Orthodox
Believers
We of
Ephraim join Judah in turning to deeper truth of Scripture. Now that we have
learned our Heavenly Father’s name is Yahweh and His Son is Yahshua, we desire
to proclaim Yahshua’s name correctly and admit He is Yah’s salvation. As we seek circumcision of the heart we are not interested in
lighting candles, wearing outer adornments or following the Talmud. We seek to
follow Yahshua, our High Priest of the Melchizedek order, and join with Judah,
for we of the ten men read that Yahweh is with them, Zechariah 8:23
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The growing worldwide desire afoot to get
back to our Hebrew roots brings us to a deeper interest in the Old Testament.
As we learn the history of the ancients, such as Abraham and his progeny, we
seek a closer association with them and the problems they’ve had. Seeking a
deeper understanding of their culture, some have considered taking on a Hebrew
or Jewish name. The Bible examples indicate only Yahweh or the parents can
change one’s name (Genesis 17:5; 35:18; Num 13:16, etc.). Our advice to them is
to keep the name they were given; determine to maintain honesty and integrity;
treasure the name their mother gave them, making it a name of honor and respect
by the life they live.
Still others want to be Jews. In getting
absorbed in their search, they soon turn their attention to peripheral things
of every day life that prove absorbing to them such as the writings, language,
customs and appearance of the orthodox Jews. Those seeking their roots become
interested in Jewish customs including their dress and apparently want to
identify with them. The following verse in Numbers is often seized as their
reason to imitate Jewish dress:
Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them
fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that
they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of
blue: And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and
remember all the commandments of Yahweh, and do them; and that ye seek not
after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring, (Numbers 15:38-39 KJV).
WEARING FRINGES
Today we do not wear the same type garments
as did those of that bygone era whose attire usually included a four cornered
robe covering which they wrapped about themselves. This was to have fringes
(Hebrew, tzit-tzit)
or tassels on the four corners. Some Jews do wear an undergarment much like a
t-shirt beneath their regular clothing which has tassels at the four corners
(called by some arba canfot). John Gill’s Expositor also states that
the tassels applied only to square garments like a robe, all others were
exempt. The Messiah may have worn them (Mat. 9:20) but the Pharisees certainly
did, Mat. 23:5.
FRINGES AND TASSELS
Those new to the faith soon take note of these adornments and commence to make their own tassels
[tzit-tzits] (or purchase them from some
entrepreneur) and hang them on four belt loops of their trousers. These may be
short and small, or large and long, depending upon the recognition and
attention desired.
Yahweh clearly says the reason for the
fringes is for the awareness of the wearer. The wearer, upon looking at the
fringes, will be reminded of all Yahweh’s commandments and do them. With the tzit-tzits on the four corners of their clothing, wherever
they look, downward, in front or behind and on either side, the precept of
obedience to the Commandments is before the wearer.
There are lessons we can learn from the
past, and especially from the Bible (Torah)
teaching of the Jews. They often have a deeper perception of Bible truth than
one finds in churchianity. However, physically
dressing and wearing garments and adornments like a Jew will not of itself
deepen one’s comprehension of Bible truth, nor will it draw us closer to Yahweh
and Yahshua. It takes more than that. It is a change of heart that Yahweh is
seeking.
Are those new to the faith aware that wearing fringes on the outside of their clothing is to follow
the example set by the Pharisees and their visible ostentatious badge of
righteousness? The tzit-tzits are an obvious example
of the Pharisees’ meticulous following of the least commandments, even down to
the keeping of small things like visible threads worn on their garments. Their
message to the world is, if they are so scrupulous in observing minor things,
it can be inferred that things big or little are observed with the same careful
scrutiny.
The question we must ask is, should we also
be wearing the fringes of Numbers 15:38 today? A number of observant Jews do
wear the fringes or tzit-tzits, but wear them on a
t-shirt type undergarment, not hanging on the outside. The wearer knows these
threads are there, (but not always the commanded blue) though they remain
invisible to others. Many Jews feel an obligation to continue wearing the tzit-tzits today even after accepting Yahshua as the
Messiah. For those who are ingrained in the Levitical mode of dress, we understand. The question is whether those of the Melchizedek order should strive to be under the Levitical dress code. Will that make us a better follower
of our Savior and King?
THE PHARISEES’ EXAMPLE
The Pharisees sought to call attention to
themselves in the things they said and did as well as their ostentatious dress.
They tried to be in the limelight and found ways to gain popularity and greater
notoriety. Yahshua criticized their actions and vanity especially in the
additions to their dress:
They do all their deeds to be seen by men; for they make their
phylacteries broad and their fringes long, (Mat. 23:5 RSV). Instead of wearing the tassel reminders of the Torah
discreetly on the inside, the Pharisees wore their badges of righteousness on
the outside for the world to see, and enlarged them to gather more attention.
They missed the whole point of Yahshua’s message. He came to strengthen the
spiritual aspect of the people.
A SPIRITUAL BATTLE
Yahshua came to his own people with the
message of the Kingdom and their opportunity to be a part of it. Only a few had
ears to hear. He came to proclaim himself as the Anointed one of Yahweh, but
was rejected because He did not drive the Romans out of the land as many had
erroneously anticipated. His own people rejected Him as King. They expected Him
to carry out a physical overturning of the Roman occupying power, and restoring
Israel’s sovereignty. The people in general did not comprehend Yahshua came to
wage a spiritual battle, and set an example for us.
As delegates to Yahweh’s Kingdom we must
first learn the principles of Yahweh’s attitudes and way of life. It begins
with a change of heart, overcoming a carnal, boastful, proud, pompous,
self-righteous, mind-set like the Pharisees. Yahweh seeks a broken and contrite
heart which allows Him to work with mankind. Instead carnal men desire
physical, earthly signs, miracles, wonders and blessings without measure, and
without repentance on their part.
JOHN LOSING HEART
John the Baptist himself began to harbor
doubts whether Yahshua was indeed the promised and true Messiah. Expecting the
Kingdom should immediately appear, John had proclaimed Yahshua as the Savior of
the world, but now found himself languishing in prison. The true Messiah was to
come and establish the Kingdom, (Matthew chapter eleven), but it was not
happening as John had anticipated. He had spoken boldly against Herod’s sinful
ways, but now was imprisoned. Why did not Yahshua perform a miracle and release
him! Yahshua’s reply to John’s inquiring messengers was to note the various
healings that had taken place; the deaf hear, the lame walk, the blind see, the
lepers are cleansed.
The deaf could now hear the good news of
the Kingdom; the blind could now see the truth; the lame could walk in Yahshua’s
footsteps; the lepers could join with the body of Messiah. Yahshua was also
pointing out that His healings were in fact freeing the people of the
infirmities they would no longer have to contend with in the Kingdom (as we see
in Rev. 21:3-4).
Physical miracles are always of interest to
mankind, and Yahshua performed miraculous acts to gain attention so more people
would gather and be attentive to His message. Yahshua enthralled the people who
looked for more and more miracles. When it came to spiritual knowledge and
comprehension, they lacked spiritual understanding.
When Yahshua fed the five thousand with
five barley loaves and three small fish, the people apparently saw Him as a
free lunch ticket. He could multiply the food from five loaves to feed five
thousand hungry souls (Mat. 14:20) and still have twelve baskets of leftovers!
Why here was a meal ticket they could follow around every day. When Yahshua saw
that the “free lunch crowd” wanted to make Him their ruler that day, He fled up
a mountain:
Therefore when Yahshua perceived that they would come and take Him by
force, that they might make Him a king, Yahshua withdrew again to the mountain
alone by Himself, (John 6:15 MKJV).
BEYOND THE PHYSICAL
Orthodox Jews have rejected the Savior and
still do not understand the spiritual level of Yahshua’s teaching. For example,
they wear special Bible verses (in little boxes known as phylacteries) on their
forehead, binding them on their hand as a literal and physical fulfillment of
Scripture, such as Deut. 6:8. However, Scripture says first the laws should be
in their heart (verse 6) within, not hanging on the outside. They do not
understand that what is needed is a soft heart and greater spiritual
understanding.
Wearing the tassels, having on the
yarmulke, the tallith or prayer shawl did not change
the hearts of the Pharisees. They still were determined to kill the Savior.
When Peter pointed out they were indeed responsible (as are we, for all have
sinned) for putting the Savior to death, the question was, what can we do after
all this? What can we do about it? The answer from Peter was clear:
Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Yahshua Messiah
for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all those afar off, as
many as Yahweh our Elohim shall call, (Acts 2:38-39 KJV). Nothing is said here about
wearing the prayer shawl, the tallith, the
phylacteries, the yarmulke, zit-zits, or kipa. The
action the Jews were to take was to repent of their past, change their ways and
be immersed into the name of Yahshua Messiah and have their sins washed away so
they may walk in newness of life.
It is a disappointment that a great
majority of the Messianic Jews who have accepted Yahshua in general do not
teach baptism into Yahshua’s saving name. These are Jews with whom we share
much deeper truth in Yahshua and the New Testament. Hardly ever do they
encourage one to get baptized into the name of Yahshua. Instead of urging
converts to do as Peter said, “Repent and be baptized in Yahshua’s Name…” we
hear, “keep the Sabbath, study the Torah and be circumcised in the flesh.”
When they do encourage one to be baptized (mikvahd), they
seem reluctant to state we are to be immersed into Yahshua’s name, the only
name under heaven whereby we can be saved, Acts 4:12. The early disciples
boldly proclaimed Yahshua, Acts 5:28-29. Those coming from Judaism seemingly
find it difficult to put their faith in the man, Yahshua.
Many Messianic Jews insist one be
circumcised and will at the same time contend it is not for salvation, but yet
it is required for acceptance into their fellowship. Paul said something
different:
(Yahshua) in whom also you are circumcised with the circumcision made
without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the
circumcision of Messiah, buried with Him in baptism, in whom also you were
raised through the faith of the working of Yahweh, raising Him from the dead.
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all
trespasses, (Colossians 2:11-13
MKJV).
Note that in the above verse, Paul equates
baptism into Yahshua’s name as a type of circumcision; and being dead in our
sins, we are made alive with all sins forgiven. We are given the Holy Spirit by
the laying on of hands following immersion. Furthermore we are marked as His
property, for we carry Yahshua’s name.
A NEW AND LIVING WAY
Following the ways of the Pharisees and
taking on their appearance does not bring us closer to Yahweh. A big difference
between Judaism and our Melchizedek priesthood is
Yahshua emphasized the spiritual aspect in living our faith. Yahshua has shown
us the way we can enter the very presence of Yahweh by being a living example
of Yahweh’s truth:
Therefore, my brothers, having boldness to enter into the Holy of Holies
by the blood of Yahshua, by a new and living way which He has consecrated for
us through the veil, that is to say, His flesh, (Hebrews 10:19-20 MKJV).
Most Orthodox Jewish groups today insist
one also wear a “kipa” or “yarmulke” which is a
beanie type head covering men wear in worship. Paul said very clearly that in
worship a man should not have anything on his head, but the woman should have
her long hair covered, (1Corinthians 11:1-16). Jewish authorities admit there
is no Bible command for men to wear a kipa head
covering, yet to join most fellowships, a visitor must don a kipa. (For a clear understanding of this, request our
mini-studies: “Responsibility of Headship” and “Yarmulke, Men’s Headcovering.” You may also read these at our website at
www.YAIY.org).
A NEW CREATION
The men of some Messianic Jewish groups,
even though having accepted the Messiah, will wear a kipa and often a tallith (prayer shawl). Some will insist
that only certain of Paul’s writings be followed; those which seem to demand
one be physically circumcised, which we understand is the opposite of Paul’s
teachings. The following verses clearly show Paul states one should remain in
that calling in which he is called, and he clearly refers to a circumcision of
the heart:
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is
nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of Yahweh. Let each one remain in
the calling in which he was called, (1 Corinthians 7:19-20 KJV). Paul added a new dimension in his stand on
circumcision. He stated physical circumcision of and by itself had no power at
all. What was really needed was a renewed outlook on life, a change of
attitude, a spiritual reformation:
For in Messiah Yahshua neither circumcision availeth anything (has any strength), nor uncircumcision, but
a new creation, (Galatians 6:15
MKJV). The new creation Paul referred to here was to be in Messiah, (2Cor 5:17)
by receiving the Holy Spirit upon baptism. Rather than make circumcision an end
in itself, Paul likely based his understanding upon being completely yielded to
Messiah Yahshua, doing Yahweh’s will from the heart, which is the deeper
meaning of circumcision even in the Old Testament:
Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked,
(Deuteronomy 10:16 AV).
And Yahweh thy Elohim will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love Yahweh thy Elohim with all thine heart, and
with all thy soul, that thou mayest live, (Deuteronomy 30:6 AV). Again, it is our
understanding the New Testament teaches that baby boys should be circumcised on
the eighth day, but with adult men it is not a physical requirement but the
circumcision or change of heart.
JEWS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
While we are looked upon as being one of
the “Israelite Messianic Assemblies,” we indeed have a lot in common with the
“Jewish Messianic Assemblies.” Most have left an orthodox Jewish synagogue
group just as we have dropped out of nominal churchianity.
Their spiritual goals are much the same as ours. They also accept the Savior
Yahshua, and keep the weekly and annual Sabbaths. They generally accept the
true and set apart name of Yahweh and Yahshua. Reputable scholars admit the
name is Yahweh, but some Jewish groups continue to use the Germanic Ashkenaz “YahVeh,” instead of the
more correct Sephardi Hebrew “Yahweh” which is more
closely akin to Temple Hebrew.
A few Messianic Jewish groups still spell
the Savior’s name as “Yeshua” instead of the
scholarly “Yahshua,” perhaps to placate those who strive to conceal even the
short form “Yah!” We disagree with the wrong spelling “Yeshua”
(instead of Yahshua) as it breaks the Third Commandment by replacing the short
form YAH (as found in HalleluYAH), with the “yeh” prefix. Who would ever say, “HalleluYeh”?
Whenever we attempt to cover up or set aside, or do away with Yahweh’s name we
are breaking the Third Commandment. Yahshua boldly proclaimed Yahweh’s name,
Psalm 22:22, John 17:6, 26.
THE NEW COVENANT
It is indeed a fact those of us who are now
living since the time of Yahshua are under the New Covenant. There are certain
changes the Savior brought in the New Covenant that demand some modifications
and differences in our life of obedience.
In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made
the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away, (Hebrews 8:13 AV).
In the book of Hebrews we find the changes
in the worship of Yahweh as introduced by Yahshua and followed up by His
disciples. Some of the most notable changes include:
· We are to bring forth fruits of the
Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) instead of animal sacrifices. · Yahweh’s Word is to be remembered and
dominate our thinking as we repent and overcome our sins and do not continue
therein.
· The Holy Spirit indwells us and now
remains on earth.
· Greater is He that is within us than he
that is in the world, 1John 4:4.
· Our sacrifices today are spiritual and
not physical. We obey from the heart and mind.
· We offer up the fruit of our lips in
praise, giving thanks to His name, Heb 13:15.
· To be accepted we are to repent and be
baptized into Yahshua’s saving name, the
circumcision made without hands.
· Circumcision is that of the heart,
prepared to obey.
THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK
The Temple was destroyed in the year 70
C.E. Since then the Levitical priesthood no longer
functions. Sacrifices and offerings under the New Covenant are spiritual. It is
the sacrifice of our heart and mind to Yahweh’s will. The New Covenant can be
said to be a spiritual covenant, in which we joyfully obey Yahweh from the
heart. We do not fully comprehend everything, but seek to overcome our carnal
nature and be like Yahshua, who having offered Himself as the offering for the
sins of the world, is now our eternal high Priest:
And being made perfect, he became the
author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of Yahweh an
high priest after the order of Melchizedek, (Hebrews
5:9-10 AV).
The Savior is shown to be in type much like
the king and priest Melchizedek. While some feel this
king may have been Shem, the son of Noah, others may think it was Yahshua
Himself. Hebrews says Yahshua is “like” Melchizedek, and will fulfill the position of both king and
priest. He will be established as King
over the world when He returns. At present He is our High Priest, the Advocate
of “the called out ones,” the Ekklesia, known as the
“saints,” erroneously called the “Church.”
MELCHIZEDEK A KING AND PRIEST
There are several points we must note in
the history and position of this Melchizedek,
as is told in Genesis 14:
And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was
the priest of the most high [El-Elyon]. And he
blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high [El-Elyon], possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the
most high [El-Elyon], which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all, (Genesis 14:18-20 AV).
Melchizedek was first of all, King of Salem
(often understood as Jerusalem, and before that, Jebus)
and also priest of the Most High Yahweh. He had brought forth bread and wine
for Abram’s victory celebration. This priest blessed both Abram and Yahweh, and
we note Abram tithed to this Melchizedek. Hebrews chapters 5 to 8 go into
detail to show that the priesthood of Melchizedek was superior to the Levitical, (which came later) in many ways, even to the
point that the Levitical priesthood paid tithes to
Melchizedek through Abram (Hebrews 7:1-7). Thus, the Melchizedek order is older
and superior to the later Levitical priesthood.
As followers of the Messiah, we belong to
the Melchizedek priesthood, established upon better promises. Once He had ascended
into the heavens, Yahshua became our High Priest. He
is the Mediator for the “called out ones” the Ekklesia.
Yahweh hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after
the order of Melchizedek, (Psalms
110:4 AV).
We today are not under the Levitical priesthood for Hebrews 7:12 reminds us that the
priesthood has been changed. The Temple was destroyed in 70 C.E. and the Levitical priesthood was in disarray and unable to carry
out their sacrificial duties. The local synagogue became the substitute for
gathering and worship.
However, it is not uncommon to learn some
Jewish circles insist the Levitical priesthood is
still active, but awaiting the construction of the “tribulation” Temple in
Jerusalem. The book of Hebrews, they allege, shows Yahshua as a sort of “Acting” High Priest just as Moses acted as a high priest (Cohen HaGadol) before the Levitical priesthood was established. They allege that when Yahshua returns, then He will become the true Messiah. Right now He is up in the
heavens.
Hebrews says once ascended into the
heavens, Yahshua became the High Priest and sent the
Holy Spirit to earth on Pentecost day, enabling us to keep the commandments. We
understand that Yahshua is with us in spirit even
though we are unable to see Him, He did say where two or three are gathered
together in His name, there He would be in the midst of them, Matthew 18:20.
THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD
Under the Melchizedek order our sacrifices are now spiritual and our sins forgiven when we accept the
shed blood of the Messiah’s sacrifice through baptism. Obedience to Yahweh’s
word is required, and when we sin we are to repent of that sin, and by
overcoming those sins that so easily beset us, we grow in grace and knowledge
and become more like the Savior:
For even hereunto were ye called: because Messiah also suffered for us,
leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps…
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we,
being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were
healed, (1 Peter 2:21…24 AV).
As followers of Yahshua in the Melchizedek order, we do not offer up animal sacrifices for our sins.
When we sin, we repent of these sins and turn to Yahweh for forgiveness. In so doing
we grow in grace and knowledge as we overcome the little things that can so
easily entangle us. The Melchizedek priesthood emphasizes the spiritual training of the saints (the “Ekklesia”). We
keep our mind on the meaning of Yahweh’s teaching as we learn to control our
emotions and direct our energies to doing good.
Because we learn spiritual lessons by
physical acts, the Levitical order was for the physical training of fleshly people to
be prepared for the Kingdom. Physical sacrifices were required. As the people
brought animals to be sacrificed, they were made to realize a life had to be
given so that their sins might be covered, for without the shedding of blood
there is no remission, Hebrews 9:22. Their sins brought the death of an animal.
For
the present, under the Melchizedek order, the physical sacrifices are set aside
as we seek perfection in the spiritual.
Right now we are to depend upon the influence of the set-apart Spirit to teach
and guide us in our spiritual growth. Under the Levitical economy, one could sin, bring an offering to the Temple and his sin was
covered. He could then commit the same sin and bring another offering. His sin
was covered. He could repeat this again and again. His heart was never changed.
He did not grow and mature in the stature and fullness of the Messiah. At
present we are to continue to overcome daily and repent of the wrongs we have
done and walk in newness of life after Yahshua.
However, Ezekiel 45:11-23 foretells physical sacrifices again will be carried
out when the Kingdom is established.
AND THE TEMPLE?
Israel as a nation was recognized by the
world powers in May of 1948. Since that time there has been much discussion of
building a temple in Jerusalem. However, now some 53 years later there is no
temple and no construction of any kind going on. According to 2 Thessalonians
2:4 the man of sin will sit in the “naos,” the most
holy place. The area known as “The Temple Mount” is understood by some scholars
as the area where Roman troops were garrisoned, and is the fort Antonia. The
Temple mount is actually a block farther south, over the Gihon spring, according to Ernest L. Martin and others.
WE ARE THE TEMPLE
Since Yahshua has
ascended into the heavens and sent the Holy Spirit to earth, we find a change
made in the TEMPLE. The change from Jerusalem as the place to worship was first
given to the woman from Samaria when Yahshua told her
that the time was coming when Yahweh
would not be worshiped in Jerusalem or in mount Gerizim:
Yahshua saith unto
her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this
mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. But the hour is coming, and
now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth,
for the Father seeks such to worship Him,
(John 4:21, 23 MKJV).
Within 40 years the Temple would be
destroyed and the Jews driven out of Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit was sent to
earth at Pentecost when Yahshua ascended. With Yahshua as our High Priest, we can be in an attitude of
worship anywhere, any time.
Our human bodies are now the Temple in
which Yahweh’s Spirit resides. When we repent, our sins are forgiven and we
then receive the set apart Spirit upon baptism into Yahshua’s saving name, followed by the laying on of hands:
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in
the name of Yahshua Messiah for the remission of
sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, (Acts 2:38).
Know ye not that ye are the Temple of
Yahweh, and that the Spirit of Yahweh dwells in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16 AV).
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which
is in you, which ye have of Yahweh, and ye are not your own? (1 Corinthians 6:19 AV).
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of Yahweh, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto Yahweh, which is
your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good,
and acceptable, and perfect, will of Yahweh, (Romans 12:1-2 AV).
For where two or three are gathered
together in my name, there am I in the midst of them, (Matthew 18:20 AV).
SPIRITUAL STONES
Peter goes on to show that we as humans are
like living stones that make up the spiritual Temple of Yahweh today. The
chipping, fitting, shaping, and polishing of these living stones that make us
fitting for Yahshua’s Temple goes on as we strive to
overcome the world, our flesh and the adversary, to become a fit part of the
Messiah’s spiritual body:
Ye also, as lively [living] stones, are built up a spiritual house, an
holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to Yahweh by Yahshua Messiah, (1 Peter 2:5 AV).
Yahshua explained
to the woman at the well that the time was coming when the worship of the
Father would be a spiritual worship, and one could worship Yahweh anywhere, for
His Spirit permeates the earth and the heavens:
Yahweh is spirit, and they who worship Him must worship in spirit and in
truth, (John 4:24 KJV).
THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL
We are certainly in the time that we are to
worship Yahweh in spirit and in truth. He allowed the Temple to be destroyed
after His Son had paid the sacrifice for sin. Yahshua said He was sent to the “House of Israel,” which includes not only the house of
Judah, but also the house of Ephraim and all the twelve tribes:
But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the
house of Israel, (Mat 15:24).
The House
of Israel refers to all the 12 tribes, which includes the Jews, comprised
of Judah and Benjamin as well as the Levitical priests. The rest of Israel is made
up of the 10 tribes carried away from the land by the Assyrians around 725 BCE.
The Jews make up one nation and the lost ten tribes make up the second group,
often referred to as “Ephraim” (Iphriam).
EPHRAIM KNOWN AS ISRAEL
Those who are followers of the Savior are
under the Melchizedek order and are to worship Yahweh
in spirit and truth. Tassels were for those living under the Levitical priesthood. We are under the Melchizedek order. Now
we are to have Yahweh’s word in our hearts and minds, that is, we are to have
the mind of Yahshua within so that we think like Him,
act like Him, respond like Him, have attributes like Him.
A growing number of Bible believers have
the distinct impression they might themselves be descendants from the ten
tribes of Israel that were taken captive by the Assyrians and never returned.
The historian Josephus wrote these displaced northern ten tribes of Israel had
never returned to the land of Israel. The 50,000 which returned under Ezra and
Nehemiah were the Jews from Babylon.
History shows the 10 tribes were settled in
Middle East (in the present area of Iraq), between the Caspian and the Black
Sea. From this area of Georgia and Armenia, they crossed over the Caucasus
Mountains and became known as “Caucasians.” From thence they have scattered
even further, both east and west. (Request: “Babylon the Great Pagan Influence”)
Josephus wrote of this group as being an
innumerable company and had settled in northwestern Europe. A growing number of
historians have authored books in the last several years showing growing
evidence that some of the ten tribes of Israel have been located. Some examples
include: “The ‘Lost’ Ten Tribes of
Israel…Found,” by Steven M. Collins; “The
Mystery of True Israel,” by Gordon Jack Mohr; “Iceland Light to the Nations,” by Des Thomas; “Ephraim,” by Yair Davidy;
“Restoring Israel’s Kingdom,” by
Angus Wootten, “Ephraim
WHO??,” by Jill Hulley.
THE HEBREW BIBLE
A most interesting but simple question is,
“What are Europeans doing with a Hebrew Bible?” Why is the Bible the religious book of the
European countries, including Russia in the east, England in the west, and the
Mediterranean in the south to Norway in the north? Why is the religion of
Europeans (both Catholic and Protestant) based on the Old Testament of the
Jews, and the New Testament comes from the land of the Jews now known as Israel?
Africa is rife with various tribal pagan
religions (except where the Bible or the Koran has been introduced by Europeans
or Arabs). India has Hindu and other religions, and Shinto and Buddha are found
in China and Japan. Malaysia has a number of tribal religions. North and South
America both have their own religions. It is the Europeans who have been the
evangelists to introduce Christianity to the world, which is primarily based on
the Hebrew Bible.
REGATHERING OF ISRAEL
It is rather interesting that both
mainstream Christian and Orthodox Jewish teachings erroneously allege that the
Jews and the Ten tribes have already returned from captivity and make up the
people in the Middle East we know as Jews today. This supposedly occurred
during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. However, reliable history books state
that only 50,000 Jews returned from exile. The Ten lost tribes have not yet
returned to the land of Israel. Ephraim became the dominant tribe of the Ten
and often stands for the northern Ten tribes. They supposedly are lost to human
knowledge, but Yahweh says not one grain will be lost:
For,
lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like
as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth,
(Amos 9:9 AV).
When Yahshua sent
his disciples out to teach, He sent them to the lost sheep of the house of
Israel. He also said He Himself was sent to the lost sheep of the house of
Israel. Thus, there were more than only Jews in the land of Israel when Yahshua sent out the twelve:
But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, (Matthew 10:6 AV).
But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the
house of Israel, (Matthew 15:24 AV).
NOT ALL ISRAEL ARE OF ISRAEL
Today Yahweh is calling out a people to
replace the Israel that did not measure up to their high calling. Yahweh is
replacing some of both houses of Israel, Jews and Ephraim. He is seeking those
who could become kings and priests in His kingdom:
Elohim had provided some better thing for us,
that they should not be made perfect without us, (Hebrews 11:40 MKJV).
Romans 11:17 reveals there will be many
non-Israelites who will be grafted into the Abrahamic tree of promise. It really makes little difference whether one is an Ephraimite, a Jew (as both are Israelites), or one from the
nations (Greek, ethnos). If you feel Yahweh is calling you through His Spirit,
He wants you to become a firstfruit and be in the
first resurrection.
If you feel an inner compulsion to seek His
face, having a thirst for more knowledge and understanding of Yahweh’s will for
your life, it is our prayer you will answer the call. It makes no difference
what your race or background. Scripture says in Acts 15 and other places for
His Name’s sake, Yahweh is calling certain Gentiles to share the promises and
blessings made to Israel:
Even
as Simon (Peter) has declared how Elohim at the first
visited the nations to take out of them a people for His name…So those men who are left might seek after
Yahweh, and all the nations on whom My name has been called, says Yahweh,
who does all these things, (Acts 15:14, 17 MKJV).
REGATHERING OF ISRAEL
Yahweh reveals He has not cast away His
people Israel, there is a remnant which will come through and obtain the first
resurrection to the spirit realm, a very small remnant:
Except Yahweh of hosts had left us a very small remnant, we would be as
Sodom; we would be like Gomorrah,
(Isaiah 1:9 MKJV).
Though the number of the sons of Israel is as the sands of the sea, a
remnant shall be saved, (Romans 9:27
MKJV).
Even so then, also in this present time a remnant according to the
election of grace has come into being,
(Romans 11:5 MKJV).
This remnant is comprised of Gentiles and
those from Ephraim and Judah who are obedient and have accepted Yahshua as their Savior and call on Yahweh’s name. Those
who come out of the churches will be under the Melchizedek order, and those
from Judah will likely still cling to their Levitical background having a tendency for the material or physical worship. At the end
of the age Judah and Ephraim will cooperate with and work with each other:
The
envy also of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut
off: Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not vex Ephraim. But they
shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west; they shall
spoil them of the east together: they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab;
and the children of Ammon shall obey them,
(Isaiah 11:13-14 AV).
In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel,
and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I
have given for an inheritance to your fathers, (Jeremiah 3:18 MKJV)
MESSIANIC ISRAELITES
What should we be doing now that we
obviously are entering the end of the age? A growing number from churchianity realize there is something wrong with their
present affiliation. Yahweh’s Spirit urges them to get back to the truth of the
Word and keep the days that will be observed in the Kingdom to come. We have
left churchianity and its twisted teachings from
paganism behind. We follow Yahweh’s commandments as we prepare for the Kingdom.
We are often referred to as “Messianic
Israelites,” (as opposed to “Messianic Jews”). We strive to keep all His
Sabbaths, statutes, laws and Commandments, (including the Third that directs us
to proclaim Yahweh’s name to all who will hear). The commands to keep Yahweh’s
name in reverence and observe the Sabbaths of Yahweh are the two most ignored
of all Ten Commandments. Observing these two alone will really set one apart in
today’s world!
Messianic Israelites (Ephraim) worship our
Heavenly Father by calling upon His name Yahweh, the Mighty One of Israel. We
accept Yahshua as our Savior and are baptized in the
name of Yahshua and walk in His steps, offering
spiritual sacrifices: Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual
house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to Elohim by Yahshua Messiah, (1
Peter 2:5 AV).
MESSIANIC JEWS
There is also the group of Messianic Jews
who have left the orthodox Jewish groups and have accepted Yahshua as the Messiah. The beliefs of this “remnant” are in basic agreement with our
goals and understanding. However, most insist that to join their fellowship one
must be physically circumcised. Being baptized (mikvahed)
in Yahshua’s name is seldom emphasized.
We must separate the Messianic Jews from
the Orthodox Jews, as the orthodox believe they represent the whole house of
Israel, all 12 tribes. The Messianic groups agree with us that the Jews today
comprise the tribes of Judah and Benjamin plus the Levitical priests.
We of the Melchizedek order understand that
our veins likely carry a measure of Israelite blood from the lost 10 tribes.
But it really makes no difference, for Yahweh seeks a sincere and contrite
heart that trembles at His word.
Gentiles will replace those Israelite
branches torn out of the Abrahamic tree of promise:
I say then, Did they not stumble that they fall? Let it not be! But by
their slipping away came salvation to the (Gentiles) nations, to provoke them
to jealousy. But if their slipping away is the riches of the world, and their
default is the riches of the nations, how much more their fullness? (Romans 11:11-12 MKJV).
NOAHIDE (NOACHIAN) LAWS
The Orthodox Jews have seven laws which the
rabbis allege Yahweh gave to the sons of Noah. These laws supposedly set forth
the rights of mankind, and the keeping of these was enough to ensure salvation.
The laws are: 1. Obedience to magistrates, judges; 2. Worship of false deities
forbidden; 3. Cursing Yahweh (blasphemy) forbidden; 4. Sexual sins forbidden;
5. Spilling blood forbidden; 6. Theft, fraud, lying forbidden; 7. Animal parts
from live animals not to be eaten. Other stipulations rumored to have been
added later, but proof is lacking.
McClintock & Strong’s Ecclesiatical Dictionary says the Jews would not suffer any stranger to dwell
in their country unless he would conform to the Noachian precepts. The
foreigners who submitted were Proselytes
of the Gate. Those who entered into the community of Hebrew citizens by the
solemn ceremonies of circumcision, baptism and a sacrifice became the Proselytes of Righteousness.
The Noahide Laws
are not ordered by Yahweh and are man made, not delineated by Yahweh. The
Jewish Rabbis have made up this series of their own regulations and rules and
laws. However, Yahweh says there shall be one set of laws for all Israel and
the stranger that journeys among them. Not only was this same law command given
to Israel for their observance of the Passover, but the command included those
that sojourned with them:
One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and
unto the stranger that sojourneth among you, (Exodus 12:49 A V).
The theme of one law for Israelite and
Gentile is confirmed in Leviticus 24:22; Numbers 9:14, 15, 16, 29, etc. Paul
wrote in Galatians 3:28 there was no difference between Jew and Gentile and
repeated it in Colossians 3:11. Though we may come from different backgrounds,
we as Yahweh's people are destined to be shaped and guided by the same laws and
commandments as we yield to His Spirit.
The destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E.
left the Levitical priesthood in disarray, and
sacrificial offerings since are no longer offered. We are told that some of
the Jewish Messianic groups insist that to join with them, one should be
physically circumcised. Baptism into Yahshua's name
was seldom brought up, but circumcision is frequently mentioned as a command.
There are groups which have an unwritten law that a non-Jewish Israelite
Messianic member will not be made a teacher, for only Jewish-born Rabbis will
be appointed to such leadership positions. There is no such requirement in the Melchizedek order of Israelite Ephraim.
WHAT IS A TRUE JEW?
The book of Romans describes the
circumcision we should seek is not the outward appearance, but an inward work
of the heart that we might be like the true Jews (Yahudim,
those who praise Yahweh). Yahshua denounced those who
attempted to create attention to themselves in outward appearance. We are not
to seek the attention and praise of men as do the Pharisees. We are to seek the
praise of Yahweh by pleasing Him:
For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that
circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one
inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the
letter; whose praise is not of men, but of Yahweh, (Romans 2:28-29 AV).
Paul goes on in Romans chapter three,
pointing out it is the Jews who have been made caretakers of the Old Testament,
upon which our faith is based. We can learn from the Jews a deeper insight as
we seek the truth of Yahweh's word. On the other hand we can help the Jews come
to a deeper appreciation of the love and spiritual way of life Yahshua has for all of us.
While the Jews have been made custodians of
the Old Testament, only a few have noted that the goal of the saints is to be
the bride of Messiah. In Revelation 21:9 an angel reveals the bride, the Lamb’s
wife, to John who then sees a celestial city coming down from Yahweh out of
heaven. The city hovers over the earth, and is comprised of the saints who were
resurrected to the spirit realm in the first resurrection It’s called the “New
Jerusalem,” this is where Yahweh sets His throne and along with Yahshua, are the “Temple,” and they rule from there.
Take special note this spiritual city, the
abode of the coming King and His Messiah, has 12 foundations, named after the
12 Apostles:
And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them were the
names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb,
(Revelation 21:14 MKJV). Notice the foundations of the New Jerusalem that is
above has its foundations based upon the New Testament Apostles, not the Old
Testament. Emphasis is on the New Testament teachings of the Savior and the
writers of the New Testament:
Now therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow
citizens with the saints, and of the household of Yahweh, and are built upon
the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Yahshua Messiah Himself being the chief cornerstone, (Ephesians 2:19-20 MKJV).
The Ekklesia, the called out ones, (the Church, as defined by
many today) was built upon Peter and his confession that Yahshua was indeed the promised Messiah, and the Assembly belongs to Him:
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build
My Assembly, and the gates of hell (the grave) shall not prevail against it, (Matthew 16:18 MKJV).
We trust the above will show that we who
have come out of the churches are to follow the example of the Savior and are
under the spiritual Melchizedek order as we seek the true worship of Yahweh
under Yahshua our High Priest. We are not to be
conformed to this world nor to follow the ways of the Pharisees. We are to be
bearers of spiritual fruit:
But the fruit of the Spirit is: love,
joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control;
against such things there is no law,
(Galatians 5:22-23 MKJV). The spiritual Melchizedek order has replaced the Levitical order of physical offerings. Our battle is in the
Spiritual realm:
Finally, my brothers, be strong in Yahweh and in the power of His might.
Put on the whole armor of Elohim so that you may be
able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against
flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the
world’s rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in
high places. Therefore take to yourselves the whole armor of Elohim, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand,
(Ephesians 6:10-13 MKJV).
We do not draw closer to Yahweh through
wearing tzit-tzits on our clothing, or wearing
phylacteries on our arm or forehead. We draw closer to Yahweh by having our
spirit in tune with His Set-apart Spirit. Our thoughts, goals, ambitions,
attitudes and life itself is to be in complete harmony with Yahweh and Yahshua. Prepare yourself to join that glorious throng
which will meet Yahshua in the air when He returns:
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to
him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready, (Revelation 19:7 AV).
© 2007, 2010 Yahweh’s Assembly in Yahshua
2963 County Road 233, Kingdom City, Missouri 65262
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