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 7th 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. We
can no longer be united in lies.
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
love 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.