Author: rkeck777

I have carefully searched the Scriptures for decades to find the Truth of what God wanted for my life. I was raised Roman Catholic and even attended seminary in the 1980s in Indianapolis, IN. They asked me to leave because I kept questioning the faith by pointing out where Catholic doctrine was counter to the clear teachings of the Scriptures (these differences are covered in many books). I was told that I was “too orthodox” and asked to leave.
I thank the Way International for teaching me ‘how’ to read the Bible. Just as one needs to be taught to read Shakespeare, there are literary rules used throughout the Word (e.g., context, first use, figures of speech, etc.) that make the study of the Bible thrilling and fulfilling (These rules are covered in many books). The Way had its own problems and their proclivity for teaching how to understand the Scriptures led to their undoing when some of their teachings were exposed to be counter to the clear teachings of the Word.
This is not intended to be an auto-biography but I want you to understand that my search has taken me in many varied directions and at the age of 58, I once again made a ‘shift correction’ towards what I believe to be a greater understanding of true faith. It is never too late for God to reveal the answers to the desires of your heart.

I began a thirty day fast after Thanksgiving 2018 for both spiritual and physical health reasons. I listed my reasons on a dry-erase board so they were constantly before me. Those who know me were shocked that I planned to go thirty days without food. I explained that Christ went forty days and he wasn’t sixty-five pounds overweight. I don’t believe I would have been successful without my list and a desire to see the changes come about in me.
Number one on my list was to ask for forgiveness. My transgressions unto the Lord are numerous and senseless (as I’m sure is the case with most people). This is where the opening verse comes in. Someone actually shared it on Facebook (see, FB is not totally worthless) and I was struck by what it said of God’s own heart. I looked it up in my Bible so I could see the context and I saw the verse was highlighted and there were notes in the margin. I was shocked. I had seen this verse - I had parsed the Hebrew words in the verse - I had saved my thoughts in the margin - and I had completely missed the Heart of God in the Verse.
Parsing, examining and searching the Word and various study helps is important and it has its place, but God only wrote one Book for His People so seeing the why, the heart, of what is written is vital. In a nutshell, in Isaiah 43 God tells us that HE forgives us for HIS sake because unforgiveness is so toxic that God worries about its effects on Himself. I couldn’t believe I had missed this simple, yet powerful truth and knew I had to examine every aspect of my faith to see what else I had ignored.
It is very easy to delve into the Bible to verify the doctrine one already has and this is what I had done for decades. Luckily, I had been ‘thrown out’ of my church the year before based on a personal disagreement with the Pastor. God had some major Truths He wanted to share with me and I was now not as likely to bend scripture to whatever my current church was teaching. The process behind the Revelation does not have a linear path that can be easily transcribed and this narrative is already lengthier than I had planned so let’s just cut to the chase. The epiphany is probably the reason you are reading this book in the first place and you are probably wondering if I will ever come to the point.

God told me that ‘Christ did not come to start a new religion or a new Covenant’.

Read that again.

Yes, Jesus brought about the New Covenant promised by God (Jeremiah 31:31) in the Old Testament, but he did not bring about something different than what had been prophesied. “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). Where, in scripture, is it prophesied that God will ‘suspend’ His Laws for a time?
I could not have received that a year ago because I was so steeped in the Faith I had ‘clothed’ myself in. I understand that early believers were referred to as “Christians” but that was merely a derisive label given to them. In my civilian jobs, I was called supervisor, foreman, boss fellow, and several other names I chose, in good taste, to not repeat. These are all titles and did not change the underlying character of who I am. There are two very good YouTube videos I found that explain this so well that I recommend you stop reading now and watch them before continuing.

The Error of Dispensationalism (Remastered) - 119 Ministries
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RL2hZSpKEE
Identity Crisis - Passion for Truth Ministries
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VN-1jUc963g

Yes, I understand Jim Staley is (was, depending on when you read this) in jail. He is an imperfect messenger (as are we all), but if you cannot distinguish between the messenger and the message then you are going to miss out on much of what God is sharing to you with the Scriptures and in life.

I was reminded of the lesson of Ananias and Sapphira from Acts 5:
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. 6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. 7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. 11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

Ananias and Sapphira had obviously done a good work in selling their property and giving much of the proceeds towards the Ministry but their hearts were wicked in that they wanted praise for having done this and false praise at that since they kept back some of the money but they led people to believe that they had contributed the entire amount. Any amount would have been a worthy contribution but they wanted to be puffed up in their pride by lying to the Apostles and to the Holy Spirit. The shock and shame of having their hearts exposed by the Spirit through Peter was too much for them.

You must work out your path AND you must want to follow that path. Our Father is not impressed by people who feel obligated to do something they do not want to do (“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” Matthew 15:8). God also tells us that, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1John 5:3). The Torah was not intended to be burdensome but the Religious Leaders, over time, added to and agonizingly interpreted the existing Instructions with their traditions (Talmud). I do not believe that this was God’s intention. God’s Instructions are not based on circumstance but the application often must be. This is your responsibility - please do not relinquish the accountability of your walk to others.

The two most important things you much figure out for yourself are, “what is God’s Heart in commanding such and such” and “what is my heart in obeying His Commandments”. This is a journey, much like marriage, and diligence to your relationship will produce wonderful results.

Categories
Torah

The Ten Commandments (they are not suggestions) – #3 (Taking the Name of Yahweh in Vain)

This is an excerpt from my book, GRAFTED: Embracing Torah, which can be purchased on eBay or the Product page of my website (it’s much more expensive on Amazon).

Enjoy!

The Ten Commandments (The Big Ones)

And God (Elohim) spake all these words, saying, (Exodus 20:1)

Exodus 19:25 states, “So Moses went down unto the people,
and spake unto them.” This is the third time Moses came down from
Mount Sinai (between Exodus 19:3 and Exodus 34:29, Moses goes
up to meet Elohim atop Mount Sinai and comes back down seven
times – not bad for an eighty-year-old guy).

The verse following Exodus 19:25 (Exodus 20:1) states, “God
spake all these words…” so it appears Elohim audibly spoke to all the Israelites.

This seems to be confirmed in verses 18–22:

18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. 19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. 20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. 21 And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. 22 And the LORD said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.

The people in the valley were so shaken by the experience that
they did not want Elohim to speak to them again (I’m sure there was
a lot of reverb and pyrotechnics). The word Elohim is used because
His Message was for more than just the Israelites. This tells me that
what we refer to as the Ten Commandments are so important that
Elohim felt the need to personally tell them to His people.

3. “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain” (Exodus 20:7).

This is often cited to chide people for using Elohim’s name when cursing. That could be an example, but the Hebrew word for “vain” is shav, and it means “falsehood” or “for a vain or frivolous purpose.”

It means using Yahweh’s name to promote a falsehood that destroys or ruins. This seems to imply more than invoking Yahweh’s name in profanity.

Have you ever been told, “God told me to tell you ____________ (fill in the blank)” and the prophecy did not come to pass? It could be that it was a “conditional” prophecy and you did not meet the conditions (e.g., “God told me you will be the next mayor,” but then you don’t register to run for office). It could also be that Yahweh did not speak those words to the prophet and they were speaking on their own volition but said it was “of God” (they lied) to vainly make their pronouncement sound more important. This is blasphemy (Hebrew: naqab – to puncture, to libel).

Do not attribute things to Him that are not of Yahweh. Sports figures like to say, “God helped me score that point,” or other such nonsense. I’m not speaking from actual knowledge, but I assume Yahweh does not prefer your sports team or your favorite athlete over any other. Besides, isn’t the opposing team praying for success also? I am pretty certain that Yahweh is not “rigging” games.

It is true that some people are blessed with great ability, and it is proper to thank Elohim for that, but if you think Elohim is adjusting the trajectory of a basketball or causing an outfielder to leap higher to stop a home run, then you probably have a low opinion of what Elohim is really busying himself with.

The actual meaning of this commandment is doubtlessly associated with the Covenant that Yahweh has with people. The Covenant is compared to a marriage covenant. Israel is often referred to as the bride, and Yeshua is often called the bridegroom. When a couple gets married, traditionally the bride takes the name of the groom.

Imagine proposing or accepting a proposal of marriage. You make wedding preparations, invite guests, and make plans to combine your life with your new spouse. Then shortly after the ceremony, you find your partner whoring around with diseased tramps.

You thought pledging yourself to them and giving your name to them meant something special, but they treated it as if you and it had no value. Yahweh “divorced” Israel because they whored after other gods (committed “adultery”) after accepting His Covenant (Jeremiah 3:8). Notice how closely tied this Commandment is to the 7th Commandment (adultery).

Know what Yahweh promises, and know what he expects from those who want to covenant with Him and His Son. Do not accept His proposal and then spit in His Face.  Accepting the Covenant in vain is to repudiate Yahweh and all His blessings, including life in the age to come. One cannot do this and be guiltless.

The sinner may perhaps hold himself guiltless, and think there is no harm in it, but God, who is jealous for his honour, will not hold him guiltless. Yet more is implied – it is a common figure of speech, called meiosis, where more is understood than is expressed. God will himself be the avenger of those that take his name in vain; and they will find it a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God – if not in this world, yet in the world to come; and so the Targum of Jonathan, by way of explanation, adds, “in the day of the great judgment.” (see Malachi 3:5) [BibleHub]

By the way, if you are using Elohim’s name in your cursing, then, “Bob, damn it,” stop doing it! I’m sure it is not His favorite thing to hear coming out of your mouth.

[continue to the 4th Commandment – Keep the Sabbath Holy]

[1st Commandment – No Other Gods]

[2d Commandment – No Graven Images]

[3d Commandment – Taking the Name of Yahweh in Vain]

[4th Commandment – Keep the Sabbath Holy]

The first four Commandments are considered to be vital to our relationship with Elohim. The last six Commandments concern our relationship with others. This is why, when asked what the greatest commandment is, Yeshua is able to embody all ten in his short answer:

37 Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

(Matthew 22:37–39)

[5th Commandment – Honor Your Father and Mother]

[6th Commandment – Do Not Murder]

[7th Commandment – No Adultery]

[8th Commandment – Do Not Steal]

[9th Commandment – Do Not Swear Falsely]

[10th Commandment – Do Not Covet]

Categories
Faith Prescribed Holy Days Torah

The Doctrine of the Scapegoat

     The scapegoat ritual associated with Yom Kippur is detailed in Leviticus 16 – two goats are chosen to represent Israel and lots are cast (comparable to throwing dice – the festival honoring Esther is called Purim [lots] because lots were cast by Haman to determine the date when the Israelites should be slaughtered) to designate which of the goats would be “for Yahweh” and the other “for Azazel (departure)”.  The High Priest was to pray over the scapegoat, “confessing the sins of the children of Israel, transferring them upon the head of the goat, and [sending it] into the wilderness.”

     Over and over again, the Torah speaks of the doctrine of personal responsibility.  We are each responsible for our own actions, good or bad.  Atonement for our sins can only be effected through a wrenching process of tshuva (return) which entails recognition of past transgressions, remorse over those transgressions, and a commitment to future change.  To suggest that the tshuva process can somehow be short-circuited through a magical act of transference of sins seems to fly in the face of all that [Torah teaches].

Schmuel Goldin; Unlocking the Torah Text – Acharei – the Sent Goat

          The ritual, though done literally (until the destruction of the second Temple in 70AD), is a metaphor (figure of speech synecdoché – of the part) that points to how we are each to repent of our sins and become a better version of ourselves:

  • Recognition:  How does one recognize sin?  A universal standard for sin is the Torah.  “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1John 3:4).  If one believes the Law does not apply to them, then what is there to atone for?
  • Remorse:  The sinner that has regret over their actions believes they did something wrong and does not want to continue to act wrongly in the future.  The High Priest transferred that which the society condemned to the Azazel goat – we approach Christ and ask for forgiveness of the Passover lamb (1John 1:9; 2:1-7).  The sinner who knows their actions are sin yet continues (and plan to continue) in their knowing sin is not remorseful and therefore does not seek atonement.
  • Commitment:  No believer is sinless, but the penitent sinner recognizes their sin, feels regret over having sinned, and makes a commitment to change their behavior to not continue living in sin – driving it away from themselves like the Azazel goat. 

     The Christian church, today, teaches that the Old Testament doctrines no longer apply to believers – this leaves them unsure of what is right and wrong, and that understanding continually changes as the culture changes.  It is difficult to feel remorse when one’s definition of sin is fluid.  Since modern Christians believe Christ died for all sins (which is true) then sin committed by a believer does not tarnish them (which is not true).  This leads to sinners hardening their heart to sin which is the opposite of atonement.

      “Christ loves me as I am” is not doctrinal – he loves you, but he wants you to strive to be a better person.  One does not love the drug addict by letting them indulge in their addiction – if we love them, we seek to help them overcome their addiction.  In the same way, one does not love the sinner by celebrating their sin and/or telling them they are courageous for living in sin.

Christ will one day judge mankind (the Day of the Lord – 2Peter 3:10) – which standard do you think he will use, yours or his Father’s?

     13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Matthew 7:13-14

     Few because many do not recognize sin and/or repent of their sin.

     The choice is to accept Christ as your Savior (see Born Again? and Born Again, Part 2) and live life everlasting, or to face Christ as your judge and possibly die in the Lake of Fire.

Choose wisely.

Categories
Torah

The Ten Commandments (they are not suggestions) – #2 (No Graven Images)

This is an excerpt from my book, GRAFTED: Embracing Torah, which can be purchased at Amazon.

Enjoy!

The Ten Commandments (The Big Ones)

And God (Elohim) spake all these words, saying, (Exodus 20:1)

Exodus 19:25 states, “So Moses went down unto the people,
and spake unto them.” This is the third time Moses came down from
Mount Sinai (between Exodus 19:3 and Exodus 34:29, Moses goes
up to meet Elohim atop Mount Sinai and comes back down seven
times – not bad for an eighty-year-old guy).

The verse following Exodus 19:25 (Exodus 20:1) states, “God
spake all these words…” so it appears Elohim audibly spoke to all the Israelites.

This seems to be confirmed in verses 18–22:

18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. 19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. 20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. 21 And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. 22 And the LORD said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.

The people in the valley were so shaken by the experience that
they did not want Elohim to speak to them again (I’m sure there was
a lot of reverb and pyrotechnics). The word Elohim is used because
His Message was for more than just the Israelites. This tells me that
what we refer to as the Ten Commandments are so important that
Elohim felt the need to personally tell them to His people. This is
why I wanted to start with them.

2. “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.  (Exodus 20:4-6).

This Commandment has two requirements: don’t make images (idols) and do not worship them.

This one should be pretty easy to keep.  John 4:24 states, “God is Spirit”.  That is a pretty hard one to paint or sculpt.  Nevertheless, Michelangelo painted a vision of Yahweh on the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican that is considered iconic.  How many people have a poster of that in their homes? Do you think the Pope does?

Some argue that the context is the “worshipping” of these images and that would absolutely be idolatry; even if it is an image of Yahweh, because an image is not Yahweh.  I believe in angels (because the Word says there are angels), but I do not worship them. I believe that if one doesn’t make them idols, one cannot “bow down nor serve” them.

Yahweh has often commanded that graven images be created.  He directed Moses to place cherubims atop the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:18-20).  This would absolutely qualify as a “likeness of something in heaven above”, but the cherubims were not to be worshipped, the God of the Ark was to be.

 Moses was also directed to make the bronze serpent and place it upon a pole so the Israelites could see it and thereby be healed of lethal snake bites (Numbers 21:8-9). Over the following 750 years, the Hebrews began to revere the serpent so much that King Hezekiah had it destroyed to keep the people from worshipping it.

Do you own a video of George Burns or Morgan Freeman playing Yahweh?  I always thought Orson Welles or James Earl Jones (“Yeshua . . . I am your Father”) would be a better choice, but that still begs the issue – do you have images of Yahweh in your home?  Do you revere them?  Please tell me you don’t venerate these blokes.

You need to decide whether figurines of angels or images of Yahweh constitute idolatry.  Angelic youths kissing on your mantle may look cute, but a houseful of cherubs may cross the line. I have many paintings and figures of Yeshua (who is alive and well in heaven above) in my home to help me focus on the man who gave his life in atonement for my sins and guaranteed me a place in paradise.  I do not worship the images and I do not pray to them (as in a shrine) as an intermediary.

 Anything worshiped outside of the Father and His son strengthens Satan and his demons.  Evil spirits seek the worship that is due to the Father and provide many opportunities for one to divert their attention from that which is worthy of your praise. Do not invite evil into your life.

“Visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me” – Yahweh is not known for executing punishment on individuals, especially when there is a vibrant legal community that can dispense justice (Sodom and Egypt did not have one). He definitely does not target innocents for punishment because of the sins of others.

 19 Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live. 20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

(Ezekiel 18:19-20)

There are natural and supernatural consequences to our actions, and they can benefit or harm many others in our sphere of influence. The consequences of honoring demons could impact a family for multiple generations – especially since children first learn to behave by modeling their parents.

     Since Israel was Satan’s primary target to try to stop the Christ-line. Yahweh repeatedly stepped in to stop satanic attacks (e.g., the snakes in the wilderness – Numbers 21:5-9), but individuals who invite satanic activity and possession are less likely to receive assistance.

 It would be similar to the difference between a person who desires to commit suicide by jumping off a building and someone who is thrown from a building against their will. Yahweh is much more likely to supernaturally help the second person and less likely to thwart the first person’s free will.

     Negative consequences are sure to impact the family and friends of the person who committed suicide, because of their action (and the interpretation and/or misplaced guilt associated with that action), not through any additional action of Yahweh.

 “Thousands” – in context, to the thousandth generation.

     Yahweh neither punishes children for the actions of their parents nor does He reward a thousand generations if one obeys (surely there would be someone among the generations that would disobey, negating the rewards). These phrases cannot be taken literally, but they emphasize the consequences of obeying or disobeying the Word.

     Part of love is following the rules. Our spouses show their love by following their wedding vows and other guidelines that are enacted by both parties to further the relationship. Children honor their parents by following the rules of the house.

     We show our love for the Father by following His Word.

 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

(1John 2:4-5)

[continue to the 3d Commandment – Taking the Name of Yahweh in Vain]

[1st Commandment – No Other Gods]

[2d Commandment – No Graven Images]

[3d Commandment – Taking the Name of Yahweh in Vain]

[4th Commandment – Keep the Sabbath Holy]

The first four Commandments are considered to be vital to our relationship with Elohim. The last six Commandments concern our relationship with others. This is why, when asked what the greatest commandment is, Yeshua is able to embody all ten in his short answer:

37 Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

(Matthew 22:37–39)

[5th Commandment – Honor Your Father and Mother]

[6th Commandment – Do Not Murder]

[7th Commandment – No Adultery]

[8th Commandment – Do Not Steal]

[9th Commandment – Do Not Swear Falsely]

[10th Commandment – Do Not Covet]

Categories
Torah

The Ten Commandments (they are not suggestions) – #1 (No Other Gods)

This is an excerpt from my book, GRAFTED: Embracing Torah, which can be purchased at Amazon.

Enjoy!

The Ten Commandments (The Big Ones)

And God (Elohim) spake all these words, saying, (Exodus 20:1)

Exodus 19:25 states, “So Moses went down unto the people,
and spake unto them.” This is the third time Moses came down from
Mount Sinai (between Exodus 19:3 and Exodus 34:29, Moses goes
up to meet Elohim atop Mount Sinai and comes back down seven
times – not bad for an eighty-year-old guy).

The verse following Exodus 19:25 (Exodus 20:1) states, “God
spake all these words…” so it appears Elohim audibly spoke to all the Israelites.

This seems to be confirmed in verses 18–22:

18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. 19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. 20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. 21 And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. 22 And the LORD said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.

The people in the valley were so shaken by the experience that
they did not want Elohim to speak to them again (I’m sure there was
a lot of reverb and pyrotechnics). The word Elohim is used because
His Message was for more than just the Israelites. This tells me that
what we refer to as the Ten Commandments are so important that
Elohim felt the need to personally tell them to His people. This is
why I wanted to start with them.

  1. “I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out
    of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou
    shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:2–3).

Paganism is identified by the use of many gods for any number
of functions. The Israelites were considered odd for only having one
God. Worship of any other gods (e.g., Ba’al, Dagon, Osiris) was
equated with adultery (Jeremiah 3:8–9. See also, chapter 7 in my book GRAFTED: Embracing Torah). Yahweh warned the Israelites that they would be tempted by the gods (and traditions) of the land they would enter, and Joshua had to admonish them to put away the gods of the Amorites that they had taken as spoils of war.

The cycle is continuous and painful. Throughout the books of
the Kings, the rulers of Israel would rise up and purge the land of
false deities, and others would rise up and purge the land of true
worship and would venerate idols.

Yahweh directed Moses to make an image of a “fiery serpent” and place it upon a pole (Numbers 21:8–9). While in the wilderness, the people once again spoke against Moses and Yahweh. They removed themselves from the protection of Yahweh, and snakes came and bit the people, causing many to die. All who looked upon the brass serpent Moses had made, and believed, were healed of the lethal effects of the snake bites.

What was made for good later became idolatrous. King Hezekiah (750 years later) destroyed the serpent made by Moses (2Kings 18:4) because the people of Judah were worshiping it. No doubt the serpent had been kept to remind people of the power and mercy of Yahweh, but it evolved into something they believed could heal on its own if they worshiped it.

Yahweh warned that he would allow the Gentiles to ravage their land and carry them off into captivity, but still they worshiped the pagan gods. Even after the ten northern tribes of Israel were conquered and carried away to Assyria (2 Kings 17), the remaining tribes of Judah and Benjamin refused to give up idol worship and were conquered then carried away to Babylon (2 Kings 24).

Therefore, what constitutes “having other gods before me”? The
obvious ones are idol worship. Are you worshiping Dagon (head
of a fish and the body of a man – the main god of the Philistines)?
You probably will want to stop that. Other forms of idolatry are less
obvious, and may even appear innocent.

The Catholic Church made a fortune by allowing the faithful
to offer indulgences for relics (i.e., pay coin in order to pay homage
to a “sacred relic”). It was taught that these bits of artifacts, if revered, could heal and/or ensure salvation, replacing true homage of the Father who is the Author of salvation. It was one of the “wicked practices” that Martin Luther spoke out against when he posted his 95 theses on the chapel door of the University of Wittenberg.

What does idolatry look like in the modern world?  What do people worship today?

Gods of the arena comes to mind.  Sports are wonderful and the great talent is exhilarating, but how many people do we know that have a virtual shrine in their home of their favorite sport’s team or individual athlete?  How many people do we know that spend endless hours pouring over sports’ statistics, collecting sports’ memorabilia, and debating the greatness of present and historical sports’ figures?

I put forward that anything that distracts from Yahweh is idolatry – even good things. Sports’ zealots, music groupies, Cosplay fanatics, environmental extremists – anything that can be good in normal circumstances can become idolatry based on one’s intensity and level of devotion.

Do you believe in conservationism? That is a good thing. Adam was “placed in Eden” to “dress and keep” the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15).

Are you an environmental extremist? Do you believe in leaving
our forests untouched and pristine (leading to massive wildfires
that destroy the land, the wildlife, and the humanity present) and
wage legal battles to stop the stewardship of our forests and other
resources? This could be idolatry depending on your level of intensity and time committed to the cause.

Are you an extreme Swiftie? I was a huge Beatles fan – I listened to their music constantly, read everything I could find about them, covered my walls with posters of them, had a Beatles’ haircut. I even started a Beatles fan club in my high school in 1977, eight years after the group had split up. Being a fan of good music is probably not a bad thing. If you were a Beatlemaniac in the 1960s (or in the 1970s in my case), then you may have crossed the line, depending on your level of devotion.

Even intellect can become a god. Yahweh blessed King Solomon with great wisdom to help him rule justly over Israel (1Kings 3:9-14). Over time, his quest for knowledge perverted his faithfulness to Yahweh as he sought after the gods of his foreign wives (1Kings 113-6).

     People of intellect often think they can be moral in the absence of a universal God and His precepts. The French Revolution denounced Roman Catholicism and replaced Yahweh’s moral code with the “Cult of Reason”. Faith is mocked and ridiculed today amongst governmental leaders, university faculties, and popular culture (movies and music) – their enlightened vision for humanity is seen as superior to antiquated faith and morality.

Satan can use nearly anything to promote idol worship. Worshipping a mythical goddess (e.g., Starbucks or Versace logos) does not necessitate a shrine and comfort with embracing ungodly product logos, music lyrics, screen images, and political causes makes one receptive to being beguiled in other ways.

How much of your time do you devote to the distractions of life? Many of those distractions are important and must be dealt with – often on a daily basis. There is a balance you must recognize and maintain. Continually examine how much time you spend in prayer and devotion compared with worldly activities. It helps to have people in your life to help keep you accountable.

I would venture to say that since the Scriptures do not support the doctrine of trinity, believing in three gods instead of one is idolatry.

4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord.  5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 

(Deuteronomy 6:4-5)

I believe that the Word states Yeshua is the son of God, but it also tells us that the Messiah was as Adam in every way, except that Yeshua led a sinless life (Romans 5:12–17). No one professes that Adam was God.

I’m sure that many have closed this website after reading the previous paragraph. I do not seek to convert you to a form of Unitarianism, but if you are interested in seeing why many people do not profess the divinity of Yeshua and why this is scripturally important, then I recommend you get a copy of One God & One Lord by Mark H. Graeser, John A. Lynn, and John W. Schoenheit. Many other books on the same topic are available.

Jesus Christ is Not God by Victor Paul Weirwille is another good (and easier to read) source of information but is less annotated.

Belief in Yeshua’s humanity or divinity does not impact the Commandments – the central point of obeying Yahweh’s Laws and renewing your relationship with Him, through His son, remains the whole purpose of this work.

[continue to the 2d Commandment – No Graven Images]

[1st Commandment – No Other Gods]

[2d Commandment – No Graven Images]

[3d Commandment – Taking the Name of Yahweh in Vain]

[4th Commandment – Keep the Sabbath Holy]

The first four Commandments are considered to be vital to our relationship with Elohim. The last six Commandments concern our relationship with others. This is why, when asked what the greatest commandment is, Yeshua is able to embody all ten in his short answer:

37 Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

(Matthew 22:37–39)

[5th Commandment – Honor Your Father and Mother]

[6th Commandment – Do Not Murder]

[7th Commandment – No Adultery]

[8th Commandment – Do Not Steal]

[9th Commandment – Do Not Swear Falsely]

[10th Commandment – Do Not Covet]

Categories
Faith History Torah

Exodus – the Next Chapter

I started the next commentary last year. Though I am still early in the project, I wanted to post what I have.

I am very happy with the Genesis project and hope it blesses you, also.

Leave comments about either book and if they are thoughtful and scripture based, I will work them in. Feel free to ask questions, also. Being the writer does not make one a great proof-reader. There may be errors or something that is not explained as clear as I think it is. I want to publish the best work I can so your help is welcome.

This has been a slow slog, recently, because of the nature of the Tabernacle. There is significance behind everything the Father tells us to do, but I’m finding it difficult to recognize and communicate that significance. He spent a lot of ink on it, so it means much more than I am seeing. I’m praying revelation will help me around this obstacle,

Enjoy!

Enjoy!

20260207 – Exodus (PB)cDownload

Categories
Faith Torah

Three Years in the Making

Categories
Faith History Torah

In the Beginning . . . .

After three years, it is finally ready for publication!

In the Beginning: An Elaborative and Exciting Commentary on the Book of Genesis

I have neglected this blog from several months as I concentrated on completing this work and I think the result is spectacular (though I might be bias about my own work).

We are commanded to write our own Torah (Deuteronomy 31:19).  Torah is how Christ walked and he commanded we walk like him.  Knowing someone is essential to being able to love them.  Christ was the Word made flesh (John 1:14).  Can we fully know him if we do not know the Word?  Do we want to fully know him?

The Old Testament was all that Yeshua had – it was all the apostles had.  The apostles walked in the faith of Christ and we are commanded to do so, also (“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” – 1John 2:6).  Christ is throughout the Old Testament (even if he was not physically present) and the Gospels help us to recognize that evidence (evidence that I try to record in this commentary).  The New Testament supplements the Old Testament, it does not replace it (as if it was in error).

I have sought to examine each Verse and each word of each Verse, within my capabilities, for my learning.  I have written this to be engaging so anyone who begins reading it, at any point in the book, will become intrigued and continue – with the hope that it will spark a desire in you to do the same, so that you have a springboard for writing your own Torah.

Here are a few interesting topics that few question:

  • Why a talking snake?
  • What were the Nephilim and why did their presence necessitate a world-wide catastrophe?
  • Why is Enoch the only person said to have “walked with Elohim”?
  • How many decades did Noah take building the ark? What was it like to float across the face of the waters for many months
  • Why did Noah curse his grandson when it was his son that sinned?
  • How many sons did Abraham have?  Why so many?
  • Why did Abraham send Eliezer to Haran with eight camels laden with treasure to get a wife for Isaac, but Isaac sent Jacob to Haran with nothing?
  • Why did Esau sell his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of soup?
  • Why didn’t Yahweh ever share with Jacob what happened to his beloved Joseph?

In the Beginning goes in-depth into the Scriptures. A careful examination of the Hebrew, of the historical accounts, of the extra-biblical texts, of the insights of scholars, of the science, and of our own capacity of reason yields a truly wonderful insight into the great men and women of faith.  They are not only our examples, but they were also the people our Savior looked to to strengthen his faith.

It is filled with charts, maps, artwork, and mirth (who decreed that the study of the Word must be stoic?). This is like no commentary you have every seen, and your commentary should be equally unique. I pray this provokes a deeper understanding of the Torah and inspires you to make the Word your own.

Thanks!

Categories
Faith

Free From Tribulation?

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Matthew 7:14

Most Churches teach that believing Christians will be “raptured” off the planet before the Great Tribulation begins – A teaching I believed and taught for many years.

No one wants to go through affliction, especially a “great” affliction. A majority of our lives and our income are spent making our lives a tribulation-free zone. We endeavor to have nice homes with running water, flushing toilets, comfy beds, thermostats, and hot-water heaters.

Grocery stores have so much food that we plant flower gardens rather than food gardens.

I’m all for comfort – I spend much on the amenities of life, but I am preparing myself for the discomfort the Word says is coming.

Jacob suffered affliction; Joseph suffered affliction; Job suffered affliction; David suffered affliction. Nearly all the prophets are reported to have suffered affliction. All the Apostles suffered torture and death for their beliefs, except for John, who was given a comfy Roman prison to live out the rest of his life.

Christ was unjustly persecuted, tortured, and assassinated.

Comfort tends to make us believe we are our own savior, to forget that we have a purpose. Affliction brings us back to a heavenly savior.

Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.

It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

Psalm 119:67, 71

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent

Revelation 3:17, 19

Because comfort is universally desired over affliction, we bend the Scriptures to appease our desires, even though Christ specially told his disciples (which applies to us, also, if we seek to be his disciples) that they would face persecution.

18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

John 15:18-20 (see also, Matthew 10:22)

When everyone in the Bible is facing affliction for their deeply held belief in the Father and His son, why would we assume that there is an option for us to avoid pain and suffering – especially when Satan is committing his last great act of defiance?

Christ faced unjust persecution and torture. We are told to be like Christ:

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

1Peter 2:21

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

1John 2:6

We are not called to seek out affliction and suffering, but if we follow the example of Christ, it will find us.

Christ taught the multitudes (at the sermon on the mount):

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:

Matthew 7:13

Why would many chose a path that leads to destruction?

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Matthew 7:14

Why is this way hidden? It is hidden because we seek to “bend God’s Word to fit our lives.”

What did Christ tell them:

      Because strait (stenos / sten-os’ [G4728] narrow – from obstacles standing close about – strait) is the gate,

The gate is narrow, not the path:

and narrow (thlibo / thlee’-bo [G2346] akin to the base of 5147; to crowd (literally or figuratively):–afflict, narrow, throng, suffer tribulation, trouble) is the way, which leadeth unto life,

The path is linked to suffering and affliction. Who chooses such a path?

and few (oligos / ol-ee’-gos [G3641] of uncertain affinity; puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat:–+ almost, brief(-ly), few, (a) little, + long, a season, short, small, a while) there be that find it.

“few” refers to both the number of people and the time available. Few will enter in salvation and the time to repent and change is diminishing.

Faith in the Father is declining rapidly.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jan/22/us-churches-closing-religion-covid-christianity

In an appeal to dwindling attendance, the churches are competing to be the most inclusive, and must therefore repudiate the Word that makes its new parishioners uncomfortable.

The younger generations are not being taught the Father’s directions. Faith is unintelligible, obedience is unimportant, and doctrine is changed at the whim of man. It is no wonder the youth of today are unimpressed by the churches. Who would want to stand with a group that stands for nothing . . . and that nothing becomes less nothing with each new influencer and each new government mandate.

Telling people that “God loves them just the way they are” does not promote self-improvement and hides the fact that Christ will return as a judge. Any guesses as to the standard he will use to judge us?

He ate with sinners, but he did not condone their sinful behavior. He told the woman caught in the act of adultery, “go, and sin no more.” (John 8:11)

What is “sin”? Is there a universal standard?

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

1John 2:4

Maybe we should stop thinking and teaching that it is something we can decide for ourselves (which is a major reason for the rise in lawlessness in our land).

Tribulation is coming. You are not going to be sucked up into the air to escape it. You need to decide whether you will bend yourself to the truth of the Word of God or whether you will join the many that are distorting the Word and promoting lawlessness.

14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Revelation 22:14, 18-19
Categories
Faith Prescribed Holy Days Torah

Sabbath, No More?

Is Paul telling us that Torah observance is done away with because of Christ’s death and resurrection?

16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Colossians 2:16-17

Dispensational preachers are teaching this view.  John MacArthur is a good example of this type of preacher:

Don’t let anybody hold you to a Sabbath. And that’s referring to the weekly Sabbath, because the other festival Sabbaths are covered under the term “festival and new moon.” Don’t let anybody hold you to the Sabbath. It was part of the system that included the temple, the priesthood, the sacrifices. It’s gone. It was only the shadow, not the substance [ …] Paul is saying, you no longer need the shadow, you have the substance.

John MacArthur, “Understanding the Sabbath.” Grace to You. www.gty.org

Though this is the view of a vast majority of today’s churches, what was Paul’s witness when he wrote this letter?

  • Throughout the New Testament, we see that Paul regularly attended and participated in the synagogue services on the Sabbath 16:13; 17:2 18:4)

14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.

Acts 13:14. 44

13 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.

Acts 16:13

2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

Acts 17:2
  • Luke records that Paul’s “custom” was to worship on the Sabbath (Acts 17:2) – why was it his custom if Sabbath was done away with.

4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

Acts 18:4
  • We see Paul expressing a desire to be in Jerusalem for the Feast of Shavuot (Pentecost)

16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

Acts 20:16

     Shavuot was one of the three pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Pentecost, and Sukkot) that the Hebrews were instructed to attend in the place where “the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name” (Initially, the Tabernacle, then later, Solomon’s Temple).

14 Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year. 15 Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:) 16 And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field. 17 Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD.

Exodus 23:14-17

5 Thou mayest not sacrifice the passover within any of thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee: 6 But at the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name in, there thou shalt sacrifice the passover at even, at the going down of the sun, at the season that thou camest forth out of Egypt.

10 And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks [Pentecost – seven weeks after Passover] unto the LORD thy God with a tribute of a freewill offering of thine hand, which thou shalt give unto the LORD thy God, according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee: 11 And thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to place his name there.

13 Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine: 14 And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates. 15 Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD shall choose: because the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice.

Deuteronomy 16:5-6, 10-11, 13-15

      Why is Paul diligently trying to get to Jerusalem in time for Pentecost, if Christ did away with the Law with his death and resurrection?        

Paul admonishes the Colossians to walk as Christ did and beware of the “traditions of men”, which are not according to Christ:

6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him [see also, 1John 2:6] 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Colossians 2:6-8

The Pharisees (the sect that Paul had been a prominent member of) and the Sadducees taught the ‘oral law’ (Talmud) which was based on the Torah, but it had many additions and other changes that were not from Yahweh. 

2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it. (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32)

Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32

This Talmudic tradition became an evil substitute for salvation through faith and focused on Talmudic works.

18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head [Christ], from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

Colossians 2:18-22
  • That description does not apply to the Sabbath, festivals, and dietary laws. Those things were not human teachings; they were commanded by Yahweh.
  •   But we know that Christ affirmed every iota and dot of the Torah as having enduring authority in the lives of his followers (Matthew 5:18).

17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:17-19

“Fulfilled” – pleroo / play-ro’-o [G4137] to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.:–accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply.

Strong’s Greek Concordance; James Strong

Christ came to “fully preach” the Law, as opposed to the Talmud, which was separating believers from faith.  Those that teach against the Law, “shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven”.

He also proclaimed, “till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law” – heaven and earth have not passed, so the Law still applies or Christ was wrong (if so, was he wrong about anything, else?)

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Colossians 2:8

Man’s philosophy and traditions are deceitful – those of Yahweh, as practiced by Yeshua are not.

You scoff at our philosophy as though living by it were irrational, but it teaches us self-control, so that we master all pleasures and desires, and it also trains us in courage, so that we endure any suffering willingly.

4Maccabees 5:22-23, RSV

The Colossian Heresy:  The doctrine influencing the Colossian believers could be considered a type of philosophy, but according to Paul it is “empty deceit.” It doesn’t actually deliver what it promises.

  •   Paul says it is ‘of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh’ (Colossians 2:23).
  •   Another problem with this false teaching is that it is “according to human tradition and from Paul’s perspective, mere human teachings are useless in overcoming the power of sin (Colossians 2:22-23).
  •   It appears that the false teachers at Colossae were enamored with cosmic authorities, supernatural powers over nature, and angels (Colossians 2:8, 15, 18, 20).  They exalted and feared these spiritual entities, believing them to have control over the universe and their destinies.  These superstitions were also combined with religious practices, including biblical holy days.
  •   In practice, this false philosophy strictly regulated foods, drinks, and festivals (2:16) and involved ascetic rituals and worship of angels (2:18-23).  By adhering to the practices and regulations of these false teachers, people believed they could attain wisdom and be protected from the evil spirits that troubled them.

At the end of the first century, during the time of Trajan (A.D. 98-117), a Christian leader named Elchasai combined aspects of Jewish nomism (circumcision and law observance) with astrological beliefs; magical practices; and pagan cult traditions. The resultant syncretistic teaching emphasized the hostility of the stars (viewed as angels) and the need to regulate one’s life according to the calendar (especially the Sabbath and the courses of the moon) […] Colossae was certainly not afflicted by the teaching of Elchasai, but “the philosophy” bore many similarities. At the minimum, the example of Elchasai points to emerging forms of localized syncretistic Christianity at an early stage. The Elchasaite teaching also demonstrates how a magical/astrological interpretation of sabbaths could surface in early Christianity.

Clinton E. Arnold, The Colossian Syncretism: The Interface between Christianity and Folk Belief at Colossae (Grand Rapids, Ml: Baker Books, 1996), pp. 217-218

A big problem with this mystical false teaching is that it ultimately resulted in minimizing the Messiah’s exalted position as the head from whom the body derives its life (Colossians 2:18-19).

The preeminence of the Messiah:

  •   Paul teaches that the Messiah is the real embodiment of wisdom and knowledge (Co1ossians 2:2-3).
  •   Messiah is “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15). That is, God’s full character is embodied in Messiah (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:4; Philippians 2:6; Hebrews 1:3).
  •   Messiah is “the firstborn of all creation” {Colossians 1:15), which is an Old Testament title expressing royal status and authority (Psalm 89:27).
  •   It was by, through, and for Messiah that “all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities” (Colossians 1:16). Importantly, the invisible creations in heaven would include angelic beings. Paul’s point is that Messiah, the one by whom, through whom, and for whom all things were created, has authority and power over all created things in heaven and on earth.
  •   Messiah is “before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1 :17). That is, Messiah has priority in terms of time and rank, and he is the sustainer of the universe (cf. Hebrews 1:3). Paul hopes to encourage the Colossian believers not to try to find coherence in the universe by turning to angels. Messiah is the one who holds all things together.
  •   Messiah is also “the head of the body, the church” (Colossians 1:18; 2:10, 18-19). That is, he is the lord over the church as well as its source of life: ” … the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God” (Colossians 2:19).
  •   Messiah is “the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent” (Colossians 1 :18). The Messiah’s resurrection has inaugurated the kingdom – his resurrection being the “firstfruits,” assuring us of the full harvest to come at the end of the age (1 Corinthians 15:20, 23). In the meantime, the Messiah exercises his rule through his body, the church.
  •   The Messiah is one in whom “all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell” (Colossians 1:19; 2:9).

For Israel the keeping of these holy days was evidence of obedience to God’s law and a sign of her election among the nations. At Colossae, however, the sacred days were to be kept for the sake of the “elemental spirits of the universe,” those astral powers who directed the course of the stars and relegated the order of the calendar. So Paul is not condemning the use of sacred days or seasons as such; it is the wrong motive involved when the observance of these days is bound up with the recognition of the elemental spirits.

Peter T. O’Brien, Word Biblical Commentary: Colossians, Philemon (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1982), p. 139

In conclusion:

  •   A contextual understanding of these verses implies that Paul does not regard things like the Sabbath and festivals as unimportant.  He condemns only an improper observance of these laws in connection with mystical false teachings that downplay Messiah and his work.
  •   Once again, the problem was with human precepts and teachings, not God’s commandments themselves (Colossians 2:8, 22).
  •   But when we observe these parts of the Torah appropriately, with a focus on the Messiah and his work of redemption, there’s no problem.
  • Verse 16 declares the opposite of what is taught, today.  He was telling the Colossians not to let people falsely judge them for keeping the ordinances of the Torah (without the mystical rituals the leaders were adding).

16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Colossians 2:16-17

If Christ did away with Torah, they would not be a “shadow of things to come”, because Christ already came.  They were still to look forward to the things that are to come (after the Millineal Kingdom, when the present heaven and earth pass away).  Recognizing the substance that these “shadows” point to ought to make us value them that much more!

Torah will still be kept in the Millineal Kingdom. Does it make sense that the Law would be kept for 4000 years, done away with for 2000 years, and then reinstituted again for 1000? Especially when Yahweh and Yeshua both affirmed the Law is forever?

Just Do It and find a preacher who is not changing the Law to fit their values. The Law was given to change us!

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Torah

My Torah Commentary 2of2 – 31Dec2023

This is ALMOST what you have been waiting for!

This is the 2nd half of the draft I promised. I am very giddy with excitement. Yes it needs a lot of polishing, but the info is what is important.

I had to break the work into two parts because it is over 400 pages and WordPress is balking at its size. I plan on getting it onto Amazon as soon as possible, even though it is a draft, because many people want to feel the pages of a book

Feel free to lovingly make suggestions and report grammatical corrections. This is a labor of love and I want to do it the justice it deserves. Thanks

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