Letter from The Editor

reetings to all: According to all the signs, we are getting very near the prophesied end-time, the end of the age of man and his colossal mis-rule. This mis-rule has been going on for the past 6,000 years, since Yahweh decreed that man would be a free moral agent, with the ability to choose to go his own way, or to submit to the loving kindness of his Almighty creator, Yahweh El Shaddai and enjoy His wonderful largess that He has prepared for us. But it is growing worse by the day, and has now reached a critical state. And, sadly, most do not even recognize it – well, except maybe when you stop to fill your gas tank, or when you learn that your job has been sent to India, China, Bangladesh, or maybe Mexico.

We hear of starving millions in places like Haiti, parts of Africa and Asia, and hardly give it a passing thought. But wait until it starts happening here, in your own land. We hear of brutal dictators terrorizing their own citizens with armed thugs (called “police” and “army troops”), raping, torturing and murdering anyone who voices opposition. Just wait until it starts happening here.

Just think – if man had not sinned by his willful and shameful disobedience to His Maker, there would have been no sickness, no disease, no wars, no famines, no natural disasters; nothing but peace and tranquility, with goodwill toward all. Yahweh planned that mankind would have rule on earth and all that is in it (Gen. 1:26), under His loving guidance by following the Torah (Law) that He gave for our good.

But man chose another way. Everyone followed his or her own evil desires, and soon the earth became so corrupt that Yahweh looked down on his creation with, I feel sure, a sick heart. So He decided to wipe them all out and start over with Noah, his wife, their three sons, and their wives.

Things were good for awhile. But it didn’t take long before despots arose, the chief of whom was Nimrod. We read of him in Gen. 10. He was a “mighty hunter” (Gen. 10:8-9), and a city builder (Gen. 10:10). Scripture says he was a mighty hunter “before the LORD (Yahweh).” This has been misunderstood by most. The true meaning of “before” in this instance, means “in place of.”

In other words, the people began to look to him instead of Yahweh. Satan used him to begin a pagan religion that, believe it or not, is still with us to this very day. It has spread its tentacles into every organized “religion” on the face of the earth. People everywhere now worship “God,” the deity of the nations, many of whom think they are worshipping the Creator, Yahweh, the true King of Heaven and Earth. Yes, they call him by different names, such as Allah, Krishna, “the LORD,” God, Jehovah, Kurios, Theos, Jupiter, Ba’al, and on and on.

It is not known generally, but all these names and titles do honor to none other than Satan the devil and have come to us through the despot, Nimrod, from almost 6,000 years ago.

I spoke of “according to all the signs,…” at the beginning of this letter. What are some of these signs? Let me name a few. Bear in mind this is not an exhaustive list. First, there is the time factor. We are very close to the end of the age of man – the 6,000-year period from creation until now. According to some estimates, we are now only a few short years away from that benchmark, 6,000^th year. One writer thinks Yahshua will return in the next Jubilee year, and that will be (Roman calendar) 2022 or 2023. This may well be correct. We are told that no one knows the day or the hour, “…but my Father only,” Yahshua said (Mat. 24:36), but He does not say we can’t know the year. He did strongly imply that it was a jubilee year when He first came, and that He will return in another Jubilee year, 2,000 years later, “…to set the captives free (Isaiah 61, quoted in Luke 4:18-19).

He was cut off in mid-week of both the 7,000 year “week” of  mankind’s 6,000 year sojourn on this earth, plus the 1,000 year reign of Yahshua (about 4000 BCE) and a literal 7-day week that we know as Wednesday. If this was a Jubilee year, it would have ended at the Day of Atonement that year (See Lev. 25). Or it could date from the beginning of His ministry, about 27 CE, or the end, about 30 CE.

At any event, anyway you look at it, we are near the end of 6,000 years since creation, and are on the threshold of that Last Great 1,000-year “Day” when Yahweh will send Yahshua back to earth to resurrect His Firstfruits and establish His Kingdom on this earth.

Then, we have the prophecies of Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, in which Yahshua the Messiah outlined events that lead up to the great tribulation, Satan’s devilment, and finally, His triumphant return to put down Satan and his forces of evil, and to establish His government with the resurrected saints. Let us look at Matthew 24:

Verses 4 & 5 – false Messiahs (white horse of Rev. 6:2). We have these today. Verses 6-7a – wars and rumors of wars (red horse of Rev. 6:4). Have you heard of any wars lately? Verse 7b – famines, pestilences, earthquakes (natural disasters, which also includes flood, drought, tornados, tsunamis, hurricanes) (Black horse of Rev. 6:5-6, food shortages). The whole world suddenly seems to have combinations of these plagues. Mat 24:8 says that these are only the beginning of sorrows.

Mat. 24:9-10, “then they shall deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you…” Pale horse of Rev. 6:8).

Things will be so terrible that even brothers and sisters will betray one another (Mat 24:10). But notice verse 13,  “he that shall endure to the end shall be saved.” And those who die in the faith, will be resurrected at His return. What a wonderful promise! We may have to endure hardship and even physical death, but we will inherit a future so wonderful that our finite minds cannot grasp it.

So, brothers and sisters, let me encourage you to truly embrace the Scriptures as never before. Study and pray “to show thyself approved.” Everyone will have an opportunity for salvation. This is ours, so let’s not blow it. Remember that judgment has already begun for us who are being called now (1 Peter 4:17). Our judgment period starts from the time we are called and converted, until we either die, or are changed at His return, 1 Cor. 15:52, 1 Thes. 4:15-17.

Watch therefore, be alert. The hordes of destruction are already being massed in the Middle East. Subversives have been planted among us. Our time of tribulation has already begun. It can only get worse until Yahshua steps in to take charge and put down Satan and his evil cohorts. May Yahweh, through His Son, Yahshua the Messiah, take us under His wing and see us through to the end. HalleluYAH! ~                                                            

As I mentioned last month, we have once again reserved the White River Youth Camp at Taneyville, MO to host the 2008 Feast of Tabernacles this autumn. Expected dates are Oct. 15-22, including the Last Great Day. If the new moon is not seen on the night of Sept.30, then it will be seen the next night. In this case, all the autumn Feast dates will be one day later than shown on the “Schedule of 2008 Feast Days” on the next page.

For those of you who have not been there, the facilities include a 350-seat auditorium, a separate kitchen-dining room, men’s and women’s dorms, a pavilion, space for 10 RVs with water and electric (no sewer), and room for plenty of tents, several close enough to run an electric cord to your tent.

The cost for use of all these facilities is $5 per person per day (children under 6 free). Even if you stay off site, the cost for use of the camp is still the same. This is very reasonable, considering charges at other Feast sites. For example, for a family of 4, the total cost for the entire 8 days would be only $160 plus your food. If you elect to stay off-site in a motel, the cost is still the same for use of the facilities.

On the two High Sabbaths, the first day of the Feast and the Last Great Day, and the weekly Sabbath in between, there will be a communal shared noon meal in the dining hall. You are also welcome to use the dining hall for all your family meals. Just clean up after yourself.

There will be messages about the coming Kingdom of Yahweh, and what we have to do to qualify to be in it; how to overcome our own human nature; how to walk as Yahshua walked (He was and is our example). There will be personal and baptismal counseling, etc. There will be Bible studies, group discussions.

There will be special music and praise offerings, so bring your instruments and/or your singing talents. There will be free literature on many varied subjects. There will be two or three different versions of Sacred Name Bibles for sale at cost on non-Holy Days.

There will be activities for young and old, plus time to enjoy the local attractions as well. The camp is about 18 miles from Branson, MO, the country music capital of mid-America, and home of 3 or 4 family-oriented theme parks and attractions, including Silver Dollar City, White Water, Celebration City, Showboat Branson Belle, and lots of music shows. A new one this year that I want to see, is called “Noah.” It has a huge stage and live animals.  

All of good will are invited and encouraged to attend, so make your plans now to attend with us. If you have never kept Yahweh’s Festivals before, you have a treat in store. Read about them in Leviticus 23. Of course we do not do the animal sacrifices today. We sacrifice ourselves daily now. See Rom. 12:1 and Heb. 13:15-17.

Write for my booklet, “Yahweh’s Holy Days vs. Man’s Holidays,” for a more complete understanding of the importance of these days and what they represent. Step by step, they show Yahweh’s plan of salvation for ALL mankind, from Yahshua’s sacrifice to pay for our sins, to the time in the future, when all who have ever lived will have had an opportunity to know the Truth, repent, and be saved.

The year is flying by, and it is time to be making plans. Also, if you have not already, you can start saving some money now for that purpose, so that when the time comes, you won’t have to say, “I would love to go, but I can’t afford it.” Incidentally, we may be able to help a few who are truly indigent, but would like to come. Make a special request to me if you are in need of assistance.

It will be helpful to us in making plans, to know if you are coming, so please let us know as soon as possible. Clip the application form on page 11 and send it in.

Until next time, Shalom –  Frank Brown     ~

Weekly Meeting Schedule

(All Arkansas meetings are at 10:30 AM)

First Sabbath of Each Month: Senior Activity Center in Harrison, AR. On Hwy. 62-65, near intersection with Hwy. 7 South, and across from Edwards Grocery. More info at 1-479-754-2553, or Elder Clayton Shaeffer at 1-870-448-5542.  (NOTE: Due to low attendance and high expenses (gas and building rental), we may drop this meeting from the schedule unless conditions change. Next meeting there will be August 2 – after that, only Yahweh knows.

Also 1^st  Sabbath at McCord Community Bldg, same location as 3^rd Sabbath, see below.

Second Sabbath, Community Building in downtown Hartman, AR. Call Frank Brown at 479-754-2553, for more information.

Third Sabbath, McCord Community Bldg, east of Fayetteville on Hwy 16, two miles east of Elkins, at County Rd. 40. Going east, it is on the right. Shared meal afterward. Call Loy Bragg at 870-446-2256 for more info.

Fourth Sabbath of each month, Community Room of the Fort Smith Public Library, 3201 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith, AR.  Call Jim Biggs at 479-474-3348, or me at 479-754-2553 for more information.  

Please note: Fort Smith area Sabbath Bible studies and 3^rd and 5^th Sabbath Convocations: Call Michael and Lucy Mastropaolo at 479-928-5005 for time and location.

Expected New Moons in 2008:

 (Visible after sundown on the dates listed):

(New Moon Day is the day after the sighting).
Jan. 9, Feb. 8, Mar. 8, Apr.6, May 6, Jun. 4, Jul. 3, Aug. 2, Aug. 31, Sept. 30*, Oct. 30*, Nov. 29, Dec. 28.
*Note: These sightings may be one day later. If so, the Fall High Days will be one day later.

Solstices and Equinoxes in 2007-2008:

Spring begins 12:48 AM, March 20 (Spring Equinox);
Summer begins 6:59 PM, June 20 (Summer Solstice);
Fall begins 10:44 AM, Sept. 22 (Autumnal Equinox);
Winter begins 6:04 AM, Dec. 21 (Winter Solstice).

Schedule of 2008 Feast Days:

Resources

[Please Note: Opinions expressed in this newsletter by others may or may not reflect the views of the Editor or of this Assembly]

SONG Harvest, PO Box 183, Cisco, TX 76437 has a new music CD, “Remember Who You Are,” plus several others on CD or tape. Write for order form and price list or log on www.halleluyah.org/harvest.htm.  

The Word of Yahweh, 2^nd Edition is available from Assembly of Yahweh, 1017 N. Gunnell Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 USA. Bonded Leather $40; Hard Cover $25 each or $200 for case of 10; Soft Cover $20 each or $180 for case of 12. S&H $5 each via priority mail or $30 per case priority mail, or $20 per case via media mail in USA. Canada $10 each, priority intl.; $50 per case (10 or 12), priority mail international. Other foreign please write for rates.

"The Scriptures," Holy Name Bible is available from STS for (soft back) $22 postpaid, (hard back) $27 postpaid.

New Fellowship Finder: Two sites are compiling lists of Believers, Assemblies and articles. Check out these two:

http://www.godstruth.net/  The name is The Assembly Of The Eternal and address is Vancouver, BC. Canada (Peter Skinder)

http://www.intergate.com/~jcordaro/  Assembly meets at homes in Lillington, North Carolina (John Cordaro)

Fellowship finder: (The administrator says): “Please note – this is not my site, but is posted by another Believer to aid those searching for a group or for individuals to fellowship with. If you have a local Assembly or a fellowship group, you may post it, too. Here is a basic list of the new capabilities:
* Ability to edit or delete your own listings.
* Searchable database that includes all foreign countries as well as Canadian provinces. 
* Email address and other contact information is no longer public. Others contact you and you can respond through an internal mailing system. You choose when to give your email address or other contact information.
* Option to provide your phone number and address to the system administrator (myself) in case your email address changes and you forget to update your listing. I can then let you know that others are trying to contact you but your email address isn’t working.
* Optional email notification when someone from your area posts a new entry to the list.
* Ability to upload a photo or graphic along with your entry.
Again, if you have posted to the old Fellowship Finder, you will need to make an entry to the new one. Go to
http://www.eliyah.com/fellowship/ to make a new entry. The old list will continue to be available for reference but will not accept any new entries. If you have any questions, contact me at
http://www.eliyah.com/contact.html. May Yahweh continue to use this as a way to bring His people together.

With love in His Service,

EliYah”

Web sites for young believers who have access to the internet. There is a Youth Forum and a Youth Chat room. The sites are: http://eliyah.com/youth/forum/index.html

On this site young people can post a message, ask a question, an answer or whatever. All new posts can also be sent to you by email. http://eliyah.com/youth/chat.html

It is easy to log in. You can then type messages for those logged in to see.  Try it at 8 to 9 PM Eastern time.

http://scripturalhelps.org/purity.htm

 (The Blessings of Purity) [Note The URL change]

http://scripturalhelps.org [note The URL change]

 (Some good family information – Scriptural helps)

Pagan religious customs found in Christianity and other religions. Order the book, “Fossilized Customs, NEW expanded 8^th edition,” and ”End of Days – In the Twinkling of an Eye,” also his latest, Torah Zone from Lew White, Torahzone.net, 2303 Watterson Trail, Louisville, KY 40299. One “Fossilized Customs,” 7^th Edition, for $9.95, 4 for $20, 10 or more, $3.75 each. One “Twinkling” or Torah Zone for $7.95, 5 for $20, 10 or more, $3 each. All are plus Shipping &Handling.

  Check out these sites: www.restoringthetruth.com Has some good articles plus links to other sites and lists some Assembly meetings, with more being added. 
Another new one is www.praiseyahweh.net.

T-Shirts with the Names of Yahweh and Yahshua, plus your choice of 10 different slogans. Write for order form and price list: Bob McDonald, 8644 Jacksontown Rd. Newark, OH 43056, or better yet, an order form for the T-shirts can be printed from http://www.eliyah.com/tshirts/. For those who have internet access, you can just go to that link and see the T-shirts and print out an order form without having to write for an order form.

Tassels  (Tzitziyot) - Set of four (4), $10 postpaid.  Have eye on top to loop through belt loop on pants. About 8” long with white & blue threads.  See Numbers 15:37-40.
Order from: “Tassels,” P. O. Box 32, Clarksville, AR. 72830-0032 (A lady makes these for you on order).

Leather Bible Covers, custom made. Can put most anything including the Tetragrammaton on the cover. Write for prices. Send Bible size, leather color and design wanted, to Angelo Zegarelli #559932, Wynne Unit, Huntsville, TX 77349.

NEW! Hebrew Roots N. T. Trivia Cards, Vol 1. Set of 100, $10 plus $2 shippng. Whitworth, PO Box 360352, Dallas, TX 75336.

Announcements

Births

Gabriel Vincent, son of Dan and Jennifer DiFranco of Lebanon, MO was born 8:13 AM, Wed. May 28, 2008, weighing 7 lb, 11 oz. and was 22-1/2” long. He joins his twin sisters, Emma and Elena. Mom says he’s doing great and loves to eat. He is the seventh great-grandchild of Frank & Jo Brown.

Weddings

Robert F. White and Tammy Francine Davis, of Springfield, MO, were married on Sunday, June 1, at the home of the bride’s parents in Exeter, MO. It was an outdoor wedding, followed by a reception for about 100 guests. Afterward, the bride and groom left for a Caribbean honeymoon cruise. Rob is a grandson of your editor, Frank Brown, and his wife, Jo. ~

Joe Alkire and Anna Mastropaolo, of Branson, MO were married on Sunday, June 22, in Branson. Elder  Pete Vacca of the Rocheport Assembly of Yahweh (YAIM) performed the ceremony. It was followed by a reception for an estimated 100 guests. ~

Obituaries:

Ted Skaggs of Canton, NC, died Sabbath, June 28, at his home after a long bout with pancreatic cancer. He was a member of the North Carolina Assembly of Yahweh at Hendersonville, and a former US Marine. He is survived by his wife, Brenda, 3 sons and their wives, several nieces and nephews, and a host of friends, brothers and sisters in the Faith. Burial was June 30, 2008 with full military honors at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, with Elder Woodrow Pryor officiating. ~

Walking in the Light

(This is an article that was in the May-June 2008 issue of Yahshua’s Witness Magazine, a publication of Yahweh’s Evangelistic Assembly, PO Box 31, Atlanta, TX 75551-0031. I think it is worthy of re-printing here for those who would otherwise miss it. As we approach the end of this age, there are things we must be doing if we expect to be in that Firstfruits resurrection when Yahshua returns to resurrect His Saints.)

As long as you grab for what makes you feel good or makes you look important, are you really much different than a babe at the breast, content only when everything’s going your way?

The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what YHWH is doing! YHWH is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. We can’t afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don’t loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in anointing oil, and be up and about! Be prepared You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own.

In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Ray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

I am immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all. I can’t tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. I’m speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection.

Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively! The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren’t small, but you’re living them in a small way. Rise up with a pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love.

Leave the corruption and compromise; leave it for good. Don’t link up with those who will pollute you. The world is unprincipled. It’s dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn’t fight fair. But we don’t live or fight our battles this way – never have, never will.

The tools of our trade are not for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture.

We use our powerful tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by the Messiah asking YHWH to give us wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which YHWH works.

I pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how YHWH works, you will learn how to do your work.

I pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul – not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength YHWH gives. It is His strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy.

Thank the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.

You are sons of Light, daughters of Day. We live under wide open skies and know where we stand. So let’s not sleepwalk through life like those others. Let’s keep our eyes open and be smart. Since we are creatures of Day, let’s act like it. Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation.

Your baptism was not just washing you up for a fresh start. It also involved dressing you in an adult faith wardrobe.

Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves too cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they will be won over to YHWH’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives.

My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by YHWH’s Spirit. Then you won’t feed the compulsions of selfishness.

There is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are antithetical, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way, according to how you feel on any given day.

Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything – and I do mean everything – connected with that old way of life has to go. It is rotten through and through Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as YHWH accurately reproduces His character in you.

What this adds up to, then is this: No more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. We are all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.

Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry – but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the finger-pointer that kind of foothold in your life.

Did you used to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can’t work.

Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk.

Don’t grieve YHWH. Don’t break His heart. His breath of life, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Do not take such a gift for granted.

Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and as thoroughly as YHWH forgave you.

Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you will be able to live out your days free to pursue what YHWH wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want. But, now that you know better, make sure it is all gone for good: Bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk. You are done with that old life. It is like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you have stripped off and put in the fire.

Now you are dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with His label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete.

So, chosen by YHWH for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe YHWH picked out for you: Compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and as completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It is your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let peace keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing.

And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word – the Message – have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing, sing your hearts out to YHWH! Let every detail in your lives, words, actions, whatever, be done in the Name of the Master, thanking YHWH every step of the way. ~

The Book of Hebrews, 4:12-5:14
By Roger Hahn (Part 4)

(Names and titles in (parentheses) corrected by Frank Brown)

The ideas that appear in the last part of chapter 4 of Hebrews are clear and compelling. The flow of thought is less clear. There is great disagreement among those who outline the book of Hebrews about where the divisions belong in Hebrews 4:10-15. It is difficult to observe an immediate and obvious connection between Hebrews 4:12-13 and the verses immediately before or after them. It seems most logical to treat those verses separately and to recognize the role that they play in the transition of thought from the argument that (Yahshua) is superior to Moses to the argument that (Yahshua) is a superior priest to the priesthood of Judaism. The argument for (Yahshua’s) superiority to that priesthood then runs from Hebrews 4:14 to the end of chapter 7.

Accountability to the Word - Hebrews 4:12-13

Verse 12 makes a statement about the Word of (Yahweh) and verse 13 describes the accountability of all creation to that Word. It is most likely that these verses are connected to the preceding context. Hebrews 4:11 had called the readers diligently to attempt to enter the promised rest. It was a word of exhortation and the verse concluded expressing the fear that some of the readers would fall into disobedience like that of the Israelites in the wilderness. The description of the Word of (Yahweh) and especially the statement of accountability in verse 13 reinforce the exhortation of verse 11.

The author's meaning when he speaks of the "Word of (Yahweh)" in verse 12 has been seen in different ways. The two most typical ways of understanding need some clarification. At a popular level the most common way of understanding the Word of (Yahweh) is to see it simply as the Bible. The Bible as we know it - with a New Testament - did not exist at the time Hebrews was written. It is most likely that the author did have the Old Testament Scriptures in mind, though he does not appear to be referring to the whole of that Scripture, but to the passage from Psalm 95 that he had quoted in Hebrews 3:7-11.

A second interpretation that is often presented is that the Word of (Yahweh) refers to (Yahshua). This view is built on John 1:1 where (Yahshua) is described as the "Word" or the Divine Logos (the Greek word for "word"). This view can be supported by the fact that the author, in Hebrews 1:1-3, had contrasted the way (Yahweh) had spoken through the prophets with the way he had spoken through his Son. It is also true that all the statements made about the Word of (Yahweh) in verses 12-13 could be correctly made about (Yahshua). However, Hebrews does not normally refer to (Yahshua) this way.

The point of mentioning the Word of (Yahweh) in verse 12 is that the effective and powerful word of judgment spoken to the Exodus generation is also effective and powerful in the day of the readers of Hebrews (and in our day). As he concludes his use of Psalm 95:7b-11 the author wants his readers to know that refusing to hear and obey (Yahweh) is just as serious and dangerous now as it was in the day of their ancestors. (Yahweh) spoke a word of judgment that finally led to the death of a whole generation of Israelites in the wilderness. The writer wanted his readers to know that the same (Yahweh) was still speaking the same message to them.

This is a dynamic and exciting way of understanding the (Word of Yahweh). We might say that the Word of (Yahweh) is not alive and effective because it is inspired Scripture, but Scripture is inspired, alive, and effective because it is a word from (Yahweh). The power does not lie in a doctrine of inspiration, but in the reality of being addressed by (Yahweh). When (Yahweh) begins to speak - to really communicate - to an individual through Scripture then that Scripture is a living and effective Word of (Yahweh).

The author describes the Word of (Yahweh) as living. This word was most often ascribed to (Yahweh) in the Old Testament. The author was thinking of Scripture in terms of a lively and effective impact. The word effective comes from the Greek root behind the English word "energetic." The picture is not of frenzied energy going off in every direction at once, but it is a picture of effective energy that has all the resources to accomplish its goal.

In Isaiah 55:11 (Yahweh) declares that his word that he sends out will not return to him empty or void, but will accomplish the goal for which it was spoken. The Old Testament understood that the spoken word of (Yahweh) was effective; it accomplished things. (Yahweh) spoke and the world came into existence. (Yahweh) spoke a word of blessing and good happened in people's lives. (Yahweh) spoke a word of condemnation and punishment and distress came into people's lives. The author of Hebrews is convinced the same powerful effectiveness will accompany (Yahweh's) written word - not because it is Scripture - but because it still the same (Yahweh) who speaks through that written word. Our doctrine that Scripture is the inspired Word of (Yahweh) does not need argument or defense. Rather we must simply proclaim the Scriptures and release them in the world and in our lives to be effective and powerful.

The author of Hebrews also compares the Word of (Yahweh) to a sword. But it is sharper than any two-edged sword because it has the ability to penetrate, cut through, and divide in the human heart. A sword can cut and divide physically, but the Word of (Yahweh) accomplishes its work within the essence of the human being. It was not the author's purpose to make a literal statement about dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. None of his other comments suggest that he had a mental image of a human being divided into various parts, two of which were labeled soul and spirit (see Body and Soul: Greek and Hebraic Tensions in Scripture). Rather, he is speaking in picture language to say that "the word of (Yahweh) probes the inmost recesses of our spiritual being and brings the subconscious motives to light" (Bruce, p. 113). The thoughts and intentions of the heart are evaluated and discerned by the Word of (Yahweh). It should be clear that it is not simply the words of Scripture on a page that do such spiritual surgery, but the Holy Spirit takes Scripture and uses it to discern the very depth of our motivations and thoughts.

In the face of such discernment we cannot escape. No one or no thing of creation is hidden from this scrutinizing of the Word of (Yahweh). Before it all are naked and thus unprotected. We are laid bare before its searching eyes. All are accountable to (Yahweh) in the final analysis.

Verse 13 can be a very intimidating verse to those who feel they have things to hide in their lives. It was written to motivate the first readers of Hebrews to let the Spirit apply Psalm 95 to their own situation. It was a call to faithfulness before the searching of (Yahweh). That is a serious matter, but it does not have to be an intimidating matter. If we really desire (Yahweh's) will in our lives we will welcome the Holy Spirit applying the scalpel of the Word to our hearts to cut away all that obscures us from seeing if there be any wicked way in us (Psalm 139:23-24). It is because we are totally accountable before (Yahweh) that the author urges his readers, "let us make every effort to enter that rest" in verse 11.

The High Priesthood Of (the Messiah) - Hebrews 4:14-6:20

The idea of (Yahshua) as a high priest has already appeared in Hebrews 2:17-18. However, the author now turns his attention to the subject for a thorough treatment. He will present (Yahshua’s) high priesthood as an encouragement to his people in Hebrews 4:14-16. In Hebrews 5:1-4 he will describe the qualifications of a high priest and then show in 5:5-10 how (Yahshua’s) qualifications meet or exceed the expectations for the high priest. The third section of admonition or exhortation in the book appears in Hebrews 5:11-14.

The Encouragement of (the Messiah)'s High Priesthood - Hebrews 4:14-16

The author begins this section by stating that we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens. The point that (Yahshua) has passed through the heavens is not clear. Some take it to mean that (Yahshua) has passed on into the heavenly rest that was discussed in the earlier verses of chapter 4. It is also possible to see the phrase as a reference to the Incarnation. (Yahshua) has passed through the heavens as he made his journey to earth to live and die among us. The first meaning may be most likely in the total context of Hebrews. It is consistent with the idea of (Yahshua) the pioneer to affirm that he has now passed through the heavens to the throne of (Yahweh). We will eventually follow him on that journey. Having arrived there he is now at the right hand of (Yahweh) interceding for his people.

Because (Yahshua) is both interceding for us and inviting us to follow in his footsteps the author can make his exhortation, "let us hold fast the confession." The exact content of the confession is not stated, but it must refer to the affirmation of the basic elements of the (Messiah’s) faith. The description in this very verse of (Yahshua) as the Son of (Yahweh) is likely to have been part of the confession, though probably not all. The role of (Yahshua) now in heaven interceding for and inviting the readers of Hebrews to follow makes it imperative that they remain true to (the Messiah). For the trailblazer to have made his way to the throne of (Yahweh) and to be there                                                                                                                                                                                                    interceding for the readers and for them to then turn back from trust in (the Messiah) made no sense at all for the author of Hebrews.

The writer turns in verse 15 from a positive affirmation to a negation. We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses. Positively stated, we do have a sympathetic high priest in (the Messiah). The word sympathize comes directly from a Greek word with roots meaning "to feel with." (The Messiah) is able to feel with us in our feelings of weakness, fear, anxiety, insecurity, and being torn between choices that are complicated and difficult. He feels with us and for us in those circumstances because he has been tested in every way like we have been.

 The writer will further elaborate on the testing of (the Messiah) later in the book of Hebrews, but here he simply declares that the testing of (Yahshua) was in every respect in the same way that we are tested. The word tested could just as well be translated "tempted" in light of the Greek word in the original text. The concept of enticement to sin is part of the meaning. The advantage of the translation "tested" is that it includes both the enticements to sin which do not come from (Yahweh) and the tests that check out our commitment that are permitted and/or actually sent by God.

This should not be understood to mean that (Yahshua) experienced in identical fashion every specific temptation that any of us have experienced. Rather, he experienced the full range of temptation - its full range of power and its full range of areas of life in which temptation occurs. However, there is one important difference between (Yahshua’s) temptation and tests and ours. He experienced those tests and temptations without falling into sin. Because he experienced the same kind, range, and power of temptations that we experience, he is able to be a sympathetic high priest. Because he did not sin, he is able to be a sympathetic high priest.

The author concludes that we should draw near to the throne of grace with confidence and boldness. We will not find rejection and mocking. We will find mercy and timely help. Because (Yahshua) has experienced all the pain and divergent pulls of life, he is both qualified and eager to give us help at the right time and in the right way. Therefore, let us draw near the throne with confidence.

The Qualifications of the High Priest - Hebrews 5:1-4

Before laying out the special qualifications that (the Messiah) has to be a better priest than that provided by Judaism, the author makes some general comments about the qualifications for any high priest. The description is taken from the general expectations of the Old Testament. No mention is made of the political and economic considerations that went into the choice of the high priest during the Roman occupation of Palestine from 63 B.C. to A.D. 70.

The author notes that every high priest is human and is appointed by human beings. The priest was to represent the people to (Yahweh); that could not be done by one who did not know the pressures and trials under which his people lived. The priest was appointed by people to deal with the things pertaining to (Yahweh). Specifically, the appointment is to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. The Greek word for offer literally meant to "bring forward" but it had become a specialized word for the offering of a sacrifice. Given the specific kinds of sacrifices described in Leviticus 1-7 it would be possible to understand gifts as referring to the peace offering and the cereal offerings and sacrifices as referring to the sin and trespass offerings. However, both the context here and the way Jews spoke of the sacrifices in the intertestamental period suggest that the author is simply making a general reference to the offerings that bring atonement.

The high priest must also be able to deal gently with the ignorant and the erring ones. It was important that the high priest not only carry out the performance of the rituals with precision and dignity; he must also have the inward sympathy and discernment to know how to deal with each individual according to that person's needs.

The word translated deal gently means to restrain, control and change one's own feelings. It referred to the golden mean between indifference and sickening sweetness. It spoke of tolerance that understands the range and reality of real human problems but is not indulgent of that which goes beyond the normal. A priest who was repulsed by rather typical human failings will not be able to help the person because of his own disgust for them.

The ability to deal sympathetically and yet redemptively was to be directed toward the ignorant and erring ones. This way of describing those needing the help of the priest appears to arise from Numbers 15:27-31. There an important distinction is made between those who sin unwittingly - by error and/or ignorance - and those who sin "with a high hand" - arrogantly and presumptuously acting against God. The atonement and the ministry of the high priest is for those who sin unwittingly.

The high priest is beset by weakness. The verb literally means that he is clothed in or surrounded by weakness. The human priest is also susceptible to sin so that he is obligated to offer sacrifices for himself as well as for his people. That intensity of identification with a sinful people means that no priest presumes to take this honor. Though the appointment to the priesthood is by human beings according to verse 1, the call or summons to the priestly role is from (Yahweh). No one in his or her right mind seeks the privilege of building bridges from humankind to (Yahweh). To represent people to (Yahweh) is arrogant enough. To represent (Yahweh) to the people is a task too great to seek. One must be called by (Yahweh).

(The Messiah)'s Qualifications for the High Priesthood - Hebrews 5:5-10

The author turns to describe the way (the Messiah) fulfills the qualifications of high priest. Just as every high priest humbly does not seek the office, so (the Messiah) humbly did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest but was appointed. The concept of glory was mentioned several times in Hebrews 2 and the author had stated in 3:3 that (Yahshua) was "worthy of more glory than Moses." However, here (the Messiah) refuses to seek the glory of the priesthood for himself. The author then quotes Psalm 2:7, "You are my son, today I have begotten you." No further argument was thought necessary since the author had already quoted this verse in Hebrews 1:5.

To the modern and analytic reader the question of how Psalm 2:7 supports the argument of (Yahshua) as a high priest will arise since Psalm 2:7 speaks of the Son rather than of a priest. The author of Hebrews immediately solved the problem by quoting Psalm 110:4 in verse 6. At first glance You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek seems to have little to do with Psalm 2:7. However, both emphasize the pronoun you and in Jewish patterns of Scripture interpretation two Scripture passages that shared a common word could be used to interpret each other. The major development of Psalm 110:4 will be deferred to chapter 7.

Not only did (Yahshua) demonstrate the high priestly quality of humility he also demonstrated sympathy as verse 7 will state. He offered prayer and supplications with loud cries and tears. The word offered is the same verb that was used in Hebrews 5:1. However, the mention of prayer and supplications implies a closer relationship with (Yahweh) than that characterized by "gifts and sacrifices." The sympathy that Hebrews 5:3 had described is reflected in loud cries and tears. Since the writer states that these loud cries and tears are directed to the one who was able to save him from death, there has been much speculation that this was referring to (Yahshua’s) prayer in Gethsemane.

The final phrase in verse 7 that he was heard because of his humble devotion would fit well with such a view. The author's main point is to show the ability of (Yahshua) to sympathize with us. The possible reference to the prayer in the Garden should remind us there we see (Yahshua) struggling in ways that enable him to relate to us. As Hebrews 4:15 had declared, "he was tested in every respect like we are."

The Gethsemane theme may be continued in verse 8, being a son he learned obedience through what he suffered. The phrase being a son represents a Greek construction that can be interpreted in more than one way. It can legitimately be translated, "although he was a son," and some believe it should be "although he was the Son." Their point is that (Yahshua’s) unique status as Son of (Yahweh) might have fairly exempted him from suffering and learning obedience. But even though he had that status he learned obedience like we do, painfully.

Others would argue that the phrase should be translated, "because he was a son, he learned obedience." In this view the point is the close identification between (Yahshua) the trailblazer and those sons and daughters of (Yahweh) who follow in his footsteps. Support for this view may be found in Hebrews 12:5-11. Either way, the text states that (Yahshua) was discipled (the literal meaning of learned) in obedience by what he suffered.

The real point is that the readers should not abandon their faith in (the Messiah) because of their suffering. After all, as their great high priest (Yahshua) could sympathize with them because he had already suffered. With fairness he could ask them to remain faithful because he had also learned obedience in his sufferings. Verse 9 then describes that learning obedience through suffering as having perfected (Yahshua). He had become all that a priest could ever be by having learned obedience through suffering and thus he was qualified to become the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. (Yahshua) will be the source of salvation only for those who obey. The constant theme of this book to trust (the Messiah), to obey him by even risking one's life for him, comes through again.

The Third Exhortation - Hebrews 5:11-14

The author closes his discussion of (Yahshua’s) qualifications to be high priest by alluding to Melchizedek again in verse 10. It is clearly the author's intent to develop his argument regarding Melchizedek, but his fear for the fragile spiritual commitment of his readers causes him to turn aside for a more specific exhortation to them. He states that they have become sluggish in hearing. This is normally interpreted as slowness or dullness of understanding, but the Jewish mind held hearing and obeying in close relationship. It is not their intellect for which the author fears, but their obedience. Obedience leads to understanding. When we require understanding before obeying we limit the spiritual growth that is available to us.

The author states in verse 12 that his readers should have already grown to the maturity by which they could have been teachers instead of needing to be taught. He uses the metaphor of milk for simple teaching and meat or solid food for more advanced teaching. Paul had used the same figure of speech in 1 Corinthians 3:1-2. In the most severe words thus far the author directly charged his readers with spiritual infancy. They are unskilled in the matter of righteousness. What he wants is believers who are trained by obedience to distinguish good and evil. That is, he wants (the Believers) who know how to make the tough choices between eternal salvation and temporary comfort, between painful obedience and the road of least resistance.

He describes people who are able to make such choices as mature. The Greek word is "perfect." Once again this word does not refer to an absolute perfection that would mean that they could never improve. Rather, it means that they were walking in all the light they had, they were obeying all that (Yahweh) was asking them to do. Biblical perfection is a life of obedience learned by walking in the footsteps of the Son who learned obedience through what he suffered and was thus perfected (verses 8-9). Biblical perfection is likeness to (the Messiah). ~  (Part 5 in next issue)

Following Ha Derek
By Ray Gibson

One of my favorite New Testament verses has always been John 14:6. At first glance, its message seems very simple, and the English words are certainly straight-forward and easy to memorize. Like many kids growing up in the Christian Church, I memorized a lot of little verses in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and John 14:6 was one of them. At the time, I don’t think I paid much attention to the overall context of the first six verses of John 14. And I’m sure I never suspected the depth of meaning in the three key words of verse six.

When I first came to Faith in Yahweh and His Son Yahshua eight years ago, I quickly realized there was more to the Scriptures than just what was on the surface. I had known of Yahweh for many years, but I didn’t really know Him. In the same way, I had studied Yahweh’s written word and thought I knew it fairly well. The reality was, that without the benefit of an intimate relationship with the Author, I had barely waded into the great ocean of His Book.

It was only as I begun to read and study Scripture with the desire to understand Yahweh better, that He led me beyond the basics I had known from childhood. Yahweh blessed me with a desire to do some Hebrew word studies, so I could begin to dig down to the original meanings of the names for many people, places, and things. Knowing more about various words in the Old Testament has often given me insight into the passages in which those words were found.

Of course, the insights I have gained are not limited to the Old Testament. Whatever arguments can be made about what language the New Testament was originally written in, it is certain that Yahshua and His earliest followers almost exclusively spoke Aramaic, a Hebrew dialect, and Hebrew itself. So, my minor knowledge of Hebrew has given me the ability to dig deeper into all of Scripture, both Old and New Testaments, and share what Yahweh reveals.

Which leads back to John 14:6. To keep that verse in context, the first six verses of John 14 say, in English:

(John 14:1-6 KJV)  "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in Yahweh, believe also in me. {2} In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. {3} And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. {4} And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. {5} Thomas saith unto him, Master, we know not where you are going; and how can we know the way? {6} Yahshua saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Obviously Yahshua makes a very exclusive statement in that last verse. However, the English words, “the way,” “the truth,” and “the life,” don’t do much to reinforce that exclusivity. Their Hebrew equivalents seem to do a better job. They are: ha Derek (hah deh-rek, Strong’s #1870); ha emeth (eh-meth, Strong’s #571); and ha chay (khah-ee. Strong’s #2416.) As with all Hebrew words, these three

have layers of meaning that the disciples would have known, which we today often don’t have a clue about. Unless, that is, we go looking for the meanings that the original Hebrew and Aramaic speakers were well aware of.

So, when Yahshua said He was Ha Derek, the levels of what He was saying were, “I am the Road; I am the Course of life or mode of action; I am the journey through or toward; I am the highway, I am the pathway; I am THE Way.”

When Yahshua said He was Ha Emeth, the depth was, “I am stability; I am certainty; I am trustworthiness itself; I am assurance; I am establishment; I am faithful.” I am right; I am sure; I am THE Truth.”

And when Yahshua said He was Ha Chay, the nuances were, “I am alive; I am flesh; I am fresh; I am strong; I am a lifetime; I am living; I am THE Life.”  Yahshua embodies all of the variations of meaning we find in the original Hebrew definitions of those three words from John 14:6. Though words alone do not define Him, or His Father Yahweh, because “He is above and beyond all things.” He does want us to know Him. Since Yahshua left us quite a detailed Instruction Book, the more depth we find in that Book, the deeper we will know its author, Yahweh, and the closer we will be to Him.

For this reason, it was probably no accident that the New Testament believers called themselves Ha Derek, “the Way,” because they were echoing one of Yahshua/s simplest, and yet most profound teachings. ~

The Autumn “Harvest Festival Holy Days”

Yahweh patterned His plan of salvation around the Spring and Fall growing seasons in the northern hemisphere. Spring has come and gone; and autumn is rapidly approaching. There are a total of 19 days in Yahweh’s plan, seven annual High Sabbaths and 12 common days. Three of these festivals are “pilgrim feasts,” meaning we must travel to a designated place to worship Him and rehearse His great Plan for our future in His Kingdom. All males are required to attend, and entire families are encouraged to attend together. It is a family affair, as well as a convocation of Believers to honor the King of the Universe, Yahweh, and His Son, Yahshua the Messiah. If it is impossible to attend, see an article in the next newsletter, on “How to Keep Yahweh’s Feasts When Alone.” It will explain what Scriptures to study, and what you need to do on these days, the Feast of Trumpets; the Day of Atonement; the Feast of Tabernacles, and the Last Great Day, and what they each represent. ~

We hope to see you at Taneyville, MO in October!

Search the Scriptures Newsletter

Issue #94 July-Aug. 2008

P. O. Box 32,

Clarksville, AR 72830-0032 USA

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