We are absolutely convinced that end time events are drawing very close, and the vast majority of the folks in this world are going to miss the promise.  YHWH has graciously brought many into our lives who have blessed us and we have an obligation to give them the message.  It is our “Esther” moment.  Although, we are told their response will be as that spoken of in Ezekiel 2, we must serve as watchmen.

 Scripture, in Revelation, tells us that in order to enter the Kingdom of YHWH, we MUST keep the commandments of YHWH and have the faith of Yahshua. We respond in faith to the gift of salvation of the blood of Yahshua with the keeping of YHWH’s commands, which Paul says are just, holy and good.  We follow the rules because of our love and gratitude for the sacrifice of Yahshua for us, not to earn salvation.

 Yahshua said in John, if you love me keep my commandments.  Scripture says 22 times to keep my commandments, with 1/3 of those references in Psalms, Proverbs, and even the new testament.  It is not an old testament concept.  Yahshua summed them up.  How do we love our neighbor as ourselves?  We do not steal from him, we do not take his wife, and we do not lust after his possessions, or murder him.  We repay him if we break something borrowed, etc…we follow the rules that existed in the garden at creation before sin entered. 

How do we love YHWH with all our heart, soul, and mind?  We honor HIM by having none other before HIM, we respect HIS name (HIS name is NOT “God”), we do not have idols, and we keep the 7^th day HE set apart and blessed at creation.

 The new covenant is about salvation through grace based on Yahshua’s sacrifice.  The ONLY laws fulfilled by Yahshua that are now unnecessary are the sacrificial laws which were added with the Levitical priesthood.  HIS was one sacrifice forever. 

 No one will claim that the law against adultery or theft or murder is void.  Realistically speaking then, the only law most mainstream christians think is done away with is the Sabbath.  It is a travesty to think that YHWH sacrificed HIS only begotten son just so that we could worship on Sunday, eat bacon and celebrate Christmas (a decidedly pagan festival).

 We need rules to tell us what is right and wrong.  Paul said without the law there is no sin…obviously there is sin in the world so there must still be law.  How can we obey and seek to please YHWH unless we do those things HE tells us to do?  The law was not nailed to the cross, but our debt or punishment for breaking the law was paid by Yahshua’s sacrifice.  However, if we continue in lawlessness, we crucify HIM again.

  In addition, John tells us we must worship in spirit and truth.  YHWH grafted the gentiles (the nations) into Israel…HE DID NOT BECOME A GENTILE GOD!  There is no authority given to the pope, the rabbis, Dallas Theological Seminary, Constantine or any other person or entity to change the word of YHWH.  HE tells us that HE changes NOT. 

 The predestined plan of salvation is for Israel and that is whom Yahshua came for; and to whom the disciples were sent.  HIS plan is to redeem, reconcile, and reunite all of Israel.  To accept these facts and break away from the norm of modern western religion takes courage.  YHWH tells us many times in scripture to fear not.  This is what exercising the faith of Yahshua is all about…following YHWH even when it conflicts with the mainstream or the rabbis, Pharisees, the pope, the masses, our families, or Billy Graham. 

 However, Israelite genealogy of one of the twelve tribes is not necessary for entrance into the kingdom because, by HIS infinite mercy, YHWH also extends the offer to ANYONE who accepts the gift and becomes grafted into the branch of Israel, as did Ruth and Cornelius.  However, those grafted in must reject non-scriptural rules, doctrines, and traditions of men when they attach themselves to the vine.

 We Iove you brothers and sisters, and give you these hard words to encourage you to step out in faith,  Feel the exhilaration that Peter did (however brief) when he stepped out of the boat to walk toward Yahshua…knowing, as he did, that Yahshua will extend HIS hand if we begin to sink.