Tzephanyahu

Shalom all in the name of our Lord, Here is a great video series on the life of Paul, the man and the race. There are 11 episodes all uploaded on that channel (not under playlists) I hope it blesses you as much as it blessed me. Love & Shalom

Shalom @Thewhitedove How have you been sister? I totally understand you on this. I'm very similar. If I start speaking to a non-believer about the Bible, the Messiah or Salvation, I cannot put the view out of my mind of how I must seem to them! I remember how I used to hear others who spoke that way and, somewhere along the way, I became one of them! But this is a gift - this social awareness of yours. Rather than let it stifle you, use your empathetic acuity to adapt the message of the Gospel. Not changing it's message from it's core values, but trying to relate it in modern "un-churchy" terms for the layman today. Sometimes Christians get caught up in their own little world of terms and phrases that they forget how it might sound to an atheist. "Repent! Then the blood of the Lamb will cover you, through the cross of Christ!". This kind of talk comes from a different time and, whilst technically not incorrect, is short-sighted for the sake of those atheists listening. We need to adapt and put aside "KJV-talk" for the sake of clarity of the Gospel message. As Paul writes.. "To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." - 1 Corinthians 9:20-22 So do you. Do your thing and explain in your whitedove way, using your gift of social-awareness to invite those lost into the Kingdom with wisdom and meekness. Don't try to emulate popular witnessing techniques, pastors or the ways that work for others. I'm sure you are gifted as such to reach those on the outskirts, who will never here a pulpit preacher or stadium filling crusade evangelist. When it comes to Christianity - you know what repelled you and you know what attracted you. Exemplify those qualities in your walk and don't try to follow formulas given by others. Do as you've learned and then you will be successful. This was the same situation for me and another where I once worked. I didn't preach, I just got on and did my thing. They kept on asking me questions about my faith rather than me pushing anything on them. Eventually they and their family gave their lives to Yahweh, all praise and glory to Him. This seems to be a valid form of witnessing, according to the Messiah... "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16 Your friend was like a lamp on a stand to you, and you were attracted to the flame. Your friend didn't chase you down with a flamethrower! Amen! Keep this prayer in your heart and when the time is right for a certain person, He will reward you with an answer, I'm quite sure of it. I have prayed this prayer numerous times and it's amazing how the situations present themselves. Each time, I haven't instigated the conversation or steered it into that direction. It's simply come up naturally from the other person, all praise to Yahweh. Only also add this to your prayers "...and give me the wisdom to answer them, bringing to mind all you have taught me and teach me". A final word of advice on this matter, study the Bible with the intensity as for a University degree. The Spirit can work through you more and more with the more familiar you become with the Scriptures. For an explanation as to why, check out the section "School of the Ruach HaKodesh" on THIS page. This will come with time - but it won't come without study. Therefore, if you wish to know you have to first wish to learn. In the meantime, you can say that you don't know and will get back to them - which I think they would appreciate more than you trying to wing it. However, you also can plead ignorant and say "I don't know all the ins and outs on everything, as I'm still learning all of this". But follow up with adding "But I know it's true as it has completely changed my life for the better in a way that nothing else has or could possibly do". The point being this - you don't need to know everything to be a disciple but your testimony should be sufficient. Whereas you once cared not about acting one way, you now want to walk according to the Bible - as you are so utterly convinced of it's truth, you'd lay your life down for it. That testimony cannot be ignored. Fair enough, it's not going to speak to everyone (some will think you're mad) but to those who know you are of sound mind, peaceful, loving, calm in the face of the dying world today - you will become a lamp to them. If there are any particular subjects that you keep coming up against, let me or the forum know and I'm sure one of us will be able to help you with these hurdles. Yahweh will judge you on your walk as a disciple. Not how many people you get saved. That is part of our mission, but we all have different gifts and missions. Some are specifically evangelists. As for you, well, you will need to work out what your gift is from Yahweh and where you fit it. But don't assume it's evangelising. I don't evangelise hardly at all. I'm horribly awkward at it and practically cringe as I'm talking! It's probably because I'm very socially-aware and also completely awkward in social situations anyway, hehe. However, I walk according to His Word by His grace and this seems to speak volumes to some people rather than me knocking on doors and saying "Do you know the Lord Jesus?" If there is someone I want to speak to about God, I will pray for the opportunities and the wisdom to speak with them. "Natural" opportunities will also occur from time-to-time. In those instances, I'm choosy with my words, personally. I try not to go off on a monologue, but let them have peeks at how peaceful and fulfilling life can be and how it isn't how the mainstream church portrays it (as many atheists even notice their hypocrisy). But I try to leave them wanting more information rather than think "Man, when will this guy shut up. I'm sorry I asked!" Very rarely. I might in instances of prophecy being fulfilled today, explain parts of history or archaeological findings. But I'm certainly not gifted to start those random conversations. I have seen those gifted in that way start conversations and it's incredible to watch how Yahweh works through them. However, that doesn't seem to be my remit. Sister, I know you have been struggling with this situation for a long time now and it must be equal parts frustrating as it is saddening. But I see great promise in your life, from the vibe of your posts. I get the impression that you are in the early stages of training for something. Your faith and witness is being tested a lot, and it will not go without reward if you stay faithful in word and deed. You are light on a stand for your husband and family. Therefore, the best way you can witness to them is to make that light shine bright. Study the Scriptures diligently and adapt your behaviour and way according to the lessons Yahweh teaches us through them. When your husband and family have lost hope or reason in their lives - for whatever cause - you will be like a lighthouse of Messiah for them. So study the Scriptures well so that you can accurately portray them in a "whitedove" way when they start showing interest. Love & Shalom

Yes, dhchristian. I'm ignoring the facts and see that you are so wise. The Scriptures that you have posted I have never ever seen before. It was brand new information! So thank you! Yes, dhchristian, thank you for your public rebuke, but I'm so very sorry - I HAVE indeed dulled my hearing! Perhaps you have the gift of discernment? But I shouldn't stay involved in a conversation with you lest the "seducing spirit" that leads me then darkens your doorway. Farewell.

Well you better hope you are right, because these are bold words you speak again Yishai and now to me. Although I forgive you of them, as you know nothing about me. However, as you seem certain of this "fact" and indeed of all you say, I really don't see a point in engaging with you. I'm sure you feel the same if you believe that I am led by a seducing spirit.

Ugly. If you won't repent then you better hope you are right.

Yeah... That's not quite a quote from Exodus though is it. Oh well, what you choose to do is between you and the Lord. But let's not try and change what Scripture actually says: "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it."

The Sabbath is a broad subject but the literal is not negated for the sake of the deeper, spiritual interpretation. For if the literal observation is to be ignored, there is no foundation to build a broader meaning.

Interestimg posts @Yishai. Fascinating reads. The Natsarim or Nazerenes is the "sect" that Paul was a part of, as detailed in acts. This term actually has a double meaning and should be understood as "branches", as in those grafted in. Not only that, the promise of the Natsarim runs throughout the Bible. Check out this video if you are interested to learn more. Love & Shalom

Wow, interesting post Yishai. Thanks.

Spoken like a true disciple! May Yahweh bless you with the windows of opportunities to do all of these things and friends to support you through it (and may I be counted as one of them). Only don't leave! To do so would be to tip the scales even further in the favour of these other ones. And, as much as it can seem hopeless at times, there is good that comes from the forum occasionally. For example, today my heart has been greatly encouraged in reading you stand up for our brother @Yishai, and now we all know of each other, right? Praise Yahweh! So stay! *wags finger at you* Love & Shalom

@JoeMo, shalom brother! And well said.

And this, right here, is the reason why people are leaving Worthy. I know as I've spoken with many blessed, kind people who have done so, or nearly done so. This is also the reason why we see so many new people join each week but only see the same 40-50 posters all year. We haven't talked before @Thess, but I extend a hand of friendship to you. Love & Shalom

Even though I don't always post threads or join in on yours, I'm here if you ever need a friend or to have a rant. May our Father Yahweh bless your ways in here, in the name of our Lord Yahushua. Love & Shalom to you

Not true Yishai. You can count me as a friend! Love & Shalom

Shalom, I would say come out of her. If you have love for the Father and the Messiah, love studying His Word but are not get fed at that church - come out of her. There is no point continuing each week if you will be harbouring these thoughts and emotions. Try to find another church or homegroup more appropriate, although that is becoming a real challenge in these days. But it could be that Yahweh has put this feeling in your heart to prompt you to leave. So I would advise be true to yourself and try to find another church/home group. Or maybe start a home group? May Yahweh direct your steps continually. Love & Shalom

This one is great. Ecclesiastes

Hmm, you've only commented on one part of my post, which is a shame. I guess we won't able to agree on this matter @JasonPerkins. Oh well, all the best for your studies.

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Shalom Jason, Thanks for the response. Sorry for the delay in replying. This does not contradict anything which I've already written in my previous posts. So there's not much point of me repeating it. I think you are trying to re-imagine Yahweh in our image, and this is causing the 'problem' in understanding. Jason, as a whole, is you. Therefore Jason cannot also be WITH you - unless there is another Jason. Now, you can try and stretch the interpretation of this philosophically or theologically - but in the simple way of understanding things - The Word was WITH Elohim and the Word IS Elohim means that "The Word is Elohim with "the rest of Elohim". Y'shua is Elohim with Yahweh. But El Elyon is Yahweh the Father and Messiah is the Son. They are united (echad) but they aren't literally just one entity. How do you think the universe survived if God the Father died for three days? No, Y'shua wasn't praying to Himself (which would be mad) or crying to Himself (in Gethsemane) or referring to Himself as the Son one minute and the Father the next. It seems you are getting confused with the idea of the oneness of Elohim and the shared authority of the Father and Son. You're getting stuck on one Scripture without considering it all. But let me give you this in reply. 1 Corinthians 15:27 "For he "has put everything under his feet." Now when it says that "everything" has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ." How do you explain that verse? I think you've contradicted yourself in this post as it proves what I am saying. "he humbled himself in obedience to God" "Therefore, God elevated him" "Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" I don't know why you think this proves that the Son is actually literally the Father. Y'shua is His image, His authority and power. To see Him is to see the Father and you don't go through to the Father, except by Y'shua. But that doesn't mean that Y'shua is actually literally the Father. No. It means that Y'shua is Elohim, with the Father and the Spirit, with the head above all being Yahweh, the Y'shua, then the Ruach HaKodesh. Y'shua comes in the fullness of Elohim meaning all authority of Elohim is with Him. He isn't just a messenger angel or just a man. The fullness of Elohim is with Him. But that doesn't mean there is not Father and Spirit of Elohim. Again, see my post on co-regency. I think you need to reconsider your stance as, if you are not careful, you will start to ignore the Father entirely. It would be too much of an arduous task for me to list all the verses that clearly show there is a Son and a Father. Take it back to zero, and re-read the NT with no preconceived ideas. In summary, as per my posts above: All the authority is given into the hands of the Son, by the Father. They are one in name and authority. They are Elohim. Y'shua is the mighty El, and Yahweh is El Elyon. Together, with the Spirit, they are Elohim. One, unified, but distinct from one another. It's a co-regency between Father ans Son, like the kings of the old testament (as mentioned in previous posts), until all is accomplished and the Son hands the authority back to the Father. It's tricky. I wanted to keep this post brief so as to not bore you. But, in doing so, I think it might come across a bit argumentative/abrupt. I have come across the misunderstanding before and it ultimately comes down to our English word "God", which is singular. It causes many issues of comprehension over the Messiah and the Trinity. I hope something in my response above helps you. I hope I haven't offended you in anyway. It's not my way to outright disagree with another, unless I see the matter is clearly addressed in the Scriptures, and not fuzzy. I'm not debating for the sake of it - that's not my style. Rather, I'm offering you the truth in peace. If you do not see it as the truth, hopefully you can still receive the peace. May Yahweh bless your studies with Wisdom in the name of our Lord Yahushua. Love & Shalom

Psalm 91

"For in the heights of that world shall they dwell and they shall be made like unto the angels and be made equal to the stars, and they shall be changed into every form they desire, from beauty into loveliness, and from light into the splendour of glory." - 2 Baruch 51:10 That could be a genuine possibility Aimes!

Shalom @Yeshua153, Great post. As far as I understand, and I'm still an amateur student, there is the 1000 year reign of Messiah and THEN eternity. Therefore, within that 1000 years, anyone resurrected at the age of 100 will be only a tenth into their full life in New Jerusalem. Those in their 50s will be as if children in the grand scheme of things. With this in mind, onto your great questions... I think we will age as man used to prior to the Flood - living up to 1000 years old. That doesn't mean we will be in a toddler state for decades though! Rather, that we are in our prime for longer - showing signs of ageing much later, when we hit our 800s, for example. @Resurrection Priest can probably answer you on this one. She has shared her thoughts on the matter before in another post. I'm not sure as I haven't studied/considered the matter much. After the 1000 year reign, we will be given new bodies. We will be like the stars in Heaven, speaking of the bright glory we will have. In the apocryphal book of 2 Baruch chapter 51, it reads... "For they shall behold the world which is now invisible to them and they shall behold the time which is now hidden from them: And time shall no longer age them. For in the heights of that world shall they dwell and they shall be made like unto the angels and be made equal to the stars, and they shall be changed into every form they desire, from beauty into loveliness, and from light into the splendour of glory." Super exciting! So maybe it will be up to you how you want to be? We will, during the 1000 year reign, but as for eternity - I'm not sure. Perhaps we will take fruit from trees there for power or insight - but I don't think for sustenance as there will be no decay, loss of energy or expendable cells. Absolutely! Music is throughout the Bible. Yahweh Himself even sings over those His people (Zephaniah 3:17). There will be much music and rejoicing. So if you learn how to play and instrument, practice well, as you will take any skills you learn in this life into the next! As for sports? I don't know, but I can see it be a real possibility. Such past times will be epic with new powerful bodies and abilities. The sports of this world might actually be pretty tame compared to the next. There will definitely be relationships in New Jerusalem. As for eternity - I believe so. But it will probably be at a higher level than we could ever imagine. Perhaps there will be a oneness with all that would nullify a need for the separation of a partnership. But ultimately I don't know. Yes, in New Jerusalem for sure. They will be tame and they will be able to communicate with us like they did with Adam and Eve before the fall. How exciting! As for eternity. I'm not sure, but I should imagine so. Keep in mind, that although we are in His image, Yahweh loves all His creation - all the animals and even the very earth itself. So I have faith they will be present. Yes, I believe we will have memories. Let me explain why briefly: This world and your life is like the ultimate training ground for the real thing. You are being tried and tested and examined in this life in many ways. All the lessons you learn (including His Word) is to make you wise in the next life.... Consider Adam and Eve - they had no experience or vastness of memories dealing with pain, sin, death, His Word, the Messiah etc. The devil allured them away in their simplicity. However, after the 1000 year reign, when the devil is released to deceive again - how do you think a Kingdom of the Messiah's disciples will fare - wise from their previous lives and in His Word? Besides all this - your memories make you who you are! It's why your friends and family love you and is the basis of your relationship with Yahweh. It just doesn't make sense for Yahweh to wipe your mind like a hard drive and have you "start again". What would be the point on you running the race now? As for memories of sin? I'm not sure. Will they be gone from our minds entirely? I don't think so - it's part of our story and testimony. But I think we'll be confused as to why we done such things, after losing the sinful flesh. So, in a way, our past sins will be completely foreign to us. I hope that gives you somethings to think on. Again, great post! Love & Shalom

Shalom Jason, Thanks for the response. As this is quite a "zip file" of a subject, it's probably best I respond to each of the excellent points you raised. Yes and no. Y'Shua is ELOHIM in the flesh, but not God the Father. Again, Elohim is plural word (mor than one El) but is translated into the singular English word "God" throughout the Bible. For example, Genesis 1:1 reads "In the beginning ELOHIM created the heavens and the earth". This is like the very first testimony of the Father, Son and Spirit as one. Now, that said, Y'Shua's presence on earth was as the same as if the Father Himself was here. This is the oneness they have in heart and authority - as outlined in my post before. The Messiah is the express image of His Father and so should be respected as the Father. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was WITH God and the Word WAS God". Can you say that Jason is WITH Jason and Jason WAS Jason? But let's look at this sentence again with a Hebraic mindset... "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was WITH Elohim and the Word WAS Elohim". Y'Shua was WITH Elohim (Father and Spirit) and WAS Elohim (part of the "Godhead" or "Trinity") Consider the following. All things were created by the Word of Elohim. But who was the Word of Elohim speaking to in the opening chapters of Genesis? Perhaps Y'Shua created the world by saying to His Father "Let there be light!" and so on. Like a Son being given a new dimension to create and rule in from His Father who created it for Him and by Him. Amen. Yahweh, the Father, Son and Spirit, existed before all things and before time itself. Yes, as far as the whole universe is concerned, Y'shua is the head of all things. But as far as Y'Shua is concerned, the head above Him is the Father Yahweh, El Elyon. Don't see this as a downer on Y'Shua, see it as a escalation of the Father. The Father is above all things. But His Son rules with His authority (see my previous post about authority in ancient Israel). And also consider this verse... "Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power." - 1 Corinthians 15:24 Now, if you believe Y'Shua IS the Father, what then, does Y'Shua hand over the kingdom over to Himself? Or, if you believe the Father and Son are separate entities but without a hierarchy, then why would Y'Shua hand His power over to His Father after His work? No, the Father hands all authority over to the Son who, when all has been accomplished, will hand it back to the Father, who will then be in all and over all. Do spend time reading the New Testament very, very closely to see how Y'Shua speaks of the Father and how the apostles do. (Just one example: Y'shua isn't praying to Himself in John 17). And also pay very close attention to the Messianic prophecies in the Tanakh and you will see the Father and Son, although one and fully unified, are separate entities. If that's the right word! Again, thank you for your thoughtful post. Love & Shalom

Shalom @JasonPerkins Welcome to the forum! Amen. I agree with with you, so do a small handful of others in here! Not many, but rarely are religious majorities right. Ehh? That sounds very strange. What exactly did you hear? I've not come across that in any "Hebrew Roots Movement". I would stay away from anyone saying such things. Well, perhaps ask more on what they mean. However, my understanding and of others I know teach that Yahushua IS Elohim, with the Father. Elohim being a plural of Eloah or El (mighty one). A big issue can come from translating this word into the singular 'God' in the English language. Yes, there is a hierarchy of Father and Son, as demonstrated throughout the entire Scriptures and in the words of the Messiah Himself. However, the Son is as one with the Father and all authority is given into His hands. So just as you would bow to the Father, you will also bow to the Son. Look at it this way... In ancient Israel, when the kingdom was divided, each kingdom often had a co-regency going on. The father (the king) and the first-born son (the prince). Now, during the co-regency, anything the son would say and do would be as if the father said and done it himself. They were one in name and authority. So, in essence the prince WAS the king, although different entity to the king. In the same way, the Son of God who is the Suffering Servant and the Messiah the King, is from His Father, Yahweh. The Messiah would listen and repeat all His Father instructed Him, followed His will and prayed to and praised Him (in this way, you can see the hierarchy). But, as far as we're concerned, the Messiah rules as if the Father Himself. Again, Yahushua's words and authority have complete power, as if the Father said them Himself. They are one. This is why it is said that, if you accept the Lord Yahushua, you are not just simply accepting Him alone but the Father - as to believe the Lord is to accept WHO He is and WHERE He is from. And, anyone accepting the Father, MUST do so by the Son - who is the very image of His Father and is His anointed ruler. (To go back to the ancient kings of Israel, the father could be away and leave all the kingdom to his son and no one could approach the father without going through the son.) I hope this helps in someway and doesn't make the matter more confusing! Love & Shalom

Shalom @Eduard0, I can't vouch for this particular group, as I do not know them, but they sound correctly rooted. This is much closer than mainstream Christianity's take of "LORD" and "Jesus". That's not to say that anyone should be belittled in using those terms, but Yahuah and Yahusha are more accurate. From my own studies, I have found the Name to be Yahweh and Yahushua, but what they say is just another interpretation of the original Hebrew. To see more, go to www.faithandtheword.com/yahweh/ That is the accurate name for us according to the book of acts and prophecies running all the way back to Isaiah. There is nothing wrong with this name, other than the lack of familiarity by the mainstream and non-believers This is true - well not exactly a pagan name but a transliteration of a transliteration. There is no 'J' in Hebrew, neither any name in Hebrew or Aramaic of Jesus. You'd be wise to do your research on this. It's common knowledge even among some atheists. For a summary though, you can see Www.faithandtheword.com/messiah But my conclusion on the matter is this: despite having correct doctrine and terminology, you need to judge their fruit. Good doctrine and terminology is no excuse to not act in love, peace and patience. Yes, there is a lot of pagan practices and terms in Christianity today, but we need to move with patience and love to teach others the truth - not with name calling, divisions and aggression. May Yahweh bless your way and you seek Him in these things Love & Shalom