Tzephanyahu

Shalom Wesley, How did the situation with your church leader go? Anyway, this situation does require sensitivity and wisdom in equal parts. I would suggest to prayer about it with your team of 5 for guidance on the matter and let the new person know this. I think it's more that reasonable to say this to the new guy, saying that you want to make sure you are lead by Him rather than good ideas. That should both sensitive and wise to the new person's ears - if their motives are good. If you submit this matter to the Father together in your group of 5, I'm sure one or more of you will have an answer on the situation. Love & Shalom

Shalom @Wnj086 I used to feel this way from time to time as well, until I got baptised by the Holy Spirit. I would say seek this above all things. Do whatever it takes. Pray with passion and persistence, fast if necessary and seek prayer from others. Seek this baptism with effort, tears and your full heart and it will happen for you. Once it does happen, you won't have these doubts creeping in anymore as you will feel different inside. Like there's a fountain bubbling up deep within you of life, peace and joy. You might still face trials and get down about things, but that deep joy and reassurance will not leave you - as long as you stay following His ways - which the Spirit will also help you to do. Seek this above all things. And have faith that He WILL give the Spirit to you if you do this. So don't give up and have faith as you seek this baptism. Love & Shalom

I've not read of anyone on here saying the Law saves. That argument is just a distraction. I can see why those who do not bother with Torah are offended by those who do. Because its as if its implied that their walk thus far has been incorrect, and so it's offensive. But continuing to put words in each others mouth does not help the debate. It's just non-Torah observers repeatedly saying "no works can save!" and "it's a time of rest!" and Torah observers saying "oh, so you are saying it's okay to murder, covet or steal?"... No one on either side is saying this things. So it's such a waste of time for both sides to argue against what is NOT being said.

Shalom @Blue Lulu Sometimes Yahweh can try and teach us lessons in life or discipline us with events and other people. I'm not saying that's definitely the case with you but it could be. Rejoice though! As this is an opportunity or invitation to grow as a disciple. Try to step out of your subjective perspective and look at these events allegorically. Look beyond the what, the who and the when and instead consider the why and the how. Look at your situation as a parable and try to percieve the lessons you may be being taught. Consider you reactions, your emotions, your logic and general heart to these events. What do you feel tested on, what are you struggling to fight back, where do you feel qeak and vulnerable. I can't answer these questions for you but you will be able to. And, when you feel you have understood the message underneath the symbolic, act on it accordingly in prayer, heart and deed. Keep your head up and keep faithfulness to His ways. Quieten the fleshy reactions and examine yourself and I'm sure He will guide you. Love & Shalom

Well said @Yishai and welcome to the forum! May YHWH continue to bless you with wisdom and insight. What a joy it is to follow His ways freely, right? Not out of fear of curse of the Torah, but in loving wilful obedience. The Psalms are filled by David saying the same thing, especially in Psalm 119. Alas, prepare for a potential backlash from some who will strongly disagree with our understanding. But the good news is that there is a growing number of people like us in this forum Love & Shalom

Shalom Oligos, For me, I became very confident in my salvation after the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Before then I knew only intellectually and relying on the Word. But after the baptism it was like another level - I knew, felt and do feel the reassurance by the Spirit. HalleluYah! What about you? Love & Shalom

:O Unbelievable behaviour! What's wrong with him I wonder... You said you are living in a foreign country so maybe it's an issue of racism? You done well to leave it there. Although I guess it has set a new precedent for him to stick by. @appy gave some great advice about having the mail diverted to a post box or post office. It's a real pain but hey, at least you get your mail. Perhaps the Lord is seeing how you react to this man, who is effective a stimulus to test your patience, peace, and long-suffering. So, just in case it is a test or training, remember to keep hold of your tongue when talking about him and don't sin in your heart, which is a temptation when dealing with such difficult people. But you have done well in this particular interaction. Remember to continue to pray to the Most High each day on this situation. You'll be surprised how he can turn around a situation like this when there is seemingly no "out". Love & Shalom

Shalom @Thewhitedove Wow, tricky situation. Can you get your husband to get your mail for you? Because of what you have observed, the allegations and the testimony of your husband, it would be worthwhile keeping your distance from this man. Can you also report this to your employers if they have arranged the accommodation for you? Maybe they will have some practical advise or be able to change something. As for loving our enemies, I believe these refers more to those who oppress us deliberately because of our testimony. Yes, we should be loving to all people, but we shouldn't be mindless and unwise towards all- as this man poses possible mental, physical and sexual threat towards others. Therefore, my advice is to pray for him (not with him).... Pray that any unclean or evil spirit that may be plaguing him is bound and removed from him in the name of the Messiah. (It's a possibility) Pray that the Father softens his heart whenever he is around you and your husband, to keep you protected from his selfish intentions. (This is not out of Yahweh's power) Pray that the Father opens his eyes, ears and heart to the truth of the Gospel (This may be through you or another. Don't feel pressured to witness directly unless you are absolutely convinced that Yahweh is asking you to do so) Pray that the Father forgives how he has wronged you and your husband (With all the charges that man might face on Judgement Day, you don't want to add your charges against him as well - show him mercy because it will be a fearful day for him). If you pray the above, I would see that as loving him - from a safe distance! It's not an ideal solution but I'm thinking about your safety first. May Yahweh heed your prayers swiftly in this matter and give you peace at home! Anything is possible with Him - just believe. Love & Shalom

Shalom Cha Cha, Hopefully I can help you with this, Yahweh willing. If the offender repents then you should absolutely forgive them - no questions asked. If the offender doesn't repent then, technically, you don't HAVE to forgive them and you can hold it to their charge. However, I would strongly recommend against this! Look at it this way... If you hold a charge against another person then, when all things are judged, your complaint would come up before the Great Judge. If your complaint stands up and you still want to press charges- the Judge will deal with it. But how scary that may be for the offender! And it will be because of YOUR submission of this case. That's not all though... At the same time He will examine you, the accuser, to see if there is hypocrisy found in you and whether you have judged righteously. So how confident are you on how you judge! Therefore, it's better to have mercy and forgive - for the sake of the offender and the sake of yourself - even if we're wronged. After all, we have wronged God and many people with our attitude and behaviours. If Yahweh can forgive us all these things, even the things we've forgotten about and therefore not repented of, how can fairly hold a charge against another? With this is mind, consider the Parable of Wicked Servant in Matthew 18:21-35 Unlike when we judge people and cases, Yahweh is perfect in His assessments. When He judges, it is right. Any accusation brought and held against Him will be found to be folly on Judgement Day. The repentance that we need towards the Father is not just to simply say "Sorry I upset you or wronged you", as we may say to a fellow man. Our sins separate and put distance between us and God. So when we repent of them, it's more than just apologising - but it's also to draw closer to Him. Why is this though? Yahweh is a God of Justice. He has to run everything in existence by laws, whether it's the laws of physics, time or judicial laws. For all life to exist in good order and not descend into chaos, He must maintain justice and righteous ruling. Therefore, if you break his laws, you have sinned, and you have a lawsuit against you as a transgressor. However, Yahweh is also a God of Mercy. His heart is to save us and to be with us. But in order to pardon you, He needs your "lawsuit" settled (in Messiah's sacrifice) and your repentance - for what good is the Messiah to you if you say "What I'm doing is fine and I'll do it again!" In the same way, as much would be expected in our own human court of law if an offender is let off the hook. But Yahweh also has Mercy on the wicked - those who may yet change. Towards those who are ignorant, even through their reviling and wickedness. Probably because "they know not what they do". Just as He was merciful to you and I before we found Him - for He didn't strike us down or blind our hearts. HalleluYah. So, we ought to be patient, long-suffering, merciful and forgiving as our heavenly Father - if we want to try to perfect like Him. Sound too difficult? Well, you can make a good start by forgiving those who wrong you but don't apologise. You'll be more like Him once you can start doing this, hard as it can be Love & Shalom

Yes, Revelation 21:8. Well said, you have understood it correctly. Now we need to live as He lived. Study His life and all His words and ignore any teachings from the church or on here that seemingly contradict His words or subtly distort them. Do this and you will find the truth. Now, if someone comes to you saying "what the Messiah was really saying was..." or "yes, but Paul said was..", in ways that contradict the Messiah’s words (as a child would understand them) ignore such people. The Messiah never contradicted the Father and Paul never contradicted the Messiah. Keep this in mind and the Scripture will unravel for you. Love & Shalom

Shalom Frank, As for your friend, I don't know what advise you can give her - I don't feel directed by the Spirit in this matter. But I did want to write with concern for you... I appreciate your heart and zeal on this quest, but I don't think it's a wise idea. I'm probably not the first person to tell you this and I doubt I'll be the last. This is for your own well-being, spiritually, mentally and even physically. Again, unless you are called by God to this, I would advise against it. Love & Shalom

Spurious. No evidence to back up this claim. I have not met one person in Hebrew Roots who done this or heard of this happening. Nonsense. All conjecture and not even worth addressing. For me this goes beyond my reasonable grounds of debate.

Well said brother. He'll be back soon! Love & Shalom

Shalom Melinda Yes, it's a fascinating book. It may challenge you as the wisdom within it will make you assess yourself (as every good book of wisdom should) but I'm sure you'll enjoy it. FYI, Ecclesiasticus was included in the original 1611 King James and was only removed as recent as the 1880s by Westcott and Hort - the ones responsible for the altered translation of the New Testament based on the Nestle-Aland manuscripts rather than the Textus Receptus. Along with the books removed from the King James in the 1880s is the book "2 Esdras". I highly recommend that as well which covers topics like how the Tanakh was rewritten after the Babylonia exile, why do evil men prevail, what to expect after the death (about Sheol), many messianic prophecies and about the end times. It also seems that the Messiah quoted from 2 Esdras when saying to Jerusalem "how often I would have gathered you under my wings". Now, you will have a lot of "scholars" say this and that against these books, but test their claims and investigate their "evidence" because a lot of what they say is conjecture. And above all, see how the Holy Spirit witnesses to you whilst you read these books - the Spirit should be your only guide when it comes to divine inspiration. Love & Shalom

Shalom @Raymond2020 What is your definition of "Holiness" and "Holy Living", or rather how is it defined by God? Love & Shalom

Shalom friend, Homosexuals are no worse off than those Christians who villify, bully and insult them with a ungodly passion. That said, anyone who thinks they are a disciple of Messiah and yet are homosexual are in great error. But when all is said and done, if a person can't lay aside their sexual desires for the Kingdom (whether it be a homosexual or a promiscuous-hetrosexual), then they aren't worthy of it. Because they have chosen "something" above it - that is, they are serving their bodies first over Yahweh. I hope that makes sense. Love & Shalom

Spoken well my friend. With this attitude, I have confidence that Yahweh will bless you there and, Yahweh willing, soften this man's heart. Love & Shalom

Shalom @Khirmir Did He give you any message for the church? May I ask, what name did the Father identify Himself with and what name did He call His Son?

Shalom friend, So here is how I have understood your situation - correct me if I'm wrong. A while back you turned from God and slept with a girl, when you were 16, losing your virginity. Thereafter, you met a Christian girl who you really like, but you're concerned what she will think about you after you tell her the truth, right? I don't think you should be as worried as you are my friend. Yes, this incident with this other girl is not ideal, but what's done is done. I think it's important to tell her to start this relationship with a the honour of truth and "visibility". Otherwise, what you hide today might tempt you to hide something else tomorrow. As for your new girlfriend, if she cannot accept this matter then she is probably not the one for you. What I mean is that if she is the type judge you as being "impure" or "unclean" and is unable to forgive your past (which pre-dates her in your life), then it's better to find out this about her character now, rather than later. For what good will come from your future together if she would judge you so unreasonably? But if she is understanding, forgiving, loving and kind - basically a good character - then this will be no issue or not a big issue for her. Be confident and brave. Many of us have made many more and severe mistakes than your one. I include myself in that crowd. Yet, I told my girlfriend (now my wife) up front and she was non-judgemental and just as loving as before I told her - It wasn't as big of an issue for her as it was for me. Ask yourself this as well. If the same thing happened in her life, would you want her to tell you? And, if she told you (before you told the truth), would you turn her away in disgust and cut her out of your life? Consider these questions and remember that we should deal with others as we would want to be dealt with. Love & Shalom

Shalom @Wesley L, This sounds difficult! Is it only you he is picking on? Is he singling you out? If so, I would advise a one-to-one discussion with him, with an arranged appointment so that both of you have time to discuss the matter in full. If it's affecting the church as a whole this is a serious problem. You are right to be concerned. But I don't think Yahweh would have you fight a one-man mission to overthrow his authority and bring in someone else. You want to be very careful at this time as people might start to perceive the situation as "him vs you", and it being a battle in which sides are being drawn. This will only affect your reputation ultimately - whether he stays or leaves. Therefore, try to approach the matter peacefully and humbly. Speak to trustworthy elders in the Church who you can confine in and share your heart. Perhaps they will witness the matter with you. And, if they take the matter in hands, they are in a better position to do such a thing than a member of a congregation. Yes, love truly is the most important thing to remember. If he has lost sight of this along the way, it won't work well for him. However, perhaps you can counter the darkness with light, and focus on ways to share more love at the church if he doesn't. I know that might sound flowery but bear with me. If your mind and heart is focused on "why does he say it like that!" and "what behaviour he shows!", this will start to rule your thoughts and subsequent actions. For look, you have already written a letter. But, if you can think on ways to bless someone at the church, offer a good idea or ways you can help your leader (as long as his rules and ideas are good), your thoughts and actions will show before others. Then, perhaps when others talk about the church rather than say "yes, the leader is quite odd though, and the atmosphere can be quite tense at times" to instead say "The people there are great, it really feels like a family" Remain in prayer, seeking for the Lord to bless this leader with wisdom and understanding and remind him of the Yahweh's great love, mercy and grace through the Word and Spirit. Pray also with others that the leadership and authority of the church will fall inline with Yahweh's will for it. If after 3 months (not that I want to put a timeframe on the Lord!) of praying like this there is still no change, then perhaps this is how the Lord wants it to be - for whatever unforeseen reason He may have. Remember that sometimes Yahweh sends us difficult leaders to challenge us, rather than for us just to find them challenging. If that's the case, listen with your heart to try understand what lesson you may be being taught through this man. Yes, he may be harsh and yes, he may be unloving - but what has this brought out in you and how has this affected your walk (meditate along those lines) I hope it goes well this weekend! Love & Shalom

That time is coming, in which the Messiah will sort through the Kingdom and judge each one according to their deeds after they were born-again. This is the time of grace, where such behaviour is either disciplined or tolerated, with the hope of repentance (change of heart) coming from us willingly - before He has to explain it to us directly on our judgement day. In the meantime, focus solely on you and your walk. Being willing and open to help any other follower, reactively and proactively, but don't worry about those who treat who cruelly, bitterly, with a stubborn heart and seem to "get away with it". Their time will come. Love & Shalom

Happy Rebirthday @turtletwo!

Shalom @Dennis1209 Interesting questions. I have no confirmed answer on the matter but I assumed it was because of John's heart. He and his brother were called the "sons of Thunder" by the Messiah, which could indicate overt passion or bold attitude when speaking with others. We also see that John pipes up in Mark 9:38 saying that he was passionately dissuading other followers who didn't follow the disciples, against the Messiah's wishes. So we have confidence and zeal to throw into the mix. But as well as this bold and passionate, zealous side, John was also very gentle (leaning on the Messiah at the last supper) and spiritual. He was invited to witness several private miracles and understood the Messiah's ministry from a very intimate point of view with deep spiritual revelations, that it seems the other apostles didn't - as witnessed in his gospel throughout. Therefore, I kind of see John as a mixture of "a man after God's heart", zealous and bold and a young child accepting the Kingdom of God, innocent, gentle and spiritual - somewhere inbetween. Love & Shalom

Yes I can relate to that. At a certain time in my life, like yours, a tragedy propelled me from being close with God willingly. The Holy Spirit was very patient with me in that time but, eventually, it felt like the Spirit left me after many years. I was filled with depression and a great fear of the end days. I believe that was from Him as discipline to say "if you stay like this, it won't go well for you". And fair enough man, because I wasn't good for anything nor praising or thanking Him. I had become a useless tenant, and unfruitful branch, or I had "buried the Mina" He gave me. HalleluYah that He snapped me out of it though and I paid heed to His discipline. But yeah, if I continued on that path and died - I can see me either not being saved or saved "as if jumping through the fire". I think that's why the great fear and depression was set upon me - to be as a serious warning sign. One thing is for sure - this life ain't no game. This is our time of sowing, working for the Lord, and being tested and trained in His ways. The people who neglect to see it as such are in for a rude awakening I believe. Love & Shalom

Shalom RP, It's interesting that in the Parable of the Wheat and Tares it's related to the Kingdom of God specifically and not the world at large. But we are also told in John that no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless born of water and spirit. So were they born right but went wrong by their own endeavours/heart? As well as this we get the passage of the Messiah saying not everyone "Lord, Lord" will enter the Kingdom... So, it seems to be that the Kingdom on earth produces a large crop, but not all are good. There is a separation and then the good wheat/fishes/sheep enter into the actual Kingdom of New Jerusalem, when it arrives. But it seems that the tares/bad fish/goats either thought they were saved (incorrectly) or forfeited it with contrary behavior - much like the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 18. Interesting topic. Anyone confident in their salvation should be able to discuss calmly - but it often gets heated quickly - and maybe there is the division? Love & Shalom