WE ARE QUARTODECIMANS!

It is our desire to: “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”  (Jude 1:3)

In keeping with this desire, we declare our common bond with the QUARTODECIMANS or fourteenthers of the early ekklesia. Historians tell us that this was a derogatory name that the Roman Church gave to the true believers attending the Asiatic assemblies. We are pleased to be able to draw close to the brethren of that era and accept the responsibility that goes with it. They kept the Passover during the day of the 14th. WE DO AS WELL!

They followed the truth of Numbers 28:16:  “and in the 14th day of the first month is the Passover of Yahweh.”  Their actions reflected the truth of John the Baptist, as recorded in John 1:29:  “Behold the Lamb of Yahweh which taketh away the sin of the world.”

It was the day of the 14ththat Messiah, the lamb of Yahweh, died on the tree. He was placed on the tree at 9 AM and finally died at 3 PM.

On the night of the 14th, before he died, Messiah gave his disciples a new commandment: “This do in remembrance of me.”  Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11: 24-25) The night of the 14th is when we wash each other’s feet, eat leavened bread and drink the fruit of the vine together.

We obey Messiah’s commandment to remember him on the night of the 14th. During the day of the 14th,we remember his death at 3 PM. Many of the early believers fasted during the time Messiah was on the tree, from 9 AM to 3 PM. This is not commanded but is an optional observance.

The following seven days are called the days of unleavened. (1 Corinthians 5:7-8)  These days are often referred to as being part of the feast of Passover. We keep these days as did the Quartodecimans.

We remove all leavening by noon on the 14thand eat unleavened bread until sundown on the 21st. We observe these days as the Feast of Passover.

 If you wish to submit a question or comment, please email our Elder at john12e4567@gmail.com.

THE BREAD, THE BODY, AND THE FIRSTFRUITS

The apostle Paul tells us that the Yahweh of the Old Testament was actually the Messiah. This is what he says in 1 Corinthians 10:4: “… that spiritual rock that followed them: and that rock was Messiah.”

This is confirmed in John 8:58 where Messiah himself said:  “Before Abraham was, I am.” This reference to “I am” reminds us of what Elohim said to Moses in Exodus 3:14:  “And Elohim said unto Moses, I am, that I am: and he said, thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, I am hath sent me unto you.”

Messiah was the Yahweh that created all things as Paul reminds us in Colossians 1:16:  “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible.”

The apostle John also identifies the Messiah as our Creator in John 1:3:  “All things were made by him: and without him was not anything made that was made.”

When the apostle Paul says, “all things,” he is referring to all mankind including the firstfruits. In Ephesians 1:4-5, Paul exclusively references the firstfruits:

“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.  Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by YahwehShua Messiah to himself, according to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.”

Messiah YahwehShua, also known as Yahweh Sabaoth, who later became the incarnate Yahshua Messiah, was the Yahweh of the Old Testament. The Yahweh that Moses met face-to-face was the Son. Moses never met the Father. When the translators use the word, “god,” they are mistranslating the Hebrew word, Elohim, which is a collective noun meaning the mighty ones. Elohim refers to both the Father and Son. 

Messiah YahwehShua was also the one who gave exacting instructions on how to design, construct, and what to specifically place inside the Tabernacle. You will find this in Exodus 25:40:  “And look that thou make them after their pattern which was showed thee in the mount.”  The apostle Paul confirms this in Hebrews 8:5. He tells us that Moses was “admonished” to“make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount.”

Messiah was a perfectionist. He watched over the construction of the Tabernacle very carefully. This would be the same way he created all things. Messiah had been instructed by his Father to create all things after a certain pattern. Messiah tells us this in John 8:28:  “I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.”

Everything Messiah has done, he has done with the instruction and approval of his Father. Nothing is done in a random or disorganized manner.  There is a plan that is carried out as designed and approved by the Father and Son.

In previous articles, we have written about the significance of the “pattern” given to Moses for the Tabernacle and to David for the temple. One part of the pattern not previously discussed is the veil between the holy room of the Tabernacle and the holiest room. We find a very specific reference to this veil in Exodus 26: 30 – 33:

“And thou shalt rear up the Tabernacle according to the fashion thereof which was showed the in the mount.  And then thou shalt make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made:  And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold: their hooks shall be of gold, upon the four sockets of silver.  And thou shall hang up the veil under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the veil the ark of the testimony: and the veil shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy.”

The most holy place is where the ark of covenant is located. On the ark is the Mercy seat. It is upon the Mercy seat that the Levitical high priest would sprinkle animal blood after entering this most holy place on Yom Kippurim. This Mercy seat is where Yahweh (the Son) would be present. The veil prevented the Levitical priests from having access to Messiah. Only the high priest one time per year was able to be in the Son’s presence. But with the death of Messiah this changed!

The apostle Paul gives us a very interesting revelation in Hebrews 10:18-20:  “Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.  Having therefore, brethren,boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Yahshua.  By a new and living way, which he had consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.”

Every year the Levitical high priest would enter the holy of holies to sprinkle animal blood to cover the sins of the Israelites for the year to come. This was no longer necessary with the death of Messiah. He was the true Passover lamb, and only his blood was able to absorb all the sin of mankind. With his death on the tree, he completed or finished the purpose for which he had become incarnate.

It is interesting that in the holy room was a golden table holding twelve loaves of bread. In some translations, this bread is called showbread, while others translate the Hebrew words as bread of presence. These were baked fresh each week by the Levites and consumed on the Sabbath by the priests. When the veil was torn in half, upon the death of Messiah (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15: 37-38; Luke 23:45) that bread was no longer separated from the Mercy seat. What does this mean?

Many authors believe that these twelve loaves of bread represented the twelve tribes of Israel. But did they? When the veil was torn at the time that Messiah died, the old covenant was terminated. The cessation of the old covenant would prepare the way for a new covenant that would be initiated on Pentecost. The new covenant is for the firstfruits of this age. These are the 144,000 saints that will be resurrected when Messiah returns. (Revelation 14:1) The firstfruits are the spiritual Israelites, not the physical. The bread did not represent the physical descendants of Abraham, but the saints who are the true children of the promise. (Galatians 3:29)

Why is this important? Messiah distributed twelve pieces of bread at his Last Supper on the night he was betrayed. That bread was only for the firstfruits. The disciples represented the forming of firstfruits that would begin on the Pentecost following Messiah’s death. His death would allow the firstfruits to have the opportunity to be properly baptized and begin the formation of Messiah’s Spirit within them. (Galatians 4:19) Through this means, they would be able to be in the presence of Messiah at his return. This perspective adds substance to the translation of the Hebrew as bread of presence, instead of showbread.

Prior to this new understanding, it was my belief that when Messiah broke the bread at the Last Supper, the bread represented his broken physical body. However, the Greek grammar does not support this. In Luke 22:19 we are told: “And he took the bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, this is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” The demonstrative pronoun, “this” must agree in gender with the noun it is referring to. Traditionally, “this” was thought to refer to the bread. However, “this” has a neuter ending, while the word “bread” is a masculine noun. The Greek word for body is a neuter noun. Messiah was not referring to the bread. He was actually referencing his body. This was not his physical body he was talking about, but his spiritual body. Each firstfruit would receive a portion of his spiritual body, which would then mature into a fully formed spirit and allow them to be like him. (1 John 3:2)

When a firstfruit receives the Spirit of the Father, they also receive the down payment of the Spirit of Messiah. This down payment is a part of the Spirit of Messiah that has the capability of maturing within the firstfruit. It is the fully matured spirit of Messiah that allows the firstfruit to be resurrected just as Messiah was also resurrected. 

Why do we conclude that the bread represented Messiah’s spiritual body? As the tabernacle is the physical example of the spiritual, the veil is the physical example of His physical body.  The bread is the example for his spiritual body.  The twelve loaves of showbread, or the bread of presence, and the twelve pieces of bread distributed by Messiah to his disciples all represent the firstfruits. The firstfruits were already part of the plan or pattern before the creation of the world. Messiah, the Creator, knew the firstfruits from the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1: 4) He knew from the beginning that it was not the physical Israelites that would become the firstfruits.

I have mentioned in previous articles that Messiah revealed the truth about the firstfruits in Genesis 1: 1. The King James Version translates the Hebrew of this verse in this manner:  “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” First of all, the Hebrew does not say God. The Hebrew word is actually Elohim, which means mighty ones. The first Hebrew word in this sentence is bereyshith. This word is a combination of a preposition and noun. The preposition, be, may be translated in a variety of ways such as in, for, or even for the sake of. The noun is Strong’s number 7225, which also means the firstfruit. Hebrew scholars have proposed that the preposition could mean for the sake of. When you combine these linguistic options, a better translation is:  “For the sake of the firstfruit Elohim created the heavens and earth.” From the beginning it has all been about Messiah, the firstfruit, and those who would become firstfruits by receiving a portion of his Spirit.    

It is also interesting to note that the apostle Paul wrote extensively in 1 Corinthians 12 about the body of Messiah. In chapter 11, he referred to the bread and fruit of the vine. At no time did he call this event Passover, but referred to it as the Last Supper. The body of Messiah is formed from the distribution of the portions of Messiah’s spiritual body. It required the shedding of his blood to absorb all of mankind’s sin. To shed that blood he had to die. Once his blood covered all sin, the way was open to share his Spirit with those he knew before the foundation of the world, the firstfruits or saints.

We are told in Leviticus 23:17 that the bread representing the firstfruits is leavened bread. With this insight, we are able to understand that any time bread represents the firstfruits, it must be leavened. The Pharisees changed the showbread to unleavened bread when they took control of the temple. This was a significant change implemented by the Pharisees, which allowed for a false understanding of what that bread meant. Messiah warned us in Luke 11:52 that the Pharisees were taking away the key of knowledge. They continue in this effort today!

It is also correct that the bread Messiah gave to his disciples at the Last Supper before he was betrayed was leavened. That was not a Passover meal. That Last Supper occurred 24 hours before the Jews’ Passover meal on the 15th. An excellent reference that supports this understanding is a book by T. Alex Tennent, the Messianic Feast. While his book contains some significant errors on other topics, his scholarship pertaining to the understanding of what the Last Supper really was is excellent. 

The body of Messiah is poorly understood and not emphasized enough. The body of Messiah is a very special assembly of those who have the spiritual body of Messiah being formed from within. It is only by being baptized in the name of YahwehShua that one is allowed to become a functional member of the body of Messiah. The birth name of Messiah, in any form, is not valid. It is the name of Yahweh that provides salvation. Messiah inherited the more excellent name of his Father after he died. (Hebrews 1:4; Psalms 148:13) The firstfruits will be resurrected in the name of the Father and Son, YahwehShua.  (Revelation 14:1)

The correct understanding of the Last Supper is exciting and necessary. Firstfruits are commanded to remember Messiah on the night of the 14th of Abib. Now you are able to know why. The bread he distributed was consistent with the pattern established by Yahweh before the foundation of the world.

The spiritual body of Messiah is not based on race, gender, or social status. (Galatians 3:28) The calling comes from the Father. (John 6:44) You are able to reject His calling. But, should you choose to accept that calling and be baptized in the name of YahwehShua, you must then overcome to the end. An important aspect of overcoming is becoming a fruitful member of the body of Messiah.  Firstfruits are commanded to assemble together and encourage each other. (Hebrews 10:25) Loving the other members of the body is necessary and the lack of that love is a significant warning sign. (1 John 3:14)

There is more to being in the better resurrection than just being baptized. Your participation in the body of Messiah is an important opportunity for growth and is a gauge of your success in the process of overcoming. The body of Messiah is where you can practice love as revealed in 1 Corinthians 13. This is also where you can demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 6:22)

If this article and this website is of interest to you, this may indicate that you are being called. Please contact us to find out if we can be of assistance in your desire to become a firstfruit. Once you are a firstfruit, you will have the mind of Messiah being formed within you. This will greatly increase your understanding and allow you to more effectively search the Scriptures.  You must overcome your carnality and take on the Spirit of Messiah. (Romans 8:7-10)

 If you wish to submit a question or comment, please email our Elder at john12e4567@gmail.com.

THIS DO IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME

 We find this new commandment given by Messiah in Luke 22:19 and confirmed by Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:24-25. Messiah gave this commandment following the supper he had on the night that he was betrayed. First, he washed the disciples’ feet, then he gave them leavened bread to represent his spiritual body, and then the fruit of the vine to represent his blood. This was not a celebration of Passover. The fruit of the vine represented His death that had to occur to make possible the giving of the Spirit on Pentecost. The leavened bread represents the distribution of his spiritual body beginning with Pentecost.  The Jewish Passover, John 6:4, was 24 hours later on the night of Abib 15.

Messiah was the Passover lamb. (1 Corinthians 5:7; John 1:29) He was slain from the foundation of the world. (Revelation 13:8)  The night he was betrayed was before he was to die on the tree at 3 PM during the daylight portion of the 14th of Abib. It would have been against the rules of the Pharisees to have Passover that night. The leaven was not required to be removed until noon on the 14th so the bread he gave to his disciples was leavened NOT unleavened.

It is of note that the bread of the firstfruits is leavened bread. (Leviticus 23:17) Following his resurrection, Messiah was to become a firstfruit of them that slept. (1 Corinthians 15:20) He was giving a new commandment to his disciples, who would become firstfruits after receiving the Spirit of the Father and the down payment of His Spirit on Pentecost. This gathering, on the night Messiah was betrayed, was a convocation of those who were to be the firstfruits of the new covenant. 

Messiah’s death would end the old covenant and initiate the new covenant. There would be some changes. Circumcision of the flesh would no longer be required. It was now to be a circumcision without hands or baptism. The Passover of the 15th of Abib was from the old covenant. The firstfruits or saints would now remember his death that would occur on the 14th. They would follow his commandment to remember him on the evening of the 14th with foot washing, leavened bread and fruit of the vine. 

Under the old covenant, Yom Kippurim was required every year to cover the sins of Israel temporarily with animal blood. The new covenant ended this annual necessity for the Levitical high priest to enter the holy of holies with animal blood. Messiah sacrificed himself one time and the sins of all mankind were covered. (Hebrews 10: 10-11)

Those who are baptized in the name of YahwehShua become firstfruits, and if they overcome to the end will be resurrected when Messiah returns. The rest of mankind will be resurrected after the 1000-year reign of Messiah. We are resurrected because the firstfruits have Messiah being formed within them (Galatians 4:19) and in the resurrection we will be like him. (1 John 3:2)  

Under the old covenant, Passover was to be a “memorial” for the day the Israelites were preserved and the first-born Egyptians died in their place. (Exodus 12:14) The new covenant replaced this memorial with a new memorial given by Messiah on the evening of the 14th. A synonym for remembrance is the word memorial. The old covenant Passover memorial is an event that saves only the physical Israelites.  The new memorial instituted on the night before Messiah died on the tree, looked forward to the sacrifice he would make the next day. That sacrifice was made for the whole world and not just the Israelites.  The shedding of his blood gave salvation to many and life to all. No human beings would be left in death. All would be reconciled and resurrected to life!

The keeping of the old covenant Passover had been required.  That Passover meal was eaten on the night of the 15th.  Messiah was the Word that brought the old covenant Passover to the Israelites.  He is also the one that brought the last supper memorial to the firstfruits on the night of the fourteenth.  The events that occurred on the 15th and the 14th were commandments proclaimed by the Son of Yahweh.  The firstfruits are commanded to observe the fourteenth as well as the seven days of the feast of unleavened bread, which is also known as the feast of Passover

The memorial or remembrance required on the 14th is a commandment personally given by Messiah. John records Messiah saying this about his commandments in John 14:15:  “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”  Also consider these words recorded in John 14:21: “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”

Should you desire to be obedient to Messiah, and therefore his Father, you may wish to know how to properly “remember Him.”  The old covenant requirement is changed. It is no longer the 15th,but the 14th. It is no longer unleavened bread, but leavened bread. This is where we must become like the Bereans and search the Scriptures. (Acts 17: 11) We should not just accept what we have been told.

If you have read the other articles on our website, you are aware that we do not just accept the birth name of Messiah for a valid baptism. We have read Deuteronomy 29:20 and 21:23, which indicate that he who dies in sin will have his name blotted out. He became a curse for us and suffered in our place. (Galatians 3:13) We have also learned more about the night Messiah ate his last supper with the disciples.

You must pray to Yahweh for his truth and search the Scriptures. We are blessed with many aids to conduct an effective Bible study. I especially like Strong’s Concordance and the Companion Bible. The Diaglott and Rotherham’s Emphasized Bible are also very helpful. 

Another book we have found especially helpful is, The Messianic Feast, by T. Alex Tennent. He certainly is a scholar, but Yahweh has not revealed to him the truth about the Father’s and Son’s names. He also believes in a Sunday resurrection and Thursday death of Messiah. These are significant differences from what we believe and there may be other examples as well.  Read carefully and question what you read. But, his study of why the last supper on the night of the fourteenth is NOT the Passover is excellent. He demonstrates in so many ways why it was not a Passover meal and the bread was leavened. His study harmonizes with our understanding of the new covenant. Please pray to Yahweh for guidance as you read and study this book. Any questions or comments would be helpful and we would be happy to respond to them. May Yahweh guide you in the study.

Since our forming of the Light of YahwehShua, we have continued to develop a deeper understanding of the new covenant. As you read our articles, you can follow our journey into this better understanding. Passover, the days of unleavened bread, and Pentecost are very important. We will continue to search the Scriptures. It is our desire to, “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 1: 3)

Please walk with us in an effort to draw closer to Yahweh and YahwehShua. We welcome your questions. It is acceptable to have questions and concerns. That is expected. If you are being called to the body of Messiah, then this is an exciting opportunity we wish to share with you.

May Yahweh bless your efforts.

ADDENDUM:

In 2019, the 14thof Abib begins at sunset on April 19, and ends at sundown on April 20. After sundown on the evening of the fourteenth (April 19), the firstfruits in St Louis have a gathering where we pray, read Messiah’s words from the Last Supper, wash each other’s feet, eat leavened bread, drink grape juice and close with a song. In this manner we remember Messiah’s death on the day of the 14th.

It is our understanding that the early believers would fast while Messiah was on the tree (from 9 AM to 3 PM).  This is not commanded, but is a voluntary observance.

The early believers kept the days of unleavened bread, but not the Passover on the 15th. The 15th is a high day and we do observe this with a service. The last day of unleavened bread is also a high day and we observe that as such. From noon on the 14thuntil sundown on the 21stday of Abib (April 26-27) we eat unleavened bread.

We begin to count toward Pentecost (Shavuoth) on the day after the weekly Sabbath during the days of unleavened bread. (April 21-22) This is also the day of the wavesheaf offering. Seven weekly Sabbaths later plus one day is Pentecost. (50 days, June 8-9)

We remember or memorialize the death of Messiah on the 14th, but do not celebrate a Passover on the 15th. The Passover observance is for the physical Israelites. Messiah was the Passover lamb who was slain from the foundation of the world for our sins. It was his blood that allows the firstfruits to receive the Father’s Spirit and the rest of mankind to be resurrected and not left in death.

 If you wish to submit a question or comment, please email our Elder at john12e4567@gmail.com.

Should YOU be "in YAHWEHSHUA"?

What does it mean to be “in YahwehShua“?  To become in YahwehShua, you must follow the directions of the apostle Peter given in Acts 2:38:  “Then Peter said unto them, repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of YahwehShua Messiah for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

By being baptized in the name of salvation, YahwehShua, you avail yourself to receiving the down payment of the Spirit of Messiah. The Spirit of the Father is a free gift. (1 Corinthians 2:10-12) You must receive this Spirit before you are able to develop the Spirit of Messiah. The Spirit of the Father is only the beginning. Paul tells us this in Romans 8:9:  “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Messiah, he is none of his.”

The name, YahwehShua, is the name of both the Father and Son. It is this name that the firstfruits or saints have in their foreheads when they are standing on Mount Zion after being resurrected. The name of Yahweh has always been the name of salvation (Joel 2:32) and has always been the more excellent name. (Psalms 148:13) The Son inherited his Father’s more excellent name. (Hebrews 1:4) This name of salvation is the name of both the Father and Son. There is NO other name by which we are saved. (Acts 4: 12)

Messiah’s birth name, Yahshua, was blotted out upon his death. This was foretold in Deuteronomy 29:20. For more understanding of the significance of the blotting out of his name, please review our previous articles as well as these additional scriptures: Deuteronomy 21:23 and Galatians 3:13. You must have the inherited name to enter the race for the better resurrection. The birth name is defiled and voided. It is worthless for baptism. The ONLY valid name for baptism is YahwehShua. It is by this name only that you can become “in YahwehShua.”

To be in the better resurrection when Messiah returns, you must have the fully formed Spirit of Messiah at the time of your death. (Galatians 4:19) By being in this resurrection, you will have all the benefits of belonging to Messiah. These include not having to experience the second death, being assured of living in the kingdom and always being in the presence of Messiah. You will be like him. This is being in YahwehShua. 

Why is this important? If you are being called, then to successfully respond to this opportunity, you must be baptized in the inherited name, not the birth name of Messiah. Only the Father can call you. (John 6:44)  But only you can decide how you respond.

Why is it important to select the correct name? The Scriptures come from Yahweh. Consider what the apostle John tells us in John 14:15:  “If ye love me keep my Commandments.”  The apostle Peter’s declaration in Acts 2:38 was given to him by the inspiration of the Father’s Holy Spirit. This is also true of what Moses teaches us in Deuteronomy 21:23 and 29:20. The apostle Paul Is also inspired to teach us about the curses, which are consistent with what Moses teaches as well. Should you ignore the scriptures and decide to accept baptism in the wrong name, then you have chosen not to keep Yahweh’s Commandments. This is not love.

Is love important? Let’s consider first Corinthians 13:2:  “And though I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries, and all of knowledge; and though I have all faith so that I could move mountains, and have not love[agape G26, noun] I am nothing.”

Accepting the truth as revealed by the Father and responding by being baptized in his son’s resurrected name is an act of love. Love is a demonstration of obedience. Luke educates us on what happens when we obey the Scriptures of Yahweh in Acts 5:32:  “And we are his witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, whom Yahweh has given them that obey him.” Without obeying the Father, we will not receive His Spirit. It is only through receiving His Spirit that we are able to receive the down payment of Messiah’s Spirit.  It is by the possession of the fully formed Spirit of Messiah that allows the firstfruits to be resurrected when Messiah returns.   This requires time and obedience.

Baptism in the revealed, resurrected name of Messiah is an act of obedience and love. When you demonstrate your love and therefore obedience, the Holy Spirit is freely given to you. (Acts 8:17-18) it is only through the giving of the Father’s Holy Spirit that a firstfruit is able to receive the down payment of Messiah’s Spirit. It is the possession of Messiah’s Spirit that will enable the firstfruit to be resurrected when Messiah returns.

You have a choice. You can continue to believe that you don’t need to be baptized in the inherited name. Perhaps you been baptized in a birth name of Messiah. However, we have learned in 1 Corinthians 13 that prophetic ability, understanding mysteries, having all knowledge and faith is not enough. You must have love. Baptism in the inherited name of YahwehShua and overcoming into the better resurrection is the ultimate act of love. It is your love for Yahweh and also  Yahweh’s love toward you.

Many who contact us are seeking information. Often they are impressed with the insight gained from our website. However, most are not willing to take the step toward baptism. They are unwilling to accept the love of Yahweh through his revelation to them. This is despite His promise given to us in Philippians 4:13: “I  [you]can do all things through Messiah which strengtheneth me.” 

The members of the Light of YahwehShua are not here to evangelize the world and especially not to judge the world. (1 Corinthians 5:12) We are here to receive those the Father is calling. If you are reading our website and are interested in contacting us, then this could be your calling. Please do not squander this opportunity!

Those who are successfully baptized in the name of YahwehShua become members of the body of Messiah. They are not alone. We are all brothers and sisters in the faith. We are called to love each other as Messiah has love for each of us. We become family. We are able to learn and grow together. The elders are servants of the body and are called to build the body not harm it. (Ephesians 4:11-12) Our members have seen examples in prior groups where the elders take advantage of their position. You will not find that here.

The Father is calling you because He believes in you. Are you able to believe in him? Once you are baptized “in YahwehShua“ you will no longer be just a carnal person. You will be developing the mind of Messiah (1 Corinthians 2:16) and will be able to seek constant help from the Father through the acceptable name of YahwehShua. (John 15:16) You will have the key of knowledge (Luke 11:12) and salvation will be available to you.

Please consider giving the Father and Son the opportunity to demonstrate their love for you. Their love is true love. Contact us to find out how we can be of assistance. Remember, 1 Corinthians 13:13:  “and now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

Addendum for further study:

Pray to Yahweh for His truth. In your study and meditation, please consider these Scriptures. They will amplify your understanding about the significance and benefits of being in YahwehShua.

Romans 8:1

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Messiah YahwehShua, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Romans 8:39

“Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of Yahweh, which is in Messiah YahwehShua, our Sovereign.”

And these:

First Corinthians 4: 10, 15; 5:4; 15:19, 22, 31

Second Corinthians 1:21; 2: 14, 17; 3:14; 13:5

Galatians 2:4, 20

First Thessalonians 2:14

Second Timothy 1: 1, 13; 2:1; 3:15

Philemon 1:6

 If you wish to submit a question or comment, please email our Elder at john12e4567@gmail.com.

Are YOU Being Called for the "Better Resurrection"?

Christian tradition and theologians teach a lot about going to either heaven or hell after death. They don’t really talk about what the Bible actually says. Ecclesiastes 9:5 describes what really happens after we die: “the dead know not anything”. When you read the Scriptures in the original language, they do not talk about a place called hell.  This is a concept created from poor translations and hidden agendas. 

The Scriptures tell us that, “no man hath ascended up to heaven”.  (John 3: 13)  Revelation 21: 10 further says, “that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from Yahweh.”In fact, we are told there will be new heavens and a new earth. (2 Peter 3:13) Yahweh brings his kingdom down to a new earth. What we ALL have in common is death and resurrection.

We find the reference to a “better resurrection” in Hebrews 11:35. Since this confirms the existence of at least one resurrection, there must be another resurrection that is not as good. The better resurrection occurs when Messiah returns. This resurrection is only for the firstfruits or saints. This is a resurrection to spirit life.

The next resurrection comes after the completion of the 1000-year reign of Messiah. (Revelation 20:5) This is a resurrection to physical life. These physical human beings must face their judgment. Those who receive Yahweh’s Spirit and bear fruit will qualify to be transformed into the new heavens and earth. The remaining physical beings will be cast into the lake of fire or the second death. (Revelation 20:14)  They will eventually be accepted into the new heavens and earth.

The better resurrection means that the saints or firstfruits do not have to face a second death. They will have spirit bodies and be with Messiah forever. When they enter the new heavens and earth, they will live in the kingdom of Yahweh. Those human beings from the second resurrection who do not go through the second death will also be in the kingdom of Yahweh. Those who come into the new heavens and earth from the second death live outside the kingdom of Yahweh. (Revelation 22: 15)  

What I have just told you is actually found in the Scriptures. If you pray to Yahweh for truth, and allow the Scriptures to speak for themselves, you can also discover what I just told you. The world is full of deception and the only source of truth Is Yahweh.

Many people who contact us find our website interesting, but they are unable to emphasize their devotion to Yahweh over their relationship to their physical families.  Yahweh should take first place.  This is why Yahweh recommends marriage between believers, as in the scripture, 2 Corinthians 6:14. As some learn more about being “in YahwehShua”, they are often afraid to accept the commitment that is required once they are baptized.

These encounters have often caused me to remember the rich young man who came to Messiah. We are introduced to him in Matthew 19:16:  “And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?“ Messiah answered his question, but verse 22 reveals the sad outcome of that interaction: “But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.”  The rich young man was so enslaved to his possessions he could not answer the calling that he was receiving. Are you enslaved to this world?

Are you being called but are afraid to consider the challenge that you may face if you choose to accept your calling? You are not alone! Consider the parable of the sower Messiah shared with us in Matthew 13. We are told about what happens to seed when it is cast upon the ground. The seed represents the calling from Yahweh. This calling can only come from the Father Yahweh. (John 6:44) He calls only those whom he has selected. Remember, what we are told in Matthew 22:14: “For many are called but few are chosen.”

The parable of the sower reveals the failure rate of this calling. Most of the seed falls in the wayside, stony place or are among the thorns. The good seed takes root and produces fruit. There was a three out of four failure rate. Only 25% of those called successfully responded.

Many of those who contact our website are confused about our true destiny after death. We all have to die. (Hebrews 9: 27) But we will not ALL be in the same resurrection. There are two resurrections that we must be concerned about. The first resurrection occurs when Messiah returns. (1 Corinthians 15:23) This is for those who are called, chosen, and have overcome.

The rest of mankind will be resurrected after the thousand years. All mankind will be resurrected in either the first or second resurrection. Not one human being is lost. Notice what Paul tells us in first Corinthians 15:22:  “For as in Adam ALL die, even so in Messiah shall ALL be made alive.“ I have boldened the word all because no human being is overlooked. ALL will be resurrected and eventually enter the new heavens and earth.

During this present age, the Father, Yahweh, is only calling certain people. (John 6:44) We cannot choose to be called. Our calling is decided only by the Father. We ARE able to choose to respond if called.

The first resurrection is the better resurrection. (Hebrews 11:35) Why is this better? The firstfruits in this resurrection will not experience the second death. They will die no more. The second death is the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:14) This is not the fabled eternal fire of damnation.  This is for those who were called during the second resurrection, but did not overcome. They had to die again before being resurrected into the new heavens and earth. 

Messiah said: “I am the resurrection”(John 11:25) He died so that ALL mankind will be resurrected. Death is going to be destroyed. (1 Corinthians 15:26) There will be no death in the new heavens and earth. The world has been so deceived that it thinks that Yahweh is not powerful enough to save all mankind. The apostle Paul refutes this false assumption in 1 Timothy 2:4- 5:  “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of Yahweh our Saviour:  Who will have all men to be saved, and to come into the knowledge of the truth.“

Yahweh will have all men transformed from this material creation to the special creation of the new heavens and earth. (2 Peter 2:13; Revelation 21:1) Not one human is left behind. All will be resurrected, but according to the order established by Yahweh.

The firstfruits, those who are being called during this age, will experience the better resurrection. They will not die again. They will be with Messiah for 1000 years prior to the final judgment of the rest of mankind. They will be priests and kings (Revelation 1:6 & 5:10) in the kingdom of Yahweh and will always be with Messiah.

The rest of mankind who are resurrected after the thousand years will be given the Spirit of Yahweh and have the opportunity to be “in YahwehShua”. Should they overcome “in YahwehShua“, they will not be cast into the lake of fire. Those who reject this opportunity and go into the lake of fire will eventually live in the new heavens and earth. However, they will reside outside the kingdom of Yahweh. Every person who dwells in the new heavens and earth will no longer experience the consequences of sin, disease, or death.

For many of those who contact us this can be a very difficult subject. No one wants to cause separation with their loved ones.  A good family relationship is desirable, but you must consider your allegiance to Yahweh’s family as primary. Yahweh has a plan for each person and life is His final judgment. Death is destroyed. We must each approach our own way on our own merits. What we decide cannot be applied to someone else. But upon reflection, I would think that it would be more desirable to have a close relationship with the Messiah, our Creator, and be with him for eternity in the kingdom of Yahweh.

Don’t allow your calling to be left by the wayside, made impotent by the stony ground or be killed by the weeds. These are only metaphors for the cares and worries of the world. To take advantage of our calling, we must be willing to come out of the world.

During the month of October, we observe the feast of trumpets or shouting. This is the first high day in the seventh Hebrew month. (Leviticus 23:24; Hebrews 6:2) This day represents the return of Messiah and the resurrection of the firstfruits. Revelation 14:1 indicates there will be only 144,000 who successfully complete their calling and are in the better resurrection.

The Light of YahwehShua is not here to evangelize the world. We are here to be of service to those who want to take advantage of their calling from the Father. We are the body of Messiah that desires to build up the body and support its members.

We are approaching the end time. Difficult days lie ahead. The beast will overcome us as well as the two witnesses who are our brethren.  (Revelation 11: 3)  We will all stand firm and die in YahwehShua.

How will you respond to your calling? You may contact us for more information. Should you wish to accept your calling and bear fruit, you must first be baptized in the name of YahwehShua.

After baptism you will need the support and strength of the body of Messiah. This is only the beginning. There is much to learn. But, we are here to help. You are under no obligation to us, but you do have one to the Father. The Father calls and the Son chooses. (John 15:16)

Once baptized in the name of YahwehShua, your judgment begins. As a baptized member of the body, you become part of the house of Yahweh.  As part of the house of Yahweh, you will be undergoing your judgment. (1 Peter 4:17) The rest of the world will not be judged until after their resurrection. Should you overcome you will have a truly “better” resurrection to look forward to.

Yahweh has a plan for all mankind. To really gain more understanding about this plan, you must first be baptized in YahwehShua and become part of the body of Messiah. The reward is magnificent however, “we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of Yahweh.” (Acts 14:22) But Paul gives us hope in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Messiah which strengtheneth me.”  Messiah gives us this very personal hope in Hebrews 13:5: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

Are you interested?

 If you wish to submit a question or comment, please email our Elder at john12e4567@gmail.com.