S-O-02

HOW DID GIRAFFES EVOLVE?

ANSWERING A LETTER FROM
A DISGRUNTLED PRISONER

BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE NOW AVAILABLE

FROM THE EDITOR

I have just read a rather lengthy newsletter wherein the author is speaking of the reality of World War III. Of course, the reality check is that we entered the beginning phases of World War III right after the victory of World War II. There was the Korean war, the Cold War, the Vietnam War and many, many other conflicts too numerous to mention. But the conflict that we are now facing is simply the final stages culminating from all of the previous stages of this long and painfully dreadful face-off.

The author of the newsletter (The Wall Street Underground) warns that the upcoming attack by America against Iraq will bring us into a full fledged conflict that will not only be waged in the Middle East, but also on American soil. There will be chemical, biological and nuclear devices utilized especially in America.

For sometime we have been following the news reports of atomic suitcase bombs that were missing from the Russian arsenal. Then there is some kind of red mercury bomb which is small but even more devastating.

We already know that there are plenty of terrorist cells that have been smuggled into the U.S. among other places. The news reports are declaring that at least 5,000 Al Queda terrorists are here, but that’s a small number compared to other forces that have been spirited into our borders. It’s the same type scenario that overthrew and destroyed the ancient city of Troy.

According to this report and others, these terrorists have several of the suitcase bombs (maybe as many as 60) place in strategic places around the country. But even worse than that, they have the biological and chemical agents which can sow death and destruction in the most horrible ways.

Of course, the apostle Paul warned that perilous times would come in the latter days, didn’t He? (2 Tim. 3:1). And then there is the plagues, etc. that are spoken of in the book of Revelation. Even if we look into the prophets, there are dire warnings for YAHWEH'S people during the latter days.

Actually, when viewing the book of Revelation, we see three types of wrath being poured out upon the earth. There is the wrath of the Lamb spoken of in Rev. 6:16-17. Then there is the wrath of Satan the devil because he knows that he has but a little time left (Rev. 12:13-17). Finally, there is the great winepress of the wrath of YAHWEH, or Elohim (Rev. 14:19-20, 15:1, etc.). While one could argue that the wrath of the Lamb and the wrath of YAHWEH would be the same, we certainly wouldn’t resist such a statement or idea, but it is interesting that the wrath of the Lamb is stated separately from the wrath of Elohim or YAHWEH.

How can we tell that it’s the last days? YAHshua proclaimed, "But as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be," Mt. 24:37-39.

Aren’t these the conditions that we see on the earth today? Aren’t people more interested in eating, drinking, marrying, giving in marriage, in other words, daily physical activity, than the spiritual? Most people have actually turned their backs on YAHWEH'S word and the truths contained therein. The scholastic, scientific, political, idolatrous world in which we live has effectively cut the great overall preponderance of the people’s hearts away from anything Biblical. The hearts of the people have been turned to hedonistic pursuits, rather than the sacrifices of the spiritual. This, of course, carries over to YAHWEH'S people also.

But a quick look at Genesis chapter 6 reveals YAHWEH'S Spirit was having to strive with man (v. 3) and that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually (v. 5). Again we read, "The earth also was corrupt before Elohim, and the earth was filled with violence," v. 11.

Interestingly, the Hebrew word for violence is "chamas", pronounced like "hamas" in the English language. One of the Palestinian groups dedicated to the violent overthrow of Israel is named "Hamas." Isn’t it amazing that YAHWEH allows or even leads people to name themselves. We know that the terror and violence which is being utilized in Israel will eventually begin to spread into many more nations of the world.

Now, any radical group that wants to not only make its desires known, but wants to make an emphatic statement will utilize violence in order to accomplish that means. Therefore, violence will become the norm. Many will readily justify the use of violence just as the media seeks to justify the violence perpetrated on the Israelis by the Palestinians. I am sure that you have noticed the ho-hum approach and lack of incredulity along with a lack of condemnation that the media utilizes in order to report Palestinian bombings against the Israelis. But let the Israelis begin to respond with violence in kind, and the whole world goes on a rampage against them. The excuse is given, "After all, the suicide bombings are the only weapons that the Palestinians have against the Israelis." It’s enough to make a person sick.

The wickedness, corruption and violence that we see all around us and in nations all around the world is simply a sign that we are living in the days at the end of the age. People are still trying to live simple, ordinary every day lives, eating, drinking, marrying and giving in marriage. Let’s hope that those of us who are in the body of the Messiah realize this and get ourselves prepared and ready for YAHshua's return as Noah and his family were for the flood. JH

FEAST OF TABERNACLES INFORMATION

We are happy to report that we have made arrangements to acquire the Monroe Music Park for our observance of the Feast of Tabernacles this year. The park is located about 8-9 miles south of Texarkana, Texas, right off of U. S. Highway 59.

There are plenty of hook-ups for RV’s as well as plenty of space to pitch a tent. The price of the spaces will be $10 per day for full hook-up, $7 per day for electricity and water hook-up, $6.00 per day for water only (tents).

It is a beautiful, well manicured park with plenty of shade trees. The park has two restroom facilities for both men and women with two showers in each restroom. The meeting hall also has restroom facilities with one shower each. The meeting hall has kitchen facilities with 3 refrigerators and an electric cook stove, sink, etc.

For those who prefer a motel room, the closest motel is The Budget Inn, 4501 S. Lake Drive, Ph. # 903-838-0300. It is a brand new motel and should be in peak condition.

Texarkana has plenty of the large chain motels, Super 8, Motel 6, Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn, etc. but they are several miles away (about 7-10 miles). We can send information on them if you need it. There are also plenty of local restaurants and shopping centers, etc.

We have prepared a couple of maps of the area. These were simply blown up from a State Highway map. Feast Map #1 gives a larger map of the area which also includes Interstate 30 and U. S. Highway 59 which are the major access routes to the area and park. Please note that we have designated the park as Strange Family Bluegrass Park on the maps. That was it’s former name. It is now the Monroe Music Park!!!!!

Feast Map #2 is an inset from the larger map which will give a closer detail of the immediate area around the park and the access to it. If you will notice, those coming south on U.S. 59 will turn left on County Road 2516 which will take you to George Thomas Road (CR 1339). Take a right on George Thomas and proceed to Warren Thomas Road. Take another right and proceed to Sam Thomas (another right).

For those traveling north on U.S. 59, you may take a right on County Road 3244, proceed to CR 2516, turn right and follow the same instructions given above.

For arrangements and reservations, please call us at 903-796-7420 or email at Jerrheal@aol.com or Jerryheal@cs.com. The Feast information will also be posted on our Internet Site at hometown.aol.com/jerrheal/index.html.

Last year we had an excellent slate of speakers (There were 14 or more). We hope to have a repeat this year, even though some of last year’s speakers won’t be with us. We do know of several who will be on the speaker’s schedule. If there are any others who are planning to come and desire to give a message, please let us know.

The Feast Dates this year should be Sept. 8th—Feast of Trumpets; Sept. 17th—Atonement; Sept. 22nd.—Sept. 28th—Feast of Tabernacles; Sept. 29th—Last Great Day.

Since Sept. 21 is the Sabbath just before the Feast begins, we will be observing it also at the Monroe Music Park.

Hope to see you at the Feast!!!

May everyone everywhere have a most marvelous and wondrous feast!

JH

The scientists believe and teach that the giraffe developed its long neck in order to be able to reach high into the trees and munch on leaves that are vital to its existence. The male giraffe is about 18 feet tall and can reach as high 22 feet! Now, I am accustomed to working off of ladders which get me up higher than most people like to climb. Let me tell you that 18 to 22 feet high is a good way up. But did the Giraffe develop its neck in order to reach the higher leaves, or did it develop its neck in order to make it easier to spot lions and other beasts of prey, or was the giraffe created by an all-wise Creator?

Giraffes don’t sleep much at all. Some who have studied them claim that they may sleep for only about 30 minutes per day. When they do lie down to rest they hold their neck straight up looking for danger. When they detect that the coast is clear, they then turn their neck back to rest it on their body.

When it’s time to get up, the neck must be bent toward the back of the body, to take the weight off of their front legs so they can stand on them first. If the neck were forward, it would put too much weight and stress on the front legs. Once up on the front legs, the giraffe swings his neck forward making it easy to stretch out and stand on the hind legs. Unless the giraffe shifts the weight of the neck in this manner, they could never get up.

The first question would be, did the giraffe figure out how to position the neck first before it developed it, or did it develop the neck first and then learn how to swing it back and forth in order to get on its feet?

How many giraffes laid down to rest, never to get up because they hadn’t learned how to manipulate the neck yet? Where are all of the intermediate fossils that prove that the giraffe developed from a short necked animal to a long necked animal? Surely, if the process took millions of years, then there should be a very ample supply of fossils. Where are all of the millions of fossils of the giraffes with their newly developed neck, that laid down on the ground never to get up because they hadn’t learned to manipulate the neck? Surely, the scientists have found such fossils, haven’t they? If they have, they have been keeping it a secret, but why keep it a secret when they want to prove to the doubting Creationist Thomas's that evolution did, sure enough occur?

If a giraffe had to develop the long neck in order to feed itself, how long did this take? Millions of years, as in the supposed development of all other species? If it took that long and their food source was too high to reach in the first place, then how did they survive until their neck was long enough to reach their food source? Don’t you just hate annoying questions? I’m sure that the evolutionists do, but if we are going to learn anything, we must ask questions and when we get the answers, then we will have learned something.

The giraffe’s heart is about 2 feet long and weighs about 25 pounds. It needs such a big heart in order to pump the blood over 10 feet straight up to the brain. The heart is tremendously powerful, but by the time the blood gets to the brain, the pressure is just right because gravity helps to equalize the blood pressure.

When the giraffe takes a drink of water, it must spread out its front feet and bow its head down. It’s a very awkward position. There are several special valves in the giraffe’s big artery running up its neck which are fully open while the head is held erect, but when the giraffe lowers its head, the powerful heart and the force of gravity would have a tendency to blow up its brain were it not for these special valves which begin to close as the neck is lowered. These valves cause the giraffe’s blood pressure at his brain to be fourteen percent less when the head is lowered than when the head is straight up.

There is also a spongy "wonder net" of blood vessels under the giraffe’s brain that automatically soak up any extra blood which would be beyond the last valve just before the brain. This is a safety net so that the blood with the original pressure from the heart and the effect of gravity pulling it down into the brain when the head is lowered, will not put extra pressure on the brain and cause the animal to faint. The blood in the spongy network blood vessels then slowly drains into the brain.

When blood comes out of the giraffe’s brain making its odyssey to the other organs of the body, the blood pressure has to be regulated so that gravity and its blood pressure won’t cause the blood to travel too fast. There are more automatic valves in the veins to help regulate the blood flow.

One other amazing thing is that a tiny mouse with the smallest and shortest neck has seven bones in its neck. A giraffe also only has seven neck bones.

Now, how did the giraffe figure all of these wonders out? How did nature just figure it all out? Did the giraffe engineer and design all of these things out for itself? Such is what evolution teaches. The creation, in effect, created itself.

How did the giraffe determine that it would need a long neck and then develop it? How did it know that it would need a large powerful heart? How did it learn to devise valves to control the blood flow when it lowered its head? How did it figure out how to develop a spongy net of blood vessels to soak up extra blood coming to the brain when the head was lowered? How did it figure out that it needed valves in its veins to control the flow of blood from the brain to the rest of the organs? If giraffes are so intelligent, why aren’t they the masters of the earth?

Did you know that the fact that not only is the giraffe perfectly designed to live and move and exist, but every creature that exists is perfectly designed to exist in its environment is a proof that there is an all-wise Designer Who designed it all?

Stop and think about it. Everything that man makes has to be designed. In most cases, a company that is going to produce a product will first have a need to perform a specific job or fulfill some specific need. The task will first go to the designers who will draw up the plans for the needed item. The plans are checked and double checked to make sure that the device is properly designed for the job it is designed to do. Then there will be an estimating department which will estimate the cost of the materials for the product. The design and estimate will be submitted to the executive branch for their approval. It then goes to the shop where the item is manufactured.

The fact of the matter is that man produces some of the most intricate devices, but none of man’s devices are as wondrously designed and made as a plain old giraffe! Man couldn’t copy that feat in billions of billions of years. If a giraffe is more marvelous than anything man can make, then didn’t it require a more marvelous mind ability and power to bring it forth?

The Psalmist King David declared in awe, "I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully (awesomely) and wonderfully (marvelously, miraculously) made: marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from Thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought (woven) in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance (embryo), yet being unperfect; and in Thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them," Psa. 139:14-16.

David says, in effect, that even before he was conceived, before any of him existed, he was written in the Creator's book. In other words, he was designed and brought forth by the Great Designer! HalleluYAH!!!

Yes, the whole creation is intricately designed. It took a much more marvelous mind with the power to design much more intricately than puny man will ever be able to do. The evolutionary scientists behold the marvelous creation every day, yet deny that it is awesomely and marvelously made by a Great Designer Creator. But YAHWEH has purposely blinded these people in order to test the believer to see whether they will trust in Him or not. As we look into YAHWEH'S awesome creation, let’s give the praise, honor and glory to Him. Let’s trust in Him for, after all, this is only the beginning. The real creation is yet to come. Jerry Healan

Dear F……..,

I have entered your letter into my computer in toto, in order to give an answer to you according to the faith that is in me.

Dear brother Jerry Healan:

Good morning or afternoon.

Not long ago I learned about this ministry via some prisoners at this unit (McConnell) who have made a great deal of noise to other prisoners concerning this (Y.E.A.) ministry. After I witnessed the large promotion of your ministry throughout this facility I too became intrigued to discover what all the commotion is all about. So I decided to subscribe to your monthly newsletter to learn more about the ‘issues’ which it addressed. And I learned a bit concerning the focus of Y.E.A. as well as the effect it has on those who support Y.E.A.

The purpose of this letter is not to bad mouth your work nor those who support it. However, as a born again believer it is my right to comment upon the matter at hand. I have received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior back in May 1991 at the Goree Unit in Huntsville, Texas. Since then I’ve been serving Him and by His love for me He has brought me through an ever growing revelation of Himself. I am pretty sure that you yourself once believed and trusted in Jesus Christ before you ever discovered the ‘things’ you now preach and teach about. I am also certain that the Lord revealed many things to you about Himself during those years - things which you knew were from Him and of Him - things which remain with you still today.

ANS. Francisco, you are right. I knew the Savior as Jesus Christ from my childhood because I was born into a world that principally and traditionally worshipped and served him.. He is the one who was being served by my zealous grandmother (rest her soul). Every Bible that was available to me proclaimed the name Jesus Christ as well as God, the Lord, etc. When I began to become interested in serving my Creator, the only one that I had to turn to was God, the Lord and Jesus Christ.

F.P.: How can you or anyone else believe that now that you’ve come to the knowledge of YAHWEH & YAHSHUA as being the Hebrew names of Creator and FATHER, that your prior commitment is of no genuine value?

ANS. Because I read the Bible, Francisco, which said that there is a fiery dragon serpent named Satan the devil who has deceived the whole world. (Rev. 12:9) I had not realized how deeply the serpent dragon had deceived the whole world and probably still don’t know the total depths. But I was led to set my heart on searching out the TRUTH of the matter. When I read Mt. 5:17 (while being confirmed as a member of the Lutheran Church), I couldn’t understand why the pastor kept drilling into our minds that the "law is done away" but the Savior said, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law and the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 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. 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."

Something seemed wrong for the pastor, who was supposed to be a representative of the Savior, to contradict the very words of the One Whom he was serving. When we were being encouraged to "Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of our sins," it was never explained to me by the Lutheran Church or any other major Christian denomination exactly what sin was. Oh, some of them frowned on dancing, drinking, playing cards, gambling, etc. But they never defined sin Biblically (1 Jn. 3:4). To define sin Biblically, would mean that they would have to look at their own practices and not only realize that they may be wrongfully practicing the faith, but would have to change.

Truthfully, I didn’t come to the knowledge of YAHWEH and YAHshua at first. I learned that even though the churches teach that the "Law is done away" when one begins to question about the commandments, they will readily admit that the commandments are still in effect.

For instance, when they say that the law is done away, I ask, If such is the case then can I go out and kill someone? Their response is, "Absolutely not."

Then that commandment is still in effect?

Yes.

Can I steal?

Absolutely not.

Then that commandment is still in effect?

Yes.

Can I commit adultery?

Absolutely not.

Then that commandments is still in effect?

Yes.

Can I lie or covet?

Absolutely not.

Then those commandments are still in effect?

Yes.

Can I put another Elohim before the Creator?

Absolutely not.

Then that commandment is still in effect?

Yes.

Can I make idols or take the name of the Creator in vain?

Absolutely not.

Then those commandments are still in effect?

Yes.

What about the Sabbath day, the seventh day of the week?

That has been changed.

Oh really? You mean to tell me that all of the other commandments are still in effect, they haven’t been changed, but that fourth commandment has been changed? Where is your Scriptural authority? After all, the law does define sin, does it not?

As one Sacred Name minister said, "The commandment for the Sabbath is a part of the same commandments wherein it is said ‘You shall not kill,’ if we were to kill a person every week, would we still be able to expect to inherit the kingdom?" (paraphrasing) Remember that sin is the transgression of the law and the penalty for sin is death.

I learned that Christianity has been misled to corrupt the faith and the original intent of the Creator and His Anointed One.

One Pentecostal brother recently condemned my wife for wearing pants (designed for women). He and his church looks into the Scriptures which say that women should not wear men’s clothes, nor should the men wear women’s clothes. Since men wear pants, the women are forbidden to do so, they must wear dresses.

Of course, he didn’t appreciate it when I informed him that men originally wore robes and not pants.

Then when I tried to approach him concerning the commandments, I was accused of being legalistic because the law and the Old Testament was done away.

Isn’t it interesting that he and his church can go back to the Old Testament in order to forbid women to wear pants and men to wear robes (dresses), but the rest of the Old Testament (the most important part) is done away?

My prior commitment was to serve the Savior Jesus Christ with all my heart, but the traditional Jesus that I was serving was a rebel, doing away with the FATHER'S commandments, rather than fulfilling them and encouraging his followers to do the same.

F.P.: Actually, Long before I met Y.E.A. I knew about the House of YAHWEH in Abilene, Texas. And not too long ago from having met Y.E.A. I knew that YAHWEH stood for YHWH in Hebrew, but I never made a great deal about it. Since then I’ve come across a few ministries all claiming a "Hebrew perspective."

They are:

1. Y.E.A.
2. Hebrew Roots
3. Assemblies of YAHWEH
4. Sabbath Keepers Fellowship
5. Triumph Prophetic Ministries

All the above have something different to say about the "Sacred Names" as well as Scripture, yet they all have a lot of the same views. For example, Hebrew Roots and Triumph Prophetic Ministries refer to the Messiah as Yehshua, and HR doesn’t have a problem using the terms God and Lord nor Jesus Christ in their publications. While TPM declares that according to the Greek translation of Scripture Jesus Christ is equivalent to Yehshua in Hebrew. Based upon my observation of ALL of the above ministries NONE of them have a definite finding or stake of claim concerning the "Name of God." However, they all do have the closest rendering of the name as they possibly can arrive to, yet no one is absolute.

This being the case makes me wonder why Y.E.A. emphatically stresses that believers and would be believers should acknowledge the "Sacred Names" of FATHER and Son? If something is ‘true’ it needs not overwhelming attention nor promotion. The truth stands for itself by itself, it doesn’t need emphasizing.

ANS. HalleluYah! You are so right that the truth does stand for itself, and by itself, but YAHshua also said, "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the FATHER in spirit and IN TRUTH: for the FATHER seeketh such to worship Him. Elohim is spirit: and they that worship him MUST WORSHIP in spirit and IN TRUTH," Jn. 4:23-24.

Therefore, when the truth comes to the true worshipper, he will repent from his error, turn to and embrace the truth, which you have acknowledged that you are not willing to do.

In Matthew, chapter 24 the Savior warned three times (for emphasis) that deceivers would come in His name (in some cases name means not only the actual name, but also authority) and would deceive the many (vv. 4-5, 11, 24). Shouldn’t this send alarm bells ringing in your mind when you find out that you have been holding onto something in the worship of the FATHER and Son that actually is not true?

Do you admit that Sunday is not the true originally commanded Sabbath, but rather the seventh day of the week (Saturday to the modern day idolatrous world) is?

Have you read the admissions of modern day Christianity when they celebrate Dec. 25th as the birthday of the Savior, that such isn’t really the case? No one really knows when He was born.

What does the death, burial and resurrection of Tammuz, the son/husband/lover of Ishtar (Easter), the queen of heaven have to do with the worship of the Messiah? Didn’t Paul warn us to flee from idolatry? (1 Cor. 10:14).

You admit that YAHWEH is the true name of the FATHER and later on in your letter, you actually utilize YAHshua for the name of the Savior. Is it too hard for you to admit error and turn to embrace the truth? Or are you afraid of what your friends, peer group, family and others would think of you?

You see, Francisco, the road of the truth seeker and believer is paved with people like you who would put a stumbling block in the way to truth. Many people acknowledge the truths that we hold onto and love dearly, but there are many of these people who like to profess that they are not that important. Well, the truth is important to us. Besides, how do you deceive people? How would you present a false messiah? Wouldn’t it be through lies, deceit, untruths, etc.?

We have found out that the true commanded rest day is the seventh day Sabbath and we repented of attributing the idolatrous day of the sun (first day of the week, Sunday) as the commanded rest day. We decided to obey the command of YAHWEH rather than the command of Constantine (head of the beast power). We found out that Dec. 25th is not the true birthday of the Savior, therefore, we refuse to honor that day as His day of birth. Such is a practice of falsehood and idolatry. We discovered that the Savior didn’t die on Friday, being subsequently resurrected on a Sunday. He died on a Wednesday, was in the grave for 3 days and 3 nights and was resurrected at the close of the Sabbath rather than Sunday morning. We turned to and embraced this truth rather than continue to serve the Savior through a false idolatrous day (Easter/Ishtar). As a matter of fact, YAHshua is our Passover sacrificed for us (1 Cor. 5:7) so we do observe the Passover instead of pagan idolatrous Easter. We learned that YAHshua didn’t come to do away with the law, so we repented of our sins (law-breaking) and turned to embrace the commandments and we seek to be obedient to them to the best of our ability. Where we fall short, He is there to pick us up, dust us off, and clean us up. "Do we then make void the law through faith? YAHWEH forbid: yea, we establish (to stand in, abide by, appoint, bring, continue in, covenant, hold up, present, etc.) the law," Ro. 3:31.

We found out that the true name of the Heavenly FATHER was not the LORD nor was it God, but rather it was YAHWEH. We have embraced this truth and stand in it and proclaim it. We also found out that the name of the Savior was never Jesus, but rather He had the same name that the son of Nun did (Joshua/YAHshua), therefore, we turned from the false to the true and whether you like it or not, F…….., we will continue to stand in the truth.

We found out that there is not an ever burning hell, but rather the fire is an "eternal" fire in that whatever or whoever it burns up will be forever destroyed, never able to exist again. We have turned to embrace this truth. There are many other truths that we have had revealed which we have embraced. I can’t enumerate them all here, but we know how the world looks upon us and we rejoice in it, because we are not of this world. We search for and love the truth. When we find that we have been embracing error, we turn from the error and embrace the truth. What about you?

Remember that Paul wrote about those who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness (2 Thes. 2:12). He was writing about a man of sin (a law breaker, v. 3) who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called Elohim, or that is worshipped; so that he as Elohim sits in the Temple of Elohim showing himself that he is Elohim. This man of sin upholds a "mystery of iniquity." Iniquity is lawlessness or without law (law done away). People are going to perish because they received not the love of the truth that thy might be saved (v. 10). Therefore, YAHWEH will send then strong delusion that they should believe a lie (v. 11).

Whom do these Scriptures describe, F……..? Those who love the truth and are willing to embrace it when it comes to them, or those who know the truth, but don’t think it important enough to make a stand for it?

F.P.: I also feel compelled to ask you why does Y.E.A. give so much attention to world events and to politics? How is this edifying to the body of Messiah? Jerry, don’t you believe that a constant broadcast of the disasters that are occurring worldwide would cause believers to weaken in their faith? The Scriptures are filled with numerous examples of this very result. Wasn’t it YAHshua who stated, "In the world you have tribulation, but fear not, for I have overcome the world?" [John 16:33] Quite frankly I don’t see how reports of world disasters and politics increases my faith. My faith is enlarged by my constant focus on my Savior - on what HE has DONE (John 19:30)!!

Messiah's death and resurrection didn’t only save people as individuals, but it saved humanity as a corporate unit. Furthermore His resurrection restored not only man, but ALL creation as a whole. Yes, I believe that we should be "watchful" of the signs of the times. However I equally knew that our vigilance is to help increase our - the believers - focus on Him!! Not to become saturated with politics & world news. Martha was reproved by Messiah to be more like her sister Mary. The parable of the talents confirm this point unanimously. If the servant is about His Master’s business, it matters not what others around him are doing, nor at what hour the Master returns. The body of YAHshua is NOT currently a powerful testimony throughout the earth due to a number of off-beat ministries and individual saints. I think that a lot of minute issues have been magnified by all of the ministries listed in this letter which has contributed to a lot of unnecessary "issues" which in reality aren’t issues at all.

ANS. We publish world events in the news, not to overthrow anyone’s faith, but for people to be able to see for themselves, the fulfillment of prophecy and therefore strengthen and confirm their faith, rather than destroy it. YAHshua reported to His disciples how world conditions would be before His return. The conditions that we see taking place are a confirmation of His word and encourages us to get more and more prepared for His return. After all, didn’t He tell us to "Watch for these events to unfold?" The world’s media likes to focus on tabloid type events. We are revealing the true spirit and condition of man and the need for YAHWEH'S direct intervention into this world’s affairs. When we see these things going on, it helps us to better pray, "Thy kingdom come."

You say that your faith is enlarged by focusing on what He has done. Well and good, but are you really focusing on what He has done for you? You mention the resurrection which leads me to believe that you enjoy focusing on worshipping on Sunday and Easter, rather than the days and times that actually apply to the true Messiah.

You say that the body of YAHshua is NOT currently a powerful testimony throughout the earth due to a number of off-beat ministries. So what ministries are making a great impact? The Roman Catholic Church? The Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopalian, and other churches? Their messages have been going out for millennia now and look at the state and condition of their priests, ministers and followers. More and more of them are falling away to disbelief. What about you? Why are you where you are now? What kind of impact did they make on your life before you came to your present circumstances? What we are doing is publishing the truth, which the world hates. We present the true FATHER and Son and the world hates us, and you are joining in on their side. Actually, the Scriptures have foretold the great falling away (apostasy) which took place long ago and people (especially Christians) are still looking for it to happen. They don’t even realize that they are the ones the Scriptures are talking about. What about you?

F.P.: Before I close I also wish to state that I fail to see the validity in Scripture for the observance of the Sabbath and the Feasts. According to Scripture I believe the reason why Messiah chose to heal some people on the Sabbath day was so He could teach us the REAL meaning of the Sabbath. A lot of people say that YAHWEH rested on the Sabbath and so should we. But, how can He who is eternal require rest? And, who said it was YAHWEH that rested? Doesn’t Scripture (Col. 1:15-18 & Heb. 11:3) declare that the Son created all things? Could it be possible that the Sabbath is merely a tool used for us to enter into a Spiritual rest by freeing ourselves from earthly entanglements (2 Tim. 2:3-4) of financial, domestic, political, educational, and religious burdens? What good is it for a men to walk around saying "YAHWEH, YAHshua," yet he is in bondage to some of the above underlined?

ANS. How is it that you can tell us what the Sabbath is for (and we agree with what you said about it) and then deny that it is good for us or that we should observe it? After all, it is one of the ten commandments and YAHWEH did command rest because, after all, He made us and He should be able to tell us what to do, shouldn’t He? He knows what is best for us and to rest on the Sabbath day is truly good for us, but not only that, the Scriptures do show that if we keep that day, then we are following His example. We had rather follow the example of the Creator and the faithful and obedient, rather than that of the rebellious and disobedient.

F.P.: Observing Jewish or Hebrew culture or language doesn’t validate our faith. YAHWEH Doesn’t show favor among men, He favors those who worship & serve Him alone. Knowing His name is important, but it shouldn’t be drilled into people’s minds as Y.E.A. currently does.

ANS. While we understand that we should not be like the Pharisees scribes and Sadducees, we do understand that YAHWEH worked through His people who were Hebrew, YAHshua was Hebrew and we want to be grafted into the Hebrew rather than the Greek tree. If you had done any real in-depth study and meditating on the Scriptures and what they say and reveal, then you would understand that the Greeks hated everything Hebrew as well as hated YAHWEH. The Greek spirit has won the day so far, but that spirit is doomed to failure. We will continue to proclaim the Hebrew names, transliterating the names YAHWEH and YAHshua into the English language just as the world likes to continue to transliterate the name Satan. If you don’t like Hebrew at all, then why don’t you also rename Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, etc., etc. since these names are also transliterated from the Hebrew into the English.

You are still living in deception and hatred of your true Creator, F……... I know that you have a great deal of understanding in some areas, but you are lacking in the understanding concerning true grace and obedience. I do hope that you eventually learn what I am talking about.

F.P.: This is my second letter to you in about 3 or 4 months. You never responded before. Maybe you will this time I would like to hear what you have to say.

ANS. I apologize for not having responded, but it would have taken a great deal of time to answer your many comments, and I am not sure that it would have done any good, just as I am not sure that you will listen to or believe what I am not writing to you. But I must try.

F.P.: Thank you for your time.

Please remove my name from your mailing list of your newsletter.

ANS. I have deleted your name from our mailing list as you have requested. May YAHWEH intervene to work with you and confirm His truths to you in His chosen time.

We are happy to announce that YEA is now ready to offer a Bible Correspondence Course. We live in a world that requires a great deal of technical education. Of course, it’s a world that has gained so much in education about our physical environment, but as we have grown in physical knowledge, spiritual knowledge has suffered greatly.

Illiteracy is something that is very rare in most of today’s world. The knowledge that mankind has gleaned and is in the process of gleaning causes an illiterate person to be left far, far behind. The world’s educational system has snubbed its nose at YAHWEH and His word, the Holy Scriptures.

So many people are actually Biblically illiterate in today’s world. Truth has also suffered greatly in a world that is under the sway of the "father of lies," Satan the devil. The Scriptures reveal that Satan has deceived the whole world (Rev. 12:9). Education provides a basis, a foundation from which one can begin to build greater knowledge. True education will remove the scales from the eyes of those blinded by Satan’s deception.

We presently have 5 lessons prepared with lesson 6 underway. We hope to eventually have at least 12 lessons available. After successful completion of the 12th lesson, we will send a certificate of completion.

Lesson one is entitled The Power of Deception, Lesson two The Memorial of Salvation, Lesson three The Conspiracy, Lesson four YAHWEH'S Righteous Law, and Lesson five Sin and Its Consequences. We will begin this program after the Feast of Tabernacles. The first lesson will be automatically sent out to our subscribers. JH

The Healan family was blessed to be able to travel to the San Antonio/San Marcos area to fellowship with the brethren there on the Sabbath of July 27th. The assembly presently meets in the Park Inn which is located just off of Interstate Highway 35. The meeting room may be fairly small, but it was packed to overflowing. However, it did accommodate our group.

We opened with songs of praise and worship which was followed by Scriptural readings and comments by the brethren. The Torah reading was Ex. 16. After the readings and comments, we broke for a communal meal and fellowship. Then we reassembled for the message which was presented by Elder Jerry Healan. The text of the message also covered Ex. 16 concerning the manna and the dew. There are many, many vital spiritual lessons concerning Exodus chapter 16 and they are very important to understand. It was a true blessing to visit and fellowship with the brethren there and to see the growth that is taking place.

On July 30, Elder Jerry Healan was able to travel to the McConnell Unit at Beeville, Texas, in order to meet with many of the men in the body of the Messiah there and also to baptize 10 souls to YAHWEH in YAHshua the Messiah. The men baptized were Santiago Chavez Jr., Tony Chavez, Richard Howe, Rodney Johnson, Lewis Martin, Lester Don Parks, Rufus Sellers, Robert Shields, James Torme and Rodney Woody.

After the baptisms and laying on of the hands, Elder Healan spoke to the men about the importance of their calling and remaining true to the faith. There was also a question and answer session.

Please pray with us that these men will continually walk in the paths of light and truth as revealed in YAHWEH through YAHshua the Messiah. It is a tremendous honor and blessing to be able to meet with and serve these men and others in facilities elsewhere. There is a tremendous need for volunteers to visit with and hold Sabbath fellowship with these and others in facilities throughout the State of Texas and other states as well. If you would be able to help in this area, please contact us here at Yea or contact Sabbath Keepers Fellowship & Prison Ministry, P. O. Box 302, Chandler, TX., 75758.

One of the many, many problems that our brethren in chains to the prison system suffer is that of religious persecution. It is so difficult to be able for Sacred name believers to gain entrance into the prison system to hold any kind of meeting, services, etc. For other witness accounts on these problems, you might call Elder George Garner at the Rocheport Assembly or Elder Frank Brown at Clarksville, Arkansas, or Paul and Nancy McEnany or Lisa Haufler at Sabbath Keepers Fellowship.

As we have spoken with these and other ministries we find the same conditions throughout the prison systems in each state. The response to the truth concerning the Sacred Names, Sabbath, annual Holy Days, etc., is phenomenal. As much as 2/3 to 3/4 of the mail comes from prisoners. Praise YAHWEH that He blesses us to be able to serve these men with literature, but when it comes to being able to hold services on the Sabbath, Bible Studies, etc., access to the prison system is tremendously difficult. We receive resistance on every side and every type of excuse is given to keep our men from being able to meet and to keep those who would serve them from being able to do so.

Elder George Garner informed us at the Unity Conference concerning the difficulties that the Rocheport Assembly is having in making arrangements to hold meetings in the State of Missouri. He was even contacted by a chaplain from the State of California who requested that he make arrangements to be able to travel to a facility in that state in order to baptize some of the men there. When he tried to make the arrangements, he met resistance and has not been allowed to travel there to perform the requested service to this day.

Brother Donald Adkins filed a suit against the State of Texas seeking to force the opportunity for the men to be able to meet without outside representation in the Coffield facility at Tennessee Colony, Texas. Since he is indigent and has filed a civil suit, the state is not required to provide a lawyer for him. Of course, the state has its own lawyers for its representation. This puts a person who is not skilled in the procedures of law in a very detrimental position, which is generally what the system wants anyway, of course.

A Flowers Hearing was held on July 26th at the Federal Court in Tyler, Texas, in order to determine whether the suit that Brother Adkins filed should be allowed to proceed further or be dismissed. Those who attended the hearing were Thomas (Arkie) & Velma Hobbs, Albert & Bernice Smalley, Paul & Nancy McEnany, Lisa Haufler, and Jerry & Frances Healan. Chaplain Sanchez of the Coffield Unit was there to represent that unit and the State.

Some of the things that the Federal judge learned were that the State of Texas has incorporated in its rules that all religions will be treated fairly and equally. Then he learned that there are faiths that are given special treatment above the others. For example, the Moslems are allowed to meet without outside representation three times per week and are allowed access to three different areas for the purpose holding their services, the chapel, the gymnasium and another area. The Native Americans are allowed to utilize a forbidden substance, tobacco, in their ceremonies including other ceremonial items which are taboo in the prison system. The Jewish inmates have special prisons set up that they can apply to be transferred to so that they can be among their own people, and the Jehovah’s Witnesses also get special considerations.

Our people can’t meet together without outside representation. Presently, the Coffield Unit will only allow one Sabbath meeting per month for our brethren and other facilities have no opportunity to meet together at all. The chapel is the only area allowed to be utilized for our meetings. We must share the chapel with two or three Christian groups (Sunday worshippers) who are there to meet with their people on the Sabbath, of all things. Therefore, our meeting must be quiet and subdued.

Another sad thing is that we have to deal with untruths told by the chaplains, themselves. Our men were told that the reason that they couldn’t meet together was because they had no outside representation. I came along, went to the required training session, and eventually was allowed to meet with the men once per month. Interestingly, I went through the training course in March of 2000 along with a good number of others who were of a Christian background. I personally know that those of the Christian faith were allowed access within a month or so of their completion of the training. I was not allowed to meet with our men until sometime in August or September of that same year.

The men wanted to be able to meet on the other Sabbaths, but were told that they had no outside representation and, therefore, would not be allowed to do so. Paul and Nancy McEnany of Sabbath Keepers Fellowship took the training at the same time I did and were allowed some access to other systems, but since they were Sabbath Keepers, there was some resistance. They eventually accepted the truth concerning the names and have volunteered to oversee some of the meetings on the Coffield Unit, but so far have been refused the opportunity. However, when this was brought up in court, Chaplain Sanchez stated that the chaplains had gotten together and decided that they weren’t qualified.

It is interesting that such is the case since they also took the training at the same time that I did (about 2 years ago) and we were all required to go to another training session on June 22nd at which time, upon completion of the session, we all received a "Certificate of Recognition" for volunteer services at the Coffield Unit.

When the McEnanys first began to attend the Sabbath meetings with me, I had contacted Chaplain Hart informing him that the McEnanys were willing to oversee a Sabbath meeting with the men on the third Sabbath of the month. I was informed that I should send the information to him, but that the men from the prison itself would have to submit a request for the additional meeting. I informed the men and many of them submitted their requests. It was then that the chaplains got together and determined that the McEnanys were not qualified.

Now, I have received a letter from a brother at the Coffield Unit who informed me that he was told by Chaplain Sanchez that he and I didn’t feel that the McEnanys were qualified. This is duplicity and outright falsehood! I personally requested the McEnanys to begin to sponsor the 3rd Sabbath meeting.

This is what we have to face time and time again. One group had published a document and was distributing it throughout the Coffield Unit proclaiming that the Assembly of YAHWEH is Anti-Christ. This supposedly was done at a meeting of a combined Christian group (an intercessory prayer group headed by one of the chaplains on that unit) which had no outside representation (the chaplain supposedly, was not there when this was done), so now we can deduct that the Christian groups are also able to meet together without outside supervision.

Going back to the Flowers Hearing, the courts and lawyers have a way of making others who are not trained in the system to look like fools, but YAHWEH gave a spirit of wisdom to brother Donald Adkins so that at least the truth came out before the judge concerning the favoritisms exhibited toward other faiths by the system and outright persecution exhibited toward those of the Sacred Names and also Sabbath observers. The state lawyer objected to several things brought forward by Donald, but the judge overruled his objections, while Donald’s objections were sustained. We feel that Donald made an excellent presentation which, if the judge is able to be impartial, will allow the suit to proceed. We haven’t heard anything concerning what the judge has ruled. We were told that it would take about two weeks. That time is up and we still haven’t heard anything.

However, we of the faith must always realize that the other faiths that we have been discussing are of this world. We know that Christianity was and is the state religion of the later Roman Empire (the beast of Dan. 7). Islam, Judaism, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Native Americans are in denial of YAHWEH and YAHshua. Our faith is not of this world, therefore we are hated, despised, suspected and persecuted. YAHshua said that we should rejoice even when they speak falsely against us, hate us, revile us, etc., because that is what they did against Him (Mt. 5:10-12). While it’s difficult for us to see our brothers in these afflictions, they are suffering such because they have embraced the truth and the world hates the truth and wants to speak evil of it and persecutes it. This should be no surprise to any of us. Let us rather rejoice because we and they are suffering in the same manner that YAHshua suffered. JH

Many of the New Testament believers erroneously hold that witnessing is a man-made assembly program and because of this they do not engage in it.

In the early assembly, witnessing was a fundamental principle of the Sacred Name New Testament believers. What about the children of YAHWEH today who have had an encounter with YAHshua and have experienced the new birth? Inspiration describes what their experience should be in the following words:

Daily they are improving the opportunities for service that lie within their reach. Daily they are witnessing for the Master wherever they may be, whether in some humble sphere of labor in the home, or in a public field of usefulness. As you can see, in the matter of witnessing there should be no difference in the experience of those who first walked with the Master and those who today follow Him.

Through the ages that have passed since the days of the apostles, the building of YAHWEH'S temple has never ceased. We may look back through the centuries and see the living stones of which it is composed gleaming like jets of light through the darkness of error and superstition. Building YAHWEH'S children is a continuing activity. It is not a crusade lasting for a day or for a week. It is not a visitation program conducted on a one time basis. It is a way of life, a living experience, a divine doctrine!

Witnessing is a broad term that includes two basic aspects. First, the loyal Messianic life, itself is a witness. Members of the early assembly did not merely bear witness, they were witnesses. The experience they had had with YAHshua and His saving grace, the transformations of life, showed that they were witnesses not of an imaginary theory about religious concepts, but a religion that changed their lives. YAHshua said to the apostles, "And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth," Acts 1:8.

Almighty YAHWEH cannot display the knowledge of His will and the wonders of His grace among the unbelieving world unless He has witnesses scattered all over the earth. It is His plan that those who are partakers of this great eschatological salvation through YAHshua the Messiah should be His missionaries, bodies of light throughout the world, to be as signs to the people, living epistles, known and read of all men, their faith and works testifying to the near approach of the coming Savior and showing that they have not received the grace of YAHWEH in vain.

As they (the apostles) meditated upon His pure, holy life they felt that no toil would be too hard, no sacrifice too great, if only they could bear witness in their lives to the loveliness of the Messiah's character.

We are witnesses for Almighty YAHWEH as we reveal in ourselves the working of a power that is divine. Every individual has a life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essentially from theirs. YAHshua desired that our praise shall ascend to Him, marked by our own individuality. These precious acknowledgments to the praise of the glory of His grace, when supported by YAHshua's life, have an irresistible power that works for the salvation of souls. But this is only one aspect of our witnessing for the Messiah. Love is the compelling power. The saved cannot keep silent. Their witness is powerful. Satan knows and fears it. For that reason he tries to silence the testimony, the confession, the profession, the telling of it, the sharing of it, and the imparting of it.

This is the aggressing part of our witnessing—proclaiming, the good tidings as did the apostle Shaul (Paul), in five ways: visiting the temple, the market place, meeting the people in the cities or lonely places, standing before the spiritual leaders of his time. "But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the Elohim of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets," Acts 24:14. He shared what he had with others because it was a life and death eschatological message.

It was not a self-defensive witnessing, an attempt to justify himself. The aggressiveness of his witness was justified because somebody’s life was depending on his witness. Aggressive witnessing is evangelism, it is rescue work, it is saving those about to be lost forever.

In the early assembly force was used to silence the witnesses. The authorities commanded the Messianic believers not to speak. They feared the new doctrine. They reprimanded Peter and John, "They called them, and commended them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of YAHshua," Acts 4:18. The angel instructed them otherwise, "Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life," Acts 5:20. Thus, the battle raged over the new doctrine.

The apostles were spokesmen for YAHWEH. Witnessing for the Messiah was a natural part of their religion, a fundamental belief in the experience of being saved.

In Romans 10:9 Paul (Shaul) testifies, "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Master YAHshua, and shalt believe in thine heart that YAHWEH hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Believing and living the truth, and telling and sharing it, go hand in hand. One cannot be complete without the other. Messianic believers have always understood it this way.

In the New Testament the word ‘witness’ is a translation of the Greek word ‘martus’ which is #3144 in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Greek Lexicon. In the usage of the persecuted assembly ‘martus’ came to represent one who gave his testimony even at the expense of his life. The famous name of the Middle Ages, ‘Martyr’, came from this word. The martyrs risked their lives to give a witness for YAHshua the Messiah.

To witnesses, the promise is given, "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my FATHER which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my FATHER which is in heaven," Mt. 10:32-33.

As witnesses for the Messiah, we are to tell what we know, what we ourselves have seen and heard and felt. If we have been following YAHshua step by step, we shall have something right to the point to tell concerning the way in which He has led us. We can tell how we have tested His promise, and found the promise true. We can bear witness to what we have known of, the grace of YAHshua. This is the witness for which our Messiah calls, and for want of which the world is perishing.

What a doctrine! Should we give our lives up to prayerful meditation, our lights would grow dim, for light is given to us that we may impart it to others, and the more we impart light, the brighter our light will become. If there is any one thing in the world in which we may manifest enthusiasm, it may be manifested seeking the salvation of the souls for whom YAHshua the Messiah died.

The principle of witnessing is illustrated in the following statement: If we love YAHWEH because He first loved us, we shall love all for whom YAHshua died. We cannot come in touch with divinity without coming in touch with humanity. Connected with YAHshua, we are connected with out fellow men by the golden links of the chain of love. Then the pity and compassion of the Messiah will be manifest in our life.

This is the way Almighty YAHWEH planned it. Do you believe in witnessing, or do you relegate to the lower shelf as an unnecessary assembly program? Why not take time to study it thoroughly and pray about it? If you do, your eyes will be opened to a new world of Sacred Name New Testament believer’s living.

This is an age in which fear is the declared enemy to the social structure of mankind. One great political leader said, "The only thing we should fear is fear itself." Speaking of the spirit of the time we are living in, we may well describe it as one that seeks "freedom from fear as its ultimate goal.

Humanity, in its relentless search for a place of ideal perfection of happiness here on earth, is to give way from one extreme to another. The sinners, who loathes the restriction which the law of YAHWEH places upon him and seeks to free himself from all law and order, willingly signs himself over to the rule of satanic power which will enslave and finally ruin him.

Quite to the contrary, fear, at times, serves a very wholesome purpose. Speaking of our own future destiny, the apostle says to, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling," Phil. 2:12, which denotes that a certain amount of fear plays a pertinent part in our Messianic life. He says also, "...let us fear so that none of you should come short of it," Heb. 4:1. And Jude 23 again makes it clear how much fear has to do with our salvation saying, "And others save with reverence, pulling them out of the fire."

Like many other things, fear may sometimes be used as a blessing, while at other times it may be a curse. In this article we speak of the definite benefits derived from holy fear, of which the wise man of old spoke when he said, "Blessed is the man who is reverent to YAHWEH, but he who hardens his heart against Him will fall into trouble," Prov. 18:14.

Here it is that we refer back to our title, "But the end of all things is at hand." "An end has come, the end has come." It has awakened against you, look, it has come!" Ez. 7:6 (The Scriptures). Yes, the end is watching for all of us, the end of all things. The minutes are ticking away on the great clock of time which no human being can stop. It will be well with us if we think about it beforehand and not afterward when it is too late. Should we not rather today work out our own salvation with fear and trembling instead of waiting, waiting, and finally making the anguished cry, "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we have not been saved," Jer. 8:20, which would be equivalent to saying what our title is conveying? Peter warns, "Be ye there sober, and watch unto prayer," 1 Pet. 4:7. (KJV)

The signs of the times speak with an the voice of an omen. It takes a large degree of hardness of heart and a very unfeeling conscience to remain calm and composed in view of the events transpiring all around us, and to be unconcerned about the outcome. There is a reason to fear, yes, to fear greatly! No, not the fear of discouragement, but that fear which prompts us to act, to make serious preparations. Does not the call of Malachi also carry an air of beneficial fear in it when it asks the solemn question, "And who is able to bear the day of His coming, and who is able to stand when He appears? For He is like the fire of a refiner, and like the soap of a launderer," 3:2. (The Scriptures)

It is not too late now! Praise YAHWEH for the hours of gracious probation still left for you and me, "For He says, in a acceptable time I have heard you, and in a day of deliverance I helped you," 2 Cor. 6:2 (IBID). One day after another sinks into eternity, making our time for preparation shorter and still shorter. Shall we "redeem the time" or keep on living in the same routine of worldly cares, seeking earthly security and gain?

We hear of Belshazzar, Babylon’s last king, that when the handwriting on the wall appeared, "Then the sovereign’s colour changed, and his thoughts alarmed him, so that the joints of his hips were loosened and his knees knocked against each other," Dan. 5:6 (IBID). This fall of ancient Babylon is a very sad episode in history. Had not Nebuchadnezzar been brought to the point of acknowledging the true Almighty? How could Belshazzar, his grandson, return to heathen worship in full view of all that his ears had heard about Nebuchadnezzar? But when it was too late the mysterious, bloodless hand traced the words of doom on the wall. And doom came. Had they feared the true Almighty, they could have averted disaster; but their fear came too late.

If only YAHWEH'S people of today, in view of the approach of eternity, would be so gripped with a wholesome fear that they would really tremble for their salvation. This thought is amplified even further by the fact that all those who remain in the self-satisfied spiritual condition of Laodicea will be "spewed out" as unworthy and lost.

Therefore, "Seek YAHWEH while He is to be found, call on Him while He is near. Let the wrong forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Let him return to YAHWEH, Who has compassion on him, and to our Almighty, for He pardons much," Isa. 55:6-7. Shall we heed this loving call? YAHWEH grant that we will! Listen, in closing, to these inspired words:

In YAHshua's day on earth, as He looked down upon Jerusalem, the beloved city, exclaimed with solemn pathos, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to her! How often I wished to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, but you would not!" Mt. 23:37-38. Also, when the ill-advised multitude cried out, "And the people answering, said, His blood be on us and on our children," Mt. 27:25, they did not realize the extent of their hardened hearts and their self-inflicted punishment.

Why, oh why, had they not feared this dreadful day before? Now their fear was too late, dreadfully late. Proud Jerusalem perished with thousands of its inhabitants. But the end of all things is at hand. "Wake up! Wake up! You have work to do, and your sun is fast hastening to its setting. Your powers are becoming enfeebled; but all there is of you, every particle of your ability, belongs to YAHWEH, and should be used earnestly and fervently in His service. Work while the sun still lingers in the heavens; for the "night cometh, when no man can work."

Please ponder about this continuously. The ten virgins are asleep! And you: are you prepared, are you ready? Let us ever be reminded of the words concerning the Scriptural prophecy, "Now, brothers, as to the times and the seasons, you do not need to be written to. For you yourselves know very well that the day of YAHWEH comes as a thief in the night," 1 Thes. 5:1-2. Yes, Almighty FATHER YAHWEH will come at an hour when He is not expected. "Are you ready? YAHshua is coming soon!

Dodd James Brooks #844350
Tony Chavez #868675
Santiago Chavez Jr. #1024990
David Douglas #845893
William Dudrow #587557
Bennie R. Hale #845859
Richard Howe #676337
Rodney Johnson #797612
Robert D. Millegan Sr. #887658
Derial G. Moore #1047004
Don Parks #765940
Michael Poole #774201
Frank Ramirez #404639
Donald W. Riley #688883
Jason Rogers #939727
Rufus Sellers #419150
Robert Shields #825288
Jimmie L. Smith #656186
Bud Steadman Jr. #358789
Lee Roy Thomas #787922
James Henry Torme #809898
Robert Tyson #866304
Ronald Walton #624405
Quentin Watters #1010203
Dale Whitworth #803862
Fred G. Wilbert #934364
Darrell Williams #689255
Paul Williams #781295
Randy Wilson #782592
Rodney Woody #655973
Ricky Wyrick #893869

All of the above men are incarcerated at the McConnell Unit in Beeville, Texas.

You can write to one of them or all of them at the following address:

McConnell Unit
3001 S. Emily Dr.
Beeville, TX 78102

To let you know how important outside contact is with these men as well as holding meetings, here are excerpts from a brother in the Lansing, Kansas, facility:

I enjoy reading your newsletter, and I’m glad to hear of the growing prison ministry. I keep praying that some day we can have an Elder come in every week. I believe that if we did have an Elder come in every week, it would encourage more brothers to come to the assembly. But, as far as I know, there are no Elders that live in Kansas.

Elder Jerry, as I was reading "The Growing Prison Ministry," you mentioned that you are thinking of starting a pen-pal list, so we prisoners can write to others in the free world.

I’ve been serving this sentence for almost 19 years. I’m from Michigan, and my family all live there. My last visit with my parents was in 1987. I don’t receive much mail, except from my sister and mother. I ask that you put me on the list. Thanks.

David Andrews #41878
EDCF P. O. Box 2
Lansing, KS 66043

The 19th annual Unity Conference was held in Cisco, Texas, on Aug. 2-4 this year. There were 11 speakers originally listed to make presentations. The conference began at about 9:00—9:30 a.m. on Aug. 2 with a short 2 minute ice-breaker presentation from every person in attendance. This offers the opportunity for the attendees to get to know each other right off the bat.

Larry Acheson was the first to tender his presentation. His topic was concerning food preparation on the Sabbath. Since Israel wasn’t allowed to kindle a fire on the Sabbath and they were told to bake and prepare their meals on the 6th day, it is Larry’s contention that food shouldn’t undergo any preparation on the Sabbath day, not even being warmed up.

Roger Norman gave the second presentation addressing the marriage covenant and encouraging the assembly to keep the marriage bed undefiled. His dissertation was principally in rebuttal to one made at last year’s conference and also the feast of tabernacles at Cisco wherein the speaker justified divorce from the Torah.

Jerry Healan gave the third presentation which was also based on the marriage covenant. It was a combination of the articles offered from our YEA library entitled "Adultery—A Sin That Is Besetting Us" and "The Two Covenants—A Comparison."

Mike Mastropaolo gave the fourth message asking "Have the Assemblies Stagnated?" He decried the fact that none of us are witnessing the power of the Spirit and miracles that occurred in the original body of New Testament believers.

Mike Banak gave the fifth message wherein he encouraged the body of believers to get back to more centralized authority, for instance, on the calendar. He encouraged the assemblies to appoint at least three men (ordained elders/ministers) to do a thorough in-depth study into the calendar, men of impeccable character, who could study, pray and fast in order to come to a rightful conclusion. The body of believers would then submit to their authority and findings whether in agreement or not. In other words, get some authority back into the body of believers.

Marvin Wilson was the sixth speaker. His presentation was given concerning the pre-existence of YAHshua. His presentation was tendered in a very professional manner. Whether he convinced those who hold the opposite belief, we don’t know, but, of course, we are convicted in that belief.

George Kinney was the seventh to give a presentation which was concerning the International Dateline. Should the dateline exist as it has been developed by modern man? George believes that the location is close, but thinks that it should simply be a straight line drawn in the Pacific instead of the zig-zag effect that is now upheld by man. He believes that YAHshua will certainly clear up this matter upon His return.

The eighth presentation was given by Frank Brown. His subject was concerning whether we should observe the Passover on the 14th or 15th. Here again, we agree with Frank on his dissertation, but it doesn’t appear that he convinced any of those who observe it otherwise.

Dale Sabin gave the ninth presentation which brought us back to marriage, the home and the discipling of our own children. It was a very spirited presentation and so many of his points were right on.

The tenth and final presentation was made by Charles Green. He and his wife, Lois, have been doing an intensive study on the 10 commandments and how the branch out into all of Scripture and into our lives.

After the speaking session, a vote was taken concerning the location of the Unity Conference 2003. The Cisco congregation has hosted the conference for the last two years. It was determined that the next conference will be held in Rocheport, Missouri, at YAHWEH'S Assembly In the Messiah campground.

A missionary and prison ministry report was given by Sam Graham, Jerry Healan and George Garner. The conference concluded at about 1:30 or 2 p.m. on the 4th of August.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the spirit of brotherhood and fellowship that we had at the conference. It is most beautiful to visit with and fellowship with so many of the brethren in the body of the Messiah. Even though there may be disagreement on many of the doctrines, the unity of spirit, peace and love exhibited was extraordinary. It’s YAHWEH'S family. We know the love that we have in our own families and the differences that can exist between husband and wife, parents and children and between the children themselves. But the family still loves each other. We are all different from each other. We have our own fingerprints, our own dental identity, our own DNA, etc. We all even think differently. But family is family and the love, togetherness and fellowship that is exhibited in families was also exhibited at the conference.

The new facilities that the Cisco Assembly has built is absolutely beautiful. We praise YAHWEH that He has blessed them so greatly. One has to see it to appreciate it.

The Sabbath services were also a wondrous time of joy, rejoicing and worship of YAHWEH and YAHshua. The song service was so marvelous, then there were the special offerings. John Robinson gave a deep and sobering message. The whole meeting, conference, services, fellowship, etc., was simply power packed and dynamic.

One sister, Lucille Mendez, passed out and hit her head on the tile floor while waiting in line for the Sabbath meal. She has seizures of some type. She was anointed and prayed for. She was reportedly doing well the last we heard. There were also many other anointings for healing on the Sabbath.

We encourage you to make preparations and plans to attend the conference in Rocheport next Year. We know that you will be truly blessed.

We have made video tapes of the greater part of the conference. Tapes are available of almost all of the presentations except Jerry Healan’s and only a partial portion of Larry Acheson’s presentation. Otherwise, the presentations and the services are intact. There are 4 tapes which you may request any or all of them. We would appreciate at least a $5—10 donation for each tape as the equipment and the tapes utilized to do the videoing are quite expensive.

Tape #1 has Roger Norman’s and Larry Acheson’s presentations

Tape #2 has Mike Mastropaolo, Mike Banak, Frank Brown, Marvin Wilson and George Kinney’s presentations.

Tape #3 Services, John Robinson’s sermon.

Tape #4 has Dale Sabin and Charles Green’s presentations with closing comments by S. Graham, J. Healan and G. Garner. JH

Greetings to you all in the Magnificent Name of YAHWEH and His Obedient Son, YAHshua HaMashiach. HalleluYAH!

What is a covenant and is there any difference between the old and the new covenant?

The Random House College Dictionary (p. 309) defines "covenant" as: "n. 1. An agreement, usually formal, between two or more persons to do or not to do something specified. 2. Law. An incidental clause in such an agreement. 3. The conditional promises made to man by [Elohim], as revealed in the Scripture. 4. Law. a. a formal agreement of legal validity, esp. one under seal. b. an early English form of action in suits involving sealed contracts. –v.i. 5. To enter into a convent. –v.t. 6. To agree to by covenant; pledge. 7. To stipulate."

Strong’s Concordance reveals that the Hebrew word for "covenant" is "beriyth" and reads: "from 1262 (in the sense of cutting [like 1254]); a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh); -confederacy, covenant, league (H1285)."

Other revealing definitions are: H1262 "to select, to feed, to render clear, etc."; H1254 "to create, to cut down, to select, to feed, to choose, etc.’ H1250 "to winnow grain, etc."’ H1305 "to clarify, examine, cleanse, select, purge out, purify, etc."

The Greek word for "covenant" is "diatheke" (G1242: "from 1303; prop. a disposition, i.e. (spec.) a contract (espec. A devisory will): -covenant, testament." (See also G1303, G1223, and G5087.

Now, you may be thinking: "Why all this emphasis on the meaning of words? I just believe and am under grace. I am covered and the law (covenant) has been done away with."

No, dear reader, the law has not been done away with. In fact, all of Scripture, from the beginning to the ending, is a legal document. It is a covenant and as the dictionary states, it is the conditional promises made to man by Elohim YAHWEH.

And we, as covenantees, enter into covenant, and agree to the terms, and then do our part of the agreement. And we must ask ourselves: "Are we in covenant or not?"

Daniel, in 9:4 prayed: "O YAHWEH, the great and dreadful Elohim, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love Him, and to them that keep His commandments." Did you notice? YAH keeps covenant and mercy to them that love him and do or keep His commandments.

You may say: "Well, that’s Old Testament." And I say to you that nothing has changed in regard to the basic, everlasting covenant that YAHWEH made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Yes, oh yes, the death penalty (Rom. 6:23, 1 John 3:4) has been paid for by the Supreme Sacrifice of our Beloved Master, YAHshua HaMashiach, but the terms of the covenant have not been abrogated, for our Beloved Master plainly states: "he that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My FATHER, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him (John 14:21)." See also John 14:23, 1 John 5:3, 2 John 1:6, Rev. 1:2, 1:9, 6:9, 12:17, 14:12, 15:3, 20:4, and many, many other Scripture verses too numerous to mention.

We must understand that words are real. Why? "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Elohim, and the Word was Elohim." That magnificent Scripture is in the Book of John, chapter one, verse one. Also see the very revealing Scripture, Rev. 19:13.

In regard to the word "testament" Mr. E. W. Bullinger had this to say: "The word ‘Testament’, is a translation of the Greek word ‘diatheke’ (which means ‘covenant’) has been nothing less than a great calamity; for by its use, truth has been effectually veiled all through the centuries; (App. 95, page 137, of The Companion Bible)."

And so, we must ask ourselves: "Are we in covenant or not?" if we are not keeping the commandments (including the fourth, which stipulates YAH’S seventh day of rest); then we are breaking the covenant. In deed, we are lawless. See Matt. 7:21, 23.

Time is short! Scripture strongly urges us to re-examine our position. See Luke 6:46-49.

Prayer: Dearest Heavenly FATHER YAH, please help us to understand that You are real and that Your Word is absolute TRUTH.

You are instructing us in the Way, which, if we walk in it, will lead us to Your Truth and Eternal Life. We would do well to listen. And this I pray, through the Saving Name of YAHshua HaMashiach.

Thank You. HalleluYAH!

This article appeared in the Desert Journal newspaper in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.

Prayers have been specifically solicited for the following: Gina Baez, Dave Bailey, Leah Baird, Mona Baylon & Family, Elder Willie Beard, Megen Bitterman, Sheleah Bradley, Lindy Branch Family, Larry Brown Jr. & wife Peggy, Nadene Brown, Maxine Carr, David Cavenall, Tony Chavez, Enid Christiansen, Evelyn Cooper, John I. Cox, Serena Cusson, Elaine Daniel, Dana Davis, Ennis Dewayne Davis, H. A. Davis, John & Loretta Dellipizzi, Marie Dupus, James & Eleanora Edge, Jason & Jaclyn Fails, Stephen Farrell, Alice Findling, Brad & Christine Folford, Dorothy Grifford, J. C. Harris, Arney Hayes, Frances & Lillian Healan, Sharri & Rachel Hodges, Elder G. D. U. Intong & Family, Elder George & Clara Kinney, Wendy Kinney, Evelyn Kacos, Brad Kissee, Jim & Darlene Kneberg, Dirk R. Lemcke, Wayne Mann, Pete Markunas, Lucy Mendez, Beverly Morrow, Mary Warren & Family, Helen Mercer, Gary McDaniel Family, George McKenzie Jr., Doyle & Mary Nisbett, George Paña & Family, Don Parker, Julian Robles, James, Sherry & Elizabeth Rooney, Jim Thompson, Jerry Perry, Tilman Ryland, Floy Rynard, Rosali Smith & Family, Edward Stiner, Pearlie Thornton, Guy & Deborah Vanderlaag, Jesse Vicknair, Tammy Ware, Gayle Watkins & Family, Ethel Watson, Britanny Wilhelm, Cynthia Williams & Family, Judy Williams, Mike & Adelia Williams family, and Stephen Yeakel.

Please remember these brethren in your daily prayers, lifting their names before YAHWEH'S throne of grace and mercy for the intervention that is needed in each case.

While we do not know the specifics in each and every case, there are some whose condition we do know of and would like to enlist the specifics of their problems here so that your prayers for them can be broken down a little smaller and more specifically.

Jason & Jaclyn Fails have recently suffered a miscarriage. Pete Markunas suffers from diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia. Evelyn Kacos suffers from diabetic neuropathy.

You and all the brethren there are doing a great work. I look forward every (2) months to get your YEA Newsletters. The May-June 02 issue was dynamic! J&L DP; PA

Just finished reading another excellent YEA Newsletter which came in the mail today! Keep up the good work! TH; OK

I misplaced the [subscription renewal] card, but please continue my subscription to the "YEA Newsletter." It blesses me and is good to receive. AY; SC

Yes, we want to keep receiving your newsletter. It has been a real blessing to us. We learn and understand more truth as we read the articles you print. May YAHWEH bless you for your work and effort for Him. C&DH; OK

I would like to take this time to express my gratitude to your dedication in presenting the word of YAHWEH in its truth. The material I receive from you is most helpful in my studies and in the educating of others in the truth of our Heavenly FATHER'S word.

I pass this material to others and it opens doors that they never knew existed. They seem to leave the bounds of normal Christianity and see the truth between the lines, so to speak. DC; TX

I would like to continue receiving the newsletter. Frankly, I don’t agree with everything I read in it, but then, I’ve very seldom read any group’s literature, sacred name, or otherwise, that I could truthfully say I was in agreement with totally. I do find it interesting and stimulating. LR; GA

From a prisoner:

I greatly enjoyed the Sabbath services yesterday. I cannot thank you enough for your outreach to prisoners. Jerry, you mean a lot to the brethren here on Coffield and undoubtedly to those prisoners dispersed abroad. May YAHWEH bless you sevenfold.

As you can see, our assembly continues to grow. YAHWEH is opening up the understanding of many people—especially in prison….YAHWEH has evidently picked you as His (dalet) door, the opening, by which we inmates may stand in unity under the banner of YAHWEH throughout Texas’ prisons. So put on the armor of YAHWEH and prepare to fight against Babylon. We must overcome. MS; TX

Shalom Jerry,

I have today for the first time started reading some of the articles on your website. I find that I am in agreement with all. We are a small Nazarene fellowship who is associated with the Union of Two House Messianic Congregations. Below is my web page address. Assembly of YHWH - Nazarene Fellowship http://www.geocities.com/jim_coetzee/index.html. I have downloaded a number of your papers for studying at home. We are presently only four people attending Sabbath services at my house. We are not ordained Ministers and order audio tapes from Rabbi Moshe Koniuchowsky's Tape club. We would like to ask that if you ever have some good material taped - inform us about it. We always need material, especially for Set-apart Days. South Africa.

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