Love

Luke 18:8:

Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Messiah Yahshua spoke these words to the disciples while relating a parable.  In the previous chapter, He was addressing events that will occur when He returns to earth.  Since He raises the question, we probably need to learn more about faith and its significance.

Chapter 11 of Hebrews is devoted to the subject of faith.  In verse one, it begins with a definition of faith:  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” 

The name of YahwehShua is an example of this definition of faith.  The only name for the Messiah that is visible in the scriptures in His prophetic or human name, Yahshua.  You find this name in the book of Zechariah, in Hebrew.   In the Septuagint or Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures you also find the Greek rendering of Yahshua.  The Greek translation for Messiah’s name is the same in the Greek New Testament writings as well. 

This prophetic name is easily seen and confirmed in the Hebrew and Greek scriptures.  However, the name of Messiah after His resurrection is found nowhere in the scriptures.  It cannot be seen but the necessity of its existence is deduced through a correct understanding of the law as it relates to the fact that Messiah died in sin.

We call YahwehShua the name of faith.  It is truly “the substance of things hoped for” and also “the evidence of things not seen.”

It is critical that we use the correct name.  In Acts 4:12, we are told:  “Neither is there salvation in any other:  for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”  Our eternal life, our salvation, depends on knowing the right name.  But we can’t see the right name!  It must be revealed and thus provide the foundation of faith. 

Where does this faith come from?  Messiah.  When we have hands laid upon us following baptism, the Spirit of Messiah begins to form within us.  Paul reveals this exciting truth in Galatians 4:19:  My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Messiah be formed in you…”  The spirit of Messiah is not given to us fully developed.  It must grow during the time we have remaining prior to our death.

Paul further discusses the importance of the presence of Messiah’s Spirit within us in Romans 8:9:  “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of Elohim dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Messiah, he is none of his.”

Now we desire to have this Spirit of Messiah fully formed by the time of our death because we desire to be in the better resurrection (Hebrews 11:35).  This is why John tells us 1 John 3:2 that “when he shall appear, we shall be like him;”.  Now we know why it is so important to overcome!  We want the fully formed Spirit of Messiah that allows us to be resurrected when Messiah returns and when we will be like Him. 

Once we begin the formation of the Spirit of Messiah following the laying on of hands, how do we develop or encourage its formation?  Paul tells us in Galatians 5:6:  “faith which worketh by love.”  Another way to say this is that faith operates in us by love.

Now we understand why Messiah emphasizes love so often in his discourses.  If faith is powered by love and we don’t develop and manifest love, then the Spirit of Messiah will not be able to become fully formed.  We are in danger of quenching the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19).  Without the Spirit of Messiah, we will not be in the better resurrection and therefore, the Kingdom of Yahweh.

Now that we realize how truly important love is, the 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians becomes even more significant.  This chapter provides helpful insights into what love really means:

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity [love (Strong’s 26, agape], I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity [love], I am nothing.

If after striving to overcome toward the better resurrection, the Spirit of Messiah is quenched, we are nothing.  We have lost the greatest opportunity ever given to men.  Failure is not an option.  We must understand, know, and demonstrate love!  Our Fellowship of YahwehShua understands this and is ready to help those called and chosen to walk toward the better resurrection and practice love!

Again, we turn to 1 Corinthians 13 for a description of what love looks like.  This list is found in verses 4-7:

[Love} Suffereth long, is kind, envieth not, vaunted not itself, not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in inquity, rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

We must study these traits of love.  This is a critical part of the map that leads down the narrow road to the better resurrection. 

There are many Scriptures that exhort us to love.  It is a valuable study to look in Strong’s Concordance under love, and look up the passages indicated there.  We will look at a few of those now.

John 15:12:  “This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.”  (Once again, we are called to “walk as He walked”.)

2 John 5-6:  “And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.  And, this is love, that we walk after his commandments.  This is the commandment, that, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.”

John 15:17:  “These things I command you, that ye love one another.

John also provides us with this warning in 1 John 2:11:

“But he that hateth (loves less) his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.”

John has a very unique perspective.  He is worth deeper study, because in John 20:2, he is referred to as “the other disciple, who Yahshua loved.”  He had a very close relationship with the Messiah that appears to have been different from the other disciples.  We desire a close relationship with Messiah as well and can learn more about what this means from John.

Paul should not be overlooked, however.  He addresses this important subject as well.  For instance, in Romans 12:10, he says:  “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.”

Also note what he says in 1 Peter 2:17:  “Honour all men.  Love the brotherhood.  Fear Yahweh.  Honour the king.”  James also addresses this.  I recommend a complete review of all verses mentioning love.  This is a very serious matter that has an impact on your eternal existence and reward.

Participation in the Fellowship of YahwehShua will allow you to learn and practice love.  Much more is to be said and learned.  Come and join us in becoming more loving.

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

Finances

The fellowship of YahwehShua is not a 501(c) (3) organization.  We are not authorized or approved by the government of any man.  “The head of every man is Messiah.”  (1 Corinthians 11:3)

Financial support for the activities of the fellowship or eklesia is received only in the form of free will offerings (see Acts 24:17, Mat 5:24, 10:8, Luke 21:4, Psa 119:108).

This fellowship does NOT collect tithes.  Tithes are the inheritance of the Levites.  Please see Nehemiah 10:37-38.

The leadership is not paid a salary and receives no income from the members of the fellowship.  Each leader is a servant who is rewarded by Messiah, the head.  Paul did not receive any income from the members of the Body of Messiah, but he did accept free will offerings.  (2 Thessalonians 3:8-10)

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

Baptism

Since we desire to walk as Messiah walked, we must be baptized.  We baptize by immersion.  We are buried with Yahshua, but raised in the name of life, YahwehShua.

This is a very significant step.  It is the most important decision you will ever make in your life.  It has many ramifications and we take it seriously.  You will not be rushed into baptism, and will be encouraged to be thoughtful and to always be in prayer. 

As you review this website, meet with the elder and eventually, the full body of Messiah, more will be explained.  As you consider your decision about moving forward, remember to:

Pray to Yahweh in YahwehShua’s name 

Pray for truth

Contact us!

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

Leadership

Our mission is to “walk as the Messiah walked.”  We will therefore lead the members of this fellowship as He guided us.

Please note what guidance the Messiah gave to His disciples in Matthew 20:25-28:

25 But Yahshua called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.

26 But it shall not be so among you:  but whosoever will be great among you let him be your minister;

27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:

28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto but to minister, and to give his life as ransom for many.

It will be instructive to turn to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance and look up some key words in the above scriptures.

v.25 dominion, 2634:  “to lord it over, gain dominion over, subdue; in some contexts there is an implication that this exercise of authority is harsh”

v.26 minister, 1249 (noun):  “servant, a person who renders service and help to others”

v.27 servant, 1401:  “slave, bondman, of a lower social strata than a free person”

v.28 ministered, 1247 (verb) servant

          minister, 1247 (verb) servant

          see number 1249 above for definition

Messiah clearly does not want the person or persons who are chief among us to exercise a harsh authority or dominion over the members of this fellowship.  The leader is to be a servant, and not a dictator.

The Messiah provides further guidance in Matthew 23:11-12:

11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant

12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Paul also provides some traits that a leader should demonstrate.  Please refer to 1Timothy 3:2-12.  These traits are:  married, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, hospitable and able to teach, not given to wine, not a bully or violent, not greedy, one that rules well in his own house.

Paul provides additional insights in 2Thessalonians.  He who is chief among us should work or have their own source of income.  They are not to be paid for their service to the fellowship.  Note 2:8-10:

8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

9 Not because we have not the power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

10 For ever when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

At the present time, we have one elder who regards himself as a servant and is not paid for his service.  The members of this fellowship have experienced harsh and greedy leadership and do not believe this to be the Messiah’s way.

Leadership is provided by men and not by women.  Paul addresses this in 1Corinthians 15:34-35:

34 Let your women keep silent in the ekklesia:  for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

35 And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home:  for it is a shame for women to speak in the ekklesia. 

In reviewing the Hebrew Scriptures, there is no example of women exercising religious leadership.  The firstborn male was originally the priest of the family.  Later when the priests or Levites performed leadership roles, women were excluded. 

The term, elder, comes from the Greek, presbyteros, Strong’s #4245.  References to elders are found in the following scriptures:

James 5:14 – “call for the elders of the ekklesia”

1Peter 5:1 – “the elders which are among you”

Titus 1:5 – “ordain elders in every city”

1Timothy 5:17 – “Let the elders that rule be counted worthy”

1Peter 5:1 – “…who (Peter) am also an elder, and a witness…”

1Timothy 5:1 – “rebuke not an elder but intreat him as a Father”

1Timothy 5:15 – “against an elder receive not an accusation”

The elder of our fellowship is responsible for teaching, leading the services, anointing, laying on of hands, and providing guidance with love.  An elder is to be an example of loving guidance.  1Corinthians 13:4-6 provides the traits exhibited as part of love:  suffereth long, kind, envieth not, vaunteth not itself, not puffed up, does not behave unseemly, seeketh not her own, not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in inquity, rejoiceth in the truth.

We are a small home-based fellowship presently with one elder.  When you contact us for information, it will be the elder that will respond to your request.  May Yahweh bless you as you seek to know more of His truth and reach out to us.

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

The Name of Faith

Rom 6:17:  But Yahweh be thanked, that ye were servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered to you.

Rom 16:17:  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause division and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

 2 John 9:  Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not by the doctrine of Messiah has not Yahweh.  He that abideth in the doctrine of Messiah, he hath both the Father and the Son.

 We call on the name of the Father and the Son.  It has been revealed that this is not the prophetic or human name of the Son.  This truth has been hidden.  Note that Bullinger, in The Companion Bible, indicates this hidden truth in a footnote to Revelation 14:1.  The King James Bible translation quotes that passage this way: 

 “And I looked, and lo, a lamb stood on the Mount Sion, and with Him one hundred forty four thousand, having HIS FATHER’S NAME written in their foreheads.”

 However, the Greek text says His Name and His Father’s Name.

This truth is revealed in Matthew 28:19 as well.  This passage says, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

The Greek for name is singular, not plural.  It is ONE name, not two or three.  Scholars believe that “Holy Spirit” was added later.  The Greek for name in both passages referred to above is singular.  The name on the forehead of the 144,000 and the name we are to be baptized into is the same. 

This is the name that Messiah inherited when He was resurrected, not the human name He was given at birth.  We are told in Hebrews 1:4 that this name is:  “so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.”

 We desire to be in the “better resurrection” as indicated in Hebrews 11:35.  To be there, we must walk with Messiah as He walked.  We must die with Him in baptism, and be raised with Him in the revealed name of inheritance, YahwehShua, the name of the Father and the Son.

 YahwehShua is not written in the Scriptures.  It is the name of faith.  We believe this name is the “substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)  We are told in Jude 3 to “earnestly contend for the faith, which was once delivered unto the saints.”

This truth about the inherited name of YahwehShua is the light that is being raised up in the world.  Why now?  We are in the end time when Messiah will return.  This truth will prepare the way for the two witnesses who “shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.”  (Rev. 11:3)

 Our work is similar to that of John the Baptist, who fulfilled Isaiah 40:3:  “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness.  Prepare ye the way of Yahweh, make straight in the desert a highway for our Elohim” (in English, Mighty Ones).

 This is a very dark world but there is a light.  We are very small in number and insignificant to the world, but the message of Messiah which we proclaim is great and magnificent.  Come out of the darkness into the light.  Consider John 12:46:  “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.”

We recommend that you pray to Yahweh for truth and email us for further guidance.  His message that we proclaim allows us to be a voice “crying in the wilderness.”  Come and join us in the greatest adventure in this life.

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