Works Of Torah EXPOSED!

Mat 5:11-12 “Blessed are you when they reproach and persecute you, and falsely say every wicked word against you, for My sake. Rejoice and be glad, because your reward in the heavens is great. For in this way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Words spoken against Yahweh’s Torah and the work of His Spirit in and through true believers is no light matter. Mark 3:29;but he who blasphemes against the Set-apart Spirit has no forgiveness forever, but is subject to everlasting judgment,”. May those who may be tempted to speak so carelessly…refrain.

Belief without works is dead. Works without belief is equally death. However, “good works” produced by His Spirit prove His presence and workmanship. This contrast of works is the issue of this study. Lets begin with defining “Torah.”

Torah: The word is first seen in Gen 26:5 “…because Abraham obeyed My voice and guarded My Charge: My commands, My laws, and My Torot.” (Torah plural) KJV; Laws.

Yahweh blesses Abraham’s son because of the testimony that he (Abraham) had. Abraham began his relationship with Yahweh through belief AND confirmed his belief through obedience to Yahweh’s Torah.

Torah (defined); “instruction, direction (human or divine), prophetic teaching, instruction in Messianic age, priestly direction or instruction, legal directives, law, codes.” Yahweh’s Torah; cannot be limited to Genesis – Deuteronomy, (as some teach), but must include all scripture! (Genesis – Revelation)

1 – Yahweh’s desire for His people;

Deut 30:6 “And Yahweh your Elohim shall circumcise your heart and the heart of your seed, to love Yahweh your Elohim with all your heart and with all your being, so that you might live…”

Yahweh’s desire has always been to have a heart relationship with His people. Yisrael’s unbelief resulted in the grafting in of believing gentiles among those of Yisrael who believed! As New Covenant believers we fulfill His heart’s desire!

Jer 31:33 “For this is the (new) covenant I shall make with the house of Yisra’ĕl after those days, declares Yahweh: I shall put My Torah in their inward parts, and write it on their hearts. And I shall be their Elohim, and they shall be My people.”

Eze 36:27 “…and put My Spirit within you. And I shall cause you to walk in My laws and guard My right-rulings and shall do them.”

Rom 2:28-29 “For he is not a Yehudi who is so outwardly, neither is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But a Yehudi is he who is so inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in Spirit, not literally, whose praise is not from men but from Elohim.”

2 – Messiah Exposing Works of Torah

Mat 23:27-28 “Because you are like whitewashed tombs which outwardly indeed look well, but inside are filled with dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. So you too outwardly indeed appear righteous to men, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.”

As actors/imitators, in unbelief, they think that striving by human effort, to maintain the observance of Yahweh’s instruction is righteousness, but it has only an outward appearance of righteousness. Messiah sees their heart and pronounces them lawless!

This is an expression of unbelief, disguised in “works of Torah.” It is not to be confused with the workmanship of Yahweh in and through the believer!

3 – Paul Contrasts Belief and Works

Ephesians 2:8-10For by favor you have been saved, through belief, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of Elohim, it is not by works, so that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Messiah Yahshua unto good works, which Elohim prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Favor / GRK; charis is defined as “graciousness, gift, benefit, especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life.”

Yahweh’s Spirit Of Truth upon the heart of the believer, causes the believer to walk in Yahweh’s Torah/instruction. This is not by human effort where one could boast. It is the workmanship of Elohim, a new creation in Messiah, producing “good works” in and through the believer to walk in…

This is why Paul contrasts “works” (of human effort in the flesh), and “good works” (of divine effort in the heart). Consider these contrasts;

Yahweh’s Spirit of Truth through believers express “good works.”

Human effort through religious unbelievers express “Works of Torah.”

The Spirit Of Truth produces trust in Messiah’s righteousness.

Works of Torah religionists strive to appear righteous.

The Spirit Of Truth brings Yah’s blessings through believers to others.

Works of Torah religionists strive to attain Yahweh’s blessing for themselves.

The Spirit of Truth reveals His Torah/Word to believers.

Works of Torah religionists only repackage/reword and quote believers.

The Spirit of Truth causes believers to express Yahweh’s Love consistently.

Works of Torah religionists talk and act loving…in public.

The Spirit of Truth enables believers to bear Yahshua’s light and easy yoke.

Works of Torah religionists become spiritually bankrupt and worn out.

The Spirit of Truth leads believers in rightly applying His Torah/Word.

Works of Torah religionists resist rightly applying His Torah.

The Spirit of Truth equips believers to follow the true Messiah.

Works of Torah religionists eventually turn back to their lawlessness.

The Spirit of Truth empowers believers to contend for “the belief.” (The Truth)

Works of Torah religionists blaspheme and malign “the belief.”

You can see why it’s no wonder that the religionists, when they turn back to lawlessness, feel a burden lifted and begin to proclaim that they are free!

Sadly for them, they cannot discern between true freedom in the true Messiah and a false sense of freedom in unbelief! Consider;

2Pe 2:20 “For if, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of the Master and Saviour Yahshua Messiah, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the first.”

4 – The Works That Matter In The End

Rev 22:14-15 “Blessed are those doing His commands, so that the authority shall be theirs unto the tree of life, and to enter through the gates into the city. But outside are the dogs and those who enchant with drugs, and those who whore, and the murderers, and the idolaters, and all who love and do falsehood. (Also see Rev 21:27, 2 Thess. 2:11.)

The Spirit of Truth causes believers to do His commands, bringing once again, access to the tree of life! These will dwell with Yahshua forever inside the New Yerushalayim! (Rev 21:2)

Those who continue in their religion of falsehood are outside…

1Jn 4:6 “We are of Elohim – the one knowing Elohim hears us. He who is not of Elohim does not hear us. By this we know the Spirit of the Truth and the spirit of the delusion.”(fraudulence)

WHICH ARE YOU?

2Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves whether you are in the belief – prove yourselves. Or do you not know yourselves, that Yahshua Messiah is in you, unless you are disapproved.”

Related Articles: “Overcoming” series; 1-5, “The Parable of The Bride & The Whore”

Overcoming #3 – False Doctrine In Pergamos – Revelation 2

Originally posted 10/21/2021 – Revised 2/11/2022

This is more of an exposition than an article. I pray you are blessed!

Rev 2:12 “And to the messenger of the assembly in Pergamos write, ‘He who has the sharp two-edged sword, says this:

What is “the sharp two-edged sword”?

Eph 6:17 Take also the helmet of deliverance, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of Elohim,

Heb 4:12 For the Word of Elohim is living, and working, and sharper than any two-edged sword, cutting through even to the dividing of being and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

The “Sharp Two-edged Sword” is The Word of YAH that will be used to separate those who have a love for Truth from those who do not!

Rev 2:13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where the throne of Satan is. And you hold fast to My Name, and did not deny the belief in Me, even in the days in which Antipas was My trustworthy witness, who was killed near you, where Satan dwells.

According to HIS Word, where do true believers dwell?

Joh 14:20 “In that day you shall know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.

Rom 8:9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of Elohim dwells in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Messiah, this one is not His.

1Co 3:16-17 Do you not know that you are a Dwelling Place of Elohim and that the Spirit of Elohim dwells in you? If anyone destroys the Dwelling Place of Elohim, Elohim shall destroy him. For the Dwelling Place of Elohim is set-apart, which you are.

True Believers dwell IN The True Messiah and HE is IN HIS True Bride!

2Co 11:2 For I am jealous for you with a jealousy according to Elohim. For I gave you in marriage to one husband, to present you as an innocent maiden to Messiah.

Eph 5:30-32 Because we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This secret is great, but I speak concerning Messiah and the assembly.

According to HIS Word, where does Satan dwell?(other than roaming to/fro upon earth)

Dan 9:27 “And he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week. And in the middle of the week he shall put an end to slaughtering and meal offering. And on the wing of abominations(which I believe to be a man-fabricated temple) he shall lay waste, even until the complete end and that which is decreed is poured out on the one who lays waste.

Mat 24:15-16 “So when you see the ‘abomination that lays waste, spoken of by Dani’ĕl the prophet, set up in the set-apart place” – he who reads, let him understand then let those who are in Yehuḏah flee to the mountains.

2Th 2:3-4 Let no one deceive you in any way, because the falling away is to come first, and the man of lawlessness is to be revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called Elohim or that is worshiped, so that he sits as Elohim in the Dwelling Place(man-fabricated temple) of Elohim, showing himself that he is Elohim.

False believers dwell IN the false messiah and he is in the false bride!

Ephesians 2:2 …in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience”

Rev 17:1-2 And one of the seven messengers who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying to me, “Come, I shall show you the judgment of the great whore sitting on many waters,(See v. 15), with whom the sovereigns of the earth committed whoring, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her whoring.”

Rev 18:4-7 And I heard another voice from the heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. Because her sins have piled up to reach the heaven, and Elohim has remembered her unrighteousness. Render to her as she indeed did render, and repay her double according to her works. In the cup which she has mixed, mix for her double. As much as she esteemed herself and lived riotously, so much torture and grief give to her, because in her heart she says, ‘I sit as sovereigness, and I am not a widow, and I do not see mourning at all.’ (Jer 51)

What does “hold fast to My Name” in Rev 2:13 signify?

Those in Pergamos, (and all true believers), prove themselves to be a part of the True Bride of the True Messiah by not adhering to the teachings of the fabricated, lawless, idolatrous bride of anti-messiah.

Rev 2:14 “But I hold a few matters against you, because you have there those who adhere to the teaching of Bilʽam, who taught Balaq to put a stumbling-block before the children of Yisra’ĕl, to eat food offered to idols, and to commit whoring.

What is “the teaching of Bil’am?”

In Numbers 22-24, we read the story of a prophet who was hired to curse the children of Yisrael. Through several failed attempts, it becomes obvious that he could not curse them. However, in Numbers 24:14, we read him saying this;

And now, see, I am going to my people. Come, let me advise you what this people is going to do to your people in the latter days.”

The very next chapter (Num 25) describes the outcome of his advice!

Num 25:1-3 And Yisra’ĕl dwelt in Shittim, and the people began to whore with the daughters of Mo’ab and they invited the people to the slaughterings of their mighty ones, and the people ate and bowed down to their mighty ones. Thus Yisra’ĕl was joined to Baʽal Peʽor, and the displeasure of Yahweh burned against Yisra’ĕl.” (Literally committed sexual, idolatry (which is spiritual whoring and then were joined to Ba’al, as in marriage!)

Rev 2:15 “So you also have those who adhere to the teaching of the Nikolaites, which teaching I hate.”

(For a comparison on the “deeds of the Nikolaites” see the article on “Overcoming #1 – Ephesus

What is “the teaching of the Nikolaites?”

Their teaching is very similar to the prophet Bil’am’s. They are paid professionals who propagate un-scriptural practices referred to in the scriptures as a form of “harlotry” or (spiritual infidelity/idolatry) because the teacher is unfaithful to The Truth, which is The Word of YAH, Yahshua Messiah, The True Groom!

The Master, Yahshua gives these warnings for the last days;

Mat 24:

4-5 And (Yahshua) answering, said to them, “Take heed that no one leads you astray. For many shall come in My Name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and they shall lead many astray…

11-12 “And many false prophets shall rise up and lead many astray. And because of the increase in lawlessness, the love of many shall become cold.

24-25 “For false messiahs and false prophets shall arise, and they shall show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones. See, I have forewarned you”

Kepha (Peter) gives these warnings for the last days;

2Pe 2:1 But there also came to be false prophets among the people, as also among you there shall be false teachers, who shall secretly bring in destructive heresies, and deny the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction on themselves…

Did you catch that? “destructive heresies, and deny the Master”

2Pe 2:14-16 “…having eyes filled with an adulteress, and unable to cease from sin, enticing unstable beings, having a heart trained in greed, children of a curse, having left the right way they went astray, having followed the way of Bil‘am the son of Beʽor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness…

Shaul (Paul) gives this warning for the last days;

2Th 2:9-12 “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power and signs and wonders of falsehood, and with all deceit of unrighteousness in those perishing, because they did not receive the love of the truth, in order for them to be saved. And for this reason Elohim sends them a working of delusion, for them to believe the falsehood, in order that all should be judged who did not believe the truth, but have delighted in the unrighteousness.

Yohan (John) gives this warning for the last days;

1Jn 4:2-3, 6 “By this you know the Spirit of Elohim: Every spirit that confesses that (Yahshua) Messiah (not the anti-law, Greek fabrication by another name), has come in the flesh is of Elohim, and every spirit that does not confess that (Yahshua) Messiah has come in the flesh is not of Elohim… (Verse 6) By this we know the Spirit of the Truth and the spirit of the delusion.”

So, you see, if Yahshua Himself warns of false messiahs / prophets, and then HIS taught ones feel impressed to warn HIS followers of the same, is it such a stretch for us to believe that anti-messiah could actually be propagated in our times? (See the article entitled, “6 Reasons Why The Greek / Roman / Latin “Jesus” Cannot Be The Messiah”)

Rev 2:16 “Repent, or else I shall come to you speedily and fight against them with the sword of My mouth.”

Yahshua will use HIS Word, HIS Prophets, HIS Teachers to announce the True Good News of HIS Reign separating the two groups of followers! Finally, upon HIS Return HE will judge and destroy those who reject The Truth! (John 17:17)

Rev 2:17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes I shall give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I shall give him a white stone, and on the stone a new Name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”

In Summary;

We must overcome false teaching that promotes;

– The anti-messiah!

– The whore, the false bride!

– Idolatry or the worship of self and/or any other!

Overcoming #4 – Jezebel In Thyatira – Revelation 2

This is an article on the likenesses and the differences that exist between The True Messiah vs Anti-messiah AND The True Bride of Messiah vs Izebel, (pronounced Eezebel), also known as Jezebel, according to the scriptures.

In Rev 2:18-20 we find this; “And to the messenger of the assembly in Thyatira write, ‘This says the Son of Elohim, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like burnished brass: I know your works, and love, and service, and belief, and your endurance. And as for your works, the last are more than the first. But I hold against you that you allow that woman Izebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and lead My servants astray to commit whoring and to eat food offered to idols.”

Let’s first look at some background on the historical person, Jezebel;

1Ki 16:31-32 “And it came to be, as though it had been a light matter for him (Ahab) to walk in the sins of Yarobam son of Nebat, that he took as wife Izebel the daughter of Ethbaʽal, sovereign of the Tsidonians. And he went and served Baʽal and bowed himself to it, and raised up an altar for Baʽal in the house of Baʽal, which he had built in Shomeron.”

Several points need to be considered pertaining to this introduction of Jezebel;

  1. The meaning of Jezebel, is “chaste.” She proves to be the opposite.
  2. The meaning of “Ethba’al” is “with Ba’al.” Jezebel is the daughter of one who is with Ba’al.
  3. The literal meaning of “Ba’al” is “worthlessness, however it is the sun-deity of Babylon.
  4. Ahab rejected YAH’S Commandments and worshiped Ba’al in sun worship. Not wise.

1Ki 18:19 (The Prophet of YAH, Eliyah says) “And now, send and gather all Yisra’ĕl to me on Mount Karmel, the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baʽal, and the four hundred prophets of Ashĕrah, who eat at Izebel’s table.”

Several points to consider;

  1. The prophet of YAH, Eliyah challenges the prophets of Ba’al and Asherah.
  2. Asherah is a false deity of Sun worship / fertility. While maintaining it’s occultic attributes, it took on different names throughout time, (Ashtaroth, Ashtoreth, Astarte Euostra, etc) and in today’s vernacular is Easter, as sun worship continues in professingdom…
  3. These false prophets prove that they are in covenant with Jezebel as they eat / drink in dedication to their idols.

1Ki 19:1-2 “And when Ahab reported to Izebel all that Ěliyah had done, also how he slew all the prophets with the sword, Izebel sent a messenger to Ěliyah, saying, “So let the mighty ones do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them (dead) by tomorrow about this time.”

1Ki 21:2-10 “And Ahab spoke to Naboth, saying, “Give me your vineyard, and it shall be a vegetable garden for me, since it adjoins my house. And let me give you a better vineyard for it. If it is good in your eyes, let me give you its worth in silver. And Naboth said to Ahab, “Far be it from me, by יהוה, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you! And Ahaḇ went into his house embittered and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Yizreĕlite had spoken to him when he said, “I do not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” And he lay down on his bed, and turned away his face, and did not eat food. And Izebel his wife came to him, and said to him, “Why is your spirit so embittered that you are not eating food? And he said to her, Because I spoke to Naboth the Yizreĕlite, and said to him, Give me your vineyard for silver, or if you prefer, I give you another vineyard for it. But he answered, ‘I do not give you my vineyard.’ So Izebel his wife said to him, “Do you now rule over Yisra’ĕl? Rise up, eat food, and let your heart be glad. Let me give you the vineyard of Naboth the Yizreĕlite! Then she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters to the elders and the nobles who were dwelling in the city with Naboth. And she wrote in the letters, saying, “Proclaim a fast, and seat Naboth at the head of the people, and seat two men, sons of Beliyaʽal before him to bear witness against him, saying, ‘You have blasphemed Elohim and the sovereign.’ Then you shall take him out, and stone him to death.” (This is exactly what they did)

Consider;

After some time, Jezebel is judged exactly as prophesied by Eliyah;

2Ki 9:36-37 “And they came back and informed him. And he said, “This is the word of יהוה, which He spoke by His servant Ěliyah the Tishbite, saying, ‘In the portion of Yizreʽĕl dogs are going to eat the flesh of Izebel, and the corpse of Izebel shall be as dung on the surface of the field, in the portion of Yizreʽĕl, so that they do not say, “This is Izebel.”

Perfectly and exacting, they could not find enough of her to bury, so her remains were left on the surface of the field…in Yizre’el…

An interesting fact to consider as we proceed to the Jezebel in Revelation is that Ahab, the husband of the literal Jezebel of 1-2 Kings is the EIGHTH Sovereign of Yisrael! Keep that tucked away until the end of this article and consider why that is significant…

Now that we have some background, let’s turn again to our text in Revelation 2:18-20

“And to the messenger of the assembly in Thyatira write, ‘This says the Son of Elohim, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like burnished brass: I know your works, and love, and service, and belief, and your endurance. And as for your works, the last are more than the first. But I hold against you that you allow that woman Izebel, (Jezebel) who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and lead My servants astray to commit whoring and to eat food offered to idols.”

I believe that it is safe to assume that Yahshua is not referring to the same Jezebel in 1-2 Kings. Yahshua is using the example of Jezebel as seen in 1-2 Kings to exhort professing believers to know and discern the traits of Jezebel…

Consider:

The True Messiah is established as The True King / Priest.(according to the scriptures)

Heb 6:20 “…where Yahshua has entered as a forerunner for us, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Malkitsedeq.

Rev 19:16 And on His robe and on His thigh. He has a name written: SOVEREIGN OF SOVEREIGNS AND MASTER OF MASTERS.”

The anti-messiah is being established as the king / priest. (according to lawlessness)

2Th 2:3-4 Let no one deceive you in any way, because the falling away is to come first, and the man of lawlessness1 is to be revealed, the son of destruction, (Footnote: 1Some texts read sin instead of lawlessness. This man might be the same one we read of in the prophecy in Isa. 14:12 – 14 (“Heileil”), meaning “the shining one,” the sovereign of Babylon) 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called Elohim or that is worshiped, so that he sits as Elohim in the Dwelling Place of Elohim, showing himself that he is Elohim.”

The anti-messiah seeks to replace the True Messiah as King. He also sets himself up in the place of worship, proclaiming himself to be supreme in authority as a king, and as the high priest in worship!

The True Messiah / King / Priest has a Bride (HIS People) who is without spot or blemish. She proves her faithfulness by being submitted to Messiah, The Word.

Eph 5:24-27 “But as the assembly is subject to Messiah, so also let the wives be to their own husbands in every respect.” Husbands, love your wives, as Messiah also did love the assembly and gave Himself for it, 26 in order to set it apart and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, 27 in order to present it to Himself a splendid assembly, not having spot or wrinkle or any of this sort, but that it might be set-apart and blameless.

The anti-messiah / king / priest has “a woman” (his people) who rides on a scarlet beast, (him) and describes herself as a queen.

Rev 17:3 “And he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast covered with names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.”

Rev 18:7 “As much as she esteemed herself and lived riotously, so much torture and grief give to her, because in her heart she says, ‘I sit as sovereigness, and I am not a widow, and I do not see mourning at all.’

The Bride (the people) of The True Messiah / King / Priest is comprised of believers in The True Messiah / King / Priest according to the scriptures, who do not twist HIS Word to fit their traditions.

1Jn 3:24 And the one guarding His commands stays in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He stays in us, by the Spirit which He gave us. (also see John 14:23-24, Acts 5:32, Rom. 8:7-11, 1 John 2:5, 1 John 4:13.)

Rev 14:12 Here is the endurance of the set-apart ones, here are those guarding the commands of Elohim and the belief of Yahshua.

The woman (the people) of the anti-messiah / king / priest is comprised of those who have rejected The True Messiah / King / Priest according to the scriptures and concoct a messiah, who is approving of their non-scriptural beliefs and observances.

2Th 2:9-12 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power and signs and wonders of falsehood, and with all deceit of unrighteousness in those perishing, because they did not receive the love of the truth, in order for them to be saved. And for this reason Elohim sends them a working of delusion, for them to believe the falsehood, in order that all should be judged who did not believe the truth, but have delighted in the unrighteousness.”(lawlessness)

The Bride (the people) of The True Messiah / King / Priest is dressed in White.

Rev 19:7-8 “Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him praise, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife prepared herself. And to her it was given to be dressed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteousness (belief) of the set-apart ones.”

The woman (the people) of the anti-messiah is dressed in purple, scarlet and adorned with gold and precious stones.

Purple / scarlet / gold / precious stones represent a worldly appearance of harlotry.

Rev 17:4 “And the woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup filled with abominations and the filthiness of her whoring…”

The Bride (the people) of The True Messiah is described as the “set-apart city.”

Rev 21:2 (And I, Yohan (John) saw the set-apart city, new Yerushalayim, coming down out of the heaven from Elohim, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”

Jezebel, the woman (the people) of the anti-messiah is also described as a “city.”

Rev 17:18 “And the woman whom you saw is that great city having sovereignty over the sovereigns of the earth.”

Rev 18:19 “And they threw dust on their heads and cried out, weeping and mourning, and saying, ‘Woe! Woe, the great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth! For in one hour she was laid waste.’

The Bride (the people) of The True Messiah drinks the “cup of blessing.”

1Co 10:16 “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Messiah? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Messiah?”

Jezebel, the woman (the people) of the anti-messiah also has a cup!

Rev 18:3 because all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her whoring, and the sovereigns of the earth have committed whoring with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the power of her riotous living.”

Jer 51:7 “Babel was a golden cup in the hand of Yahwah making drunk all the earth. The nations drank her wine, that is why the nations went mad!”

The Bride (the people) of The True Messiah is sealed / marked on the forehead.

Eph 4:30 “And do not grieve the Set-apart Spirit of Elohim, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

Rev 22:4 “And they shall see His face, and His Name shall be upon their foreheads.” (See also Revelation 7)

Jezebel, the woman (the people) of the anti-messiah is sealed on the forehead / hand.

Rev 13:16 “And he causes all, both small and great, and rich and poor, and free and slave, to be given a mark upon their right hand or upon their foreheads…”

Rev 14:9-11 And a third messenger followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark upon his forehead or upon his hand, 10 he also shall drink of the wine of the wrath of Elohim, which is poured out undiluted into the cup of His wrath. And he shall be tortured with fire and sulphur before the set-apart messengers and before the Lamb. 11 “And the smoke of their torture goes up forever and ever. And they have no rest day or night, those worshipping the beast and his image, also if anyone receives the mark of his name.”

The Bride (the people) of The True Messiah receives a secret Name.

Rev 2:17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes I shall give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I shall give him a white stone, and on the stone a renewed (new) Name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” ’

Jezebel, the woman (the people) of the anti-messiah also receives a secret name.

Rev 17:5 “…and upon her forehead a name written, a secret: BABEL THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE WHORES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.”

Rev 17:11 “And the beast (the anti-messiah / king / priest) that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and goes to destruction. Remember that Ahab was the EIGHTH king and that Jezebel was his queen…

Rev 18:2-5 And he cried with a mighty voice, saying, “Babel the great (the city of anti-messiah and the woman, comprised of people rejecting the True Messiah) is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, and a haunt for every unclean and hated bird, 3 because all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her whoring, and the sovereigns of the earth have committed whoring with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the power of her riotous living.” 4 And I heard another voice from the heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. Because her sins have piled up to reach the heaven, and Elohim has remembered her unrighteousnesses.”

1John 3:4 Everyone doing sin also does lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.

Mat 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Master, Master,’ shall enter into the reign of the heavens, but he who is doing the desire of My Father in the heavens. “Many shall say to Me in that day, ‘Master, Master, have we not prophesied in Your Name, and cast out demons in Your Name, and done many mighty works in Your Name? And then I shall declare to them, ‘I never knew you, depart from Me, you who work lawlessness!’

At one time we too were “sons (and daughters) of disobedience”, and were a part of “the woman”, Jezebel who is riding the beast / the man of lawlessness.

Ephesians 2:1-3 And you were dead in trespasses and sins,in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once lived in the lusts of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, as also the rest.”

We heard HIS Voice calling! May you hear HIS Voice and “Come Out Of Her…” before it’s too late!

Also see related article on “The Bride and The Whore

All Scripture References are from “The Scriptures 1998+”

Unbelief; The Reasons Behind it – Matthew 13

In the Parable of the Sower, The Messiah identifies several characteristics that will hinder belief. I focus on belief in this article because “without belief it is impossible to please Yah.”(Heb 11:6) All other manifestations of fruit stem from believing HIS Word. The hindrances to belief that are identified in this parable are usually glossed over. May that not be the case with you…

The text of the Parable;

Mat 13:4 “The Sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some indeed fell by the wayside, and the birds came and devoured them.”

The Messiah’s explanation;

Mat 13:18-19 “You, then, hear the parable of the sower: “When anyone hears the word of the reign, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is that sown by the wayside.”

The Creator has given everyone autonomy in choice. I say this because earlier in the chapter, Yahshua states that some are not given ears to hear, eyes to see nor a heart to receive HIS Word, quoting Isaiah 6:9-10. Isaiah 6 focuses on the distinction between himself and those around him. Isaiah recognizes his uncleanness and admits it. Most of those around him were practicing lawlessness and rebellion. Isaiah hears the Word of Yah and sees his condition. The ninety percent do not. Why didn’t they? In the parable of the sower, The Messiah is applying Isaiah 6 to the current time. Because the majority were living in lawlessness (in opposition to HIS Commands), they too would not understand HIM and would not receive HIS Word into their hearts. The influence upon them is in direct proportion to their connection with the devil and his kingdom(this world). This prohibits them from understanding HIS Word. In fact, in John chapter 8, The Messiah likens the fruit of their lives as proof that they are sons of the devil. Consider;

John 8:43-44a“Why do you not know what I say? Because you are unable to hear My Word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you wish to do.”

Before we get to feeling too good about ourselves in comparison, we need to consider these words;

Ephesians 2:1-3 “And you were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the authority of the air, (birds of the air) of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once lived in the lusts of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, as also the rest.”

Notice that Paul is speaking to them regarding their past, because when they had heard HIS Word they repented and were now able to hear clearer, receive more and increase in belief regarding the Word of YAH. Those who continue to walk “according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the authority of the air”, professing believer or not, do so through unbelief on the wayside…

The parable;

Mat 13:5-6 “And others fell on rocky places, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of soil. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered.”

The Messiah’s explanation;

Mat 13:20-21 “And that sown on rocky places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but is short-lived, and when pressure or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.”

This person at first is joyous to receive HIS Word, but notice in verse 6, “But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered.”I can’t help but think that The Messiah used this wording to express something deeper. The influence of sun worship on world religions is remarkable! Is HE warning HIS own regarding this matter? I can say that when we saw the practices of sun worship permeating Christianity, our coming out of it was not without pressure! We have seen numerous people stumble under that “pressure” (lit; trouble, anguish) and the “persecution” (lit; pursue) described here! But for us who endure, the blessings have far outweighed the pressure!

Mat 5:10-12 Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness sake, because theirs is the reign of the heavens. Blessed are you when they reproach and persecute you, and falsely say every wicked word against you, for My sake. Rejoice and be glad, because your reward in the heavens is great. For in this way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Mat 10:22 “And you shall be hated by all for My Name’s sake. But he who shall have endured to the end shall be saved.

The parable;

Mat 13:7 “And others fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked them.

The Messiah’s explanation;

Mat 13:22 “And that sown among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this age and the deceit of riches choke the word, and it becomes fruitless.”

The one who hears HIS Word, but because the cares of this age or literally; the distractions offered in this life’s pursuits, will find themselves deluded by pursuing riches just as the devil tried to trip up The Messiah in offering HIM the reigns of the world… Consider;

Mat 4:8 Again, the devil took Him up on a very high mountain, and showed Him all the reigns of the world, and their esteem, and said to Him, “All these I shall give You if You fall down and worship me.” Then Yahshua said to him, “Go, Satan! For it has been written, ‘You shall worship Yahweh your Elohim, and Him alone you shall serve.’ (quoting Dt. 6:13)

1Ti 6:9-10 “But those wishing to be rich fall into trial and a snare, and into many foolish and injurious lusts which plunge men in ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some, by longing for it, have strayed from the belief, and pierced themselves through with many pains.”

The parable;

Mat 13:8-9 “And others fell on good soil and yielded a crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

The Messiah’s explanation;

Mat 13:23 “And that sown on the good soil is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields – some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

The one who receives(hears) the Truth of HIS Word and comprehends(understands) it, who allows HIS Spirit to teach, comfort, guide, empower and gift him, will bear fruit in proportion to the amount of submission that he / she gives to HIS Word and HIS Spirit!

Rom 10:17 So then belief comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Elohim.

John 14:15-17 “If you love Me, you shall guard My commands. And I shall ask the Father, and He shall give you another Helper, to stay with you forever – the Spirit of the Truth, whom the world is unable to receive, because it does not see Him or know Him. But you know Him, for He stays with you and shall be in you.”

John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Set-apart Spirit, whom the Father shall send in My Name, He shall teach you all, and remind you of all that I said to you.”

John 16:13 “But when He comes, the Spirit of the Truth, He shall guide you into all the truth. For He shall not speak from Himself, but whatever He hears He shall speak, and He shall announce to you what is to come.

1Co 12:4 And there are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit1Co 12:9 and to another belief by the same Spirit

Gal 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustworthiness, (belief), gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no Torah.

Verses depicting unbelief;

Mat 13:58 “And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief.”

Why? Because they saw HIM, not as The Messiah, but according to the flesh; Joseph and Mary’s son. The fleshly perspective (in Adam) does not understand nor believe…

Mat 17:19-21 Then the taught ones came to Yahshua by Himself and said, “Why were we unable to cast him out?” And Yahshua said to them, “Because of your unbelief, for truly, I say to you, if you have belief as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it shall move. And no matter shall be impossible for you. But this kind does not go out except through prayer and fasting.”

Belief comes through relationship with Truth, (Word + Spirit) which results in selflessness.

Mar 9:24 And immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “I believe Master, help my unbelief!”

A truthful confession of our belief (and unbelief), results in answers.

1Tim 1:13 me, although I was formerly a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and an insulter. But compassion was shown me because being ignorant I did it in unbelief.

Ignorance of The Truth results in unbelief. Scriptural belief is based only on The Truth.

Heb 3:18-19 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter into His rest, but to those who did not obey? So we see that they were unable to enter in because of unbelief.

Those who begin but do not continue to act on HIS Word will not continue in belief.

The choice is yours. Will The Messiah find you believing when HE returns? Luke 18:8 “But when the Son of Adam comes, shall He find the belief on the earth?”

#3 – The Hypocrisy of the Pharisees – Matthew 23

Mat 23:1-4 Then Yahshua spoke to the crowds and to His taught ones, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on the seat of Mosheh. Therefore, whatever they say to you to guard, guard and do. But do not do according to their works, for they say, and do not do.”

The Master is explaining that as long as the scribes and Pharisees are instructing strictly from what is written in The Torah, guard and do it. But do not follow their example. Their hypocrisy (acting) reveals who they really are.

Mat 23:4 “For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders, but with their finger they do not wish to move them.”

The Master categorizes what these burden consist of throughout the remainder of the chapter. Some today would try and convince folks that the “burden” referred to here is The Torah / Commandments of Yahweh. But John has a different understanding. Consider;

1Jn 5:3 For this is the love for Elohim, that we guard His commands, and His commands are not heavy,”

Mat 23:5-8 “And they do all their works to be seen by men, and they make their t’fillen wide and lengthen the tzitzit of their garments, and they love the best place at feasts, and the best seats in the congregations, and the greetings in the market-places, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi,’ for One is your Teacher, the Messiah, and you are all brothers.”

Those who are already wrapped up in the outward appearance (in the world), will easily transition into the (religious) mindset of the scribes and Pharisees. They are all about drawing attention to themselves, their appearance, perks, notoriety, position, etc…They especially loved being revered as the teaching authority on The Scriptures. But those who receive The Spirit in the New Covenant will shy away from these outward expressions, being more conscious of “the inner man”, the “hidden man” reflective of Messiah’s presence in and through them. (also see Eph 3:16, 6:6, 1Pet 3:4)

Mat 23:9-12 “And do not call anyone on earth your father, for One is your Father, He who is in the heavens. Neither be called leaders, for One is your Leader, the Messiah. But the greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”

The Master is not forbidding us to refer to our earthly parents as father or mother. Torah teaches that we are to “honor” our parents. The context of the verse dictates that He is forbidding HIS followers to specifically revere another as their highest spiritual “Rabbi, teacher, father, leader.” Ephesians 4:11-12 confirms ministry gifts given by The Master “for the perfecting of the set-apart ones…” However, Revelation 2:6, 2:15 condemns“the deeds” and “the doctrine” of the Nicolaites.” These are leaders / teachers that are continuing the error of Balaam in putting stumbling blocks before professing believers by upholding the liberty of eating things sacrificed to idols as well as committing (literal & spiritual) fornication. (See articles: “The Parable of The Bride & The Whore” and “Christian Holi-Days”)

Mat 23:11-12“But the greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”

Contrary to the prideful, lofty, me first mindset of the scribes and the Pharisees, The Master establishes the proper expression of those who will gain entrance into HIS Kingdom; Humility:The attitude of “others first.”

Php 2:3 “…doing none at all through selfishness or self-conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”

Mat 23:13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you shut up the reign of the heavens before men, for you do not go in, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.”

The following 2 verses explains The Master’s meaning.

Luk 11:52 “Woe to you learned in the Torah, because you took away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.”

Joh 9:22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Yehudi for the Yehudi had already agreed that if anyone confessed that He was Messiah, he should be put out of the congregation.”

These same two indictments apply today. Those who are learned (in the Scriptures), but not learned in Messiah, are teaching what they do not understand and have taken away knowledge and understanding from their hearers. And those same teachers forbid their hearers to consider the truths of the True Messiah; That HE was not Greek and does not have a Greek name. HE did not come to start a new religious movement but came to complete what began with the First Covenant. HE did not put an end to The Commandments for HIS followers. HIS Favor (grace) is not a license for his supposed followers to live in sin…and so on.

Mat 23:14 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you eat up widows’ houses, and for a show make long prayers. Because of this you shall receive greater judgment.”

An interesting article on Religious Televangelists some years back stated that their “target audience in America is comprised of older, female rural women.” The article went on to say that most of these older women are generous financial donors. I’m left wondering how many of these older women were also widows…

2Ti 3:6 For among them are those who creep into households and captivate silly women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts…

Mat 23:15 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you go about the land and the sea to win one convert, and when he is won, you make him a son of Gehenna twofold more than yourselves.”

The Master doesn’t seem too pleased with their missionary efforts. Why? How can HE be pleased with the efforts of people who are rejecting HIM for who HE truly is? They may have zeal but any effort based on misconceptions will not have HIS blessing nor can it convey a valid eternal message. Again, the problem today is no different. This is why The Master says they were making people “twofold more than themselves.”

Mat 23:16-22 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the Dwelling Place, it does not matter, but whoever swears by the gold of the Dwelling Place, is bound by oath. Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the Dwelling Place that sets the gold apart? And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it does not matter, but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, is bound by oath. Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sets the gift apart? He, then, who swears by the altar, swears by it and by all that is upon it. And he who swears by the Dwelling Place, swears by it and by Him who is dwelling in it. And he who swears by the heaven, swears by the throne of Elohim and by Him who is sitting upon it.”

The blind guides had their emphasis upon the earthly, the temporal. The Master uses the contrast between the eternal; “Dwelling Place” and the temporal; “the gold” to illustrate their blindness. Consider;

Rom 8:5-6 “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the matters of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the matters of the Spirit. For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace.”

Little did they know, but their fleshly mindset caused such blindness that it kept them from seeing the very “Dwelling Place” of Yahweh standing right in front of them! The same is the case for those who encounter the Dwelling Place of Yah today as HE lives in and through those who have received HIS Spirit! (also see 1Cor 3:16, 2Cor 6:16)

Mat 23:23-24 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you tithe the mint and the anise and the cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the Torah: the right-ruling and the compassion and the belief. These need to have been done, without neglecting the others. Blind guides – straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!”

The scribes and Pharisees placed great emphasis on one aspect of Torah (tithing), while they neglected the other important aspects reflecting the true spirit of Torah (right-ruling, compassion and belief). Their rigidity reflects “dotting every I and crossing every T” even at the expense of the living. This type of lopsided rigidity results in volumes of man-made dogma containing commentary, commandments, rules, regulations, ordinances, traditions, etc…

Mat 23:25-28 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are filled with plunder and unrighteousness. Blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside of them becomes clean too. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you are like whitewashed tombs which outwardly indeed look well, but inside are filled with dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. So you too outwardly indeed appear righteous to men, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness. For a detail look; See Article “Cleaned Up – But Not Filled

Mat 23:29-33 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in the blood of the prophets.” Thus you bear witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who did murder the prophets – and you fill up the measure of your fathers! Serpents, brood of adders! How would you escape the judgment of Gehenna?”

The Master knows that these actors are of the same murderous spirit (the devil – John 8) that put the prophets to death in previous generations. HE also knows that they will be instrumental in putting HIM to death. Because they are blind to the truth they try to convince themselves (and one another) that they would NEVER do such evil deeds to the righteous by building tombs and decorating their monuments. I have witnessed for years the same outward show from the guilty and unrepentant, as they give money and get behind church building programs to try and convince themselves (and others) of their supposed piety… Yahshua is not fooled by their folly…we shouldn’t be either.

True Repentance = True Conversion

This article is written in hopes of helping you objectively determine your current eternal status. I believe that traditional christianity is bearing rotten fruit as it has evolved into a social expression of falsehood. Supposed converts are not being taught the raw truths that matter. Their traditions and practices have taken precedent over the entirety of The Scriptures beginning in Genesis and ending in Revelation. I know. I was one for nearly 30 years. In 2007 I heard HIS Voice calling me to “Come out of her…” (Rev 18:4) May you hear HIS Voice as well!

True Conversion Begins With True Repentance

Mat 3:1-2 And in those days Yohanan (John) the Immerser came proclaiming in the wilderness of Yehudah…and saying, “Repent, for the reign of the heavens has come near!…”

To Repent ; to think differently, followed by actions as proof.

Yohanan came as the forerunner of Messiah calling people to “think differently” about the times, their current status before Yah, their concept of Messiah, etc. He announced that the reign of YAH was closer than they believed. Most are in that same mindset today. Many then (as now) heard his call and experienced immersion. Some become followers. But were they (are they?) truly repentant? Time has a way of revealing such things…

Mat 3:7-10 “And seeing many of the Pharisees and Sadducees (two ranking denominations within Yehudism) coming to his immersion, he said to them, “Brood of adders! Who has warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Bear, therefore, fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as father.’ For I say to you that Elohim is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And the ax is already laid to the root of the trees. Every tree, then, which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (See Mat 7:15-20)

Note: Matthew singles out the Pharisees and Sadducees, whereas Luke includes them in and among “the crowds.”

Repentance ; living in the expression of thinking differently.

Tree ; metaphor used in Scripture for a person, family, nation…(See Psalm 1)

Fruit ; what the plant (in this case;tree) produces.

Like today’s pastors / teachers, some of the religious leaders of that time came to hear him but were unwilling to “think differently” about themselves. These were relying on a fleshly, (Adamic / Abrahamic) heritage, just as today’s religious leaders rely on what “the church fathers taught.” It’s the same problem. There is a false sense of security in identifying with what is acceptable at the time. Yohanan considers them to be as dangerous as poison snakes! Is he alluding to who is inspiring them? (Also see Articles “The Hypocrisy of the Pharisees”)

True Repentance Requires Reversal

As the crowds were being immersed, they asked Yohanan what they must do now?! In Luke, we have a bit more commentary on Yohanan’s answer;

Luke 3:10-11 And the crowds asked him, saying, “What, then, shall we do?” And answering He said to them, “Let him who has two coats share with him who has none, and let him who has food do likewise.”

To think of the needs of others and to be ready to share what you have (without self gratification) can be evidence of the fruit of true repentance and of the presence of HIS Spirit!

Luke 3:12-13 And tax collectors also came to be immersed, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.”

True repentance can result in the person thinking so differently that they will no longer use their position to better themselves…

Luke 3:14 And soldiers (law enforcement of their time?) also asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be satisfied with your pay.”

People in law enforcement, the military, or even government experiencing true repentance and thinking differently will no longer use their position to intimidate or accuse falsely for bribes.

The point being, regardless of your vocation, when true repentance has had an affect and you are now thinking differently, there will be obvious changes in the way you conduct yourself. You will not only stop doing wrong, but as you hear HIS Word, you will also do what is pleasing to The Master! You may also need to make restitution!

Restitution; the restoration of something lost or stolen to its proper owner.

Consider;

Luke 19:1-10 And having entered, He (Yahshua) was passing through Yeriho, and see, a man called Zakkai! And he was a chief tax collector, and he was rich, and he was seeking to see who Yahshua was, but was unable because of the crowd, for he was small in stature. And having run ahead, he climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, because He was about to pass by. And as Yahshua came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zakkai, hurry and come down, for I have to stay at your house today.” And he hurried and came down, and received Him, rejoicing. And seeing it, they all grumbled, saying, “He has gone in to stay with a man who is a sinner.” But Zakkai stood up and said to the Master, “Look, Master, I give half of my possessions to the poor. And if I have taken whatever from anyone by false accusation, I repay fourfold.” And Yahshua said to him, “Today deliverance has come to this house – since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Adam has come to seek and to save what was lost.”

Notice that the expression (fruit) of Zakkai’s life changed! Evidently he was known as a much hated, stingy, lying, thieving chief tax collector! Once that his thinking is different, he realizes his wrong-doing and restores it 4X! This is beyond what was required according to Torah! The Master’s reference to Zakkai being “a son of Abraham” is not in reference to his ancestry or lineage, but because Zakkai is now bearing the fruit of (true repentance), just as Abraham believed and obeyed! (See Genesis 26:5)

True Repentance Is NOT Just Being Sorry

There is a danger in not discerning the differences between true repentance and simply being sorry. Being sorry for one’s sinfulness is part of the expression of true repentance, but all too often it stops short of bearing the continued fruit of true repentance. This is because there has been no real change in the person’s thinking. They still think that they are not completely wrong but will become more compliant in an effort to maintain their status. For example, I once knew a man who was caught in adultery. He stated publicly that he was sorry for being in adultery and asked for forgiveness. He was forgiven, but his idolatry simply found another, more acceptable pursuit; money. He hadn’t truly repented. He simply became more compliant…and certainly more creative. (Colossians 3:5)

2Co 7:10-11 “For sadness according to Elohim works repentance (thinking differently) to deliverance, (salvation) not to be regretted, but the sadness of the world works death.(no real change) For see how you have been saddened according to Elohim – how much it worked out in you eagerness; indeed, clearing of yourselves;(making sure of no more offensiveness) indeed, displeasure;(of being misunderstood) indeed, fear;(of being wrong) indeed, longing;(to be right) indeed, ardor; indeed, righting of wrong! In every way you proved yourselves to be clear in the matter…”

True Repentance Does Not Produce These

Gal 5:19 “And the works of the flesh are well-known, which are these: adultery, whoring, uncleanness, indecency, idolatry, drug sorcery, hatred, quarrels, jealousies, fits of rage, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, murders, drunkenness, wild parties, and the like – of which I forewarn you, even as I also said before, that those who practice such as these shall not inherit the reign of Elohim.”

True Repentance Resulting In True Conversion Produces These

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustworthiness, gentleness, self-control.

True Repentance Is Only Experienced By True Children Of Yahweh

Heb 12:5-8 And you have forgotten the appeal which speaks to you as to sons, “My son, do not despise the discipline of Yahweh, nor faint when you are reproved by Him, for whom Yahweh loves, He disciplines, and flogs every son whom He receives. If you endure discipline, Elohim is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom a father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become sharers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.

I pray that you experience chastisement from our Father resulting in true repentance so that you may walk with Messiah in Truth!

Family Matters: IN Adam? OR IN Yahshua?

Though we did not have a choice regarding the (biological / Adamic) family that we were first birthed into, we do have a choice as to whether we become a member of the Family of YAH. To join HIS Family you must first be born from above. One cannot become a part of the Family of Yah any other way. Evidence of being born of His Spirit is the strong desire to “Do The Will / Desire of Yahweh.”

A few of the largest hurdles that I have seen for one who has chosen to follow The Messiah Yahshua begins with what Luke records in his account of The Master’s Words;

Luke 8:19-21 And His (biological / Adamic) mother and brothers came to Him, and were unable to get to Him because of the crowd. And it was reported to Him, saying, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, wishing to see You.” And He answering, said to them, “My mother and My brothers are those who are hearing the Word of Elohim and doing it.”

These same statements are also recorded in Matthew12:46-50 and Mark 3:31-35. However, Luke gives further clarity of what is meant by doing the desire of Yahweh when he says “those who are hearing the Word of Elohim and doing it.” James, the half-brother of The Master echoes that sentiment later in his life after becoming a follower of Yahshua!

James 1:21-22 Therefore put away all filthiness and overflow of evil, and receive with meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save your lives. And become doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

Merely attending a Word teaching / preaching church only supplies evidence against you UNLESS you DO what you hear!

But John (one of the 12) says it best in 1John 2:15-17;

Do not love the world nor that which is in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. Because all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it, but the one doing the desire of Elohim remains forever.”

Again, The Master makes it very clear that to follow HIM means forsaking all!

Matthew 19:29 “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My Name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.”

Mark 10:28-30 And Kepha (Peter) began to say to Him, “See, we have left all and we have followed You.” Yahshua said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for the sake of Me and the Good News, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come, everlasting life.”

John 12:25-26 “He who loves his life shall lose it, and he who hates his life in this world shall preserve it for everlasting life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me. And where I am, there My servant also shall be. If anyone serves Me, the Father shall value him.”

Hating one’s own life is not a commandment to inflict sadistic punishment upon one’s own flesh. It’s simply the mindset of self-denial. Just as The Master walked…

Every relationship must be measured by our relationship with The Master.

The Marriage relationship;

1Corinthians 7:29-31 “And this I say, brothers, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none, and those who weep as though they did not weep, and those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, and those who buy as though they did not possess, and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the scene of this world is passing away.”

All Yoking relationships;

2Corinthians 6:14 Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness? And what fellowship has light with darkness?”

Relationships with the World;

James 4:4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with Elohim? Whoever therefore intends to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of Elohim.”

Adamic (biological) Family Relationships

I have witnessed these to be the most difficult. Most often our biological family members cannot understand nor embrace how true believers live. Even the Adamic family of Yahshua had a tough time with HIM doing the desire of HIS Father in heaven;

Mark 3:21 And when His relatives heard about this, they went out to seize Him, for they said, “He is out of His mind.” They called Him literally; insane, bewitched!? Can you relate?

John 7:3-5 So His (Adamic) brothers said to Him, ‘Get away from here and go into Yehudah so that Your taught ones also see the works that You are doing. For no one acts in secret while he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these works, show Yourself to the world.” For even His (Adamic) brothers did not believe in Him.

The prophet, Micah even spoke about how intense Adamic relationships can be;

Micah 7:5-6 “Trust no friend, rely on no companion, guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your bosom. For son is despising father, daughter rises up against her mother, daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law, the enemies of a man are the men of his own house.”

Words later echoed by The Master to those who were unable to discern HIS true mission;

Matthew 10:34-37 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword, for I have come to bring division, a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law – and a man’s enemies are those of his own household. He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me, and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

Luke 12:49-53 “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have an immersion to be immersed with, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! Do you think that I came to give peace on earth? I say to you, no, but rather division. For from now on five in one house shall be divided, three against two, and two against three – father shall be divided against son, and son against father, mother against daughter, and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

Luke 14:26-28 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate (or to have less love for) his father and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers, and sisters, and his own life too, he is unable to be My taught one. And whoever does not bear his stake and come after Me is unable to be My taught one. “For who of you, wishing to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?”

The application of “hate” is pertaining to how much influence our earthly, biological, Adamic family should have on us as we follow The Master. The concept of bearing our “stake”, or reckoning ourselves dead (to the world and to Adamic pursuits) comes with the exhortation to “count the cost”, or consider the seriousness of what it will take to follow HIM, doing the desire of our Father in Heaven, even as Yahshua did and does…

So, what’s it going to be, dear believer? Are you born from above? Do you have the inner drive to do The Father’s desire in and through your life now? Are you willing to cease pursuit of that which is worldly and temporal? Will you limit the influences of your Adamic family and friends when they oppose the desire of your Father in heaven? Have you counted the cost of following The Master on HIS terms?

These are valid questions when pondering who’s desire is more important… Yours? Or HIS?

My prayer is that you are empowered and led by HIS Spirit to accomplish the desire of your Father in Heaven!

#2 – The Hypocrisy of the Pharisees – Healing Not Allowed?

Mat 12:9-10 And having left there, He went into their congregation. And see, there was a man having a withered hand. And they asked Him, saying, “Is it right to heal on the Sabbath?” – so as to accuse Him.

There is NO Commandment in Torah that forbids healing on Sabbath! Notice the real reason for them asking; “so as to accuse Him.” Those motivated by “the accuser” can pretend their religious piety for only so long.

Consider;

Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in the heaven, “Now have come the deliverance and the power and the reign of our Elohim, and the authority of His Messiah, for the accuser of our brothers, who accused them before our Elohim day and night, has been thrown down.

The Pharisees and rulers, in their lawlessness could not determine right from wrong. They taught that healing on the Sabbath constituted work. The Scriptures do not support their hypocrisy.

Consider;

Luke 13:14 But the ruler of the congregation, responding, much displeased that Yahusha had healed on the Sabbath, said to the crowd, “There are six days on which men should work, so come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day.”

So, the Master confronted their hypocrisy by asking what they would do if something happened to one of their livestock on the Sabbath…

Mat 12:11-12 And He said to them, “What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, shall not take hold of it and lift it out? “How much more worth is a man than a sheep! So it is right to do good on the Sabbath.”

Doing good on the Sabbath has always been Yahweh’s desire, allowing man to rest, enjoy, be refreshed and appreciate the Creator and HIS Sabbath! It was never meant to be burdensome, binding or a time to endure!

Mat 12:13 Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and it was restored, as healthy as the other.

If the Pharisees and rulers were right in not allowing healing on the Sabbath, then we should never anoint and pray for the sick on Sabbath? How absurd!


Mat 12:14 But the Pharisees went out and took counsel against Him, so as to destroy Him.

Those who do the desires of the devil prove by their lives who their father is!

Consider;

John 8:44 “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you wish to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks of his own, for he is a liar and the father of it.”

Mat 12:15-21 But Yahshua knowing it, withdrew from there. And large crowds followed Him, and He healed them all, and warned them not to make Him known, in order that what was spoken by Yeshayah the prophet, might be filled, saying, “See, My Servant whom I have chosen, My Beloved in whom My being did delight. I shall put My Spirit upon Him, and He shall declare right-ruling to the nations. He shall not strive nor cry out, nor shall anyone hear His voice in the streets. A crushed reed He shall not break, and smoking flax He shall not quench, till He brings forth right-ruling forever.“And the nations shall trust in His Name.”

It’s worth noting that the Pharisees (and anyone diseased in their families) were not healed. Hatred of the Truth and a lack of humility have prohibited many from experiencing HIS goodness!

It’s also worth noting that Yahshua’s method of drawing “large crowds” was quite different than that of today’s methods. HE didn’t need the internet, social media, news media, television, radio, etc… My reason for using this platform is to inform, not draw crowds. Consider Yahshua’s “keys to evangelism”;>)

John 4:23-24 “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father also does seek such to worship Him. “Elohim is Spirit, and those who worship Him need to worship in spirit and truth.”

John 6:44-45 “No one is able to come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him. And I shall raise him up in the last day. It has been written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by Yahweh. Everyone, then, who has heard from the Father, and learned, comes to Me.”

Joh 13:35 “By this shall all know that you are My taught ones, if you have love for one another.”

May you have a love for Truth (John 17:17) and hear HIS voice (John 10:27) and follow HIM!

The Hypocrisy of the Pharisees – Matthew 12

Mat 12:1-2 At that time Yahshua went through the grain fields on the Sabbath. And His taught ones were hungry, and began to pluck heads of grain, to eat. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, “Look, Your taught ones are doing what is not right to do on the Sabbath!”

The Pharisees were a very rigid sect of Judaism. The Messiah Yahshua warned His followers to beware of them. Consider His words later in Matthew;

Mat 23:4 “For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders, but with their finger they do not wish to move them.”

In the text from Matt. 12, the Pharisees are accusing Yahshua of being lawless by accusing Him of breaking the Commandments through their misapplication of the Commandment to not harvest on the Sabbath;

Exo 34:21 “Six days you work, but on the seventh day you rest – in plowing time and in harvest you rest.

There is no Scripture to support the Pharisees. The followers of Yahshua were not harvesting. They were simply gleaning that which was intentionally left by the owner of the field for those in need as stated in the following;

Lev 23:22 ‘And when you reap the harvest of your land do not completely reap the corners of your field when you reap, and do not gather any gleaning from your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the stranger. I am Yahweh your Elohim.’ ”
The Pharisees were one of the sects of Yehudism guilty of adding to / subtracting from Yahweh’s Commandments. Much like Christianity today.

Mat 12:3-4 But He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he went into the House of Elohim and ate the showbread which was not right for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests?

The Master legitimizes the eating of the showbread rather than letting King David and his men go hungry. The priests had a better understanding of the Spirit of the Commandment than the Pharisees did. I personally believe this to be in support of the “Sovereignty & Priesthood” pronounced upon the true believers in Messiah Yahshua. (Rev. 5:10, Rev. 20:6; Exo. 19:6; Isa. 61:6; Rom. 12:1; 1Pet. 2:5-9)

Mat 12:5 “Or did you not read in the Torah that on the Sabbath the priests in the Set-apart Place profane the Sabbath, and are blameless?”

Priests continue to work on the Sabbath through offering sacrifice, offerings and circumcision. The Pharisaical mindset would prohibit such “work”

Consider;

John 7:22 “Because of this Mosheh has given you the circumcision – though it is not from Mosheh, but from the fathers – and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath.”

The Master addresses the issue of “doing good on the Sabbath” later in Matthew 12:12.

Mat 12:6-8 “But I say to you that in this place there is One greater than the Set-apart Place. And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire compassion and not offering, you would not have condemned the blameless. For the Son of Adam is Master of the Sabbath.”

The Pharisees would say that they honor the Set-apart Place, but their hypocrisy betrays them. Yahshua clearly states that HE, the One that the earthly Set-apart Place was constructed to represent, is greater than the copy of the Heavenly Set-Apart Place. HE points out the Pharisees’ lack of understanding pertaining to Yah’s reason and purpose for offering, which is the expression of HIS compassion through providing a means for sinful man to be restored to a relationship with Yah. It was never meant to be a means of exclusion, but inclusion! The Pharisees and those guilty of lawlessness cannot understand the true heart of Yahweh. But David did.

Consider;

Psa The slaughterings of Elohim are a broken spirit, A heart broken and crushed, O Elohim, These You do not despise.”

Consider these verses as references to sacrifice and offering acceptable to Yahweh in The New Covenant;

Rom 12:1-2 “I call upon you, therefore, brothers, through the compassion of Elohim, to present your bodies a living offering – set-apart, well-pleasing to Elohim – your reasonable worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you prove what is that good and well-pleasing and perfect desire of Elohim.”

( Also; Rom. 15:16, Psa. 19:14, Eph. 5:10, Php. 4:18, 1Tim. 2:3; 5:4, Heb. 13:15-16, 1Pe. 2:5, 2:20)

Comparing The OLD Covenant To The NEW Covenant

Many folks today are not familiar with the Scriptural differences between The First (Old) Covenant and The Second (New) Covenant. Some think that the separation point in their bibles between The Old Testament and The New Testament marks what is applicable and not applicable for them today! I personally believe that it is that very separation point in their bible that has contributed to today’s confusion regarding the two covenants. Let’s consider a few;

Where The Law is Written

The Law (Torah) of The Old Covenant was written on Stone Tablets. Exo 24:12 And Yahweh said to Mosheh, “Come up to Me on the mountain and be there, while I give you tablets of stone, and the Torah and the command which I have written, to teach them.”

The Law (Torah) of The New Covenant is written on Hearts. Jer 31:33 “For this is the covenant I shall make with the house of Yisra’el after those days, declares Yahweh: I shall put My Torah in their inward parts, and write it on their hearts. And I shall be their Elohim, and they shall be My people. Also see Ezek. 11:19-20,36:25-27.

(See article “Matthew 5:17“)

Who’s Blood is required

The Old Covenant was validated by the blood sacrifice of animals. Exo 24:5-8 And he sent young men of the children of Yisra’el and they offered burnt offerings and slaughtered peace slaughterings of bulls to Yahweh. And Mosheh took half the blood and put it in basins, and half the blood he sprinkled on the altar. And he took the Book of the Covenant and read in the hearing of the people. And they said, “All that Yahweh has spoken we shall do, and obey.” And Mosheh took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, and said, “See, the blood of the covenant which Yahweh has made with you concerning all these Words.”

The New Covenant is validated by The Blood of Messiah. Heb 9:11-14 But Messiah, having become a High Priest of the coming good matters, through the greater and more perfect Tent not made with hands, that is, not of this creation, entered into the Most Set-apart Place once for all, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood, having obtained everlasting redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the defiled, sets apart for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of the Messiah, who through the everlasting Spirit offered Himself unblemished to Elohim, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living Elohim?

Circumcision

The Old Covenant required circumcision of the flesh. Lev 12:2-3 “Speak to the children of Yisrael saying, ‘When a woman has conceived, and has given birth to a male child, then she shall be unclean seven days, as in the days of her monthly separation she is unclean. And on the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin is circumcised.”

The New Covenant requires circumcision of the Heart. Col 2:11 “In Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Messiah…”

Rom 2:29 “But a (believing) Yehudi is he who is so inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in Spirit, not literally, (in the flesh) whose praise is not from men but from Elohim.”

Php 3:3 “For we are the circumcision, who are serving Elohim in the Spirit, and boasting in Messiah Yahshua, and do not trust in the flesh…”

(See article, “The Law of The Spirit“)

The Priesthood

The Old Covenant Priesthood of Aaron. Lev 1:5 “And he shall slaughter the bull before Yahweh And the sons of Aharon, the priests, shall bring the blood and sprinkle the blood all around on the altar which is at the door of the Tent of Meeting.”

The New Covenant Priesthood IN Messiah Yahshua. Heb 7:21 For they (Levites) indeed became priests without an oath, but He (Yahshua) became Priest with an oath by Him (Yahweh) who said to Him, Yahweh has sworn and shall not regret,‘You (Yahshua) are a priest forever according to the order of Malkitsedeq”

Rev 1:6 “…and has made us sovereigns and priests to His Elohim and Father, to Him be esteem and rule forever and ever. Amein”

Rev 5:9 -10“And they sang a renewed song, saying, “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals, because You were slain, and have redeemed us to Elohim by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and made us sovereigns and priests to our Elohim, and we shall reign upon the earth.”

The Mediator

The Old Covenant required a man to be the mediator. Heb 7:11Truly, then, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood – for under it the people were given the Torah – why was there still need for another priest to arise according to the order of Malkitsedeq and not be called according to the order of Aharon?

The New Covenant has a better man as the mediator. Heb 12:24 …and toYahshua the Mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling which speaks better than the blood of Hebel (Abel).

1Ti 2:5 For there is one Elohim, and one Mediator between Elohim and men, the Man Messiah Yahshua…

The Tabernacle

The Old Covenant Tent was a copy. Heb 8:4-5 For if indeed He (Yahshua) were on earth, He would not be a priest, since there are priests who offer the gifts according to the Torah, who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly, as Mosheh was warned when he was about to make the Tent. For He said, “See that you make all according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”

The New Covenant has to do with the True Tent. Heb 8:1-2 Now the summary of what we are saying is: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Greatness in the heavens, and who serves in the set-apart place and of the true Tent, which Yahweh set up, and not man.

The Temple

The Old Covenant Temple was Man’s idea and was built by man. 2Ch 6:7-10 And it was in the heart of my father Dawid to build a House for the Name of Yahweh Elohim of Yisra’el. But Yahweh said to my father Dawid, ‘Because it was in your heart to build a House for My Name, you did well in that it was in your heart. But you do not build the house, for your son who comes forth from your loins, he does build the House for My Name.” “Now Yahweh has established His word which He spoke, and I (Solomon) have been raised up instead of my father Dawid and sit on the throne of Yisra’el as Yahweh promised. And I have built the House for the Name of Yahweh Elohim of Yisra’el.”

The New Covenant Temple (Dwelling Place) is Yah’s idea and is being built by HIM. 1Pe 2:4-5Drawing near to Him, a living Stone – rejected indeed by men, but chosen by Elohim and precious – you also, as living stones, are being built up, a spiritual house, a set-apart priesthood, to offer up spiritual slaughter offerings acceptable to Elohim through Yahshua Messiah.”

1Co 3:16 Do you not know that you are a Dwelling Place of Elohim and that the Spirit of Elohim dwells in you?

1Co 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is the Dwelling Place of the Set-apart Spirit who is in you, which you have from Elohim, and you are not your own?

Also see;Eph. 2:20-22; Heb. 3:6; Rev. 3:12

The City of Destination

The Old Covenant promised a land and an earthly city. Deu 34:1-4 And Mosheh went up from the desert plains of Mo’ab to Mount Nebo to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Yeriho And Yahweh showed him all the land of Gilas far as Dan, and all Naphtali and the land of Ephrayim and Menashsheh, all the land of Yehudas far as the Western Sea, and the Negev and the plain of the Valley of Yeriho the city of palm trees, as far as Tsoar And Yahweh said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Yitshak to Yaacob saying, ‘To your seed I give it.’ I have let you look at it with your eyes, but you do not pass over there.”

Isa 1:21-23 “How the steadfast city has become a whore! I have filled it with right-ruling; righteousness lodged in it, but now murderers. Your silver has become dross, your wine is mixed with water. Your rulers are stubborn, and companions of thieves. Everyone loves bribes, and runs after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, nor does the cause of the widow reach them.”

Mat 23:37-39 (Yahshua crying out)“Yerushalayim, Yerushalayim, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to her! How often I wished to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, but you would not! See! Your house is left to you laid waste, for I say to you, from now on you shall by no means see Me, until you say, ‘Blessed is He who is coming in the Name of Yahweh!” See Ps. 118:26.

(See article, “Works of Torah EXPOSED!“)

The New Covenant promises a Heavenly City. Rev 21:1-3 RNKJV “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the new Jerusalem, coming down from YAHWEH out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of YAHWEH is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and YAHWEH himself shall be with them, and be their Elohim.