March/April 2013 Restoration Times Magazine

C O N T E N T S

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Magazine

VOL. 3 | No. 2 | March-April 2013

A R T I C L E S

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3 | To Whom Do You Listen?

by Joel Wirl

5 | When Does A Day Begin? by the late Voy Wilks

6 | Passover Passed Over

by Alan Mansager

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10 | Signs of the End

by Randy Folliard

15 | Salvation’s Great Rewards

by Alan Mansager 19 | Restoration Study Bible Ad 20 | Questions and Answers

Restoration Times expounds the close ties between the Old and New Testaments. We teach the continuity and harmony that extend from Yahweh’s actions anciently down through His present activity in Yahshua the Messiah. This was also the conviction of the early New Testament Assembly.

This publication is sent free of charge, made possible through the tithes and offerings of those who desire to see the truth of Scripture restored in our day. © 2013 Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry

23 | Letters FRONT COVER: Digital composing of a tidal wave destroying the Statue of Liberty. istockphoto - Jens Carsten Rosemann

Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry PO Box 463 Holts Summit, MO 65043 Telephone: 573-896-1000 Office hours M-F 8am-4pm

www.yrm.org info@yrm.org

To Whom

Do You Listen?

by Joel Wirl

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he information age has given us the ability to tap into the opinions of millions of people around the world. We don’t just have books and magazines to read, but now we have blogs, tweets, and other means to know everyone’s opinions, whether we want it or not. The problem with all this information is deciding whom to listen to. Whom you listen to is a serious matter because those ideas can lead to decisions, and those decisions to actions, actions that can be completely disastrous or absolutely blessed.

Two illustrations from the Bible will help us shed some light on good and bad decisions; one is a tragedy, but the other is amazing.

Saul’s Folly Saul was the first king of Israel from the tribe of Benjamin, a man who was head and shoulders taller than everyone. Initially he was a man of great humility, hiding among the luggage when it was his time to be hailed as king; but as many stories go, Saul’s life was riddled with tragedy and bad decisions.

It is like watching a movie you’ve already seen unfold before you, knowing the outcome of events but hoping that the actors will make the right choices anyway.

One of Saul’s many mistakes can be found in 1Samuel 15. In verses 2-3 Samuel gives Saul a command from Yahweh, “Thus saith Yahweh of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. Now go smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.”

It sounds like a pretty straightforward command; all that is living, destroy. However Saul did not follow through. In verse 9 he spared Agag, the king of the Amalekites, and the best of the livestock for sacrifices.

Yahweh was not pleased. Samuel, after being informed by Yahweh of Saul’s deeds, confronted Saul the next day and rebuked him for not obeying Yahweh’s commands.

Saul had a slew of excuses and finally did see the error of his ways, but in verse 24 he gave his motivation for his actions, which reads, “And Saul said to Samuel, I have sinned; for I have transgressed the commandment of Yahweh, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.”

Saul admits to how he got himself into this mess. He listened to what the people had to say concerning King Agag and the livestock, and because he feared the people, he obeyed them. Saul was commanded

by Yahweh to destroy all, but the people didn’t hear this command. They might have thought they were doing what was best. And even if they did hear Yahweh’s command, that doesn’t let Saul off the hook for not being responsible for his actions. He was king; what he said the people did. Saul seemed to have been more worried about what the people thought than what Yahweh thought.

Looking at it from our perspective it is easy for us to say that Saul should have listened to Yahweh instead, and this is true, but hindsight is 20/20. In the moment when we have to make a decision and we have choices before us, remember Saul. Don’t base you choices on what the crowd thinks, but first listen to Yahweh and remember His words. His words must be written on our

hearts and minds so that we have a rock to stand upon. There are three Jewish men from Babylon that may have remembered the lesson of Saul’s mistake and learned from it. Whether they did or not, the lesson of listening first to Yahweh saved their lives.

Three Jewish Babylonians In Daniel 1 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had become men of prominence in their service to King Nebuchadnezzar during their captivity in Babylon. Then in Daniel 3 during their service, King Nebuchadnezzar decided to raise up a huge statue of gold that he decreed was to be worshiped by all who heard the sound of the music he ordained to be played.

The punishment for noncompliance to this decree was death in a fiery furnace.

There happened to be a time when the music played and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were there in the area. They did not respond as the rest of the crowd, bowing in obeisance to the gold statue, but instead refused to bend the knee to such a thing.

This act of defiance came in a speedy report to the king.

King Nebuchadnezzar in his fury brought these three men before him to explain themselves, even giving them a second chance to redeem themselves. Before we see how these three men responded, let’s pause and imagine we are in their shoes.

King Nebuchadnezzar is judge, jury, and executioner in Babylon. If he doesn’t like you then your days are numbered, and you as one of his subjects have just angered him.

You and your friends work for him and all have high position jobs, but a couple of years ago (Daniel 1) he wanted to wipe out Restoration Times Magazine March-April 2013

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all his magicians because they couldn’t tell him his dream. Your position will not save you nor your friends, and even worse, you have blatantly disobeyed him. How would

Elohim...thou shalt have no other mighty ones before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is

actions to match what Yahweh wanted.

On the other hand Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego obeyed Yahweh and listened to Yahweh’s Word, and then ordered their actions afterward.

Now this isn’t to say that we should not take counsel from other people.

In Proverbs 15:22 it states, “Without counsel purposes are disappointed, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.”

We can learn a lot from those who are older and wiser than we.

An issue can arise if we fail to study the Bible, Yahweh’s words to us, fully for ourselves.

Philippians 2:12 reads, “Wherefore, Nebuchadnezzar I granting Marduk freedom from taxation. Source: Babylonian boundary-stones and memorial tablets in the British Museum (No. LXXXIII) my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my you feel if you were in this position? in the earth beneath, or that is in the water presence only, but now much more in my We can see how they responded under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down absence, work out your own salvation by reading Daniel 3:16-18, “Shadrach, thyself to them, not serve them.” with fear and trembling.”

Meshach, and Abednego answered and said To finish out the account, King to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not Nebuchadnezzar was furious and com- Each of us has a responsibility to careful to answer thee in this matter. If it manded the furnace to be stoked hotter, read and know Yahweh’s Word. It is a be so, our Elah whom we serve is able to and the men to be thrown into it. Through filter for all the advice and information deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, the power of Yahweh the men were spared we receive. It doesn’t appear that the people Saul listened to had evil intentions. They wanted to sacrifice animals to Yahweh, something they probably thought would please Him, yet their advice was wrong.

What if Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had not inculcated Yahweh’s laws into their hearts and minds? At the critical moment they would have gone along with the crowd without even and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O and left the furnace unscathed by even knowing of another path. king. But if not, be if known unto thee, O the scent of smoke upon their clothes. Which path will you choose? Will king, that we will not serve the mighty ones, Yahweh wrought a great miracle that day, you choose the path of Saul and listen to nor worship the golden image which thou but it wouldn’t have happened if Shadrach, popular opinion first, or will you choose Meshach, and Abednego had listened to the the path that Shadrach, Meshach, and hast set up.”

Abednego took in choosing Yahweh’s It took great courage for these men to the king rather than Yahweh. instruction first? Let’s choose the say such things to the king, willing to lay it right path, the path in obedience to all on the line to listen to Yahweh rather than Lessons from These Events what the king decreed. For such courage In comparing these two events we find Yahweh; listen to Yahweh. We can and strength they must have known what a stark contrast in the order of whom never go wrong by putting Yahweh first was commanded by Yahweh in Exodus to listen to. Saul first listened to the in everything. Doing so will incur His 20:2-5, which reads, “I am Yahweh your people and from there tried to order his blessings.

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What if Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had not inculcated Yahweh’s laws into their hearts and minds? At the critical moment they would have gone along with the crowd without even knowing of another path.

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When Does the Day

Begin? by the late Voy Wilks

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he Sabbath of Yahweh begins at sunset and ends 24 hours later at sunset. Remember the days as revealed in Genesis chapter one?

Every 24-hour day started with evening: “And the evening and the morning were the first day” (Gen. 1:5, 8, 13, etc.).

In the Book of Leviticus we learn that the unclean were to bathe themselves in water and be unclean until evening, that is, sunset (Deut.23:11; Lev. 22:6, 7).

Ahab died in the evening, at sunset (1 Kings 22:35, 36; 2 Chron.18:34). At a later time, Scriptures indicate the same time of day (sunset) as the end of one day and, therefore, the beginning of another day.

Yahshua the Messiah went into the city of Capernaum and taught on the Sabbath day (Mk.1:21, 22). After leaving the synagogue He entered the house of Simon Peter and healed Peter’s mother-in-law. It was proper to heal on the Sabbath, but Jewish authorities did not accept this view, so most

people did not bring their sick to be healed until after the Sabbath was past, indicated by the following: “That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. … And he healed many …” (Mark 1:32-34, RSV).

On another occasion Yahshua worshiped on the Sabbath, as was his custom (Luke 4:16).

“Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them” (Luke 4:40, RSV). The setting sun ended the Sabbath. Afterward the people felt free to ask Yahshua to heal their sick.

The Messiah died about the ninth hour of the day or 3 p.m. (Matt. 27:46). This was the preparation day for the High Annual Sabbath (Abib 15), therefore the Jews did not want Yahshua’s body to remain on the tree on the Sabbath day (John19:31). Joseph and his friend took Yahshua down from the

tree and dressed him for burial between 3 p.m. and sunset (John19:38-41).

“So because of the Jewish day of Preparation [for the High Annual Sabbath], as the tomb was close at hand, they laid Yahshua there” (John19:42, RSV). “And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on” (Lk.23:54 KJV).

All these Scriptures combined make it abundantly clear that the Savior was buried (hurriedly) late on the preparation day, just minutes before the Sabbath began.

Sunset was the dividing line between the preparation day and the Sabbath day.

Since a new day begins at the instant the old day ends, the above considerations locate accurately the boundary of each Sabbath, therefore the beginning and ending of every day. This is clearly shown in other Scriptures as well.

“It [the Day of Atonement] shall be a sabbath of entire rest for you, and you must abstain and fast: from sunset on the ninth day to sunset on the tenth day you shall hold your sabbath” (Lev. 23:32, Moffatt Version).

“And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death … and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but you shall bury him the SAME DAY…” (Deut. 21:22, 23, RSV). “ … Joshua, who hung him on a tree till evening; at sunset Joshua ordered his body to be taken down from the tree. …”

(Josh.8:29, Moffatt Version).

“Then Joshua … hung them on five trees, and on the trees they remained hanging till evening. At SUNSET Joshua ordered the bodies to be taken down from the trees …” (Josh. 10:26, 27, Moffatt Version).

These Scriptures clearly indicate that the 24-hour day begins at sunset Scripturally. If the ordinary day does so, then the Sabbath also begins at sunset.

In the Book of Genesis it is recorded that the Sabbath began after the sixth day had ended.

“And there was evening and there was morning, a sixth day. Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.

And on the seventh day Elohim finished his work which he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done. So Elohim blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it Elohim rested from all his work which he had done in creation” (Gen. 1:31-2:3, RSV).

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Passover PassedOver

Significant lessons about Yahweh’s plan and your life can be found in the commanded spring Passover and Feast. The world in general ignores them, but Yahweh isn’t calling the world.

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ncreasing numbers of Bible believers are searching for fundamental truths that have been missing or neglected for centuries. Many sense a void in today’s teachings when the heart and soul of the Scriptures are tossed aside in favor of trivial pursuits. Yahshua the Messiah showed by word and action what a True Believer is all about, yet the core of what He came to reveal continues untaught in our day.

A spiritual reawakening to the truth of the Scriptures is under way exactly as was prophesied for our time in Acts 3:19-21: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of Yahweh. And he shall send Yahshua Messiah, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which Elohim hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.”

There it is. There will be a return to Bible truth in the days before the appearance of the Messiah. It will be far more than an emotional response to miracles and acts of wonder, healings, and unexplained phenomena. It will be the essence of what Yahshua taught. The hearts of the children are returning to the fathers. More are awakening to the fact that original teachings of Yahweh’s Word never went away. On the contrary, they must form the basis for

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by Alan Mansager our beliefs and practices today. Key to the foundation of the practices of Yahshua and His apostles are the annual feasts.

Serious students of Scripture know that Passover was not just a single event that happened in ancient Egypt.

It was foretold and foreordained long before that incident by Yahweh Himself.

Passover is the flagship observance that connects us directly to salvation through the sacrifice of Yahshua. It also begins the seven annual festal observances given to mankind by our Almighty Creator.

In the creation account in Genesis we read of the preparation that He made for determining the Passover and ensuing yearly Feasts. “And Elohim said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night, and let them be for signs, and for seasons and for days, and years” (Gen. 1:14).

The word seasons is from the Hebrew moed and means “appointed times.” Yahweh set aside certain times throughout the year when He meets with His people through His observances.

Many are unaware of these special times because they’ve traditionally been ignored by churchianity.

To understand Passover and the other annual appointed days is to uncover the master design recorded for us in the Word.

A Promise to Abraham Abram is called the Father of the Faithful.

The Bible has a lot to teach about him and his family. It follows his progeny in the Book of Genesis and through the entirety of the Old Testament, which deals with the history of fleshly Israelites. In fact, the New Testament continues with the spiritual seed, the called-out spiritual Israelites.

Abram lived in the worldly city of Ur in ancient Babylon. Ur means “mooncity” and was a great cosmopolitan center.

It was marked by worship of many deities and was where the roots of pagan teachings flourished.

“Now Yahweh had said unto Abram, Get out of your country, and from your kindred, and from your father’s house, unto a land that I will show you” (Gen. 12:1).

Then follows the wonderful promise made to Abraham of establishing his progeny as a great nation filled with blessings. Through these offspring nations all families of the earth would be blessed.

Abram obeyed and departed with Lot his nephew, Genesis 12:2-4.

Paul writes in Galatians 3:8 that this was the evangel that was first preached on earth. Many think that the “gospel” is the New Testament teaching of love and grace as opposed to the Old Testament’s teaching of law and sacrifices. But Paul said the “gospel” began back with faithful Abram.

The blessings that would come through

Passover or Communion?

“So you keep the Passover?” the young man asked. “I thought that was just for Jewish people.” I then asked him, “Do you practice ‘Communion’?” “Yes,” he responded. “Every week.” “Then you keep a trace element of the Passover,” I told him.

“The difference is that what you observe has become disconnected from the original truth of the Passover Memorial from which it was spun.”

Passover as the proper observance of Yahshua’s death, is by scriptural command an annual observance, not a weekly, monthly, or semiannual ritual. It commemorates the slaying of the Passover lamb on the 14th of Abib. Yahshua in the New Testament would signify the true Lamb as He fulfilled what the Passover lamb foreshadowed. He provided new meaning in the symbols of the unleavened bread and cup, as now our sins could actually be paid for and eliminated and not just covered over as they were with animal blood (Heb. 10:4).

Yahshua is our Savior as well as our example. Having never sinned, He kept the Passover faithfully. In His last day on earth Yahshua told His disciples He would keep Passover again with them in the Kingdom: “But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom,” Matthew 26:29. Also Mark 14:25 and Luke 22:16, 18.

Saved Through Passover, Not Communion Yahweh’s people continue to keep the Passover once every year, and the Feast that follows, because of His command to do so.

The original Passover still has meaning for us by the spiritual lessons it taught.

Yahweh told Israel that unless they kept the Passover and protected their houses with the blood of the lamb, their firstfruits would die, Exodus 11: 13. When the angel sees the blood he will “pass over” that house, Yahweh said. Hence the name Passover.

The lesson is clear. Passover directly relates to saving. As firstfruits, Yahweh’s people must have the protection and salvation that the Passover blood of Yahshua provides. The Passover is not an option, it is essential! Unless we keep the Passover, applying the blood of the Lamb where we live, meaning to our personal lives, we will not be protected from the everlasting, second death and will be cut off from Yahweh, Numbers 9:13.

Churchianity has lost this whole significance by replacing the sin-cleansing of Yahshua’s Passover with the Easter resurrection observance. It has also ignored the Passover command, honored by Yahshua and His apostles, and substituted a man-made communion ritual. The communion rite has its own symbols, times and meanings. How can we expect blessings when we make up our own worship?

Communion: a Church Invention The Website, Americancatholic.org, explains the development of communion as invented by the Roman Church and observed by most Protestants today. “Early Christians viewed the Last Supper from the viewpoint of the Passover meal. Gradually the apostles and their successors developed the Eucharistic celebration into the structure that endures to this day. They first named it the ‘Breaking of the Bread’ but soon they saw the need to separate the rite from a meal, both because of abuses at meals (1 Cor 11:17-22) and because they wanted a more prayerful setting for this act of worship. This development was reported by a late first-century document, the Didache or Teaching of the Apostles. Eucharist was moved to Sunday in memory of Chr-st’s resurrection. In place of the meal the early Christians created a Liturgy of the Word somewhat modeled after synagogue prayer that included readings from Scripture, singing of psalms and an instruction.”

Can we honestly believe that the Apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit, would change the Passover into a communion service? None of this overhauling of Passover is found in the New Testament. It would clearly be laid out in the Acts of the apostles if they had done any changing of Yahweh’s Feast laws. Did not Yahshua tell them that He would keep the Passover with them again in the Kingdom? Why did He not say anything about communion? Obviously, He knew nothing about communion.

Proper Timing is Essential As important as Passover is, the timing of the memorial is also critical. Had any Israelites kept the Passover a day late, for instance on the 15th, the death angel would have already struck their firstborn dead. Keeping the Passover daily, weekly or monthly (as some do with communion) would have done Israel no good. Yahweh would not have honored it. Passover had to be kept on the 14th day of the first month of the year as the law specified. Keeping other times or substitute observances constitutes adding to the Word and is a fruitless sin (Deut. 4:2; 12:32; Rev. 22:18;).

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Abraham and his seed included the Israelite families, Moses the law transmitter, and Yahshua the Messiah, Savior and coming King of the world. This is the true “Evangel” and is taught from Genesis through Revelation.

Passover – Abraham’s Exodus Passover was not an event that first occurred in Egypt and just “happened” to be in the spring. It was foretold at least 400 years before that, and indications are that other events took place that were forerunners of these later occurrences.

When Abram left Haran, he took Sarai his wife, and Lot his nephew and “all their substance that they had gathered, and the individuals they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.”

Just as Abram left the city of the moondeity, some 400 years later the Israelites left Ramses of Egypt on Abib fifteen (Num. 33:3) and started for the Promised Land with all their goods and families, including a “mixed multitude,” Numbers 11.

Furthermore, it has been suggested that Abram left Ur the very same day, the fifteenth of Abib, arriving at Shechem on the Feast of Weeks, Genesis 12:6-7. There he built an altar to Yahweh. Some scholars understand that the places where Abram stopped signify annual Feast days: Trumpets, Atonement and Tabernacles.

also calling YOU out of the Egypt of this world. He is asking you to forsake the ways of the world and take up His ways and follow in the footsteps of His Pattern Son. You might even say that coming out of Egypt is a lifelong process for us.

We may not all be the fleshly seed of Abraham, the “dust of the earth” (Gen. 13: 16), but we certainly strive to be spiritual Israelites, the celestial “stars of the heavens” (Gen. 15:5). This we can be if we keep His Commandments and have the faith of Yahshua, Revelation 14: 12, including observing the Feast days of Leviticus 23.

When Yahweh made the Covenant with Abram in Genesis 12, He emphasized

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Surprising Parallels Genesis 12:20 tells of Abram, with his family, thrust out of Egypt just as were the Israelites 430 years later, Exodus 12:33.

Both were increased with wealth as they left Egypt. Furthermore, Yahshua Himself was taken to Egypt and then brought out of there also: “When [Joseph] arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of Yahweh by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son” (Matt. 2:14-15).

When Yahweh introduces His Covenant to Israel, note how He describes Himself: “I [am] Yahweh your Elohim, which have brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” (Ex. 20:2).

Not only did Yahweh bring Abram out of Egypt, Israel out of Egypt, and Yahshua out of Egypt, but through His Word He is

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chosen by Yahweh and told to leave his family, leave his friends, leave the land he knew, and he would be shown a new homeland. Yet he would be a stranger in the land as he continued to seek the heavenly Jerusalem, Hebrews 11:8-10.

Passover and the days of Unleavened Bread had a special significance for Abraham. Genesis 18 describes him as sitting in the tent door among the oaks of Mamre. When three celestial beings appeared, he recognized one of them as the messenger of Yahweh Himself! Abraham quickly told Sarah to make unleavened cakes while he fetched a young calf and fed his guests, Genesis 18:6-8.

J ust as the foliage brings forth fruit in spring, we are to bear much spiritual fruit.

that He was Yahweh, and that Abram’s seed would be strangers in a land that was not theirs and afflicted 400 years.

“And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of Yahweh went out from the land of Egypt” (Ex. 12:41). The Israelites were not made slaves immediately; that likely took a period of 30 years. During that time the situation had changed. Joseph had died, and the Hyksos who knew little about Joseph, took over rulership of Egypt, Exodus 1:8.

Significantly, prophecy was fulfilled to the very day—the same day Abram left Ur, the Israelites left Egypt.

Life’s Renewal and the Passover Passover marks the beginning of the annual Holy Days in Yahweh’s program for mankind. It comes in the spring of the year.

Passover always falls on the fourteenth of the month Abib (Hebrew, meaning “green ears”). Abib begins the year in Yahweh’s plan when the northern hemisphere reawakens from the dead of winter.

The warming sun stirs the earth back to life. Yahweh established spring as the start of the new year, not January’s dead of winter.

Yahweh’s plan for the redemption of mankind began with Abram. Abram was

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The Book of Judges tells of Gideon also preparing unleavened cakes for the Angel of Yahweh who appeared to him, Judges 6:19.

The appointed times (Hebrew: moedim) are a special time when Yahweh met with His people and when He will commune again in the future.

Isaac is promised to be born of Sarah at “this set time” (moed) in the next year, Genesis 17:21.

The promise is given to Abraham that this celestial being (Yahweh’s messenger) will return “according to the time of life” (Gen. 18:10), which is understood to mean in spring, when the earth comes to life. The promise is repeated in Genesis 18:14. The time of life is the Passover season and days of Unleavened Bread.

When the two other angels continued to Sodom, Lot met them and baked unleavened bread for them, Genesis 19:1-3. Lot’s family was taken out of Sodom and protected while the sinful city was destroyed by fire and brimstone.

Some 400 years later the land of Egypt was stricken with ten plagues, each of which was directed against a specific deity of Egypt.

Yahweh showed that He is more powerful than all the deities of Egypt. The blood on the doors of the Israelites protected them while the Egyptian firstborn were slain at the “passing over” of the death angel. Israel was

Did You

Know?

1) T he word “Passover” derives from the primitive root, pacach, and means “to hop, i.e. skip over.”

2) The Passover is to be observed at even, literally, between sunset and complete darkness, Exodus 12:6.

with the Passover memorial, including wine, Exodus 12:8.

6) Unlike today’s communion, the Passover is observed once a year.

7) The Old Testament Passover required all participants to be physically circumcised, Exodus 12:44. Today, this is fulfilled through baptism into Yahshua’s Name, Colossians 2:11-13.

8) The Passover is the only observance not considered a high day or annual Sabbath, Leviticus 23.

3) The Passover marked the redemption of Yahweh’s chosen people 9) T he Passover is the only appointed in both the Old and New Testaments. time with a prescribed second observance, which is limited to those 4) The first Passover was a family who are unclean or on a long journey, observance that later evolved into Numbers 9:10-11. a communal event, Exodus 12:3; Deuteronomy 16:2; 2Chronicles 35:4-7. 10) Those immersed into Yahshua’s Name who ignore the Passover are 5) W hile leavening is not prohibited on cut off from among Yahweh’s people, Passover day, Abib 14, it is disallowed Numbers 9:13. delivered, Pharaoh and his army drowned.

Tis the Season We see a pattern here. Springtime is when the earth comes back to life in all its greenery in the northern hemisphere. It is a turning point from death to life naturally and spiritually. It was the time when Sodom and its sister cities were destroyed and just Lot and his family were led out of harm’s way into a new life. Neither Sodom nor Egypt could interfere with Yahweh’s plan for His people.

Abraham’s son Isaac was born to him at this time of year, Genesis 21:2. Passover season is the spiritual starting point in our walk with Yahweh. We accept the shed blood of the Lamb at Passover.

Following Passover we keep seven days of unleavened bread in our move away from sin, Deuteronomy 16:3. After partaking of the “Bread of Life,” we feed for seven days on a special bread of sincerity and truth, learning of Him and walking in His ways. We overcome the temptations and meet the trials of life as we help others along the way.

Just as the foliage brings forth fruit in

spring, we are to bear much spiritual fruit.

The Feast of Tabernacles in the fall of the year is the time for the ingathering of fruit and it symbolizes the coming Millennial Kingdom as Yahshua rules with a rod of iron, Revelation 2:26-27.

Watching What We Ingest Passover begins on Abib 14. Paul cautioned us not to gorge ourselves at this time, but to take a token amount of the fruit of the vine, and a token amount of unleavened bread as a memorial of the Savior’s broken body and shed blood.

Then follow the seven days of Unleavened Bread where we examine all the doctrines we believe, making certain all are based on the Bible and not teachings of men.

The first two appointed observances are like a spiritual spring housecleaning. Just as we don’t clean up just to return to trample in the mud, neither can we partake of the emblems of the Savior’s death just to continue our sinful ways.

Unleavened Bread reminds us to check everything we eat to make certain it is proper food for the remnant of Israel. We become “label-readers” as we confirm that the food we

take is in accord with Yahweh’s Word.

In a spiritual sense we are to do the same.

We are to confirm that what we believe is not leavened with “hypocrisy or formalism; evil doctrine or teaching; political religion or worldliness,” as found in Dr. Bullinger’s Companion Bible notes on leaven, page 1338.

If you have not kept the Passover and days of Unleavened Bread, we urge you to seek Yahweh’s truth seriously and do all it commands. Start calling on Yahshua’s Name, the only name in Scripture that promises salvation: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Make Your Choice Now Yahweh is working to establish a dedicated people. He is calling select ones out of the world to keep the days that He ordained. These days will be taught, kept and administered in the Millennial Kingdom, Ezekiel 45:21-25; Zechariah 14:16-18; Hosea 12:9. They were never abolished, and are not just for Jews but for everyone who will follow Yahweh as their true Heavenly Father. No other annual celebrations are found in the Scripture. Singleday, man-made holidays like Christmas and Easter have no sanction in the Scriptures. You cannot find them anywhere in Yahweh’s Word.

They were purely inventions of the Roman Church as a substitute for Yahweh’s days like Passover. The church readily admits this fact.

It is nothing short of staggering to contemplate that anyone can elect now to do exactly as the Savior did in keeping these special days as a directive from His own Father. You can and must observe the weekly and annual Sabbaths now, learning what to do and when to do them, as you enjoy a closer walk now with your Savior.

The annual observances are so basic to Yahweh’s plan that He will return Yahshua to earth at the time of one of His sacred appointments – at the sound of the trumpet, 1Thessalonians 4:16. Once here, Yahshua as ruling monarch will teach these days to people of the earth for a thousand years in his Kingdom.

Train now to be a part of the Kingdom reign Yahshua will establish. Prepare to be a priest of the Most High, showing others the same teachings that will be taught in the Kingdom (Rev. 5: 10; 20:6). Those who object will be forced to keep these days in the kingdom or suffer severe penalties. Resistance will only turn out badly. Obey your Creator and prepare for His glorious world to come.

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Signs

of the END

by Randy Folliard

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s we see the end of this age approaching, it is critical to understand the signs that are prophesied to precede the end of this age and our Savior’s coming.

Prior to Yahshua’s return we find promises of darkness and distress. As a matter of fact, when all is over man will be more precious than gold, Isaiah 13:12. It is therefore incumbent that the faithful stand strong during this time. We must know the prophetic events that Yahweh has provided through His prophets.

How do we know when such events will occur? Yahshua in His Olivet Prophecy gave us a method of determining these signs: “Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is nigh: So

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likewise when you shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors,” Matthew 24:32-33.

Just as we see signs in nature telling when the seasons are upon us, we can use the prophetic Word to know that the Messiah’s coming is near. Today we are seeing many of these signs coming to pass.

For this reason, now is not the time to be spiritually asleep or negligent. Events are in motion daily.

Yahshua warned in His Olivet Prophecy that we would see deception, war, disease, earthquakes, famines, and many other horrific plagues before His coming. Already many of these signs have begun.

From our looming financial collapse to the wars and conflict that we hear about daily, the plagues in Yahweh’s Word are

knocking at the door—the branch is tender.

Perilous Deceptions The first sign that is found is deception.

Yahshua in His Olivet Prophecy states, “And Yahshua answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Messiah; and shall deceive many…For there shall arise false Messiahs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect,” Matthew 24:4-5, 24.

During this time there will be deception as never before. Many false prophets and false messiahs will arise to show great signs and wonders. The word for “signs” is derived from the Greek semeion and refers

to a miracle. Many will witness these great wonders and believe in the power of these false men. These signs will be so remarkable that even the most sincere may be deceived.

Yahshua stated, “…if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect,” Matthew 24:24.

Because of this deception, this time will require complete faith and devotion in the one we worship. If we are deceived by a false prophet or false messiah into forsaking Yahweh, we will then forfeit our eternal salvation, as found in Revelation 14:9-11: “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of Elohim, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.”

Those who forsake Yahweh for the worship of the Beast, the Man of Sin or the Antimessiah will pay with their lives and salvation. Scriptures declare that they will drink of the wine of the wrath of Elohim.

Our Father will destroy the Antimessiah and those who follow him. This includes those who receive the mark of the Beast on their right hand or forehead.

How will we avoid such deception? We must know the signs that our Savior gave with the Word. These serve as a roadmap of that which we’re to avoid as believers. As the end becomes closer these threats become more real and dangerous!

The Apostle Paul prophesied of a great falling away that would precede the revealing of the Man of the Sin. He wrote, “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Master Yahshua Messiah, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Messiah is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed the son of perdition,” 2Thessalonians 2:1-3.

This same admonition is as relevant to us as it was to the people of Thessalonica. We

are not to be soon shaken. We’re to hold firm to the promise and truth of Scripture. This is why it’s so critical that we as believers prove all things, as Paul instructs in 1Thessalonians 5:21 and as we find from those of Berea, “And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so,” Acts 17:10-11.

What is the consequence of not proving all things? The consequence is deception and a great falling away. Paul prophesied here of a great falling away that would occur before the exposing of the Man of Sin. Will we be one of the deceived or one of those who will not be quickly shaken from their faith?

The answer lies in our willingness and ability to again study and prove what we believe from our Father’s Word. If we simply coast through life without proving our core beliefs, then what makes us think that we will possibly have the spiritual stamina and strength to hold firm to the end?

The life of a believer requires action, and this was the message of our Savior in His Olivet Prophecy. This is why He warned first about deception. He knew that this sign would be the most destructive.

So as believers in Messiah we’re to be cautious of deception. We’re to obey the commandments and hold to the faith of Yahshua the Messiah, our Savior (Rev. 14:12). Any man claiming to be a prophet and trying to persuade that Yahshua is not the Messiah is to be avoided.

Now we may say, “We could never be deceived by a man claiming to be a prophet or the Messiah.” Remember again what Yahshua said: these false prophets and false messiahs would show great signs and wonders and if possible, deceive the very elect of Yahweh. To protect against such deception, all believers should put on the whole armor of Yahweh, including the shield of faith (Eph. 6:16), to avoid this deception.

First Horseman In Revelation 6:2 we find the first horseman and counterpart to the Messiah’s warning about deception in the Olivet Prophecy: “And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown

was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.”

There is a debate among scholars as to what or who this horseman represents. Some attribute this horseman to the Messiah; however, a far more likely interpretation points to deception and by extension, the Antimessiah. One reason why this view is favored is due to the parallel between Yahshua’s Olivet Prophecy and the Four Horsemen.

As Yahshua began His prophecy in Matthew 24 with a warning against deception, we find here the same message.

Let’s consider some of the attributes of this horseman. The rider travels upon a white horse, comes forth conquering, and wears a crown, indicating kingship. While this horseman resembles the Messiah, he also bears a striking resemblance to the Antimessiah. The Antimessiah will go forth conquering (Dan. 7:25; Rev. 13:4) and rule this earth as the ultimate despot (2Thess.

2:4; Rev. 17:12-13). Also, the fact that this horseman carries a bow with no obvious arrows is another indicator of the deception by the Antimessiah or the first Beast of Revelation 13:1.

Wars and Reports of Wars The Messiah also warned about war: “And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that you be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom…,” Matthew 24:6-7.

Of all the prophetic signs, this one is focused upon most often. What did He mean when He said, “nation”? This word comes from the Greek ethnos, which means, “a race or tribe.” When Yahshua said that nation would be against nation He was referring to civil wars. Today we see internal conflict in countries like Libya, Egypt, Pakistan, Syria, Mali, and more. Millions have suffered and countless others have lost their lives in these conflicts.

Yahshua also said that kingdom would be against kingdom. This word is from the Greek basileia and means, “royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)” (Strong’s). The word “kingdom” refers to a sovereign nation. Are we seeing wars between nations today? Absolutely! The Mideast is filled with news of continued conflict, including Afghanistan, where forces of the United Restoration Times Magazine March-April 2013

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States, Europe, and Australia are still fighting insurgents.

Besides ongoing wars, our Savior also said that we would hear of rumors of wars. It may be only a matter of time until Israel strikes against a nuclear Iran, which according to some could begin a world war.

From the Fox News article, Analysis: “Iran talks planned, but diplomatic window may be closing; Israel, US examine options,” dated February 2, 2013, the prospect of war with Iran may be imminent: “Judging by its expanding nuclear program, harsh sanctions against Iran have done little but impose hardship on its people, while diplomacy has also failed to slow the Islamic Republic’s atomic progress. And while more talks are planned for later this month, there is a growing sense that the nuclear standoff between Iran and the international community is reaching a tipping point.”

It goes on to say, “But Iran shows no sign of budging, and Israel’s threat to hit Tehran’s nuclear targets if negotiations fail stands, as does the possibility that such a move would draw the United States into the conflict. Iran could enrich uranium to arm one weapon within half a year even though analysts say it would take years longer for it to actually create a full working nuclear weapon.”

These conflicts corroborate what our Savior prophesied some 2000 years ago. For this reason, it’s imperative that we put our faith and assurance in our Father in heaven and Savior and to remember that no matter what happens Yahweh can always see us through. There’s no trial too great for Him!

should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.”

This second horseman rides on a red horse, likely symbolizing the blood of war.

According to Strong’s, the word “power” is not found in the original text; howbeit, based on the context, this can be assumed. This horseman is given authority to cause death through the act of war, which is symbolized through the great sword.

As prophesied by Yahshua in His Olivet Prophecy, we find here that before the Messiah’s Second Coming this earth

Second Horseman In Revelation 6:3-4 we find the parallel horseman to this prophecy: “And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they

will suffer horrific conflict. Remember also that this likely refers to the first three-anda-half years of the Tribulation, also known as Jacob’s trouble (Jer. 30:7). This war will likely provide an opportunity for the Antimessiah to bring peace (Jer. 6:14) and unite all nations under him for the last threeand-a-half years of the Great Tribulation.

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Prophecy also indicates that as Israel suffered through the first four plagues of Egypt that the saints will suffer from these Four Horsemen.

Famine Another prophecy is famine. In Matthew 24:7, Yahshua prophesied, “…and there shall be famines…” The word famine comes from the Greek limos and means, “a scarcity of food.” So before the Great Tribulation occurs, there will be a shortage in foodstuffs.

In part, this will be due to war.

According to the website called worldhunger.org, “Despite some large-scale repatriation movements, the last three years have witnessed a significant increase in refugee numbers, due primarily to the violence taking place in Iraq and Somalia. By the end of 2008, the total number of refugees under UNHCR’s mandate exceeded 10 million. The number of conflict-induced internally displaced persons (IDPs) reached some 26 million worldwide at the end of the year.”

As reported by Bread for the World, a not-for-profit religious organization with the purpose of ending world hunger: • [In] 2008, nearly 9 million children died before they reached their fifth birthday. One third of these deaths are due directly or indirectly to hunger and malnutrition. Malnutrition is not having enough nourishing food, with adequate amounts of protein, vitamins, minerals and calories to support physical and mental growth and development. Children who survive early childhood malnutrition suffer irreversible harm—including poor physical growth, compromised immune function, and impaired cognitive ability.

• Around the world, 178 million children under 5 are stunted, low height for age. Of all stunted children, 90 percent live in just 36 countries, most of them in sub-

Saharan Africa and South and Central Asia.

• Despite years of progress against hunger, in 2010, it is estimated that 925 million people suffer from hunger. This is due to a sudden spike in global food prices and the onset of a world-wide economic crisis. (United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization).

Even though most in the United States enjoy an overabundance, the plague of famine is real, killing millions every year.

Third Horseman This plague is also seen in the third horseman of Revelation: “And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine,” Revelation 6:5-6.

This horseman holds a pair of balances in his hand. According to Barnes’ Notes, “This word properly means a yoke, serving to couple anything together, as a yoke for cattle. Hence it is used to denote the beam of a balance, or of a pair of scales–and is evidently so used here.” These balances indicate the shortage and scarcity of food.

The word “penny” refers to the denarius, a Roman coin that was worth about one day’s wage. A quart of wheat or three quarts of barley is considered the rations for one man, specifically a soldier. Consequently, famine

will be so severe that it will require an entire day’s wage to purchase the rations for one man. Where will this leave families with children and those tending to the needs of others?

Earthquakes and Disease Scripture speaks of two more signs of the end: earthquakes and pestilence. In Luke 21:11 Yahshua said, “And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.”

According to the U.S. Geological Survey: In 2003 southern Iran was rocked by an earthquake measuring 8.3 that took the lives of 31,000 people; in 2004 off the west coast of Northern Sumatra an earthquake measuring 9.1 took the lives of almost 228,000 people; in 2005 in Pakistan an earthquake measuring 7.6 took the lives of over 80,000 people; in 2008 an earthquake measuring 7.9 hit the Sishuan province in China, which took an estimated 87,000 lives, and in 2011 there was an earthquake measuring 9.0 that struck near the east coast of Japan which took over 20,000 lives. Just as Yahshua prophesied, we continue to see great earthquakes and death as His coming draws closer.

We will also see pestilence. This word comes from the Greek loimos, which refers to “a plague or disease.” Some of the deadliest afflictions today include cancer, malaria, tuberculosis, AIDS, stroke, and heart disease.

People ask why Yahweh allows diseases like AIDS to flourish. In part it’s because of man’s refusal to obey. As a nation we can’t expect our Father’s blessings if we refuse to follow Him. In Deuteronomy 28, Yahweh speaks about both blessings and curses – blessings for those who obey and curses for those who disobey.

Like no other in history this nation was blessed in the beginning because of its strong desire to honor the Creator. George Washington, our first president, stated, “Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.” How times have changed! It seems that every sin and abomination under the sun is acceptable in this nation. With the continued acceptance of abortion and the growing approval for homosexual marriage, is there any wonder why we are no longer seeing the blessings in this once great country? Even those who profess to believe in the Bible often refuse to stand on moral principles that were once commonplace.

Parallel in Revelation In Revelation 6:12 we find another parallel to our Savior’s Olivet Prophecy, “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood.”

A great earthquake will precede Yahshua’s Second Coming. Afterward the sun will turn black and the moon will Restoration Times Magazine March-April 2013

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become like blood. Some say that this is only allegorical, but Scripture speaks of these events happening.

Zechariah speaks about the day of Yahshua’s return, “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark: But it shall be one day which shall be known to Yahweh, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening

Increased Lawlessness Also significant, our Savior prophesied that we would see an increase in lawlessness in the last days. In Matthew 24:12, He stated, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”

The word “iniquity” is from the Greek anomia and means, “illegality, i.e. violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness”

time it shall be light,” Zechariah 14:6-7.

This passage seems to correspond with Revelation 6:12.

We also find a similar parallel with plagues. John on Patmos wrote, “And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, And blasphemed the Elohim of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds,” Revelation 16:10-11.

We find that near the end of the Great Tribulation, Yahweh’s angel will pour out a plague upon the Man of Sin and his kingdom, corresponding to what Yahshua said in Luke 21. Whatever the nature of this plague, it will torment the Beast and those who follow him.

Despite all of this mankind will refuse to repent of sin. This passage is reminiscent of what we witness in the Exodus account in Egypt. Instead of repenting and recognizing the power of Almighty Yahweh the Egyptians fought and defied His will, and in the end they paid with the lives of their firstborn.

(Strong’s). Before Yahshua returns the level of sin will increase, and as a result many will become calloused. They will lack kindness and concern for others, probably out of fear of them.

This is reminiscent of the atrocities that occurred under Nazi Germany. It is unthinkable how many millions of people suffered and were tortured, including children, under this regime. The inhumanity and acts of terror of that dreadful time showed what man is capable of.

During the Great Tribulation the persecution and suffering will be far worse.

This is why we must have complete faith in Yahweh, our Father in heaven, and Yahshua the Messiah, our Savior. Lukewarm faith will not sustain anyone then. Only the strongest believers with the deepest faith will overcome the coming trials that will rock the world.

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Loved Ones Turned Rivals Because of burgeoning sin and callousness many will be hated and murdered for their faith, while those who aid and abet the

Beast system will come from an alarming source. Yahshua declared, “And you shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake,” Luke 21:16-17.

A believer’s loved ones will become adversaries as they fear the powers in control. During the Great Tribulation believers will rely only on their spiritual family in Messiah. This is why we’re told to love or agape one another, to care for another, and to even prefer one another, Romans 12:10. No matter what happens, though, Yahshua said that those who lose their lives for His sake will find it, Matthew 10:39.

This sign is also found in Revelation 6:9-11: “And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of Elohim, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Yahweh, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.”

Faithful Richly Rewarded Some will die as a testimony to their faith.

At the same time they are guaranteed a white robe, symbolizing salvation and the promise of eternal life in Yahweh’s Kingdom. Those who are martyred as a testimony to the true Faith will rise to everlasting life at our Savior’s return.

There’s not a greater promise we find in our Father’s Word. No matter what tribulation we encounter, it won’t compare to what we’ll receive in the life to come. Imagine forever being with our Heavenly Father and His Son, Yahshua the Messiah, in His Golden City. The signs of the end of this age are coming to pass and Yahweh’s Kingdom is closer than ever.

Salvation’s Great

Rewards

by Alan Mansager

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or the man or woman who desires to worship and follow Almighty Yahweh, this life is only the beginning.

Human beings are a very special creation of Yahweh Almighty. We are meant to honor and serve our Creator, not just now but for eternity. He has incredible plans for those who follow Him.

Yahweh so loved His human creation that He placed them in a paradise in Eden to live there potentially forever. But the first man and woman proved dissatisfied with their Edenic bliss. They discovered a sinister desire within to want much more.

They wanted the knowledge and power of mighty ones.

Eve was mesmerized by the lies of the evil one who aspired to turn Adam and her away from their Creator through a single, defiant act of sin. Eve fell for it. Adam did as well. Both he and his wife believed the deceits of Satan and coveted what was far beyond their sphere.

Yahweh placed man on this planet to have dominion over the physical earth and

this is where He intended man to stay. The human desire for what is off limits did not stop with our original parents. Notions about an eternal, heavenly reward immediately following death have been deceiving millions for millennia.

The Heavens Declare Although Yahweh does not give many details about what rewards await the faithful beyond this life, He gave us enough insight to reveal the key to His marvelous plan.

Even outer space silently witnesses to an incredible design for this universe.

Complex and sophisticated telescopes are now showing astronomers that virtually every star we see at night has its own planetary system. They have also found that at least one in six stars in our Milky Way hosts a planet the size of ours, meaning that there are at least 17 billion Earth-size worlds just in our galaxy alone. The big question is, why were these planets created? Luke 1:33 says there will be no end to Yahweh’s Kingdom. Nothing He made was created in vain.

Yahweh disclosed the heart and soul of His intent with a covenant promise to Abraham that included not only blessings for him and his family back then, but also much greater promises in a life to come (Heb. 11:10).

But it would not have happened without Abraham’s total commitment to His Father.

Salvation was also pledged to various patriarchs and others based on THEIR faithfulness as well, just as we find the same terms of obedience in the New Testament.

Why were the promises made to Abraham and the faithful today? What did he do to be granted the very blueprint of salvation? The answer is in Genesis 26:4-5, where Yahweh pledged:

“And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.”

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would even give the world Yahshua the Messiah through the womb of Miriam.

The Apostle Paul speaks of the promise of salvation in Galatians 3:16 and 29: “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Messiah. And if you be Messiah’s, then are you Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

The believer does not yet have his reward for following Yahweh. He or she is but an heir to a promise of everlasting life.

As Yahshua explained in Matthew 24:13: “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Salvation is not bestowed until after judgment and after each person is found worthy and gathered at the trumpet call of Yahshua.

“

response was a lot of Web site commentary on the pristine nature, beauty, and ecstasy of heaven…but few concrete answers to the question.

Very few ministers can say exactly what the Bible teaches the redeemed will be doing for eternity. The answer is clearly given in the Word, and yet many childish notions about heaven persist.

Paul divulges that a mind-boggling promise awaits those who prove worthy in this life, a destiny so wonderful that the natural mind cannot fathom it.

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which Elohim hath prepared for them that love him. But Elohim hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep

Very few ministers can say exactly what the Bible teaches the redeemed will be doing for eternity.

We find a key to what our salvation consists of in Yahweh’s promise to Abraham.

The patriarch was pledged all the countries of the earth in Genesis 26. This promise of an earthly reward foreshadows what the obedient today are also promised.

A fascinating fact of the Scriptures is that what is found in the Old Testament inevitably returns in a similar manifestation in the New Testament. Solomon attested to this fact: “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun,” Ecclesiastes 1:9.

In chapter 3 verse 15 he says, “That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and Elohim requireth that which is past.”

Most Are Clueless Most have no concept of what awaits those who faithfully serve Yahweh in this life. The masses instead have comic notions of going to heaven at death. Automatically rising angel-like, flittering around heaven with their new set of wings, lounging on clouds, strumming harps and singing hymns.

A query search of the Web, asked, What will the saints be doing in paradise? The

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”

things of Elohim,” 1Corinthians 2:9-10.

To grasp what Yahweh has planned for the believer proved worthy of salvation, we go back to Abraham to look again at what Yahweh first promised the patriarch and his offspring. Genesis 12:7 says, “And Yahweh appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land.”

In Romans 4:13 we learn that Abraham, and his offspring as well, were promised the entire earth as theirs. Specifically it says he is “heir of the world.”

The promise to Abraham and his heirs of earthly territory translates to the promise of an earthly inheritance for the redeemed as his spiritual offspring as well. Yahshua the Messiah also provided a clear and plain statement about what happens after death.

He said in His Beatitudes, “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth,” Matthew 5:5.

Trying to Get to Heaven The meek have not yet inherited anything, and therefore He was speaking about a future time, a life after this one, when the earth will be inherited by the saints.

Satan has coveted the heavenly realm ever since his power grab failed and he was

thrown back to earth. Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14:12 tell us that he originally was put in charge of the earth, but that didn’t satisfy him. He wanted to be like Yahweh Himself.

He wanted his own throne in heaven.

Having been defeated in his evil aspirations, he then tempted our original parents by inciting in them the same covetous desire that he has.

And ever since, man has been reaching for heaven and believing that heaven will be his automatic inheritance after this life.

Yahweh never intended heaven to be our reward. He never promised heaven. No reference about our going to heaven is found in the Scriptures, neither in the Old or New testament.

Yahshua the Messiah said in John 3:13 that no man has ascended to heaven. Not Abraham, not Noah, not David. Hebrews 11:39 tells us that none of the patriarchs has yet realized the salvation promise: “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise.”

Yahshua added that He would be glorified, return to heaven, and “Whither [or where] I go, ye cannot come” in John 13:33.

Rewards On Reserve Some may be asking, then why in Matthew 5:12 does Yahshua say, “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven.”? And why the Apostle Peter was inspired to write that Yahweh the Father has given the believer “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” 1Peter 1:4?

Look closely. The reward of the believer is RESERVED in heaven. That is where it is kept at this time. The saved will not go there to get it, however. Yahshua said in Revelation 22:12: “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is WITH me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”

When the Savior returns to earth from heaven He will bring the rewards of the faithfully obedient with Him from heaven to this earth. If many have already gone to heaven, as says popular doctrine, isn’t the Messiah a bit confused?

He spoke of mansions in John 14:2: “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.” “Mansions” is translated from the Greek root meno and means, “to stay in a given place, state,

relation or expectancy.” More than just an abiding place, it can mean an office or position one is in. (How do you get one mansion in a house, anyway, let alone MANY mansions?)

Notice first, He had to prepare a place for the righteous. If the righteous go to heaven at death, souls of people who had been dying all during the previous 4,000 years would already be there. It would be way too late to prepare something for them if they were already there.

In fact, Scripture clearly says that the righteous dead are in their graves awaiting the call at the resurrection. In fact, ALL people who have died are still asleep in death.

Also, He said that at His second coming he would return to gather His people to Himself, which, again, would make no sense at all if they were already in heaven. Read verse 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.”

Where Will Yahshua Be? The question is, if He gathers His saints to be with Him forever, where will HE be? His Olivet prophecy says that on the day of His return to earth His feet will stand on the Mt. of Olives.

Why isn’t He back in heaven? Because He is not going back there. He is going to set up His rule right here on earth, and that is where His resurrected people will also be. Isaiah said in chapter 2 verse 3, “…for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem. …And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people.”

Simply put, Earth is the reward of the chosen. The prophet Daniel wrote, “And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.” (Dan. 7:27).

Note that this kingdom, which will be given to the saints, will be “UNDER the

whole heaven,” not IN heaven.

Neither did Yahshua say the faithful will inherit their reward in heaven. Rather, the reward – meaning offices of priestly power in the Kingdom – is being temporarily reserved in heaven now because that is where Yahshua the coming King is. But it won’t stay there. Our Savior will bring this reward of official office with Him to earth when He gives His saints rulership over the earth.

Rulership Here on Earth The faithful believer, as a priestly king, will rule under Yahshua the Messiah in His Kingdom soon coming to earth. Revelation 3:21 has this promise to those who prove worthy now: “To him that overcometh will

thousand-year Kingdom rulership here on earth with His headquarters at Jerusalem.

Revelation 2:26-27 gives us more detail, “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.”

Yahshua Himself promised in Matthew 19:28: “And Yahshua said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

The resurrected saints are not going to be in heaven, but right here on earth, judging,

I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”

Yahshua right now is by His Father Yahweh’s throne in heaven. The proven and chosen believer will be with Yahshua’s throne here on earth. Revelation 5:10 adds, “And hast made us unto our Elohim kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.”

As spirit beings, the faithful followers of Yahweh today will one day guide those living on earth at the time of the millennium into the same righteous life that Yahshua taught while He walked this earth 2,000 years ago. This will take place during a

teaching, and guiding mortal human beings.

The prophet Isaiah even gives us some revealing insight into how the faithful follower of Yahweh today will carry out his or her teaching of the uninformed in that earthly kingdom. The ignorant and rebellious alike will have no choice but to learn Yahweh’s precepts in the way of truth:

“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left,” Isaiah 30:21. Being spirit essence at that time, the saints of today will be able to teach with perfect knowledge, having been given that understanding by the Yahweh’s Holy Spirit.

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To Prepare Earth for Yahweh The activity of training and teaching in the millennial Kingdom will be for a specific and glorious purpose: to prepare this earth for the time when Yahweh Himself will come down to establish His own throne in a New Jerusalem. This is detailed in Revelation chapters 21-22. The Father Yahweh Himself will set up His throne on earth after the millennium.

But it cannot happen immediately. The earth itself must be prepared for Yahweh.

The earth will be a mess. After all the wars, plagues, earthquakes, general destruction and sin, the planet will need to be cleaned up and revitalized. It will be a thousandyear process of renewal and re-education to get this world back to its former state of paradise in Genesis.

Isaiah 61:4 provides some specific information about activities during the coming thousand-year reign of Yahshua on earth with His saints.

“And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.”

Then in verses 5 and 6 He addresses the saints.

“And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.

“But ye shall be named the Priests of Yahweh: men shall call you the Ministers of our Elohim: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.”

Amos 9:14 talks about the earth at that time returning to an agricultural economy, planting, growing, harvesting, and eating from gardens, just as man once did back in the Garden called Eden.

The prophet Micah in 4:4 continues this prophecy: “But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of Yahweh of hosts hath spoken it. For all people will walk everyone in the name of his Elohim, and we will walk in the name of Yahweh our Elohim for ever and ever.”

No more will man suffer from evil and harm and destruction on this earth because of sin. Isaiah 11:9 tells us, “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: [mountain means government in Scripture] for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of Yahweh, as the waters cover the sea.”

But before that happens, there will

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be some extreme times this earth will go through because of man’s sin and rebellion.

There will be a final rebellion of the planet.

The time immediately ahead of us will be a culmination of tribulation such as this world has never seen nor ever will see again. Prophecies in Isaiah 6, Amos 5 and Ezekiel 5 indicate that only 10 percent of the world’s population will survive the coming catastrophes from man’s wars and Yahweh’s wrath.

In His Olivet prophecy of Matthew 24, Yahshua said that nation would rise against nation, meaning ethnic conflicts will abound. Kingdom will fight kingdom, as we already see in the conflicts of the Mideast the past 25 years. But the coming wars will be far more mammoth and devastating and will make the world wars of the last century look like little league.

Nations of the world will ultimately march on Jerusalem, the future capital of the world. Just before they can destroy this favored of all cities, Yahshua will return and obliterate their armies.

on earth for three and a half years. We know this is not a rapture in heaven because they will be the target of a failed attempt by Satan to drown them in a flood. But Yahweh protects them and opens the earth to swallow the flood water.

Our only hope when this earth rocks from tribulation never seen before or will see again, will be in our Savior.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” Philippians 2:12.

The coming trials will test this world’s populations to the limit. It will demand faith as never before, and a determination to stay true to the end despite what happens.

The fact that believers will NOT escape all of this through a rapture has not only been proven already in the passages we have given, but the notion of a rapture also flies in the face of the Bible’s ongoing message of perseverance and faith.

Yahweh’s People Protected The question asked by many is: Where is the way of escape, and how can we find it? Scripture says some will give up their lives as a witness to the true Mighty One of the universe. Others who are seeking to serve Him in Truth will find refuge when Yahweh takes them out into the wilderness for protection. He describes it as taken on wings of a great eagle.

Revelation 12:14 tells us, “And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.”

This woman in Scripture represents a group of people. Here, it means the body of Messiah, the true people of Yahweh.

We confirm this in verse 17: describing this woman as those “which keep the commandments of Yahweh, and have the testimony of Yahshua Messiah.”

Contrary to popular dogma, the faithful are defined as those who adhere to the law and who also accept the ministry of Yahshua the Messiah. His law and His teachings are mutually inclusive. In fact, our Savior taught His Father’s law as the conduct and code of ethics that He and His Father have always lived by themselves.

These true worshipers will be protected

Salvation Begins Now Salvation is not a passive act. It involves the total mind and heart. Yahweh wants only the completely sincere and tested person to rule with His Son in His Kingdom. They must be tested, proved, and found worthy.

He wants the tried and tested “cream of the crop” for His Kingdom.

He wants those who take salvation seriously–those who desire from their deepest being to serve Him in His rule of this earth, and who prove it by their sincerity in obeying Him now. Hebrews 5:9 tells us that Yahshua became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him.

Consider this: if the role of the faithful will be to rule in the Kingdom by administering Yahweh’s will, does it make any sense that He would select those who have no desire to obey Him now? If the chosen will dispense His laws, why would He accept those who have no use for them?

Why would he choose those who have a deep disdain of His commandments, statutes and judgments?

This world is a training ground for a future kingdom that will never end. May He find you worthy of an incredible future in His Kingdom government one day coming to earth.

It’s Arrived!

“

It is awesome! We are truly blessed to have all this in one study Bible and with the Strongs references. Thank you for helping me learn Yahweh’s Word in a deeper way. Can’t wait to show my friends and those in my congregation.” - KD, FB

The Restoration Study Bible, 2nd Edition If you want a Bible that answers the hard questions, then the Restoration Study Bible is for you. This attractive resource offers insight and clarity found nowhere else. It is the result of 150 years of in-depth study spanning three generations. The Restoration Study Bible examines the source languages behind the English text to reveal original meanings.

In addition to restoring the sacred names Yahweh and Yahshua, this unique Bible has thousands of eye-opening study notes, cross-references, instructional charts, a topical reference, Strong’s numbering and Strong’s Hebrew and Greek dictionaries.

It answers such questions as: What is the Father’s Name and its meaning? Are we saved by grace alone? Is the law against the promise of faith? What do the toes of Daniel’s prophetic image represent and how will they impact this world today? What are the signs of the Messiah’s Second Coming?

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in Scripture What are your views on the two houses of Israel? Are the 10 tribes still lost?

We do not subscribe to the two-house theory. We are apprehensive about any doctrine that places emphasis on a person’s physical genealogy. In this case, the notion that all believers in Messiah are part of the physical ancestry of Abraham. There are three reasons why we reject this belief.

First, there were many believers in the New Testament that were gentiles, i.e., nonIsraelites. One of the best examples of this was Cornelius. According to Acts 10, this man was a gentile: “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band....” In addition, we also find evidence in Galatians, when a dispute arose between Peter and Paul: “But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.”

Notice that Peter separated himself from the gentiles when the Jews came unto him.

Second, according to Paul in Titus 3:9 we’re not to focus on genealogies: “But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.” Those who make this their focus often neglect the greater truths of Yahweh and in worse cases, develop a sense of self-righteous preeminence.

Third, a person’s physical descent has no bearing on salvation. All those who are baptized into the Name of Yahshua the

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Messiah are part of Abraham’s seed, whether they be Jew or gentile! In Galatians 3:26-29 Paul states, “For ye are all the children of Yahweh by faith in Messiah Yahshua. For as many of you as have been baptized into Messiah have put on Messiah. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Messiah Yahshua. And if ye be Messiah’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

Regarding your second question, while we do not hold an official stance on this subject, it is generally believed that the 10 tribes of Israel migrated from the Middle East into Europe sometime after the Assyrian captivity.

Due to the inability to substantiate this belief, however, we abstain from pressing this beyond a fascinating possibility.

What is your understanding of the Commandment, “Thou shalt not make for thyself any graven image nor any likeness of that which is in the heavens the earth or in the waters....?”

We understand the command in Exodus 20:4 of not making a graven image as a reference to objects of worship. This is clearly seen from the next verse. Yahweh commands there, “Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I Yahweh thy Elohim am a jealous El, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me....” As can be seen from this verse, this command applies only to objects of worship and not to images in general.

I have often struggled with the conception that Y’shua died on Friday and was resurrected on Sunday, since that would not account for the “three days and nights” mentioned in the Bible. However, if he died on Wednesday, as I have also heard, why did the disciples have to take him off the cross [more correctly, stake] quickly because the next day was a Sabbath? Sabbath, of course, being Saturday; I am a little confused about the chronology of these events. I am a messianic Jew and am learning so much from your ministry.

The Sabbath after Yahshua’s impalement was not the weekly Sabbath, but the first High Sabbath of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (FUB). In addition to the weekly Sabbaths, there are seven annual Sabbaths throughout the year (see Lev. 23). The FUB, which immediately follows the Passover, contains two annual Sabbaths, one on the first and one on the seventh day.

Below are a few references confirming that this Sabbath was not the weekly Sabbath, the first being from the Restoration Study Bible, which is produced by this Ministry: “day before the Sabbath - This was Passover, the day before the High Sabbath of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, not the weekly Sabbath, as He was in the tomb three complete days and nights before His resurrection (Matt.

12:40). Passover day is Abib 14 and precedes the first High Day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread on Abib 15” (Restoration Study Bible note on Mark 15:42).

“The 14th of Nisan (April), our Tuesday sunset to Wednesday sunset, the day of the preparation when the Passover must be killed. The next day would be the ‘high day,’ the great special Sabbath, not the ordinary

weekly Sabbath (Jn. 19:30-31; Lev. 23:67). The regular feast of unleavened bread did not officially begin until a day after the passover, the Jews began to eat this bread on the day of the preparation” (Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible note on Mark 14:12).

“The preparation: i.e. the 14th of Nisan, the day before the Passover, which took place on the 14th at even, and ushered in the High Sabbath, which commenced after sunset on the 14th” (Companion Bible note on Mark 15:42).

Is there a difference between the first and second edition [of the Restoration Study Bible]?

Is the second reprinted just to resupply?

The second edition offers many improvements from the first. We have moved the book/chapter reference in the header to the outside of the page. In addition, we have added over twenty-five charts, a thousand new commentary, chapter headings, an expanded topical reference, and the Strong’s Hebrew and Greek dictionaries in the back. This new edition promises to be an even greater blessing than the first.

I have downloaded all that I can from your website and enjoy the teaching and I would like to help out the ministry but I live in Idaho, what can I do out here?

We are delighted to know that the website has been a blessing to you and that you have a desire to help in greater ways. Do you have anything specifically in mind? Do you have any technical ability with mobile technology or audio MP3s? We could certainly send you some booklets to distribute.

If you’re interested, you could possibly sponsor our Discover the Truth program on a local station in your area. For this, we ask for a year’s commitment upfront.

Explain Isaiah 65:20 to me please. I have always understood death would be done away with.

“There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred

years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed” (Isa. 65:20).

This passage is speaking about the Millennium, the 1000-year reign of Yahshua the Messiah (Rev. 20:6). We find here two important truths: (1) the lifespan of mankind in the Millennium will be 100 years, and (2) both sin and death will exist.

It is true, however, that death will someday cease to exist. This will not occur, however, until after the millennial Kingdom, when Yahweh the Father comes down to earth with New Jerusalem. Revelation 21:1-3: “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from Elohim out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of Elohim is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and Yahweh himself shall be with them, and be their Elohim. And Elohim shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

It’s important that we understand that Scripture speaks of two kingdoms–the Millennium and New Jerusalem. The Millennium is a time of preparation for the Father’s coming. Scripture again shows sin and death will continue to exist through this time, but will be removed as part of the second death, which occurs at the end of the 1000 years: “And death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire,” Revelation 20:14-15.

Doing an extensive study on Yaweh’s calendar, I came across your website.

I believe that I agree with about 99% of your statement of beliefs. However, there is a question in my mind, which I have hard time understanding: You observe the New moon locally, but you rely on the barley being ready for the Wave Sheaf in Israel? How do you reconcile this apparent contradiction of using local time versus Jerusalem time? The Sabbath is determined by the local sunset (except in extreme regions of the earth), the new moon is determined locally as well, but not the state of

the barley. My question is why not?

One distinction between the sun, moon and barley is that unlike the moon and sun, which comes to us, the barley does not. This is one reason why we differentiate between the two. Another reason why we use the barley in Israel is to keep the start of the year consistent across the globe. If we use the barley here, it’s possible that there would be a month difference in years between Israel and the United States. Another consideration is that barley doesn’t grow everywhere in the world. For those areas without barley, what method would they use? Would they use the determination from their closest neighbor? For these reasons, we favor using the barley from Israel, the land given to ancient Israel, as the only logical conclusion. We must remember that when Yahweh gave His calendar to Israel that they were isolated to the Middle East.

For this reason, many of the questions about the calendar must be determined based on the empirical evidence.

My wife and I were recently introduced to your site and found the education of correct names helpful. Our question is: What New Testament do you read from?

Up until a year ago, we read from the King James Version.

Recently, we published the Restoration Study Bible, which is based on the KJV text with the restored names of the Father and Son. Even though the earliest known manuscripts of the New Testament are missing the Sacred Names, we believe, based on the grammar and other evidence found in the New Testament, that the original was likely Aramaic or Hebrew and contained the Sacred Names.

This is also indicated from what is called the Nomina Sacra. The RSB further explains, “Nomina Sacra meaning ‘sacred names’ in Latin, was a literary device used to abbreviate several words in early Greek NT manuscripts.

Bruce Metzger’s book, Manuscripts of the Greek Bible, lists 15 examples of these abbreviations from Greek papyri: God, Lord, Jesus, Christ, Son, Spirit, David, cross, Mother, Father, Israel, Savior, Man, Jerusalem, and Heaven (examples appear as found in KJV).

Except for ‘mother,’ which is not found until the 4th century CE, all other Nomina Sacra Restoration Times Magazine March-April 2013

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have been found in Greek manuscripts from the first through third centuries CE. While scholars are still debating the purpose, some propose that this shortening of key words may have been used to replace the Tetragrammaton (see Ex. 3:15) with the common title Kurios (typically abreviated ‘KS’ with a line above), in Greek Christian manuscripts, as found within this passage. This offers a possible explanation as to why Yahweh’s Name is missing from the Greek NT. In fact, in those places where the Tetragrammaton should appear, the definite article is missing in front of the Nomina Sacra. This conclusion is supported also by German scholar David Trobisch’s work, The First Edition of The New Testament. In the instance of a Hebrew or Aramaic NT original, this may also explain why the Greek title theos, typically (abbreviated ‘THS’ with a line above), appears in place of the Hebrew Elohim (see Gen. 1:1). The RSB has restored all names and titles as inspired from the Hebrew to the New Testament,” note on Matthew 1:22.

there are various interpretations. Howbeit, it’s likely that this refers to the appearance of the Messiah and extends to His death. The people and the prince mentioned in Daniel 9:26 probably represents Rome, led by Titus.

We do not believe in a secret rapture. Scripture states that the saints will be resurrected at the coming of Yahshua. “caught up - This phrase is derived from the Greek harpazo and means. “to seize or catch away.” It does not refer to a rapture, but to the Second Advent of Yahshua the Messiah (1Thess. 5:2) to meet the Master in the air - The word “meet” is apantesis and is used only three times in the NT (Matt. 25:1,6; Acts 28:15). It means “to join with and continue on to the destination,” not reverse course and go back where one came from. In this case, continue on to the wedding supper,” RSB, note on 1 Thessalonians 4:17.

What do you make of the baptismal formula found in Mt 28:19 and used almost universally at baptisms?

I have read your statement of beliefs and concur with them.

We believe that the baptismal I would like to know your formula in Matthew 28:19 is understanding of death, what questionable. As we note in our happens at the second coming, Restoration Study Bible: “This what you do with the 70th week and where is Trinitarian formula is highly the Millennium spent and do you support the suspect. According to the Jerusalem Bible, ‘It teaching of a secret rapture? may be that this formula ‘Father…Son…Holy Spirit,’ so far as the fullness of its expression is Regarding death, the following is concerned, is a reflection of the liturgical usage a note from our Restoration Study established later in the primitive community.

Bible, “No man has ascended It will be remembered that Acts speaks of into heaven, except for Him who baptizing ‘in the name of ‘Yahshua’ only.’ descended from heaven, i.e., Equally important is Eusebius’ omission of this Yahshua the Messiah. The belief of one going to phrase: ‘The facts are, in summary, that Eusebius heaven after death is a misnomer and foreign to quotes Matthew 28:19, 21 times, either omitting Scripture. Upon death, a person’s spirit or breath everything between ‘nations’ and ‘teaching,’ or returns to Yahweh (Ecc. 12:7) and the person in in the form ‘make disciples of all nations in my an unconscious state (Ps.146:4; Ecc. 9:10) sleeps name,’ the latter form being the more frequent’ in the grave waiting for the resurrection (Dan. (Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics). All 12:2, Matt. 27:52; 1Thess. 4:13-15),” note on immersions in the NT were done into the single John 3:13.

Name of Yahshua (Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5; 22:16),” note on Matthew 29:19.

When Yahshua returns He will resurrect His saints and will establish the millennial Kingdom As we state above, all acts of baptism were into on earth, Revelation 5:10. “Paul refers to the Name of Yahshua the Messiah. As a result, the coming of Yahshua the Messiah and the we do not follow the practice of baptism into resurrection of the saints. Believers that are alive the Names of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. will follow those resurrected from the grave. Instead, we immerse into the singular Name of When the Messiah returns, the dead in Messiah Yahshua the Messiah. will rise first, followed by the living,” RSB, note on 1Thessalonians 4:15.

Can someone commit sin ignorantly?

Regarding the 70-week prophecy in Daniel 9,

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Yes, sin can be committed ignorantly. Matter of fact, it was for this cause that Yahweh commanded the sin offering.

Leviticus 4:2 states, “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of Yahweh concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them.” Now while sin is always present and active, Yahweh’s condemnation is not. In other words, He doesn’t condemn those who are indeed ignorant of His Word, as can be seen in the below passages: “Yahshua said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth,” John 9:41.

“And the times of this ignorance Elohim winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent,” Acts 17:30.

Did [Yahweh] come to earth as [Yahshua]?

Scripture shows that the Father and Son are distinct and separate beings with the Father as superior to His Son. For this reason, we don’t believe that Yahweh came to earth as Yahshua, but that His Son came on behalf of His Father.

Below are a few passages illustrating that the Father and Son are separate beings: “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father” (Mark 13:32, KJV).

“Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Yahshua with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. “What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” “You don’t know what you are asking, “Yahshua said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered.

Yahshua said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father” (Matthew 20:20-23, NIV).

Feedback Letters / Emails “Thank you for responding to me so quickly.

You have been a great help. We hope that one day we will be able to visit you and your fellow members. We will continue to watch your show and your many videos you have online.

We have watched many of them. It is nice to watch your show in the fact that y’all have solid truths that you all are putting out there.

It is nice to know there are other people out there that have come to the same conclusions that we have. What we would not give to be around people like you and your brothers and sisters. It is hard at times going it alone.” –TM “Wow! I am so overjoyed that someone is finally speaking up about the true Creator’s name on TV! Thank you. I’ve been praying for this revelation to reach the church body for over 10 years!” –TF, email “Just a couple of days ago I discussed the issue of using unbiblical names; I was excited to see your program that asked and answered my questions! I attend church but feel very unfulfilled and that they are teaching improper doctrine; what do I do?” –LR You need to walk in the light you have been given. Why would you want to stay where the teachings are not scriptural? We invite you to study with us and watch our live Web services at 1:30 p.m. Central each Sabbath. –ED “Besides the use of the Names Yahweh and Yahshua, what is the difference between your teachings and the old WWCG and its splinters? Not questioning anything you teach as I believe all of it. [Your TV hosts] do an outstanding job presenting your program and it’s great to see young people still involved in presenting the plain Truth.” –LK, TN Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry has never been affiliated with any group or denomination. We are an independent ministry with a simple desire to return to the original New Testament teachings. –ED “I can’t begin to tell you how pleased I am to see your broadcasts. There are three of us who have been studying for years to learn what is now being broadcast by you, wondering and

now knowing whether there were others who believed and worshiped Yahweh as we do. I just want you to know what a blessing it was to find your program. I am sure my brother in Yahweh in Michigan and my sister in Yahweh in Florida will be in touch with you as well.”

–AC, IL “I have been watching your program for about four weeks. I believe everything you have been teaching. I don’t have long distance on my phone so I could not call you.

Thank you for being on TV.” –RD, NY “Today I listened to your message on television about Bible truth. I found your message very interesting and may be considered innovative regarding the Bible’s true message, for which I am interested in requesting a free copy of today’s message as well as the Astonishing Bible Truth That Your Church Never Taught, which to me is enlightening.” –D.C., FL “I found a copy of your magazine at my local laundromat and was so blessed to find it! I would like a subscription and also one for my sister and brother-in-law who are also seeking truth. Thank you for the work you do in spreading the truth.” –B.P., MO “In 2011 my son went to prison and while there he met a group of people who are followers of Yahweh and he began sending me pamphlets and conversing with me about the sacred Name…I began out of love to read, research and truly study biblical history and the origins of man’s holidays…Just before my 59th birthday the most wonderful feeling overtook my body and I felt as if I might burst with joy. I knew then that I had found the Truth of Yahweh. …My husband is now using the sacred Names and also observes the Saturday Sabbath. …I try to read, research and study daily but I am still a babe in training.

Your pamphlets and Restoration Times magazine are truly blessings for me as I learn more about the Truth….I pray that each time I see a family member I can plant a tiny seed that Yahweh will help grow in them. Thank you for all that you do to teach others about Yahweh.

I am looking forward to when your new Bible is available for purchase.” –JT, OH

Send us your comments Visit: yrm.org/feedback “I saw your program Discover The Truth on the Church Channel for the the first time last Sabbath, and was truly blessed! I certainly didn’t expect to see anything like that on that channel (it’s a miracle)! -DV There is a lot of stigma and discrimination by ‘’the church’’ for people who love the Sacred Name YAHWEH. You are a blessing! Please continue to do what you are doing.” –KA, St. Maarten “I have been studying Scripture for some years now. I do not belong to a specific church because I could not find one that has services on Sabbath. Last week I came upon your television show on the Church Channel. Praise Yahweh I have found my church! I am just so excited to read your materials and learn more. I never have quite gotten the Festivals as of yet, but now I will from your resources.

There are not words to express my sudden joy of finding you. Thank you so much for being here and many blessings to all of you.” -DK Our phone operators report the following comments from callers responding to Discover the Truth: From MA, GA: “I have been watching for a month and I have learned more in a month than I have in a lifetime.” (She was surprised that she had never heard of the sacred Name until now.)

From RB, NC: “I have never gone to church but I’ve studied the Bible on my own for 50 years and you guys are right on! You tell those guys, halleluYah. I’ll be supporting you regularly.”

From MW, IN: “I’d like the booklet The True Messiah for myself and my son. My son is a truck driver and during the program I held the phone up to the TV so he could hear it and he listened to the entire program while on the road.”

From RN, IL: “Discover the Truth is one of the best programs I ever came across and I record the programs and watch them over and over.

Keep spreading the Truth.”

Yahweh’s

R e s t o r at i o n

Ministry

PO Box 463 Holts Summit, MO 65043

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Holts Summit, MO Permit No. 463

address service requested

Discover the Truth Weekly (Based on Central Time)

● Church Channel: Wednesdays at 10:30 pm and Saturdays at 10:30 am (Direct TV 371, Dish Network 258). View on your mobile device ‒ search: TBN Mobile app, online: www.churchchannel.tv/watch ● Angel One: Wednesdays at 5:30 pm and Sundays at 11:00 am (Dish Network 262) www.angel1.tv ● The CW (Mid Missouri): Sundays at 9:30 am ‒ VHF channel 8.3 for Columbia, Jefferson City

For a complete list of satellite, tower and cable stations broadcasting the networks listed above, visit:

Airing on...

www.discoverthetruth.tv

Here’s how to contact us Online: www.yrm.org E-mail: request@yrm.org Phone: 1-573-896-1000

Mail: Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry PO Box 463 Holts Summit, MO 65043