Restoration Times Magazine July - October 2014 by Yahweh's Restoration Ministry

C O N T E N T S

Magazine

VOL. 4 | Nos. 4-5 | July - October 2014

A R T I C L E S

3 | It’s Time to Fix the Breach by Alan Mansagerr

12 | Tel Dan: Compromise in Worship by Randy Folliard

6 | Are You Keeping Your Appointments? by the late Donald R. Mansager

9 | What About YOU When the Trumpet Sounds?

16 | An Army of the Few by Joel Wirl 18 | Rightly Dividing vs. Wrongly Subtracting by Alan Mansager

21 | Questions and Answers FRONT COVER: Stairs leading up to Jeroboam’s golden calf idol site in Tel Dan, Israel Photo by Joel Wirl

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 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

It’s

Time

to Fix the

Breach by Alan Mansager

ith an assault on the Old Testament and its central teaching of obedience, churchianity early on fabricated a clash of doctrines over the centuries in what should have been a seamless succession of teachings brought over from the New Testament. Beyond that, what was taught in the New Testament should reflect what is taught today. A number of prophecies tell us that before Yahshua returns there will be another return – a movement of returning to teaching true biblical principles founded on obeying Yahweh’s statutes and laws. This prophetic key has been universally overlooked, but not because it is hidden. In fact, it goes to the very core of how the plan of salvation is designed. Before we investigate, turn to a runnerup prophecy in Isaiah 58:12: “And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in.” This is a prophetic announcement for the last days. It is about getting back to what was originally given to Yahweh’s people, meaning His foundational pledge. It is about fixing what has been neglected for 2,000 years. The prophet calls it a breach. A breach is a break or rupture. Something fundamentally important has undergone a serious and destructive separation. To fix this critical problem there must be a return to original ways and teachings of the Word. The Scriptures don’t leave us clueless when it comes to the design of the Bible. We have been given a bridge between Old

and New testaments that shows a dynamic bond between the two. Sadly, this essential link is universally ignored today, even though it is key to understanding the truth of the New Testament and the plan of salvation. We find this dynamic link in the final verses of the last book of the Old Testament, just where we would expect it. As we move to the New Testament, we will find it again. Malachi’s Prophetic Link

The prophecy is in Malachi 4:5-6 , “Behold, I will send you Elijah [Eliyah] the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of Yahweh: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” Although it ends the Old Testament, the passage leaps forward to the end of the age, providing a key link to our day. First, notice that it warns about smiting the earth with a curse unless hearts are turned. Why historically did Yahweh send curses on people? The most well-known collection of blessings and curses is in Deut. 28. In this chapter the first 14 verses promise His blessings for obedience. The last 54 verses are a warning of the curses we earn for disobedience. It is quite clear that disobedience is the leading problem in the scriptural hall of shame. Throughout His Word Yahweh disciplines His people for failing to worship Him by following His statutes and judgments. Today, as the culture increasingly leaves the Bible for secular ways and humanistic thinking, we progressively see Yahweh’s judgment in response.

Whenever Israel of old followed the same pathway of rebellion that our culture is on, their problems increased proportionately. The final straw was when their enemies rose up and conquered them. We are facing the same judgment and it will hit this world like a ton of bricks. The list of potential threats is great and runs the gamut from Eboli infection to electro-magnetic pulse radiation that could grind all electronics to a standstill and literally put us back into the dark ages for years. Miniature atomic bombs, terroristattacks on our big cities, all kinds of natural earth calamities and disasters originating from outer space …these are just some of the threats we face. Once Yahweh takes His protective hand away, watch out. In the September 11 tragedy we had just a taste of what looms ahead. The classic passage that defines judgment for disobedience is Deuteronomy 28:15, 20: “But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of Yahweh thy Elohim, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee. Yahweh shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me.” The Heart of Malachi 4:6

The prophet Malachi tells us that there will be a turning of the hearts of the fathers to the children and vice-versa. Restoration Times Magazine July-October 2014

This does not mean simply a renewed, loving relationship between fathers and children. Nor does it mean only a reaffirming of paternal respect. It means giving later generations the same faith and conviction the fathers of old had in following Yahweh. It is about walking the same path of obedience walked by Israelite forefathers. The Adversary is ramping up his opposition to Yahweh. Bible believers are being murdered in the Mideast, Africa, and elsewhere because they refuse to convert to another belief. The culture is turning to the dark side as it redefines morality. We are inundated with moral evils everywhere, and this is just the beginning. The essence of the Hebrew in Malachi 4:6 is, “To restore the hearts by turning the disobedient to the insight and obedience of the righteous in order to make ready a people prepared for Yahweh.” Verse 4 is the key lead-in, where the prophet says, “Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.” This clearly connects the phrase, “turn the heart” in verse 6 to mean go back to obeying Yahweh’s statutes and judgments.

given by Almighty Yahweh. Malachi 3:1 prophesies the sending of this messenger to prepare the way of the Son. He is a messenger on a mission to uphold the covenant Yahweh made with His faithful. “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Sovereign, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith Yahweh of hosts.” Who exactly is this messenger coming in the spirit and power of Eliyah? Is the OT prophet Eliyah himself going to be resurrected in our time? Jewish Seders include an empty chair at the table in anticipation that Eliyah will return to herald the Messiah in fulfillment of Malachi’s prophecy. When questioned, John the Baptist denied being Eliyah. When Yahshua said Eliyah was come now, He meant only in a sense, through John the Baptist. If the Jews had accepted Yahshua as the Messiah, John the Baptist would have been this Eliyah preparing His way in every sense of the word., as we read in Malachi. That is what Yahshua was waiting to see.

Same Prophecy Found in Luke

Comparing just their physical appearances, Eliyah and John the Baptist bear striking resemblances. About Eliyah, 2Kings 1:8 reads, “And they answered him, He was an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Eliyah the Tishbite.” Concerning John the Baptist, Matthew 3:4 reads, “And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins.” Both men preferred to work alone, out in the hinterland. Eliyah dwells in the cliffs of the brook Cherith, sleeps under juniper trees, lodges in caves, and haunts the slopes of Carmel. If he does enter a city it is only to deliver a message from Yahweh and then vanish. He’s a mysterious prophet with his startling appearance, abrupt speeches and stealthy appearances. He’s also the loftiest prophet in the Old Testament. Similarly, John the Baptist is described as one crying in the wilderness. He was startling in his own right, coming around the corner munching on a grasshopper and licking wild honey. Yahshua said there is no one greater.

We pick up this Old Testament prophecy in the New Testament book of Luke. It reflects the purpose for which John the Baptist came, readying the way for Yahshua the Messiah: “And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Eliyah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for Yahweh,” Luke 1:17. This passage is even clearer in defining the expression, “turn the hearts” to mean going from disobedience to the “wisdom” (moral prudence) of the “just” (holy, righteous ones). The prophet Eliyah’s principal mission was to save as many as he could from being cursed. He did this by revealing the true Creator and Father Yahweh over the false idol Baal, and by teaching obedience to covenant law. John the Baptist mirrored the message in the refrain “repent.” Repent means to stop sinning. Stop rebelling. Stop disobeying. Turn your life around. Obey the commandments, statutes and judgments Times Magazine 4 Restoration July-October 2014

Other Striking Similarities

Eliyah’s life-long task is to protest against a corrupt civilization. He is called by Yahweh to save the nation from lapsing into heathenism and false worship. He takes his stand on traditional principles and bears witness of fundamental truths that should never have been neglected. Baal worship would likely have overrun the nation if not stopped. His mission was to stop it. John the Baptist also came preaching repentance and returning to Yahweh’s statutes and laws. He was just wasting his breath if the Messiah intended to abolish those statutes and laws with His death. Both Eliyah and John withstood kings and had high-profile enemies (Eliyah had Ahab to contend with, while John had Herod as his rival). Luke 1:17 mirrors Malachi 4:6 with the same mission for John the Baptist that Eliyah had. “And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to Yahweh their Elohim. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Eliyah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for Yahweh.” Luke 1:17 in other translations reads – “And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Eliyah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for Yahweh.” The New English Bible reads, “to convert the rebellious to the ways of the righteous.” In Matthew 17:11 Yahshua said Eliyah would pave the way for His own return and “restore all things.” This was in explaining the vision of the transfiguration showing Moses and Eliyah. Moses and Eliyah

Can you see the connection? Moses is the transmitter of Yahweh’s laws and mediator of the first covenant, and Eliyah is the prophet who was sent to restore the law and obedience to Israel. But the association goes further: Yahshua as the third person in the vision showed us how to keep that law as intended. The vision is now complete! Back to Matthew 17. Remember that Yahshua said in v. 12 that Eliyah had come already. Had the people accepted Yahshua, then John would have been the prophesied Eliyah preparing His way. Not understanding this, Yahshua’s words are an enigma to many. It can only mean that

we today are still awaiting the complete fulfillment of this prophecy. A sister prophecy is found in Acts 3:20-21: “And he shall send Yahshua the 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.” True worship will have a presence in this world before the Savior returns to establish His Kingdom on earth. A restoration is necessary because the Bible has been abandoned in our day. What is commonly preached and taught today is not a succession of Apostolic teachings. A Baptist thinks that what he is hearing each week is exactly the same thing the apostles taught and preached. The Presbyterian thinks that what he is hearing from the pulpit is the same thing the apostles taught and preached. Today’s Catholic thinks that what he is hearing each week is exactly the same thing Peter and the apostles taught and preached. Who is right? All of them? There were 21 Ecumenical Councils called by the early Roman church spanning 16 centuries. These councils were convened for the very purpose of stopping the doctrinal turmoil that embroiled the church in controversy, while establishing doctrine that all the church would follow. The first was called by Roman Emperor Constantine in the year 325, known as the Council of Nicea, because it was held at Nicea in Bithynia. The Nicean Council was the first attempt to have a uniform Christian doctrine. “You mean Catholic doctrine,” some might say. Same thing. Christian doctrine is Catholic doctrine, which was formally adopted at these church councils. From these 21 councils the Roman church adopted the following teachings embraced today: • Yahshua was deity on earth. • Establishment and dating of Easter • Defining the Holy Ghost as a divine person • Mary as the mother of G-d • The Trinity • The nature and purpose for icons in worship • Bread and wine as the literal body and blood in the eucharist • Immortal soul; purgatory; prayers for the dead.

Caustic Gnostic Beliefs

A lot of these teachings grew out of Gnosticism through Greek philosophy. Gnoticism is an umbrella term for a collection of teachings from Greek philosophy through Platonism, mysticism, and Oriental superstition. These pagan beliefs began to mingle with Christian teachings. The results are the many nonbiblical teachings extant today in churchianity, like the immortal soul and heaven and hell doctrines. The heretics that the apostles had to contend with, like Marcion and Simon Magus, were powerfully influenced by Gnosticism. So we see early on that the apostles were already contending with this heresy. Paul was on the front line defense, as Gnostic teachings began to infiltrate assemblies he established in Macedonia. On Mars Hill he observed that the Greeks liked to sit around and discuss some new thing. That is what they were best at. They loved their philosophy, and much of it was Gnostic in origin and flavor. As pagan teachings entered in, the Hebraic basis of the faith was pushed out. Gnostic Basis for Heresies

Today we ask, as for keeping the Ten Commandments, where did the Sabbath go? Where are the Feasts that were observed in Old and New testaments? What happened to the clean food laws? What about dead meaning dead rather than living on in total awareness? What about ever-burning hell, from the words sheol and hades, when both terms mean the grave? Many New Testament teachings were abandoned and replaced by Gnosticcentered church teachings having no basis in Scripture. Counterfeit practices bestowed by heathens also became common fare. Discounting Everything Physical

Gnostics saw the material world as the work of a lesser, evil deity. Everything physical was evil and we must get beyond it to experience the divine. This leads inevitably to the notion that what we do in our physical actions has virtually no spiritual impact. Carry this over to today’s belief that works are unnecessary. The Gnostic held that to know is the highest truth, and that is where the word Gnostic comes from – the Greek word, “to know.” Another way that Gnostic or Platonic

Christianity downplays the material is the way it teaches that the soul is immortal. The body, then, is considered unnecessary baggage that compromises the reality of, or the need for, a resurrection. For both the Gnostic and Christian, the individual lives on after death, as he or she automatically ascends to the spiritual. The physical world is the starting point, the proving ground. Why would Yahweh ever place us in an evil environment? Talk about defeating His purpose! It was mankind’s sin that polluted this world, not an inherent evilness in the material. Yahshua said in His prayer in John 17:17 that the Word is truth and that we are sanctified through the truth. Sanctified means set apart as we willingly obey what the Word tells us to do. Yahweh Challenges Us

Another prophecy informs us that going back to right teachings will result in the kind of blessing everyone wants. Malachi 3:12 shows us what happens when a people submit to their father in heaven: “And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith Yahweh of hosts.” Imagine a whole nation like ours turning to Yahweh with one mind and heart in humble, willing obedience! But that’s highly unlikely. Most fear what they think would be losing their freedom and ability to live their lives their own way. They don’t understand the blessings of obedience. Just the thought of following the Scriptures puts some into paralysis. They fight it with every inch of their being. They obviously haven’t a clue about the life-changing impact doing so will have on them from now and into eternity. Yahweh issues a direct challenge in the book of Malachi. He says prove Me. Experience the joy, peace of mind, and happiness that come with following Me. Walk in newness of life, Paul said in Romans 6. Turn from the dead-end ways of this world and experience peace, joy and deep-down fulfillment and contentment in your life just by conforming to your Father’s will. Rather than putting off a commitment yet again, try it, and see how Yahweh always keeps His promise. He will never forsake those who follow Him. Restoration Times Magazine July-October 2014

Are You Keeping Your Appointments? by the late Donald R. Mansager

Think of the seven annual Feasts as very personal commitments we make with our Creator... because they are.

ahweh specifically commanded Israel and all His people today to keep seven Feasts to Him throughout the year. These seven Feasts were in addition to the weekly Sabbath. The purpose of the Feasts was to keep Yahweh always in the minds and hearts of His people so that they can align with Him. Observing the Feasts also brought people together as a family and helped unite them as a nation under Yahweh. The Feasts lay out the plan of salvation and show prophetically where we are in that plan today. With all that the Feasts embody, and as central as they are in scriptural law, it is nothing short of stunning that they have been completely disregarded and ignored by churchianity for 2,000 years! Most churchgoers would never deliberately go break the Ten Commandments. Yet the Feasts, which were also commanded at Sinai along with the Commandments, have all been deliberately broken for millennia by denominational worship claiming an otherwise dedicated faith. Feasts Key to the Future

It is as much a sin to break the Feast commands as it is to break the Ten Commandments. Each violates Yahweh’s law. The only defense is ignorance. But once you know you are then responsible to make them a key part of your life or else stand guilty of lawbreaking. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin,” James 4:17. It is time we learned more about

Restoration Times Magazine July-October 2014

Yahweh’s sacred Feasts. In addition to the Feast of Tabernacles, two other convocations are also known as “Pilgrim Feasts.” These are the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Feast of Weeks. We are expected to leave our homes and travel to attend these “appointed times” (Hebrew moed, moedim, plural). These three Feasts depict our journey through life as pilgrims and travelers seeking a better country, the city Yahweh has prepared for us (Heb. 11:16). We aspire to the Kingdom of Yahweh, which will come to this earth. His Feasts help us understand that future Kingdom and how it will be administered. These three great Feasts celebrated the three times fruits of the earth were gathered; the barley harvest at Unleavened Bread; the wheat harvest at Pentecost, and the oil, honey, and grapes at Tabernacles. Just as Israel tabernacled in the wilderness, Yahshua the Messiah “tabernacles” with His people today. This is one of the many lessons we learn from the Feast of Tabernacles and other Feasts observed by True Worshipers. The Feasts are also reminders of Israel’s historical events. Passover in the first month of the year (March or April) memorializes the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage. Fifty days later Pentecost marks the ratifying of the Law (making a Covenant) at Sinai. Tabernacles and the Wilderness

Tabernacles on the fifteenth day of the seventh month commemorates Israel’s

establishment in the Land of Promise. Now they were home and finally at peace under King Solomon. After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness they at last possessed the land. Tabernacles was a thankful and a holy remembrance of past wanderings in temporary dwellings. At that time Israel took boughs of palm and willows of the brook and made temporary huts. They sat under these succoth just as did Joshua when settling the land: “And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Joshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness” (Neh. 8:17). During the time of Solomon (Heb. “king of peace”), Israel was at home and enjoyed peace and quiet throughout the land of Judea. “And Judah and Israel lived safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon” (1Kings 4:25). Tabernacles and the Ark

The last vestige of wilderness life ended when the Ark of the Covenant was taken from the portable tent and placed in the magnificent Temple of stone in the seventh month. The event was further celebrated by observing the Feast of Tabernacles on the fifteenth day of the seventh month: “Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jerusalem, to bring up the Ark

of the Covenant of Yahweh out of the city of David, which [is] Zion. Wherefore all the men of Israel assembled themselves unto the king in the feast which was in the seventh month. And all the elders of Israel came; and the Levites took up the ark” (2Chron. 5:24). Finally, on the 23rd of the seventh month, Solomon sent the great congregation away, glad in heart for the goodness Yahweh had showed to David, Solomon, and His people Israel. Home at last! The Ark of the Covenant was now in the security of its Temple home. It was a wonderful event to associate with the Feast of Tabernacles. Take note, it was at the beginning of the seventh month after their return from Babylonian captivity that the Jews gathered under Ezra and Nehemiah. Nehemiah 8:23 says, “And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read therein before the street that [was] before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people [were attentive] unto the book of the law.” The returned captives were gathered in Jerusalem the second day of the seventh month to listen to Ezra the priest read from the book of the law. In it they learned that there was a convocation to be observed on the fifteenth of this seventh month: “And they found written in the law which Yahweh had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month: And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written” (Neh. 8:14:15). “Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of Elohim. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day [was] a solemn assembly, according unto the manner” (Neh. 8:18). Just as the returning captives were unaware of the Feast of Tabernacles, many of our readers are unfamiliar with Yahweh’s Feast of Tabernacles. As soon as the Jews learned that they were expected to keep the

Feast, they urged those in all their cities to prepare for the full eight days of the Feast. Spiritual Meaning of the Feasts

The Passover points to Yahshua as the true Passover Lamb Who was sacrificed for the sins of the world. Because we believe in the atoning work of His sacrifice, we are to keep the feast of Unleavened Bread: “Purge out therefore the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened. For even Messiah our Passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened [bread] of sincerity and truth” (1Cor. 5:7-8). • Pentecost (Feast of Weeks) is a memorial of the giving of the Law at Sinai, and the descent of the Holy Spirit to enable us to keep the Law. Having the Law written on our hearts is more effectual than having it written on stone. His law within us guides us day by day and we make His law come alive as we obey and follow it day by day: “Forasmuch as you are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Messiah ministered by us, written not with ink, but with Spirit of the living Elohim; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart” (2Cor. 3:3). • The day of Trumpets is announced by the thin crescent moon just after sunset, which ends the sixth and begins the seventh month, in our September or October. It is the beginning of the civil year in Judaism. However, the month of Abib in spring is Yahweh’s beginning of His religious year, usually March or April. The day of Trumpets calls our attention to the beginning of Yahweh’s seventh month. The sounding of the trumpet traditionally warned of an alarm, war or danger such as we find in Zephaniah: “A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers” (Zeph. 1:16). Trumpets is to prepare us for the return of the Messiah and His setting up the Kingdom. We keep our mind on heavenly things, being alert to signs of His return. • Ten days after the day of Trumpets comes the day of Atonement. It is known in rabbinical writings as the holiest day of the year. From the day of Trumpets to Atonement is a time of deep introspection and self-appraisal. It was the time when the High Priest emerged from the Holy of Holies to the

people’s shouts of joy, knowing their sacrifice was acceptable. Atonement marks the day our High Priest Yahshua comes out from the heavenly Holy of Holies to assure us His atoning sacrifice for our sins was acceptable to the Heavenly Father. You Shall Rejoice!

There is much rejoicing at the Feast of Tabernacles, which starts on the biblical 15th of the seventh month, with the celebration ending with the Last Great Day on the 22nd (Oct. 10-17, 2014). “The voice of rejoicing and salvation [is] in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of Yahweh does valiantly” (Ps. 118:15). The Jews of the captivity had not kept Tabernacles in their exile, but were now excited over the command to observe it: “And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Yahshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness” (Neh. 8:17). Those Yahweh is calling out of this world to keep His Feast of Tabernacles and the Feasts of the seventh month should make every effort to do so. If Yahweh’s Spirit has sparked an interest in your heart to start keeping His Feasts, do not quench that desire. The entire family is expected to keep and enjoy the Feasts together. Once you do you will never go back to the superficial, empty, and pointless holidays of the world. The Bible also speaks of a second tithe that we set aside throughout the year so that we have the means to keep the Feasts. This second tithe is to assure Yahweh’s people that if they are diligent they can enjoy the Feasts to the fullest. It is retained by the individual at home and is often called “the Festival Tithe.” “You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your com, or of your wine, or of your oil, or the firstlings of your herds or of your flock, nor any of your vows which you vow, nor your freewill offerings, or heave offering of your hand: But you must eat them before Yahweh your Elohim in the place which Yahweh your Elohim shall choose, you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and the Levite that [is] within your gates: and you shall rejoice before Yahweh your Elohim in all that you put Restoration Times Magazine July-October 2014

your hands unto” (Deut. 12:17-19). Of the three annual Sabbath celebrations known as “Pilgrim Feasts,” the Feast of Tabernacles still awaits complete spiritual fulfillment. A Deeply Moving Time

Those who start attending Feasts of Tabernacles clearly remember their first time. Some newcomers arrive not fully knowing what to expect. But soon the experienced Feastgoers help their new neighbors get settled and ready for the eight wonderful days of fellowship, messages, and Bible studies. Friendships come easy as the brethren unite in purpose and goal, as Israel did. Having once attended a Feast, one looks with great anticipation to the next one. It soon becomes a family reunion as spiritual brothers and sisters gather as Yahweh’s obedient to worship Him and study His Word. The word feast is from the Hebrew moed, meaning appointment, a fixed time or season, specifically a festival. The sense or meaning is that these special times have been ordained by Yahweh and set aside for His worship. Another word translated feast is chag (Strong’s No. 2282), meaning a festival and is from chagag meaning to celebrate, dance, keep or hold a feast and holiday. Chag is a joyful time. We are reminded of Yahweh’s admonition as we attend these annual festivals, “And you shall rejoice before Yahweh your Elohim, you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and the Levite that [is] within your gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which Yahweh your Elohim has chosen to place his name there” (Deut. 16:11). Times Magazine 8 Restoration July-October 2014

We come to the Feasts with great expectations, with the intent and attitude that above all we are going to enjoy Yahweh’s special times. We look forward to the good things of this life, yet with a greater anticipation of better things and joys to come. Gathering with others of like faith, the ancipation is strengthened as it is built on better and better memories.

His Name to His people and places it in the hearts and minds of His people. We are to gather in convocation as a body to worship Him and fellowship with others of like mind and heart. Staying at home alone in a backyard tent does not satisfy Yahweh’s command. We are expected to join with others wherever He places His Name and observe all the days

information.)

of the Feast, Deuteronomy 14:23. Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry keeps Tabernacles at a campground. We do so for several reasons. First, we are commanded to “come out” and keep a Feast, just as Israel had to leave Egypt to keep a Feast to Yahweh “in the wilderness,” Exodus 5:1. Camping is inexpensive and we urge all to stay on the campground where families can enjoy the Feast to the utmost. (Contact us for more

We Seek Another Kingdom

Join Us!

Feasts of Yahweh are primarily centered on learning more of Him. Great fellowship, food and fun are an added benefit. The Feasts are an appointment we make with Yahweh. We meet where His Name is placed. Yahweh is the One Who reveals

We are thankful that Yahweh has shown us His Name that we may call upon Him as our Father. He has shown us His Sabbaths that we might be sanctified (set apart) and that we might know Him through His days set apart: “Moreover also I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I [am] Yahweh that sanctify them” (Ezek. 20:12). We are but sojourners on this earth, seeking the coming Kingdom of Yahweh. All those of good will are invited to join us in observing the Feast of Tabernacles. We hope that this year will be your year.

What About YOU

When the Trumpet

Sounds?

ahweh sounded a trumpet to gain the people’s attention whenever He wanted to speak to them. The first time the Bible speaks of Yahweh’s sounding a trumpet was in offering His covenant to Israel. “And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled” (Ex. 19:16). The trumpet continues to play an important part both in Israel’s history and in our future. The trumpet warns of danger and is a call to arms. The trumpet was sounded as Israel broke camp and began their march. Blowing the trumpet felled the walls of Jericho, Joshua 6:4-13. The trumpet sounded at the coronation of King Solomon (1Kings 1:39-40), prepicturing Yahshua the Messiah. The Messiah will return at the trumpet blast and bring in the greatest Jubilee, the ultimate and highest Jubilee of gladness, joy, plenty, healing, peace and righteousness. The Victorious Blast

The seventh biblical month begins with the day of Trumpets, one of the annual holy days. Notice: “And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have an holy convocation; you shall do

no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you” (Num. 29:1). The trumpet blast heralds an important event that is to take place, the greatest of which Yahweh foretells in biblical prophecy. We must pay special attention to the trumpet’s role in the prophecies of the latter days. Perhaps the functions of the trumpet will be brought forth again in the latter days. That Conquering Sound

Joshua and his band of 300 sounded their trumpets to bring the downfall of Jericho: “And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams’ horns: and the seventh day you shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat,” Joshua 6:4-5. Whether there was an earthquake to flatten the walls of Jericho we are not certain. Jericho was devastated and Joshua conquered by the blowing of the trumpets as Yahweh had prescribed. A similar circumstance will take place in the future. Notice what happens when our Savior returns: “For Yahshua himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of Yahweh: and the dead in

Messiah shall rise first” (1Thess. 4:16). The sounding of the trumpet and the shout of victory heralds the Savior’s return to this earth. Yahshua takes vengeance upon those who destroy the earth while gathering those who have died believing in Him, 1Thessalonians 4:14. Evidence shows that our Savior may return on the day of Trumpets when the last trumpet is blown. This first day of the seventh biblical month is in the Jewish calendar the first day of the civil year, which they call “Rosh Hashana,” meaning the “head of the year.” According to the Bible, the religious year begins in the spring on the first of Abib (Nisan). Trumpet Marks Solemnity

It is in the spring of the year, in the month of Abib (meaning “green ears of grain”) that Passover occurs. This is the start of our spiritual trek to the Kingdom when we accept the shed blood of the Lamb that takes away the sins of the world. We then straighten out our beliefs, making sure they are in accord with the Bible as we feast upon the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Following that, we celebrate the Feast of Weeks, which commemorates the giving of the Law at Sinai and the coming of the Holy Spirit to enable us to keep the law. Then comes the Feast of Trumpets on the first day of the seventh scriptural month when the trumpets are blown, Restoration Times Magazine July-October 2014

followed by the day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles. Trumpets begins the most solemn part of the scriptural year, for the next holy day is the day of Atonement, which is followed by the joyous Tabernacles. Sabbatical Rest Cycle

Dedicated believers rightly keep the weekly scriptural Sabbath which Yahweh blessed and set apart for mankind’s worship in Genesis 2:2-3. We know the seventhday Sabbath will again be kept when the Kingdom of Yahweh is set up on this earth, according to Isaiah 66:23, and which has not been changed or abrogated in spite of the teachings of churchianity. A most ignored part of the covenant made with Israel at Mount Sinai was the observance of the seventh or Sabbatical year, Exodus 23:10-11. It is a year to let the land lie fallow and not to prune the olive tree or the grapevine, Leviticus 25:4. Note that this verse says that it is a Sabbath rest unto the land and a Sabbath for Yahweh! The Sabbatical-Jubilee cycle is an extension of the weekly Sabbath and also of the annual Sabbaths. A New Testament command to keep the Sabbath even today is found in Hebrews: “There remains therefore a rest to the people of Yahweh” (Heb. 4:9). This “rest” is not limited to the seventh day. Verses 5 and 10 speak of entering into “His” rest, and “His” rest goes beyond even the Sabbatical every seven years and the Jubilee every fifty. Many competent Bible scholars contend that Yahweh has allotted to mankind 6,000 years in which man attempts to rule himself by his own standards. Man is to work six days, and Yahweh says to Him a thousand years are as a day: “For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night” (Psalm 90:4). Six is man’s number. He was created on the sixth day. Six days man is to labor and do all his work, but the seventh day is Yahweh’s day when we honor Him. 666 as Opposed to Seven

The ultimate fulfillment of all that represents the worst in man is bound up in the number 666, found in Revelation 13. It is the number of the beast, or the “man of sin.” Without Yahweh’s laws and precepts man will ultimately record 6,000 years of Times Magazine 10 Restoration July-October 2014

utter failure in trying to establish a manmade Utopia on this earth. While a modicum observe the seventhday Sabbath, even fewer keep the annual Sabbaths in today’s world. The seventhyear land Sabbath is hardly kept anywhere today. It has been ignored and forgotten and uncertainty marks its keeping. The land we have control over is to be given a rest to Yahweh, Leviticus 25:4. It was also a time of release for Israel. The Jubilee every 50 years, however, was to be proclaimed to all inhabitants of the land. Certainly there is much here which is overlooked by churchianity today. Why Israel first and the rest of mankind later? Why the special promise to those who attain the first resurrection? (Rev. 20:6) Is Israel still singled out as the channel of blessings to all the earth? Sabbatical Similarities

The similarity between the SabbaticalJubilee cycle and the anticipated return of our Savior should thrill the student of

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fall of the year just before the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles. The Feast commemorated the harvest of the fruit, the oil, and the good things of the fall harvest. The Jubilee, we read in Leviticus 25:8, followed a Sabbath year. It was the seventh Sabbath year, following 49 years, and was held the fiftieth year, Leviticus 25:10-11. The day of Atonement is a day of fasting and a very solemn occasion. No work is to be done. This was a hallowed time throughout the land. It was a time for proclaiming liberty to the captives. Every man was to return to his possession. Every man was to return to his family. No work was to be done in the fields for an entire year. Because the Jubilee came every 50 years, the average Israelite would observe at least one Jubilee in his lifetime. If he celebrated his first one before he was 20, he would enjoy another when he lived his allotted three score and ten years (Ps. 90:10). A true blesing was to celebrate two Jubilee years. The year of Jubilee was a

By keeping His commandments, doing what pleases Him, we follow closely in the footsteps of His Son.

Bible prophecy. Many prophecies of the Messiah’s return and the Jubilee year could easily be mistaken for the other. Perhaps this is the way Yahweh reveals to His obedient children a secret kept from the foundation of the world. Surely Yahweh Elohim will do nothing, but He reveals his secret unto His servants the prophets (Amos 3:7). If we are His children, His servants who obediently do what He has commanded, then the Scriptures will not be a mystery or an enigma to us. By keeping His commandments, doing what pleases Him, we follow closely in the footsteps of His Son. We conform our minds and will to His, and continue to study to show ourselves approved, striving to have the mind of the Messiah. Jubilee a High Point

Leviticus 25:9 reveals that the trumpet was to sound on the day of Atonement, the tenth day of the seventh month. This was to start the year of Jubilee, which came in the

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high point in the culture of Israel and was eagerly anticipated by Yahweh’s people. We on this side of Golgotha should take a close look at the portent in the Jubilee year. The similarities to ancient Israel and to the Ekklesia are astounding. Many analogies, types, and truths are found in the days that Yahweh has set apart for His worship. Keeping His Sabbaths as well as the annual holy days and becoming aware of the Sabbatical-Jubilee cycle keeps us in constant reminder of His great plan of redemption. Keeping our hearts and minds on heavenly things helps correct our attitudes and behavior so that we forego worldly pleasures and allurements to seek the Kingdom and enter His rest. Observing Yahweh’s Sabbaths helps us to keep His commandments as we walk in His truth. From the Saturday Sabbath we set apart a day each week to enter His rest. In fellowship with others of like faith, we joyfully study the Bible, reviewing and

learning more of His way of life. Yahshua’s Ministry a Sabbatical

Following His testing by Satan, Yahshua went into the synagogue and read a most poignant verse: “The Spirit of Yahweh is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the evangel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of Yahweh. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him” (Luke 4:18-20). The “acceptable year of Yahweh” is recognized by scholars as a Leviticus 25 reference to the Jubilee year. Every seventh year was a “year of release,” when a Hebrew who had become a bond servant could go free (Ex. 21:1-11). Possessions were returned to the original owner. At the Jubilee, freedom was restored to all. In the Hebrew text of Isaiah 61, the “acceptable year” and the “day of vengeance” are combined. The first coming of Yahshua made available Yahweh’s favor and acceptance through His Son Yahshua. The second coming warns of coming judgment when the Messiah returns to judge the world and set up Yahweh’s Kingdom on earth. That rest includes the preparation of this earth for the coming Kingdom as well as sanctifying a special people by releasing us from the cares of this mundane world. We become more attentive to things spiritual and walk on higher ground, seeking the refreshing of life to come. Restoration of All Things

Before that happens there is to be a revival and turning back to Yahweh by a people who will seek to learn more of His ways and seek His truth in the Bible and apply it to their lives. This is our goal now, to seek His truth diligently and be guided thereby. “Repent 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 Yahweh has spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:19-21). It is our understanding that the year 2015-2016 will be the next Sabbatical year, beginning on Atonement and ending on Atonement. This is based upon the year 69-70 C.E. as the Sabbatical, the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Evidence indicates that Yahshua began His ministry in the year 27-28 C.E. when He “preached the acceptable year” (Luke 4:19). Strangely, it works out that even using our secular calendar, the Sabbatical years are divisible by seven. The years 28, 70 and 2016 are evenly divisible by seven. What Can We Do Today?

During a Sabbatical year we do not plant or prune, but allow the ground to yield self-seeding plants such as lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, and of course the perennials such as strawberries, rhubarb, and fruit trees. These we can pick and consume but not freeze or store, which applies to any food that grows of itself. Not planting a garden may be a small thing in this busy, bustling country of plenty, but almost every day of the Sabbatical year we are reminded that this is a special year, the ground we rely on for our produce is to have rest, just as Yahweh’s people have weekly Sabbath rest. During the Sabbatical we do not plow or till the soil. Not planting a garden would take

real dedication for ancient Israel when the entire nation was not growing any crops. Yet, Yahweh had made provision for this by commanding the sixth year to bring forth food for three years: And if you shall say, What shall we eat the seventh year? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase: Then I will command my blessing upon you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years. And you shall sow the eighth year, and eat yet of old fruit until the ninth year; until her fruits come in you shall eat of the old store (Lev. 25:20-22). Jubilee Year Question

Exactly when the Jubilee year falls in today’s calendar is an enigma. After the return of Ezra and Nehemiah, the people were so determined to be obedient to Yahweh that He would bless them and they would not have to sell any of their land to redeem it on the Jubilee. They believed that Yahweh would not allow them to become impoverished, and therefore there would be no need for a Jubilee, a year of release. The exact day of the Jubilee, therefore, had been lost. It is our goal to restore these truths, which will be the norm in the coming Kingdom. May you turn your heart in full obedience to Yahweh so that you will better understand the deeper truth of the Sabbaths and not be caught unaware when that last great Trumpet sounds and Yahshua takes control of this earth.

Return of Yahshua

Year of Jubilee

1Thes. 4:16; Rev. 11:15; 1Cor. 15:52 Rev. 11:15

Sound of the Trumpet End of Man’s Struggle

Lev. 25:11

Rom. 8:21

Release from Bondage

Lev. 25:10a

Dan. 7:18, 22, 27 Rev. 2:26-27 Heb. 9:28

Possessions Returned

Lev. 10b; 13

Debts Canceled

Lev. 25:14

1Thes. 4:15-17; Families Reunited 1Cor. 15:22-23 1Cor. 15:52-54, Rev. Yom Kippur-Covering 7:13-14

Lev. 25:9; 23:24

Lev. 25:10b Lev. 16:32 Restoration Times Magazine July-October 2014

Holy Land Series

by Randy Folliard

n our recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land we visited Tel Dan, an ancient city in the northeast corner of Israel. It was originally called Leshem and Laish. After the Philistines forced the tribe of Dan from central Israel, they relocated to this area and renamed it Tel Dan. Along with the city of Bethel it was here where Jeroboam placed and worshiped the golden calf. Jeroboam’s Sin

This account is found in the 12th chapter of 1Kings: “Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel. And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of Yahweh at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their sovereign, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah,” verses 25-27. Jeroboam compromised out of fear– he was afraid of losing the people, his position, and in the end his life. He realized that if the people went back to Jerusalem to worship Yahweh that they would also return to Rehoboam. For Jeroboam this wasn’t something he could bear. So how Times Magazine 12 Restoration July-October 2014

did he prevent it from happening? Beginning with verse 28: “Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy mighty ones, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan. And this thing became a sin: for the people went to worship before the one, even unto Dan. And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi,” vv. 28-31. Jeroboam did the unthinkable; he made two idols for Israel to worship. To prevent the people from going back to Rehoboam, Jeroboam compromised Yahweh’s worship. Amazingly, we still find this being done today. For 2,000 years the Church has compromised worship for self-preservation, numbers, and other self-seeking interests. As shown through history, it’s very hard for mankind to remove self from the equation and to simply follow Yahweh as He commands. Even believers are susceptible to such compromise. This is why we must always be on guard against false doctrine and the traditions of man. When we do it Yahweh’s way, sacrifices will be made. While some are willing and able to do this, the reality is

that most are not. Beyond the idols Jeroboam also made priests of the lowest of the people. As for the qualifications of ministers, the Bible says that they must meet a high standard. In 1Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6, the Apostle Paul says that a bishop or elder must be blameless. James in his epistle also states that ministers will receive the heavier condemnation or judgment. Consequently, one of the worst things we can do is to compromise leadership, as did Jeroboam. This compromise will negatively impact the body of Messiah. As goes the leadership, so goes the assembly. For this reason we must ensure that our worship and those who minister before us meet the standards of our Father’s Word. Continuing on, we find that Jeroboam made one more fatal mistake. “And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, like unto the feast that is in Judah, and he offered upon the altar. So did he in Bethel, sacrificing unto the calves that he had made: and he placed in Bethel the priests of the high places which he had made. So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Bethel the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the children of Israel: and he

offered upon the altar, and burnt incense,” verses 32-33. In addition to setting up idols and making priests of those unqualified, he also changed Yahweh’s worship. Instead of observing the Feast of Tabernacles in the seventh month, he moved it to the eighth month. The people worshiped on a day that Yahweh never appointed. In other words, instead of doing it Yahweh’s way, they did it man’s way. Modern Jeroboams

Ashtoreth the elohim of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. And Solomon did evil in the sight of Yahweh, and went not fully after Yahweh, as did David his father. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their mighty ones. And Yahweh was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from Yahweh Elohim of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice.” When Solomon took the throne he was humbled and sincerely desired to follow Yahweh. He prayed to Yahweh for wisdom. Because his motives were

When he was old his wives turned his heart away from Yahweh and to other mighty ones. The Bible says that he allowed and promoted the worship of Ashtoreth, Chemosh, Molech, and other pagan gods. Through Solomon we find that wisdom alone is not sufficient; we must also have a heart of obedience. As believers we should realize that we’re also susceptible to this type of influence and deception. What was the result of Solomon’s apostasy? “And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other mighty ones: but he kept not that which Yahweh commanded. Wherefore Yahweh said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which

The sad reality is, we find many cases of apostasy in today’s worship, including: Sunday worship, man’s holidays (e.g. Easter, Halloween, Christmas), Trinity, Rapture, and the list goes on. The Bible shows that Yahshua and His Apostles observed the true seventh-day Sabbath along with the annual Feast days, as appointed and as established by Yahweh. . Like Jeroboam, the Church compromised the truth from the beginning, and for 2,000 years since. This is why we at YRM strive to strip away the traditions of man and to simply worship Yahweh according to His Word. We all have a choice; we can follow the example of Jeroboam and compromise our Father’s worship or we can worship Tel Dan, Israel Steps leading up to the altar. A metal frame replica shows the size and location of this altar. The steps in the distance lead Him as He up to the temple location where the golden calf would have stood. This is where sacrificial offerings were made to the golden calf. commands. noble and pure, Yahweh blessed him with I have commanded thee, I will surely rend Solomon’s Negligence incredible wisdom along with great wealth the kingdom from thee, and will give it to What many don’t realize is that Jeroboam’s and abundance. thy servant. Notwithstanding in thy days I compromise began with Solomon’s neg- The Bible says that Solomon was the will not do it for David thy father’s sake: ligence, as seen in 1Kings 11:4-9: “For it wisest man and that his wisdom exceeded but I will rend it out of the hand of thy came to pass, when Solomon was old, that even those in the east and Egypt. Besides son. Howbeit I will not rend away all the his wives turned away his heart after other the Messiah, Solomon was likely the wisest kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy mighty ones: and his heart was not perfect man in the Bible. son for David my servant’s sake, and for with Yahweh his Elohim, as was the heart Even though he possessed incredible Jerusalem’s sake which I have chosen” of David his father. For Solomon went after wisdom in the end he still forsook Yahweh. (1Kings 11:10-13). Restoration Times Magazine July-October 2014

Because of Solomon’s sin Yahweh would tear apart the kingdom of Israel during the reign of his son, Rehoboam. Because of Yahweh’s love for David he could have one tribe, i.e., Judah. Rehoboam actually received two tribes, i.e., Judah and Benjamin, along with a portion of the Levites. We pay a penalty when we deviate from our Father’s Word. In the case of Solomon, his sin impacted not only him but also an entire nation. Sin can do the same to families and to an assembly or body of believers. When we choose not to follow Yahweh’s righteous standards we will suffer the consequences. This is why it’s important that ministers follow the standards established by Yahweh. Nothing will cause more problems than when the requirements of leadership are lowered. This is also true for parents. If a father or mother doesn’t have right virtue and character, this deficiency will negatively impact families and likely future generations. The Sons of Aaron Rebel

The Bible provides us another case of compromise in the tenth chapter of Leviticus: “And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before Yahweh, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from Yahweh, and devoured them, and they died before Yahweh. When Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that Yahweh spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace,” verses 1-3. Instead of worshiping the way Yahweh commanded, Nadab and Abihu took it upon themselves to change worship. For

that Yahweh consumed them with fire. Consider this: these were the sons of the High Priest. If anybody would have been faithful to Yahweh’s Word, logic would say that it would have been these two men. But that wasn’t the case. Moses told Aaron after Yahweh killed his sons that Yahweh would be sanctified by them that came near. In other words, those who minister before our Heavenly Father must be especially careful to follow Him. In truth, this principle applies to all positions of leadership. Consider again the impact of Solomon and Jeroboam – because of their negligence the entire nation suffered. This is one reason why the Torah commanded that the king write a copy of the Law. Not even the king of Israel was above Yahweh’s divine commandments. So whether it’s a civil or religious position, both must hold to the Word of Almighty Yahweh and be a person of virtue and character. The simple truth is this: when more is given, more is expected! This is why James states that a minister will receive the greater condemnation. Making a Separation

The Apostle Paul in 2Corinthians 6:1416 shows that as believers we must make a distinction in worship: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Messiah with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of Elohim with idols? for ye are the temple of the living Elohim….” Here Paul conveys the great contrast between believers in the Messiah and the world. He states emphatically that we are

to make a distinction in worship. When we follow Yahweh closely, the separation will come automatically. One of the most frequently asked questions of the Ministry is: Can we worship in the common titles in lieu of the actual names of the Father and Son? While it’s our desire to promote fellowship within the body, we cannot support worship outside the Truth that is diluted with compromise. The fact is, both the titles “Lord” and “God” have questionable etymological roots. More importantly, the Bible mandates that the Names of Yahweh and Yahshua are key to proper worship. Those baptized into Yahshua’s Name represent Yahweh’s temple. The Old Testament allows no room for compromise regarding worship in the temple (or tabernacle). Since believers now represent His temple, this same policy applies to us today. As Yahshua’s disciples, we must make a distinction between the holy and the common. The Church has gone astray in a myriad of ways, solidifying error into tradition. Tradition often proves hardest for believers to deal with. It’s difficult to go against the majority, but if we desire to follow our Heavenly Father without compromise, there is no other choice. Either we do it His way or we do it man’s way; it’s not possible to please both. If we try, we will not succeed with either. One Man Against 400

Elijah or EliYah (meaning, “My El is Yah”) was a prophet who knew the cost of worshiping Yahweh. In 1Kings 18:20 we find him all alone against 400 prophets of Baal: “So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together unto mount Carmel. And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if Yahweh

Outreach Program’s Current Partners We recognize our outreach partners for their outstanding dedication to the Truth in their effort to fulfill the Great Commission. If you are interested in becoming an outreach partner to help us spread the Truth, visit http://www.yrm.org/outreach or call us at (573) 896-1000 during normal office hours (M-F, 8:00 am- 4:00 pm.) We willl explain how you can be an outreach partner and join this group committed to spreading the Good News! Times Magazine 14 Restoration July-October 2014

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be Elohim, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word,” verses 20-21. Before we consider what Elijah says here, it’s important that we understand the events which led up to this point. Prior to this passage, Elijah prayed to Yahweh that it would not rain upon the land. This was in response to the sin of King Ahab and Jezebel. Yahweh answered his prayer and three years of drought followed. Through the prophet Obadiah Elijah then calls a meeting with King Ahab. He asked that the king, along with the prophets of Baal, meet him at Mount Carmel. Elijah’s plan was to show the power and supremacy of Almighty Yahweh. In verse 21 the stage was set. All of Israel was gathered at Mount Carmel including King Ahab and the prophets of Baal. The test for supremacy was simple: take a bull as a burnt offering, place it upon wood, and see which mighty one world consume the burnt offering. First up was the 400 prophets of Baal; they danced, chanted, and cut their own flesh in their futile attempt to call down the power of their mighty one. Needless to say, nothing happened except that they made a mockery of themselves and the one they worshiped. Next up was the prophet Elijah. Before praying, he asked that four barrels of water be poured on the sacrifice and wood. This man wanted to show beyond a shadow of doubt who reigned supreme. After this was done he prayed to Yahweh and at that very that moment the fire of the Almighty came down from heaven and consumed both the water and burnt offering. Seeing this the people of Israel fell upon their faces and said, “Yahweh, he is the Elohim.” Then they killed the 400 prophets of Baal. Let’s now return to verse 21. In this passage Elijah asks the people how long they will flip-flop between two opinions? How long will you continue to compromise worship? As the people of Israel had to choose, we too must choose whether we’re going to worship Yahweh as He commands or to compromise His Word. We know from this story that the people of Israel chose Yahweh, but only after Elijah gave a demonstration that they would not soon forget. Understand that this question is just as relevant to us as it was then. Whom do we

serve today? Are we faithfully following our Father in heaven or are we allowing ourselves to compromise His truth? The Cost of Total Commitment

Another man fully devoted to his Father in heaven was Joshua, the son of Nun. In Joshua 24:15 we find just how resolute Joshua was. It reads, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve Yahweh, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the mighty ones which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the mighty ones of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh.” We find here Joshua’s resolute devotion to His Father in heaven. Regardless of what the people of Israel chose, we see that this man was going to stay the course. Joshua is one of the best examples of personal commitment in all of Scripture. No matter who or what, nothing was going to distract this faithful

servant from his focus and service to his Father Yahweh. What about us, is our Father in heaven the first focus in our lives? Are we going to follow Him no matter what? At the beginning of this passage, Joshua said to the people, choose you this day whom you will serve. Even though the truth is not a democracy, we see that we still have a choice. We can choose to serve Him or to reject Him. We can worship as He commands or we can compromise and follow man, as Israel did with Jeroboam. Are we going to demonstrate the character of Joshua by fully committing to Yahweh or are we going to compromise? Our Heavenly Father is calling out a select people; He wants the cream of the crop. If we’re found worthy, it’s going to be because we followed Him without compromise and deviation. This is the only path that will ensure His blessings and the prize of everlasting life in His Kingdom.

Join Us for the

Feast of Tabernacles October 9-17

Yahweh’s Restoration Ministry invites you to this year’s Feast of Tabernacles in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, at Camp Galilee October 9 - 17. This beautiful park is located about 2 hours from the Kansas City International Airport. Camp Galilee offers all the needed facilities, including a large dining hall, outdoor pavilion with stage, bunkhouses, tent and RV sites with full hookups, and much more. Foremost, the feast is a time to worship Almighty Yahweh (Lev. 23:1). There is no greater purpose! To follow this command, we have scheduled daily worship services along with several workshops throughout the Feast, including a marriage workshop focused on proper communication. In addition to the daily worship services, we have several activities planned, including: kickball, archery, volleyball, human foosball, fishing, and several other games and activities for the entire family. We are also bringing back the always popular puppet show. The camp offers two main lodging options. The first option is a bunkhouse room. For couples or families under four, the cost is $15 per person, per day. For families four or greater, the cost is $10 per person, per day. Bunkhouses are equipped with bunk beds and electricity. There are currently seven remaining. In addition, the camp also offers sites for basic tenting (no water or electricity) for $10 per day, per family, and full hookups (sewer, water, and electricity) for tents and RVs at $20 per day, per family. There are three communal shower houses for bathroom facilities, which are shared between the bunkhouses and tents/RVs. For those who would prefer to stay in a motel, El Dorado Springs offers one motel, the C&H Motel. For more information please contact the motel at (417) 876-5757. There are also a few hotels located in Nevada, Missouri, about 15 miles west of El Dorado Springs. We pray that you will make plans NOW to join us for the 2014 Feast of Tabernacles. The many instructional and inspirational messages along with lots of family activities promise to make the upcoming Feast one for the ages! May Yahweh bless you in your desire to serve Him! For additional information, including a full schedule and registration form visit yrm.org/ fot2014 or call (573) 896-1000 during normal office hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Yahweh’s Feasts - Important as the Ten Commandments

Restoration Times Magazine July-October 2014

An Army of the Few

n 1Samuel 13 we are thrust into a battle scene in the land of Gibeah. King Saul, Jonathan, and their Israelite army of 4,000 men are fighting the Philistines. They strike a mighty blow to the Philistine garrison, which in turn incites the Philistine army to counter by sending about 36,000 soldiers to the battle. Being massively outnumbered, most of the Israelite army flees from fear and hides in the mountains and caves, leaving only 600 men who stay by their king’s side. To make matters worse for the Israelite army, a group of spoilers from the Philistine army raid the Israelite camp and steal their weapons. The Philistines, not wanting their enemy to gain any advantage, remove the weapon smiths from the land so the Israelites cannot make replacement swords or spears. The only weapons they have left are what King Saul and Jonathan have with them. The war effort is starting to look impossible for Israel. In 1Samuel 14 Jonathan decides it is time to confront his adversaries. Perhaps he sees the lack of courage that afflicted the Israelite army, but for whatever the reason, he chooses to quietly sneak away to the enemy camp, unbeknownst to the others, taking only his armor bearer with him. Upon reaching the enemy camp, Jonathan tells his armor bearer, “Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that Yahweh will work for us: for there is no restraint to Yahweh to save by many or by few,” 1Samuel 14:6. Note what Jonathan said, “There is no restraint to Yahweh to save by many or by few.” Although Jonathan was speaking of a military victory, it has much greater application. The Oxford Dictionary defines restraint as, “A measure or condition that keeps someone or something under control Times Magazine 16 Restoration July-October 2014

by Joel Wirl or within limits.” This definition makes one think of someone under another’s power with limited decisions and actions, like being a slave to another. In the verse, though, Jonathan says that Yahweh has no restraint, which means that there is no entity with power enough to control Yahweh. Is Yahweh’s power limited only to military victory? Of course not. If one has power in one area, but not another, then he or she is still limited. Therefore this applies to all things; Yahweh has no restraint on His power from anything. Jonathan elaborates further by saying that Yahweh’s unlimited power is not held back by numbers. Jonathan proves this when he and his armor bearer attack the Philistines, killing twenty soldiers, thus causing confusion in the camp that leads to fighting among themselves. This impetus spurs the rest of the Israelite army, and those who had gone into hiding, to fight hard against the Philistines, thus defeating them. All of this happened because of whom? Was it Jonathan and his armor bearer who did it? No, without Yahweh’s causing confusion in the camp and allowing the final victory, the initial attack would have been short lived. So why does Yahweh not want to save by many but rather chooses to save by few? Gideon and His Few

In Judges 6 the Midianites had overtaken the land of Israel because the people had sinned. The Israelites were so greatly impoverished by their oppressors that they finally cried out to Yahweh to save them. Yahweh, in His infinite mercy instructed Gideon to attack the forces of the Midianites. Gideon reluctantly agreed and gathered a force of 32,000 soldiers to

fight. The army camp, pitched beside the well of Harod, waited to attack the host of Midianites on the north side of the hill. Yahweh said to Gideon, “The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me,” Judges 7:2-3. Yahweh knew that if Israel had won the victory, they would have attributed their success to themselves and not to Yahweh. So Yahweh had Gideon release from the army all who were too fearful to fight, leaving 10,000 soldiers, which was still too many for Yahweh. The soldiers would probably be even more arrogant in victory because the fewer they were, the more amazing they would think their own skills would be. Yahweh told Gideon to take his men to a body of water for a test. Those who bowed down to drink would be excluded from fighting, but those who lapped the water would stay. Those who were chosen to stay were only 300 men. These men were probably the best of the best but even with their skill level, it would have been nearly impossible to beat the entire Midian army with only 300 soldiers. Their enemy was described as being a multitude like the sand of the sea. Yet only 300 was enough for Yahweh. Yahweh gave Gideon and his 300 the victory. Yahweh would rather save by a few than by many because “by many” puts the glory on the group. When it’s few facing impossible odds it is hard to not recognize that Yahweh gives the victory. It puts the glory where it belongs, on Yahweh and not us. When you go up against an army with only 300 men and win, it is hard to conclude anything other than divine intervention. Our greatest

human strength cannot come close to even His weakness, which is none. He too has an army. And although we may not be able to see it, it is there. Elisha and the Angels

In 2Kings 6 we find the Syrians battling Israel. Elisha the prophet was assisting the Israelite army. Each time the Syrians would plot an assault, Elisha would warn Israel and thwart the attack. The king of Syria became troubled when Israel always knew his battle plans. He first wondered if it was a conspiracy within his own ranks, but after inquiry it was made known to him that Elisha the prophet was prophesying to Israel what the Syrian army was about to do. In 2Kings 6:13-16 we see that the king of Syria had plans to kidnap Elisha, “And he said, Go and spy where he is, that I may send and fetch him. And it was told him, saying, Behold, he is in Dothan. Therefore sent he thither horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and compassed the city about. And when the servant of the man of Elohim was risen early, and gone forth, behold an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! How shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Yahweh, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see, And Yahweh opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” Note his statement, “For they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” We may not be able to see the angelic forces as Elisha and the young man did, but they are there nonetheless. Yahweh’s army fights for those who believe and trust in Him. Yahweh worked with Jonathan and Gideon to bring about a victory for good, and He wants to do the same for us. He wants us to fight for Him in the battles we all face, and He wants us to realize that it will be won by His strength and not just our own.

Fighting Our Own Battles

We may not have to face an enemy in armed combat as the Israelites did, but we too fight a battle against the moral decline of this nation and much of the world. You just have to watch a small portion of the news to see this trend. Immorality is becoming legalized, much of the education system is teaching obedience to a system rather than to Yahweh, the love that man once had for his fellow man is growing cold and stale, happiness is based on entertainment rather than living a righteous life – these are the trends of the culture. We also see the teachers of morality, the churches and religious centers, are many times not preaching the message of repentance from sin, but rather watered down and smooth messages that don’t convict a person to turn from his or her wicked practices and back to Yahweh in obedience to Him. Nature dislikes a vacuum, and it is the same with our minds. Our minds will fill with something, whether good or bad. Correct biblical

principles are needed to transform the mind and heart. Much of the religious scene is changing in the world. The former Archbishop of Canterbury warned that Christianity in England is one generation away from extinction. And yet as the tide of Christianity seems to be ebbing, we see the strong tide of Islam crashing through the world. This is a scary thought for those who understand that what is taught in the Islamic faith is Sharia law, which is a law of no toleration but rather domination. We are in a battle for truth. Bible truth is now considered an archaic ideal, replaced by worldly values that inevitably lead to destruction. We fight a battle not only to keep discovering truth ourselves but also to help others learn. It is up to us, with Yahweh’s supreme help, to do it.

Our Mission

Jonathan and the Israelites won the victory because Jonathan knew that numbers mean little to Yahweh in getting things done. Gideon and his army won the victory because they trusted in Yahweh’s power and strength rather than their own. Elisha did not panic when he saw the enemy surrounding him because he knew that good is greater than evil. We must realize the same because much is at stake. Malachi 4:6 and Matthew 24:14 speak of a restoration back to the truth in the end times. The restoration is of people turning back to Yahweh and away from sin. If this is the end times that we live in now, if this truly is the period spoken of in prophecy, then the time is now to stand for truth. To stand up and live a life of righteousness. To be the example Yahweh wants us to be to the world. Prophecies spoken of in the Bible will come to pass. As much as our culture wants to deny the Bible and what it teaches, it will not stop the inevitable. The question we must ask ourselves is whether we will just go along with what the world is teaching, to just be like everyone else, or will we be a force for good? We can make a difference, because if Yahweh is with us who can be against us? It is by Yahweh that the victory will be won in our time, but we must still do our part. The enemy is strong, and seems to be invading all aspects of our culture. What can we do about it? What can we do to fight back against such overwhelming odds? We can do what is right. We can shine our light to a world filled with darkness. We can worship Yahweh rather than man or institutions. We can make a difference. It is always better to do something than nothing at all. Our acts of kindness, choosing Sabbath rest rather than working, consistent prayer, and other acts may seem small and insignificant. Even small deeds of righteousness, however, impact the world. As the Syrian army was unable to see the angelic host, we may not see the instant benefits of doing a good deed, but they are there. Those who truly desire to serve Yahweh with all their mind, heart and soul must not lose heart. We have a mission to spread the good news of the Kingdom to the world, to help people come to the truth. And it doesn’t matter how small in number His followers are because with Yahweh, He is more than enough. Restoration Times Magazine July-October 2014

. s v Wrongly Subtracting Rightly Dividing

by Alan Mansager

ow dedicated are you in your walk? In a world of compromises, many are willing to compromise the Word and their future by selling out to this shallow, transitory world. Yahweh is a Mighty One of detail and He expects nothing short of total compliance. To demonstrate, consider the specifics He instructed for the design of the High Priest’s robe, down to its smallest embellishment. Consider the intricate design in the structure and furnishing of the tabernacle and temple. Note how He commanded the Ark of the Covenant to be transported, and even killed a man who unwittingly touched it. Both the priest, temple, and ark were central to His worship and reveal the strictness Yahweh expects in His devotion. When Yahshua said in Matthew 5:18 that not one yod or tittle would pass from Yahweh’s commands, He was conveying to us that compliance to even the smallest part of Yahweh’s mandate is a must.

Restoration Times Magazine July-October 2014

Is Halfway Okay?

Let’s face facts. Humans are naturally lazy. We cut corners and do just enough to get by. We like to water down clear commands to make them more palatable, change worship to our liking – which is to be more like the world – and to bring in simpler substitutes to get around demanding requirements. That has been the well-walked path of churchianity all through the centuries. Human nature consistently proves that once you crack open the door, the floodgates of compromise are not far behind. If you allow the camel to work its nose under the tent flap you will soon have a thousand pounds of dromedary in your lap. The question is, how much devotion does Yahweh expect of His worshipers? If going halfway is okay with Him, then we can go halfway. If not, then our duty is to learn exactly what He wants. He is the One in charge. He decides our eternal future. Why would we NOT want to be zealous in the way we honor Him? Yahweh is clear

that he hates halfhearted, indifferent effort. “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth,” Revelation 3:16. He’ll reject anyone having a permissive attitude who accepts half-truths and compromise in their worship. Not one of Yahweh’s inspired writers presented any part of Yahweh’s worship as optional. Yahweh never allows multiple choices when it comes to our worship and obedience. There is only one way to follow Him – and everything must go that way. Paul wrote, “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Master, one faith, one baptism,” Ephesians 4:4-5. In His wisdom, knowing clearly the nature of people, Yahshua pronounced that the way is narrow. That means it is exacting and restrictive. Because of it, few would find and maintain the Truth. Attention to detail in faith and obedience reveals the heart and strength of personal resolve. In Matthew 5:19 Yahshua

said, “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Does that mean practicing and teaching commandment breaking will still allow a place in the Kingdom, but only as a doorkeeper? The Twenty Century New Testament in combination with Moffatt’s translation reads in verse 19 that such a person will be “least esteemed in the realm of heaven.” In other words, the commandment breaking, no-law advocate will have zero respect or honor among the heavenly hosts, which includes Yahweh and Yahshua. Our salvation hinges on true understanding of the Bible and what is expected of us. Whether we walk in Truth depends on a correct grasp of that Truth as well as our resolve to follow it. In 2Thessalonians 5:21 Paul wrote, “Prove all things, hold fast to that which is good.” Paul also told Timothy, “Study to show yourself approved unto Elohim, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth,” 2Timothy 2:15. That doesn’t mean running to the minister with every Bible question. It means studying it out yourself to learn the Truth. One Path, Not Many

We cannot afford to be flippant or careless with the Scriptures. The Word, Paul said, is given for proper doctrine, correction, and instruction in righteous living, 2Timothy 3:16. It speaks to the ultimate goal of salvation. Why should Yahweh give us specific instruction about life and worship if we’re just going to toss it all out and follow our own plan? Many Bible students approach the Word in a piecemeal way, yanking verses or parts of verses from their context and completely changing the meaning. Others ignore passages that don’t agree with their beliefs. Paul told Timothy: “Take heed unto yourself, and unto the doctrine [proper teachings]; continue in them: for in doing this you shall save both yourself, and them that hear you,” 1Timothy 4:16. For a variety of reasons some passages create difficulty in understanding. Doctrinal

problems result when care is not taken to rightly divide the Word. Along with impure motives, rebellion led churchianity to purge from their teachings the law and obedience, including observance of the Sabbath and Feast days. Our culture suffers profoundly from ignorance of the Scriptures. Clerics steeped in man-made tradition only compound the problem. In Job 38:2 Yahweh asks rhetorically of Job as well as us in our day, “Who [is] this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?” Simply put, Yahweh asks who are these teachers who teach when they don’t know the truth themselves, and only make matters worse? Not even a small percentage of churchgoers is aware of 2Timothy 2:15 and its command for individual study. The mandate is for each to “rightly divide the word of truth.” This phrase derives from the Greek orthotomeo. The Expository Dictionary says it does not mean dividing Scripture from Scripture, but teaching Scripture accurately. The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge says the reference “is not to dividing up Scripture into dispensations, and applying to ourselves only what is allegedly valid for this dispensation...The emphasis is not upon ‘right division’ (which in the practice of some is ‘wrong subtraction,’ but on correct interpretation)” p. 1432. Another verse addressing proper discernment of teachings is Philippians 1:10, where, after Paul encourages us to abound in knowledge and in all judgment, he says, “That you may approve the things that are excellent…” “Are excellent” should have been rendered, set apart that which is better from what is not (Restoration Study Bible note). Every teaching must harmonize with the Word. When it doesn’t the result is the error the church has promoted for the past 2,000 years. If the Roman Church had eradicated unorthodox beliefs and practices instead of blending error with truth, churchianity would be completely different today. There would not be this stark contrast between what the apostles and Yahshua taught and practiced with today’s tangled mishmash of doctrines. How then can we read Yahweh’s Word and know that we are properly understanding it? How can we make right

interpretations? How should we go about rightly dividing the Word and testing doctrines that differ? Bible study is serious business. Study of the Word should be systematic. It takes discipline and dedication to do it properly. To get off on the right foot, start with good study Bibles like the Companion and Restoration Study Bible. Your understanding will increase exponentially when you dig down to the foundational languages of the text, which these Bibles do. When you compare other parallel or contrasting verses, as typically provided in a good study Bible like the RSB, you get a more complete understanding. Some Bible Study Basics

Both the Old and New testaments were written in Hebrew. That’s clear for several reasons, not the least of which is that most every writer writes in his native language, which for the writers of both testaments was Hebrew. These were not Greeks or Greekspeaking Jews living in Galilee in the first century. They were native, bluecollar Jews who spoke Hebrew, the language of the nation. Even Paul who was a native Benjaminite-Jew wrote to Hebrew-speaking Jews in various assemblies of the dispersion. Yet only Greek manuscripts of the New Testament survive today, of which there are some 5,400, not to mention thousands of Latin versions and other languages like Syriac, Coptic and Armenian. Most of the existing manuscripts derive from the Middle Ages, from the 7th century onward. Of all the thousands of Greek manuscripts, no two are exactly alike. Some scholars put the differences at 200,000, others at 300,000, meaning there are more differences in manuscripts than there are words in the entire New Testament. Realize also that the manuscripts were all hand written (which is what “manu-script” means). Sometimes scribes left out words, lines or even entire pages, especially when two lines ended with the same words. It didn’t help that they didn’t use paragraph divisions, lower case letters, or punctuation. Complicating the process was the lack of spacing between words. Words Restoration Times Magazine July-October 2014

were all run together in the ancient Hebrew and Greek texts. Sometimes translators with insufficient understanding would introduce mistakes when they thought they were fixing a factual or doctrinal error. Some of their changes are not critical but others are. For instance, the oldest and best manuscripts of John don’t have the story of the woman taken in adultery, where Yahshua says, “He that is without sin cast the first stone.” Think about that – if only sinless people could inflict such punishment, then the Old Testament law of stoning would not exist. This account does not appear in any manuscript until the 12th century. The passage of 1John 5:7-8 is the only one in the entire Bible appearing to teach a trinity of father son and Holy Spirit. The passage, however, is missing in all except one of the 5,400 Greek manuscripts in existence, and then it doesn’t occur until after the invention of the printing press in the 15th century. Ironically, sometimes the more difficult a passage reads the more faithful is to the original translation when scribes didn’t try so hard to manipulate the text. Error from Ignorance

All of this is to say that trying to understand Yahweh’s Word through a cloudy filter thousands of years old, and through several languages besides, can at times be like trying to create a gourmet meal in the kitchen of a stormtossed ship. Simplistic explanations are not always sufficient. This is just one more case for the importance of the Old Testament as the anchor for New Testament teachings. Sometimes it is the only authority we have to ascertain the truth of a New Testament passage. Yahshua taught the Old Testament, often referred to it, and urged His followers to read it and follow its teachings. In a question about the fate of wives in the resurrection, the Sadducees in Matthew 22 tried to trip Yahshua up. He told them, “You do err, not knowing the Scriptures.” He went to the foundation of Truth, the Old Testament, known as the Scriptures.

Restoration Times Magazine July-October 2014

Modern clerics would rather Yahshua have said, “But soon when I die and am resurrected I will have put to rest that obsolete Old Testament and given you freedom to live as you wish. Rest assured that no matter how you conduct your life you will still be saved. So hang on a few decades longer until a fellow named Paul writes a new Bible that will free you from the need to obey the statutes Yahweh gave for salvation.” If the Old Testament is defunct, then why did Yahshua quote the Old Testament to prove who He was? Why

did Yahshua refer to the Old Testament as proof of His Messiahship? Why did Yahshua instruct in his sermons to live by every word that comes from Yahweh? Why did Yahshua take so much time and effort expounding the teachings of the Old Testament? The Old Testament Scriptures are the foundation of Yahweh’s Word. They testify to His existence, His purpose, and the plan for Yahshua’s coming to this earth. They cannot be subtracted from the Bible without destroying the message, meaning, and design of the entire Word.

What About the 613 Laws? A caller wanted to know, should I keep all 613 laws in the Old Testament? Keep all the laws applying to you, he was told. What do you mean? he probed.

hose 613 laws (numbered by Talmudic tradition) were also the constitution of Israel. These statutes were necessary for running a righteous, theocratic government under Yahweh. They include laws on how a ruler should conduct himself as well as statutes governing political interactions with other nations. They regulated court proceedings and judgments, punishing of criminals, citizen behavior, social interactions, and worship. Clearly, many of these statutes are not in our power to comply with now because we live under a Roman system, a government of man, which has assumed some of the prerogatives. Israel was under a theocracy and the Bible was their constitution. But those laws dealing with worship, inter-personal relations and interactions are for everyone. Many cross over categories. The following is a breakdown of major divisions of biblical law and examples of each. Governmental law The king must not have too many wives and horses, Deut. 17:16, 17 The king must not have too much silver and gold, Deut. 17:17 Regulations of houses in walled cities, Lev. 25:29 Judicial Law Appoint impartial judges, Deut. 1:17 and

16:18 A judicial court must not execute anyone on the testimony of a single witness, Deut. 17:6; Num. 35:30. Anyone who knows evidence must testify in a court case, Lev. 5:1 Punish the false witness exactly as he sought to punish the accused, Deut. 19:19 Moral Law (regulates relationships with fellow man, Ex. 20:12-17; Matt. 22:37-39) Don’t bear a grudge, Lev. 19:18 Don’t wrong any one in speech, Lev. 25:17 Don’t curse father or mother, Ex. 21:17 Keep your word, Deut. 23:23 Don’t take revenge, Lev. 19:18 Don’t be superstitious, Lev. 19:26 Spiritual Law (regulates worship) Observe the Ten Commandments, Ex. 20 Keep the Feasts and Sabbath, Lev. 23 Eat only clean foods, Lev. 11 Observe the sabbaticals and jubilees, Lev. 25 Civil Law Make a safety rail around flat roofs, Deut. 22:8 Order of inheritance, Num. 27:8 Help a brother with his fallen beast of burden, Deut. 22:4 Don’t overcharge or underpay for an item, Lev. 25:14 Don’t charge a believer interest, Exodus 22:25 Ceremonial/Sacrificial Law Governs worship, Isaiah 1:11-20 Law of sacrifices, Levitcus 1-7.

in Scripture How do you observe the Feast of Tabernacles? The Feast of Tabernacles is a seven-day observance with the first day being a holy convocation and Sabbath, requiring believers to come together with others of like faith and abstain from work and commerce. Even though there is only one Sabbath or High day (not including the eighth day, which is technically a separate Feast), we know that Israel worshiped and sacrificed on all seven days of the Feast, Numbers 29:1234. As believers today, we’re to follow in this example and observe all seven days and not just the first few days, as some advocate. From Deuteronomy 16:1315, we also know that this is a family observance and a time of rejoicing. For this reason, we discourage doctrinal debates and conflicts during the Feast. If you have a different tenet that you would like to discuss, the ministers are available for such discussions. We welcome all with a sincere and humbled spirit to join us this year at Camp Galilee in El Dorado Springs, Mo. Hebrew and Greek scholars alike agree that the KJV is full of translation errors, some accidental and some on purpose. What are your thoughts on this? It is true that the KJV contains errors as all translations do. In the Restoration Study Bible, which is based on the

KJV, we note many of these key errors in the footnotes and show how they came about. No perfect translation exists. For our purposes the KJV is the foundation for many scholarly references, including Strong’s Concordance, The New Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, and Brown-DriverBriggs-Gesenius Hebrew and English Lexicon. Concerning Matthew 17:13, does this mean that Moses and Elijah are in heaven or were they just seen for that particular moment? The Scriptures say, “No man has seen Yahweh at any time.” Yahshua said in Matthew 17:9 that the transfiguration was a vision, which means that the appearance of Moses and Elijah in verse 3 was a manifestation of the spirit and not the persons Moses and Elijah. The reason for the vision was to show that the Law, symbolized by Moses, and the prophets, symbolized by Elijah, confirmed Yahshua as the Messiah. As you noted, no man has ascended to heaven (John 3:13). Peter states in Acts 2:29 that David also was in the grave and that he had not ascended to heaven. According to Hebrews 11, the great faith chapter, none of the faithful men and women of the Old Testament have yet received the promise of the Kingdom. I’ve read on several messianic websites that we will be asked whether we will take the mark of the beast. It won’t just be posed in a subversive manner. Where is that stated in Scripture? The sites

that state this imply we will have nothing to worry about. The main passage describing the mark of the Beast is Revelation 13:16-18. There are also a few others (Rev. 14:9, 11; 15:2; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4) but they don’t add any additional detail as to what the mark is, except to show the punishment for those who accept it. While there are books and countless articles written about the mark of the Beast, the Bible provides only a handful of verses describing this mark. What we know is that the mark will be required to buy and sell under the rule of the Beast or Antimessiah. It will also serve to identify those with allegiance to the Beast. Perhaps the best comparison to the mark is the mark that the Jews were required to wear under the Nazi regime. Although the mark of the Beast may be something different (e.g. a microchip placed beneath the skin), it will be used and applied in the same fashion. Unless Yahweh intervenes, which He will for many (Rev. 12:14-17), those who resist the Beast may risk their lives. We know that many will be slain for their testimony, Revelation 6:9-11. Those who are, however, will be rewarded as priests in Yahweh’s kingdom, Revelation 20:4-6. Regardless of what happens in the future, we can take heart in knowing that this life is transitory, but the life to come is forever! When a man dies is he fully perished or does he continue to exist? What did J-sus mean when he said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna”? Restoration Times Magazine July-October 2014

The key to understanding what happens after death is to know the distinction between the soul and spirit. As we explain in the Restoration Study Bible, the word “soul” is “from the word nephesh. It is the same word translated “life” in Genesis 1:20, “creature” in 1:21, and “body” in Numbers 19:11. Yahweh said the soul, or nephesh, that sins shall die (Ezek. 18:4, 20). The word nephesh occurs 754 times in the Old Testament, with 472 of those being translated soul and the rest through a variety of terms. In 13 passages nephesh is associated with the grave, pit, and silence of the grave. It is used of man as being cut off by Yahweh and as being mortal and subject to death. It also refers to the body and the dead body. In addition to a soul we have a spirit. The RSB note on Ecclesiastes 12:7 states that the word “spirit” comes from the Hebrew ruach, meaning wind or breath—and is the life force that Yahweh provides to every living being. When we die our life force returns to Yahweh. Our body, nephesh, ceases to exist, but our spirit, ruach, continues in a preserved but unconscious state (Ps. 146:4) awaiting the resurrection. The Scriptures do not detail how the resurrection will be accomplished. The Bible states only that those in the first resurrection will be raised incorruptible and immortal. While it is certain that the spirit (ruach) returns to Yahweh at death, the rest is unknown. As the prophet Isaiah states in the 55th chapter: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith Yahweh. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts,” verses 8-9. Regarding Matthew 10:28, the word for “soul” is derived from the Greek psuche and refers to the breath of man or beast. While man can destroy the body, he cannot destroy the spirit or breath within us, as seen again in the book of Ecclesiastes. Shouldn’t the pale horse in Revelation 6 be green to be faithful to the original word used, which in 3 out of the 4 times was translated green? Must be green for a reason. Islam’s official color is green and they do seem to match up to the description that horse.

Restoration Times Magazine July-October 2014

We have a footnote in the Restoration Study Bible on Revelation 6:8 in reference to the pale horse: “...death; possibly from pestilence (Matt. 24:7). The word ‘pale’ is derived from the Greek chloros and means, ‘green or pale-green’ (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words). In all other instances, chloros is rendered ‘green’ (Matt. 6:39; Rev. 8:7; 9:4).” We agree that this may have connections with Islam. Also, we believe that Islam can possibly be seen in the seventh kingdom in the 17th chapter of Revelation, “And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition,” verses 9-11. As we note in the Restoration Study Bible, the first five kings or kingdoms symbolize: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, and Greece. The kingdom that existed during the time of this prophecy was Rome. The seventh kingdom likely represents the Ottoman Empire, which succeeded Rome. Few realize that the Roman Empire did not fall to the barbarians but continued through its eastern leg, called the Byzantine empire, until it fell to the Ottomans in 1453. It’s likely that the first Beast of Revelation 13 (i.e., Antimessiah) will come from the territory of this seventh kingdom. Why is there such a strong stance against the theory of a triune deity at YRM? The Trinity doctrine was conceived solely by the Roman Catholic Church totally outside of any biblical teaching in an effort to accommodate the polytheistic heathens coming into the church. This is easily proved in most biblical reference books. It was hotly debated at the time of Constantine and for 800 years after the start of the New Testament church, showing it was anything but a plain and clear biblical teaching. The

word itself is missing in the Bible. Yahshua the Messiah said that His Father is greater than Himself, not a co-equal in a triune majesty, John 14:28. There are many other reasons for our stand against the common trinity doctrine, which you can find in our booklet, Identifying Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (readable online at yrm.org). The Sabbath law in the Fourth Commandment speaks of rest but not worship. Is it necessary to worship with others on the seventh day? The Sabbath is a memorial of Yahweh’s rest at creation, Genesis 2:1-3, and we memorialize His rest by resting ourselves. Beyond that, the day is set apart for Yahweh, verse 3. The word is “sanctified,” and denotes worship through the setting apart of the day for worship. A more detailed command is in Leviticus 23:3, where the Sabbath not only is for rest, but also for “holy convocation,” which means a coming together (Hebrew miqra, a public meeting, assembly, gathering). The Sabbath is sanctified and for convocating in holy worship. The Sabbath in the Kingdom will be when all flesh comes to worship Yahweh, Isaiah 66:23. Yahshua’s own example was to attend the synagogue service on the Sabbath: Mark 1:21; 6:2, Luke 4:16, 6:6. The Apostle Paul did the same, Acts 13:14, 42; 18:4. Paul wrote in Hebrews that we must not forsake the assembling of ourselves, especially in these latter days, Hebrews 10:24-25.

or an in-depth look at the Sabbath, request our free booklet: “Sabbath Keeping Answering the Arguments.” In this interesting booklet you will learn why the church changed the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday and all about the influence of the pagans that prompted this change. You will also learn the common, erroneous arguments as well as proof-texting that many today use to justify this change. To request, visit www.yrm.org or call (573) 896-1000

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“Thank you for the message you gave today on television. I have felt this way about the holy days and feasts of Scripture ever since I discovered the truth. Again thank you for your message. I watch your program in Fort Wayne, Indiana.” – RM “I am emailing from Papua New Guinea, a small country north of Australia with a population of 7.5 million people. I was very blessed when I went to your website and saw the truths presented. I thank Yahweh for this Ministry and for having His Watchman on the walls of Zion declaring His truths to this confusing world.”– ZB “Yesterday, after Sabbath service, I went back and watched the rest of the Discover the Truth Talk Live program on Roku. I felt compelled to send a note of thanks for this very informative piece of work. This type of honest and detailed presentation is so needed today. I believe that there is a short amount of time to get the Truth out. Thank you for working to do that!” - GN “I am glad to see your videos on YouTube. I enjoy watching them. It really helps strengthen my spiritual life. May Abba Yahweh bless this ministry and may this ministry spread like wildfire and reach millions of ignorant people who have not heard of the hidden truth which the world has hidden so far.” -SD “Your ministry has indeed changed my life and my husband’s. You have been so kind in providing information based on the Bible and the Truth of Yahweh’s Word. We have read the Bible from page one to the end. We now worship on the Sabbath. Holidays have been gone for

some time now. We are preparing to be baptized during the Feast of Trumpets. While we’re committed, we stand alone. Our families think we have gone off our rocker. They are concerned for our salvation, but we stand strong and together knowing that the Truth has been revealed, which your Ministry has played a big part of. We can’t thank you enough.” - AP “It amazes me that the more I study the RSB, the more my previous life disappears. Since I am still a novice in Yahweh’s truth, those that ask me questions that I am not sure about I send to your webpages, www.yrm.org and www.discoverthetruth.tv. I am too inexperienced to say much so I direct them to you. Some people, actually a lot of people, think that god is the name of the Father. I have the literature from you on the Father’s true name and quote only from that and direct them to your sites. YRM is the ONLY place that proves what is said by giving the scripture to support it. No other assembly I have ever been to does this. They take one verse and make you believe in that one verse without touching on the previous or post verses, which would give the whole truth. It is no wonder now why I have never found an assembly I was comfortable with. My search for an assembly is over. From this point on, all extra money that was spent foolishly will now be donated to the only place that can prove what it teaches. That is, YRM! I don’t have much but I have what I need. Finding YRM has been a tremendous blessing and I now have a true path to follow.”– BB “I went to church today and sought out the pastor in his office. I explained to

Send us your comments Visit: yrm.org/feedback him that I wanted to share the truth of our Creator’s name, YHWH, and our Savior’s name, Yahshua. He admitted that it was Yahweh in the Old Testament and found 6,823 times and also admitted that Yahshua was the name of the Messiah, but did have some argument about Jesus (Spanish being a closer translation!) I also made the argument that His Name was holy and sacred and that His people will call Him by His name. After no success with the minister, I left. My reason for this message is that I feel so alone. I was hoping to get a little counseling because I wanted to be baptized but cannot even find a church to do it. Without my church to fellowship with you guys are like my virtual family now.” We hope you will attend the Feasts where we set aside time for counseling and immersion. Don’t put it off. – ED “I would like to personally thank you for this website and for all your online articles and studies. They have helped me greatly in my studies.”– IC “It brings me joy to come here each day to read the wonderful truth of Yahweh. Thanks so much for having a website where people like me who are seeking truth in their lives can come to a full understanding of the plan and truth of the one and only true [Mighty One] whose name is Yahweh. What a joy this website has brought to my heart.” – LM. “Anyone who has a feeling inside of them telling them there’s more to Yahweh’s Word must purchase the RSB. It will definitely satisfy our hunger for the truth and it will let you do your own rendering of words for greater clarity with the Strong’s dictionaries and references.” – Anon.

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