Shabbat Sabbath

February 18, 2023

Does The New Testament Void Old Testament Dietary Laws?

One of the most debated and heated topics in Scripture today pertains to something that to many may seem petty and insignificant: The Dietary Laws. What are the Dietary Laws? At their core, they are the specific instructions about what animals are considered acceptable as food and what ones are not from Leviticus Chapter 11 and Deuteronomy Chapter 14. There are some other passages that come into play, such as Leviticus 19:19 that prohibits the cross-breeding of different kinds of animals or mixing different types of plants in the same field, which may result in a cross-pollination that would create a mutant hybrid species, but the main text for this topic is Leviticus 11.

Many of the articles that I have already published have expounded on the theology, science, and historical records that support the notion that these laws still pertain to Believers today. What I want to do here is a bit different from the majority of messages put out in the past. This will be more of a study on certain specific New Testament verses commonly used to claim that these particular Old Testament instructions have been voided for Believers today.

My purpose in putting this study together is the create a simple and direct reference point for those who may need such a tool in their efforts to minister truth to those who have been misled by poor teaching as well as to provide a basic overview of these Scriptures to those who are seeking truth and growing in their efforts to further understand the Word of YHWH (God). During the study we will identify key verses that are commonly used to claim that the Dietary Laws have been voided and examine them in detail. By the end of this study the goal is that you will conclude that there is not a single passage in the New Testament that actually voids the Dietary Laws.

Staying Focused on the Nations

Shalom

Today is Day 19 of Month 11 on the Creator’s calendar otherwise known as February 11, 2023 on the Roman calendar.

Last week I talked about one of the basic Scriptural principles of man being made in the Image of Elohim.

The DNA of mankind actually contains the signature of the Creator. This signifies the importance of man in the plan of Elohim.

I also mentioned about possible issues concerning the Jewish people, and the Jewish State.

Ever since the establishment of the modern State of Israel on May 14, 1948, we have seen many people attempt to key prophetic events to that date.

I have always contended that this was an error, because 1948 is a Gregorian date, and the Jewish State may not be keyed to any prophetic timelines.

The modern State was actually founded on Day 48 of the omer count that year. Shavuot was 2 days later. May 16, 1948 on the Creator’s calendar. There is variation on other calendars.

Their independence was proclaimed by David Ben Gurion the Executive Head of the World Zionist Organization, Chairman of the Jewish Agency for Palestine and soon to be Prime Minister of the Jewish State of Israel.

None of those titles qualified Ben Gurion to be the leader of a restored Covenant Assembly. The Jewish State of Israel was not established according to the Torah, with YHWH at the center of their existence.

Unlike the return from the Babylonian exile that was specifically timed to a 70-year exile, there was no prophetic mandate for this event. There were no priests involved, the Temple was not rebuilt and the Torah was not followed.

This had none of the hallmarks of a prophetic restoration of ancient Yisrael. Most importantly, the people had not repented for their past sins, and rejection of the Messiah.

Quite honestly, we do not even know the actual lineage of the people who call themselves Jews. Are they from the Khazarian Kingdom, the Tribe of Yahudah, the House of Yahudah, or a mixture of all Yisraelites? Who knows.

It’s hard to actually define what the terms Jew and Jewish mean, especially within a Scriptural context. They have both a religious and secular meaning, and are not really connected to the name Yahudah, that contains the Name of YHWH.

The Tribe of Yahudah is the only Tribe that reveals the Name of YHWH, but the word Jew does not. In fact, the religion of Judaism, actually suppresses the Name of YHWH and calls it ineffable – unspeakable.

We have a serious problem here, and while many attempt to equate a Jew with a descendant of the ancient Yisraelites, that argument does not survive any real scrutiny.

The only way to identify people of the Covenant is to determine whether they are actually in the Covenant. Are they living according to the terms of the Covenant?

Remember what Yahushua said about the Scribes and Pharisees?

But woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in.” Matthew 23:13

These are not my words. Yahushua the Messiah from the Tribe of Yahudah spoke them.

He called the Scribes and Pharisees children of hell. He said their father was the devil. (John 8:44)

He said they are not in the Kingdom, and they were keeping people out of the Kingdom.

Today, those comments would likely be categorized as “hate speech,” and Yahushua would surely be labeled as anti-Semitic.

How ironic.

Nevertheless, the meaning of His words was very clear. They were not operating in the Kingdom of the Father YHWH. They were standing outside the gates, directing people away from the door that led to the Covenant path.

According to the Messiah, they were not in the Covenant. That is why they were later judged, and expelled by the Romans.

Now let me ask the question: Has anything changed since Yahushua spoke those words?

The fig tree did not bear fruit. It was cut down, and the Yahudim were exiled. John the Immerser specifically warned: “And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:10

The Pharisees went on to cultivate and refine their rogue anti-Yahushua sect into the religion of Judaism.

The same Pharisaic spirit that opposed Yahushua continues to this day in Judaism.

Orthodox Judaism promotes the notion that only Jews can obey the Torah, and that the Gentiles need only obey “the Seven Noahide Laws.” They are not in the kingdom, and they continue to block the gates to the Covenant path by pointing the Nations away from the Torah to the “Noahide Laws,” which is simply a Rabbinic creation.

Astonishingly, I see many messianic leaders opening their assembly doors to Rabbis, joining with and extolling “Brother Judah.”

Let me be very clear. Just because a person calls themself a Jew does not mean they are your brother.

For the definition of a brother, we need look no further than Yahushua.

For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:50

Now don’t forget, Yahushua will be rejecting many Christians because they do not do the will of the Father.

21 Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and cast out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your Name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.’” Matthew 7:21-23

The Messiah will reject many people who claim to follow Him, because they are lawless. They are without the Torah.

Well, Yahushua also called the Pharisees lawless.

27 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Matthew 23:27-28

Pharisaic religion is unclean, and it is lawless.

We are commanded to touch no unclean thing. “Depart, depart, go out from there; touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her; purify yourselves, you who bear the vessels of YHWH.” Isaiah 52:11

Yahushua specifically stated: For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 5:20

Once again, Messiah the judge stated that they are not getting in to the Kingdom. Our righteousness must be better and different than their righteousness, which derives from their oral torah.

We have the Torah in the flesh, Yahushua the Messiah. He instructed us in the ways of the Torah, and specifically stated that He did not come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets, but to fulfill. (Matthew 5:17)

So, you had better be careful who you call your brother, because it could actually define what kingdom you are in. If you have been mingling with the Pharisees, I recommend that you heed the words of Isaiah and “depart.”

I know it sounds romantic joining arms with “Brother Judah,” but it is a trap. I’ve met with the Rabbis in Israel who claim to be open to Joseph, and I know their motives. “Submit to Brother Judah, because Brother Judah has kept and preserved the Torah all these years so now you have it.”

Go along to get along. Just don’t try to push Yahushua on them, and everything will be fine. As a result, I have seen many people who sought out truth from “Brother Judah” end up turning their backs on Yahushua. Once you start following the Rabbis, you lose sight of Yahushua.

Well, isn’t that the goal of the enemy? Minimize Yahushua.

You might be able to get someone in Judaism to state that Yahushua was a good teacher, but definitely not the Messiah. The writings of the Talmud paint a very different picture of how they really feel about Him.

The religion of Islam might claim that Yahushua was a prophet, but again, not the Messiah.

While the religion of Christianity claims that Jesus was the Messiah, they get the Name wrong, along with His teachings. They actually claim that He abolished the Torah, so they are lawless.

It sure looks like the enemy has it all sewn up through the religions of man.

That is why most Christians are willing to lend their unwavering support to the Jewish State of Israel. They really don’t know what Yahushua taught, why He came, or how they fit in.

The modern State of Israel wants nothing to do with Yahushua, and actively works against those that try to promote Him. Sure, Christian Pilgrims can come and spend their money, but don’t you dare try to stay. I have heard plenty of stories about “Jewish Believers” who are citizens being persecuted in Israel. If you believe in Yahushua you need to keep a low profile.

Bob Fischer wrote about it in his book Israel My Inheritance. Bob was a friend of mine. We didn’t agree on everything, especially the Jew/Gentile distinction. But he did have a desire to seek out truth, and he exposed a lot of the hypocrisy in the modern State of Israel where he lived until he died.

Currently, we see both secular and religious Jews claiming to be back in the Covenant Land (Eretz Yisrael) that the Yahudim were previously expelled from. They all claim title under a divine right as “God’s chosen people.”

So apparently Yahushua’s words, His death and His resurrection have no impact on those who identify as Jews. At least that is how they see it.

Did YHWH ever say that a group of primarily secular people called Jews could go back to the Land without the Messiah? After all, the Covenant was renewed with Yisrael through the Messiah.

The answer, or course, is no.

The Prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel provided specific durations for the previous exiles of the House of Yisrael, and the House of Yahudah.

I know of no duration for the exile that resulted from rejecting the Messiah.

Again, that’s because there wasn’t any. All of the prophecies concerning the future restoration of both Houses of the Kingdom involve the Messiah.

Also, it is important to understand that YHWH never gave the Jews, or Yisrael for that matter, the Covenant Land. Yisrael’s tenancy was always subject to the terms of the “lease agreement” – the Torah.

The Jews have no rights to the Land, outside the Covenant with YHWH. He owns it, and He decides who can live in it.

Last week, I had someone contact me regarding my message titled “To the Jew First?”

They said that they enjoyed the message, but could not get past the fact that the Israeli army had experienced miracles. That seemed to validate the modern State of Israel in Elohim’s plan.

Well, that is a valid concern, but we must ask whether real or alleged miracles are prima facia proof of YHWH’s endorsement for the modern State of Yisrael?

Clearly, YHWH allowed it to happen, but is His hand in it when they continue to reject His Son, and the Covenant?

Did He change His mind somewhere along the line? Is He just so happy to have them back, that He is willing to disregard His Torah, His Prophets, and His Son?

Would He actually allow the House of Yahudah to return twice, while the House of Yisrael continues to remain in exile because of their sin?

Indeed, is there any greater sin than the rejection of the Son of Elohim?

Let’s be very clear. The establishment of the modern State of Israel was a collaboration between the British, the Rothchild’s and political Zionists. Ultimately the partition plan was approved by the United Nations, the organization laying the groundwork for the New World Order.

Of course, it never would have happened unless YHWH allowed it. But the question is whether we should be supporting a nation that rejects the Messiah, and the Covenant renewed by His blood, just because they lay claim to a genetic privilege.

While there may have been miracles, I haven’t heard about anything on the level of the sun standing still, pillars of fire, or hailstones raining down upon their enemies. YHWH certainly knows how to make an indelible statement when He wants to.

Ultimately, the question is whether alleged miracles is the test to legitimize the modern State of Israel? Do stories of miracles during battle settle the matter?

A little bit of research will reveal stories and accounts of miracles in battles all throughout history. So, the Israel Defense Force’s claims are nothing new or unique.

Also, remember in the previous quote that Yahushua said He would reject many people who perform miracles in His Name. So, miracles are definitely not the deciding factor in a person’s (or states) fate. (Matthew 7:21-23)

Even though many are performing miracles, they are not doing the will of the Father – they are lawless.

So, if Yahushua is rejecting people performing miracles who claim to serve Him, what do you think He will do to those who reject Him?

In fact, He specifically cautioned us to beware of being led astray.

24 For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” Matthew 24:24-27

Notice that there will be great signs and wonders with the purpose of deceiving, even the elect. Of course, that is because we are in a battle – a battle rooted in rebellion.

That rebellion goes all the way back to the dragon who rebelled, and drew a third of the stars with him. The dragon hates the assembly of Yisrael, and the Son. He wants to destroy them both, because he knows the destiny of the Son.

3 And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. 4 His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it. 5 She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the Nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to Elohim and to his throne.” Revelation 12:3-5

The stars were the sons of Elohim. We discern that from Job.

4 Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. 5 Who determined its measurements – surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? 6 On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, 7 when the morning stars sang together, and all the Sons of Elohim shouted for joy?” Job 38:4-7

In Hebraic parallelism, the Sons of Elohim are also described as “morning stars.” We previously talked about the Sons of Elohim who departed from the will of Elohim, and the fact that YHWH is preparing new Sons of Elohim to populate His kingdom.

This is the process that we currently find ourselves in the midst of. We are being tested and prepared for a future that is so far beyond the traditional Christian message of salvation.

As a result, it is important that we use discernment, so that we stay on the Covenant path that leads us into the Kingdom as Sons of Elohim. The dragon currently rules over the Nations. He knows he is losing the battle, and is frantically trying to distract and deceive the elect.

We know that the Beast, who gets his power from the dragon, will perform miracles.

11 Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. 12 It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. 13 It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, 14 and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15 And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain.” Revelation 13:11-15

From this passage it is very clear that miracles are not the test of legitimacy. In fact, miracles will fuel the deception perpetrated by the dragon.

It is not just about the elect though. The goal of the dragon is also to deceive the Nations, up until the very end.

1 Then I saw a messenger coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. 2 And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, 3 and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the Nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while. 4 Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Yahushua and for the word of Elohim and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Messiah for a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and Set Apart is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of Elohim and of Messiah and they will reign with him for a thousand years. 7 And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will come out to deceive the Nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea.” Revelation 20:1-8

We are living in a time of great deception, and the plan of Elohim is much larger than any single group of people.

YHWH chose a people for a purpose, and a destiny. Those people are meant to draw the Nations back to YHWH. That was the primary purpose of the message last week.

The focus of the plan of YHWH is not on the Jewish people. The future culminates with a restoration of the Nations, through the Covenant renewed by the blood of Yahushua.

The dragon is opposed to YHWH’s plan for the Nations.

Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of Elohim and hold to the testimony of Yahushua. And he stood on the sand of the sea.” Revelation 12:17

Remember the symbology concerning the sand of the sea? This is a reference to the people of the Nations.

When Yahushua came, the focus shifted to the Nations. In Matthew 12:18 we are told that Yahushua healing was a direct fulfillment of Isaiah.

1 Behold My servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the Nations. 2 He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; 3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for His Torah.” Isaiah 42:1-4

He spent most of His time in “the Galilee of the Nations” bringing “justice to the Nations.” (see Isaiah 9:1) The focus of His work was very evident.

Here is another prophecy concerning Yahushua, the Servant, the set apart arm of YHWH.

10 YHWH has bared His set apart arm before the eyes of all the Nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our Elohim. 11 Depart, depart, go out from there; touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her; purify yourselves, you who bear the vessels of YHWH. 12 For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight, for YHWH will go before you, and the Elohim of Yisrael will be your rear guard. 13 Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted. 14 As many were astonished at you – his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind – 15 so shall he sprinkle many Nations. Kings shall shut their mouths because of him, for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand.” Isaiah 52:10-15

So, the Servant came for the Nations, and we know from the Psalms that the Nations will be given to the Son.

7 I will tell of the decree: YHWH said to me, ‘You are my Son; today I have begotten you. 8 Ask of Me, and I will make the Nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.’” Psalm 2:7-8

He will rule over the nations.

27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to YHWH, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you. 28 For kingship belongs to YHWH and he rules over the nations.” Psalm 22:27-28

We see the fulfillment of this is a scene from the Throne Room in the shamayim (heavens).

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.” Revelation 7:9

Did you catch that? Every nation and tribe and people, and language.

In fact, here is the good news for the world. “6 Then I saw another messenger flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people. 7 saying with a loud voice, Fear Elohim and give esteem to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.” Revelation 14:6-7

Recall that 70 beings travelled to Egypt where Joseph provided for their needs. (see Exodus 1:5) Of course, the number 70 represents the Nations.

Remember also last week that I mentioned how Yahushua first sent out the 12, and then the 70?

It is a pattern that will be repeated in the future.

While in Egypt, the 12 Tribes of Yisrael were birthed into a nation. They were then delivered from Egypt with the nations, represented by “the mixed multitude.”

Now that the Tribes are mixed and mingled within the Nations, at a future Passover we can expect Yisrael to be drawn out of all the Nations. The net of YHWH will be filled with 153 large fish – the Sons of Elohim. (see John 21:1-11)

Remember that while there were 10 plagues rendered upon Egypt, the final seven were exclusively on the Egyptians, and not the Yisraelites.

With this understanding, it is easy to see how the text of Revelation describes a future Exodus from the Nations, while the nations are simultaneously being judged. Recognizing the significance of the Appointed Times in the text of Revelation is critical to understanding the text, and the future plan of YHWH.

Last week I talked about the mistake that many make by focusing on “the Jew first.”

The House of Elohim, administered by the Levites in the Tribal territory of Yahudah and Benyamin, depending upon where you place the Temple, was supposed to be for the Nations.

Remember that the Tent of YHWH was originally pitched in Shiloh, within the tribal territory of Ephraim. Bethel, which literally means “The House of Elohim,” was also located in the territory of Ephraim. I believe that this has prophetic implications.

Sadly, the Yahudim built a physical wall of separation around the Temple, just like the Pharisees built a fence around the Torah.

Yahushua rebuked them for their poor administration of His Father’s House. “And he was teaching them and saying to them, Is it not written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations? But you have made it a den of robbers.” Mark 11:17

He prophesied an end to it all.

1 Then Yahushua went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the Temple. 2 And Yahushua said to them, Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” Matthew 24:1-2

The “fig tree generation” of the Yahudim had their final opportunity, but they failed to bear fruit. It was all going to be demolished, and Yahushua left no room for another chance, outside of Him.

That is why Yahushua instructed His disciples to Go therefore and make disciples of all Nations.” Matthew 28:19 It was time to get the message out.

If you are a follower of Yahushua, then your orders are the same. That is why you are currently in the Nations. Not so that you can settle down, and make yourself comfortable. It is so that you can be a witness, and a messenger of the “eternal gospel” to the Nations.

Mankind began as one Tribe under Adam, and was ultimately fractured and divided into Nations. The healing of the Nations is not a cure for cancer, but rather a cure for religion.

It is a restoration of the peoples to a knowledge of YHWH Elohim, their Creator. Through Yahushua, and His restored Covenant Assembly Yisrael, the Nations can return to the Garden and have access to the Tree of Life.

1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of Elohim and of the Lamb. 2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the Nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of Elohim and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. 4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. 5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for YHWH Elohim gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.” Revelation 22:1-5

What an amazing future that awaits the Nations, and we have a part to play in this marvelous restoration of Creation. So don’t get distracted by Jesuit derived futuristic eschatology, or the plans of the New World Order.

Don’t esteem the Jewish people, and their Pharisaic religion. And don’t get deceived by signs and miracles. Simply stay focused on your purpose, and act wisely, like our Master. (Isaiah 52:13)

You are a witness for Yahushua, a wise virgin full of oil, with the future hope of becoming a star – one of the Sons of Elohim.

And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:3

Berakhot (Blessings)

Todd
www.shemayisrael.net

Shema Yisrael (Hear O Yisrael) are the words that Yahushua spoke when asked what was the First Command.

The first of all the Commandments is:
Hear, O Yisrael,
YHWH our Elohim, YHWH is one.
Mark 12:29

He who has ears to hear, let him hear!
Matthew 11:15

What is the Rapture? Part 1

The word “rapture” is from a Latin word that Jerome used when translating 1 Thessalonians 4:17 into Latin,

17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up [Greek: harpazo; Latin: rapto] together with them [i.e., the resurrected ones] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.

Before we expound on the meaning of being “caught up,” we should understand that the important thing is not so much how the word is translated into various languages but rather how we construct the word picture that is presented to us. Many who object to the common rapture theory have declared war on the word rapture instead of focusing on the meaning of harpazo in regard to the second coming of Christ.

Because so many Christians in the past 170 years have been influenced by the Dispensationalist view of the second coming, and because they have settled on the Latin word rapture to describe it, I have hesitated to use the term in my teaching. The reason is that my definition of the catching away differs in some ways from the church’s concept. Hence, if I use the term, what many will hear is not what I was really saying.

What is the Rapture? Part 2 (final)

One of the purposes of Christ’s coming is to restore the Head on the body of Christ, so that the complete body may be presented to the Father. When Christ presented Himself to the Father after his resurrection, it was to fulfill the wave-sheaf offering on the day after the Sabbath (Leviticus 23:11). But this was part of the sequence in the Spring feasts. There is a second fulfillment prophesied in the Autumn feasts in which the body of Christ (or “sons of God”) are presented to the Father along with the Head.

So the Head must join with the body prior to this presentation of the sons. Hence, we see in John 7:14 how Jesus came to His temple in the midst of the feast of Tabernacles and then prophesied of the Spirit on the eighth day, the last great day of the feast. His words pointed to the glorification of Solomon’s temple a thousand years earlier on the same day. But it also prophesied of a future event that went beyond Pentecost.

The purpose of Christ’s coming is to prepare the firstborn sons of God and make them eligible to be presented to God on the eighth day of Tabernacles, or “Booths.”

The foundational prophecy of the feast of Tabernacles is found in Leviticus 23:34-37,

34 Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, “On the fifteenth of this seventh month is the Feast of Booths for seven days to the Lord. 35 On the first day is a holy convocation; you shall do no laborious work of any kind. 36 For seven days you shall present an offering by fire to the Lord. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation [miqra, “a calling out”] and present an offering by fire to the Lord; it is an assembly [asara, “meeting”]. You shall do no laborious work. 37 These are the appointed times of the Lord…

A seven-day cycle is a Sabbath cycle, but the eighth day is also important. The number 8 is the number of new beginnings, and it serves as the first day of the next Sabbath cycle. In the law, it is the day—the only day—in which the firstborn of both man and beast are to be presented to God.

The Epistles of Paul - Romans Part 2: Ancient Pagan Israel

Presenting the first half of Romans chapter 1 last week, we left off with verse 17 and Paul’s citation of Habakkuk 2:4 where he says that “the just shall live by faith”. In commenting upon that citation, we established that in the context of the original remark as it is found in Habakkuk, the statement intends to describe the righteous of those of the children of Israel who were going to be taken into Babylonian captivity. Because the Law had failed when the rulers and priests of Israel began to deal unjustly, the people were fated to be oppressed and forced to live under the laws of Babylon, a situation which was to endure for an appointed time. In Ezekiel chapter 21 we have corroboration for this interpretation, where Yahweh said He will cut off from the land of Israel both the righteous and the wicked. From Habakkuk chapter 2: “3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. 4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.” In the epistle to the Romans, Paul was teaching the fulfillment of these words in Habakkuk, which is assured where the prophet wrote “in the end it shall speak”, meaning that the fulfillment would indeed become evident. Paul is showing us that fulfillment is in the turning of the dispersed children of Israel to Christ. This is why, in the next several chapters of this epistle, Paul demonstrates that those of Israel who are just in the eyes of God are not manifest in a keeping of the rituals of the Law, but instead they are manifest by a turning to the faith of Christ along with an exhibition of the law which Yahweh promised would be written in their hearts. The next few verses of this first chapter of Romans fully demonstrate that the children of Israel, and no others, certainly remain the focus of the Gospel message.

Paths of Old – Ancient Paths

Jeremiah 6:16; 18:15; Acts 15:21

“Thus said יהוה (Yahweh), “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and find rest for yourselves….” (Jeremiah 6:16)

“But My people have forgotten Me, they have burned incense to what is false, and they have stumbled from their ways, from the ancient paths, to walk in bypaths and not on a highway.” (Jeremiah 18:15)

Regular public reading of the Torah was introduced by Ezra the Scribe after the return of the Jewish people from their Babylonian captivity (c. 537 BCE), as described in the Book of Nehemiah 8. In the modern era, adherents of Orthodox Judaism practice Torah reading according to a set procedure they believe has remained unchanged in the two thousand years since the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem (70 CE).

“For from ancient generations Mosheh has, in every city, those proclaiming him – being read in the congregations every Sabbath.” (Acts 15:21)

Bible readings for February 18, 2023. In the 2nd solar month of the Hebrew 11th month of Shevat (January/February).

Mishpatim
ִּשְׁפָּטִים
Ordinances
Judgments / Rulings

Potential New Moon Sighting

The potential next New Moon sighting may take place at sunset on Tuesday, February 21, 2023. The illumination percentage is calculated to be at 2%.

The Conjunction (Dark Moon) will take place at sunset on Monday, February 20, 2023.

If you are interested in downloading the annual Torah reading schedule with projected new moon sightings, Feast Days, click HERE.

Three Year Bible Reading Schedule

Genesis to Revelation

Genesis 39:1-23 | 1 Samuel 4:1—5:12 | Psalm 42:1—43:5 | Isaiah 43:1-28 | Mark 8:1—9:32

If you are interested in downloading the complete 3 year Bible reading schedule, click HERE. You can break up your Bible reading into 5 days of your choosing or combine the above readings of your choice.

RELIGION NEWS

THE MYSTERY OF JESUS FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION—PART 44: The Woman and the Dragon (Revelation 12)

WITH GREAT DELUSION RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER, NASA UNVEILS PLAN FOR GIANT TELESCOPE TO SPOT LIFE ON ALIEN PLANETS

Super Bowl: What You Are About To See Explains Why America Is Where It Is At Today!

FBI Used Discredited SPLC to Paint Catholics as Extremists, Anti-LGBTQ and Anti-Semites

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Under the Eagle’s Wings

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Words from 33rd degree master mason (rare video) – Masons worship all sorts of deities

Jews were subjected to tyranny, medical experiments and death. ‘This time around, we’re all Jews’

Jamie Walden – Cosmic Events, World War. The Massive Global Deception Occurring!

WORLDWIDE BANKING USURY – THE WORSHIP OF BABYLONIAN MAMMON – IS THE BASE SIN THAT HUMANITY CAN OVERCOME BY THE YEAR OF JUBILEE

KING SOLOMON’S LUST FOR THE 666 GOLD OF OPHIR HAS SUBJECTED HUMANITY TO 4000 YEARS OF WAR WITH THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS

ELON MUSK HIDES HIS 4,000+ YEAR OLD BABYLONIAN RĀDHĀNITE PAGAN MERCHANT-BANKER SOLOMON’S GOLD-BASED RELIGION

Man’s Quest For Immortality: Attempting To Replant The Tree Of Life With Technology

New Space Telescope Observing Creation Of Stars “Consistent With Day Four Of Genesis,” Scientist Says

Bear Grylls Says Faith Is ‘Key Part Of Survivor’s Toolbox,’ Laments ‘Fluff’ Permeating Western Church

5 Stunning Archaeological Discoveries That May Finally Be Unearthed In 2023

Freedom of religion is DEAD in Canada; opposing the trans cult’s indoctrination landed one young man in the SLAMMER

SIX MILLION JEWS 1915 1938 10 NEWSPAPERS

The Threat of Newly Formed Right- Wing Israeli Government – A Warning to Christians

Israel’s newly formed right wing government is an attack on basic human rights and on democracy in general.  Israel – the only democracy in the Middle East is a phrase that was used on many occasions by Benjamin Netanyahu when he was soliciting American politicians for the unconditional support of Israel. The famous phrase was often parroted in Christian pulpits and used as an icing on a cake by Christian pastors who preached unreserved love and support of the political State of Israel.

American support of the Jewish State has its roots in futuristic, dispensational interpretation of biblical prophecy so prevalent among the United States Christians, however, Israel being a supposed democracy with equal rights for all – was indeed an icing on a cake. If one disagrees with the prophecy interpretation, there is always the “Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East” line that would surely make a freedom loving American give a thumb up for financial and moral support of The State.

In truth, Benjamin Netanyahu did us all a favor. He removed the icing from the cake, and we can now see the true ingredients of what’s in the baked goods.

In other words- the plan for the Israeli religious dictatorship was there all along -wrapped in a sweet, delicious democracy line, only to be unleashed as most rigid, ultra-religious Talmudic dictatorship.

On My 9, 2014, Israel National News posted an article in which it was revealed that Netanyahu promised haredi Likud leaders that the Talmudic law will become the law of the land once Israel will be officially announced as the “Jewish State”.  (That happened in 2018 with the help of then President Donald Trump and his evangelical Christian base).

Luciferian leftists are teaching AI systems to push antichrist propaganda

Most Americans are oblivious to the fact that the Democrats in Washington DC, Big Tech, Hollywood, and Disney are using every means at their disposal to destroy people’s values, ethics, morals, and the nuclear family in general. As of late, artificial intelligence (AI) is being utilized as a weapon to achieve this insidious agenda. The new ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence ‘bot’ created by Silicon Valley (which is run by Chinese Communists), is programmed to despise everything Conservative, Christian, straight, Constitutional, and White (meaning Caucasian people).

Most Americans think this programmed, robotic bias in the media, social media, search engines, and press is all one big conspiracy theory, but they would be dead wrong.

Big Tech humans are programming AI to hate American patriots who value free speech, free press, religion, and morality.

Artificial intelligence is just that – artificial. Computers don’t really think for themselves, as they are programmed with parameters or “formal arguments” in the form of data. ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer) “thinking” is trained on datasets, or the collection of data points that inform the output. ChatGPT is trained on 300 billion words (570 GB), including massive uncurated datasets that are chock full of biased data that inform ChatGPT. Then, researchers use filters to prevent models from providing accurate information, resulting in the spreading of harmful biases, including hatred of white people, non-gays, and religious folks (especially Christians).

Whistleblower says FBI plotting to CRIMINALIZE Christianity

In a recent appearance on “Tucker Carlson Tonight,” former FBI agent Kyle Seraphin blew the lid on the federal agency’s latest assault on religious freedom.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has made it a priority, Seraphin revealed, to root out “terrorists” in “radical traditional Catholicism,” which it sees as a threat to the country.

“They have found a gateway in what they think is fringe Catholicism in order to move into Christians in general and declare them to be the actual criminals in this country or the potential terrorists,” Seraphin stated.

The FBI is not at all concerned about escalating violence in major American cities; the unmitigated flood of illegal aliens across the southern border; or the left-wing civil unrest and rioting brigades that destroy the country after false flag events like the George Floyd “murder” – no, the FBI is instead focused on targeting Christians.

Seraphin’s comments come after a leaked internal document from the FBI’s Richmond office showed that the agency is now spying on “radical traditionalist Catholics and their ideology.”

At Grammys And Elsewhere, The Devil Is In The Details

I didn’t watch the Grammys, so I first heard that people were worshipping Satan at the Grammys on social media. I admit to being skeptical, not just because I heard about it on social media and skepticism is always the correct response, but also because I’ve seen accusations of Satanism before.

As much as I love my conservative Christian brothers and sisters, we are not immune to hyperbole. I was once told the name of the band AC/DC stood for “Anti-Christ, Devil’s Children” — which turned out not to be true. Even Christian rock bands, I was told, were undercover agents for Satan because of the back beat and distorted guitar sounds. So, yeah, I’m skeptical.

But then I watched the performance. Even before it started, Madonna, who called the performance “beautifully unholy” was getting us ready for what was to come. Sam Smith and Kim Petras performed the song “Unholy” on a stage that had been transformed into a glamorous version of hell. It included all the sexiness those who want to spend eternity away from God imagine hell has but didn’t include any of the torment, weeping, or gnashing of teeth.

Young sacrifice belief in God on altar of Satanism

“With our rituals, there’s never any murder, there’s never any sacrifice, there’s never any blood rites to Satan. We don’t worship the devil. We don’t cast magic spells…”

In fact, as the Global Order of Satan UK – as well as other leaders and members of Satanic groups around the world insist – it would be difficult to spot a Satanist walking down the street.

Yet while the macabre occult rituals, virgin sacrifices, chalices of blood and belief in the actual Devil are a thing of the past, Satanism is luring increasing numbers of young people disillusioned with “outdated” and “dogmatic” traditional religions to join its fold by offering an “alternative” to “stuffy”, traditional faiths.

The Sunday Telegraph has spoken to leaders and members of Satanic groups around the world who claim that the opportunities Satanism offers people to engage in activism and campaign on issues such as gender and sexuality is part of the appeal for the younger members, particularly those who are increasingly less likely to declare themselves as Christian.

Chaplain Leopold, a 32-year-old London-based undertaker, co-runs the Global Order of Satan UK which he said has seen a 200 per cent increase in membership over the last five years.

An Ancient Spoon Stirs American Mischief Against Israel

An ostensibly minor incident a few days ago has provided devastating evidence of the brainwashed malevolence within the Biden administration towards not just Israel but the Jewish people.

In a ceremony at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in Bethlehem, the Department of Homeland Security’s investigative arm delivered to the Palestinian Authority a 2,700-year-old spoon dating from the Assyrian empire.

The Assyrians, an ancient people that first emerged around 2000 BCE in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), developed a vast empire that included much of the Middle East, including Egypt, Babylonia, Israel and Cyprus. It finally collapsed around 600 BCE.

The spoon, which is thought to have been used to load incense onto fires during rites dedicated to the Assyrian gods and the dead, was seized from the Jewish-American billionaire Michael Steinhardt as part of a criminal probe in New York. In a deal he struck to avoid prosecution, Steinhardt agreed in 2021 to turn over $70 million worth of stolen antiquities that the authorities claim were illegally acquired in Israel.

“Dataism” is the New Religion of AI and Transhumanism: Those Who Own and Control the Data Control Life

Yuval Noah Harari is an Israeli professor in the Department of History at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

He is one of the leading technocrats today who promotes Artificial Intelligence (AI) and makes techno-prophecies about the future, claiming that AI is advancing so rapidly, that we are the last generation of homo sapiens, because transhumans will soon replace us.

Harari makes it clear that “dataism” is the new religion that fuels AI, and he claims…

“THERE SHALL BE SIGNS IN THE SUN” (Luke 21:25): Huge Piece Of Sun Breaks Off, Scientists Are Stunned And Trying To Understand The Impact This End Times Huge Prominence Sign Will Have On Earth

The Sun has always fascinated astronomers. And now, a new development has baffled scientists. A huge part of the Sun broke off of its surface and created a tornado-like swirl around its North Pole. Though scientists are trying to analyse how this occurred, the video of the development has stunned the space community. The remarkable phenomenon was caught by NASA’s James Webb telescope and shared on Twitter by Dr Tamitha Skov, a space weather forecaster, last week. The Sun keeps emitting solar flares (called prominence) that sometimes affect communications on Earth, hence scientists are more concerned about the latest development. “Talk about Polar Vortex! Material from a northern prominence just broke away from the main filament & is now circulating in a massive polar vortex around the north pole of our Star. Implications for understanding the Sun’s atmospheric dynamics above 55 degrees here cannot be overstated!” Dr Skov said in a tweet last week…