Tolstoy on the Messianic Message…

Actually, Tolstoy was referring to something else, but this quote perfectly fits the Messianic message.

“I know that most men, including those at ease with problems of the greatest complexity, can seldom accept even the simplest and most obvious truth if it be such as would oblige them to admit the falsity of conclusions which they have delighted in explaining to colleagues, which they have proudly taught to others, and which they have woven, thread by thread, into the fabric of their lives.”

— Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy, 1828-1910, Russian short story writer, novelist, playwright, and essayist.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to walk out what we are learning as living examples. When we speak it must be in love and with patience. And, we need to know when to shut up! Too often, in our zeal, we say too much. Paradigm shifting truth can only be absorbed in small increments.

Let the Ruach (Spirit) do His part in His time. Our job is to simply plant and water….

(A ‘thank you’ to Ed Boring, BYNA Elder, for forwarding this quote…)

AoG Pastor Changes to Sabbath and Feast Observance. Why?

Following is a terrific video of Assemblies of God Pastor Scott Hillman humbly and compassionately giving testimony of why and how he and most of his congregation began keeping Shabbat and the Feasts of the Lord. Interestingly, after many questions and deep discussion, his denomination allowed him to stay and Hillman reveals that he is not alone. Apparently, there are a number of AoG congregations that have begun to take all of God’s Word seriously.

He is not alone. I have recently heard that there are more than 100 Southern Baptist Missionaries who self identify as Messianic and walk as the Messiah did, keeping Sabbath, eating clean and keeping Feasts. I personally know several pastors, one Southern Baptist, who have made the switch in the last year.

Our Father is doing something amazing in our day. He is bringing His people back to the fullness of Truth and causing them to question doctrines that are not rooted in Scripture, only justified with logic. May He be praised!!

‘Done away with,’ or merely suspended?

Central to Christendom’s argument that the Torah or Law is ‘done away with’ is the obvious fact that there is no Temple and therefore, significant chunks of instruction cannot be carried out. But, does the absence of a Temple mean God did away with that part of the Law as Christendom believes? Or, does it simply mean that for the time being part of the Law cannot be obeyed?

What does Scripture say?

Yeshua, when talking about the Torah and the Prophets, said,

…truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not ^[a]the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

With heaven and earth still clearly here, are there passages in the Law and the Prophets that have not been fulfilled?

To even the most ill informed reader of Scripture, it is clear there are hundreds, maybe a thousand verses/passages that are unfulfilled. The most perplexing would be the passages promising future Continue reading “‘Done away with,’ or merely suspended?”

Hermeneutics and Theological Cockelburs

Not long ago, an old friend from seminary visited. Unlike most friends in ministry who jettisoned us after we began this Messianic journey, they have remained close, though we rarely have a Scriptural discussion of real substance. This visit was different as we enjoyed a spirited discussion that they closed with the simple statement, “Well, you’ve given me a lot to think about.”

During that discussion, we talked briefly about the Sabbath and upon reflection, I noticed something fascinating that will prove beneficial in future conversations.

When we attended seminary at Columbia International University (class of ’02), one of the annual requirements was signing and submitting to the policies of the Standards Handbook. Because the Christian college and seminary are Biblically very conservative, one of the standards we were required to agree to was Continue reading “Hermeneutics and Theological Cockelburs”

Interview and Presentation by Batya Wooten

While outwardly, B’ney Yosef North America (BYNA) has been pretty quiet, I can tell you from first hand participation, there has been MUCH going on. I am very encouraged at the happenings in spite of many challenges we have faced in our first few months of existence. Truly, Abba is doing something very special.

The BYNA website finally has a dedicated team that will be making regular updates and postings with news, articles, videos, etc… Keep an eye on it for information. Also, the National Shabbat website is growing as are the number of places participating!! This has been an incredibly blessed step in the direction of reconciliation and restoration. Register and participate!! Lastly, look for information on an initiative we are taking this Elul for the 40 days of repentance…

Now, here is an excellent interview and presentation by Batya Wooten assembled from a couple pieces of footage at the 2016 Summit in St. Petersburg, FL. Watch this and be blessed!!

Shalom!

Something to really think about…

Yesterday, Kelly and I took several teens, including three of our boys to Camp Mashiach. Long day driving about 11 hours round trip.

In the latter stages of our return home, I was pondering the following thought:

‘If Yeshua was righteous by keeping the Torah, what makes us think we can be righteous while breaking the Torah?’

I know, someone one will say, ‘but we have the righteousness of Christ.’

I say, ‘if you really think that argument holds water, then why don’t you commit murder, or steal, or lie?’

Truth: The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.

Marinate.

More than just the dry bones of Ezekiel coming alive!!

Over the last year, I have been a witness to and a part of seeing the dry bones, spoken of by Ezekiel the prophet ( ch. 37 ) begin to come to life. Indeed, there is much much more that I haven’t seen, but even my small glimpse through BYNA and the increasingly obvious second stick has been amazing.

Well, today, I read a couple articles indicating the fulfillment of another end times Ezekiel prophecy beginning to take place. Breaking Israel News has had several astounding articles about parts of the Dead Sea suddenly teeming with life in, get this, FRESH WATER pools!!

We visited the eastern shore of the Dead Sea last year and I can tell you, it is starkly beautiful and far too salty to sustain life, yet…. Breaking Israel News tells the rest of the story in the following three articles:

Fulfillment of the Dead Sea Prophecy has begun!

The woman behind the viral Dead Sea Prophecy coming to life!

What do fish, bread and the Dead Sea Prophecy have in common? You might be surprised.

Enjoy!! Even as we watch the craziness of the world increase, it is clear that our King is not just paralleling, but running ahead of the adversary… So incredibly exciting to be alive right now!

I’m counting down the days….

The Way – Documentary

Coming August 14, 2016!!!

The Trailer

Surviving the End Times requires a three legged stool…

Has anyone noticed the crazy acceleration of events in the last few months? Seriously! If in the last few years the world looked like it was coming unglued, today, there can be no doubt. Much like an engine over revving, the faster/farther we go, the smaller the hiccup required to cause this spinning top to completely explode!

Events in the US alone indicate that this economy/culture/society are on the brink of disaster, but Europe is in total meltdown and the Mideast continues to boil at an ever more violent rate.

While discussing current events with a close friend, I made the comment, ‘You know, survival takes a three legged stool?’ An interesting discussion ensued.

Honestly, none of us are prepared, though many have a good start. Here are some thoughts that each of us need to consider Continue reading “Surviving the End Times requires a three legged stool…”

Mizrah and serendipity…

³⁸if they return to You with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, where they have been taken captive, and pray toward their land which You have given to their fathers and the city which You have chosen, and toward the house which I have built for Your name, ³⁹then hear from heaven, from Your dwelling place, their prayer and supplications, and maintain their cause and forgive Your people who have sinned against You.

A dear friend recently sent us a beautiful card with detailed embellishment and the Hebrew word ‘Mizrah’ in the middle. Inside the card, she mentioned that ‘if you didn’t have a mizrah, you do now.’

Well, I didn’t know what a ‘Mizrah’ is, so this evening when I had a minute I did a quick web search to find out more. I found that ‘mizrah’ means ‘east’ and every observant Jewish home has one hanging on an inside eastern wall to point the direction toward the Land, Jerusalem and the Temple.

Mizrah can be stylized in many ways, as evidenced by an image search of the word. See all of these on Bing.

When I saw all of those images, the type and style along with the information contained in many struck and I jumped out of my office chair and ran Continue reading “Mizrah and serendipity…”