The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and the Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

YAHWEH sent a great prophet to prepare the people for the arrival of our Saviour, YAHshua. That prophet was called "John the baptizer." However, most people incorrectly refer to him as "John the Baptist." (John was called the "baptizer" because he baptized so many people, including our Saviour.)

Matthew 3 (I) In those days came John the baptizer, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, (2) And saying, Repent ye: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. (3) For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias [Isaiah], saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of YAHWEH, [Isa. 40 (3)] make HIS paths straight. (4) And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. (5) Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, (6) And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

YAHshua was baptized by John the Baptizer.

Matthew 3 (11) I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He [YAHshua] that cometh after me is mightier than I, Whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire: (12) Whose fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into the garner; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. (13) Then cometh YAHshua from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. (14) But John forbad Him, saying, I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me? (15) And YAHshua answering said unto him, Suffer [allow] it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered [allowed] Him. (16) And YAHshua, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of YAHWEH descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: (17) And lo a voice from Heaven, saying, This is MY beloved Son, in Whom I [YAHWEH] am well pleased.

YAHshua tested by the devil

Immediately after His baptism, YAHshua was taken into the wilderness where He fasted forty days.

Matthew 4 (I) Then was YAHshua led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted [tested] of the devil. (2) And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward hungered.

The devil tried to test YAHshua to see if He really was the Son of YAHWEH. YAHshua rejected the devil's challenge by quoting the word of YAHWEH to him.

Matthew 4 (3) And when the tempter [satan] came to Him, he said, If Thou be the Son of YAHWEH, command that these stones be made bread. (4) But He [YAHshua] answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of YAHWEH [Deu 8 (3)].

The devil tried again to see if he could trick YAHshua by misapplying Psalm 91:11-12. YAHshua answered him by correctly applying Deuteronomy 6:16.

Matthew 4 (5) Then the devil taketh Him up into the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, (6) And saith unto Him, If Thou be the Son of YAHWEH, cast thyself down: for it is written, HE shall give HIS angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. (7) YAHshua said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt YAHWEH thy Elohim.

The devil then tried to bribe YAHshua into worshiping him instead of worshiping YAHWEH. That didn't work either. YAHshua answered him with Deuteronomy 6:13.

Matthew 4 (8) Again, the devil taketh Him up into an exceeding high mountain, and showeth Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; (9) And saith unto Him, All these things will I give Thee, if Thou wilt fall down and worship me. (10) Then saith YAHshua unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship YAHWEH thy Elohim, and HIM only shalt thou serve. (11) Then the devil leaveth Him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto Him.

YAHshua's first miracle

A short time after YAHshua's went forth into Galilee, He attended a wedding in Cana where He performed His first recorded miracle. Many people speculate on whether the water was turned into wine, grape juice, or was only served as plain water. (I will not speculate on it. I will just accept it as it is written.)

John 2 (I) And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of YAHshua was there: (2) And both YAHshua was called, and His disciples, to the marriage. (3) And when they wanted wine, the mother of YAHshua saith unto him, They have no wine. (4) YAHshua saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come. (5) His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it. (6) And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. (7) YAHshua saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. (8) And He saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. (9) When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, (10) And saith unto Him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but Thou hast kept the good wine until now. (11) This beginning of miracles did YAHshua in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth His glory; and His disciples believed on Him.

HalleluYAH!

In the next lesson, a study will be made on the first preaching of YAHshua and His rejection by the people of His own hometown.

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and the Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

YAHshua not only began His ministry in Galilee, but most likely spent more time there than anywhere else. His main subject was to "Repent: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." ("Repent" means to change from our ways back to YAHWEH'S ways.")

Matthew 4 (12) Now when YAHshua had heard that John [the baptizer] was cast into prison, He departed into Galilee; (13) And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: … (17) From that time YAHshua began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

Many more of these things that took place in the ministry of YAHshua were recorded in Mark that were not recorded in Matthew before the famous "Sermon on the Mount" took place. Therefore, we will pick up the narrative in the first chapter of Mark. (The plans are to come back to the "Sermon on the Mount" later on in this series.)

Mark 1 (14) Now after that John [the baptizer] was put in prison, YAHshua came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of YAHWEH, (15) And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of YAHWEH is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

In this next scripture, YAHshua picked four of His twelve disciples, which He later called "Apostles."

Mark 1 (16) Now as He walked by the sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. (17) And YAHshua said unto them, Come ye after Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. (18) And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed Him. (19) And when He had gone a little farther thence, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. (20) And straightway He called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after Him.

In this next scripture, YAHshua was teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath Day where He commanded the unclean spirit to come out of a man.

Mark 1 (21) And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the Sabbath Day He entered into the synagogue, and taught. (22) And they were astonished at His doctrine: for He taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. (23) And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, (24) Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with Thee, Thou YAHshua of Nazareth? Art Thou come to destroy us? I know Thee Who Thou art, the Holy One of YAHWEH. (25) And YAHshua rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. (26) And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. (27) And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority commandeth He even the unclean spirits, and they do obey Him. (28) And immediately His fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.

After that, YAHshua healed Simon's (Peter) wife. When even had come, He healed many that were sick of different diseases, and cast out many devils.

Mark 1 (29) And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. (30) But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell Him of her. (31) And He came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. (32) And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto Him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. (33) And all the city was gathered together at the door. (34) And He healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew Him.

The next day YAHshua moved on to other towns. In one of the towns, He healed a man that had leprosy.

Mark 1 (35) And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. (36) And Simon and they that were with Him followed after Him. (37) And when they had found Him, they said unto Him, All men seek for Thee. (38) And He said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. (39) And He preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils. (40) And there came a leper to Him, beseeching Him, and kneeling down to Him, and saying unto Him, If Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean. (41) And YAHshua, moved with compassion, put forth His hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. (42) And as soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. (43) And He straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away; (44) And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. (45) But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that YAHshua could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to Him from every quarter.

In this next scripture, we find that one man was let down through the roof in order to be healed by YAHshua.

Mark 2 (I) And again He entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that He was in the house. (2) And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and He preached the word unto them. (3) And they come unto Him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. (4) And when they could not come nigh unto Him for the press, they uncovered the roof where He was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. (5) When YAHshua saw their faith, He said unto the sick of the palsy, son, thy sins be forgiven thee. (6) But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, (7) Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but YAHWEH only? (8) And immediately when YAHshua perceived in His spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, He said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? (9) Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? (10) But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (He saith to the sick of the palsy,) (11) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. (12) And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified YAHWEH, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

In this next scripture, YAHshua picked another one of His twelve disciples. (In Matthew 9:9 and at all other times in the New Testament, Levi was called "Matthew".)

Mark 2 (13) And He went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto Him, and He taught them. (14) And as He passed by, He saw *Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow Me. And he arose and followed Him. (15) And it came to pass, that, as YAHshua sat at meat in His house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with YAHshua and His disciples: for there were many, and they followed Him. (16) And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto His disciples, How is it that He eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? (17) When YAHshua heard it, He saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (18) And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto Him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Thy disciples fast not? (19) And YAHshua said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. (20) But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days. (21) No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse. (22) And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.

YAHshua, Who is Sovereign of the Sabbath Day, was accused by the scribes and Pharisees of breaking it. He and His disciples were rubbing the heads of grain between there hands and eating the good kernels as they passed through the field on the Sabbath Day. This was not harvesting the crop.

Mark 2 (23) And it came to pass, that He went through the corn fields on the Sabbath Day; and His disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn [grain]. (24) And the Pharisees said unto Him, Behold, why do they on the Sabbath day that which is not lawful? (25) And He said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him? (26) How he went into the house of YAHWEH in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the showbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him? (27) And He said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath: (28) Therefore the Son of man is Sovereign also of the Sabbath.

Let us end this week's lesson by saying, "HalleluYAH!"

Third week's lesson on
The Deeds and Teachings of YAHshua

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and the Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

In last week's lesson we finished the second chapter of Mark. We read that YAHshua, Who is Sovereign of the Sabbath Day, was accused by the scribes and the Pharisees of breaking it. Continuing in the very next chapter, we see that they were watching to see if YAHshua would heal a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath Day. (According to all their own commandments of men, it was not lawful for YAHshua to do it.) They were still looking for any excuse that they could trump up to get rid of Him.

Mark 3 (I) And He entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand. (2) And they watched Him, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath day; that they might accuse Him. (3) And He saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. (4) And He saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath days, or to do evil? To save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. (5) And when He had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, He saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. (6) And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him.

Next, YAHshua went down by the sea where a multitude of people followed Him. He healed many people there at this time.

Mark 3 (7) But YAHshua withdrew Himself with His disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judaea, (8) And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan; and they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things He did, came unto Him. (9) And He spake to His disciples, that a small ship should wait on Him because of the multitude, lest they should throng Him. (10) For He had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon Him for to touch Him, as many as had plagues. (11) And unclean spirits, when they saw Him, fell down before Him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of YAHWEH. (12) And He straitly charged them that they should not make Him known.

YAHshua went back up on a mountain from there. He singled out twelve people whom He ordained that they should be with Him and go preach for Him. (These twelve are known as the "Twelve Apostles." (Apostle means "sent one.")

Mark 3 (13) And He goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto Him whom He would: and they came unto Him. (14) And He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach, (15) And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: (16) And Simon He surnamed Peter; (17) And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and He surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: (18) And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, (19) And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed Him: and they went into a house.

The same multitude that we saw in verses seven and eight which were from Galilee, Judaea, Jerusalem, Idumaea, beyond Jordan, and they about Tyre and Sidon come together again. It was here that YAHshua's own friends thought that He was crazy.

Mark 3 (20) And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. (21) And when His friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on Him: for they said, He is beside Himself.

The scribes who were also Pharisees accused YAHshua of casting out devils by Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils instead of by the power of YAHWEH.

Mark 3 (22) And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth He out devils. (23) And He called them unto Him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? (24) And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. (25) And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. (26) And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. (27) No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house. (28) Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: (29) But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Spirit hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.

YAHshua's mother and brethren came probably to see for themselves what was going on when they heard that He was accused of having a devil.

Mark 3 (30) Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit. (31) There came then His brethren and His mother, and, standing without, sent unto Him, calling Him. (32) And the multitude sat about Him, and they said unto Him, Behold, Thy mother and Thy brethren without seek for Thee. (33) And He answered them, saying, Who is My mother, or My brethren? (34) And He looked round about on them which sat about Him, and said, Behold My mother and My brethren! (35) For whosoever shall do the Will of YAHWEH, the same is My brother, and My sister, and mother.

It is very possible that it was at this point that YAHshua gave the famous sermon that is referred to as the "Sermon on the Mount." Therefore, we will pick up again in the fifth chapter of Matthew in lesson four.

Let us end this lesson by saying HalleluYAH!!!

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and the Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

…….

In the fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters of Matthew, is recorded a long sermon that was given by YAHshua our Messiah. It is usually referred to as "The Sermon on the Mount." YAHshua was speaking to His disciples. (A disciple means a learner, or a pupil.) YAHshua had many disciples besides the twelve whom He chose to be His Apostles (an apostle is a "sent one.") He also has many disciples today and we can we become one of His disciples too.

Before we start in Matthew 5:1, maybe we should discuss how we can also become one of YAHshua's disciples. In the next few verses, we find that to be YAHshua's disciple we must love Him more than our own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters. We are to love Him even more than our own lives and every thing that we have. In other words, we must put Him ahead of everything else in our whole lives.

Luke 14 (25) And there went great multitudes with Him: and He turned, and said unto them, (26) If any man come to Me, and hate [G3404-love less] not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. (27) And whosoever doth not bear his cross [put to death the old sinful life], and come after Me, cannot be My disciple. … (33) So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.

As also seen in the above scripture, we must also put to death our old sinful way of living. How do we do that? Peter made that known on the great and awesome Day of Pentecost nearly two thousand years ago.

Acts 2 (37) Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? (38) Then Peter said unto them, Repent [turn back to YAHWEH'S ways], and be baptized every one of you in the name of YAHshua Messiah for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (39) For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as YAHWEH our Elohim shall call.

It was during the Sermon on the Mount that YAHshua gave what is referred to as the "Beatitudes."

Matthew 5 (I) And seeing the multitudes, He [YAHshua] went up into a mountain: and when He was set, His disciples came unto Him: (2) And He opened His mouth, and taught them, saying,

Matthew 5 (3) Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 5 (4) Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Matthew 5 (5) Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

In Psalm 37, it is also stated that the meek will inherit the Earth.

Psalm 37 (7) Rest in YAHWEH, and wait patiently for HIM: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. (8) Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. (9) For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon YAHWEH, they shall inherit the Earth. (10) For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. (11) But the meek shall inherit the Earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Matthew 5 (6) Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Matthew 5 (7) Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Matthew 5 (8) Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see YAHWEH.

Matthew 5 (9) Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the Children of YAHWEH.

Matthew 5 (10) Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 5 (11) Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. (12) Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in Heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

In the next verse, YAHshua compares Believers to salt. He warns them that if they become worthless like bad salt they would be cast out of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Matthew 5 (13) Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

In the next verses, YAHshua compares Believers to light and stresses how important it is to be an example for others so they will glorify YAHWEH.

Matthew 5 (14) Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. (15) Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. (16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your FATHER which is in Heaven.

In this next scripture, YAHshua said that He did not come to destroy the Law (Hebrew "Torah") or the prophets but to fulfil them.

Matthew 5 (17) Think not that I am come to destroy the law [Torah of Moses], or [the teaching of] the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. [to fulfill that which the Torah and the Prophets taught concerning Him (see Luke 24:44-46)] (18) For verily I say unto you, *Till Heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law [Torah of Moses], TILL ALL BE FULFILLED.

TILL ALL what BE FULFILLED? YAHshua came to fulfill that which was taught concerning Himself through the laws of sacrifices and ceremonies which were only part of the Law (Torah - commonly called the "Law of Moses") that YAHWEH gave through Moses. He also came to fulfill those same things that were taught by the Prophets and in the Writings in the Tanakh (Old Testament). This is that which He was referring to when He spoke to His disciples on the fourth day after His death.

Luke 24 (36) And as they thus spake, YAHshua Himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. (37) But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. (38) And He said unto them, Why are ye troubled? And why do thoughts arise in your hearts? (39) Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself: handle Me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see Me have. (40) And when He had thus spoken, He showed them His hands and His feet. (41) And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, He said unto them, Have ye here any meat? (42) And they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish, and of a honeycomb. (43) And He took it, and did eat before them. (44) And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law [Torah] of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning Me. (45) Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, (46) And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Messiah to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

The all things that were taught by the sacrificial and ceremonial laws administered by the Levitical Priesthood, the testimonies of the prophets and words concerning Him in the Psalms foretold of YAHshua's death, burial, resurrection and ascension to Heaven where He now sits as our Mediator of the New Covenant. These are the things that had to be fulfilled before one jot or one tittle would pass from the law (Torah) that He came to fulfill. He did fulfill that which He came for! HALLELUYAH!

In addition to fulfilling the things mentioned above, YAHshua lived according to every aspect of the Torah by obeying its every point to the fullest.

I must admit that the understanding of the above verses that have come to me is not shared by all Torah keeping Brethren. However, I am still in an exhaustive study concerning the Torah (translated as "LAW") and the Old and New Covenants.

Let us end this lesson with HALLELUYAH!!!

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and the Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

Continuing from Matthew 5:18, YAHshua said the following:

Matthew 5 (19) Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least Commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. (20) For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

In the next few verses, YAHshua explains the deeper meaning of the commandment "Thou shalt not kill." (This commandment (#6) as well as the other five (#5, #7, #8, #9, & #10) which pertains to loving your fellow human beings is based on YAHWEH'S love.)

Matthew 5 (21) Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill [Exo 20:13, Deu. 5:17]; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: (22) But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a [Scripturally just] cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. (23) Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; (24) Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. (25) Agree [G2132-to be well-minded] with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. (26) Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

In the next scripture, YAHshua speaks concerning commandment number seven.

Matthew 5 (27) Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: [Exo. 20:14] (28) But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. (29) And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. (30) And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. (31) It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: [Deu 24:1] (32) But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

In these next three verses YAHshua is addressing a problem that most people do not understand fully. They usually understand it as cursing and taking an oath in matters of law etc. An excerpt from "Gospel Light an Indispensable Guide to the Teachings of Jesus [YAHshua] & the customs of His Time," by George M. Lamsa will give more light on the situation that was then present (page 39-40).

Matthew 5 (33) Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself but shalt perform unto YAHWEH thine oaths: [Lev. 19:12; Deu. 13:22], (34) But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by Heaven; for it is YAHWEH'S throne [Isaiah 66 (I)]: (35) Nor by the earth; for it is HIS footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. [Psa. 48:2], (36) Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. (37) But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

'As fixed prices are unknown in the East, buying and selling is a complicated business. Each merchant has his own prices and quotes them to each customer as he pleases. The customer is afraid of being cheated and has his own idea of the price. This makes business burdensome. For instance, if one decides to buy a pair of shoes or a garment, it means a day's work and much exhaustion because of mistrust and incessant bargaining before making the purchase.

'When the price cannot be settled by bargaining, merchants and their customers generally take oaths by temples and holy names in proof of their sincerity. They take an oath say, "By God's [YAHWEH'S] name and His holy angels, this pair of shoes cost me six dollars but you can have it for three dollars." When such oaths are ineffective then they resort to swearing. Thus, "If I lie to you I am the son of a dog or an ass, the shoes cost me three dollars but I will let you have them for a dollar and a half". To all of this the suspecting customer replies, "By my only son's head, I will not pay you more than a dollar". If this fails the merchant is apt to spit in the face of the customer.

'Instead of this conventional cross play, waste of time and temper, Jesus [YAHshua] here insists on directness and frankness in dealing with one another. He knew that when a man is cheated he would try to cheat others, and if one is deceived by oaths uttered on sacred names he would likewise do the same in transactions with others. "Yes, yes' and "No, no" is the only successful and straightforward method in business. The Orient is only now learning that such a method is far superior to their traditional system.'

Today's application may be that we should make all our communications and dealings with our fellow man in an honest and forthright manner.

Following this next scripture, the same author that wrote the above comments makes comments on verses 38 & 39 (page 40-41).

Matthew 5 (38) Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: [Exo. 21:24; Lev. 24:20; Deu. 21:20], (39) But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

'The term evil here means injustice. In the east people are forced to do hard labor. Those in power generally oppress the poor. Property is confiscated unjustly. Resistance in such cases generally results in heavier burdens, violence and even murder. Nonresistance is the only weapon with which the poor can defend themselves. Politicians, government officials and rich men are always friendly and kind toward those who willingly carry their burdens without complaining. On the other hand, those who offer resistance are treated as rebels and made to pay heavy penalties. The reference here is probably to government officials and soldiers who misuse their authority but against whom resistance is futile. This counsel did not refer to resisting attacks made by bandits and murderers.'

Until net lesson, HalleluYAH!!!

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and the Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

(Please read lesson five again as some additional comments were added to it.)

Continuing in Matthew 5: This next verse presents an interesting case (no pun entended).

Matthew 5 (40) And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.

Surely our Saviour did not suggest that if your neighbor sues you for accidentally running over and killing his chicken that you are to hand over your whole farm to him leaving you and your family to go live under a bridge somewhere. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the culture and customs of the Holy Land in YAHshua's time to understand why He said the above. An excerpt from "Gospel Light an Indispensable Guide to the Teachings of Jesus [YAHshua] & the customs of His Time," by George M. Lamsa may give more light on the situation that was then present (page 40).

    'Petty bandits and robbers generally take by force the victim's garments and shoes. Clothes are also stolen from homes and the fields. When a man is taken to court under suspicion his good upper garments are taken from him as a bond. Innocent men are often mistaken fro bandits and taken before government officials. If found guilty and they have no money, they are stripped of their clothes.
    'Clothes are also accepted as security for loans. When people fail to pay their loans the creditors are willing to accept the garments in lieu of payment.
    'If a man should resist giving his robe, he will be forced not only to give it but his other clothing will also be confiscated and, in addition, he will be punished. But, a man will not be naked if he gives his shirt and robe because Easterners wear many shirts and robes, one upon another, in summer and winter alike. A man generally wears all the garment he has because in the East his social standing is determined by the number of clothes he wears. '

The application for the above verse for today may be to not resist doing everything possible to settle disputes with others without having to be taken to court.

Following this next verse, George M. Lamsa also gives light concerning it.

Matthew 5 (41) And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

    'In most Eastern countries, railroads and other modern forms of transportation are still unknown. Merchandise, food supplies, and building materials are carried on the backs of animals and men. In some isolated regions of the country, roads are so narrow and difficult the entire transportation is accomplished by men. Where animals of burden are scarce, men and women carry wheat on their backs for twenty, thirty miles or more. During the cold winter months, in some sections, the backs of men is the only method of transportation.
    'In times of war or peace, when companies or regiments of the army are transferred from one place to another, both men and animals are drafted into service for the transportation of military supplies. If roads are inaccessible for animals, men do it all. This work is evenly divided by the army officers among the people of the various towns on the route to destination. That is to say, the people of one town carry the burden as far as the next town. They are notified in advance to be ready. On some occasions the journey is not more than one or two miles. Those who gladly respond to the summons and willingly take up the burdens are released as soon as the next town is reached and new men drafted into service, but those who fail to report in due time or those who resist are compelled by the officers, as punishment, to go to a journey of two or three days instead of a mile. Gentle and humble men, approached by harsh officers and asked to go one mile, generally reply "I shall be glad to go two miles, my Lord [Adoni]." The officer's heart softens and these men are assigned light burdens and are released as soon as possible. Rough men who resist the performance of these duties are beaten severly and given heavy burdens to carry.
    Jesus [YAHshua] had watched Roman army officers recruiting men to carry food and military supplies during the revolutions and wars in Syria, Palestine and Persia. It is quite probable that He had submissively obeyed the law of the princes of this world and because of His readiness and willingness, He was doubtless given the lighter burden and shorter mileage. In the eye of Jesus [YAHshua], nonresistance was the only weapon with which to combat the forces of this world. Meekness and gentleness were ultimately to bring happiness and peace.'

The application for the above verse for today may be that we should do everything possible without disobeying YAHWEH to obey those in authority over us as this scripture suggests.

I Peter 2 (13) Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Sovereign's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; (14) Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by HIM for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. (15) For so is the Will of YAHWEH, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

Surely our Saviour did not suggest in this next verse that you are to hand over your whole farm to anyone who wishes to borrow or just plain take it leaving you and your family to go live under a bridge somewhere. To put this verse in its proper context, Luke 6:30-36 will follow it.

Matthew 5 (42) Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Luke 6 (30) Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. (31) And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. (32) For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? For sinners also love those that love them. (33) And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? For sinners also do even the same. (34) And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? For sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. (35) But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for HE is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. (36) Be ye therefore merciful, as your FATHER also is merciful.

The best application of the above scriptures is to apply what is usually referred to as the "Golden Rule" which is found in verse 31. Do unto others as you would have them to do unto you.

Shalom of YAHWEH and YAHshua be with you all during the upcoming Passover Festival with the included Days of Unleavened Bread! HalleluYAH!!!

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and the Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

This week's teaching of YAHshua in what is usually referred to as the Sermon on the Mount starts out concerning loving you neighbor. Let us each one ask ourselves, "Can we measure up to these standards?"

Matthew 5 (43) Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate [love less] thine enemy (44) But I [YAHshua] say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (45) That ye may be the children of your FATHER which is in Heaven: for HE maketh HIS sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. (46) For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? (47) And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so? (48) Be ye therefore perfect [complete or mature in moral character], even as your FATHER which is in Heaven is perfect.

The Apostle Paul taught the same principle.

Romans 12 (19) Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is MINE; I will repay, saith YAHWEH [Psa. 94:1]. (20) Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. (21) Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

We find the same teaching in the Book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 25 (21) If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: (22) for thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and YAHWEH shall reward thee.

In Matthew 6:1-4, YAHshua was teaching the correct spirit in which to give to the needy in order to please YAHWEH instead of pleasing men. To please men, the Pharisees who were the leading religious men of that day attracted attention before they gave their alms to the poor. They went so far as to blow a trumpet to attract many people to come together. After the people came together to see what was going on, then the self-righteous Pharisees would give their alms to some beggar or some other needy person. They did this so that the people would see how righteous and caring they were. They were after social and religious recognition from men. That was all the reward those hypocrites received. They will get no reward from YAHWEH.

Matthew 6 (I) Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your FATHER which is in Heaven. (2) Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (3) But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: (4) That thine alms may be in secret: and thy FATHER which seeth in secret HIMSELF shall reward thee openly.

The Pharisees did their praying for the same reasons that they did the public giving of alms. They wanted to be seen and heard of men for social and religious recognition.

Matthew 6 (5) And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (6) But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy FATHER which is in secret; and thy FATHER which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. (7) But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. (8) Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your FATHER knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

The following things are found in YAHshua's model prayer for us to know how to pray and what to pray for in His name.

# 1 We are to recognize that YAHWEH is our FATHER.

# 2 We are to recognize that YAHWEH is in Heaven.

# 3 We are to recognize that YAHWEH'S name is holy. (God is not YAHWEH'S holy name!)

# 4 We are to recognize that YAHWEH kingdom, His power and HIS glory belongs to HIM forever.

# 5 We are to pray for YAHWEH'S kingdom to come to this Earth.

# 6 We are to pray that YAHWEH'S will shall be done by us in the Earth as it is in Heaven.

# 7 We are to pray for YAHWEH to supply our daily needs. (We must then trust in HIM to supply them.)

# 8 We are to ask that YAHWEH forgives us our debts only as we forgive others their debts to us.

# 9 We are to recognize that YAHWEH forgives us our trespasses against HIM only if we forgive other men their trespasses against us.

Matthew 6 (9) After this manner therefore pray ye: Our FATHER which art in Heaven, Hallowed be THY name. (10) THY kingdom come. THY will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven. (11) Give us this day our daily bread. (12) And forgive us our debts [and for trespasses], as we forgive our debtors. (13) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For THINE is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (14) For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly FATHER will also forgive you: (15) But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your FATHER forgive your trespasses.

For some insight concerning the first half of verse thirteen, I must quote again from "Gospel Light an Indispensable Guide to the Teachings of Jesus [YAHshua] & the customs of His Time," by George M. Lamsa.

Matthew 6 (13) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…

This phrase in Aramaic means "do not let us enter into temptation." Aramaic speaking people often say, "do not let us be in need," "prevent me from making a mistake." When a husband goes on a journey, his wife's last remark to him is "do not leave us in want." The Aramaic word nesiona refers to luxurious or worldly living. I does not mean God [YAHWEH] would lead us into such a life. For instance Judas, when he sold his Master, was tempted by the love of money and not by God. God leads no one into temptation. "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted, I neither tempteth he any man:" (James 1:14). He guides those who look to him for wisdom and helps to overcome the evil of material life. The Aramaic word pasan here more correctly means "part us from evil things and not "deliver us." God has authority over the universe and we are under God's power.

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and The Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

As stated in the previous lesson, the Pharisees wanted to be seen and heard of men for social and religious recognition. When they fasted they had to be sure that everyone would be aware that they were fasting so that they would get the praise of men. That is why YAHshua said the following:

Matthew 6 (16) Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. (17) But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; (18) That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy FATHER which is in secret: and thy FATHER, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

In these next few verses, YAHshua is making the point that the priority of our goals in life should be set on the Kingdom of YAHWEH and not the things of this world. (People become so involved in pleasures and attaining much worldly goods that the Kingdom of Heaven seems to be ignored.)

Matthew 6 (19) Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: (20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (21) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (22) The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. (23) But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! (24) No man can serve two controllers or adowns: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve YAHWEH and mammon [wealth-worldly or material things].

YAHshua's teaching in the next several verses can be summed up as thusly: Seek the Kingdom of YAHWEH and HIS righteousness and HE will provide you and your family with the necessities of this life.

Matthew 6 (25) Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? (26) Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly FATHER feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? (27) Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? (28) And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: (29) And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (30) Wherefore, if YAHWEH so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall HE not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? (31) Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? Or, What shall we drink? Or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (32) (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your Heavenly FATHER knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first the Kingdom of YAHWEH, and HIS righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (34) Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

These first two verses in chapter six warn us about judging one another.

Matthew 7 (I) Judge not, that ye be not judged. (2) For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

In the next three Verses, YAHshua is teaching that if we have big faults of our own we shouldn't be criticizing or nit-picking our brethren about their faults.

Matthew 7 (3) And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? (4) Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? (5) Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

In this next verse, YAHshua is warning us to not waste our time telling the good things of YAHWEH to those who we know will intentionally make fun of them or use them to deliberately blaspheme YAHWEH or HIS people.

Matthew 7 (6) Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

In these next verses, YAHshua is showing how much more our Heavenly FATHER will answer our petitions than we do for our own children. HalleluYAH!!!

Matthew 7 (7) Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: (8) For every one that asketh [Keeps on asking] receiveth; and he that seeketh [Keeps on seeking] findeth; and to him that knocketh [Keeps on knocking] it shall be opened. (9) Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? (10) Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? (11) If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your FATHER which is in Heaven give good things to them that ask him? (12) Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is [that which] the law [Torah] and the prophets [teach].

Following these next two verses is an excellent commentary from "Gospel Light an Indispensable Guide to the Teachings of Jesus [YAHshua] & the customs of His Time," by George M. Lamsa.

Matthew 7 (13) Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

    'Church doors and doors of houses in the east are very narrow and low. The doors of sheep folds are likewise narrow and low. This is for security and protection from the enemy. When a house or sheep fold is attacked, both defenders and attackers fight for possession of the door.

    'According to the eastern version, the text reads "O how narrow is the door," instead of "O how narrow is the gate." The reference is to the entrance of a building with a roof or the entrance into a sheep fold, covered or uncovered. Gate, however, refers to the entrance into a garden or vineyard. Such gates are generally larger because animals laden with burdens have to pass through.

    'Easterners must bend down to pass through the narrow, low door into the house. This is not comfortable but there is no help for it. So also is the kingdom of Heaven. The door is narrow and the road is filled with difficulty but those who travel thereon find eternal peace and happiness.

    'In Aramaic, the text [in verse 14] is: "Oh how narrow is the road and how few are found on it."

    'In the parts of the country where banditry and robbery take their toll, travelers commonly use two or more roads. The wide road is the popular highway on which caravans travel. It is an easier route for the traveler because water and other comforts of life can be had and it is shorter but it is also the road where robbery and murder predominate. This road is the one which most foolish and unwise travelers choose. On the other hand, when the peace of a country is disturber, and a man depends upon himself alone for protection, he selects a different route. This is the narrow path trodden by wise men who seek safety first. It is unknown to bandits and robbers. It winds around steep mountains and hills far away from the main road where robbers cannot lie in wait to murder and plunder. It is a long and difficult road the traveler reaches his destination safely.

    'These two roads are referred to by Jesus [YAHshua] to illustrate the narrow road leading to heaven and the broad highway which many people travel, but which leads to destruction. The road of pleasure is wide and full of luxuries but the dangers are great and the journey ends in serious loss. The road leading to life is narrow and difficult and few are found on it. To travel this way, one must deny himself all physical comforts which tend to destroy the spirit and must take up his cross to march through life until he reaches the gate of Paradise where happiness and eternal life are in store.'

HalleluYAH!!!

The following four facts were proved in the lessons titled "The Birth and Childhood of YAHshua." Because they are so extremely important to know and remember, they will be displayed at the beginning of each lesson in this series.

#1: YAHshua's name means YAH saves. It can also mean YAH'S salvation.

#2: YAH is short for YAHWEH which is our Heavenly FATHER'S name forever. (Exodus 3:15)

#3: YAHshua was also to be called: Messiah, Emmanuel, EL, Elohim, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty El, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Son of the Highest, and The Son of YAHWEH.

#4: YAHshua's name is the only name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved and every knee will bow to that exalted name. (Acts 4:10-12 and Philippians 2:9-11)

In the first verse for this week's Bible lesson, YAHshua warns about false Brethren pretending to be true followers of our Saviour. They appear like true Brethren and refuse to keep YAHWEH'S commandments, but they are deceivers. They are after glory and honour from man. They are also after easy money and power.

Matthew 7 (15) Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Is it unusual for ministers to pretend that they are servants of Messiah when they are really servants of satan? Not at all! They learned how to deceive from their master satan. Here is what the apostle Paul said about them.

II Corinthians 11 (13) For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming [disguise] themselves into the apostles of Messiah. (14) And no marvel; for satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

How does one recognize those false Brethren? YAHshua said to recognize them by their fruit.

Matthew 7 (16) Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? (17) Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. (18) A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. (19) Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. (20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

The first test is to see if they have the love of YAHWEH and HIS people by keeping HIS Commandments.

I John 5 (2) By this we know that we love the children of YAHWEH, when we love YAHWEH, and keep HIS Commandments. (3) For this is the love of YAHWEH, that we keep HIS Commandments: and HIS Commandments are not grievous.

I John 2 (I) My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate [One who makes things right between two or more parties] with the FATHER, YAHshua Messiah the Righteous: (2) And He is the propitiation [covering] for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (3) And hereby we do know that we know Him, IF we keep His Commandments. (4) He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His Commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (5) But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of YAHWEH perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. (6) He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.

YAHWEH'S basic Ten Commandments are found in Exodus 20:1-17.

Exodus 20 (I) And [YAHWEH] Elohim spake all these words, saying, (2) I am YAHWEH thy Elohim, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. (3) Thou shalt have no other elohim before ME. (4) Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: (5) Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I YAHWEH thy Elohim am a jealous El, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate ME; (6) And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love ME, and keep MY Commandments. (7) Thou shalt not take the name of YAHWEH thy Elohim in vain; for YAHWEH will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. (8) Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. (9) Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: (10) But the seventh day is the Sabbath of YAHWEH thy Elohim: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: (11) For in six days YAHWEH made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore YAHWEH blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it. (12) Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which YAHWEH thy Elohim giveth thee. (13) Thou shalt not kill. (14) Thou shalt not commit adultery. (15) Thou shalt not steal. (16) Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. (17) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.

Another way to know their fruit is to see if they live according to the works of the flesh or according to the Spirit of YAHWEH. (It is a disgrace of how many preachers and teachers are living in the first one of the works of the flesh that are listed in the scripture below. (They are living in adultery because they divorced their former spouse or spouses for reasons other than adultery and remarried causing the one they married to live in adultery too. Adultery is in direct violation of the 7^th of YAHWEH'S basic Ten Commandments.)

Galatians 5 (19) Now the works of the flesh are manifest [apparent], which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, (20) Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, (21) Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of YAHWEH. (22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (24) And they that are Messiah's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Just because people appear to preach, cast out devils, heal, pray and do wonderful works in the name of our Saviour does not mean they are what they claim to be. Here is what YAHshua said concerning that.

Matthew 7 (21) Not every one that saith unto Me, Sovereign, Sovereign, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of My FATHER which is in Heaven. (22) Many will say to Me in that day, Sovereign, Sovereign, have we not prophesied in Thy name? And in Thy name have cast out devils? And in Thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity [violation of YAHWEH'S law, especially HIS Ten Commandments]. (24) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (25) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. (26) And every one that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: (27) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell