What Your Pastor Never Told You About The 2nd Commandment

As Bible Believers and as Parents, we need to raise our children according to the Faith of Yahweh, and not according to the ways of the world, and certainly not under the influence of devils. When Yahweh commanded His people that “no graven images” were to be made, acquired, or kept, He was not being cruel and heartless. He knew the great harm these objects could do to His people. Notice what we are told in the Second Commandment:

Thou shalt not make <06213> unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: (Exodus 20:4)

In the above verse, the Hebrew word ‘asah’ is Strong’s number <06213>, and means “make, acquire, keep, use, prepare, work, execute, accomplish, fashion,” and a host of other meanings, depending on context. From this word we get the idea that graven images are “off-limits” to Yahweh’s children, in every way. Since this is one of the greatest sources of problems between Yahweh and His people, we will look at what a graven image is.

What Is A Graven Image?

Man is always trying to justify his own actions by attempting to re-define Bible words and meanings. Man would define a Graven Image or “idol” as something that man would physically “bow down” to. Yahweh, on the other hand, is very specific about His definition:

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: (Exodus 20:4)

Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female, The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air, The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth: (Deuteronomy 4:16-18)

Notice that Yahweh’s definition of a graven image in the above verses is not “dependent” on what a man does, or does not do, with that object. In the above Scripture passages, Yahweh makes no distinction between an object that is worshipped, and one that is not worshipped. These are simply Graven Images by Yahweh’s definition.

Yahweh’s definition is simply based on a clear explanation of being “an image or likeness” of a living creature, as given in general in the Exodus verse, and in greater detail in Deuteronomy, as we see above. The term “likeness” narrows it down to a 3-dimensional object, since a 2-dimensional object bears no likeness to a 3-dimensional object.

Examples of these objects today are abundant, and can be in the form of “art” objects or figurines in the likeness of people, animals, or angels. They can likewise take the form of stuffed animals and other toys; and also brass eagles, carved birds, fish, horses, and other animals as found in homes and offices; and ceramic sun and moon objects, carved and cast statues, statuettes, African and other native masks, and many others. We will look at what Scripture reveals about the great danger to our wellbeing, and to the wellbeing of our families, as a result of having these items.

Why Do Objects Attract?

Visible, physical objects often appeal to the senses, delight the flesh, and have great attraction to man’s soulish realm. However, we need to be cautious, and realize that such objects can carry with them unseen spiritual realities that can actually bring a curse to the one who has the object in his home or office. Notice what Yahweh warns us about:

Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing. (Deuteronomy 7:26)

It is clear throughout Scripture that graven images and idols were among the many forms of “abominations” that were off-limits to Yahweh’s people. We see in the above passage that if an abomination were to be brought into our place of habitation, whether home or office, it will put the same curse upon us, that that object is under.

We have been clearly warned. These are not simply figurines, art objects, or “toys,” as the world sees them. In the spiritual realm, these objects are abominations, and are the equivalent of spiritual “dog dung.” They not only “stink,” but they attract spiritual “flies” or demons, and the curses that go along with the demons. Do we want our homes full of these demons? It is these demons that can cause uncurable sicknesses, and all types of “troubles” in the home, which take the form of curses.

Bible-Believing families should be shocked to learn these things that their Pastors and Leaders never told them, but that affect our lives so greatly. We should check our homes for any objects that fit the Scriptural definitions, and we ought to destroy them, or burn them, or throw them out immediately!

“Housecleaning” is what we call getting rid of anything in our homes that may cause demonic problems. We must look throughout our homes, and pray diligently, seeking Yahweh’s guidance about any items that need to be destroyed — items that are graven images by the Bible definition, and are idols or abominations in Yahweh’s eyes. This covers all statues, figurines, dolls, stuffed animals, and the like. There comes a great freedom and healing in all areas of our home — in the health of our bodies, in our emotional wellbeing, and in the peace in our home — when we begin to be obedient to this Second Commandment.

The Second Commandment says to NOT MAKE or ACQUIRE any graven image. Yahweh knew if we were to make them, we would become attached to them, and that is a form of worshipping them. Besides, having something in our home that Yahweh has told us NOT TO MAKE or ACQUIRE is disobedience. Yahweh knows that graven images lead to idolatry. Having these things in our homes give the demons a “legal right” to enter our homes, and to remain, until we repent of all disobedience! This is the source of much sorrow today in homes and families of otherwise faithful Believers. They are simply ignorant of the importance of obedience!

In Romans 1:25, the Scripture points out that there are MANY who change the truth of Yahweh into a LIE, and by doing so they worship and serve a creature more than the Creator. Think about it. If Yahshua came to your door and said, “Get rid of your carved images,” could you readily discard them and trash them? Would you hesitate, aching over the value and sentiment that they represented and held to you?

The Family Toybox

The Holy Spirit has revealed a tactic of the enemy against our children. This attack is presented in the form of dolls, stuffed animal toys, and figures of toy soldiers, heroes, monsters, and objects imitating other “life forms,” whether real or imaginary. These are graven images by Yahweh’s definition!

As parents, we desire the obedience of our children. So it is with Yahweh. He desires the trusting obedience of His children. Are you one of His children? He has told you very simply, “to obey is better.” (1 Sam.15:22) Those who love their heavenly Father, are those who will obey Him.

What Are Dolls?

Most parents like to give their daughters “dolls” to play with. But what are dolls? Have we ever looked at the history of dolls?

Let’s look at this example. One encyclopedia says that the origin of dolls is witchcraft and magic; in other words — “demonic.” In many early societies, only witch doctors or medicine men were allowed to handle them, because of their close association with demonic influence and curses. To this day, multitudes of idol (demon) worshippers use “dolls” in pagan religious ceremonies.

The dictionary gives one definition of a doll as “a small carved or molded figure that served as a cult object or representation of a nursery story, cartoon, or puppet character.” Much of the history of dolls includes the reputation of dolls as being used to bring “good luck” to their owners. Children were not allowed to touch the dolls, because they were thought to have magical powers.

These “Good luck” dolls were supposed to bring rain or food when there was a desperate need. Sometimes it was believed that such dolls could make goats give more milk or could help win wars. Some thought dolls could make sick people become well. In voodoo practice, dolls are supposed to bring curses on people, and also to make healthy people become sick. Since they are accursed by Yahweh, they actually can and do bring these and other bizarre results.

Some primitive tribes would make wooden dolls that looked like ugly elves. They were supposed to frighten people. When an Egyptian died, dolls would be buried with the dead person, to become friends and servants for him in the spirit world.

Every time the Israelites started worshipping idols, Yahweh sent them into captivity and bondage as punishment. Phrases such as, “lest you corrupt yourselves,” (Deut. 4:16); “the anger of the LORD burned against Israel,” (Jud 3:7); “it is abomination,” (Deut 7:25,26); “the LORD thy God hateth,” (Deut 16:22); “provoked him to anger,” (Ps 78:58); and “moved him to jealousy,” (Ps 78:58) — all these phrases are associated with graven (carved) images.

Homes Under A Curse

Today many homes of Bible Believers are under a curse, and the inhabitants are not even aware of it. Many problems and difficulties that arise with your children, in the form of extreme discipline problems, chronic sickness, chronic accidents, chronic emotional problems, and many others, may be likely caused by an accursed object in the home. These children may need DELIVERANCE from the demonic influence and curse of idolatry of graven images (formed, carved, fashioned images).

First, the parents must repent, by destroying the object. It should be burned, so that no one else may find or retrieve the object, and become accursed likewise. Second, the children, and perhaps the parents likewise, may need to undergo DELIVERANCE from these demons. Once the “legal” right to remain has been removed from the house, an “eviction” must take place, by commanding these spiritual “flies” or demons, in the name of Yahshua Messiah, to leave, and never return.

Idols of the Heart

One consequence of having de facto idols (idols by definition only) is that they later become idols of the heart. Are we attached in any way to our collection of graven images — our figurines, dolls, or toys? Our flesh will scream out against obedience to the Second Commandment. Nevertheless, this is the sin of idolatry, which is a stronghold in many lives, and is forbidden. Idolatry manifests itself in many ways. First, let’s look at what Scripture tells us about idols and idolatry:

Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. (1 Corinthians 10:14)

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. (1 John 5:21)

Beloved, we are to “flee” from idols, and from idolatry. In the New Testament times, most knew what idols and idolatry were. It is only the gentiles, the heathen, that had no background in the Commandments of Scripture, and were ignorant. Today there are multitudes of Believing ones, who likewise are ignorant of the commandments in Scripture, and the effects of disobedience. Their Pastors and Leaders have simply not told them anything about this Truth of Scripture, because it would not “fit into” the theology they learned from their Theological Cemeteries and Bible Schools.

Notice what else Yahweh tells us about idolatry:

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry (<08655> ‘teraphim’ = “household images”). Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king. (1 Samuel 15:23)

This example spoken to Saul, reveals the same result He will have for us today, when we refuse to allow “Messiah-in-us” to walk in obedience to the Second Commandment, just as He did when He walked the earth 2,000 years ago in His own body.

Yahweh does not need us to have or to use any graven images, idols, or statues of any kind to sell and promote His Kingdom. All that is required is walking in the Truth of the Bible. Our simple obedience to the true teachings of the Word of Yahweh will result in signs, wonders, and miracles following. Our Saviour said that if you do not believe Me, then believe My miracles. He brought deliverance and set the captives free.

“Taste and see” the goodness of Yahweh, when you begin to obey the Second Commandment. He will give us victory over demonic strongholds, and the peace that surpasses our ability to understand how great it is. These are blessings that the disobedient, and those of the world, can never taste.

Conclusion

The world’s way of raising children is NOT Yahweh’s way. Love your children the way Yahweh wants you to love them. Remove the graven images from their toybox, and from their rooms, and from your home — and deliver them out of the hand of the enemy. Repent of your lack of knowledge of Yahweh’s Word, and love your children enough to remove the curses that continue to come upon them, simply because we as parents have been as disobedient children of Yahweh (Eph 5:5-6; Col 3:5-6).

Any type of collection of figurines, art objects, dolls, toys, or any other likeness of living things (such as owls and frogs especially, which are stated as abominations to Yahweh), unicorns, birds, elephants, mice, fish, bears, soldiers — any object which depicts one of Yahweh’s created living beings, as well as a likeness of the heavenly bodies — are graven images, and are idols.

Yahweh strictly forbids the MAKING or ACQUIRING of them. You may have just one or two of these items in your home or office, but only a few are just as deadly as a whole collection.

Many Bible Believers have given testimony of deliverance from curses brought on by these objects. Many have testified of what these objects can do, and of the curses they bring on individuals and entire households, until they begin to walk in obedience to the Second Commandment.

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(The above includes comments and testimony from several sources.)

If You Love Me, Keep “My” Commandments

There are some pretty strong statements in Scripture, that define who loves Yahshua, and who does not — who will see eternal life, and who will not:

“…If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.” (John 8:51)

“…If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” (John 15:10)

“He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” (1 John 2:4)

In light of the seriousness of this issue, have we endeavored to find out what “My” sayings are, and what “My” commandments consist of? Wouldn’t we want to find out exactly what “My” sayings and commandments are, so we can be sure that we are walking as obedient children? This is a SERIOUS matter!

In order to determine what “My” sayings and commandments are, we must first determine who Yahshua really is.

If the words Yahshua spoke to mankind are limited to a 3-1/2 year period on earth, perhaps His words, sayings, and commandments might be found only in the New Testament.

If, on the other hand, He spoke to mankind over several thousand years before He manifested Himself on earth, perhaps His words, sayings, and commandments might appear in the Old Testament as well.

If He wrote the ten commandments with His finger, and gave them to Moses, and if He accompanied the Israelites while in the wilderness — this would certainly put the test of “If you love me, keep My commandments” in a new light.

Indeed, if I were to think Yahshua were actually the “Yahweh” of the Old Testament, who would establish a “New Covenant” consisting of the Old Testament Law to be written on the heart, I might want to actually keep the Passover Feast, the Pentecost Feast, and all the other Feasts that Yahweh claimed are “My” feasts. I might even want to keep the 7th day Sabbath!

If I were to believe most Pastors today, who have learned in Cemetery and Bible School that “My” Commandments are only found in the New Testament, I would conclude Yahshua was merely the 3-1/2 year guy, a mere “short-timer.”

If I were to not believe these Pastors, but read the Scriptures for myself, what would I find? I guess it all boils down to the question, “Whom do you say that I am?”

I suppose I could continue to let my lack of keeping the Feasts and Sabbaths demonstrate that I think Yahshua was just a short-timer, but I’m beginning to think He is the Big-Guy, and has been here for the long-haul. I’m getting the idea I would like to find out more, and begin walking in a more “orderly manner, and keep the Law,” as the Apostle Paul did.

I sure would not want to meet the Bridegroom, only to be told, “Why did you listen to those Pastors, and Teachers, and their Doctrines and “Commandments of Men,” that turn men from the Truth?

Who is Yahshua? Is he only the son of man? Or, is He the giver of the Law to Moses?

Perhaps the commandments we keep, and don’t keep, reveal who we think Yahshua actually is.

Something to think about!

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A New Sign in the Heavens for the Bride

Yahshua promised there would be “Signs and wonders” in the heavens and in the earth, to mark the end times, including the time of His return. These signs are first detailed in Scripture, and then will be confirmed in the heavenly signs at the appropriate times.

One of these signs can be seen in the Song of Solomon – in the midst of a discussion of certain Bride characteristics – and can be seen in the heavens now! Let’s look at this sign, first in Scripture, and then in the Heavens.

The description of the Bride can be seen throughout the Scriptures, seen in various stories, parables, types and shadows, and in allegorical pictures. Of all the Books of the Bible having these descriptions, however, none compares with the Book of Song of Solomon for richness, and for variety of pictures used to describe the Bride.

The Twins: Seen in Song of Solomon

Many of the Hebrew words used in Song of Solomon occur a certain number of times (have a “frequency” count). Some others have number characteristics that either point out or emphasize the Bride’s qualities of preparation, as well as her perfection – the completion of her preparation. Still other words are used to show in detail some of the Bride’s character qualities, and still others portray some of her activities and actions. These pictures are all there for our instruction and emulation, for those who would diligently seek them out. Thus when we see a “sign” mentioned, we are able to associate the “sign” with the prophetic meanings of the passage itself.

Some of these words and phrases reveal prophetic pictures of the Bride’s interaction with others, such as the other virgins and those charged with leadership, the Pastors and Shepherds. There are likewise many hidden messages and pictures, showing some of the details of the Bride’s preparation, and of the Bridegroom’s sending for her. Until now these pictures have been obscured, but now a few of these are coming into view. With this brief understanding, we will now look at an example of one prophetic message for the Bride, along with the confirming “sign” seen in the heavens.

The word “twins” appears four times in Song of Solomon, twice as Strong’s number <08380>, and twice as <08382>. The word <08380> comes from the root <08382>, which means “joined, or coupled together.” The great significance is seen in the passages where this word <08382> occurs. Notice these two passages:

Thy teeth are like a flock [of sheep that are even] shorn, which came up <05927> from the washing; whereof every one bear twins, and none is barren among them. (Song of Songs 4:2)

Thy teeth are as a flock of sheep <07353> which go up <05927> from the washing, whereof every one beareth twins, and there is not one barren among them. (Song of Songs 6:6)

First, the phrase “flock of sheep” appears in the first passage as, “like a flock shorn;” but then appears as, “as a flock of <07353>” in the second passage. The Hebrew word <07353> is the word ‘rachel’ and means “ewe.” This has a double meaning, and pictures the ‘flock of Rachel’ as the “Children of Rachel” – prophetically meaning the line of Joseph, which pictures Messiah as the “firstborn” that brings preservation to the “other” tribes of the sons of Jacob – which speaks of none other than the “Bridegroom and His Bride” who bring preservation to the other virgins that are to come later.

In both verses above (So 4:2; So 6:6), the wording shows a prophetic association between the word “twins” and the phrase “a flock [of sheep] that ascended (came up) from the washing.” In the first passage, the Bride “flock” is seen as ’shorn’ (”cut off”), and as “ascended” after her washing (her “preparation”). What is the significance seen here? We have seen that the flock is cut off, and ascends after her washing or preparation. But the great significance is seen in associating the Bride with the word “Twins,” so let’s next look at “The Twins.”

The Twins: Sign in the Heavens

Yahweh has established in the heavens twelve main constellations, as pictures to tell the story of the Gospel, the Good News of Redemption of His People. One of these constellations is called “The Twins.” Many have speculated as to its meaning and interpretation of these constellations, but from old days some of the Hebrew meanings can still shine through to us today. If there is Truth to be seen in the signs in the heavens, then this Truth must first be seen in Scriptures. In this way, the heavenly signs become simply “confirmations” of Scriptural truths, and nothing more. Now let us notice what happens in the heavens on the 40th day of the Omer.

The 40th day of the counting of the days of the Omer this year (See Lev 23:15-16, and Hebrew word for “sheaf”) occurs on the “expected” day the New Moon will be sighted, defining the start of the first day of the “Biblical” month. (The “Jewish” or Traditional calendar is of no use to us in any way for determining Scriptural Truths. Because it is a “man-made” calendar, Truth-seekers will want to avoid any reference to it.)

The 40th day of the Omer this year happens to fall on the first day of the 3rd Biblical month, which is a “New Moon” day starting at sundown. The great significance of this will be seen around midnight a few hours later, when the moon begins to enter the constellation called “The Twins.” Around midnight the moon will be in “The Twins,” and the 40th day of the Omer Count and the first day of the New Moon have just occurred a few hours earlier at sundown! The presence of the moon in “The Twins” constellation is a mirror of the Scriptures showing the “Bride flock” in proximity to “The Twins” in Song of Solomon. And the Scripture passages connect the Bride’s “cutting off” and “ascending” with this sign of “The Twins.”

So along with the 40th day as the third of three “known” Scriptural ascension days (Yahshua’s ascension), we see confirmation of the ascending of the Bride in Song of Solomon is related to “Twins.” This is a prophetic association in Scripture, with a confirming sign in the heavens, and is for our instruction. This heavenly sign of “The Twins” may be a sign for the Bride’s confirmation, and may signal the time for the Bride flock to be watching!

Notice also, in the same two passages above, reference is made to the Bride’s “teeth,” which word comes from a Hebrew root that means “to sharpen” and “to teach diligently.” Surely the Bride flock, having been taught well, will seek Yahweh in prayer regarding these Scripture passages and heavenly signs, and she will be ready for her Bridegroom!

A Reminder for the Bride!

As a reminder for the Bride flock, every New Moon Day is the First Day of the Biblical month, a 24-hour period starting with sighting of the New Moon in Jerusalem.

For most of the virgins, New Moon Day is a day for “business-as-usual.” For the Bride, however, it is a “non-work” and “non-commerce” day, even as Sabbath days are (Eze 46:1; Amos 8:5).

This practice for the Bride, of not working or doing commerce on that day, as on a Sabbath day, is perhaps in prophetic anticipation of the ascending of the Bride. According to Scripture, New Moon day will be celebrated by all people (Isa 66:23), maybe as a future memorial of part of the Wedding of the King’s Son, as a sort of wedding “anniversary” event. We do not know.

In any event, we must remember to “let no man judge you” when we observe New Moon Day, or Sabbath Days. For it will be on one of these days in which the “shadow” of “things to come” (even the “physical” Body of Messiah when He returns) may be seen! New Moons and Sabbaths are not for everyone, but only for Yahweh’s Covenant People who choose to be grafted in, both natural and wild branches, as richly and abundantly detailed in Scripture!

It is by those who observe Yahweh’s special appointment days, that both the shadow – and the substance, Messiah Himself – will be seen! Will it be this year?

Many likewise may try to “beguile” you with enticing words, the “Doctrines of Men” they learned in Theological Cemetery or Bible School – but do not believe these Doctrines and Commandments of Men, which turn men from the Truth. Beloved, let’s believe only the Scriptures! (See Col 2:16-17; Col 2:18-19; Titus 1:14).

So while the world is scurrying around, marrying and being given in marriage, and keeping its own agenda, the Bride flock is following the Bridegroom, wherever He goes! These are those who have shed all earthly obligations on the Master’s chosen days, and have set aside those days for only the Master! These will be the ones who will see both the shadow, and the substance of things to come, even the Master Himself!

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The New Covenant Passover

The Bridegroom has made an offer of Betrothal to the Bride. He is now waiting for the Bride to accept, or not accept, His Betrothal offer. That acceptance is to be made by drinking of the same Passover “cup” the Bridegroom drank from, both literally and figuratively. The Bridegroom has stated this very clearly:

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (Matthew 26:26-28 )

And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. (Mark 14:22-24)

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. (Luke 22:19-20)

In each of these passages, Yahshua is revealing to His Disciples the “prophetic” meaning of the well-known Passover meal, practiced for centuries by all of Yahweh’s people. Yahshua did not institute anything new, or change anything. He merely revealed the “true” meaning of Passover .

The Blood Sprinkles the Tabernacle

The great importance of our participation in the Passover meal can be seen in the following passage:

For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. (Hebrews 9:20-21)

First, we see that the original offer of Betrothal came at Mt. Sinai, where the Covenant Promise of Betrothal was sealed in the “Blood of the Testament” which prefigured the Blood of Messiah. (To see the account in Scripture of the Betrothal Agreement, see The Two Witnesses of Devarim.) Most importantly, the blood was sprinkled on the “Tabernacle” and all the “vessels of the ministry.”

Beloved, this pictures the physical Blood touching the physical items of the tabernacle.

We are now in the “Tabernacle” of this fleshly body, the dwelling-place of Yahweh (1Co 6:19), and as such we must be sprinkled by the physical Blood of the Covenant, again representing Messiah’s Blood. This covenant “sprinkling” is done when we participate in the Body and Blood of the “Passover” meal.

When we drink of the Passover cup, the “Blood” of Yahshua goes down into “this tabernacle” of our body (2 Co 5:4). Our drinking of the Passover cup, just as the Bridegroom did, becomes our “half” of the Betrothal agreement.

This participation is so important, that Yahshua tells us a frighteningly important bit of news:

Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:53-54)

Beloved, unless we “accept” the Betrothal offer of the Bridegroom, by taking the Passover Body and Blood, we have no “eternal Life” in us; indeed, it is “Messiah-in-us” who prompts us to participate in the Passover!

It is likewise the “lack” of Messiah-in-us, that causes us to reject this participation. This rejection is perhaps the origin of the Roman teaching of the “counterfeit” Passover, called “communion” and “Lord’s Supper” that most of us in the Evangelical world have embraced, in favour of the True. It is time to put away the many counterfeits — and the “Doctrines of Men” that promote them — and take the True!

The keeping of “Passover” is the eating of His Flesh (His “Life” per John 6:51), and the drinking of His “Blood” (His “Life” per Lev 17:11).

Yahshua is telling us: “No Passover, no Life.”

It is a “Passover” meal only if it is done at the time prescribed by Yahweh — on the 14th day of either the first or second Biblical month. Any other time is a “counterfeit.”

The Final Opportunity

The Second Passover of this season is the final opportunity for the Bride. This will occur on the 14th day of the Second Biblical Month, which in 2008 is Tuesday, May 20.

Beloved, the Bridegroom wishes you to become Betrothed!! Find several others, or have the Passover alone. Let us keep the Feast! (1Co 5:7-8).

Conclusion

Unless the Bride Candidate takes the Flesh and Blood of Passover, she demonstrates she has “no Life” in her. Participation in the True Passover demonstrates the presence of the “Life” of Messiah-in-us, who gives us the ‘Grace’ for the obedience we need to “enter in” to the presence of the King.

For Pastors and Leaders

Pastors, direct yourself and your people toward the Scriptures, and away from practices and Doctrines of Men that you may have picked up in your Theological Cemetery, Bible School or Denomination. We will each be held accountable for our respective works! (Rev 2:23).

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Betrothal to the Bridegroom: Most Virgins Today Have Refused!

The Bridegroom has made an offer of Betrothal to the Bride. He is now waiting for the Bride to accept, or not accept, His Betrothal offer. That acceptance is to be made by drinking of the same Passover “cup” the Bridegroom drank from, both literally and figuratively. The Bridegroom has stated this very clearly:

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (Matthew 26:26-28 )

And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. (Mark 14:22-24)

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. (Luke 22:19-20)

In each of these passages, Yahshua is revealing to His Disciples the “prophetic” meaning of the well-known Passover meal, practiced for centuries by all of Yahweh’s people. Yahshua did not institute anything new, or change anything. He merely revealed the “true” meaning of Passover .

The Blood Sprinkles the Tabernacle

The great importance of our participation in the Passover meal can be seen in the following passage:

For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. (Hebrews 9:20-21)

First, we see that the original offer of Betrothal came at Mt. Sinai, where the Covenant Promise of Betrothal was sealed in the “Blood of the Testament” which prefigured the Blood of Messiah. (To see the account in Scripture of the Betrothal Agreement, see The Two Witnesses of Devarim.) Most importantly, the blood was sprinkled on the “Tabernacle” and all the “vessels of the ministry.” Beloved, this pictures the physical Blood touching the physical items of the tabernacle.

We are now in the “Tabernacle” of this fleshly body, the dwelling-place of Yahweh (1Co 6:19), and as such we must be sprinkled by the physical Blood of the Covenant, again representing Messiah’s Blood. This covenant “sprinkling” is done when we participate in the Body and Blood of the “Passover” meal. When we drink of the Passover cup, the “Blood” of Yahshua goes down into “this tabernacle” of our body (2 Co 5:4). Our drinking of the Passover cup, just as the Bridegroom did, becomes our “half” of the Betrothal agreement.

This participation is so important, that Yahshua tells us a frighteningly important bit of news:

Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:53-54)

Beloved, unless we “accept” the Betrothal offer of the Bridegroom, by taking the Passover Body and Blood, we have no “eternal Life” in us; indeed, it is “Messiah-in-us” who prompts us to participate in the Passover!

It is likewise the “lack” of Messiah-in-us, that causes us to reject this participation. This rejection is perhaps the origin of the Roman teaching of the “counterfeit” Passover, called “communion” and “Lord’s Supper” that most of us in the Evangelical world have embraced, in favour of the True. It is time to put away the many counterfeits — and the “Doctrines of Men” that promote them — and take the True!

The keeping of “Passover” is the eating of His Flesh (His “Life” per John 6:51), and the drinking of His “Blood” (His “Life” per Lev 17:11).

Yahshua is telling us: “No Passover, no Life.”

It is a “Passover” meal only if it is done at the time prescribed by Yahweh — on the 14th day of either the first or second Biblical month. Any other time is a “counterfeit.”

The Final Opportunity

The Second Passover of this season is the final opportunity for the Bride. This will occur on the 14th day of the Second Biblical Month, which is Tuesday, May 20. Beloved, the Bridegroom wishes you to become Betrothed!! Find several others, or have the Passover alone. Let us keep the Feast! (1Co 5:7-8).

Conclusion

Unless the Bride Candidate takes the Flesh and Blood of Passover, she demonstrates she has “no Life” in her. Participation in the True Passover demonstrates the presence of the “Life” of Messiah-in-us, who gives us the ‘Grace’ for the obedience we need to “enter in” to the presence of the King.

For Pastors and Leaders

Pastors, direct yourself and your people toward the Scriptures, and away from practices and Doctrines of Men that you may have picked up in your Theological Cemetery, Bible School or Denomination. We will each be held accountable for our respective works! (Rev 2:23).

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The Ascending of the Bride Draws Near

This current Passover Season is the only one in this century to have all the signs in the heavens that point to a resurrection and ascending of the First-Resurrection Believers. The signs are definitely showing the proper time frame (See Bride and Bridegroom Signs in the Heavens). The signs are there in the heavens, for all to see. What has been lacking are the details in-between.

It Must Be Scriptural

In Scripture there are three “Scriptural” ascension dates mentioned. To be a “Scriptural” ascension date, the date must correspond to either an ascension, or its prophetic “type,” which can be seen Scripture. For instance, a “pouring out” of the Holy Spirit is not a Scriptural event showing an ascension, whereas the ascending of Enoch and Elijah, the vomiting of Jonah, and the “going up” from the Wilderness into the Promised Land are all Scriptural ascension events. However, only a few of these are given dates in Scripture.

First-Month Date

At first we saw and understood only the first-month ascension, the first one listed in Scripture known to have occurred in the First Month. This first-month Ascension date is seen in Joshua 4:19, where Israel came up (”ascended”) into the Promised land on the tenth day of the first month, Abib 10. This is a prophetic type of Israel ascending, and is the first date we first thought the ascension would be possible in our generation, in the year 2008 according to the signs.

However, when we saw that the “Master Delayed His Coming,” we had to go back to Scripture. We understand the season is right, and the 7-year countdown clock has surely begun ticking on the 10th day of the first month, as the heavenly signs show — yet we saw no ascension on that date! So we are looking further into the Scriptures, and now we see more!

Second-Month Date

The second-month “Scriptural” date for ascending is listed in Gen 7:11,17, where we see the ark “bare up” and “lifted up,” as a type or prophetic picture of resurrection, on the seventeenth day of the second month. Even Yahshua reminded us that “as the days of Noah, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be” (See Matthew 24:37, 38; Luke 17:26). This second-month date is still a possibility as of this writing, but when the third-month date came into view, it seemed to be a more likely fit to Scripture!

Third-Month Date

The last, third-month “Scriptural” date for ascending is listed in Acts 1:3,9, and is a description of several things. First, the day mentioned is the 40th day after Yahshua’s resurrection, the very day on which He ascended. Second, it is the 40th day of the counting of the Omer. When Yahshua was resurrected on the Day of Early firstfruits, He fulfilled this Feast, and in doing so, Yahshua became the “firstfruits of them that slept” (1Co 15:20). This Feast day also marked “Day 1″ of the “Omer Count” of 50 days, the countdown to Shavuot, which is also variously called “Pentecost,” or the “Feast of Weeks,” or “Latter Firstfruits.”

This year, the 40th day of the Omer, called “Ascension Day” by many, happens to fall on the 1st day of the third month according to the Biblical calendar. The term “Biblical calendar” is highlighted, because it is not the same as the “Traditional” Jewish or Hebrew calculated calendar that most use; thus many will be confounded as to all the proper dates. Instead, it is the Biblically-correct calendar referred to, based on the sighting of the new moon, and also based on the “Abib” condition of the Barley to confirm the beginning of months, both from the perspective of Jerusalem. For a simple overview of the Biblical Calendar, see ABC’s of the Biblical Calendar.

Which Date? Scriptures Reveal

So in summary, there are three “Scriptural” Ascension dates — the first-month date, the second-month date, and the third-month date. Which one is the correct one? There is in Scripture an observed Scriptural principle, seen in many events, in which the first and second in a given series is rejected by Yahweh, but the third in the series is accepted. This year, there are three “Scriptural” ascension dates — in the first month, the second month, and the third month. Could this observed Scriptural principle apply also to ascension dates?

The “third day” in Scripture is associated with resurrection. Perhaps this term “third day” also refers to the first and second dates as unacceptable to Yahweh, and points to the third of three choices in a series of “ascension dates” as being the acceptable date. If so, then the third one of the known Scriptural dates may be the day of the Bride’s ascending — the 40th day of the Omer count — which happens to occur this year on the first day of the third month on the Biblical calendar!

Most Evangelical Believers Not Yet Ready!

Beloved, it is time to get Ready — If you were not able to keep the First Month Passover, keep the Second: The Passover Cup is our “Covenant Cup” of acceptance of the Bridegroom’s offer of Betrothal! This partaking of the Passover Cup “is” the New Covenant in His Passover Blood!! (See Mt 26:28; Mk 14:24; Lk 22:20; 1Co 11:25).

These are not Jewish Feasts, they are Yahweh’s Feasts for His Bride — His Passover-Protected First-Born!! (See Lev 23:2).

The Second Passover, the 14th day of the Second Month, occurs in 2008 on Tuesday May 20.

Beloved, it is time for you to become “Betrothed” to the Master on that Day — by observing the Passover — and then Watch and Pray!!!

(To see the GREAT importance Scripture reveals for NT Believers keeping Passover, see The New Covenant Passover.)

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The Master Delays His Coming?!

There is a very timely warning given in both Matthew and Luke, which may apply to us today. Notice these passages:

“But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken…” (Matthew 24:48-49)

“But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken…” (Luke 12:45)

Here we have two parallel passages, almost identical. Today these verses are speaking two different messages, to two different groups of the Master’s servants. To the one group, there is warning; to the other, there is encouragement. Let’s look at both messages, and see where each one of us fits in to these messages.

First, let’s look at terminology. What is a “delay of His coming?” If the train has a delay of its arrival, what does that tell us? It tells us that there is a time interval to be added to the “expected” time of arrival. The time was expected. It was known. But now there is a “delay” beyond the known, expected arrival time.

Next, let’s notice The word ’smite’ is the Greek word ‘tupto’, Strong’s <5180>, meaning “to strike, beat, wound, or disquiet,” which includes the meaning “to trouble or vex.”

The word “smite” can be seen throughout the Old Testament, where we find the following passage:

Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words. Give heed to me, O LORD, and hearken to the voice of them that contend with me. (Jeremiah 18:18-19)

Here we see our Matthew and Luke passage come to light. Here we see that Jeremiah brings Yahweh’s word, but the hearers “smite” the messenger with their words, and then disregard the message. They are “contending” with the messenger, for they did not like his message.

Next, we ask, who is it that says, “My lord delays His coming.” In our Matthew and Luke passages, the one who says “the Master delays His coming” is the same one who begins to “smite” his fellow servants.

But who does the smiting? Is it the messenger who announced the Master’s expected arrival date– or, was it the many hearers of the messenger’s report?

When the announcer at the train station gives notice of the train’s delay, who becomes upset? Who is it that grumbles, and complains, and curses? Is it the announcer giving the message who complains– or is it the hearers of the message?

When the messengers announced the high likelihood of the Master’s arrival, and the Master did not arrive as announced, there are some who said, “False Prophet!” “You’re wrong!” “You’re in error!” “You do not hear from the Master!” “You had better not quit your day job!” and on and on.

Beloved, these accusations and vexing words hurled at the messengers are the equivalent of smiting, or “Beating” our fellow servants, and the Master will not take too kindly to such action, when He returns!

Last, let’s notice in Mat 24:48 above the reference is to that “evil” servant. The only prior mention of any servant in Mat 24 is of the faithful and wise servant in verse 45, who gives meat in due season; so verse 48 is not referring to that servant as “evil.”

We must conclude that the “evil” servant referred to in this verse is the one who smites his fellow servants. This action of smiting, and vexing each other with our words, is what the Master calls “evil,” so it must be a very serious matter.

Beloved, let’s clean up our act, and realize that how we deal with one another is a MAJOR part of our preparation– and may make the difference between being a Bride, and being a Bridesmaid. Let’s all consider this carefully!

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Countdown to Shavuot (Pentecost) Has Begun

Beloved, the countdown to Shavuot, also called Pentecost, Feast of Weeks, and Feast of Latter-Firstfruits, has begun. All of Yahweh’s people are to make this count, as part of our duties of “watching.” We must be careful to count, and to arrive at the correct day of the Feast. Some may arrive at the Feast, and find that it is the wrong day, for the King will not be there on that day!

It does not seem difficult to count fifty days. But in order to arrive at the correct day, we must start the count on the correct day. Currently, there is confusion in the Camp, because of the confusion imposed by the Doctrines of Men. We must therefore learn to go to Scripture, in order to find the correct day to begin the count. Notice what the Scripture says:

10 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest: 11 And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it. (Leviticus 23:10-11)

15 And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete: 16 Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD. (Leviticus 23:15-16)

The fifty-day count is to begin at the day of the Wave Sheaf Offering, the day of Early Firstfruits, which occurs the day after the sabbath following Passover. The controversy has been over which sabbath is meant– the High Sabbath of Unleavened bread on the fifteenth– or the weekly sabbath. The answer, though, is simple, and is staring us in the face, as we gaze at Scripture! The correct solution to the puzzle, however, is only for those who acknowledge Yahshua’s resurrection! Notice the following passage:

20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. (1 Corinthians 15:20)

The Resurrection of Messiah actually occurred on the day of Firstfruits, marking Yahshua as a Firstfruit Offering, as part of the fulfillment of Yahweh’s purposes. For those who acknowledge Messiah’s Resurrection, it is easy to see that the sabbath referred to in the phrase “day after the sabbath” refers to the weekly sabbath, for it is the day after the weekly sabbath that is related to the Resurrection of Messiah.

Only those who do not acknowledge the Resurrection of Messiah refer to Nisan 16, the day after the High Sabbath of Unleavened Bread, as the start of the 50-day count. Who would this be, but the historical and current Pharisees? Yahshua warned us of those whose leavened “Doctrines of Men” continue to turn men from the Truth. The result of this Leaven is called “Sin.”

We must return to the unleavened teaching of Scripture alone (and not to early church fathers, or Josephus) to find the Living Truth! Only then will we arrive at the correct Feast Day– the day the King will be there!

Feast of Firstfruits

For those Bride-candidates who are diligently watching for the First Resurrection, you will want to take note that the Feast of Firstfruits began Saturday April 26 at sundown, Jerusalem time, and will continue for 24 hours until sundown Sunday. This day has a high likelihood of being the time the First Resurrection saints will see the Bridegroom.

An interesting note is that Firstfruits will be in effect everywhere on earth at the same time on Sunday, April 27, for 1 hour, from 5:16 pm to 6:15 pm Jerusalem time, or Sunday morning 10:16 am to 11:16 am central time in the US.

The Last Day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, another highly likely day, will commence at sundown Sunday night, 6:16 pm Jerusalem time, and will continue to sundown Monday night April 28.

Brothers and sisters, let us watch and pray!

Blessings!

WWYD? What Would Yahshua Do?

What Would Yahshua Do?

These four little words make up the most profound question we should ask ourselves daily. When we encounter questions or decisions of various kinds, we should ask ourselves, “What would Yahshua do?”

Every day we must make decisions of Truth vs. error. We must decide if something is good Doctrine, or bad. In our daily walk and practices, indeed in every question we encounter, we should be asking ourselves the question, “What would Yahshua do?”

Notice what we are told in Scripture:

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. (1 John 2:6)

If we are to become perfected in love, as the Scripture tells us, we must walk as HE walked, in every way. If we are to walk even as He walked, we must ask ourselves this question, in every matter, “What would Yahshua do?”

If we are to walk as He walked, then we should desire to practice the same things HE did, speak the same words, and literally BE the same, in all areas of our life. Why is this true? The following passages reveal the answer:

“…To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory…” (Colossians 1:27)

“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” (Romans 8:11)

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5)

“My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you…” (Galatians 4:19)

“Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:11)

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5)

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)

The above passages reveal that Messiah actually is living within every Born-Again Believer, and He desires to express the fullness of His Life in us, as a Testimony. Even the apostle Paul spoke in a similar way, exhorting us to imitate him and the other disciples, in our manner of life:

“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.” (Philippians 3:17)

“For I delight in the law of God after the inward man…” (Romans 7:22)

Paul’s whole focus in his ministry was to reveal the many facets of “Messiah-in-you,” with its goal of perfecting of love. There is, however, a disease that will spoil the fruit that Messiah-in-you desires to produce. That is the disease of being “carnal.” Notice what Paul said about avoiding this carnality disease:

“Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” (Romans 8:7)

Paul reveals that the only way we can allow the fullness of Messiah-in-us to live His life, and to produce fruit in our lives, is for us to allow Him to write the law (Torah) on our heart, and then for us to walk in it, just as He did.

Most think Yahshua was a nice Gentile boy, who went to Sunday-School faithfully every week, and that He practiced pagan Feasts and Festivals, and that He avoided keeping Sabbath and Passover, and the other Feasts of Yahweh. No? Then why do we, while claiming Yahshua lives-in-us, do these things?

If we are to mature in love, we must stop preventing Messiah-in-us from walking in us, the same way He walked 2,000 years ago, while He was in His own body. We must change OUR thinking to HIS thinking. We must avoid being carnal. We must become like Paul and the other disciples, and yes, even like Messiah Himself.

For those who hope to overcome, and to know Him, we must ask the question, concerning all things– “What Would Yahshua Do?”

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