The Obligations of the Student - Part 3

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The Obligations of the Student - Part 3

(Slide) Yahweh Elohim has a specific purpose in giving His Word. It is not a book one should read lightly, it must be read to discover the divine purpose. “All scripture is given by the breathing of Elohim, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16)”

Doctrine: A principle, or set of principles and beliefs held by a religious, political or other group. 

Reproof: An expression of condemnation for a fault or offence. 

Correction: An alteration being made to something that was incorrect.

Instruction in Righteousness: The process of teaching what is morally right.

The Scriptures were given to show us the moral behaviour acceptable to Yahweh, to point out sin, to correct error, to teach us what we should do in order to be righteous, like Yahweh who is righteous. That is why the Scriptures were given to us.

(Slide) Some Scripture are the exact words of Yahweh:

“Now the tablets were the work of Yahweh, and the writing was the writing of Yahweh engraved on the tablets.” (Exodus 32:16) “Yahweh spoke to you face to face out of the fire on the mountain.” (Deuteronomy 5:4)

Some Scripture was put in the mouth of the speaker:

“Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say” (Exodus 4:12)”

Some Scripture was put in the mind of the writer:

“…Yahweh said to Moshe, "Write these words, for according to the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel." (Exodus 34:27)

Some Scripture is left up to the writer or teacher to select words to relate revelation:

“…it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account,… that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. (Luke 1:3,4)” But to the rest I say, not Yahweh, that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, let him not send her away. (1 Corinthians 7:12)"

(Slide) The chief way that we receive the knowledge of Elohim today is through the written word. In The Beginning was the Dvar Elohim (the Word of Yahweh) – Genesis 1:1 & John 1:1

Every Nazarene Israelite should be equipped with a good copy of the Scriptures. It is our core text and a good student should carry the most suitable translation available. 

(Slide) No matter what the language, be it English, Japanese, Latin, Greek or Spanish, something always gets lost in translation. 

(Slide) The Complete Jewish Bible by David H. Stern

This translation is easy to get a hold of and it’s easy to read. But in many places it retains the same church dogma but uses Hebrew names. The Creator’s name Yahweh is still substituted, but with the title Adonai instead of G-d or Lord.  

The Scriptures (ISR) by the Institute for Scripture Research

This translation uses all the true names, even for places and all 66 books are named in English & Hebrew. The original book order of the Hebrew Scriptures is restored and quotations & allusions from the Tanakh (O.T.) are in bold type in the Nazarene Writings and are accompanied by the text references - aiding your understanding of the original contexts, and how they influence the writers drawing upon them

Restoration Scriptures True Name Edition (RSTNE) 

The proper Hebrew names are used, including the replacement of the traditional English "LORD" with the Tetragrammaton (Yahweh). Footnotes provide interesting background information, insight, and clarification, from a Hebraic Roots perspective. A number of frequently-used English words are replaced with Hebrew transliterations, thus helping the beginning student of Hebrew to become more familiar with some basic vocabulary. 

(Slide) The Hebraic-Roots Version Scriptures (HRV) by James Trimm

Some Hebrew Roots features in thIS version are: The Name is used (YHWH) rather than the generic title. The name "Yeshua" is used instead of Jes-s. The word "Torah" is used rather than "law". This translation has many footnotes and sources used.  The introduction contains an excellent overview of the faith that is worth the cost alone. 

Zikarown Say'fer - memorial book as in Exodus 17:14, is a version of the Scriptures meant to bring out the ancient language intricacies that have been lost in modern translations. Zikarown is the transliteration of the Hebrew word for memorial or rehearsal. The Scriptures are meant to be rehearsed as instruction for the path to eternal life. Yahweh and Yahshua's names are restored to the text through the Bora Paleo Hebrew font. 

Sacred Name Bible - Updated King James Version, The Torah – This is a New King James Translation with the Sacred Names restored. The words “thee,” “thou,” and “thine,” etc., are replaced with “you” and “your,” etc. Verb endings, such as –est and –eth, as in “blesseth” and “comest,” are replaced with currently correct grammar. Otherwise the original King James Version text is not altered.

(Slide) The Word of Yahweh is a solid English translation of the bible that uses the divine name of the Creator as it was given in Scripture rather than changing it to "The Lord" which was done by superstition. The Word of Yahweh also restores the name of the Messiah to Yahshua which is the Hebrew name given to Him by His Jewish mother. Features include a concordance, charts, maps, marker ribbon, and a very nice burgundy leather cover made from 100% kosher cow hyde. 

The Holy Bible - Urim-Thummim Version - Volume I is a new translation of the Holy Bible. The King James Version and Young's Literal Translation have been employed as the "base text." For many this version will retain much of the literary style of those time honoured works but all archaic language has been replaced with modern English. More importantly however, this version endeavours to be extremely accurate to the Hebrew definitions that comprise the original text. As a result, new discoveries and a greater detail to the Biblical story has now been obtained.

The Orthodox Jewish Bible - This is a good Torah cantered complete Tanakh and Brit Chadasha / Kituvim Netzarim in one book. It does have small print.  It’s content is designed for The Jewishness of the entire Holy Bible. It shows that BOTH parts are Jewish, leaving no room for antisemitism, and that HaMoshiach Yeshua is both Ben Miriam, and Ben Elohim. It is an excellent text for Orthodox and Chassidic Jewish people to find THEIR Moshiach and Geula .

(Slide) Eth-CEPHER is the “Divine Book” – This version transliterates the names of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, albeit in pronunciations that are questionable. But this collection boasts the most complete array of Holy Books to date. It includes 87 Yah-breathed books in the chronological order of their writing, which includes the Apocrypha, the Book of Enoch and the Book of Jasher. 

Aramaic English New Testament - Popular English New Testaments come from Greek translations originally converted from Hebrew and Aramaic texts. Conversely, the AENT comes directly from Aramaic, the very language spoken by Yahshua and his disciples. Over 1,000 leading language scholars and Bible students have rigorously dedicated their unrivaled expertise to the 5th edition of the AENT. A wonderfully diverse tapestry of Jewish and Christian religious ideologists has collectively provided thousands of hours of unbiased peer review. Publishers, translators, editors, and contributors have passionately woven hundreds of years of study and research of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek into the AENT.

(Slide) BESORAH OF YAHUSHA NATSARIM VERSION - The Name of the Creator is restored in the original Hebrew alphabet where it occurs in the inspired text 6,823 times. Names of people and places are transliterated directly from their Hebrew form into the English alphabet for a more accurate rendering, eliminating the mutilation of the Masoretic vowels imposed during the 6th to 11th centuries. More recent corruptions by language interaction are also eliminated, so no names or places are transliterated using the newer letters such as W, V, or J. The rest of the Hebrew translated into English words retains them, but it is most inappropriate to spell Hebrew names and places with letters that never existed in the original language. “Jesus” is rendered “Yahusha” directly from Hebrew; “David” is “Daud,” “Jacob” is YaAqob, “Joseph” is Yusef, and so on. Phrases such as “apple of my eye” (a KJV idiom) are corrected to “treasure of my eye” since no reference to apples is in the Hebrew, but rather to an object of value one sets their eye on. 

(Slide) The Stone Edition Tanach contains the 24 books of the Torah, Prophets, and Writings. All text is newly translated and annotated. You can pick up a copy on the internet for around $60. 

This 2,200-page volume is interpreted by the classic sages of Talmudic and Rabbinic literature. It is Illuminated with notes and comments and has all Haftarahs clearly indicated. 

This edition contains allegorical interpretations of Song of Songs, Psalms & Proverbs, to allow the reader to see exactly what the text is alluding to.

(Slide) An example of an insight in the allegorical interpretation of the Stone Edition Tanach can be found in Song of Songs 7:13. This verse actually starts from verse 12 in most regular Bibles, including The Scriptures, with verse 14 entirely absent. 

Here’s how the verse reads in the Stone Edition: "Let us wake at dawn in the vineyards of prayer and study (Yeshivas). Let us see if students of Writ have budded, if students of Oral Law have blossomed, if ripened scholars have bloomed; there I will display my finest products (students) to You.” (Song of Songs 7:13)

Here’s how the verse reads in a common Christian and Messianic translation: “Let us go early to the vineyards to see if the vines have budded, if their blossoms have opened, and if the pomegranates are in bloom--there I will give you my love.” (Song of Songs 7:12)

(Slide) Unless you a reading the Stones Edition Tanach, this scene just reads as if taking a stroll in a beautiful vineyard and no amount of study in English would ever yield that’s it’s actually talking about a Yeshiva and students of Torah. 

(Slide) The Chumash (Means: “Five Fifths”): This work is an English translation of the Torah, faithful to Rashi and the classic Rabbinic commentators, and an anthologized commentary by a team of scholars, under the editorship of Rabbi Nosson Scherman. This commentary draws on the spectrum of biblical commentaries, from the Talmud, Midrash, and the classic Rabbinic commentators, and includes insights of contemporary greats. Also includes: Hebrew/Aramaic texts of Rashi and Onkelos, newly set according to the most accurate texts. Haftaros with new translation, and introductory comments introducing the haftarah and relating it to the Torah reading. 

• The Five Megillos with translation and commentary. 
• Comprehensive index. 
• Lightweight, opaque, acid-free paper for decades of quality use. 
• Special section for your own genealogy and family milestones. 
• Ultra-reinforced binding, using the most durable materials. 
• Elegantly gilded page heads. 
• Ribbon place-marker. The Chumash of choice for synagogue and home! The stone edition of the chumash now comes with ultra-reinforced binding

Other sizes available at http://artscroll.com.
5 volume mid-sized slipcased.
5 volume personal sized slipcased.   

(Slide) The Artscroll Youth Series of Hardback books designed for Jewish children are some of the most effective learning tools for a new Israelite convert. These books are well arranged, lavishly illustrated and written very simply. However, you’ll be surprised how they don’t seem to sugarcoat anything and you’ll be amazed at the level of insight they provide on a Talmudic level. 

Most of the books are written by Shmuel Blits and illustrated in full colour by Tova Katz. They can be picked up secondhand for anywhere between $10 to $20 on www.abebooks.com or brand new at www.artscroll.com for around $36 including postage. 

If you’re feeling out of your depth on many subjects, these books are for you. 

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(Slides) The work, First Steps in Hebrew Prayer by Dr. Danny Ben-Gigi, provides the most important prayers in a clear and easy to follow transliterated format. It comes with an audio CD that assists with pronunciation and melody. You can download your choice of audio files onto an mp3 player and have a blessing ready-to-play when you come to it in your usual prayer time. You can listen to it in your car, on your home stereo or at your computer. Many of the prayers are sung and chanted in the traditional Jewish melodies.

The booklet has all the daily blessings that a student requires. It’s format is A4 size and spiral bound for easy photocopying. You can colour photocopy pages of preference and stick them up in the living room, bathroom, kitchen and bedroom. 

There are 90 pages with an index, origins, customs and highlights of prayers.  The booklet costs around $40 and is available across the web.

The following sites carry this product:

www.jewishsoftware.com 

www.thegalileeexperience.com

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(Slide) With all the different subjects, books and resources we have looked at over this series, it can all feel a little bit overwhelming. We must be encouraged by the knowledge that each person’s progress toward righteousness is a personal journey, and the Father does not lay burdens on a student that are beyond his capacity to absorb. “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:30)”

(Click) We must be careful to retain our childlike wonderment of revelation. “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of Elohim like a little child will never enter it.“ (Luke 18:17)

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(Slide) We must trust Yahweh, the Great Creator to know what is best for us to eat, instead of eating according to our culture and traditions. He not only made our bodies, but all the animals as well and He certainly would not have made the distinction between "clean and unclean" in Leviticus 11 if it makes no difference what we eat. 1 Corinthians 10:31 sums it up beautifully, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of Yahweh."

The two reasons why Israel kept kosher was because Israel believed: 1) There is an Elohim who created the world, sustains and supervises it. 2) Elohim entered into a personal relationship with Israel called covenant, and gave the Torah, obligating Israel to uphold and fulfill its commandments out of love for Him. The kosher laws are a part of that Covenant. “See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. (Deuteronomy 30:15)”

Nutrition, as defined by Webster's Third International Dictionary of the English Language, is “The science of food and the processes by which the organism ingests, digests, absorbs, transports, utilizes and excretes food substances.”

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Barley---Ruth 2:23
Whole Grain Bread---Luke 22:19
Butter---Isaiah 7:22
Corn---Ruth 2:14; I Samuel 17:17
Cheese---I Samuel 17:18
Dates---Genesis 3:2
Eggs---Job 6:6
Figs---Numbers 13:23; I Samuel 25:18
Organic Fruits (All)---Genesis 1:29
Organic Herbs (Leafy Plants) and Vegetables---Genesis 1:29
Raw Honey---Deuteronomy 8:8
Clean Meats---(Beef, Fish, Lamb, Poultry, Venison) Deuteronomy 14; Leviticus 11
Fresh Milk---Isaiah 7:21-22
Nuts---Genesis 43:11
Olives and Olive Oil---Leviticus 2:4; Deuteronomy 8:8
Sea Salt---Leviticus 2:13
Whole Wheat (Bread, Cereal, Pasta)---Psalm 81:16

"Set a watch, O Yahweh, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties (Psalm 141:3-4)

There are various advantages to keeping kosher: the health benefits, the humane treatment of animals, their unifying effect on a dispersed people, and their role as shield against assimilation. Nachmanides, the great 12th century sage points out that "the birds and many of the mammals forbidden by the Torah are predators, while the permitted animals are not; we are instructed not to eat those animals, so that we should not absorb these qualities into ourselves." Kashrut can thus be seen as "spiritual nutrition": just as there are foods that are good for the body and foods that are harmful, there are foods that nourish the soul and foods that adversely affect it.

None of the above, however, are "reasons" we keep kosher. Rather, the reverse is true: because it was commanded by the Creator of our bodies and our souls, the kosher way of life will obviously be beneficial to both.

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Shavu'ot Preparation

Video Teaching

Shavuot Preparation

This Video prepares us for celebrating the Feast of Shavuot [Pentecost] also known as The Feast of Weeks.

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Shavuot Preparation

Introduction:

We are now at the 49th day of the counting of the Omer a picture of Yisrael being delivered from the Slavery of Mitsrayim (Egypt) through the Passover then journeying until they reach the Mountain of Yahweh that is called Mount Sinai. The people left Mitsrayim (Egypt) in a spirit of faith trusting in YHWH’s provision so much so that through the mouth of YermeYahu (Jeremiah) YHWH reminds them in those later days how he remembers them:

YermeYahu 2:2 ‘Thus said YHWH, “I remember you, the kindness of your youth, the love of your betrothal, when you went after Me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown.

We also know that in that journey there were obstacles that caused Yisrael to doubt and complain resulting in judgement & punishments from the hand of YHWH but he remained faithful giving them provisions till he finally brought them to the Kodesh (Holy) Mountain called Sinai or Ḥorĕḇ:

How then do we see that this journey relates to us? We see it quite clearly in the lives of the Sh’liychiym (the sent ones) as they have a spiritual awakening that began at Passover that restored their faith and gave them empowered understanding and finally they are prepared for the truth of Shavuot as they await the promise of the Father given to them by Yahshua who commands them to wait in Yerushalayim. 

What we must understand is that Pesach (Passover) is the symbol of our Salvation in Yahshua or the deliverance from the slavery of sin and the counting of the Omer is a preparation that leads to understanding and a heart prepared for the receiving of the Torah & the outpouring of the RUACH Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) at Shavuot. We could therefore say that from Passover to Shavuot is a progressive Journey that Yahweh designed to prepare the heart of his people to receive his word in their heart. 

In light of that we will look to Shavuot (Pentecost) the Feast of Weeks as the completion of the Journey & reflect on that. 

In our Liturgy on Shavuot we will cover much of the features of Shavuot so I will try to prepare us all for this great Feast and add some insights that will greatly inspire us:

The Foreshadowing of Shavuot: 

Interestingly Shavuotfollows seven completed Shabbats (Sabbaths) so it also portrays the Yovel (Jubilee) which occurs after seven completed Shemita cycles being seven year cycles bringing us to the end of 49 years after which is the Yovel (Jubilee) being a year of liberty both from Slavery & debt. Surely the giving of the Torah the very instructions of YHWH is a picture of liberty to those that receive it. Though Yisrael had been redeemed from their Slavery they were not yet free until they received the Torah their instruction for righteous living at Mount Sinai that would teach them how to be a free people. 

Upon the instruction of YHWH we find that Yisrael was also commanded to observe these feasts as a foreshadowing of what YHWH ultimately would do through Yahshua who is the fulfilment of all the Feasts:

Exodus 34:22 Three times in the year all your men shall appear before YHWH, Elohim of Yisrael.  24 For I will cast out the nations before you and enlarge your borders; neither will any man covet your land when you go up to appear before YHWH your Elohim three times in the year. 

Since Shavuot commemorates the conclusion of the Barley Harvest and the beginning of the Wheat Harvest it is interesting that in the very middle of the text concerning Shavuot there is also an instruction that must not be overlooked:

Vayikra (Leviticus) 23:22 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 YHWH your Elohim.’”

The Counting of the Omer began with Chag Ha Bikkurim “The Feast of the First Fruits” of the Barley Harvest & ends with yet another Feast of First Fruits being the “First Fruits of the Wheat Harvest.” It is interesting that right in the middle of this reading YHWH is making provision for the Poor & the Goyim or Stranger demonstrating his all-encompassing desire to join those outside the Covenant to Yisrael in the Covenant with all the Covenantal blessings. 

It is for this reason that the book of Ruth plays such a prominent part during this time and is often also studied along with the Torah & Yechezkel (Ezekiel). 

What makes the book of Ruth so interesting is that she had entered into the Covenant through her husband but when he died she was free to go back to her own former life and belief but rather than that she makes this great confession:

Ruth 1:16 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you, or to turn back from following after you. For wherever you go, I will go; and wherever you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people and your Elohim my Elohim. 17“Where you die, I will die and there I shall be buried. YHWH do so to me and more also – if anything but death itself parts you and me.”

We also find that Ruth began by gleaning at the beginning of the Barley harvest and continues leading up to Shavuot the wheat harvest all acted out during the counting of the Omer. The book of Ruth therefore is a Picture of the redemption of the Stranger or the Foreigner exactly what Vayikra (Leviticus) is instructing. 

Is it not true that since the outpouring of the RUACH Ha Kodesh (the Holy Spirit) in the book of Acts we are in the time of Gleaning on the edges of the fields of Yisarel to bring in the strangers or Goyim as well though the strangers may also be the lost of Yisrael who have become strangers to the Covenant. 

Romans 11:25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Yisrael until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.

The Uniqueness of the First Shavuot:

In all of History there had never been a time like this when a whole Nation heard the voice of YHWH when he manifested and came down on Mount Sinai. 

Historically this day celebrates the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai:

We read that upon the instruction of YHWH the people were to prepare themselves for YHWH to descend upon the Mountain:

Shemoth 19:10- 12 And YHWH said to Mosheh, “Go to the people and set them apart today and tomorrow. And they shall wash their garments, 11and shall be prepared by the third day. For on the third day HWHY shall come down upon Mount Sinai before the eyes of all the people. 12“And you shall make a border for the people all around, saying, ‘Take heed to yourselves that you do not go up to the mountain or touch the border of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall certainly be put to death.

It was that awesome & frightening that we read in:

Shemoth (exodus) 20:18-20 Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the Shofar (trumpet), and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off.  19 Then they said to Mosheh, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not Elohim speak with us, lest we die.”

Yet we read in the following that we have a greater and better hope than they:

Ibrim (Hebrews) 12:21- 22 But you have drawn near to Mount Tsiyon and to the city of the living Elohim, to the heavenly Yerushalayim, to myriads of messengers (Angels), 23 to the entire gathering and assembly of the first-born having been enrolled in heaven and to Elohim the Judge of all and to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, 24 and to Yahshua the Mediator of a renewed covenant and to the blood of sprinkling which speaks better than the blood of Heḇel.

It is only by the perfect sacrifice of Yahshua that we can all hope to draw near and be made perfect and it is through Shavuot (Pentecost) that we are assured that his blood was accepted by YHWH our great Elohim: 

It is also exceedingly important for us to realize that at the first Shavuot, YHWH did pour out his Ruach on the Seventy elders though not on all the people.

When Moshe gathers the 70 Elders we see a great event that had never happened before:

Bemidbar (Numbers) 11:24- 29 Mosheh gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people and placed them around the tabernacle.  25 Then YHWH came down in the cloud, and spoke to him, and took of the Spirit that was upon him, and placed the same upon the seventy elders; and it happened, when the Spirit rested upon them, that they prophesied, although they never did so again. 26 But two men had remained in the camp: the name of one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad. And the Spirit rested upon them. Now they were among those listed, but who had not gone out to the tabernacle; yet they prophesied in the camp.  27 And a young man ran and told Mosheh, and said, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” 

28 So Yahushua(Joshua) the son of Nun, Mosheh’s assistant, one of his choice men, answered and said, “Mosheh my Master, forbid them!”

29 Then Mosheh said to him, “Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all Yahweh’s people were prophets and that YHWH would put His Spirit upon them!”

This surely was fulfilled if we observe what happened in the Book of Acts when all the faithful were filled with the RUACH Ha Kodesh (The Holy Spirit). A question does arise however. On the occasion of the 70 Elders we see two men who were of the Elders but that had remained in the camp having the RUACH Ha Kodesh (Holy Spirit) resting upon them also. 

In the book of Acts we are driven to think that at the giving of the RUACH Ha Kodesh there were 120 believers present based on Acts 1:15 though the number is not mentioned in Acts 2 but we also know that Shaul (Paul) tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:6 that over 500 saw the risen Master. The question arises based on our reading whether any that were not at the appointed place & time on this Feast like Eldad & Medad were filled with the RUACH Ha Kodesh seeing that possibly not all the faithful were at the appointed place.

The Ten Covenant Words inscribed by the Finger of YAHWEH: 

Following the fear of the people over hearing the voice of YHWH we find Mosheh ascending the mountain to receive the ten Covenant Words or what is commonly known as the “Ten Commandments.” We can know what the sages say, to enhance our understanding as to how totally awesome this event was:

The Sages say when Mosheh went up the Mountain in Shemoth 24 that YHWH wrote the Covenant words on Sapphire cubes rather than Tablets with his own finger so they would be seen on both sides and when Mosheh would lift them up the fire of YHWH would hit the tablets to produce a Rainbow effect referred to as the Bow of YHWH and this would marvellously project the Hebrew letters written on them by the finger of YHWH on the people and would give the image of fiery letters which historical witnesses say appeared as tongues of Fire. We read in:

YermeYahu (Jeremiah) 23:29 Is not My Word like a fire?” declares YHWH

The Ancient Rabbis also taught that not only did Yisrael hear the voice of YHWH but actually saw the sound waves as they emerged from the mouth of Yahweh. They taught that each commandment was a fiery substance that left YHWH’s mouth, travelled around the whole camp and finally engraved itself on the Tablets: (Marish on Shmot page 182.) 

“Rabbi Johanan said that the voice as it was uttered split into seventy languages so that all the Nations might understand.” (Quote- Sh’mot (Exodus) Rabbah 5:9) 

Also that the Divine voice spoke so that all the children of men might understand its world-embracing and man redeeming message” - Rabbi Joseph Hertz, quoted from the authorized daily prayer book page 791.

The Fulfilment of Shavuot:

If we now return to the Brit Chadashah (New Testament) we can now obtain better truth without the burden of the commonly held traditions:

Firstly from our former teaching we remember the Following:

Luke 24:51- 53 And it came to be, while He was blessing them, that He was parted from them and was taken up into the heavens. 52 And they worshipped Him, and returned to Yerushalayim with great joy, 53 and were continually in the Beyth Ha Mikdash (The Temple) praising and blessing Elohim! Amĕn.  

Though the Sh’liychiym (the Apostles) had returned to Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) it is clear that they were constantly in the Temple even before the Feast of Shavuot. Though the Apostles may have stayed in a rented apartment they were gathering with other taught ones (disciples) in Solomon’s Porch on the Temple Mount. When we read that at Shavuot they were in the house they were in the “Beit Ha Mikdash”  the House of Prayer being the Temple according to the Command of YHWH that all faithful Yahudim (Jews) would be obedient to. Sadly the misunderstanding of them being in a small upper room tradition has led to Replacement theology and caused a loss of the wonder and power of this significant event. 

It was during this time that the believers were all gathered as we read and certainly they were reading the Scrolls of the Torah, Ezekiel, Ruth and the Prophets such as Yoel (Joel) in an upper study room of the Beit Mikdash (the Temple):

It was at this time that the fulfilment of the Prophet Yoel (Joel) was seen:

Acts 2:1 And when the Day of the Festival of weeks had come, they were all with one mind in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from the heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them cloven (divided) tongues, as of fire and settled on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Set apart Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them to speak.

In these verses it speaks of a “Mighty Rushing Wind” but the term in Aramaic is “Rucha Ruach” which means a “Breathing Breath.” Therefore RUACH often translated as the Spirit or RUACH Ha Kodesh is the breath of YHWH. 

An interesting note is that according to the tradition of the Yahudim (Jews) when the Cohenim (Priests) ministered in the Mishkan (the Tent of Meeting) or what is called the Mikdash (the Sanctuary) when the esteem of YHWH would come and fill the Tent the walls of the Tent would begin to expand and contract and they would hear breathing and know his presence was there.

Just as with Mount Sinai the Fire of YHWH came down even so here they saw a pillar of fire that divided and appeared as cloven tongues and they were all filled with the Spirit (RUACH). 

The Significance of King Messiah’s Sacrifice

Shavuot for all who believe is the sign that the sacrifice of King Messiah was accepted resulting in the giving of the RUACH Ha Kodesh who is the manifestation of the Father & the Son:

Yochanan (John) 14: 23 Yahshua answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

Since we noted that the Sh’liychiym (The Apostles) were asked by Yahshua to remain in Yerushalayim awaiting the promise of the Father Shavuot becomes ever so important. Through the outpouring of the RUACH Ha Kodesh that was now available to all believers a great boldness was available not only the twelve or the 120 but to all who call upon the name and receive faith in Yahshua. The truth of Scripture is now available to all through the work of the RUACH ha Kodesh but it is still a partnership with people of open hearts to Yahweh’s words lest divisions arise as we have seen throughout all history.

The Former & Later Rain:

We read in Acts how Kepha (Peter) explains that the outpouring of the RUACH Ha Kodesh (The Holy Spirit) at that Shavuot was a fulfilment of the words of the Prophet Yoel (Joel):

Acts 2:17 17‘And it shall be in the last days, says Elohim, that I shall pour out of My Spirit on all flesh. And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy and your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams,

Since Yisrael was a highly agricultural Nation the term Former rain refers to the Spring rain while the Later rain refers to the Autumn rain and we see YHWH using his agricultural Calendar to spiritually fulfil these too. 

Yoel (Joel) 2:23 And you children of Tsiyon, be glad and rejoice in YHWH your Elohim, for He shall give you the Teacher of Righteousness and cause the rain to come down for you, the former rain and the latter rain, as before.

Since Shavuot could be seen as the time period of the former rain and this is when its fulfilment came by the outpouring of the RUACH Ha Kodesh (The Holy Spirit) there is an expectation of the latter day outpouring before that great and awesome Day of YHWH. 

The Prophecy of the latter rain is the fulfilment of the ingathering of the lost of Yisrael from the four corners of the World. Now this is the age of the Feast of Tabernacles (Succoth) the time of the latter rain:

In Conclusion:

As we prepare ourselves for Shavuot (Pentecost) may we prepare ourselves by not only the cleansing of our bodies as the Yisraelites were told to do by Mosheh for three days but may we immerse ourselves in His word like all his Talmidim (Disciples) did awaiting the promise of the Father.  

1. We remember the Sinai Shavuot as the giving of the Torah which was then written on stone.

2. At the Shavuot of Acts we remember the RUACH ha Kodesh was given to all the believers because the sacrifice of Yahshua was completely acceptable.

3. At Sinai even though YHWH knew what was happening in the camp he still wrote out the Covenant with his finger. The result was that 3000 of the ringleaders of the cult of the Bull were killed by the faithful Levites and in contrast at Shavuot when Kepha preached of the Salvation found only in Yahshua 3000 were immersed into the faith.

4. The outpouring of the Ruach gave to believers the anointing for boldness and that Yahweh’s Torah might be written on hearts that were now able to receive them.

Have a blessed Shavuot

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The Obligations of the Student - Part 2

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The Obligations of the Student

Part 2 – Combating Laziness

Have you ever wondered why the Bible is so misunderstood? 

(Slide) Because people don’t really study it.  Why don’t most people really study it? Because they usually study their canned religious view of it, laying false foundation after false foundation. 

(Slide) The way one studies the exquisite beauty of a gemstone and the way one studies for a school test are often two totally different things. When one studies for an exam a pass of over 50% is usually the goal and when one studies a gemstone, he searches for everything in it. 

(Slide) The enemy (Sitre Ahura) works towards man’s miscomprehension of the Almighty’s will.

(Slide) King Messiah Yahshua said, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them.” (Matthew 5:17) Our King and Saviour did not come to cancel the Torah, but to fulfil the prophetic Messianic appointments outlined in the writings of the Torah and the Prophets. Down to the seemingly most minor ordinance to the most critical decree, Yahweh’s Torah is unchanging. This is echoed in the morning prayers instituted by the Men of the Great Assembly where it reads, “Elohim will never amend of exchange his Torah.” Messiah Yahshua declared that Heaven and Earth would be destroyed before the smallest letter or even one accent marking of the Torah were removed. “I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Torah until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:18-19) 

(Slide) The Word says that learning Torah is not a difficult matter. “Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, ‘Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?’ No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.” (Deuteronomy 30:11-14) 

“But the righteousness that is by faith says: ‘Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Messiah down) or 'Who will descend into the deep?' (that is, to bring Messiah up from the dead). But what does it say? ‘The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,’ that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming.” (Romans 10:6-8) The Torah was never too difficult. There are those that say the Torah was too difficult for the Jews, so G-d sent Jes-s to the Gentiles to make a replacement nation, no longer concerned with Torah but fixated on grace. This is not true!

(Slide) In matters of Torah, a student should avoid becoming conceited, filled with pride or puffed up because of knowledge. A healthy fear of Yahweh should precede a fiery zest for knowledge. “The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7) A good student craves instruction and correction! Don’t be offended when a teacher rebukes you on a matter of Torah. On the contrary, praise Yahweh. “He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.” (Proverbs 15:31) 

Let your pursuit for knowledge of Yahweh be like an impassioned lover seeking to draw closer to the object of his affections. “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.” (Philippians 1:9)

When it comes to Scripture, don’t be content with paddling in shallow waters. Get wet and yearn to go into the depths. “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge.” (Proverbs 1:22)

(Slide) Always keep in mind that acquiring knowledge of Yahweh will improve your relationship with Him. “For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for Elohim, but not according to knowledge.” (Romans 10:2) 

Find out about who you’re worshiping. “You Samaritans worship what you don’t know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.” (John 4:22)

Petition Yahweh daily with requests to increase in understanding. “…keep asking that the Elohim of our adon Yahshua HaMoshiach, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” (Ephesians 1:17)

(Slide) Don’t be carried off on different winds of doctrine. In the last seven years we’ve had the polygamy doctrine, the dateline Sabbath doctrine, Lunar Sabbath, the Leper Messiah doctrine, the Islamic Beast doctrine, the Whole-wheat Unleavened Bread doctrine, the Two Sticks of Joseph doctrine, Yahshua was stoned doctrine, the Black Messiah doctrine, The Book of Hebrews is not Scripture doctrine, Rabbi Sha’ul’s letters are not Scripture doctrine, the Jews aren’t really Jews doctrine and even the flat earth theory some how ended up on our ledger. That’s a lot of false doctrines in a pretty small space of time to hit such a small movement. “(Rabbi Sha’ul’s)…letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.” (2 Peter 3:16)

(Slide) Don’t be a Space Cadet! You don’t have to cradle beliefs or opinions. You can stick to what Elohim says. Every conceivable subject is broadly covered in Scripture. Good Rabbinic writings and some good Christian commentary simply refine Scripture to assist with applying it to life matters.

Shiv’im Panim laTorah means “The Torah has 70 faces.” This phrase is sometimes used by the Jewish Sages to indicate the number of different things that can be gleaned from every piece of teaching in the Torah. Bamidbar Rabba 13:15 says, ‘There are seventy faces to the Torah: Turn it around and around, for everything is in it.” 

(Slide) The seventy faces have four main categories. They are:

P’shat – The plain meaning of the text.

Remez – The Meaning which is only hinted at by the text.

D’rash – The Implicit meaning of the text

Sod – The hidden meaning of the text

The initials of these four categories yield the acronym Pardes (meaning “orchard” or “Garden”). This word is what Yahshua said to the thief on the tree when he asked to be remembered. Yahshua replied, “I tell you today you will be with me in Pardes.” This meant that the zealot thief would be with Yahshua in a pleasant interim location in Sheol while he emptied it of the saints and preached to the spirits of those who lived before the Great Flood. “…through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when Elohim waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water…” (1 Peter 3:19-) “The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Yahshua’s resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.” (Matthew 27:53-54) 

(Slide) Within the Netzarim community there is a great need for sufficient training in matters of Torah as it pertains to daily living. Teachings, discussions and debates on deeper matters of Torah are too frequently appearing from the same who clearly lack knowledge of basic Torah observance. “Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before Yahweh that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to show yourself approved to Yahweh, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase to more ungodliness. “(2 Timothy 2:14-16) The purpose of every Torah teaching is to dislodge barriers around the heart to allow Torah to penetrate it. The Torah is already in the mind, albeit dormant in many, but it is the heart that remains the most challenging organ. Once it takes root in the heart the Divine Service begins to be embarked upon, which truly binds the soul to Elohim. 

(Slide) The word study in Hebrew is Lamad. It means ‘to learn’ or ‘to teach’ or ‘to study’ or ‘to train.’ 

(Slide) Lamed represents the diligent learner, someone who allows knowledge to steer the heart rather than let it be swept along by unbridled emotion. 

(Slide) The late Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, of blessed memory, “…had an instinctive understanding of what was profound and what was superficial in spiritual life, what was valuable and essential and what was of secondary importance.” So says the forward to his book, A Student’s Obligations – Advice from the Rebbe of the Warsaw Ghetto. Rabbi Shapira went on to sanctify Yahweh’s name in a Nazi Death camp at age 55, but during his life he stayed devoted to his calling in educating children and young men in Torah. 

(Slide) Rabbi Shapira goes straight for the jugular when addressing some of the foundational issues related to good Torah study and obedience. In his book, A Student’s Obligation he writes, “Laziness is the most common and the most destructive of the ailments of character that afflict young people. Laziness is different to each person. There is a kind of laziness so severe that the person afflicted by it loves to sleep as much as possible, enjoys inactivity, and experiences any form of work as a burden. He is always filled with excuses and justifies himself constantly, as Scripture relates in Proverbs 26:13; “The lazy man says: ‘There is a lion in the way, yes, a lion is on the streets.’” At the same time, he denigrates anyone whose achievements are greater than his own, in order to protect himself from feelings of shame and jealousy of anyone else’s accomplishments”

(Slide) “Go to the ant, you lazybones! Consider its ways, and be wise. It has no chief, overseer or ruler; Yet it provides its food in summer and gathers its supplies at harvest time. Lazybones! How long will you lie in bed? When will you get up from your sleep? “I’ll just lie here a bit, rest a little longer, just fold my hands for a little more sleep” – and poverty comes marching in on you, scarcity hits you like an invading soldier.” (Proverbs 6:6-11)

Rabbi Shapira continues, “At times (one who is lazy) may gain the strength to work hard at his studies for the first week or two of each semester, but his determination quickly peters out. If you possess this character trait, you must quickly attempt to eradicate it at its very root. It is a ruinous trait, potentially destructive to one’s eternal life…The amount of labour necessary to acquire an object should be equal to the value of that which is being obtained. Objects that have little worth may be acquired without much labour, while one must work hard in order to obtain something very precious.”

“If you have compassion on yourself and wish to establish a foundation within you that will serve you well until you reach the wisdom of old age and beyond, excise the trait of laziness from yourself and search and destroy its hidden remnants: the negative attitude toward work that causes negligence and half-heartedness. Become diligent and efficient in your work, but do not become speedy. For the most part, people who work very quickly do a second-rate job…”

(Slide) Rabbi Shapira’s work goes onto to list the principle ills of the soul and their cures. He even provides an exclusive chapter on a cure for laziness and a supplementary chapter called ‘Specific Advice for the Lazy.’ As such this work, though being an Orthodox Jewish publication, is a must have for every Netzarim.  The idea is that we get less arguing and debating over meaningless things and more studying and learning.   

Another layer of assistance in this area is the wealth of knowledge contained in the Sefer Shemirath ha-Lashon (Guard Your Tongue) by Rabbi Yisroel Meir Kagan, who was generally known as Chofetz Chayim (Desirer of Life). The work itself is about the commandments relating to correct speech and the prohibitions of slander. The title of the work is taken from Psalm 34:12–15; "Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of Elohim. Who is the man that desires life; who loves days, that he may see goodness [during them]? Guard your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit; turn from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it." 

How should I Study the Bible?

(Slide) Even with his myriad of human faults and frailties, King David was called 'a man after Yahweh's own heart.' Why? What special quality did this shepherd have that earned him this description? I believe the answer is found in this verse. "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy Torah. (Psalm 119:118)"

For generations the Jew has never felt alone as long as he held a Tehillim in his hands - a faithful companion and unerring guide, giving voice to prayer, comfort in misfortune, faith in adversity, and light in the darkness. The familiar phrases of Tehillim flow constantly from Jewish lips at all times, in all seasons.” So says the introduction to this two-volume edition of the Book of Psalms, which will change the way you view your life. There should be no distinction between a returning Israelite’s connection with this work anymore than with a Jew. Reading Psalms fulfills Isaiah 43:21 which says, “This nation I created for Myself, to recount My praises.”

(Slide) David haMelech treasured the Torah more than any other possession. He loved and thought about it day and night. Read Psalm 119 for proof of this amazing fact. David constantly prayed to understand Yahweh's Torah: to plumb the depths of each command. Remember what Rabbi Shimon Kepha wrote in 2 Peter 1:20-21, that both the prophecy and the understanding of prophecy come from Yahweh. In other words, we can no more understand a divine prophecy than we can deliver one. Both the prophecy and the understanding must come from above. So pray for understanding like King David did. It will be given you in response to your true reaction to Yahweh's Torah. You will either see or you will not see. 

(Slide) You will either understand, or the message will pass you by even were it thundered in your ears a thousand times. The study of Yahweh's Word, and in particular the study of His Torah, will make you humble, wise, happy and content. You too could become a man or woman after Yahweh's own heart. He will react to your innermost yearnings just as He did to King David's. He will open your eyes to see wondrous things out of His Torah. But more importantly, He will grant you the fruits of true understanding: obedience, peace, happiness and joy in your own soul.

(Slide) The Torah is a great treasure, a wealth far beyond anything else that can be gained in the whole world. The ordinances of Yahweh are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.” (Psalm 19:9-10)

(Slide) But, hang on just one sec Cowboy!

(Slide) This means that we must not read the Holy Scriptures with the sole intention of proving others wrong: if you read the Holy Scriptures with the wrong motive, it will not benefit you one iota. Most, if not all, your studies will be a waste of time. You will certainly fill your mind with facts; which you could use to bash others over the head and show them how much Scripture you know: but as far as your eternal salvation is concerned, that will profit you nothing! You'll be wasting your time.

(Slide) “Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O Sovereign Yahweh Tz’veout. (Jeremiah 15:16)”

Oh the difference between finding something and eating it.  It is the one that eats that gets the benefit of what he has found.  Eating makes digestion and assimilation possible.  When these functions are normal, the result is health and strength that aid us in all usefulness and joy of living. Your well-being depends on your nourishment and the best nourishment man can consume is the Word of Yahweh.  “…desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” (1 Peter 2:2) The more of this food you can consume the better, provided you can digest and assimilate. 

(Slide) Holding the Word of Yahweh in your mind is like holding food in your mouth.  This is how we get the full taste of it.  Mixing the Word with meditation as one mixes his food with his saliva causing the food to erupt with flavor. “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalms 119:103)

(Slide) As you hold the Word of Yahweh in your mind, a wonderful thing begins to happen, Yahweh begins to write it on your heart. Doing this causes the Word to taste sweet to you.  

Quite literally, the Torah interprets all Scripture.  Obscure, symbolic passages in one of its books are explained elsewhere in simple terms. As with all good instructional literature, the Holy Scripture is packed with illustrations and examples. In the first five books of the Torah we find all the laws Yahweh gave mankind through His servant Moses. Then there follows book after book of examples of how Yahweh reacts to His people's behavior regarding those laws.

It's all there: the commands in the Torah, the prophetic warnings and living examples of how Yahweh reacts in the other books. You will not find many ethical decisions you have to face in life which are not dealt with in the Holy Scriptures: because Yahweh has not only told us how He wants us to live, but He has also included examples in His word of what will happen if we do not. It is folly of the worst kind to imagine that one can ignore the directions and commands of Yahweh and get away with it. 

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of Yahweh and of YahShua our King, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Peter 1:2-4)”

Study, So That You Are Not Ashamed!

(Slide) Believers spend hours arguing about doctrine. Many make the mistake of trying to find texts, which support what they think, is the truth. They conceive an idea and then spend hours trying to find texts to support it. Instead, we should study all the texts we can find on a given subject before deciding what to believe. Invest in a Bible Concordance: it will enable you to study many texts on a given subject. If time allows, look up as many texts as you can. Then, after prayerfully studying them, see what the Spirit is saying in the Scriptures on that subject. It is Yahweh's Word: and it has a great deal to teach you. The Holy Scriptures are Yahweh lamp to guide our steps: read it every day. In critical matters, that is, in those areas where a mistaken opinion could result in sin, be extra careful and tread softly. Don't delude yourself into excusing your own sins: because on the Day of Judgement - and possibly even earlier - you'll regret it.

(Slide) Most Scriptural truths are portrayed on two levels.

The Physical: This is the first level we humans can see and easily understand. It involves literal, physical things like nations, landmasses, trees, animals, fish, individuals and their possessions.

The Spiritual: This higher level contains the real lessons Yahweh is eager to teach us. It involves concepts, principles, motives, thoughts and all the other activities, which go to make up human character. To explain lessons on this level the Master often used parables, which are stories, based on first level physical examples. By using a level one object lesson, a visual aid, the Saviour high-level truths which are normally not grasped by the human mind. “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world have come. (1 Corinthians 10:11)"

This means that most, if not all, the experiences recorded in the Holy Scriptures have a wider, higher, spiritual application. They occurred in those ancient days on one level; but were recorded 'for our admonition' for our learning! Because they are 'real-life prophecies' of earth-encompassing realities scheduled to take place on a massive scale in our day - upon which the ends of the world have come.

(Slide) Nothing exercises the mind more than writing down what you have learned. It is for this reason that is why I try to have the notes in front of you as I preach or teach so that you can write down the questions and scriptural answers. Try to get into the habit of writing down what you have learned. Make notes in the margins of your Scriptures. Underline passages that impress you as being important. Set up your own reference system, which will point you to a preceding or succeeding text, which deals with the same subject. Do not be scared of ruining the pages: because when you write something down on paper, you are in fact writing it on your mind. Keep a Notebook and write down the things you have learned. If you have a computer, so much the better; because you will then be able to update your work regularly.

What the Word can do

(Slide) The Scripture will make one wise unto salvation.

“…from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Messiah YahShua (2 Timothy 3:15)”

The Scripture will produce the Gift of Faith.

“…faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Yahweh. (Romans 10:17)”

The Scripture will reveal who the Messiah Is.

“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. (John 5:39)”

The Scripture will build up your resolve.

“…I commend you to Yahweh and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up … (Acts 20:32)”

The Scripture will notify you of your inheritance.

“…I commend you to Yahweh and to the word of His grace, which is able to … give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (Acts 20:32)”

(Slide) “And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried: but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” (Daniel 12:9,10)

What is this text saying? It is saying that understanding will not be given to the wicked, 'none of the wicked shall understand:' but understanding is given to the righteous, to those who have been purified, made white and tried. In other words, true understanding is not a matter of human intellect, education, will power or finance. True wisdom and understanding are gifts from Yahweh to those who do His will.

The sincere desire to know and obey Yahweh's Torah is the very first step towards true wisdom and understanding. Conversely, the path of wickedness leads inevitably to ignorance, confusion and folly. “But the path of the just is a shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. (Proverbs 4:18)”

This means that if you really want to know, you must Trust and Obey Yahweh: and as you do this your path will become brighter and brighter as time proceeds. You will learn more and more, not only about human nature and its follies, but of Yahweh's plans, His methods and His aims and, perhaps, His motives. For you, life will not become a confused mess, as it is with so many people, but a glorious journey with Yahweh guiding your every step. 

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