More YEA NEWSLETTERS

January-Feburary-2003

Elder/Evangelist Jerry Healan
responds to letters accusing him
of promoting anti-Semitic teachings.

The Apostle John writes, "And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, and gather them to the battle of that great of Almighty YAHWEH," Rev. 16:13-14.

There are seven spirits before the throne of YAHWEH which represent the angels of the seven assemblies (Rev. 1:4, 12-13, 16, 20; 3:1; 5:6). These seven spirits are the spirits that witness to YAHWEH'S and YAHshua's people concerning their truths, their plan, their purpose, their glory, etc.

We also have been told that YAHWEH is Spirit and those who worship Him, must worship Him in Spirit and in truth (Jn. 4:23-24).

This prince of the power of the air is further described, "But if our evangel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious evangel of the Messiah, Who is the image of Elohim, should shine unto them," 2 Cor. 4:4.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "Would to Elohim ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. For I am jealous over you with pious jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to the Messiah. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity (purity) that is in the Messiah. For if he that cometh preacheth another YAHshua, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another evangel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him….But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of the Messiah. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 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," 2 Cor. 11:1-4, 12-15.

Now, just who is Paul speaking of here? Here is a problem of deception and corruption that began very early on in the assembly. Where did it come from? Let’s continue here and see if we can detect a smattering of what Paul is speaking of here, "I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little. That which I speak, I speak it not after the Sovereign, but as it were foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also. For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise. For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I," 2 Cor. 11:16-22.

Paul is here identifying those who are sowing the spirit and seeds of another messiah, another YAHshua. They are Hebrews. They are Israelites. They are of the seed of Abraham.

Again, Paul has to write to the Galatians, "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of the Messiah unto another evangel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the evangel of the Messiah. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other evangel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed," Gal. 1:6-9.

Notice that, there were those who were coming into the body of the Messiah perverting the evangel of the Messiah. What were these men that were in the process of perverting this most important evangel teaching?

Paul continues, "For do I now persuade men, or Elohim? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of the Messiah. But I certify you, brethren, that the evangel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of YAHshua the Messiah. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the assembly of YAHWEH, and wasted it: and profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers," vv. 10-14.

Paul continues, "But when it pleased YAHWEH, Who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Sovereign's brother. Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before YAHWEH, I lie not. Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; and was unknown by face unto the assemblies of Judaea which were in the Messiah: but they had heard only, that he which persecuted us in times past, now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. And they glorified YAHWEH in me. Then fourteen years after, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that evangel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: and that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in the Messiah YAHshua, that they might bring us into bondage: to whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the evangel might continue with you," vv. 15-24, 2:1-5.

Paul reveals the major problem in chapter 5, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith the Messiah hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you that if ye be circumcised, the Messiah shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. The Messiah is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit, wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in YAHshua the Messiah neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love," vv. 1-6.

What event was Paul speaking of here when he went to Jerusalem to appear before the apostles? "And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, ‘Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.’ When therefore Paul and Barnabbas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabbas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. And being brought on their way by the assembly, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the assembly, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that YAHWEH had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses," Act. 15:1-5.

The Hebrews, the Israelites, the seed of Abraham, the false brethren were Pharisees! Paul had been a Pharisee and while he was of that belief, he persecuted and decimated the assembly. Many were put into prison by him and others were even put to death which included Stephen! But when Paul was dealt with by YAHshua, he repented deeply and bitterly of his vile acts and considered his previous gain in the Pharisaical walk as dung, "Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the assembly; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for the Messiah. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of the Messiah YAHshua my Sovereign: for Whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win the Messiah, and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of the Messiah, the righteousness which is of YAHWEH by faith: that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto His death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead," Phil. 3:3-11.

The Pharisees were the false brethren who were troubling the assembly. Paul says that they were brought in unawares (Gal. 2:4). Therefore, we can conclude that the Pharisees came into the assembly of believers, feigning repentance and belief, in order to eventually take over and pervert the evangel of the Messiah carrying the brethren over to another, a false messiah.

Both John the Baptist and YAHshua reveal who the Pharisees were, "In those days came John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, and saying, ‘Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Prepare ye the way of YAHWEH, make His paths straight.’ And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locust and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, ‘O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: and think not to say within yourselves, ‘We have Abraham to our father:’ for I say unto you, that YAHWEH is able to these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire," Mt. 3:1-10.

YAHshua imputed the same thing in several places. For example, Mat. 12:34 when speaking of the Pharisees, He said, "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh."

YAHshua also told the Pharisees, "If YAHWEH were your FATHER, ye would love Me: for I proceeded forth and came from YAHWEH; neither came I of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do ye not understand My speech? Even because ye cannot hear My word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it," Jn. 8:42-44.

The Pharisees, scribes and Sadducees were a generation (children, descendants, progeny) of vipers (serpents). Their father was the devil! They withstood and tried to trip YAHshua up at every turn. They caused the death of the Savior. They began the persecution on the assembly, the body of the Messiah. Then they secretly entered into the assembly of believers sowing the seeds of perversion and turning so many, many of the believers away from the true Messiah to a false one!

YAHshua spoke a parable which fits this situation, "Another parable put He forth unto them, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, ‘Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? From whence then hath it tares?’ He said unto them, ‘An enemy hath done this.’ The servants said unto him, ‘Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?’ But he said, ‘Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, ‘Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.’…. "Then YAHshua sent the multitude away and went into the house: and His disciples came unto Him, saying, ‘Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, ‘He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; the enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their FATHER. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear," Mt. 13:24-30, 36-43.

YAHWEH allows the tares, children of the devil, to be sown in among the wheat even in the body of the Messiah. The tares promote the teachings of the Pharisees, scribes and Sadducees which perverts and twists the true, pure understanding of the Messiah until He has been perverted into one that is untrue and impure.

According to these accounts, modern-day Judaism is a result of the Pharisees. Nothing has truly changed concerning their attitude toward YAHshua the Messiah.

The Jewish Book of Knowledge further reveals, "The anonymous author of II Maccabees, who evidently was a Pharisee Scribe of the second century B.C.E., announced the equalitarian objective of the Pharisees like a clarion-call to salvation: ‘Unto all are given the Kingdom, the Priesthood, and the Heritage!’ By the ‘Kingdom’ he meant the righteous Kingdom of God which was to be established on earth by the Messiah; by the ‘Priesthood’ was indicated the possibility (since Israel considered itself ‘a nation of priests’ through its consecration to God and the Torah) for each individual Jew to worship God and to commune with him in prayer directly-without priestly intercession; by the ‘Heritage’ was meant the Torah and all extra-Biblical laws, traditions, customs, rites, and ceremonies that had been accumulated, preserved, and handed down orally from generation to generation since Moses." (p. 337)

In analyzing these comments here we find that the Pharisees believed that they were the successors and inheritors of the Kingdom of heaven, the priesthood and promise of the heritage that goes with it. But what did YAHshua say concerning the Pharisees? "And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth," Mt. 8:11-12.

Again, He told those of His day, "Verily I say unto you, that publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of Elohim before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him….YAHshua saith unto them, ‘Did ye never read in the scriptures, ‘The Stone Which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is YAHWEH'S doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?’ Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of Elohim shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this Stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever It shall fall, it will grind him to powder.’ And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard His parables, they perceived that He spake of them," Mt. 21:31-32, 42-45.

Here is the true factual situation. The Sadducees, Pharisees and Scribes were teaching that they were the kingdom of Elohim to be established even more powerfully by the Messiah when He came. But they denied the true Messiah, YAHshua and lost out on that opportunity.

They, like Korah, were beginning to declare that they were all a nation of kings and priests, therefore they were able, under the power of their own righteousness, to appear before the glorious throne of YAHWEH. Yet, they denied the true heavenly High Priest after the order of Melchizedek.

They were cautioned to heed the words of YAHshua because He was That Prophet of which Moses spoke (Acts 3:19-23, Dt. 18:15-19). They refused to do so and their destruction didn’t slumber. They were given a period of 40 years to turn and embrace the true Messiah and His coming kingdom. They refused and suffered the consequences.

This move to establish this "democratic inheritance" was of Greek origin as "democracy" is a Greek idea in its concepts. YAHWEH had told Aaron, "Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel," Num. 18:20.

YAHWEH informs us through Malachi, the last inspired prophet of the Old Testament, "And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you. If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto My name, saith YAHWEH of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart. Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it. And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that My covenant might be with Levi, saith YAHWEH of hosts. My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared Me, and was afraid before My name. The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with Me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity. For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of YAHWEH of hosts. But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith YAHWEH of hosts. Therefore have I have also made you contemptible and base before all the People, according as ye have not kept My ways, but have been partial in the law. Have we not all one FATHER? Hath not one El created us? Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?" Mal. 2:1-10.

The problem was that just as in the days of Eli and Samuel, the priesthood had become corrupted and the people were desirous of a change. YAHWEH allowed Samuel, an Ephraimite to obtain the priesthood. This change was a prophetic type of the change that YAHWEH would bring about in the days of John the Baptist, YAHshua and the apostles. However, the Pharisees, scribes and Sadducees weren’t open to the change that YAHWEH, Himself, was bringing about, a change from the Levitical to the Melchizedek priesthood. The people had gone too far into the realm of democracy. The newfound freedom wherein all of the learned (especially those of Jewish or Hebrew descent) were equal to the office of the high priest brought about a false religious or spiritual high. It also lead to great confusion. The writings of the Talmud are the greatest example.

YAHWEH was the inheritance of Aaron and his sons. The Levites were given the service of YAHWEH and the tithes of the children of Israel for their inheritance. The children of Israel were given the land of Canaan as their inheritance. The Levites were a link between the people and the priesthood, the priesthood was a link between YAHWEH and the Levites (Num. 18:220-32). The corruption of the priesthood and the teachings of the Pharisees overthrew this order of inheritance. No wonder YAHshua told them that they were of their father the Devil (Jn. 8:44)!

This "Great Synagogue," with its corruption of the priesthood by the Sadducees and overthrow of the same by the Pharisees, is the synagogue spoken of by YAHshua in Rev. 3:9, "Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee."

Are we beginning to understand why the Pharisees were called a "generation of vipers" and the Devil their father? YAHshua told them, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, ‘Whosoever shall swear by the Temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the Temple, he is a debtor!’ Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And, ‘Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.’ Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. And who shall swear by the Temple, sweareth by it, and by Him That dwelleth therein. And he that shall swear by heaven sweareth by the throne of Elohim, and by Him That sitteth thereon," Mt. 23:15-22.

We hear a great deal from the Jewish community and also from many of the assemblies concerning the 613 commandments which supposedly were discovered by the scribes and Pharisees in the Torah. But notice that it is admitted that the scribes and Pharisees reinterpreted the law, revised, elaborated and even added new extensions of their own. This was forbidden by YAHWEH in the Torah (Dt. 4:2, 12:32).

A young man asked YAHshua, "Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?’ And He said unto him, ‘Why callest thou Me good? There is none good but One, that is, Elohim: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He saith unto Him, ‘Which?’ YAHshua said, ‘Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself’." Mt. 19:16-18.

Now, why did the young man ask "Which?" Could it be because there was a controversy among the Jews concerning the 613 mitzvot (commandments)? Why didn’t YAHshua respond, "Why, obey the 613 mitzvot, of course!?" YAHshua responded with a portion (four) of the ten commandments instead along with the generalization of the last five commandments summed up in love toward neighbor.

What did YAHshua accuse the Pharisees of? "Then spake YAHshua to the multitude, and to His disciples, saying, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers," Mt. 23:1-4.

It is admitted today, that it is impossible for all of the 613 commandments to be performed, therefore, why make them incumbent on anyone? Wouldn’t this be a vain righteousness? Even Paul, a former Pharisee, admitted, "Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to YAHWEH for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of YAHWEH, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of YAHWEH'S righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of YAHWEH. For the Messiah is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth," Ro. 10:1-4.

When it says that the Messiah is the end of the law, the word "end" has to do with "the point aimed at" or "the outcome." How could the Pharisees or anyone who goes about seeking to establish his own righteousness understand this verse? Truly, the Pharisees couldn’t understand it because they denied the Messiah in the first place. YAHshua continued to promote publicans (tax collectors) and harlots over the Pharisees. Why? Because the publicans and harlots understood that they were sinners and could readily repent and embrace the truth when the call went out, but the Pharisees trusted in themselves that they were righteousness. This is illustrated by YAHshua who stated, "Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘Elohim, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, ‘Elohim be merciful to me a sinner.’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted," Lk. 18:10-14.

The gist of the matter is that the Sadducees, scribes and Pharisees thought that they were the righteous kingdom of kings and priests. All they needed was the Messiah, the Anointed One to come into their midst and they would be able to overthrow the Romans and Greeks, take the power of the kingdom and rule over the earth.

Well, the Messiah did come into their midst, but because of their own blindness, they rejected Him, resisted Him at every turn and eventually conspired to put Him to death. The 613 commandments, their own righteousness (filthy rags [Isa. 64:6]), and blindness eventually brought the prophesied destruction upon them (Mt. 23:37-39).

In these last days, there have been so many who have misunderstood Mat. 23:2-3. Their teaching has been perverted to say and think that YAHshua was giving credence to the authority of the scribes and Pharisees when He said, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do."

Why would YAHshua give credence, power and authority to a generation of vipers (children of serpents) and children of the devil? The Interlinear Bible renders verse 2 as, "The scribes and the Pharisees sat in Moses’ seat." Notice that the word is rendered in the past tense, not the present. These children of vipers were warned to bring forth fruit meet for the kingdom or they would be totally uprooted because their tree had become corrupted (Mt. 3:10).

YAHshua continued in verse 3, "But do not ye after their works: for they say and do not." What He was implying was the fact that the power and authority of the kingdom would be given to the apostles and their disciples. When this took place, they weren’t to follow the scribe’s and Pharisee’s example. It is obvious that the power and authority had been removed from them, for had it not, there would have been no controversy concerning circumcision. Instead of holding a council in Jerusalem among the apostles and disciples, they would have differed to the decision of the Pharisees who were in the process of troubling the assemblies.

There are plenty of Scriptures which reveal that the first to enter into the New Testament assembly and to twist and pervert the evangel of the Messiah were Jews, Hebrews, children of Abraham. The same ones who withstood the ministries of John the Baptist and YAHshua, also entered into the body of believers unawares and began to twist and pervert the pure, truthful message of the Messiah. They were the tares who looked like the wheat plant until the fruit appears. The problem that we have in the body of the Messiah is that the fruit doesn’t appear until the end of the age when the earth becomes ripe for harvest (Rev. 14:14-16).

Constantine the Great saw an opportunity to take over this faith and did so by feigning repentance, entering into the body of corrupted believers, took over as their Pontifex Maximus (high priest) and began a much further and greater corruption of it. The Pharisees had done their great work of perversion and then left the corrupted body of believers to the wolves who entered in and have continually decimated the flock of YAHshua on a thousand hill to this very day.

Judaism is one of the modern-day spirits that is gathering the world to the battle of the great day of Almighty YAHWEH (Rev. 16:14). We understand that it is dangerous to reveal this knowledge, but we will put our trust in YAHWEH for His safety and protection. We will hopefully complete this article in the next newsletter.

WHY DOES MATTER EXIST?
By Jerry Healan

Popular Science Magazine recently ran an article (April 2002) written by Bill Moyer entitled Matter. It seems that he was given an opportunity to visit the 2-mile long accelerator, called the Stanford Linear Accelerator, or SLAC, in Menlo Park, California.

Isn’t this amazing! The physicists can’t explain why matter exists! According to their own experiments and theories, matter shouldn’t exist at all. They are presently in a most uncomfortable situation because they can’t explain it. Wow! I wonder why they don’t declare this to the public much more openly. Could it be that they don’t want to inform the public because they fear that the public would take this as proof that a Creator really does exist?

Of course, legs probably had to come first and four or six or eight or a thousand legs seemed to be so much better than just two, but no matter, some decided to develop into primates and some of the primates decided that they had rather walk on just two legs and that they wanted to appear more intelligent than the rest, so they decided to develop larger, more efficient brains which would lead to a wonderful thought process, ergo! Man eventually created himself and became the Sovereign over all the earth. Then he began to look proudly back over all of the billions of years that it took him to develop into the creature that he is today.

Isn’t it interesting that the scientists can speak of things being created, but continually deny that there is a great all-wise Creator Who made it all. No, according to scientists, there is only the natural physical world. They become very angry when someone speaks of a supernatural Creator. Why? Because they are in the process of denial which is revealed by the Apostle Paul in the book of Romans, "For the wrath of YAHWEH is revealed from heaven against all impiety and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of YAHWEH is manifest in them; for YAHWEH hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and headship; so that they are without excuse: because that when they knew YAHWEH, they glorified Him not as Elohim, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible Elohim into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things," vv. 18-23.

Notice that YAHWEH'S word says that the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and headship; so that they are without excuse. Man, in what is called the primitive state, didn’t have the knowledge that is available to those in today’s supposedly more enlightened world. Therefore, the more modern-day enlightened scientists impugn and make fun of those who believe (-d) in a Creator, an all-powerful, all-wise, omnipotent Being Who made it all and sustains it by His power.

It is amazing to me that in all the scientific world, the evidence, the truth is right before the face of the scientists, yet they continue to remain in a state of denial. Of course, those of us who have never studied into the sciences in depth, yet continue to maintain the primitive belief in a Creator, are looked upon as ignoramuses. I know, I have been addressed as such by evolutionists on a creation science forum on the internet. But it would be far better for them to heed the warning that Paul stated, "For the wrath of YAHWEH is revealed from heaven against all impiety and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness."

When I try to warn them, I am accused of threatening them. I can’t threaten anyone. YAHWEH forbid that I should have such power. But I can warn them of the truthfulness of the situation so that they might have an opportunity to repent and save their souls from the prophesied wrath to come.

The truth of the situation is that modern-day scientists have the truth right in front of their faces, but can’t recognize it because they are in denial and blinded. It’s the same situation as when YAHshua stood in front of Pilate and told him, Every one that is of the truth heareth My voice. Pilate saith unto Him, ‘What is truth?" Jn. 18:37 (last part)-38 (first part). Here was YAHshua, the Truth, standing before Pilate and Pilate couldn’t recognize it.

The truth of the matter is that while scientific research is great and can reveal so much knowledge and understanding about the world around us, if they would approach their research with the frame of mind that there is a wondrous Creator Who made it all, then everything would fall into place. YAHWEH would be honored and acknowledged as the Almighty Elohim Who has the wisdom, knowledge and understanding to be able to simply speak it all into existence. Man would understand that even though he can acquire a great amount of knowledge about the physical creation, he would also glean a great deal of knowledge about the One Who created it all, and also would understand that it isn’t possible for the mind of man to be able to fathom it all nor is it possible to search it all out.

Scripture says, "By the Word of YAHWEH were the heavens made: and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: He layeth up the depth in storehouses. Let all the earth fear YAHWEH: Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spake and it was done; He commanded and it stood fast," Psa. 33:6-9.

Again, the believer can triumphantly proclaim the inspired word of YAHWEH which says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Elohim, and the Word was Elohim. All things were made by Him (the Word); and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not….He (the Word) was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of Elohim, even to them that believe on His name: Which were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of YAHWEH. And the Word was made (became) flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the FATHER,) full of grace and truth," Jn. 1:1-5, 10-14.

The book of Hebrews proclaims, "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of YAHWEH, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear," Heb. 11:3. The wording here is a little erroneous. Actually it should say, "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of YAHWEH, so that things which are seen were made of things which do not appear."

This is a true scientific statement which is proclaimed by one of YAHshua's disciples/apostles before the world ever knew that it was made of molecules which are further broken down into atoms, which are further broken down into protons, neutrons, and electrons, which are further broken down into quarks, leptons, and force carriers, which, according to one of the statements of the scientific articles out of Stanford are also made up of a substructure not presently known nor understood.

That’s because they may be approaching the border of the spirit or supernatural world which they already are in denial of. The Apostle Paul writes, "For what man knoweth the things of man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of YAHWEH knoweth no man, but the Spirit of YAHWEH. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of YAHWEH; that we might know the things that are freely give to us of YAHWEH. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of YAHWEH: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned," 1 Cor. 2:11-14.

If the scientists would only study the Scriptures with the same intensity and inquisitiveness as they are the physical realm, they would learn the truth of the matter. They would find out how matter and antimatter could exist in equal quantities without canceling each other out, for the Scriptures state, "Elohim, Who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, Whom He hath appointed Heir of all things, by Who also He made the worlds; Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high," Heb. 1:1-3.

Do you get that Mr. Scientist? YAHshua, the Son of Elohim and the Word of Elohim spoke it all into being and currently upholds it by the word of His power. That’s the reason why matter and antimatter didn’t cancel each other out whether it was 15 billion, trillion, million, thousand or even hundred years ago. We have a Creator and a Savior Who has the power to cause it all to be. Let us seek and fear Him, for if He is able to create and uphold such a wondrous physical creation that we are a part of, what wonders await us in the spiritual realm!?

TORAH OR RABBINIC 
JUDAISM TRADITION?
By Elder G. D. U. Intong

We are concerned about the recent trend of imposing traditional, so-called "Torah observance" on Messianic believers. Torah observance is a term that doesn’t really sound all that controversial. If we believe all Scripture (including the Torah) is inspired by our Almighty FATHER YAHWEH and is profitable for us (2 Tim. 3:17), should we not observe its statutes and laws? This all sounds fine, but there is a problem.

Our Heavenly FATHER wants us to live a righteous life. Circumcision, as a physical act, can never substitute for a righteous spiritual life of obedience to YAHWEH'S laws. The covenant with YAHWEH means that the believers live in harmony with His commandments. Many physically circumcised people do not fulfill this requirement.

The subject that the Jerusalem Council deliberated upon in Acts 15 was that of circumcision. In its decision, the Jerusalem Council firmly rebuked the Judaizing Pharisees who said they believed in Yahwshua but wanted to impose traditional Jewish Torah observance on Gentile believers (v. 5). That decision was enunciated by James (Yaacob) the Just (ha Tzaddik), the brother of our Savior Yahwshua and spiritual leader of the Messianic congregation at Jerusalem.

Before the assembled multitude at Jerusalem, Yaaqob declared, "Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to YAHWEH: but that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication and from things strangled, and from blood," (vv. 19-20).

There are similarities between these four prohibitions in Acts 15 and Sheva ha Mitzvot B’nai Noach, or the Seven Laws of the Sons of Noach, enumerated in the Talmud. However, there are also important differences between the two lists. James clearly was not imposing those seven Talmudic laws on Gentile believers. The Holy Spirit did not lead the Jerusalem Council to impose OT Torah (Torah means "teaching" not "law") observance on Gentile believers, because he knew that work was already in progress on the next phase of Torah—Beriyth Chadashah, the 27 books comprising what we know today as the New Covenant. This New Covenant, would be Torah for both Jewish and Gentile believers. It would not only repeat virtually all of the key concepts of the Old Covenant, but it would expand on them, explain them, and (in many cases) raise the standard even higher (Mt. 5:27-32).

Also the Beriyth Chadashah would provide a grid through which to view the Old Torah and better understand its meaning. Even the rabbis understood the need for an explanation and expansion of the Old Torah, and their solution was the Talmud, the oral tradition of Judaism. But Almighty YAHWEH'S solution was the Beriyth Chadashah, which complements and explains the Old Torah. Together, the Old and Beriyth Chadashah form Sepher ha Beitot, or the Book of the Covenant. So the decision of the Jerusalem Council was that Gentile believers should abstain from four specific practices while they awaited the formation of the Beriyth Chadasha (New Covenant) documents, or what we call today the New Testament.

These inspired writings of the NT would be a new set of instruction for believers. Shaul called it "The law of Yahwshua," or the Torah of the Messiah (Gal. 6:2). The indwelling Holy Spirit would use this divinely inspired set of documents as a New Torah to teach us how we should live (Col. 1:21-29; 2 Tim. 3:16; Jer. 31:31).

The conclusion is unavoidable: The Briyth Chadashah (NT) does supersede the Old Torah. According to the writer of the book of Hebrews, it is superior to the Old Torah in every way. The New Covenant has a better Mediator (chapter 3), better promises (chapter 6), a better Priesthood (chapter 7), a better tabernacle (chapter 9), and a better sacrifice (chapter 10). Does this mean the principles of the Old Torah are no longer valid? Certainly not. Yahwshua Messiah, Author of the Old Torah, is "...the same yesterday, and today, and forever," Heb. 13:18.

"...Stand firm, then, and do not again be held with a yoke of slavery. See, I, Shaul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Messiah shall be of no use to you. And I witness again to every man being circumcised that he is a debtor to do the entire Torah. You who are declared right by Torah have severed yourselves from Messiah, you have fallen from favour. For, we, in Spirit, by belief, eagerly wait for the expectation of righteousness. For in Messiah Yahwshua neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any strength, but belief working through love," Gal. 5:1-6.

Circumcision is the core concern of the book of Galatians as this passage proves. All of the various arguments Shaul used up to this point are directed toward proving that if any baptized member of the Galatian Assembly of YAHWEH was to yield to the pressures of the Jewish Pharisaical legalists, he would deny the sacrifice of the Messiah. The question of circumcision (as was pointed out previously in this commentary) occupied a great deal of concern among the Galatian brethren. The Messiah and His purpose for coming to this earth as the Lamb of YAHWEH is rejected when one rebuilds a structure of worship that relies on our human capability to somehow make atonement for our personal sins. If we reject the Messiah and His blood through trusting in our personal blood shed at the time of circumcision as the seal and sign of the covenant, we have fallen from grace.

Shaul has plainly stated that circumcision or uncircumcision meant nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of YAHWEH Almighty (means everything), 1 Cor. 7:19; Gal. 5:6. If someone breaks the commandments of Almighty YAHWEH (His moral law), then he will be considered uncircumcised by YAHWEH. Those who keep the commandments of YAHWEH Almighty will find their uncircumcision accepted as circumcision by our Heavenly FATHER, just as was the case with Abraham when he was called a righteous man some 15 years before his circumcision.

If we are to acquire a good understanding of what Shaul writes in the book of Galatians, we must educate ourselves on the Jewish teaching regarding circumcision.. When we wish to understand a period of history, all available records from that era must be accumulated and researched. In this way the student can comprehend how the people thought (reasoned) and lived. This same method must be applied to understanding the writings of Shaul. He was in doctrinal dispute with the erroneous teaching of certain legalistically oriented Jewish teachers who had somehow infiltrated the assembly. Shaul was indeed teaching the entire Word (the whole counsel) of YAHWEH, as we shall see from a close examination of his writings and comparing them with the Old Torah text.

The legalists were not teaching the entire truth of the Scripture. Nevertheless, their adroit arguments had swayed Peter (Kepha). They had even oscillated Barnabas, but Shaul had a good memory and he apparently remembered more Scripture than they did. He had a better legal mind than some of the leaders and apostles who were swayed by a shrewd legalistic argument. Shaul pursued a point to its ultimate conclusion. The whole point of Yahwshua’s ministry was to restore the pure Israelite faith and correct the errors of Jewish sectarianism. The true picture of what happened at this point in the early apostolic congregation transparently shows why the writings of Shaul were included in the Scriptures. It is also candidly obvious that they have been completely misinterpreted to carnally minded people who do not have the love of YAHWEH'S truth in their hearts. That truth is the keeping of His entire commandments (Psa. 119:142).

According to Pirke, R. Eliezer, it was Shem who circumcised Abraham and Ishmael on the Day of Atonement, and the blood of the covenant then shed is ever before YAHWEH on that day to serve as atoning power. According to the same Midrash, Pharaoh prevented the Hebrew slaves from performing the rite, but when the Passover time came and brought them deliverance, they underwent circumcision, and mingled the blood of the paschal lamb with that of the Abrahamic covenant, where Elohim repeats the words, "...in thy blood live." Ez. 26:6.

It is crucial for us to realize that one of the teachings of the Jewish rabbis asserts that circumcision was the blood of the covenant. Do you comprehend the significance this could make spiritually? Anyone who submits to circumcision "to seal the covenant" automatically rejects the Messiah's death and His atonement on the tree of Calvary, according to rabbinical teaching. Shaul emphatically declared that any new convert receiving circumcision has fallen from grace (Gal. 5:2-4). This rabbinic doctrine undermines the entire Scriptural teaching of a suffering Messiah.

How can the blood of any individual, shed in a circumcision rite, the blood of that person, who is completely carnal and unrepentant, such as an eight-day-old baby, qualify to place him on the same level as the righteous Heavenly FATHER and the Redeemer Yahwshua? Shaul argues that the only blood confirming YAHWEH'S covenant is Yahwshua’s sacrifice. He contends that circumcision of the heart is far more important than physical circumcision. Remember, flesh in Hebrew and Greek means "the human body." Circumcision of the heart means educating ourselves to love Almighty YAHWEH and subordinate our carnal attitude to the keeping of His commandments (Dt. 30:6-8).

The blood offered on the altar was the life-giving fluid before the FATHER for the sins of ancient Israel (Lev. 17:11). Yahwshua the Messiah's blood became the New Covenant sacrifice. His blood was pure in the eyes of YAHWEH, because He had no sin (1 Pet. 2:20-24). He could serve as the perfect sacrifice for all people of the world (circumcised or uncircumcised) whereby we can approach YAHWEH in a spiritually pure condition.

The cleansing blood of Yahwshua the Messiah washes away our sins and joins us into a firm covenant relationship with the Most High. Our own blood, shed as an infant or an adult during circumcision (sinful and carnal as we are), could never equal the perfection of the sacrifice of Yahwshua the Messiah, our Redeemer. Circumcision is similar to the imperfect blood of animal sacrifice in this regard. Let us scrutinize some additional Scriptures to learn about the blood of YAHWEH'S covenant. Turn first to Exodus chapters 20-24. Israel assembled at the foot of Mt. Sinai to hear YAHWEH'S covenant. Almighty YAHWEH spoke His ten commandments to them. YAHWEH presented the remainder of the commandments of His covenant law to Mosheh, who transmitted them in written form to Israel. Twice Moses asked Israel to declare their unreserved willingness to enter into this momentous agreement (or covenant) with Almighty YAHWEH, an agreement that meant protection of Israel as His nation if they would obey His laws. Israel approved the contract (read Ex. 24:5-8).

The law of YAHWEH did not mention the prior condition of circumcision when Israel entered their covenant with Him. Human blood through circumcision meant nothing. The blood of the Sinaitic Covenant was the substituted blood of bulls. In this New Testament age, we have the perfect sacrifice of Yahwshua the Messiah and circumcision of the heart of the repentant believers is the test of fellowship between YAHWEH and His people. The covenant is for all who accept it. Those who were circumcised in the flesh (Israelites) and uncircumcised (strangers) were accepted into His covenant. Is this not an identical picture of true worship today Yahwshua accepts all who agree to the condition of His Moral Law.

Another important aspect of this section is Shaul’s comparison of the spiritual with the material and physical. Let us note another reason Shaul made these statements. Shaul discusses the beginning of a rewarding spiritual life in the assembly of YAHWEH through faith (obeying through believing) rather than starting that journey with a physical act. Marking the flesh will never create perfection in YAHWEH'S sight, nor can it ever atone for sin. Almighty YAHWEH does not demand penance from the repentant believer. Only faith in Yahwshua the Messiah and in YAHWEH'S grace leads us into a state of perfection through obedience to the commandments.

After coming to repentance we must no longer sin. If we do, an adverse reflection will be cast upon the Messiah's sacrifice. We insult Him when we spurn His benevolent offer of pardon. Spiritual perfection must come through circumcision of the heart rather than of the flesh. Circumcision of the flesh will never make us perfect spiritually because Messiah's sacrifice will be nullified when we depend on a physical act.

We here at YAHWEH'S Evangelical Assembly want to take the time to thank each and every one of you who have donated tithes and offerings to this assembly for the publishing of the YEA Newsletter, as well as the various other articles and literature that we make available "FREE" of charge to so many others.

Out of the almost 600 people on our mailing list, we are only supported by about 10 percent of the readers. Of course, it is the 10 percent that is considered holy to YAHWEH, but look at the service that only 10 percent can accomplish.

The Bible Study Course has made a big hit with so many people. It has always been our contention that this is YAHWEH'S work and He will bless it as He sees fit, so we never ask for financial aid. We leave it all in His hands and certainly thank Him for all of you who are moved to help.
JH

New Covenant Fellowship would also like to announce that Brother Charles Dial from the Nashville, Tenn., area will be speaking at the Emory assembly hall on Jan. 24th at 7:00 p.m.

Arrangements for Brother Dial’s engagement were provided by Brother Don Sewing. The text of Brother Dial’s message will be Deliverance.

If you are interested in these services and this message, refer to information given in the above announcement for directions, etc.

I wanted to first thank you for the Bible study, which I received last night and completed early this morning. Yes, it was very basic, but I did indeed learn some important things from it, namely that angels come in many forms, both spirit and human. Nor did I know before that even our FATHER is referred to as an Angel in scripture.

I also wanted to thank you for the recent newsletter (World Events in the News). I am especially happy to receive the information concerning the Kaballah and its many forms and teachings, or rather ‘Deceptions’ I should say. What I read in the newsletter helped to ‘reinforce’ and strengthen my own resolve and feelings concerning the Kaballah.
EP/TX

Can’t wait till I get lesson 2! This is a great lesson! J.P. Green’s Hebrew, Greek English Interlinear fully agrees. Man became as one from it, i.e., Satan & the tree. One who now has (still) good knowledge but mixed or corrupted with the knowledge of evil! A Babylon or confused mixture of right & wrong. Only YAHWEH'S way is pure and good to those who obey & follow Him!
DA/TX

Thank you for sharing these gems with me.
TB/TX

Congratulations on a clear, lucid, analytical presentation of the power of deception.
LB/UK

Elder Healan, Thanks for placing my name on the Bible Correspondence Course. Please keep me in your daily prayers. I know this correspondence course will be very helpful in the (my) future. Thanks.
BD/TX

Very good, very simple, anyone, even a babe on spiritual milk can do this lesson.
MC/MO

You were correct in saying this study is basic and any novice with the desire to do it would have no trouble. I will be most thankful to get into harder lessons and, Yes, I desire them all.
DC/TX

Thank you for this lesson. We must constantly be on guard for the devil’s lies and deceit, and keep our eyes and mind on the things above and not on this world.
RC/TX

Thanks to all who are making this possible! May Abba YAHWEH bless us all through YAHshua our High Priest.
MD/TX

Jerry, thank you so much for everything that you are doing for us. I sure do miss your teaching and the fellowship with my brothers at Coffield. Maybe somehow YAHWEH will bless us with someone who can come down here to teach us. I’m still telling everyone about YAHshua and His wonderful ways. Please pray for us as we do for you all and may YAHWEH'S blessing always be upon you and our loved ones. Shalom.
RD/TX

I started this quiz without doing or reading the first lesson. I read the first lesson and found it to be very interesting. Please continue with the good work.
LG/TX

I love receiving literature from YEA. Truly inspirational. May the love and peace of FATHER YAHWEH rain upon you and yours, as always in the precious name of YAHshua Messiah.
TG/TX

I believe that these lessons will be an enlightenment to one’s eyes as well as a part of one’s life.
RH/TX

Shalom! I find this lesson very informative and it has given me understanding.
IH/TX

I want to thank you for your lesson. I will keep doing them as long as you can send them and I will continue to seek the FATHER and Son. Thank you again for the lesson. It was all right for me since I have only been studying for a few months now.
JH/TX

I enjoyed this lesson. I learned from it. Thank you. I look forward to lesson 2.
SH&DH/AZ

Thank you for the Bible study and all the time you put into it. Thank you for your time and for all your hard work. Keep up the good work. May YAHWEH bless each and everyone of you in our Messiah YAHshua. Thanks.
JJ/TX

Very informative. I enjoyed and learned a few new things in the Scriptures. Thank you and keep up the good work.
PK/TX

I like this study because every time that I have read my bible, I always am hit by some passage that I never realized was there. This also will help with greater understanding.
NL/NY

I found this lesson very well put together and very informative; and I can’t wait for the next sets of lessons to hit my mail call. Elder Jerry, thank for putting this together and continue to allow YAHWEH to guide you in this endeavor.
RM/TX

Being an indigent prisoner, I can only offer prayer and thanks for the gift of this study. What about making questions? I have many due to the many confusing messages being preached today.
LM/TX

Very basic, and very important to know and to learn.
TN/TX

This lesson is very helpful and this is what the body of the Messiah should know because most of the original names have been replaced by heathenistic and Satanic names. YAHWEH bless you.
JBN/TX

I’m glad to get the lessons. I have come a long way learning YAHWEH'S word, but it is good to go over it again and again. You always understand more. Thank you.
DP/TX

I feel I’m really going to enjoy these lessons, because you are starting from the very foundation of the Bible. I have done many Bible studies and none start from the foundation. Shalom and Ahavah.
DP/TX

Thank you very much for offering this great Bible study!
DP/TX

WOW! If the remainder of the lessons are anything like this first one, all I can say is, WOW!
WG/TX

THE "WHY" OF ENDURING
By David Douglas

In Psalms 1:1...David said: "Blessed is the man"...if he doesn’t think or act in three different ways. He goes on to tell us the right way, and the results. "But his delight is in the Toray (law, instruction) of YAHWEH; and in His Torah doeth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doth shall prosper." (Ps. 1:1-3)

The Hebrew word for meditate is hâgâh (haw-gaw) which means: to murmur (by impl. to ponder), imagine, meditate,...mutter...speak, study, talk, utter. So...the fruit of a man’s lips is what he imagines, ponders, studies. (Strong’s 1897) Solomon told us the "power of life and death is in the tongue." (Prov. 18:21a) Therefore...what a man thinks about will lead to his actions. This is why we must choose carefully what we meditate on. The object of our meditation will result in actions that produce blessings or curses. David said a man’s delight should be...to "meditate on the Torah of YAHWEH (the instructions of YAHWEH). Then he will be a "healthy tree" producing fruit in abundance...and be prosperous...blessed.

So...where does "ENDURANCE" come in? Circumstances of life will severly test us...and will reveal where our true focus and meditation is—what our thoughts are on! If...our focus is on physical blessing ONLY...then we will miss the mark! Day after day as we walk in obedience to the instructions of YAHWEH, we learn the meaning of endurance. The world hates the instruction of YAHWEH (the Torah) and it takes all that hate out on anyone who walks in Torah. Be warned, and be aware, body of Messiah, we are in an "endurance race." And THERE IS NO PRIZE FOR THOSE WHO DON’T FINISH THE RACE! The free gift of salvation (deliverance) is our entry into the "race"...but please note...salvation doesn’t guarantee that you will finish the race…your obedience and endurance does! Once saved, always saved is not a scriptural teaching. The prize is given to those who finish the race!

So what does endurance involve? Our example is Y’shua. Hebrews 5:7-8 says: "Though being a Son, He learned obedience by what He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of everlasting life to all those who obey Him;…" Endurance involves suffering...by which...we learn obedience...JUST LIKE Y’SHUA DID! And what was He obedient to? The Torah (instruction) of His FATHER. And what did He endure! Heb. 12:1-3...He endured the torture stake! And while there was joy on the "other side" of the torture stake...THERE WAS NO JOY ON THE TORTURE STAKE! He knew that...but do we know that?

Paul said: "I am crucified with Messiah, it is no longer I who live, but Messiah lives in me…" (Gal. 2:20a). Our entire "race of endurance" is included in this statement. Can we say with absolute honesty…"I AM CRUCIFIED WITH MESSIAH?"

Our flesh must be identified (nailed to) the stake...and our spirit man must walk in agreement with the Torah of YAHWEH Elohim...EVERYDAY! Y’shua did it...and so must we. (Ref. 1 Jn. 2:6) If we do not walk in obedience the way He did, we don’t qualify for any reward. Not only do we miss the physical blessings now...we have not met the condition of endurance to receive the crown of life at His return.

Shalom Saints of YAHWEH!

You are invited to attend the 2nd Caribbean Unity Conference, to be held in St. Kitts from February 27th to March 1st, 2003. Each congregation is asked to send at least one representative to this very important Unity Conference.

Information regarding accommodations and venue will be sent in a subsequent correspondence.

Your choice of accommodation would be as follows:
Residence of brethren
Guest Houses
Hotels
Community Center with beds

Please note that preceding and during the conference, a nightly Evangelical Tent Outreach is planned from February 23rd, to March 1st, 2003. We therefore ask that the brethren who can should make plans to arrive in St. Kitts prior to the start of the Conference in order to participate in this outreach. Once again, we kindly ask that you inform us of your availability as early as possible.

The following is a tentative agenda for the Conference. Further, we request that you submit your suggested topics for discussion so that we can confirm the official agenda to the following address:

Elder Calvin R. Jenkins

Elder Calvin R. Jenkins

Proposed Agenda:

(1) Welcome Remarks (2) Introduction of Delegates (3) Minutes From 1999 Unity Meeting (4) 2003 Feast Days and New Moons (5) Passover and Unleavened Bread (6) Marriage and Divorce (7) The Great Tribulation (8) 144,000 (9) The Role of Women In The Assembly

Kindly note that December 31, 2002 is the deadline for:

Confirmation of your acceptance and the number of persons attending; and Submission of items to be included on the agenda.

WHY IS THERE DIVISION?
By David Douglas

Division is a choice...because the truth will divide. Even though there is only one Spirit and one body (Eph. 4:3-6), our personal choices will divide. We are not at peace and unity with the Devil and all his forces. We are at war, and war divides. There are goats among the sheep. There is darkness instead of light. Tares are growing up among the wheat. False prophets and false teachers are masquerading as "angels of light." There are wolves among the flock trying to hide in sheep’s clothing. And since there is a war raging, there will never be peace between the two families. The family of Elohim must choose to divide itself from the family of the Devil. There is no possible "peaceful" co-existence.

Life and death is one way the Bible divides. Life: possessing the Spirit of YAHWEH Elohim. Death: eternal separation from YAHWEH Elohim. "He that has the Son has life, he that has not the Son of Elohim has not life." (1 Jn. 5:12) Y’shua is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life…" (Jn. 14:46a) His very words in Lk. 12:51-53 tell us the Truth-Y’shua will divide. "Suppose ye that I come to give peace on earth? I tell you, nay; but rather division." (v. 51) Therefore...all division is not from the Devil and his brand of confusion. The Word of YAHWEH