A Deeper Understanding During the Feast of Weeks

Editor’s Note:

This article is a previously unpublished article by the late Elder Bob Bondurant.

According to Deuteronomy 16:3, unleavened bread is the bread of affliction.

What affliction? Yahweh tells us this in Exodus 3:7:

“And Yahweh said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows.”

Stephen quoted this scripture in Acts 7:34:

“I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.”

Yahweh had listened and now he was sending in the man he selected to provide relief for his people.

Yahweh does not ignore his people when they are afflicted. This understanding is very important to the development of our trust in him and the obedience that we choose to show him.  Let us review some scriptures.

Psalm 22:24

For he has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him, but when he cried unto him, he heard.

Genesis 16:11

Yahweh hath heard my affliction.

Genesis 29:32

Yahweh has looked upon my affliction.

Genesis 31:42

Elohim hath seen my affliction.

Exodus 4:31

He had looked upon their affliction.

2 Samuel 1:11

Yahweh will look upon my affliction.

2 Kings 14:26

For Yahweh saw the affliction of Israel…

Psalms 9:13

Oh Yahweh, consider my trouble. (affliction)

Psalm 25:18 

Look upon my affliction and my pain…

Psalm 31:7

For thou hast considered my trouble. (affliction)

Psalm 107:41

Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction and maketh him families like a flock.

Psalms 119:50

This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

There are other relevant scriptures. These are sources of comfort and assurance that Yahweh neither slumbers nor sleeps.

The bread of affliction is especially relevant to the Jews’ Passover (John 2:13; 11: 55) given their history of affliction. As Yahweh acknowledged their affliction and he delivered them, he will do the same for his firstfruits.

Under the old covenant, unleavened bread was a representation of physical affliction suffered by the Israelites.

Under the new covenant, the unleavened bread has a new significance. Our focus is not on affliction but the fulfillment of a prophecy found in Psalms 16:10:

“For thou wilt not leave my soul (life) in hell; (grave) neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”

What is meant here by corruption? Another word for corruption is decay. The first step to decay in the human body is fermentation. Leavened bread is produced by the fermentation of the yeast. By not using yeast in the making of dough one produces unleavened bread. By eating unleavened bread for seven days we are acknowledging that the prophecy in Psalms has been fulfilled. During this first week of the feast of weeks, Messiah’s body did not experience decay while he was in the tomb; a significant example of Yahweh’s power and reliability. Because he took care of the Messiah, the firstfruit, he will also take care of us. 

The firstfruit is able to view the living bread in a different way. The bread of affliction is a natural phenomenon. Our understanding of what the absence of the leaven signifies is more of a spiritual understanding. This is consistent with what Paul tells us in first Corinthians 15:46:  “Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.” The old covenant presents truth using examples common to the human experience. As an example, there is circumcision of the flesh, animal sacrifices, and a human priesthood. The new covenant expresses truth through spiritual examples such as circumcision of the heart, earnest (or down payment) of the Spirit, and the formation of the Spirit of Messiah. 

Let us take a look at the concept of leaven. The conventional teaching is that leaven represents sin. However, there is no scripture to support this teaching.

When the Messiah addressed the issue of leaven with the disciples, they thought he was talking about bread. He quickly corrected their misunderstanding. This exchange is found in Matthew 16:11: “How is it that you do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that you should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees?”

 This is a good time to introduce what Messiah taught us in Matthew 15:11:

“Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth man.”  In Matthew 16:11 Messiah was talking about teachings and not bread. In this scripture he is not concerned about what you are eating but how you are thinking and therefore speaking. We as firstfruits, must be more concerned about what goes into our brain and less about what goes into our mouth. We are surrounded by false teachings. The Bible is a significant source of those teachings because of translator errors. Those errors are compounded by those who teach from those errors. We are called to be different.

 As an example, let’s take a look at first Corinthians 5:8:  “Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened (bread) of sincerity and truth.”  There is actually no reference to bread. This is not what Paul said. The addition was made by a translator. This reference to bread is a corrupting influence. This is why Messiah was more concerned about doctrine or teachings than bread. During the feast of unleavened bread and the feast of weeks, we must be more concerned about getting rid of false teachings and taking in the pure teachings of Messiah.

 Messiah also referred to leaven as a representation for the kingdom of heaven. 

(Matthew 13:33) Leaven itself is neither good or bad. It can represent either one. Its meaning is based on what you are speaking about. There is no scripture that says leaven is sin. Messiah did recognize the power of leaven. A little leaven  leaveneth the whole lump. (Galatians 5:9) Satan was discovered with iniquity and from that one being it spread throughout the angels and mankind. Leaven can be representative of good or evil. 

 As firstfruits we have to seek to become more like Messiah and less like our carnal nature. Eventually the down payment of the Spirit of Messiah will result in a new creature in the resurrection. A small amount of Messiah’s Spirit will have a powerful effect on us. But also a small amount of sin can grow and take over one’s nature. If you quench Messiah’s Spirit, the sin and our carnal nature will become supreme.

 Something that contributes to the lack of understanding by the majority of the world is the fact that Messiah spoke in parables. This was prophesied in Psalm 78:2:  “I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of all:”  This prophecy is fulfilled in Matthew 13:34-35:

 “All these things spoke Yahshua unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not to them:  That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.”

 Why did the Messiah choose to speak in parables? He provides this answer for us in Matthew 13:11:  “Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.” Messiah spoke this to his disciples. He concealed the meaning of his words to the multitudes, those who were not called to understand them at that time.

 Today, we find that he continues to speak in parables to the world. He reveals his truth only to those who are called as firstfruits. The firstfruits have the ability to understand things that have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

 All who were baptized in the name of Yahwehshua and overcome to the end as firstfruits were chosen before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4) It was known at that time he would speak to the firstfruits in a certain manner. He often used bread as a subject of his parables. The world has not understood the true meaning of the bread he gave to his disciples on the night he was betrayed. They have not understood even the significance of the unleavened bread eaten for seven days during the first week of Shavuoth or feast of weeks. But we are called to know these things and must study to be approved.

 The physical Israelites were given some understanding of the meaning of Passover and the days of unleavened bread. For them it is all about their experience in Egypt and their departure. But there is a more complete understanding that has been given to those the Father has called and given the down-payment of his Son’s Spirit. 

 This is why the apostle John called the night of the 15th of the first month, the Jews’ Passover. The firstfruits are more able to understand the significance of those days. But to truly understand the difference between these days under the old covenant versus under the new covenant, one must completely leave the old covenant and embrace the truth of the new covenant.

The bread Messiah gave the disciples on the night in which he was betrayed was leavened. We have previously discussed this. What should the use of unleavened bread for seven days signify for the firstfruits?

For those under the old covenant it is all about the Israelites escape from Egypt. Deuteronomy 16:3 taught us that the unleavened bread should be known as the bread of affliction. Yahweh heard their cries for help and to relieve their affliction he sent Moses to deliver them. 

 But there is a deeper meaning for the firstfruits concerning the consumption of unleavened bread during the seven days following Messiah’s death. There is a prophecy in Psalms 16:10 that enhances our understanding:  “For thou wilt not leave my soul (life) in hell (grave): neither will thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”  This verse is also quoted in Acts 2:7 and 13:35. Messiah did have to die, but it was prophesied that his body would not decay or experience any corruption. 

Why is this prophecy revealed in the first week of the feast of weeks? It is a biological fact that leaven is a substance that produces fermentation. Fermentation is the first step in the putrefaction or decomposition of organic matter. Messiah said he was the bread of life. (John 6:48)  Leavened bread is produced by the fermentation of leaven in the dough. When the leaven is removed, it is not able to ferment or decompose the bread. Since Messiah’s body was prophesied not to decay, then the choice of unleavened bread was a profound symbol of that fulfilled prophecy.

 The Jews eat unleavened bread during those days as a reminder of the affliction their forefathers suffered. The firstfruits keep these days as a reminder that the prophecy about Messiah was fulfilled. This should also be a comfort for us because what Yahweh promises he does. He is faithful. This is important for all firstfruits to know and understand. We are basing our spiritual futures on truth revealed in Deuteronomy 29:20 and confirmed in Hebrews 1:4. As Deuteronomy 29:20 is true, so is Psalm 16: 10. As Hebrews 1:4 is true, so are Acts 2: 27 and 13:35. 

 Now, do we as firstfruits eat unleavened bread for seven days? Why not? We actually ate leavened bread on the night of the 14th. We should eat unleavened bread for seven days. Do we need to get rid of the leaven as do the Jews? That is not part of our understanding. The Jews believe they are putting sin out of their lives. They consider leaven to represent sin. We eat unleavened bread to acknowledge the lack of decay that Messiah’s body experienced. There is no need for us to chase down every bit of leaven. By consuming unleavened bread, we are confirming that we acknowledge that Yahweh was faithful.

 The new covenant understanding that we have comes through the indwelling Spirit of Messiah and is very powerful. It opens our eyes to the many truths that are found in the Scriptures. Those without the Spirit of Messiah are blinded. As we embrace the new covenant and grow in grace and knowledge, more will be revealed. We have already written about the day of coverings, feast of tabernacles, the church versus the ecclesia, age-abiding versus eternal, hell versus the grave, and the fact that the name of Yahweh is hidden in most translations. 

 Is there even a deeper understanding to the days of unleavened bread then just the significance of Messiah’s body not experiencing corruption?  Yes, of course. As we grow in grace and the knowledge and as the Spirit of Messiah matures within us we will learn more than we know now. But we first must break through the blindness of our carnal nature.

 Our minds have been so polluted by the deceptions in the world. The Bible translations have corrupted our understanding. This is why we are so amazed at how few firstfruits will be in the resurrection when Messiah returns.

 The mistranslated words, altered passages and the false teaching of the world’s religions are very distracting. We have what we know now only through the calling of the Father and the inspiration of Messiah’s Spirit.

 The book, THE MESSIANIC FEAST, by T. Alex Tennent and the other reference works we have to better understand the Bible are a gift from Yahweh. He has given us the tools we have to lead us into a better understanding. However, we are expected to pray for truth and study to be approved. Consider carefully what we are told in Hebrews 5: 13-14:  “For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.  But strong meat belong to them that are of full age, even those who reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

The firstfruits must leave the milk of the old covenant and embrace the meat of the new covenant. YahwehShua is the mediator of the new covenant. (Hebrews 12:24) We must focus on going beyond the old covenant and seeking the deeper truths of the new. This is expected of us, it is not just an option.

 The Bible is not the Scripture of Yahweh. It is a source of significant deception. The Bible translations promote false understanding and teachings. They introduce a powerful leaven that deceives the world.  You must go to Yahweh for truth, be baptized in the name of YahwehShua and study like a Berean. 

 Consider these words found in Matthew 7:13-14:  “Enter ye in at the strait gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth onto life, and few there be that find it.”

MARRIAGE & DIVORCE

Marriage and divorce are very controversial subjects. Many denominations have taught that marrying someone who is divorced is adultery. Some denominations even recommend breaking up with your second wife and children and going back to the first, which contradicts the various teachings from our Creator.  No doubt, our Creator prefers that once you get married, you stay married, no matter what the cost, “let not man put asunder” (Mark 10:9). When He returns at the Seventh Trumpet as a bridegroom, He is going to select his bride or wife, (144,000 saints) place them in a spiritual body, and they will be with the resurrected Messiah from that point forward, and there never will be a divorce. 

Genesis, chapter 2:24 says, “A man shall leave his parents and cleave to his wife [not wives] and the two shall become one flesh.”  This scripture shows that our Creator intended for us to have one wife and when we become one flesh and are married, we have one purpose that we share. When the scripture says “they are one,” it does not mean that they are same; it means they have the same purpose.  In Exodus, chapter 34:16, the Israelites are instructed not to marry the heathen (the unbelievers). thus our Creator wants you to marry someone that is a believer.  Paul makes it clear if your spouse, and your children are unbelievers, you are to stay married and they will be set apart or sanctified because of your faith (1 Corinthians 7:14). 

Deuteronomy, chapter 24:1-4, contains the law of marriage and divorce.  Husbands that divorced their wives because of the hardness of their hearts were to give the woman a written bill of divorce, Matthew 19:1-12.  This was to protect the woman so that if that woman ended up with another man after her verbal divorce that first husband could become extremely jealous and say that she is committing adultery and should be stoned to death.  Instead, the woman could produce a written bill of divorcement to keep this from happening.  The law (Deuteronomy 24:1-4) also said that if a man divorces his wife, and gives her a written bill of divorcement, she is able to go out and marry a new husband. However, if her second husband gives her a written bill of divorcement, it is an abomination (horrible sin) for her to go back to her first husband. That is to say, it is a significant sin, but with true repentance, our Creator will forgive and forget.  But even when you are forgiven, you may still receive some punishment. King David committed adultery as well as premeditated murder, and as a result of his sins, the innocent child from his and Bathsheba’s encounter died.  

 In Deuteronomy 24:5, a new husband and wife have the benefit that the man does not have to go to war for up to a year, which would allow children, should he later be killed in war.  This gives them time to be “fruitful and multiply” as our Creator wants (Genesis 1:28).   

Nehemiah, chapter 13:23 says that the Jews married strange wives (that is unbelievers).  Our Creator, warned against this because unbelievers had different so-called false “gods”.  In Nehemiah 13:26, “did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things” i.e., have a number of wives that were unbelievers and worshipped so-called gods, i.e., false gods, graven images, idols.  In the book of Ezra 10:10-20, they were told to separate themselves from strange wives.  Some groups wrongly use this scripture as an out, that they may get divorced because they made a mistake and married an unbeliever.  However, Ezra and Nehemiah did not have the benefit of Paul’s teaching in the New Testament where he makes it clear that once you are called, baptized and have hands laid on you, that you have to continue in the marriage, even if your wife is an unbeliever. The reason for this is that your unbelieving wife and children are sanctified, (1 Corinthians 7: 1-10) i.e., set apart through your marriage, whereas if you divorced your unbelieving wife, they would be unsanctified.  Paul makes it clear that after you are called and repent, (1 Corinthians 7:17-24) your past sins are forgiven.  But, if the unbeliever leaves, i.e., divorces you, then you are not bound in such cases. 

1 Kings 11:1-4 notes that Solomon had many strange wives. In fact, he had 700 wives and 300 concubines and when he was old, he turned his heart after other Elohim.  Malachi 2:15-16 notes that our Creator, i.e., the Yahweh of the Old Testament, the Rock, and now Resurrected Messiah, Yahweh Shua hates (loves less) divorce.  Matthew 5:31-32 says, “whoever puts away his wife, must give her a bill of divorcement, but whoever puts away his wife without a bill of divorcement causes her to commit adultery and whoever marries a woman that is put away [not divorced] commits adultery.” The word for putting away, in the Greek 630 (apoluō), is dismiss, meaning without a bill of divorcement. This is confirmed in Matthew 1:18-21 where Joseph thought about putting away (apoluo) Mary.  Matthew 19:3-9 says that whomever puts away his wife and marries another, commits adultery.  If you marry someone that is put away (not divorced) you both commit adultery.  Unfortunately, many different versions of the Bible abound and the original Hebrew and Greek texts have been distorted in some places.   

A divorce (bill of divorcement) and putting away (no bill of divorce, still husband and wife) are two entirely different things.  When King David put his wives away, he did not divorce them, he just did not honor his marriage like he was supposed to.  If you marry someone who has been put away that is adultery. Luke, the physician, (Luke 6:18 KJV) has it correct “Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery :and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.”  

Another scripture that has torn many families apart due to an incomplete understanding is Romans 7:2 and 3.   It is a favorite passage of those who teach that remarriage is adultery.  A woman with a husband  must wait until her husband dies to re-marry. It is that simple. Paul’s writings are clear and he knew the Law! Unfortunately, people do not realize when he uses the term husband that it means the two are still married and do not have a legal written divorce.  The scriptures cannot contradict themselves. In Deuteronomy 24:1-4, it is clear that Moses (at the direction of our Creator) said if a man divorces the woman and gives her a bill of divorcement, she is free to go marry another man.  It is not ideal, however, as our Creator wants us to stay married.  In 1 Corinthians 7:39, the wife is bound by the law as long as her husband is alive.  This too is misunderstood, as Paul is saying that if you stay married then you are husband and wife.  You must get a legal written bill of divorcement, to no longer be husband and wife.  Otherwise, you must wait till your spouse dies.   

Paul’s writings do not contradict the law of Yahweh.  In 1 Corinthians 7:20, Paul tells us to abide in the same calling wherein we are called.  In other words, when you are called, are baptized, repent, get hands laid on and start overcoming, your robes are white, your sins completely forgiven and your sins are no longer remembered by your Creator.  In 1 Corinthians 7:13-16, Paul notes that the unbelieving spouse and children are set apart by the believing spouse.  Paul advises the unmarried to marry to avoid burning with desire. In Matthew Chapter 5:28, our Creator warns that one who looks at another’s wife with lustful thoughts has committed adultery.  In Acts 15:29 we learn that we have to abstain from fornication, adultery and lust, both physically and spiritually. 

In 1 Corinthians 7:25-28, Paul makes it clear that if you are married, do not seek a divorce, and if you are divorced, don’t seek a wife.  However, if you should marry, you have not sinned. The word for divorce that Paul uses in his scriptures is in the Greek 3080 loosed, breaking of the matrimonial bond.  Again, Paul (a strict Pharisee who knew the law and was personally taught by the resurrected Messiah Yahweh Shua for 3 years, Gal 1:1-18) gives clear simple understanding to a complex subject. 

Thus, we see that Paul’s writings are completely harmonious with Deuteronomy and the law of marriage and divorce that was given by Moses at the direction of our Creator.  As you know, He is the Yahweh of the Old Testament and Melchizedek of the Old Testament, the Rock.  Paul notes in 1 Timothy 3:2 “A Bishop then must be blameless, husband of one wife; thus vigilant, sober, good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach”, etc.  Then, what about the case of a Bishop or a man that has made a mistake in his past i.e., been married and divorced and remarried?  This seems to contradict 1 Timothy.  Again, Paul is clear in 1 Corinthians 7:20 for you to abide in the same calling.  If you are called after you have been married and divorced and you get baptized in the name of our Resurrected Messiah, Yahweh Shua, and get hands laid on, all those past sins are forgiven.  Further, you would now be the husband of one wife, the sins in your past having been forgiven, but often we do receive some punishment for these mistakes. 

Yahweh Shua, the resurrected Messiah, the bridegroom is coming for his bride and he will never divorce his bride, (the 144,000 saints at the Seventh Trumpet, Revelation 11:15, Revelation 14:1). Try to find reasons to stay married.  If one spouse leaves, try to work things out by seeking counseling if you can.  As Paul says (1Cor 7:10-11) “let not the wife depart from her husband: but if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband, and let not a man forsake his wife” (KJV/Aramaic). If there is abuse, it’s better to separate and to try to work things out through marriage counseling and remain married if at all possible. Remember the admonition to men, to not forsake the wife of your youth (Mal 2:14).                   

 If you find this article interesting, pray to the Father for wisdom in the name of his son, Yahweh Shua, our wonderful Creator.  Read the other articles on this website for further understanding.  Once you are ready, consider taking the first step of baptism in Yahweh Shua’s name. Before you do, however, count the cost, but remember the members of the Light of Yahweh Shua are here to support you. May Yahweh bless your journey.

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

HEALING

There is much controversy on healing and many different doctrines abound; however, all healing as well as all good comes from Yahweh, the Father, through His Son, the Resurrected Messiah, Yahweh Shua.

Healing Lazarus after he was dead 4 days.

In Genesis 20:17, “Abraham prayed to Yahweh and Abimelek was healed.” The Hebrew word Rapha, Hebrew 7495 is to make whole repair, to heal, to cure, physician, to mend. In Numbers 21:8 and 21:9 “Moses made a serpent of brass and if the Israelites were bitten they were to look upon it and live.” This is repeated again by our Creator when he was explaining to Nicodemus that he would be lifted up like Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness. In 2 Kings 2:21, “Thus say, Yahweh I have healed these waters” and in 2 Chronicles 7:14, He says, “He has healed their land” and in Isaiah 6:10, speaks of being converted and being healed. In Isaiah 53:5, “By His stripes [i.e., His suffering] we are healed.”  In Psalm 147:3 “Our Creator heals the brokenhearted.”  In Malachi 4:2, our Creator says,” to fear the name Yahweh and it will be healing.”  In Proverbs 3:7 and 3:8, “Fear Yahweh and turn from evil and it will be healing to your flesh.”

In the New Covenant in Matthew 8:8, “The centurion answered and said, ‘My Master I am not worthy that thou shall come under my roof, but speak the word only and my servant shall be healed.’”  (Greek θ2323, therapeuó (cure, heal)).  James 5:16, “Confess your sins to each other, pray for each other that you be healed.”  In Matthew 12:10, A man had a chronic withered hand and he was asked if it was “lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” Of course, it is, as we know it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. In Mark 2:9-12, sins being forgiven is equated with being healed and the man walking. In James 5:13-16, one should call on the elders and be anointed in the name of Yahweh, the Father, and Yahweh Shua, the Son, and prayers done to the Father in the name of the Son. Paul besought Yahweh Shua three times probably regarding his vision.  In 2 Corinthians 12:8, he was told that Yahweh Shua’s grace was sufficient and His power is perfected in weakness. Yahweh Shua speaking through Paul in Galatians 5:20 says, “Avoid idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions and heresies” (the word witchcraft, Greek 5331, is φαρμακεία, pharmakeia, from Greek 5332 giving a potion or sorcery). It is unfortunate that pharmacists chose the word pharmacy as a descriptor of their vocation, as many people have avoided perfectly safe medicines as a result.  No doubt we have to avoid magicians, palm readers, magicians, etc.  Our Creator also told us not to put Him to the test.  Matthew 4:7, “Thou shalt not test Yahweh, the Elohim.”   Sadly, many denominations leave this out of their doctrine.  

Silvadene is available over the counter and is a mixture of silver with ointment, which has been used to help burns, infections, and wounds heal.  In addition, various other componds are slightly more complicated molecules, but nonetheless can prolong life and prevent death, yet due to false doctrine and incomplete understanding people put Yahweh, the Father and His Resurrected Son, Yahweh Shua to the test.  Patients with infective diseases are placed in isolation, which is clearly used over and over in Leviticus, and are well known infectious disease practices to this day.  The molecule of silver and some ointment would not heal your wound, unless Yahweh, the Father, through His Son, the Resurrected Messiah Yahweh Shua allows it.  James 1:17 notes that, all good (not some good) all good comes from Yahweh the Father. 

This is what our Creator in Matthew 12:32 says, “Whoever blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, but whoever blasphemes the Son of Man will be forgiven.”  He says this because Yahweh, the Father, is the source of the Holy Spirit and when you say there is some good out there because of another source you are blaspheming the Father. In Mat 12:24, the Pharisees accused our Creator of casting out demons by the prince of demons (Satan).   Finally, parents you will be held accountable for your decisions regarding your children the father having final say (Eph 5:24) Consider this for your children along with consultation with a pediatrician or family physician (be sure they get all their vaccines as the benefits far outweigh the risks). It is okay if a well-informed adult decides against any treatments and sometimes that is the most humane thing, but be sure not to put Yahweh the Father and His resurrected Son Yahweh Shua to the test when there are many safe treatments available that can help treat or even cure illnesses.  

In John 14:13 and 14:14, “Whatever you ask the Father Yahweh in the name of His Son Yahweh Shua, I will do” if it is His will and it will be in this life or the next.  It will be based on His timing, but rest assured, everyone that has suffered in this life and everyone that has been paralyzed, killed and maimed will be restored whole.  He is the ultimate physician, and doctors and medicines do not heal people unless our Creator and his Father allow it. Our Creator and His Father are the healers and every chemical reaction in every cell in our body, and every picosecond of our physical life is in their hands. Always turn and pray to the Father first in Yahweh Shua’s name, remember Hezekiah did and had 15 more years added to his life (2Kings 20:1-11).  

 If this interests you, read the articles on this website, after praying for understanding, and consider taking the first step which is baptism in the name of the Messiah, YahwehShua.

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

CREATION, INITIALLY PERFECT

John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Yahweh, and the Word was Yahweh.”  The Greek word for “was” is “G2258” in Strong’s Concordance and is pronounced “ēn” and one of the Strong’s meanings is “agree”.  The Word, i.e., the future Messiah (Son), future resurrected Messiah (Yahweh Shua), was in full agreement with the Father, Yahweh.  In verse 2, all things were made by the Son following the plan of the Father.

Colossians 1:15-17, “Who is the image of the invisible Father, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created: that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created by Him and for him and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.  The word “image” in Greek, “G1504” “eikōn” means in Strong’s likeness or profile and representation, a statue i.e., a copy.  Thus, the Son is a copy or likeness of the Father and followed the Father’s plan and created all things, both seen and unseen.  He is before all things and actually holds everything up.  In verse 15:  Where it says He is the firstborn of every creature, it means our Creator is the first one to be born, humanly die, and then be resurrected and placed into a spiritual body. Following that, the next humans to be placed in spiritual bodies will be at the Seventh Trump when He returns (roughly 2000 years since he was here last).  At the same time, the saints (144,000) will be placed into spiritual bodies (Rev 7:1-8, 1 Cor 15:52).

Again, in Hebrews, we see a third witness to the Son creating the world.  Hebrews 1: 1-4, “The Father who have in these last days spoken to us by His Son whom He had appointed heir of all things by whom also He made the worlds.[The Son created the seen and unseen world following the plan of the Father]  He being the brightness of His glory and express image of His person and upholding all things by the word of His power when He had by Himself purged our sins sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on High, being made so much better than the angels as He hast by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.”  Made better than angels, the word made is in the Greek, G1096, became or become. In other words, when our Creator suffered and was resurrected, He was perfected and obtained a more excellent name than any of the angels.

Psalms 148:13 tells us that Yahweh’s name alone is excellent.  Philippians 2:9 says that the Son was exalted (resurrected) and was given a name above all names (currently Yahweh Shua).  In Philippians 2:10 “that at the name of Yahweh Shua every knee should bow of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth”, and verse 11, “every tongue shall confess that the resurrected son, Yahweh Shua, the resurrected Messiah, is the master to the glory of Yahweh the Father”.

It is clear our Creator (future Messiah) made the seen and unseen world and created everything at the direction of the Father.  From John 1:18, “no man has seen the Father at any time, only the begotten Son.”  The Greek word for “man”, “G3762”, “Oudeis” is in the Strong’s Concordance. Not even one man, woman, or thing” thus no one has ever seen Father Yahweh, except His Son, our Creator, Yahweh Shua.  The only two beings to live (awake) forever eternally are the Father and Son.  Thus, from John 1:18, we can see that when Yahweh Shua, the Son, i.e., the Word, created the seen and unseen world, they only saw the Son.  When all the angels were created, they were dealing with the Son.  When Moses talked to Yahweh at the “the Burning Bush” he was speaking with the Son.  When Melchizedek met Abraham, Abraham was talking to the Son. When Israel followed the cloud and pillar of fire, they followed the Rock, the Messiah, as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:4 “For they drank the same spiritual rock; and that rock was Messiah”. Thus, the Son has been carrying out the plan of the Father for all times from the very beginning to the end, that is why He is called the Alpha and the Omega.

Thus, our Creator formed everything at the direction of the Father.  Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “Our Creator made everything beautiful.”  Isaiah 45:18, says “Our Creator formed the earth to be inhabited (beautiful with plants and everything to sustain physical life).  However, when we look at Genesis 1:2, King James Version, it says the earth was without form, and void; it sounds like it was made terribly but if we look up the word for was, the Hebrew word 1961 in Strong’s is became, so the earth became void, and if you read Psalms 104:30, it says “that our Creator renewed the face of the earth.”  When we look at Genesis 3:1, we see that the adversary i.e., who was once the head angel but had already fallen and was described after he had fallen as one of the most subtle of any beast, i.e., of any creation and went about to deceive Eve.

So, if the adversary, i.e., initially Lucifer had already fallen, i.e., become Satan in Genesis, it must mean that the Creator created the angels, a very long time before He created the earth and created man in his image.  It is not known how long ago the angels were created.  Ezekiel 28:12 and 15 gives us a hint about the adversary.  Ezekiel 28:12-15:  Continuing at the end of verse 13, “the workmanship of thy tabrets and of pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.” And in verse 14, “Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon set apart the holy mountain of Elohim; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire”. And in verse 15, “Thou wast perfected in all thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till sin was found in thee.”  Thus, it sounds like the adversary initially was perfect and in fact, he was the Head Angel overseeing the spiritual ark in heaven.  The physical ark of the Old Testament was a representation or a copy of the spiritual in heaven.  Thus, Lucifer was at one time, the Head Angel.  Of course, our Creator and His Father, Yahweh, planned all this and already knew that He was going to fall and now how the process of overcoming the adversary allows the Messiah to grow in us.  That is why Paul said as in Galatians 4:19 “My little children of whom I travail in birth again until Messiah be formed in you". Repenting and overcoming is mentioned to the assemblies being perfected in Revelation Ch 1-3.  Thus, the adversary, the Head Angel who failed in the past is the one we have to overcome in this life if we ever want a chance to be in the Kingdom or Yahweh family.  Isaiah 14: 12-15 confirms Ezekiel that the adversary was initially the Head Angel Lucifer and had a great fall.  “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of El (Creator); I will also sit on the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the North, I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most  High. Yet Thou shall be brought down to Hell”.  Thus, the adversary was initially created by our Creator long before the earth was and He was the sum total of perfection, He was a covering angel over the spiritual ark and over other angels.  Our Father and our Creator, His Son, knew that he would have to fall, and it was a part of their great plan to create their future kingdom, family, saints and the innumerable multitude and was planned before anything was created from the foundations of the world. Remember, nothing in all creation (including the adversary) can separate us from the love of Yahweh the Father through his Son Yahweh Shua (Rom 8:31-39).

Father Yahweh, through His Son, the resurrected Messiah, Yahweh Shua, have a great plan and nothing has been left to chance.  They have planned everything from the beginning to the end.  If you find this article interesting, please consider reading all the other articles on this website and taking the first step.

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

NEW COVENANT PASSOVER: A GLOSSARY OF TERMS & CONCEPTS

1.     The exodus of the Israelites from Egypt begins with the Passover in Exodus 12.

A.   A lamb for each household selected on the tenth of that first month. (Nisan/Abib)

B.    That lamb is held until the fourteenth day, killed in the evening of that day, and eaten “in that night.” (Exodus 12:8)

C.    The Israelites are told to eat with loins girded, shoes on their feet, staff in their hands and in haste. Why?  They eat after sunset, the night of the fourteenth, (beginning of the 15th), and the destroyer passes over the dwellings of the Israelites at midnight. They are to stay inside until it is time to depart. According to Numbers 33:3, they depart on the next day after the Passover, or on the fifteenth.

D.   All males who eat the Passover must be circumcised in the flesh. (Exodus 12:48)  

E.    This is the Passover of the Jews.  (John 6:4, 11:55)

2.    The Hebrew concept of a day is very different than the Roman concept, which we follow today. The Hebrew day begins in the evening at sunset and continues through the daylight portion until the sunset.

A.   The Roman concept of the day begins at 9 PM or midnight and continues through the next day.

B.    We are not used to thinking in terms of a day being from sunset to sunset. This is important to grasp for a full understanding of the timing of the Passover.

3.    The concept of between the evenings is introduced in Exodus 12:6. The English translation of the Hebrew is in the evening. The Hebrew is Ben ha-arbayim.

A.   The Jewish Encyclopedia says this about ben ha-arbayim: The time between the two evenings was considered to be after noon until nightfall.

B.    The period of the afternoon refers to the time that the sun begins to descend after the high noon. Anytime after the high noon the Passover lambs could be killed.

4.    The Passover season had not begun at the time of Messiah’s supper with his disciples on the night in which he was betrayed. (Matthew 26:20; Mark 14:17; Luke 22:14; John 13:1)

A.   A very important understanding is that Messiah died on the tree as the Passover lambs were sacrificed at 3 PM (our time) during the daylight portion of the fourteenth.  The Pharisees did not want to defile the first high day of unleavened bread by leaving him on the tree so they hurried to remove him and placed him in a tomb. The first high day of unleavened bread began after sunset following his death, which was the fifteenth.

B.    The Jews did not begin to remove the leavening from their households until 11:00 AM and completed by noon the same day the lambs were sacrificed for Passover.

C.    The supper Messiah had with his disciples before his death was not part of the Jewish Passover observance. It was before the leavening was removed, before the killing of the lambs, and before the Days of Unleavened Bread even began.

D.   This meal would have been served with leavened bread. The Greek word used for the bread Messiah used on that night is always artos. (Strong’s 740).   The authors of the Scriptures could have used another Greek word for this bread if it had been anything else. That word could have been azymos (Strong’s 106), which means unleavened bread.  However, this Greek word is never used for the bread that was used that evening. The bread used during the days of unleavened bread, as recorded in the Greek, is azymos.  The Hebrew word for unleavened bread is matzah. (Strong’s 4682)  The bread Messiah gave to his disciples was artos.  (Strong’s 740)

5.    It is very important to understand that the concept of leaven being sin is not scriptural.  It is an invention of man.  The Talmud teaches that leaven is sin, but this is not found in the scriptures.

6.    It is important to understand what the bread of the firstfruits is, as well as the bread of affliction.  Please see an article on this topic on the website.  This false teaching that leaven is sin has obscured a correct understanding about the firstfruits and their becoming a new creation through the pervasive infusion of Messiah’s spirit.  

7.    The New Covenant Passover Service

A.   To participate you must be baptized in the name of YahwehShua. 

B.    The observance is held after sunset at the beginning of the evening of the fourteenth of Abib or Nisan.  For 2018, it goes from sunset of 4/30 to sunset of 5/1 according to the Gregorian calendar.  Our corresponding night for Messiah’s supper was Tuesday evening.  He then died on Wednesday afternoon at 3:00 PM.  He was placed in the tomb before the beginning of the High Day and remained there three days and three nights (the sign of Jonah) until his resurrection just before sunset on the weekly Sabbath.  This is why Mary visited his empty tomb on the morning of the first day of the Hebrew week.   

C.    Our observance begins with a prayer.  Next, there is the footwashing. During the footwashing, read from John 13:1-17.  After the footwashing, we partake of the new emblems that Messiah introduced:  the leavened bread and the fruit of the vine (not wine, but juice). During the dispensing of the emblems, read from Matthew 26:26-29.  Next, we have prayer and sing a song of praise.  The service is then ended.  For the disciples, this was a joyous occasion because they did not understand what was about to happen to Messiah.  For us also, it is a time of joy and hope.  We have the opportunity to learn from the marital failures of the Israelites, to better prepare ourselves as the espoused bride of Messiah.  During the Days of Unleavened Bread, we better understand the affliction that began with the exodus from Egypt. 

8.    The members of the Light of YahwehShua observe the Days of Unleavened Bread.  The leaven is removed by noon of the 14th and we eat unleavened bread for seven days from the 15th to the 21st.  Just as there is a Passover of the Jews, the Days of Unleavened Bread were kept by the Jews to commemorate their release from bondage in Egypt.  However, we observe these days for a different reason.  The bread eaten during this period is known as the bread of affliction.  (Deuteronomy 16:3)

What does this affliction refer to?  It was the affliction that the Messiah endured during his first marriages.  His first wives, the northern kingdom (Samaria) and the southern Kingdom (Jerusalem/Judah) betrayed Messiah and broke their marriage vows.  (Exodus 19)  They disobeyed the marriage covenant, which was confirmed on Mt. Sinai.  Yahweh (Messiah, or the Son) divorced the northern kingdom, but remained married to the southern kingdom. It was Judah that killed her husband.  With his death, the marriage covenant was terminated.  We of the new covenant have much to learn from the affliction that Messiah endured.  The disobedience of the old covenant can teach us about the dangers of disobedience in the new covenant.  There are serious consequences involved.  Please refer to Hebrews 10:26-27.  We have some important lessons to learn during these days.

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