? In review, we again go back to the familiar prophecy: (Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.) And we understand that this began with the preaching of Simon Peter: (Acts 2:14-18 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15. For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith Elohim, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18. And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.) Peter also testifies that the Holy Spirit has been poured out on Gentiles / strangers / foreigners: (Acts 10:44,45. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.)
2. From our study thus far we deduce from the writings of the Apostles that three major expectations in regards to the coming of Messiah were to be fulfilled: a. That the predictions of the Law and the Prophets would be fulfilled – the Advent would mean the end of the Exile (Dispersion, Diaspora) of Israel, and that He (Messiah) would re | |||
