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January 18 Should There Be Idolatry in Our Worship?In the fall, we participate in the great celebration called the "Feast of Tabernacles". We have been so very blessed by this feast with the fellowship, praising our Creator and giving honor to Yahweh throughout the feast. Each year, we learn new things about what Yahweh wants for us in our lives and by these observances, our spiritual walk has been greatly blessed over the years.
There is a stark contrast between the Holy Days of Yahweh and the unholi-days of the world. In the fall, we are approaching the time of year where we find the world keeping its unholi-days, I would like to consider what the scriptures have to say about incorporating pagan observances into our worship and into our lives. Having said this, we do know that there are many within the confines of Christianity that believe Yahweh 'doesn't mind' if we observe Christmas, have the Cross as the sign of our faith, call on upon Yahweh using a pagan name and many other such practices that have its roots in paganism. The logic is, the meaning of these things 'has changed' and they no longer mean those things today. Therefore Yahweh 'doesn't mind' if we doing these things since the meaning has 'changed'. For Examples:
* It's okay to eat pork, the pig has been domesticated and is fed whole grains for it's food and is not roaming the earth eating garbage like it used to. * It's okay to keep the Sabbath day on the first day instead of the 7th day because this is the day the Messiah resurrected. The 7th day is no longer kept by Christians so as long as you are keeping a Sabbath, Yahweh 'doesn't mind'.
* It's okay to keep Christmas, it used to be pagan but it doesn't mean that anymore
* It's okay to have the cross as the sign of our faith, it was pagan but it doesn't mean that anymore
* It's okay to call Yahweh by the pagan name "God", it used to be pagan but it doesn't mean that anymore.
Within the logic of each of these statements, we find a common thread. Each of them say that something has changed. Because of that change, what USED to be wrong is now considered right! I believe this to be a snare. Do we find any examples of this in the scriptures? Is there anything in Genesis through Revelation that would justify the idea that something that used to be wrong can later on be right? The answer is, "No, to the contrary!".
Let's consider first of all the scriptural prohibition of incorporating paganism into our worship in the first place. When the children of Israel were about to go into the promised land, Yahweh's desire was that they not take their pagan practices and apply it to Him: Deuteronomy 12:28 - Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of YAHWEH thy Elohim. 29 - When YAHWEH thy Elohim shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land; 30 - Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their elohim, saying, How did these nations serve their elohim? even so will I do likewise.
Yahweh commanded that they not even inquire after their gods. Yahweh didn't want them to 'learn the way of the heathen' at all! This is consistent with what Yahweh said later: Jeremiah 10:2 - Thus saith YAHWEH, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. "Learn not the way of the heathen". Here are 2 commandments in scripture where we are told to not learn about pagan worship, much less apply their practices to the worship of Yahweh.
Continuing.. Deuteronomy 12:31 - Thou shalt not do so unto YAHWEH thy Elohim: for every abomination to YAHWEH, which he hateth, have they done unto their elohim; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their elohim.
Yahweh says plainly "Thou shalt not do so unto YAHWEH thy Elohim". Do what? Worship Yahweh in the way the other nations worship their deities. We find more evidence in the "New Testament" scriptures: Galatians 4:8 - But then, indeed, when you did not know YAHWEH, you served those which by nature are not mighty ones. 9 - But now after you have known YAHWEH, or rather are known by YAHWEH, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? 10 - You observe days and months and seasons and years.11 - I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.
Here is a direct condemnation of continuing in those 'weak and beggarly elements' which were in paganism/idolatry. This included the observance of certain days, months, times and years found within idolatry. Some have tried to use this against those who observe the commanded feast days such as Passover, Feast of Tabernacles, etc. but Yahweh's commandments are not "weak and beggarly elements". Paul himself kept the feasts, surely he would be bringing condemnation upon himself here. Acts 18:20 - When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not; 21 - But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if YAHWEH will. And he sailed from Ephesus.
Therefore, this is certainly talking about Gentiles 'turning again' to idolatry, not returning to Yahweh's commandments! Within that idolatry was the observance of days, months, times, etc that are not found in the pages of scripture. It is clearly condemned here We find the people of Judah were doing similar things in Jeremiah chapter 2. They were claiming that they weren't polluted with Baal, but Yahweh said: Jeremiah 2:22 - For though thou wash thee with nitre, and take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me, saith the Master YAHWEH. 23 - How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim? see thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done: thou art a swift dromedary traversing her ways;
They claimed they weren't polluted, but apparently their actions showed otherwise. Therefore it is certainly wrong to mix paganism into worship. Paganism is actually Satanism. 1Corinthians 10:20 - But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to Elohim: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 21 - Ye cannot drink the cup of YAHWEH, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of YAHWEH's table, and of the table of devils. 22 - Do we provoke YAHWEH to jealousy? are we stronger than he? Why would anyone believe it is okay to incorporate Satanism into our worship? How terrible! The Egyptians observed many of these pagan practices, what did Yahweh command Israel?
Leviticus 18:2 - Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, I am YAHWEH your Elohim. 3 - After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances. 4 - Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am YAHWEH your Elohim. 5 - Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am YAHWEH.
They are told specifically to keep Yahweh's commandments, not the ones of the Egyptians nor the ones in the land of Canaan. Yet, we find in modern day mainstream Christianity that people are doing these very things. We are told to keep Yahweh's commandments and not add to them nor take away from them: Deuteronomy 12:32 - What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.
Did the children of Israel obey these commands? Psalms 106:32 - They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes: 33 - Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips. 34 - They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom YAHWEH commanded them: 35 - But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. They did not. How about today, can we participate in pagan practices today? Does Yahweh indeed have a double standard? Should we mingle among the heathen and learn their works? Certainly no. Yahweh is no respecter of persons and shows no partiality.
Colossians 3:25 - But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
1Peter 1:13 - Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the favor that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Yahushua the Messiah; 14 - as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 - but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 - because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy." 17 - And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay [here] in fear; On Judgment day, Yahweh will judge each without partiality or respecter of persons. If something was wrong in 2000BCE then it is also wrong in the 21st century. Hebrews 13:7 - Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of YAHWEH to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. 8 - Yahushua the Messiah is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 9 - Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by favor, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.
Christmas, Easter, Cross symbols and various other 'strange doctrines' (though under different names) were alive and well in Yahushua's time and they are alive and well in the 21st century. It was wrong then, it is wrong now. Consider this, if something was wrong in the year 300...in what year did it become acceptable to Yahweh? 301? 400? 500?? 1900?? The answer is NEVER. Regardless of excuses, reasoning's, etc. there is one standard that we will be expected to live by on Judgment day and that is Yahweh's word. If Yahweh's word says it is wrong then it is ALWAYS wrong. I have yet to see a pig chewing the cud. Until the day I see a pig chewing the cud, I will declare it UNCLEAN as Yahweh's word says. These are all attempts to undermine the word of Yahweh. If it was wrong to change the Sabbath to Sunday in years gone by, it is wrong now. If it was wrong to take heathen customs and apply them to Yahweh in years gone by, then it is wrong now. Yahweh does not change. Shouldn't the roots of our worship be in the scriptures rather than in idolatry and vain customs? Yet just the opposite is embraced today...all with a million excuses, none of which will stand. All of these are embraced and Yahweh's commandments are rejected. Yahweh commands us to keep the feasts, keep the Sabbaths, call upon His name and walk in HIS ways, not the ways of the world.
Romans 12:2 - 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.
Only when we refuse to be conformed to this world and yield ourselves to be transformed by the renewing of our mind will we know what the good and acceptable and perfect will of Yahweh. Therefore, I call upon all to forsake vain tradition and to walk in the commandments of Yahweh. Our fathers have inherited lies, but let's worship our Father in Spirit and in truth: John 4:23 - But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 - Elohim is Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Yahweh is seeking those who will worship Him in Spirit and in truth, not vain and idolatrous worship from the gods of Egypt in generations past.
Joshua 24:14 - Now therefore fear YAHWEH, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the elohim which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye YAHWEH.
Halleluyah, when all is said and done we can know that we are doing right if our conduct is according to the Word of Yahweh. Let's put away the practices of the wicked and lets embrace the practices found in the word of Yahweh. The Word of Yahweh is Yahushua the Messiah. We know that He never observed such things, nor did He command them. Therefore let us walk as He walked!
1John 2:4 - He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 - But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of YAHWEH is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 - He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.
We can rest in this promise. Let's allow Yahushua the Messiah to be in us and allow the Spirit of Yahweh to convict our hearts to worship our Almighty Father Yahweh in Spirit and in TRUTH, no matter what year we live in.
August 01 The Chosen Army OF GOD !The Chosen Army OF GOD ! the warriors armour, foes, and resources. Eph. 6:11 to 17, Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, And having on the breastplate of righteousness. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, Above all taking the shield of faith, where with ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching there unto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. 2 Cor.10: 4-5, For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds, casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 1 John 4:4 , Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. Rom. 8:37, Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 2 Tim. 2:3-4. Take [with me] your share of the hardships and suffering [which you are called to endure] as a good (first class ) soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier when in service gets entangled in the enterprises of [civilian] life, his aim is to satisfy and please the one who enlisted him. CHRIST IN YOUPaul clearly said you must have "the mind of Christ," which is concern for others first and not yourselves (Philippians 2:1-5). As Christians, you need to have a mind, which is concerned about God and His creation above ALL THINGS instead of always thinking of "self." That is "the mind of Christ" or THE GREAT COMMANDMENT (Matthew 22:36-40). How do Christians manifest this "mind of Christ" or CHRIST IN YOU? Paul said the answer is A GREAT MYSTERY. What is this mystery? SPIRIT IN MAN
Job states there is a spirit in man and when The Lord gives this spirit in man, mankind will receive understanding (Job 32:8). It makes you able to think. What is lacking, is God must give understanding to the Spirit "in man." In Hebrew the word for "spirit" is "ruach" and in Greek it is "pneuma" or "a blowing wind." It is merely energy in the form of wind or blowing. This life energy makes your bodies work or function, physiologically. This is what gave life to Adam (Genesis 2:7). It is a blowing wind to start the physiological elements of a new babe. However, humans, in the physical creation alone, have "pneuma" or the Spirit "in man." It is the life energy, which comes from God and goes back to God when a person dies. Your "soma" or "body" becomes dust at death and the Spirit "in man" goes back to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7). The soul defines "a living thing" - when the soul dies - the living being is no longer. Once life is gone, the soul also dies or ceases. Christ plainly said only the Spirit "pneuma," "quickens" or "energizes" life (John 6:63). ONLY GOD HAS LIFE Jesus, Himself answers the questions everyone has about life and death. Nicodemus, a Pharisee who believed in Christ, said, "How can a man be born again?" He wanted to know if a man must enter his mother’s womb a second time. Nicodemus didn’t understand the Spirit "in man." Nicodemus only saw a human as a physical being, just as science does. Jesus told Nicodemus not to marvel, that he must be born again (John 3:7). He compared "the spirit" ("pneuma") to the wind. The wind is merely another form of energy. In fact, the word "wind" in Greek is "pneuma." As science understands, energy cannot be destroyed; it just changes form. Without a physical entity, it is not visible or cannot be felt when it is not wind, but just Spirit or life energy. Since energy cannot be destroyed, it is eternal and can only come from God. There is no source of perpetual energy unless it comes from God, The Father, who is the first cause or the only source of life. God is the only one who was, is and always will be (Revelation 4:8). In John 5:26 Jesus clearly said it is The Father who has life or perpetual energy in Himself. It is The Father, only, who therefore, can give life. Even Jesus, Himself, said it is The Father, God, who gave Him life.
Christ did not have eternal life until The Father gave it to Him, just as it is promised to you. Life can only come from life and cannot come from nothing. There must be a first cause who has life, who always had life, and can create life! Only God, The Father. Since life can only come from life and true Christianity is having CHRIST IN YOU - how does this happen? What does The Bible mean when it states the MYSTERY OF GOD IS CHRIST IN YOU (Colossians 1:27)? THE LAODICEAN DILEMMA One of God’s seven Christian churches has had, and has today, a big problem (Revelation 3:15-22). Jesus tells them they believe they have all the spiritual riches they need (about Christ). This church preaches they have the truth of God and they do not need anymore truth.
They are not only rich but have the truth of God. They feel they have all the truth, so it must come from them. But, Christ tells them they are spiritually naked and need eye salve on their eyes so they can really see the truth. They cannot fathom what they are lacking spiritually. He reminds them they must go into The Lake of Fire to be refined as gold. Since this is very serious, what was their problem? RICHES IN CHRIST
Amazingly, The Bible clearly has the answer. The Bible interprets itself. Notice God’s biblical answer. The Book of Colossians clearly reveals the problem with The Laodiceans. Paul said he was an able minister to fulfill God’s will (Colossians 1:25-28). He tells The Colossians that this "WORD OF GOD" is "GOD’S MYSTERY" which has been hidden for ages, and only now is made known to His saints. Saints are those Christians who grow spiritually to be The Bride of Christ in the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 19:7-9). Notice, only the saints, or the righteous ones, are qualified to be Christ’s Bride. How does this happen? This mystery among The Gentiles is the riches of God’s "glory" (Colossians 1:27). This was The Laodicean’s problem. They believe they had and still have all the riches or truth in Christ, but are blinded to the real truth of Christ, which is CHRIST IN ALL OF YOU. The Laodiceans are filled with church doctrines, but they do not understand what CHRIST IN YOU really means. These are the true riches. You will find The Laodiceans believed spiritual growth or salvation required human effort.
CHURCH AND THE BODY
Did you know that The Church of God is not necessarily The Bride of Christ? The Greek word for "church" is "ecclesia" and is defined as a "general public assembly" or "called-out ones" who are invited to The Wedding Feast of Christ and His Bride. "Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb" (Revelation 19:9). The Apostle Paul answers this question when he states Christ is The Head of His Church and is responsible to sanctify, cleanse and wash His wife by God’s "word" (Ephesians 5:23-28). The church, the called-out ones who are to attend The Wedding Feast, must become the body of Christ or have CHRIST IN YOU to become Holy as Jesus and His Father. That is the difference. You must become Christ’s body. To just sit in The Church of God and doing human works doesn’t get you an invitation to attend The Wedding let alone be The Bride. Paul states this is A GREAT MYSTERY between Christ and the church. What is that mystery? THE MYSTERY is CHRIST IN YOU (Colossians 1:27)!
More to be add........ December 14 CHURCH AND THE BODYDid you know that The Church of God is not necessarily The Bride of Christ? The “ecclesia,” in the Greek for “Church” is defined as a “general public assembly,” or “called-out ones,” who are invited to The Wedding Feast of Christ and His Bride. “Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper” (Revelation 19:9). The Church are those called of God who are being invited to Christ’s Wedding Feast. God said to His servants, “Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage” (Matthew 22:9). This is truly a general assemble. He says to call not only the good, but even the bad to the feast (Verse 10). But notice, “many are called but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14 ). Not everyone in The Church of God is going to be chosen to be The Guests, let alone The Bride. Why? The Apostle Paul answers this question when he states Christ is The Head of His Church and is responsible to sanctify, cleanse and wash His wife by God’s Word (Ephesians 5:23-28). The Church – the called-out ones who are to attend The Wedding Feast must become the body of Christ or have CHRIST IN YOU to become Holy as Jesus and His Father. That is the difference. You must become Christ’s body. To just sit in The Church of God and doing human works doesn’t get you an invitation to attend The Wedding let alone be The Bride. Paul states this is A GREAT MYSTERY between Christ and The Church. What is that mystery? THE MYSTERY is CHRIST IN YOU! (Colossians 1:27) What is the difference between the soul and spirit of man?What is the difference between the spirit and the soul? The word "spirit," refers only to the immaterial facet of man. Mankind has a spirit, but we are not a spirit. However, in Scripture, only believers, those who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, are said to be "spiritually alive" (1 Corinthians 2:11; Hebrews 4:12; James 2:26). Unbelievers are "spiritually dead" (Ephesians 2:1-5; Colossians 2:13). In Paul's writing the "spirit" was pivotal to the spiritual life of the believer (1 Corinthians 2:14; 3:1; 15:45; Ephesians 1:3; 5:19; Colossians 1:9; 3:16). The spirit is the element in man which gives him the ability to have an intimate relationship with God. Whenever the word "spirit" is used, it refers to the immaterial part of man including his soul. The word "soul" refers not only to the immaterial part of man but the also material part. Unlike man having a "spirit," man is a soul. In its most basic sense the word "soul" means "life." However, the Bible moves beyond "life" and into many areas. One of those areas is to man's eagerness to sin (Luke 12:26). Man is naturally evil and his soul is tainted as a result. The life principle is removed at the time of physical death (Genesis 35:18; Jeremiah 15:2). The "soul" as with the "spirit," is the center of many spiritual and emotional experiences (Job 30:25; Psalm 43:5; Jeremiah 13:17). Whenever the word "soul" is used, it can refer to the whole person, alive or after death. The "soul" and the "spirit" are similar in the manner in which they are used in the spiritual life of the believer. They are different in their reference. The "soul" is man's horizontal view with the world. The "spirit" is man's vertical view with God. It is important to understand that both refer to the immaterial part of man, but only the "spirit" refers to the man's walk with God. The "soul" refers to man's walk in the world, both material and immaterial. This page is also available in: Chinese, Indonesia, Hebrew, Korean, Română, Arabic, Thai, Español, Russian, Português, Nederlands, Polski, Tagalog, Français |
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