FEAST OF SHOUTING (aka Trumpets)

The Feast of Shouting at the Seventh Trumpet is a very important time for the Saints. This is when 144,000 Saints will be resurrected or allowed to be transformed into a spiritual body and meet our Creator in the sky and be with him forever more.  Be sure to read all the articles by Bob Bondurant on this website regarding the fall feasts and the Feast of Shouting.

For three-and-a-half years prior to the Seventh Trumpet (when our Creator returns), there will be two physical witnesses testifying against all the earth for 1260 days in Jerusalem (this is 42 months of 30-day months where the moon is not seen for three and a half years).  These 2 witnesses will be testifying during the Seven Seals when the Four Horsemen kill over one-fourth of the population on the planet (Revelation Chapter 6).  They also will be testifying during the Seven Trumpets that make up the Seventh Seal (Revelation, chapters 8, 9 and 10).  During Trumpets, another third of the people on the planet are destroyed (Revelation 8:8).  Revelation 17:15 shows the false assembly (harlot) is sitting on waters and the waters are people that speak different languages.  In addition, during their three-and-a-half years of prophecy, there is likely to be a three-and-a-half-year period of worldwide drought (Revelation 11:6).  After three-and-a-half years, the false Messiah, which is a human, shall kill them. The two witnesses’ dead bodies shall lay in the street for three-and-a-half days, and then the spirit of life (pneuma) from our Father enters into their bodies and are instantly transformed into spiritual bodies, and then go up to meet the Messiah in a cloud and this is the Seventh Trump.

 I suspect that they are the first two out of the 144,000 which will be placed into spiritual bodies at that point in time and sent up to meet Yahweh Shua, our Creator Messiah (Revelation Chapter 11).  In addition, Revelation 11:13 indicates that there is a great earthquake and a tenth part of the city of Jerusalem falls.   7000 men are slain suggesting at that point in time Jerusalem will only have a population of 70,000 people which is much smaller than it is today. This is likely due to the mass deaths caused by the Four Seals, one-fourth of the planet, and the mass deaths caused by the Seven Trumpets, which is another third of the planet. 

I suspect the two physical witnesses will actually be Elias and Moses, because they are visualized at the transfiguration, and Moses as well as Elias are the only two physical persons besides our Creator who were able to fast for 40 days and 40 nights without food and water. Our Creator extended Lazarus’ physical life after being dead four days.  He can extend the physical life for Moses and Elias after 4000 years or four days.  See the article on this website on Life and Death.

Revelation, chapter 17, shows that the great prostitute (harlot) that sits upon many waters is symbolic for the false assemblies or false ekklesia of Satan which rule over waters which are described in chapter 17 as the multitude of nations that speak many different languages.  She is also sitting upon a scarlet-colored beast and the beast is also symbolic of people, described in Revelation 13.

Revelation chapter 13:1 shows that the first beast, meaning people, rise up out of the sea (letting the bible interpret itself, based on Revelation 17).  These people control Satan’s kingdom consisting of the world’s economic systems, educational systems, governmental systems, and the various false religions (false assemblies).  Thus, people are making an image (or false idol, false deity) out of sports heroes, economic systems, education systems, false assemblies, false churches, money, beauty, etc. thus putting their trust in everything other than our Creator.

The second beast in Revelation 13:11 has two horns like a lamb and speaks like a dragon and exercises all the power of the first beast before him and causes the earth and all those that dwell therein to worship the first beast.  The second beast is a human anti-Messiah with power similar to our Creator and who speaks like the dragon.  He will do great wonders so that he makes fire come down from heaven in the sight of men, Revelation 13:13. He has power to give life to the image (false idol, false gods) of the beast i.e., people controlling the various institutions in the world.  This first beast is creation or people.  Image is the false idol, false deity, money such as world economic system, governments with armies, world government systems, school, and world educational systems.  Unlike Elias, no one will be hurt when this fire comes down.  Also, you have to turn on the TV to see this or be there to witness unlike when our Creator actually comes when every eye will see him simultaneously.  This is confirmed in chapters 24 in Matthew, chapter 13 in Mark, and chapter 21 in Luke.

The mark of the beast is no chip; it is the absence of the mark of our Creator. Thus, the mark of the beast are in people who do not realize that the seventh-day Sabbath is a holy day wherein one puts aside their regular occupation and seeks a closer relationship with our Creator.  People that have the mark of the beast are people that lack the symbolic mark of our Creator. They work any day they want and do not set aside the feast days such as the seventh-day Sabbath and the annual Sabbaths.  Remember the scriptures about manna. Our Creator taught the Israelites to take one day off on the seventh day (Saturday) and would bless them with twice as much manna on the sixth day. Six days a week you work to get manna! On the seventh day you receive the true manna (our Creator) when you assemble with your spiritual family for a holy convocation.

Thus, we see the adversary (Satan) who controls the second beast will control the first beast (people) that controls world government economies, educational systems, and ecclesiastical systems. People will seek after the beast (beast = creature = creation) and place all their faith in governments, armies, money, looks, riches, and other people, etc., thus worshiping the creation rather the Creator.

First Thessalonians 4:16 and first Corinthians 15:53 both confirm that our Creator is returning at the Seventh Trumpet with the shout from the archangel of Yahweh.  2Timothy 3:1 confirms that prior to the Seventh Trump will be a perilous time for any human being.

In Luke, chapter 21:36, our Creator tells us to pray always that we may be accounted worthy to escape all things that are coming at the end of the age and to be able to stand before him and be a part of the 144,000.

When we as believers keep the Feast of Shouting, it is a day of celebration as we look forward to our union with the Messiah.

Rest assured that every detail has been planned and thought out by the Father Yahweh and our Creator Yahweh Shua. Nothing has been left to chance and they have a perfect plan for every bit of their creation.  If this article interests you, please consider reading the other articles on this website, oldest to newest, and then consider taking the first step. Baptism in the singular name of the Father & Son YahwehShua!

YOM GADOL (The Last Great Day)

Yom Gadol (The Last Great Day) is a new covenant feast and part of the Doctrine of Messiah (Heb 6: 1-2). See the excellent article on this website from 10/20/19 by Bob Bondurant regarding Yom Gadol, and his article from 8/25/18 regarding the New Covenant Feasts of Yahweh.

Prior to the Last Great Day, the adversary will be put away for a thousand years during the Millennial reign of our Creator (Rev 20:1-3). During this millennial reign, children will live to an advanced age and old people will not die.  (Isaiah 65:20)  Since the adversary is put away (no evil spirit will be influencing people's minds), all flesh will know our Creator since ONLY the Holy Spirit will be entering their thoughts. 

After the thousand years are completed, the adversary will be "loosed a little season" (Rev 20:3). Satan shall go out and deceive the nations (Rev 20:7-9). He will prepare to battle and encompass the camp of the Saints in Jerusalem, similar to the Battle of Armageddon prior to the millennium. The Battle of Gog and Magog ends poorly for the adversary and likely the millions of humans that knew our Creator perfectly but were unable to overcome the adversary when he was let out of his prison after the millennium (Rev 20:8-10).

Paul confirms in 1st Corinthians, chapter 6, verse 3 that the Saints will judge the fallen angels in the last great day. Jude confirms in chapter 1:6 that the angels that have fallen are reserved in darkness, that is to say Satan's kingdom, which is this life or the darkness below.

The first hundred years of the last great day is a day of salvation for all flesh and with their perfect knowledge of our Creator gained during the millennium they all will have their chance to overcome the adversary which allows the growth of Messiah and gives them a chance to be in the family as part of the innumerable multitude. So today is a day of salvation for the 144,000 that overcome prior to the seventh trumpet. The first hundred years of the last great day is a day of salvation for all others who are not part of the 144,000 (Isa 49:8). All are given a fair chance to be in the family!

Revelation, chapter 20:12-13, shows that the books are opened (people's deeds) in comparison to another book that is opened, most likely the Bible. Remember every bit of creation including the fallen angels get the free gift of life (Rev 20:14 death is cast into the lake of fire), however, to be in the family requires being called and chosen and the work or deeds is overcoming the adversary. Remember he loves all his creation unconditionally; he just doesn't like our deeds and wrong thoughts.

Remember the Hebrew word olam, or “forever”, is just a period of time as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish forever (olam), but it was just 3 days! Our Creator is not a terrorist. He is not going to punish people eternally even if he allows our physical bodies or the fallen angels spiritual bodies to be burned. They will likely be dead bodies within a few microseconds and their mind or spirit or pneuma will return to the Father asleep (Ecc 12:7, Psa 90:10) until they are given a spiritual body in the new heavens and earth.

Truly, the Last Great Day is graduation day for all creation and is the great plan of all time to be completed by the Son (Alpha & Omega) and the kingdom handed over to the Father from the Son. Pray to the Father in the name of his Son for wisdom and read all of Revelation for blessings, as I don't want to add to or take away from any of our great Creator’s words.

If this inspires you, please consider praying to Father Yahweh in the name of his resurrected Son, YahwehShua, for wisdom and read the other articles on this website starting with the earliest and going forward.

May Yahweh bless your understanding.

MILLENNIAL SACRIFICES

No doubt the single greatest act of kindness of all time was the sacrifice of our Creator, approximately 2,000 years ago, when he took on himself all the sin of the seen and unseen world.  Indeed Romans 5:10 confirms that while we were yet enemies, he reconciled or covered our sin with no repentance required and thus everyone receives the free gift of life.  However, to be in the family, a part of the 144,000, you would have to be called in this age and get baptized in the name of Yahweh Shua and have hands laid on you by an elder and start overcoming the adversary. 

Indeed, Paul confirms that overcoming is what allows the Messiah to be formed in you, and hopefully fully formed at the time of your physical death (Galatians 4:19 and Revelation chapters 1-3).  However, if one is called and chosen in this age, you can be part of the 144,000.  If not, there is another day of salvation in the first 100 years of the last great day. That is when the adversary (Satan) is let out again and people who overcome in that period of time could be part of the innumerable multitude. If you are unable to overcome, you will be given the free gift of life, but live outside the kingdom and be purified. Revelation 21:8 shows unbelievers in the lake of fire which instantly destroys their bodies, but their mind or spirit will go back to the Father.  In Revelation 22:15 we see the same unbelievers living outside the kingdom in the New Heavens and New Earth.

If this one sacrifice by our Creator is the greatest event of all time, why would we again have sacrifices in the millennial kingdom? Hebrews 10:4 confirms that no animal sacrifices could ever take away sins.  Possibly, as some commentators have noted, these sacrifices in the millennium would be a visible reminder or a memorial to what our Messiah’s self-sacrifice actually accomplished, which is life forever for everyone.  Certainly, sacrifices in the old covenant look forward to the day of our Creator’s perfect sacrifice for all sin.

A Sister asked what else could the sacrifices accomplish?  Paul says sacrifices of the new covenantare the sacrifices of our lips. We should offer the sacrifice of praise continually and the fruit of our lips is giving thanks to the name of Yahweh Shua. Paul notes that the old covenant sacrifices could purify the flesh but could not purify the mind like the new covenant (Hebrews 9:13-14). The old covenant ended with the death of our Creator on the beam and the new covenant has better promises. The law is now magnified; it requires getting baptized in the name of Yahweh Shua, getting hands laid on by an elder and then overcoming to the end of your physical life.  During the millennial period, the adversary is put away. There is no overcoming, thus, no growth of Messiah in you and thus no path to salvation.  This is confirmed in Jeremiah 23:6. Righteousness will be restored in preparation of the Father returning after the millennium in the New Heaven and New Earth. Everything will have to be physically cleansed and then eventually all his creation will be spiritually cleansed as well.

These millennial sacrifices may remove uncleanliness similar to the Creator’s instructions to Moses to have people wash their clothes and purify themselves for 3 days prior to his visit to Mt. Sinai. (Ex 19:10-12) In other words, this would prevent humans from defiling the millennial temple. 

There are some differences between the millennial temple of Ezekiel and the old covenant tabernacle and Solomon’s temple, one of which is the sheer size of this new temple that will be on the order of a mile square.  In addition, the scriptures, in particular Isaiah 60:6 and Zechariah, 14:16-19 suggest that gentiles (non-Israelites) during the millennium will be allowed to come to the temple, whereas that was the not the case during the old covenant. Also, in Ezekiel’s temple there is no ark, tablets, mercy seat, veil, candle sticks or show bread.

During the millennium, there is no mention of Pentecost, trumpets or the Day of Shouting  (Ez. 45:17-27); only Passover, unleavened bread, and tabernacles. Pentecost is likely on pause until the last great day when the Holy Spirit will be needed for overcoming. The day of coverings was done away by our Creator’s sacrifice. (Please see Bob Bondurant’s article posted August 25, 2018, titled “The new covenant feasts of Yahweh”) The Day of Shouting ends at the 7th trump prior to the millennium.  Consecration of the old covenant tabernacle is noted in Exodus 29:1-37, and in the millennial temple (Ezekiel 43:18,27) wherein there are different types of sacrifices.

During the millennial time, there is likely going to be an absence of death, with all animals being safe from predators. (Isaiah 11:6) At that time everyone will know our Creator since the adversary is put away. The only thing that will enter the brain is the holy spirit.  Jeremiah, 31:34, confirms that no one needs to ask their neighbor whether they know Yahweh because everyone alive at that point in time will know him.

Verse 5 of Revelation indicates that the dead will not live again until the completion of the 1000 years.  It is possible that John is speaking in a spiritual manner since the Messiah gave out 144,000 spiritual bodies at the Seventh Trumpet.  Therefore, there will be no more spiritual bodies until after the 1000-year period. Thus, it is likely that everyone who is not a saint will have their physical life extended in the millennium and learn everything there is to know about our Creator. Without the influence of the adversary for 1,000 years, all flesh will have a learning opportunity. However, as you know, knowing the word is less important than overcoming once the adversary is let out.

Thus, the new covenant sacrifices in the millennium, in addition to looking back at the Messiah’s one-time sacrifice, will likely also have other objectives such as covering humans from being destroyed by the glory of our Creator and prevent the defilement of the holy millennial temple.  Millennial sacrifices are likely part of the physical cleansing of the earth and then once everyone is spiritually cleansed, the kingdom will be handed over to the Father.

To learn more, please read all the articles under “News” on this website from the oldest to the newest, and pray to Yahweh the Father in the name of his resurrected son Yahweh Shua for wisdom and guidance. After doing that, you will be prepared for the next step of baptism.  May Yahweh guide you along the way.

THE KEY OF KNOWLEDGE

Luke quotes Messiah as making a very strong accusation against the Pharisees and a warning for us:

“Woe unto you, lawyers! For ye have taken away the key of knowledge, ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.” (Luke 11:52)

 What is this “Key of knowledge”?   What we know is that in the time of the Messiah, it was prohibited by rabbinical authorities to pronounce or use the sacred name of Yahweh.  Only the high priest and a chosen few were permitted to speak this name and then only under special circumstances. Jewish resources call the name of Yahweh, the ineffable name or unutterable name.

This old Jewish belief has influenced the modern translations of the English Bible. Instead of using the name Yahweh, the title, LORD, has been substituted.

For many years I prayed in the name that the English translations taught me. The translators themselves fell victim to the Pharisees that Yahshua warned us about. They, and I, used the titles LORD or GOD. But this is not what the Scriptures tell us to do! The book of Joel 2:32 tells us this: “whosoever shall call upon the name of Yahweh (English says LORD) shall be delivered.”  Are you really able to be saved by a substituted title?

When I was in the military performing guard duty, I was told to stop all persons desiring to enter the camp and ask them for the password. The correct password was a very important requirement to enter the military installation. There was only one acceptable password and not knowing it could have some very serious consequences. Whoever did not have the requested password could be denied admission, arrested or even shot. The scripture in Joel is very clear that it must be the name of Yahweh. No alternative is offered.  The key of knowledge or the password is only the name of Yahweh.

David tells us in Psalm 3:8 that:  “salvation belongeth unto Yahweh”.  He tells us very clearly that is the name of Yahweh that is the source of salvation.

Luke quotes Joel 2:30 in Acts 4:12: “There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”  David knew this, Luke knew it and so did the Pharisees and of course Satan. To hide this name and make it unavailable was to prevent others from “entering in”. Messiah knew what was happening and left a warning for us.

Yes, I said FOR US!   Messiah “hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world.” (Ephesians 1:4)  He has known each and everyone that he has set apart. The Son has chosen us but who calls us? It is the Father, Yahweh. John 6: 44 confirms this: “no man can come to me (that is, Messiah) except the Father which has sent me draw him.”   Therefore, if we know the name of Yahweh and have left substitutes behind, this is a gift from the Father.

The name of Yahweh is very valuable and necessary. Without this name you will not find the Son and learn the Son’s true name. The Son had a human name, which was blotted out, Yahshua, not Jesus. The Son also inherited a new name, YahwehShua. Without this key of knowledge, your baptism is invalid. Without this valid baptism you will be unable to fulfill the requirements of the Passover. This will keep you from being in the better resurrection when Messiah returns.

Billions of people have been created but only 144,000 will be in the better resurrection. (Revelation 14:1) You could be in this very select company! Called and chosen is only the beginning.  To be in the better resurrection, you must also be faithful and overcome to the end.  (Revelation 17:14)

 If hearing or reading this message interests you, that is a gift from the Father. He will lead you further.  However, you must first use the key of knowledge. Matthew 28: 19 reveals the key to a valid baptism: “the name [singular] of the Father, and of the Son.”  What name is unique to the Father and the Son of the Yahweh family? It is YahwehShua, Yahweh Saviour.

The world is deceived FOR NOW.   During this age only those called and chosen have been given access to the knowledge necessary to overcome to the better resurrection. In the Last Great Day, the rest of the world will have the same opportunity we enjoy at this time. They will be made aware of the key of knowledge and receive the down payment of the spirit. It is then up to them to decide whether or not they wish to overcome.

 To begin, you must pray to Yahweh for truth. This important beginning is confirmed by Messiah in Matthew 6: 9:  “after this manner therefore, pray ye: our Father which art in heaven”.  Messiah has given us the key of knowledge. Of course, you must know the Father’s name. His name is Yahweh. You cannot use LORD or GOD!  There is only one password or key of knowledge that is acceptable.

Do you know that the whole world has been deceived? We are warned about this in Revelation 12:9: “ the devil, and Satan, which deceiveth THE WHOLE WORLD”.   Leave this deception behind and pray to Yahweh for truth. Messiah provides this promise in Luke 11:10:

       “For everyone that asketh, receiveth;

        and he that seeketh, findeth;

        and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

What a refreshing message of hope!

Do you need some hope? Here it is. But you have to do something! You must pray to Yahweh for truth.

               If you don’t ask…….

               If you don’t seek….

               If you don’t knock…

 The key of knowledge will not be of use to you.  May Yahweh guide you.

TO BE A FIRSTFRUIT, WE MUST BEAR FRUIT

The parable of the sower introduces us to the “good ground.”  This is where the seed is allowed to grow and bear fruit.  I believe it would be worthwhile to better understand this “good ground.”  Four types of ground are described.  We need to pray that we escape the first three and enjoy the fourth. 

Messiah explains the nature of this good ground in Matthew 13:23:  “he that heareth the word, and understandeth it, and also beareth fruit.”  Compare this verse to Revelation 17:14 where we are told who is with Yahweh Shua when he returns on Yom Teruah or the Feast of Shouting:  “they that are with him are called, and chosen, and FAITHFUL.”

These verses remind us of what we are taught in Matthew 20:16:  “for many be called, but few chosen.”

Also recall what Messiah told his disciples in John 15:16:  “you have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.”

Now we know who chooses us, but who does the calling?  John 6:44 will enlighten us:  “no man can come to me, except the Father which has sent me draw him.”

Now, there is a third component to Revelation 17:14 which we must not overlook and that is that we are called to be faithful.  How important is this?  Messiah tells the ekklesia at Smyrna, “be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life”, in Revelation 2:10.

Being called and chosen is very crucial to receiving the crown of life.  At least this allows you to be in the race.  (1 Corinthians 9:24)  However, it is not just a matter of participation but how you finish.  What you are really desiring to hear is, “well done, good and faithful servant”, Matthew 25:21.

We have been enlightened as to the extreme necessity of being faithful.  But what else can we learn about the nature of being faithful?  When we compare Matthew 13:23 to Revelation 17:14 we learn this:  the calling can be compared to hearing the word, the choosing to understanding and being faithful in bearing fruit.

By being called and chosen we are given an opportunity but bearing fruit or being faithful is very different.  This is where we must make a decision.  Notice in Matthew 25 in the parable of the talents, the men are each “given” some goods.  The first man and second man each produce a 100% return on what they are given.  Yes, Messiah’s investment in them allows them to successfully bear fruit.

But the third man, who was given a smaller gift, produced no return on Messiah’s gift.  The first two heard, “well done, good and faithful servant”, while the third man, the unprofitable servant, was thrown into “outer darkness where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

What a waste!  This man was given the opportunity by being called and chosen by the Father and the Son, but he squandered it.  He chose not to bear fruit.  We cannot just be content to hear the word and then manifest our understanding through baptism.  Once we have the seed of Messiah implanted within us by the laying on of hands, we must then nurture it so it matures and allows us to bear fruit.

Paul gives us insight into the kind of fruit we are expected to bear in Galatians 5:22-23:  “but the fruit of the spirit is LOVE. Joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance:  against such there is no law.”

Note that the first fruit mentioned is love.  A great reference to examine regarding love is 1 Corinthians 13, which gives a very thorough understanding of what love is.  It is greater than faith and hope.  I wonder why?  Well, we are called to be faithful.  How do we gain faith?  Paul tells us in Galatians 5:6:  “faith which worketh by love”.  As our love is manifested, our faith grows.  If we desire more faith, we must learn to exhibit more love.  Who are we called to love?  We are told to love the Father, the Son, and really all mankind, even our enemies.

Bearing fruit is a very involved and challenging process.  We must not just be stuck in being called and chosen.  We are called to move forward and bear fruit.  This is where the work begins.  Notice how Messiah describes the importance of bearing fruit in Revelation 2:19:  “ I know thy works and love, and services, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works, and the last to be more than the first.”  Twice he mentions works.  Consider works to be another way of expressing or bearing fruit.  It is twice as important as love, service, faith and patience.  It is interesting to observe that one’s last works or fruit are expected to be greater than the works or fruit we initially produced!

I believe that James has something very interesting to say about the importance of works.  You will find this in James 2:17-18:  “even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.  Yes, a man may say, thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”

I find it interesting that James considers us a “kind of first fruits of his creation”, James 2:18.  How could this be?  Messiah is called, “the first fruits of them that slept” in 1 Corinthians 15:20.  Again, this is amplified in Colossians 1:18, “he is the head of the body:  the ekklesia: who is the beginning, the first born from the dead.”  It is interesting to note that Messiah is considered both a first fruit and first born.  We are reminded in 1 John 3:2, “we shall be like him”, therefore we too can be considered to be a first fruit and firstborn similar to Messiah.

Now consider what he had to do to allow us to become firstfruits even first born.  He was slain from the foundation of the world.  “He was stricken, smitten of Elohim and afflicted.  But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:4-5.)  For us to be among the 144,000, we must imitate the Son as a “first fruit unto Yahweh and to the Lamb” (Revelation 14:4) and be willing to suffer and die—the ultimate sacrifice.

By asking us to bear fruit, he is asking us to suffer and die as he did for us.  Paul makes this very clear in Romans 8:17: “and if children, then heirs, heirs of Elohim, and joint-heirs with Messiah: if it so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”

How we are able to become a first fruit like Messiah is a mystery.  Consider what we are told in Colossians 1:26-27:

Even the mystery which hath been hid for the ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom Yahweh would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Messiah in you, the hope of glory.

Messiah is being formed within us (Galatians 4:19.)  When we are resurrected in the better resurrection, we will be like him, a first fruit and firstborn.

The result comes with a price.  Being called and chosen is grace.  Bearing fruit is a requirement we must choose to fulfill to be worthy of the favor of being called and chosen.  Yes, there will be suffering and it will be difficult.  Remember what we are told in Acts 14:22: “we must through much tribulation enter the kingdom of Yahweh.”

Once we have heard the word and express understanding by being baptized, we have only just begun.  Now we must face the task, the challenge, of bearing fruit.  Messiah offers this cold, sober thought in John 15:2:  “every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that bears fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.”

What is the penalty for not bearing fruit?  We are told in John 15:6 that those who did not bear fruit are cast into the fire.  This refers to the lake of fire, the second death.  This means you will not be in the kingdom but outside with the “dogs, sorcerers, whore mongers, idolaters and those who love a lie,” (Revelation 22:15).

It is imperative that we understand what baptism commits us to do.  Hebrews 10:26-27 offers this insight:

For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of the judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

There it is again --a reference to the lake of fire, the second death that precedes the new heavens and earth.  With this change the fire is extinguished and those therein are alive, without inheritance, and outside Yahweh’s house, New Jerusalem.

It is my suggestion that you review the parable of the sower in Matthew 13 as well as the parable of the talents in Matthew 25.  Pray to Yahweh for truth.  We are called to die daily (1 Corinthians 15:31.)  We are told to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto Yahweh, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1.)

Paul offers these words of comfort in Philippians 4:13:  “I can do all things through Messiah which strengtheneth me.”  Messiah offers further comfort with these words: “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20) and again in Hebrews 13:5: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

It is not our strength but his within us that will carry the day and allow us to bear the fruit necessary to overcome.