H3478

ישׂראל

yiśrâ'êl

yis-raw-ale'

From H8280 and H410; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity: - Israel.  (see and compare with keyword s.b.).

I am one for eradicating false theology and getting people to examine their beliefs from the scriptures and history.  Earlier today I heard of some “church fathers”.  This phrase is generally used in reference to “Christian” writers of post 300 A.D. Even up to 1500+ A.D.

The question being answered in this reply is "What does it mean to be in Christ"?. 

I have found the phrase “in Christ” in 77 verses of the KJV bible.  Acts 24:24, Rom:24, 3 in rom 8, 9:1, 15:5, 4 in Rom 16, 1cor 1:30, 3:1, 4:10, 15, 17; 15:19, 22, 31, 16:24. 10 in 2nd cor, 6 in Gal; 11 in Eph; 7 in Phil; 4 Col; 2 Thes; 3 1st Tim; 7 in 2nd Tim; 3 in Phm; 1 Pet 3:16, 5:14   

To understand its use comprehensively it may mean reading each use in context, which may mean reading the whole epistle.  Something I do not presently have the time to do.  I think your question is leaning towards the associated questions.  Are believers presently in Christ, can they lose that position, do they have to keep the laws of God?

Question: Are Christians not now guided by the Holy Spirit rather than the Law?

The title is taken from another reason some persons give. What is the Holy Spirit? If you read about John the Baptist (Luke 1:15 “He shall be filled with the Holy Ghost/Spirit even from his mother’s womb”), Jesus (Matt 3:16, 4:1, 12:18, Luke 4:14) and some persons of the Old and New Testaments (Ex 28:3, 35:30-35; 2 Chron 15:1, 24:20, Num 11:17, 25; Jdg 14:19 Luke 1:41-2, 67), you would see they were either filled with the Holy Spirit or the spirit of God came upon them

Introduction:  Good morning brethren or friends should I say.  Scripture says it is good when brethren dwell together in unity. I add it is good even when they come together to study God’s Word.  Rather than be in the world’s religious systems with their traditions and ideologies (or idol ogies) I am glad to have others with whom to share a desire to following Yahweh’s commandments.  It is sometimes not as nice to hold it on your own as probably did Elizah in the cave when Ahab and Jezebel had the congregation following pagan ways. Today's study is the Apostles' Doctrine. 

RELIGION OR RELATIONSHIP. Not that I turn to dictionaries for definition of biblical things as the bible should be understood through itself line upon line and precept upon precept; but a dictionary definition of religion is “the belief and worship of a super human controlling power, especially a personal God or gods. A particular system of faith and worship. A pursuit of interest followed with great devotion i.e. football. The biblical definition is Jas 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. So apart from the easily understood part, pure religion is to keep oneself unspotted from the world. To mix with the world or become spotted by it is to defile it. That is the purpose of the deceiver and his apparent angels of light. To make believers spotted and defiled, unacceptable by God. Yahweh God, in His directives gave many ways how one can become defiled and separated from Him. Exo 31:14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Lev 11:43 Ye shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creepeth, neither shall ye make yourselves unclean with them, that ye should be defiled thereby. Lev 11:44 For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Lev 11:45 For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. Dan 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Mat 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: Mat 15:20 These are which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man. 1Co 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Psa 119:1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. So in short, not walking in the way of the law of God is to be defiled. The result of which is Rev 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. So to put James “pure religion” into the context in which he wrote it let us read from a few verses before. Jas 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. Jas 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. Jas 1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: Jas 1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. Jas 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. Jas 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Jas 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

Does Romans change need to keep Commandments?

ROMANS IN PERSPECTIVE (Does not change need to keep Commandments). Many Christians use singular selective verses of Paul’s letters of Romans, Galatians or Colossians as reasons not to keep God’s commandments i.e. Rom 6:14. They make Paul their god and think to follow his words, which they misunderstand, over God’s. Were they learned in the Old Testament, they would realize Paul was actually advocating the keeping of all God’s commandments and it is them who are in error for misunderstanding as is said in 2Pe 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 2Pe 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are UNLEARNED and UNSTABLE wrest, as they do also the OTHER SCRIPTURES, unto their own destruction. 2Pe 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the WICKED, fall from your own stedfastness. The only thing to be learned in when that sentence was said is the Old Testament as they was no New Testament. In our Genesis to Revelations studies thus far we have seen the keeping of God’s commandments was taught by the LAW, PROPHETS, PSALMS, MESSIAH AND THE APOSTLES IN THE BOOK OF ACTS. I shall now list verses in Romans to show that, taken as a whole, in context this letter also teaches the same.

Study on the name on which to call for salvation and whether it matters.  See 2king 1:2 note and Mat 10:25; 12:24. Joh 5:43  I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.  The mere fact Yahweh and Yahoshua’s  names  has been changed from what WE KNOW IS THE ORIGINAL NAMES should cause suspicion and concern.  Yahshua said be careful you are not deceived  (Luk 21:8) offering your things you intend to me by pronouncing another name / sound from your lips.   These are just a sample of scriptures that show the heathens (ungodly and worshippers of satn through other false assumed gods) called their deities lord.  Why would Yahweh want to be one of many even with a capital "L"?  What association has light with dark, truth with lie Yahweh with lords?

(Presentation for 15^th Nov 14). Study on the names on which to call for salvation and whether they matter. 

I have covered this topic before some time back under in an article titled “Jesus or Yahshua”; but have been asked to do it again.  This time I shall cover it from another angle making some additions not in the previous study and omitting some things that were.  As believers in the bible the three most important names used are Lord, Jesus and Christian.  A much lesser few use Yahweh, Yahshua and Messianic Jew or similar.  Does it matter and how did the change come about? 

GRACE WILL KILL YOU. (Copy of email to friend). A few points I made to share with you; but have forgotten all I had in mind to say. 3 weeks ago you said something like we / you should go on the revelation given to us. My reply, revelations from God MUST coincide with what He says in the written word. Father, son, H. Spirit are 3 as one, so revelation of H.S cannot differ from word of God. Thus if not SPOKEN BY GOD (through His commandments of prophets), it will not be repeated by H.S. who brings to remembrance things of God. He has never said his grace is unconditional. It is revelations as these that led John to advise 1Jn 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Deception is aim to separate us from God by changing our perception of what He requires 2Co 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 2Co 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 2Co 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness;

In Greek the word is G500 ἀντίχριστος antichristos used in Total KJV Occurrences: 5 antichrist, 4.  in these scriptures 1Jo 2:18, 1Jo 2:22, 1Jo 4:3, 2Jo 1:7 antichrists, 1 1Jo 2:18.  Antichristos an-tee'-khris-tos From G473 and G5547; an opponent of the Messiah: - antichrist.  This is not a comprehensive answer; but a short thought.  The anti Christ (one against Christ) is not an individual person, especially in a certain time period.   A human's average adult life span is 50 years or so and period in power could be less. Nor is it a local or global power for a limited period of human existence. Gen 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. There has been the spirit of the one against the Messiah (Christ) from creation.

Question: Did Yahshua (Jesus) not break the Sabbath by healing or allowing plucking of corn?

Healing is not working Luk 13:16. As Jesus asked, is it unlawful to do good on Sabbath? And His accusers had to keep quiet Mark 3:4.  Jesus also said the priests who perform their religious duties on the Sabbath or one circumcising a baby because the 8th day of its birth happened to fall on the Sabbath, is not breaking the law under their own understanding so how can healing be?   John 7:22-3 “Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the Sabbath day circumcise a man.

Question: Does a miracle performing church mean God is there?

Remember there have always been the satan’s miracle workers. The magicians of Moses’ and Daniel’s times, to today’s devil worshippers, witch doctors etc. Acts 8:9-10 states “But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before time in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. Act 13:6, 8 …they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: …But Elymas the sorcerer …seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

Question: Is history relevant to Christians?

1Jo 2:6 “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked”.  One cannot understand or reconcile the message of the bible without history or you will end up off track or false teachers will lead you astray, probably to hell. Not all professed Christian leaders speak for God i.e. Aaron and Miriam Num 12:2, Korah numbers 16:32-35.  The Old. T. instructions are the same as the New T.  New T. writers quoted from Deut nearly 200 times. Christ quoted in Matt 4:1-11, Deut 6:13, 16; 8:3; 10:20; Deut 12:8, Judge 17:6, 21:25. 

Returning to the wrong interpretation of fornication as commonly thought to be a sexual act rather than a metaphor Mat 5:32  But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

Firstly note the use of fornication is to do with false god worship in 2Ch 21:11  Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication, and compelled Judah thereto. Isa 23:17  And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years, that the LORD will visit Tyre, and she shall turn to her hire, and shall commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth.

Question: What is the Sabbath and how is it kept?

It is not another word for rest; but for a period of time, sunset the sixth day (Friday evening) to sunset the seventh day (Saturday evening) (Genesis 1:8). Thus one cannot keep the Sabbath at any other time or day. As that would mean one can move the name around to refer to any time. One cannot move a specific time set by the sun and moon around. So calling any other day a or your Sabbath is anti bible and imposing an imposter similar to that of identification theft of  person! 

What are we required to do and where do we find it? This week’s readings brought to my attention some scriptures to continue my previous points mentioned in the “Jew and Gentile scriptures” document sent out last week. Remember the word translated “Gentile” is the same as translated Greek or nations. In many cases when we see the word we should insert nations as in a country not gentile as unbelieving people. i.e. Luk 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Act 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Act 22:21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles (nations).

confirming one God, one faith, one baptism one way for all Jew or Gentile Eph 4:5.  

1)   Joh 14:6  “Jesus saith unto him, I am THE way, the truth, and the life”:  NOT “A” way, i.e. one of many.  One for Jew one for Gentile. Rom 2:9  Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; Rom 2:10  But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:  Act 10:34  Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: Act 10:35  But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. Joh 11:51  And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation;

Rom 10:4  "Rom 10:4  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.  In this particular usage it says "law for righteousness"  NOT end of the "law". Jesus clearly said in Matthew he did not come to destroy the law...  Not one jot shall change from the law till heaven and earth (which are still here) have passed!  Rom 10:3 talks of those trying to obtain their own righteousness which none can as all have sinned and come short of the requirements. 

The law and its components is righteous Deu 4:8  And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Psa 119:7(+rest)  I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. Those who use any scripture to teach or support

I regular hear Christians accuse Yahoshua of changing the requirements of salvation from when he came or at least for the Gentiles.  I will refer to Yahweh’s anointed one by the name He gave Him, Yahoshua or commonly spelt Yeshua. Obedience and sincerity to Yahweh God our creator, has always been and remains the criteria.   This includes acceptance of one’s sins, repentance, and baptism into a born again change in life style or habits.  So we shall examine if the claimed change is indeed the case.   I will start at the beginning scanning through the teachings of God through His law and prophets similar to how Yahoshua and the apostles did, examine what the Messiah himself taught in the gospels, spend some time mainly in the book of Hebrews and, time permitting, conclude with a look at the promised new heaven and earth as narrated in Isaiah 66 and other places . 

We all accept Yahweh as

We all entered this world as babes.  Relative blank sheets mentally, apart from that given by our creator.  During our years we have formed characters, beliefs etc from environments, contacts and other things to which we were exposed. For some of us there has been twist and turns, jumping over hurdles to bring us to where we are; but for all we still have the rest of our earthly journey before reaching our final eternal destination. Today my presentation is titled “What is needed for salvation”; but could otherwise be titled “What is needed for a long peaceful life”.  As we should see, biblically or worldly, they have much in common.       Ok, Salvation, what does it mean?  I know all or most of you would be thinking of life after death.  A belief written on our blank sheets, formed from the contacts, teachings etc to which we were exposed; but let us start with what it really means. 

A female friend this week had her hair cut to within one inch length due to years of chemical damage caused by those hyped up “good look” chemical adverts . Damage that could not be cured despite much expense on rectification products. The solution, either cover up the damage with a weave or wig, or cut it off and start again. Monthly I visit the fish market to stock up. To escape the tedious avoidance of bones while eating, I buy big fishes as Salmon, Sea Bass etc.  Most are now farm raised which entails their feeding with artificial food, growth stimulus etc. We are what we eat so even the seemingly “healthy” fish may eventually pollute our bodies, lead to cancer or other diseases. What have we done to God’s original food and other blessings?

Today is a study on how one gets the favour  and or mercy of Yahweh God.

Favour. There are 14 Old Testament Hebrew words and one New Testament Greek word translated into English as the single word “favour”.  A summary of the Hebrew meanings include gracious or kindness, good, kind, delight, pleased with or satisfied with.  Compared with the single Greek meaning according to Strong’s concordance as

“Graciousness”, especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life.   According to Lexical concordance is a kindness granted or desired.  Only to show one always get a better understanding of words reading its use in the Old Testament.  Some of the Hebrew ones are used as little as 56 times and as much as 2120 times.  Here are a few sample scriptures using “favour”. 

Question: Did the apostles or Paul honour Sunday worship?

Answer: Unfortunately the photos that accompany this reply has yet to be uploaded. You can search the internet for Egyptian gods. Note the sun disc around their head attire and other places.  There is no instruction given or precedent set by either Jesus, His apostles or any early bible Christian to celebrate the first day of the week to Jesus or God.  You will read confirmation of this by many other denomination heads and bible scholars. However, let us take an independent look again.

Question: Did Yahshua (Jesus) or His apostles start a new covenant?

The title is taken from Matt 26:28 (repeated in Mark 14:24 and Luke 22:20; 1cor 11:25). At His last Passover meal (called the last supper; but was not His last supper), after Jesus had given the disciples bread to break and eat, He took wine and give them to drink saying “drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins".  Note He nor any apostle raised it in offering to the sun god as some denomination priests do.   Be careful with what you partake out of ignorance of its history. Some bible versions have changed

Question: Does God not know His own mind, is He racist or ageist?

Answer: The scriptures should show you God definitely knows His own mind and is very specific. If scripture and history fails to convince you, use logic.

I do not really recommend using common sense as criteria because “Common" "sense" is not God's creation or equal to His intelligence. "Common" and “sense” = what" most" humans do.  Most humans do things uncommon to God. Nevertheless, for those to whom it would help, here are some common sense thoughts.

Question: Is Yahshua (Jesus) not our "rest"?

REST = rely on God for our food etc. Rest in His assurance and promises. Exodus 35:2 “Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you a holy day, a Sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death”. Not a mere rest as one does under other circumstances. Resting does not make a day or period holy or every night you sleep would be holy. It is holy because God designated the seventh day and other annual periods as such.  Then it is to be given to the Lord by living it in His word, dedicating your time to Him. Then ask how did Jesus and God’s people keep it in the past and do likewise.

Question: Is keeping the “law” not “Legalism”?        Answer: If we are serious about following God we must put all effort into understanding His way of life for us on earth as there is no second chance after death when sat_n’s deceits are shown.   The master counterfeiter has deceived many of God’s people as he did from the beginning with Eve. Not by telling her to eat the apple, disobey God; but by impressing another way to look at God’s command rather than literally.  To use her own reasoning, rational etc. so that “when she saw…(Gen 3:6)”, she persuaded herself and Adam to eat the apple and disobey God. Today when attempting to